The Republic of Tropico: Information

[sethwbcl91]

THE REPUBLIC OF TROPICO    

      Hello! Welcome to The Republic of Tropico. This is a country simulation and we would love to have you join. Now I bet you are thinking to yourself that this board looks like it is overwhelming or is too much information. Yes, it looks like it but it's not. If you are interested in joining please Private Message me, sethwbcl91, and tell me that you are interest. Or you can post your application for minister at the Tropican Application Office. You can either apply for a Minister (auto. citizen too) position or to just be a citizen without an important job. More info on these two choices are below.
     To begin, you may want to just go into the The Republic of Tropico: Chat board and introduce yourself. Everyone, including you, is welcome and will not be given attitude. Once you introduce yourself, if you are a minister, go to the board The Republic of Tropico: Updates and Screenshots and give your input on what you think according to your job. If you are a citizen just hang around and chat. Once you have these basics go around the board and look stuff up, contact Tropico's ally, Enrosia, vote in elections, and more! Don't get discouraged if you come in and there is so much you cannot catch up because you can! So, por favor, come walk off that dock, or step off that airplane, and immigrate to Tropico. We want you here!
     People ARE NOT ALLOWED to post on this board! For any discussion about this board please start a interest in it on another board such as the Chat board or the LOT board, thank you!

[sethwbcl91]

TROPICO FACTS, FIGURES, AND SYMBOLS

Motto:

National Bird - Toucan
National Flower -
National Animal -
National Dance -
National Song/Anthem -
National Seal -
Two Largests Cities -

GOVERNMENT

Full Name - The Republic of Tropico / La Republica de Tropicana
Short Name - Tropico / Tropicana
Abbreviation - TRT / LRT
Government Type - Constitutional-based Republic; democratic tradition
Capital City - Monterrey
Independence - March 3, 1884 (from Spain), July 22, 1901 (from Mexico)
Constitution - Written August 30, 1907; in effect December 23, 1908
Legal System - Federal Court System based on both English and Spanish common law
Suffrage - 13 years of age; universal
Executive Branch
Chief of State - President Seth L. (sethwbcl91)
Head of Government - President Seth L. (sethwbcl91)
Cabinet - Cabinet contains ministers who are picked by the president or apply for job with the president's consent.
Elections - President and Vice President are elected by popular vote; both can serve as many five year terms as elected.
Legislative Branch
Bicameral Parliment consisting of the House of Ministers and House of Representatives.
HOUSE OF MINISTERS
Number of Ministers - 4
Party Seats - Capitalist Party - 1, Communist Party - 2, Conservative Party - 1
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Number of Representatives - 50
Party Seats - Capitalist Party - 5, Communist Party - 11, Nationalist Party - 12, Conservative Party - 11, Liberal Party - 5, Green Party - 6
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court of Tropico: Minister of Justice is also the Supreme Judge.
Flag Description - One orange bar, then one white bar, then one green bar going down the flag horizontally with one red triangle going from top to bottom sideways on the left side of the flag. Inside the red triangle there is the national Coat of Arms.

GEOGRAPHY

Where? - North America in the Caribbean Islands. Ninety miles Southwest of Jamaica.
Climate - Tropical, humid, rainy and wet in the rainforest
Terrain - Mainly flat land with low rugged mountains
Natural Resources - Timber, gold, bauxite, iron
Natural Hazards - Flooding, hurricanes, red tide

PEOPLE

Population - 167
Average Age - 28
Life Expectancy at Birth - 54
Nationality - Noun: Tropican(s)
                     Adjective: Tropican
Native Born/Foreign Born - 122/45 (37% of the citizens are immigrants)
Religions - Roman Catholic 91%, Protestant 8%, Other 1%
Language - English(Official), Spanish
Literacy Rate - 52%

ECONOMY

GDP - $8,974.10
GDP per Capita - $76.20
Labor Force - 96
Unemployment Rate - 0%
Agriculture Products - Corn, Tobacco, Pineapple
Industries - None
Electricity Production - 0 kWh
Electricity Consumption - 0 kWh
Exports - Corn ($73,124), Tobacco ($10,000), Pinapple ($5,400)
Export Allies - The United States, Russia, Enrosia
Currency - The Tropican dollar, consisting of 100 cents
American Dollar to Tropican Dollar? - 1.00 : 0.53

COMMUNICATIONS

Radio Brodcasting Stations - 0 FM Stations
Television Brodcasting Stations - 0 TV Stations

MILITARY

Military Branches - Army
Military Service Obligation - None
Military Size - 2
Military Draft - No

