Atlantsia

Atlantsia (Arabic: الاتلانتسيا al-Atlantsya), officially the Emirate of Atlantsia, is a nation in the Southern Arabian Penninsula and a member state of the Alliance of Independent Nations. Its sole land border is with Oman, and it shares a seaborder with Acijnstan. Atlantsia has a land area of 92,099 sq miles (238,535 km²), and a seaborder of 1089 miles (1,753 km). It is the 6th largest nation in the Arabian Peninsula by land mass and the 5th largest by population.

Atlantsia is governed by a hereditary emir. It's capital is Masel, which is also the second biggest city. Atlantsia has long-standing military and political ties with the United Kingdom, although it maintains an independent foreign policy.

There are three major cities in Atlantsia, Badi al Zaman, Masel, and Trauadina, which together form 95.3% of its overall population. Atlantsia's proven oil reserves of 75.3 billion barrels is the ninth largest in the world, and it's proven natural gas reserves of 17 trillion cubic meters are the fifth largest in the world.

Etymology
From Ancient Greek Ἀτλαντίς (Atlantis). In the early 15th Century, there were countless myths and tales about a hidden desert civilization. Located towards the Southern End of the Arabian Peninsula, the proposed civilization was not only technologically advanced, but also extremely intelligent and powerful. The city was known as "Atlantis of the Sands", but was never found. Merchants began referring to the area the small towns and settlements were created upon as "Atlantsia".

Early History
The earliest known settlement in Atlantsia was in the 10th century A.D. It was a small bazaar filled town, named Raha ("peaceful"), that was thought to have been a trading center for spices and silk. It is assumed the town deteriorated as a result of weather erosion and a lack of civilization due to the harsh weather conditions of the Arabian Desert.

In 1512, the Portuguese expanded into the Indian Ocean, following Vasco da Gama's route of exploration. The Portuguese controlled the area for over a century, in which they conquered the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula. The Portuguese were interested in arabian spices, salt, kola, textiles, fish, and grain. They were actively engaged in the Arab slave trade, being one of the key clients to the industry. In return for Portuguese copperware tools, wine, and horses, and later arms and ammunition, they received gold and ivory from Atlantsian mines.

British Reign
During the 16th century, the entire territory of the nation gradually came under the direct influence of the European colonial empires, with the British eventually getting the upper hand. The region was known to the British as the "Pirate Coast", as raiders based there harassed the shipping industry despite both European and Arab navies patrolling the area from the 17th century into the 19th. British suppression of piracy meant that merchant ships could operate in relative security. However, the British prohibition of the slave trade meant an important source of income was lost to many merchants.

The Oil Era
In 1954, survey teams reported oil fields centered near the southwestern region of Atlantsia. Further exploration lead to the discovery of an estimated 53 billion barrels of crude oil alongside over 7.6 trillion cubic meteres of natural gas reserves. When oil and natural gas exports commenced in 1956, large corporations such emerged, and the country's economy boomed.



Oil profits went towards creating transportation networks, improving housing, and the construction of civi structures. By 1963, Oil and gas accounted for more than 45% of GDP; roughly 70% of export earnings, and 65% of government revenues. In 1964, Atlantsia joined Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Jordan in the creation of the Trans-Arabian Pipeline (Tapline), which became an important global factor in the trade of petroleum and natural gas until 2002, when it was shut down by the Saudi oil company, Aramco. Today however, Atlantsia's primary oil company, Atlantsia General Petroleum and Gas, commonly referred to as AGPG, is the 12th largest oil and gas company in the world, and the 4th largest on the Arabian Peninsula.

Independence
The British initially sought out Atlantsia as an intermediary vantage point en route to their colonial interests in India; although, the discovery of petroleum and other hydrocarbons in the early 20th century would re-invigorate their interest. However, in 1966, Britain realized it could no longer afford to govern the fast-growing nation. Although an attempt was made to persuade Britain to continue to defend Atlantsia, it was rejected, and Atlantsia recieved independence in November 1 1971, after Qatar and Bahrain. It joined the UN later that year.

Government and Politics
Atlantsia has an unelected, emirate government. The position of emir is hereditary. To safely restrain the emir's powers, there are three branches regulated under a system of checks and balances. The Emir is the primary leader of the Executive Branch. He appoints one Prime Minister and 15 cabinet ministers at the beginning of his reign ad again every 4 years. Together, the Prime Minister and the cabinet ministers form the Council of Ministers.

