The Republic of Tessen "Forward" - North America  I  Tessen Profile  I  Tessen Economy  I  Tessen History Last Updated: January 22, 2007  --  (NS = Jan. 2008)

- Introduction - Geography - People - Government - Economy - Communications - Transportation - Military - Culture & Policy -

INTRODUCTION - The Republic of Tessen

The Republic of Tessen is creatively derived from NationStates, a free online political game. World Factbook Entry: The Republic of Tessen is a devoutly Christian nation, notable for it's complete absense of social welfare. It's compassionate population of over 35 million people are fiercely patriotic and enjoy great social equality. They have protected civil rights, enjoy the freedom to spend their money however they like, and take part in free and open elections. -

GEOGRAPHY - The Republic of Tessen

Location: The U.S. state of Wisconsin, the upper peninsula of Michigan, and the Canadian island of Newfoundland. Border Countries: - United States of America - Canada Coastline: Wisconsin borders the Great Lakes -- Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. Avalon resides in the North Atlantic. Climate: Mostly temperate throughout the country. Winters are cold, and sometimes frigid in the far north. Tornadoes and winter blizzards are a frequent threat in Wisconsin, as is river flooding during rainy seasons. Cyclonic storms are a threat to the southern part of Avalon as strong northeasterly winds sweep in off the open North Atlantic. Freezing rain and strong fog conditions are also common in the island state. Topography: A varied topography of gently rolling plains, hills, ridges, valleys, forests, prairies, grassland, lakes, and shoreline. Wisconsin borders Lakes Michigan and Superior. The Mississippi and St. Croix rivers provide the western border. The island of Avalon sits in the North Atlantic just off the coast of Maine and Canadian Labrador. Foliage: Large parts of Tessen are covered by dense forests made up of hardwood trees, such as ash, maple, elm and oak as well as softwood trees, such as balsam fir, pine, spruce and hemlock. Birch and aspen trees are also prevelant in some areas. Wildlife: Deer, wolves, and foxes are found throughout Wisconsin. Bald eagles are a common sight in many areas. Bears are found primarily in less populated areas. Fur-bearing animals, such as beavers, are also common in remote areas. Game birds, including ducks, geese, and pheasants are found in Wisconsin's lakes and marshes, as are loons and other unique birds. Muskellunge, pike, bass, sturgeon, salmon, trout, and steelhead are found in the fresh water lakes and streams. Starfish and crabs are prevalent along Avalon's coast, and dolphins, porpoises, and whales reside off-shore. Fish, such as cod, haddock, hailbut, mackerel, Atlantic salmon, steelhead trout, as well as shellfish, mussels, crab, shrimp, and clams are standard local sealife. The most common island animals are moose, black bears, Canada lynx, red foxes, pine martens, short-tailed weasels, and mink. Beavers, muskrats, and river otters thrive in the many island rivers, streams, and wetlands. Large herds of woodland caribou can also be found in the barren interior regions of the island. Natural Resources: Wisconsin: -- Timber, Iron Ore, Lead, Zinc, Clay, Copper, Silver, Natural Gas, Oil Avalon: -- Oil, Iron Ore, Nickel, Lumber, Copper, Zinc, Silver, Gold, Slate, Granite Elevation Extremes: Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean -- 0 ft. Highest Point: Mount Arvon (U.MI) -- 1,979 ft. Natural Hazards: Tornadoes, Thunderstorms, Flooding, Hail, Winter Blizzards, Freezing Rain, Fog, Cyclones Environment Issues: - Water polution from runoff of pesticides and fertilizers - Natural fresh water supplies require careful management - Carbon dioxide air pollution - Deforestation Environment Agreements: Tessen is a leader in fish and wildlife preservation. -