PRESIDENT DOSSIER

Name: Seth L. (sethwbcl91)
Birthplace: Illinois, USA
Ancestry from: GERMANY, GREAT BRITAIN, European
Hair Color: Light/Medium Brown
Eye Color: Light Blue
Approval Rating: 49%

[sethwbcl91]

POSITIONS

A country cannot run without proper leadership! Everybody is welcome to apply for a position. Each "interest" is sorted into a department, and under each department there will be different positions. If you apply for a position, you are in charge of that job and only that job. Each spot has a description under it so just read it and it will tell you what you are supposed to do. The only positions that you cannot apply for is President, Vice President (elected), and Ambassador (appointed by President). I encourage and recommend that the minister of the department posts at least once a week just so we know that you are still local. If you want a position, please go to the Tropican Application Office and follow the instructions given there. So please, come and join the government of The Republic of Tropico (La Republica de Tropicana)!

If you are not interested in taking a government spot but would just like to chat, vote in country elections, and participate in national events then you can become a citizen. All about becoming a citizen and what it entails is in the post right below. Go check it out! NOTE: If you hold a government position you are counted as a citizen too.


COUNTRY LEADERSHIP

El Presidente - sethwbcl91

This is the person playing the game, but he/she must provide screen shots and almanac updates. He/she can only propose things to do on the island to the council, and if they allow it, the President can do this. The President is advised by his "loyal" ministers, takes there advise, and makes his/her country great. The President also proposes new laws and amendments to congress, (all of the departments and ministers combined are congress). The Prez is in charge. NOTE: This is an elected position.

Vice President -

This person is the President's right hand man, or woman. The Vice President advises the President what to do and makes the leader look good. When the President is absent the Vice President will cover for him. The Vice President also helps the President in making new laws and amendments. NOTE: This is an elected position.

Ambassador -

This person goes to the UTN and reports what happens at the meetings and tells us what the country can do to be closer to its allies. This is a special position and should be should be recognized, the Ambassador represents Tropico. This person should post at least once every five days. NOTE: This is an appointed position.


DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT

Minister of Defense - TonyGee

The Minister of Defense is in charge of military affairs. He represents the military and makes sure that it is big enough to defend the country and meet national standards. He is also the leader of the Militarist Party. This minister will work to make the military stronger and propose military edicts to be voted on. This person will advise the president to build more Guard Stations, Armories, and Army Bases.

Minister of Finance - Mr. Eastwood

The Minister of Finance advises the President on how to run the economy. He/she may also plan out a budget. The President will depend on the Minister of Finance a lot so this person must post a lot and be responsible. In some way, all branches may have to report to the Minister of Finance to make sure that the nation's budget can handle it.

Minister of Tourism and Immigration -

The Minister of Tourism and Immigration overlooks all tourist destination spots and proposes immigration limits. This person makes sure that hotel qualities are at national standards and that the tourists are happy. He/she also manages immigration, that is the Immigration Center, proposing what immigration choice works best for the country.

Minister of Foreign Affairs -

The Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with leaders of foreign nations/powers to increase relations with them. He/she will work closely with the ambassador, if not the ambassador, and represent Tropico in UTN meetings. This minister will also help advise on how to work with the world powers, the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R.

Minister of Justice - JakiusCeasar

The Minister of Justice makes sure that the nation's police force is big enough to keep crime low and keep citizens safe from crime. He/she will want more Police Stations and Prisons. Worker's Amendment 1:The Minister of Justice is also in charge of deciding prison conditions and enforcing and protecting the Criminal Law.


DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN AFFAIRS

Minister of Health and Education- Che Brasher

The Minister of Health and Education makes sure that the quality of health care is at national standards and that all people are being treated for there medical remedies. He/she will also propose the decision of how many Preventive Medicine, Gerontology, and Obstetric doctors there are on the island. This person will be requesting for more clinics and hospitals and making sure these places are fully staffed. This Minister also takes care of education. He/she is in charge of making sure that there are enough high schools and colleges. This person also makes sure that all of the schools education proficiency rates are at national standards. This Minister will also overlook the building of general, military, and parochial schools. He/she will be requesting for more high schools and colleges and will be making sure that all of the schools are fully staffed.

Minister of Religion - Capitaligous

The Minister of Religion makes sure that the quality of religion on Tropico is high. He also makes sure that there are enough churches and cathedrals on the island and that they are fully staffed. All religious laws and edicts will be proposed and monitored by the Minister of Religion.