The Legislative Branch consists of one elected Speaker, and a National Assembly of Representatives (NAR), 10 for each of the five regions of Atlantsia.


 * 1) Anwar
 * 2) Majdi
 * 3) Umarah
 * 4) Wahid
 * 5) Yasir

The regions are further divided into 30 districts which serve as third-level administrative.

The Judicial Branch consists of a single Federal Court. Justices are appointed by the NAR, and serve for 25 years.

Geography and Climate


Atlantsia is situated at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula bordering Oman and Yemen. Atlantsia shares The Diyan Gulf with Acijnstan. The southern region of Atlantsia forms The Ghanim Peninsula, which extends into The Gulf of Aden. The northern regions of Atlantsia are barren desert. Here there are millions of extensive crescent-shaped sand dunes. The soil is not desirably arable here, however can be very fertile for short durations of time during Atlantsia's annual monsoon season, which lasts from July until late September.



Agriculture here is very diverse. Dominating crops include mangoes, bananas, coconuts, sorghum, and cotton. Temperatures are excessively high during the day, but fall drastically during nightfall. The vast desert that forms Atlantsia is strewn with oases. Many perennial streams can be found in the higher elevation areas near The Dahab Mountain Range, however, only a few reach the Arabian Sea as a result of very high evaporation in the Atlantsian Desert.

Atlantsia has a hot climate and very little rainfall. Annual rainfall in Masel averages 100mm (3.9 in) falling mostly in August, during the peak of the monsoon season. Southern Atlantsia is subject to the southwest monsoon, and rainfall up to 660mm (25.74 in) has been recorded in the rainy season from late June to October. While the mountain areas receive more plentiful rainfall, some parts of the coast, particularly near the island of Kerachan, sometimes receive no rain at all within the course of a year. The climate generally is very hot, with temperatures reaching around 50°C (122.0 °F) in the hot season, from May to September.

Economy
Atlantsia has one of the fastest growing middle eastern economies, averaging growth of 17.91% in 2011. The main drivers of this rapid growth are attributed to ongoing increases in the production of oil, liquefied natural gas, petrochemicals, and related industries. Atlantsia is one of the biggest exporters of oil in the world, exporting $232.6 million worth of crude oil to the United States alone in 2010. Since the rapid growth of the country began due to the rise in oil prices, the standard of living has also exponentially increased. Atlantsia boasts the third highest GDP per capita in the Arab World as well as the 6th highest Human Devlopment Index.



Aside from crude oil, Atlantsia also has proven natural gas reserves of nearly 17 trillion cubic meters, 5th in the world according to The World Factbook, after Qatar, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Russia. Although it enjoys oil and gas as the driving stimulant of it's springing economy, Atlantsia is diversifying investment of its economy into sectors such as real estate, infrastructure, agriculture, and industry. However, the main recipient of investment is the tourism sector. Atlantsia was the second most visited middle eastern nation in 2011, recieving 9.52 million tourists. Atlantsia's three major cities, Badi al Zaman, Trauadina, and the capital city, Masel, combined make up 97.4% of Atlantsia's tourism industry.

Atlantsia's economy, particularly that of Masel, was badly hit by the financial crisis of 2007–2010. In 2009, the country's economy shrank by 4.24%, but Atlantsia's overseas investments are expected to support its full economic recovery. However, concern remains about the property sector. Property prices in Atlantsia fell dramatically when OneParadise, the government construction company, sought to delay a debt payment. The ability to service debt remains a problem.

Due to the growing demand for tourist accomadation, and the decreasing reliance on the oil and gas industry, land value is rapidly increasing, and large scale projects, such as the Coral Stadium are well underway. A subsequent result of the rocketing land value is the rising desirability for commercial businesses to set up offices in Atlantsia. Over 450 major international corporations have started trading centers and/or office towers in Atlantsia, 37 of which have moved headquarters into Atlantsia, and 23 of which were first started in Atlantsia itself.

The Atlantsian Financial Centre (AFC) provides financial institutions with world-class services in investment, margin and no-interest loans, and capital support. These platforms are situated in an economy founded on the development of its hydrocarbons resources, specifically its exportation of petroleum. It has been created with a long term perspective to support the development of Atlantsia and the wider region, develop local and regional markets, and strengthen the links between the energy based economies and global financial markets.