PEOPLE - The Republic of Tessen

Population: 36.118 million -- (NS = 7.118 billion) Largest Cities: 1. -- Marquette -- (UP WI) 2. -- Sault Sainte Marie -- (UP WI) 3. -- Superior -- (WI) 4. -- Milwaukee -- (WI) ... (capital city) 5. -- Green Bay -- (WI) 6. -- Escanaba -- (UP WI) 7. -- St. John's -- (Avalon) 8. -- Clearwater -- (WI) Age Structure: 0-14 years: -- 19.3% (male 49%; female 51%) 15-64 years: -- 65.9% (male 50%; female 50%) 65 year and over: -- 14.8% (male 46%; female 54%) Median Age: Total: -- 38.4 years Male: -- 37.6 years Female: -- 39.3 years Population Growth Rate: 0.08% Life Expectancy at Birth: Total Population: -- 79.25 years Male: -- 76.64 years Female: -- 82.01 years Nationality: Noun: Tessen Adjective: Tessen Demographics: White: -- 90.9% Hispanic: -- 6.3% Asian: -- - 1.6% Black: -- 1.1% Native: -- 0.1% Ancestry Groups: Yankee: -- 88.9% Spanish: -- 5.7% African: -- 1.1% Russian: -- 0.9% Japanese: -- 0.8% Mexican: -- 0.6% Indian: -- 0.5% German: -- 0.4% Anglo-Canadian: -- 0.3% Chinese: -- 0.3% French: -- 0.2% Irish: -- 0.1% Polish: -- 0.1% Native: -- 0.1% Arabic: -- 0.0% Ukranian: -- 0.0% Greek: -- 0.0% Religions: Protestant: -- 89.4% Catholic: -- 6.2% None: -- 1.7% Mahayana: -- 1.4% Orthodox: -- 0.9% Muslim: -- 0.3% Jewish: -- 0.1% Languages: English: -- 90.4% Spanish: -- 6.1% Indo-European: -- 1.7% Asian/Pacific: -- 1.5% Other: -- 0.3% Literacy: Definition: age 15 and over can read and write Total population: 99% Male: 99% Female: 99% -

GOVERNMENT - The Republic of Tessen

Country Name: Conventional long form: The Republic of Tessen Conventional short form: Tessen Abbreviation: none Government Type: Constitution-based federal republic; strong democratic tradition Government Category: Inoffensive Centrist Democracy Government Efficiency: 97% Assessment: Civil Rights: -- Average Economy: -- Frightening Political Freedoms: -- Very Good Capital: Milwaukee -- (WI) Administrative Divisions: 2 states: -- Wisconsin, and Avalon Dependant Areas: none Independance: September 2, 1780 (from England) National Holiday: Independence Day, September 2 (1780) National Value: Liberty Legal System: Federal court system based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts; independant of United Nations Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive Branch: Chief of State/ Head of Government: the President is both the chief of state and the head of the government Cabinet: The Cabinet is appointed by the President with Senate approval Elections: The President and Vice President are elected on the same ticket by popular vote; president and vice president serve four-year terms; election last held 4 November 2004 (next to he held 6 November 2008) Election Results: President -- (percent of popular vote) -- Nathan Mitchell (Conservative) 50%, Elliot Tilden (Liberal) 43%, Duddly Vincenzes (Socialist) 6%, other 1% Legislative Branch: Bicameral Congress consists of the Senate (33 seats, directly elected by popular vote from 33 senate districts to serve four-year terms; half are renewed every two years) and the House of Representatives (99 seats; directly elected by popular vote from 99 districts to serve two-year terms) Election Results: Senate -- (seats/ party) -- Conservative 22, Liberal 10, Socialist 1 Election Results: House of Representatives -- Conservative 56, Liberal 41, Socialist 2 Elections: Senate - last held 4 November 2006 (next to be held 6 November 2008); House of Representatives - last held 4 November 2006 (next to be held 6 November 2008) Judicial Branch: Tessen Supreme Court (7 justices; nominated by the President, and confirmed with the advice and consent of the Senate; appointed to serve for life); Tessen Court of Appeals; Tessen District Courts; and various state and municipal courts. Political Parties: Conservative Party, Liberal Party, Socialist Party Diplomatic Representation in US: Chancery: -- Washington, DC Consulate(s) General: -- Boston, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu Diplomatic Representation from the US: Embassy: -- Milwaukee Consulate(s) General: -- Marquette, Green Bay, St. John's Notable International Participation: - The United Nations - World Blood Bank - The International Red Cross (IRCO) - International AIDS Prevention Fund (IAPF) - The United Nations Space Consortium (UNSC) - World Organ Donor Center (UNWODC) -