Minister of Citizens and Housing - El Meck

The Minister of Citizens and Housing makes sure that the people of Tropico live in decent housing and not in pitiful shacks. He/she will overview the building of houses and apartments, making sure that they are built in nice areas and that the quality of the buildings are high. The Minister may also advise the president to build beautiful neighborhoods. He/she also advises the president how to build his cities and towns. As a voice for the people, he/she will make sure that the level of entertainment is at national standards and that everyone is well fed. He/she will also make sure that happiness is very high. Another job of this person is to monitor/propose ways to make the Income Disparity Rate low, that average pay is equal to or above Caribbean average, and that the people are being paid well.


DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Minister of the Environment - El Meck

The Minister of the Environment makes sure that pollution is low and beauty is high, or at national standards. All environmental edicts will be viewed/proposed by the Minister of the Environment. The Minister will more than likely want fountains, gardens, and flowers.

Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources - Mr. Eastwood

The Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources is in charge of the farms, fisherman warfs, mines, and logging camps on the island. This person is basically the person in charge of the island's small profit, or raw, materials. He/she will persuade what minerals to mine, what crops to farm, and where to start the island's logging industry. This person helps start off the nation's economy.

Minister of Industry and Manufacturing - Capitaligous

The Minister of Industry and Manufacturing overlooks all industrial complexes and makes sure that they are all producing goods at a fast rate and have materials to manufacture. This minister works with the Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources to see what raw materials should be manufactured to make a good profit for the nation.

[sethwbcl91]

CITIZENS OF TROPICO THAT ARE IN THE CAFE

NOTE: This table shows ONLY statistics of real people who are citizens through the Cafe. The Facts and Figures statistics are both real people and virtual Tropicans.

Do you not want to participate 100% and have the huge responsibility of a Minister's job? If not, then being a normal citizen is just for you. In order to be a citizen just private message me (sethwbcl91) and tell me you want to be a citizen. No special "resume" is required. Once you tell me that you want to be a citizen you will take a short and simple questionaire. Once you finish the questionaire and send it back to me you will become a citizen. NOTE: Ministers are citizens too.
A citizen gets these privileges:

1. Voting (Vote for President, Vice Preident, fun elections. Can NOT vote on laws and constitutional amendments)
2. A citizen is openly welcome to the Republic of Tropico Chat Room
3. Citizens can "buy" a house on the island and "hold" a Tropican civilian job.
4. Can join the Tropican Military (encouraged to)
5. Much more, ect.

If you want your voice really heard or you want your say on a constitutional amendment or law then contact your main party leader. If your party does not have a leader then you could apply for that position! Overall, being a citizen is not a job but just a title that says I support and participate in the great country of Tropico. Right below there is a count of how many people (real) live in Tropico and out of those people, how many are in the Army. Also, there is the country statistics.


NUMBER OF CITIZENS - 7

Citizens - sethwbcl91, CafeDave, Privateer0, Georgie, King of Spain, JakiusCeaser, Capitaligous, Celticman1, s_stabeler, anger_management

MILITARY SIZE - 2

Citizen Statistics

Percent of Population in the Military - 29%

Percentage of Population in the following Parties -

Tropican Defense Party (Militarist Party) - 13%

Family Values Party (Religious Party/Conservative) - 20%

Green Party (Environmentalist Party) - 6%

Capitalist Party - 28%

Communist Party - 6%

Intellectual Party - 27%

Racial Color -

White - 85%

Asian - 15%

[sethwbcl91]

POLITICAL PARTIES

Like most countries, Tropico has some political parties. A political party is an organization of people who try to gain political power. In Tropico there are six parties. These parties are The Nationalist Party, The Conservative Party, The Capitalist Party, The Communist Party, The Liberal Party, and The Green Party. Each party has there wants and concerns for the country, may it be bad or good. Each party has a leader who represents the party. He/she takes advise from his or her followers and represents it to the Federal Government. Most leaders of each of the parties are Ministers. Here are the party's leaders and what each party represents. NOTE: The President is the leader of his/her party.

NATIONALIST PARTY

Nationalist Leader -

Founded in 1937, the Nationalist Party was formed by die-hard military officials who did not like the way the Military was being run and treated, and by others who believed that Tropico should have high status in the world. The Nationalists have been known to have excellent military strategy and decent economic skills. Since the forming of the party, there has been moderate Nationalist ideas influenced into the government. Being quite popular, the Nationalist Party still exists today to hope for a strong and independent run Tropican government.

Number of Supporters:

CONSERVATIVE PARTY

Conservative Leader - Capitaligous

Founded in 1941, the Conservative Party was formed by moral citizens and Religious people. During the late 1930s there was corruption in the government and immoral behavior amongst the people. Many Religious and moral people at this time hated to see their country fall apart by corruption and sin so they took action and formed a political party. When these citizens formed this party, they hoped for votes so they could take charge of the immoral country and seek morals and values like Tropico once had. To there suprise, the first time the Conservative Party ran they won the election. Once in, they helped Tropico become a better place in God's eyes and in the people's eyes. The Conservative Party is very popular and have had many leaders in history. These people hope for a moral country with many values.