Apart from Atlantsia itself, which needs to raise capital to finance projects of more than $123 billion, the AFC also provides a conduit for financial institutions to access nearly $1.0 trillion of investments which stretch across the GCC (Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf) as a whole over the next decade. Commercial ties between the United States and Atlantsia have been expanding at a rapid pace over the last five years, with trade volumes growing by more than 335%, from $719 million in 2003 to $2.9 billion in 2009. Over the same period, U.S. exports increased by 521% to $2.4 billion, making the United States the largest import partner for Atlantsia. US companies look to play key role in the $55 billion dollars that Atlantsia will invest in roads, infrastructure development, housing and real estate, health/medical and sanitation projects in the next decade.

More than 150 factories operate at the Al-Jeykh complex in Masel, which includes a deep-water port and a free trade zone for manufacturing and distribution in which all goods for re-export or transshipment enjoy a 100% duty exemption. A major power plant with associated water desalination units, an oil refinery, an aluminium smelter, and a steel fabrication unit are prominent facilities in the complex. The complex is currently undergoing expansion, with sections of land set aside for different sectors of industry.

Foreign Relations and Military
A full-time member of the Arab League, the Alliance of Independent Nations, and the United Nations, Atlantsia is an active nation in the international community, and holds bilateral relations with a variety of foreign powers. It is a key member of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, also known as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), along with Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Atlantsia's foreign policy is directed to securing and maintaining a safe environment in the Saudi Arabian Peninsula as well as the surrounding territories. An underlying principle is political and economic stability in the region. It has diplomatic relations with 149 other sovereign states. The country is a strong supporter of the AINERO Free Trade Area, because Atlantsia's economic growth is closely linked with the economic progress of the region as a whole.



In general, bilateral relations with other Arab nations are strong; however, disagreements have arisen, and relations with neighbouring Oman and Yemen have historically sometimes been very strained and difficult. The first diplomatic contact with the UAE was made in the 1970s, with full diplomatic relations being established in the 1990s. Since then the two countries have enjoyed a strong relationship, being major players in strengthening the Arab League. Atlantsia and the Untied States share a long-standing and strong relationship, in particular in defense, the economy, health and education. The United States was Atlantsia's third largest trading partner in 2010, behind Shushtrepistaz and China. The two countries have a free-trade agreement, and Atlantsia views its relationship with the United States as an important counterbalance to China's influence. A Strategic Framework Agreement between the two signed in 2004 formalises security and defense cooperation. Atlantsia has pushed regional counter-terrorism initiatives, with a strong resolve to deal with terrorists inside its borders. To this end it has given support to the US-led coalition to fight terrorism, with bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism and counter-proliferation initiatives, and joint military exercises.

Owing to its demographics and small population, Atlantsia has not been able to build a sizeably large military and therefore collaborates extensively with foreign nations to preserve its security. Atlantsia has signed long-term defense cooperation agreements with the United States, Britain and France, and purchased military equipment from Egypt, Russia, and the People's Republic of China as well.

Demographics
As of 2011, Atlantsia's population was estimated to be to 4.4 million people, which included approximately 0.7 million non-nationals. The government rarely grants citizenship to foreigners to maintain status quo. In 2008, 68.4% of the population consisted of expatriates, making the country the 5th highest ratio of expatriates of the world. The net migration rate of the country stood at 15.96, the fourth highest in the world. The Atlantsian Federal Statistics Bureau is the official agency who is obliged to meet the needs of data users through the collection and compilation of the statistical data and the production in a numeric and updated information and reflects the characteristics of the society and its activities in various ways of life with a high degree of accuracy and reliability according to the international standards in force alongside with transparency and dissemination of appropriate periods

Religion


About 73% of the population in Atlantsia identify themselves as Muslims. 63% of Muslims in Atlantsia belong to the Sunni and 25% are Shi'as. The majority of the Shi'as follow the Twelvers school. Despite Islam being the state religion, among the non-Atlantsia citizens, the country has a large community of Christians (est. 200,000 to 360,000), Hindus (est. 600,000), Buddhists (est. 100,000), and follwers of Fayth (est. 55,000). Hindus account for the largest number of expatriates in Atlantsia, with Christians as the second largest number. Virtually all Atlantsian Arabs are Muslim.

Atlantsia is home to a holy city of the Fayth religion, named Al-Antarah. Christians, Hindus, Fayths, and Buddhists are allowed to build places of worship or other religious facilities. The main Christian church of Atlantsia is located in Trauadina. These groups are allowed to practice and can engage in religious activities, including public marriage and other celebrations, without Atlantsian government interference.

Languages
The officially recognized national language is Modern Standard Arabic. Atlantsian Arabic spoken in several regional dialects. It is no different than Modern Standard Arabic except for minor changes in pronounciation and spelling.