ECONOMY - The Republic of Tessen

Economy Overview: Tessen was originally the home of several Indian tribes. Colonists brought European agricultural techniques with them, and over the years, dairying and crop farming have been vital parts of Tessen's economy. Lush forests generated a lumber industry, while rich ore deposits in the north creating mining opportunities. Extensive water resources spurred fishing, transportation, and tourism, and manufacturing grew rapidly in the 20th century, driving the economy upwards. Agriculture: Tessen is an important agricultural nation. Farming and livestock are prominant throughout the nation. Forestry: Forest resources are extensive, with the densest stands located in the northern regions of the country. About two-thirds of the forest is privately owned. Nearly 70% of the annual timber harvest is made up of hardwood, most of which is sawed into lumber. Industrially owned forest is predominantly softwood for use in the pulp and paper industry. Fishing: Tessen has developed a notable fishing industry. Most inland commercial fisheries make use of Lake Michigan, while the Avalon fisheries make abundant use of the North Atlantic Ocean. Mining: Mining is extremely important in the country's economy. Major ore operations consist of iron, copper, lead, zinc, quartzite, and non-metallic minerals. Sand, gravel, salt, and stone are also important, as are limestone and granite. Oil drilling is heavily pursued in the North Atlantic off the coast of Avalon. Manufacturing: A large percentage of the urban workforce is employed in manufacturing within Tessen. Marquette, Superior, Milwaukee, Clearwater, and Green Bay areas account for most of Tessen's manufacturing income. Other important industrial centers are Escanaba, Kenosha, Racine, Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and St. John's. Major Tessen Corporations: - Johnson Controls -- (Milwaukee) -- Design, manufacturing, and installation of automotive systems. - Northwestern Mutual -- (Milwaukee) -- Large direct provider of individual life insurance. - Kohl's Corporation -- (Milwaukee) -- North American department store chain. - Harley-Davidson Motor Company -- (Milwaukee) -- Manufacturer of heavyweight motorcycles designed for cruising. - Rockwell Automation -- (Milwaukee) -- Industrial automation company. - Wisconsin Energy Corporation -- (Milwaukee) -- Electricity and natural gas provider. - Briggs & Stratton -- (Milwaukee) -- Manufacturer of air-cooled gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. - Quad Graphics -- (Sussex) -- Worldwide printing company. - Midwest Airlines -- (Milwaukee) -- North American commercial passenger airline service. - Koss Company -- (Milwaukee) -- Company that designs and manufactures headphones. - Master Lock -- (Milwaukee) -- World's largest importer of padlocks, combination locks, and related security products. - Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company -- (Milwaukee) -- North American brewery. - Pabst Brewing Company -- (Milwaukee) -- North American brewery. - Miller Brewing Company -- (Milwaukee) -- North American brewery. - Sprecher Brewery -- (Milwaukee) -- Regional brewery. Also makes premium sodas. - Chrysler Motor Company -- (Milwaukee) -- Automobile manufacturer. - Abbott Laboratories -- (Southport) -- Diversified pharmaceuticals and health care company. - J.I. Case Company -- (Port Gilbert) -- Manufacturer of construction and agriculture equipment. - S.C. Johnson Wax -- (Port Gilbert) -- Global manufacturer of household cleaning supplies and consumer chemicals. - OshKosh B'Gosh -- (Oshkosh) -- Manufacturer of overalls and children's clothing. - Oshkosh Truck -- (Oshkosh) -- One of the world's leading manufacturers of emergency, utility, and military vehicles. - Menards -- (Clearwater) -- Chain of home improvement stores. - Johnsonville Sausage -- (Johnsonville) -- North American sausage and bratwurst producer. - ABC Supply Company -- (Beloit) -- Roofing supply company, specializing in windows, gutters, and siding. - Regal Beloit Corporation -- (Beloit) -- One of the largest manufacturers of electric motors in the world. - Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company -- (Manitowoc) -- Shipbuilding and ship repair organization. - The Burger Boat Company -- (Manitowoc) -- Builder of custom-designed, hand-built motor yahts. - Amsoil -- (Superior) -- Producer of synthetic motor oil and lubricants. - Kimberly-Clark Corporation -- (Neenah) -- Producer of paper-based consumer products. - Roundy's Supermarkets -- (Milwaukee) -- Supermarket food chain. - Steven's Point Brewery -- (Steven's Point) -- North American Brewery. - Bucyrus Internation, Inc. -- (Milwaukee) -- Manufacturer of heavy mining equipment. - Tessen Family Insurance -- (Madison) -- Private mutual and insurance company. - Raven Software -- (Madison) -- Computer game software developer. - Human Head Studios -- (Madison -- Computer game development company. - Rennaissance Learning -- (Madison) -- Educational software and hardware company. - Oscar Mayer -- (Madison) -- North American meat and cold cut production company. - Rocky Rococo -- (Madison) -- Chain of North American restaurants, specializing in pan-style pizza by the slice. - Famous Footwear -- (Madison) -- North American chain of footwear retail stores. - Kohler Company -- (Kohler) -- Manufactuer of plumbing products, furniture, cabinetry, tile, engines, and generators. - Miller Electric -- (Appleton) -- World's largest manufacturer of arc welding and cutting equipment. - The Milwaukee Electric Tool Company -- (Milwaukee) -- Manufacturer of heavy-duty portable electric power tools. - Shopko Stores, Inc. -- (Ashwaubenon) -- Chain of multi-department retail stores. - Tombstone Pizza -- (Medford) -- Pre-made frozen pizzas. - Fred Usinger, Inc. -- Sausage company. Tourism: Tourism in the country is a major year-round business, focused especially on winter sports. In other seasons, fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, swimming, and boating are emphasized. Five national parks, and the country's many lakes and rivers also attract tourists with a variety of recreational opportunities. Other major tourist locations in the country include: The world-renowned Milwaukee Art Museum, Noah's Ark Water Park in Central Wisconsin, Summerfest in Milwaukee, Door County, Spring Green, Mackinac Island, Isle Royale National Park, and the Soo Locks. National Park System: - Gros Morne National Park -- (Avalon) - Terra Nova National Park -- (Avalon) - Isle Royale National Park -- (UP Wisconsin) - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore -- (UP Wisconsin) - Apostle Islands National Lakeshore -- (Wisconsin) International Sports Teams: BASEBALL: - Milwaukee Brewers (MLB) - Clearwater Cavaliers (AAA) - Beloit Snappers (AA) - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (A) - Manitowoc Bandits (R) FOOTBALL: - Green Bay Packers (NFL) BASKETBALL: - Milwaukee Bucks (NBA) HOCKEY: - Marquette Admirals (NHL) SOCCAR: - Milwaukee Wave (MISL) Transportation: Tessen has an excellent public transportation system, including a first-class national freeway system. An extensive network of truck, bus, integral rail, Class II Magnetic Light Rail, and motor carriers also serve the country. With frontage on two of the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, and the Atlantic Ocean, Tessen makes extensive use of water transportation. The Marquette and Superior harbors are by far the largest seaports, followed by St. John's. Tessen has 246 public airports. The busiest air terminal is Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, serving as the central hub for all commercial flights in the country. The magnificent Mackinac Bridge, built and owned by Tessen, connects Wisconsin with the U.S. state of Michigan, and serves as a border crossing. Tessen, Canada, and the United States share unfortified borders. Economy Type: Market-Based Economy GDP - Purchasing Power Parity: $154.63 billion GDP - Per capita: $35,537 Average Personal Income: Per Year: -- $15,284 Per Month: -- $1,273 Unemployment Rate: 3.34% Worker Enthusiasm: 85% Consumer Confidence: 88% Income Tax Rate: 75% Budget Details: Administration: -- 0% Social Welfare: -- 0% Public Healthcare: -- 0% Public Education: -- 16% Religion & Spirituality: -- 28% Military & Defense: -- 1% Law and Order: -- 20% Commerce: -- 19% Transportation: -- 8% Environment: -- 8% Social Equality: -- 0% Economic Challenges: - Rising health care costs. - Economic class categories. National Crime Level: "Totally Unknown" Industries: Mining, Publishing, Motor Vehicles, Steel Manufacturing, Agriculture, Beer Brewing, Machinery, Fabricated Metal, Electronic Equipment, Communications, Banking and Insurance, Food Processing, Tourism, Flour Mill Products, Lumbering, Wood and Paper Products, Glass Products, Gambling, Plastics, Consumer Goods Agriculture Products: Dairy Products, Corn, Wheat, Oats, Hogs, Poultry, Cattle, Soybeans, Vegetables, Apples, Cherries, Blueberries, Sugar Beats, Grapes, Cranberries, Cherries, Potted Easter Lillies and Geraniums, Cotton, Sunflowers, Honey, Mink, Spearmint Net Trade: $-6.36 billion ... (deficit) Exports - Commodities: Industrial Supplies and Raw Materials, Automobiles, Agricultural Products, Beer, Consumer Goods Exports - Partners: United States 39%, Canada 31%, UK 11.6%, Scandinavia 6%, Japan 5.3%, China 4.1% Imports - Commodities: Coal, Paper and Paper Products, Industrial Raw Materials, Consumer Goods, Crude Oil and Refined Petroleum Products Imports - Partners: United States 37.3%, Canada 25.4%, China 16.4%, Germany 7.2%, Japan 5.3%, UK 3.6%, Scandinavia 1.1% Trade Surplus: NA Currency: Tessen Dollar (TD) Exchange Rates: One Tessen Dollar = $1.75 US Dollars (+$0.01) Central Bank: Federal Reserve Bank of Tessen Fiscal Year: October 1 - September 30 -