Foreign language in public and private schools is taught from grade seven onwards. Often, schools using a British or American system teach English and produce proficient speakers, but Arabic is the dominant language of colloquial communication. Other languages, although not as common, include Hindu, Vietnamese, Kurdish, and Persian.

Health
Atlantsia prides itself in a high-standard healthcare system, as a direct result of increased government attention and spending in the sector over the last 15 years. Healthcare expenditures accounted for 1.8% of the GDP in 2008, and 2.1% in 2010. Healthcare is provided freely only to citizens, who account for 72% of Atlantsia's population. The life expectancy at birth in Atlantsia is 76.8 years. Combined, Atlantsia is looking to add up to 580 more beds to its hospitals in the 2013 year, and to expand the number of health institutions from 4 to 6, opening two new Health and Medical Centers in Masel and Trauadina.Badi al Zaman, Atlantsia, has the highest number of medical related institutions in Atlantsia, with 5 hospitals and 7 medical research colleges.

The introduction of mandatory health insurance in Atlantsia for expatriates and their dependents was a major driver in reform of healthcare policy. Eventually, under federal law, every Atlantsian and expatriate in the country will be covered by compulsory health insurance under a unified mandatory scheme. Recently the country has been benefiting from medical tourists from all over the GCC. Atlantsia currently attracts medical tourists seeking cardiac and spinal surgery, dental treatment, and plastic surgery, as health service quality is higher than many other Arab nations, except the UAE.

Education
Public school education in Atlantsia is free until college. Private School education prices often vary depending upon the location of the school and its average rating,which is determined by the head of the school's district. Many nations, such as India and Japan have satellite schools within Atlantsia. Atlantsia also has many International Schools, which further cater to the needs and standards of global students.

Culture
Atlantsia is home to a variety of cultural groups, beginning with Arabians, and then continuing diversification with Indians and Pakistanis in the mid 20th century. A major factor of the diversifying population is the large numbers of international corporations moving into Atlantsia, as a result of greater trade and marketing potential. Atlantsia has been heavily criticized for the large gap of wealth between it's upper class and lower class citizens. Lower class citizens are often members of less educated working class families, and tend to have much lower living standards in Atlantsia than upper class residents. Atlantsia's lower class citizens however only account or about 21% of the population, and therefore are not very influential to demographics, although recent evaluations have shown a decrease in the Human Developmet Index ranking. The government is attempting to assist lower class families through a welfare system, known as Project Blueskies.

Infrastructure
Atlantsia has been spending billions of dollars on infrastructure and is conducting some of the biggest projects in the middle east, accounting for 19% of total project value within the construction, oil and gas, petrochemicals, power and water and waste sectors. Many huge investments have been poured into real estate, tourism and leisure. The Sapphire Plaza in Masel is the second tallest tower in the Middle East, after the Burj Khalifa, and the ninth tallest in the world. The planned Coral Stadium will most likely be part of bidding for the 2014 Simplympic Games, and will be the seventh largest stadium worldwide. Such projects demonstrate the emerging and growing market of Atlantsia.

Atlantsia makes use of a high-capacity road and highway network, reaching all cities and towns within each region. Roads far beyond city limits are usually poorly maintained however, and are often covered by the desert sands. Usually, residents will travel domestically via air travel, which is much quicker, easier, and safer.

There are 5 major ports in Atlantsia. They are Port Mandalay, Port Al-Jeykh, Port Jannah, Port Rafha, and Sierra Complex. Unlike Port Mandalay, Al-Jeykh, and Jannah, the Sierra Complex is not a trading seaport, but instead a cruise ship port. Rafha is a naval base located 228 miles north of Masel, and does not engage in trade either.

Atlantsia contains a number of significant airports, of which the three largest and mains ones are Masel International Airport, Augusta International Airport, and Badi al Zaman International. In 2010, the Badi al Zaman International was the 67th busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic and 56th busiest by cargo traffic. The airport also was the 14th busiest airport in the world by international passenger traffic. There are also airports in smaller towns, as well as small domestic airstrips in the desert region. There are daily flight services between north and south Atlantsia, which is the only convenient option for passengers travelling to remote destinations of the country, such as Al-Antarah. Atlantsia is home to the fourth largest airline in the Middle East, AtlantAir. It has Masel as its hub, and flies to over 98 destinations across five continents. The airline was the twentieth-largest airline in the world in terms of international passengers carried, and fifteenth-largest in the world in terms of scheduled international passenger-kilometres flown in 2010.