COMMUNICATIONS - The Republic of Tessen

Telephone System: General assessment: a large, technologically advanced, multipurpose communications system Domestic: a large system of fiber-optic cable, microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, and domestic satellites carries every form of telephone traffic; a rapidly growing cellular system carries mobile telephone traffic throughout the country International: 33 independant satellites, and numerous joint satellite systems with the US, Canada, and UK Radio Broadcast Stations: AM - 376; FM - 573; Shortwave - 15 Television Broadcast Stations: more than 500 broadcast stations; about 9,000 cable TV systems shared with the U.S. Internet Country Code: .ts -

TRANSPORTATION - The Republic of Tessen

Public Facilities: Railways: -- Standard Gauge Integral Rail System, Class II Magnetic Light Rail Roads: -- first-class national freeway system Shipping Airports: -- 246 - Major International Airports: 5 -- (Milwaukee, Marquette, Superior, St. John's, Green Bay) Pipelines Major Ports and Harbors: Marquette, Superior, Sault Sainte Marie, Milwaukee, Green Bay, St. John's, Escanaba, Manitowoc -

MILITARY - The Republic of Tessen

Military Branches: Army -- (active) Navy -- (active) Air Force -- (active) Marine Corps -- (active) Coast Guard -- (active) Military Service Age: 18 years of age Military Manpower (fit for service): 4,910,760 Military Recuitment: Volunteer -- (males/females age 18-49) Major Military Installations: ARMY: - Fort McCoy -- (Sparta, Wisconsin) -- 1909 AIR FORCE: - Kinross AFB -- (Sault Sainte Marie, UP Wisconsin) -- 1941 - Pepperell AFB -- (St. John's, Avalon) ... (former US AFB) -- 1941 - Stephenville AFB -- (Stephenville, Avalon) ... (former US AFB) -- 1941 - Richard Bong AFB -- (Burlington, Wisconsin) -- 1956 - K.I. Sawyer AFB -- (Marquette, UP Wisconsin) -- 1959 NAVY: - Naval Station Argentia -- (Argentia, Avalon) ... (former US installation) -- 1941 - Naval Station Marquette -- (Marquette, UP Wisconsin) ... 1955 SPACE OPERATIONS: - Spaceport Sheboygan -- (under construction until 2008, Sheboygan, WI) -- (horizontal launch site) Military Technology: - Nuclear weapons knowledge -- (Limited nuclear arsenal) - Biological weapons knowledge -- (No bio-weaponry arsenal) -

CULTURE & POLICY - The Republic of Tessen

Items listed in blue are international laws enforced due to participation within the United Nations. Personal Rights: - The tenet of free speech is held sacred. - The Universal Bill of Rights are held to the utmost. - Voting is a voluntary right. It is not a mandatory requirement. - Discrimination due to race, sex, religion, or sexual preference is illegal. - Citizens are allowed to rise and fall based upon their own efforts. - Nudity is legal in certain areas. Citizens can frequently be seen in the buff. - The Supreme Court strongly protects civil rights and the right to privacy. - A fair, just, and impartial court system based upon Habeus Corpus is enforced. - Lawsuits based upon idiotic negligence of the victim are dismissed in Tessen courts. - All personal guns must be registered with the government. - Public protests are legal, but strictly supervised. - The law does not interfere with legal parental discipline. Personal Restrictions: - There is a national curfew for all teenagers. - It is illegal to intentionally damage or destroy the national flag. - Pet owners are legally responsible for their own pets' actions. Administration: - Strict term limits have been applied to all elected offices. - The nation's President appoints cabinet minsters directly. - Government officials are held to the highest standard of morality. - There are restrictions placed on the number of candidates on any ballot. - The government has cut its subsideries for public interest groups. - The government limits minority filibustering. Majority vote prevails. - Political parties are banned from advertising. They cannot recieve private donations. - Referendums can be called for any law at the request of at least one third of the voting public. - The wealthy pay the same tax income percentage as the poor and middle class. - The government has stopped providing international aid. - Inheritance tax has been abolished. - Eminent Domain has been abolished. Welfare: - The Death Penalty is strictly enforced. - Funding must be provided to scientists who wish to pursue stem cell research. - Prostitution is legal, though restricted under Tessen laws. - Euthenasia is illegal and outlawed in all districts. - Abortion is illegal and outlawed in all districts. - Genocide is illegal, inhuman, and outlawed in all districts. - Torture is illegal and inhumane. - Slavery is illegal and outlawed in all districts. - Rape and Pedophilia are illegal. - Child Pornography is illegal. - Canibalism is outlawed. Health: - Smoking is banned in public places. - The healthcare industry is private, however free clinics are supported in some areas. - Basic treatment services must be provided for the mentally-ill, and they must be treated humanely. - Nutrition facts must be included on the labels of all commercially produced food. - The study of medicine is popular throughout the country. - Healthcare supports the unbiased patient access to necessary medicine. - Floride has been introduced into the national water supply to promote good dental health. - The government supports and promotes depression counselling. - Organ donation rates have hit a new low. Education: - The education system is supurb and the envy of many. - Christian-based science is taught in schools. - Evolution must be taught as a theory within all classrooms. - Everyone under the age of 18 has the right to a free education. - There is a growing interest among youth in learning more about government. - Schools have extensive counseling programs for troubled students. - The government funds private schools for intellectually gifted students. - Education loans are available to students from poor families. - Children deemed too disorderly for public schools are sent to military academies. - Children are raised bilingual from an early age. - Citizens are encouraged to be proficient in more than one language. - Government police forces protect public schools from the threat of protest. - Students are known to arrive at school in their pyjamas. - The metric system is taught in all schools. Religion & Spirituality: - The nation is founded upon the right to freedom of religion. - The government is founded upon the ideals found in Christianity. - Religion is a hands-off element in regards to government involvement and taxation. - Marriage is held sacred. However, infidelity is still a problem. - Marriage is between one man and one woman. Civil Unions are illegal. - A crusade against barbaric religions practices is in place. - Televangelists make ungodly amounts of money. Defense: - The nation's large airforce is both respected and feared. - The national army is well funded and trained. - Tessen military training is thorough and effective. - The use of landmines in military conflicts is banned. - Due to international law, POW's must be treated honorably. - Tessen has the international right to posess nuclear weapons for defense. - The sale or transfer of nuclear arms, devices, or technologies to ANYONE is illegal. - Tessen must keep track of civilian casualities in the time of war. - Children are protected in the event of war. Youth under the age of 18 may not serve in the military. Law and Order: - The police are equiped with state-of-the-art anti-crime equipment. - It is illegal for police officers to carry out unwarrented searches due to strict privacy laws. - The government may not intercept personal communication without just criminal cause. - Torturing of witnesses to recieve information is illegal, and punishable by UN discretion. - Parents are held criminally responsible for the major crimes of their children. - Public Protests are prohibited from blocking traffic. - Tessen may refuse extradition without fear of military reprisal from any other UN nation. - Tessen condemns all acts of domestic and international terrorism. - All major public areas are watched by police surveillance cameras. - The police have reaffirmed their tough stance on drugs. - Suspects of major crimes are required to submit to blood testing. - Tessen prisons are privately-owned. - Work programs are in effect for incarcerated criminals. - Sex offenders are dealt with severely. Commerce: - The nation engages in free trade. There are no significant tarrifs. - Outside nations invest heavily in Tessen's financial and business markets. - Businesses often fire workers in favor of cheaper automatic systems. - The government is strongly enforcing antitrust laws and limiting corporate monopolies. - Gambling casinos are a lucrative business. They are currently run by Native Americans. - Copyright patent laws are strongly enforced to protect products, services, and inventions. - The shipping and distribution of mail is a competetive business, with national service as one option. - Within the workplace, "Gender Equality" policies are in effect. - Corporations are either above the law, or corrupting it. - Corporations cut costs by taking away safety features on their products. - All mothers are allowed six months fully-paid maternity leave. - The nation is ravaged by frequent union strikes. Labor Unions are supported. - Laws ensure the enforcement of a maximum 40-hour work week. - Heavy industry must go to expensive lengths to dispose of waste. - Strong -- and expensive -- mining safety laws are in effect - The arms industry is strictly regulated. - Child Labor has been outlawed. Public Transportation: - Drunk drivers who kill others face severe legal consequences. - Tessen traffic is congested during the weekly rush hours. - The government is renovating the public transportation system. - Roads are often backed up with round-the-clock construction crews. - There is a strong campaign underway to encourage alternate means of commuting. Environment: - Significant land development is restricted from greenbelt areas. - New urban roads are threatening city parks. - Pristine wilderness is being cut down in the quest for cheaper oil. - Recyling programs are in effect. - The badger is a protected species. - Single-hull tankers are banned in Tessen waters, for reasons of ecological protection. - Oceanic dumping of toxic wastes in territorial and International waters is banned. - Automobile manufactures are required to engage in alternate fuel research. - Deer are considered a delicacy. They are hunted in season, although there are hunting limits. - Tessen must provide funding for research and implementation of clean, renewable energy source. - Commercial Whaling is outlawed. Indigenous peoples are exempt with limitations. - Select valley regions are being flooded as damming projects get underway. - Some of the nation's largest "tourist attraction" landfills can be seen from low Earth orbit. - Animal Liberationists are regularly jailed. Social Equality: - The government is slowly introducing limited social welfare programs. - Sanctuary is given to refugees fleeing other countries. - Retirement pensions are extremely rare; senior citzens often remain in the workplace. - Cloned and genetically-engineered individuals are deemed equal in rights to those of natural birth. - Transsexuals are considered to be "sick". Psych wards are overflowing with them. Science: - Scientists recently cloned a long-extinct animal species. - Agricultural chemical levels are at an all-time high. - Dog breeding has been banned in accordance with recent animal experimentation laws. - Archaelogical finds are on the rise, hindering commercial land development. - There is strong interest in the mysteries of space. Technology: - The space program is well-funded and focuses upon peaceful scientific pursuits. - Tessen participates in the United Nations Space Consortium in a joint effort to explore space. - New nuclear power plants are under construction in various parts of the country. - Prime real estate is devoted to wind farms and solar energy generators. Culture: - Artists are pillars of society. - Professional sports are hugely popular. Particularly baseball. - People reciting Shakespeare have become a common sight. Theatre is popular. - Nude art is becoming wildly popular. - Public breastfeeding is not uncommon, nor is it frowned upon. - A government program is underway to revitalize Tessen's public beaches. - Movies and video games are censored for strong violence. - Only adults may purchase violent video games. - The government strongly enforces the preservation of historical sites. - The nation is popular for having one of the largest deer hunting institutions. - The Tessen Automotive Racing Series (TARS) draws millions of spectators annually. - The government has instituted "traveler reservations" throughout the country. - The nation's cemetaries are experiencing a period of notable expansion. - Fur coats have become the latest fashion trend. - Many parents are becoming frustrated with their children's choice in spouse. - Television programs of sometimes questionable content are shown at peek hours. - The government is making efforts to curtail spam, but with little effect. - Thrash Metal music is popular among a younger segment of the population. - Skateparks can be found in every major city. WORLD RANKINGS: -- (91,420 nations)  -- (100 percent scale, 1=best; 100=worst) - 1 = Most Devout Nations -- (608) - 2 = Most Subsidized Indusry -- (1,721) - 2 = Happiest Citizens -- (1,729) - 3 = Fastest Growing Economies -- (2,693) - 4 = Most Cultured Nations -- (3,269) - 4 = Largest Basket Weaving Sector -- (3,328) - 4 = Largest Trout Fishing Sector -- (3,347) - 5 = Largest Manufacturing Sector -- (4,214) - 5 = Largest World Nations -- (4,867) - 5 = Largest Insurance Industry -- (4,950) - 7 = Most Eco-Friendly Governments -- (6,319) - 7 = Frendliest Citizens -- (6,934) - 8 = Largest Gambling Industries -- (7,211) - 8 = Largest Arms Manufacturing Sector -- (7,776) ------------------------------------------------------------------ - 13 = Best Weather -- (12,057) - 20 = Highest Police Ratios -- (18,527) - 34 = Smartest Citizens -- (31,445) - 44 = Most Income Equality -- (40,487) - 45 = Most Pro-Market Nations -- (40,795) - 85 = Most Corrupt Governments -- (78,054) - 90 = Largest Welfare Programs (per capita) -- (82,328) - 94 = Most Comprehensive Public Healthcare -- (86,097)