Number of Supporters:

CAPITALIST PARTY

Capitalist Leader - sethwbcl91 (PRESIDENT)

Founded in 1912, the Capitalist Party was formed by the middle/upper class industrialists right after the War for Independence from Mexico. These people's view of an economic system was that you produced and manufactured goods and then sold them to the citizens of the country and to other countries. The Capitalists also support a democratic government and freedom with varied classes. In the capitalist system, everyone works for themselves and should not rely on the government for help. With there want and support for a market economy, the Capitalist party has been very successful. They have been in power for most of Tropican history. Still growing in numbers and support, the Capitalists have proven successful in the reign of power.

Number of Supporters:

COMMUNIST PARTY

Communist Leader -

Founded in 1912, the Communist Party of Tropico was formed by poor citizens right after the War for Independence from Mexico. These people's view of an economic system was that everything was owned by the government and that the people shared it equally. Being poor, they formed for housing and equal wages nation wide.  The Communists also support high government control fearing that if control was left in the hands of the rich, then they would be given nothing. Almost as successful as the Capitalists, the Communists have proven to show large numbers in the legislature and sometimes even the majority.

Number of Supporters:

LIBERAL PARTY

Liberal Leader -

Founded in 1924, the Liberal Party was formed by the most intelligent of Tropico. These people formed there own party because they did not like the sight of farmers and laborers all over the country. There were hardly any doctors or engineers on the island back then. With there push for higher education standards they were at first very unpopular. Then the next generation of Tropican's came and the Liberals started gaining popularity. These young people wanted a good education so that they could get a good job and get paid more. Most disapproval for this party is there lack in morals and religion. Over the years, the Liberals have steadily grown. Although they haven't had to many years in office, the Liberals have had there voice heard.

Number of Supporters:

GREEN PARTY

Green Leader -

Founded in 1949, the Green Party was formed by environmental protectors in Tropico. These people are concerned about Tropico's environment. Most of the Green Party followers support the communist form of government. They do not care for the Capitalists because of the Capitalist want for polluting factories, farms, mines, and logging industries. The Green Party is the smallest party in Tropico and has not seen a big increase in support or numbers, but there ideas are still held high in the nation's legislature.

Number of Supporters:

[sethwbcl91]

CALENDAR

This is the official calendar of dates and events in The Republic of Tropico. If you want to add something to the calendar please PM me. Thanks!

January

1st - New Years Day
4th - anger_management's Birthday

February

14th - St. Valentine's Day
19th - Vice President's Day
20th - President's Day (All citizens get this day off)

March

16th - JakiusCeaser's Birthday
20th - First Day of Spring

April

1st - April Fools
22nd - Earth Day, sethwbcl91's Birthday

May

1st - May Day
4th - Georgie's Birthday
5th - Cinco de Mayo
Second Sunday in May - Mother's Day
31st - Memorial Day (All citizens get this day off)

June

19th - Father's Day
20th - First Day of Summer
30th - Flag Day

July

17th - Minister's Day (All ministers get this day off)
22nd - Independence Day (All citizens get this day off)

August

10th - Capitaligous's Birthday
23rd - Ambassador's Day (The Ambassador gets this day off)

September

First Monday in September - Labor Day (All citizens get this day off)
22nd - First Day of Fall
23rd - United Tropican Nation's Day

October

31st - Halloween

November

7th - Election Day
11th - s_stabeler's Birthday, Veteran's Day (All citizens get this day off)
Fourth Thursday in November - Thanksgiving (All citizens get this day off)

December

21st - First Day of Winter
25th - Christmas (All citizens get this day off)

[sethwbcl91]

The next sections are Important Documents!

[sethwbcl91]

CRIMINAL LAW

Article 1: Justice and Law Enforcement

The Ministry of Justice is the sole agency responsible for enforcement of the laws outlined in Article 4 of this document. The Minister of Justice is the final authority in determining the guilt, or lack thereof, of any person accused under Article 4.

Article 2: Presidential Pardon

The President of the Republic of Tropico posesses the right to grant a pardon to any person convicted of a crime under Article 4. Presidential Pardon prevents the beneficiary from suffering the punishment he or she was convicted to. However, Presidential Pardon does not overturn the criminal conviction. A pardoned person is still considered guilty of the crime he or she was convicted for.

Article 3: Punishment

The Ministry of Justice is entitled to administering the following punishments to persons convicted of crimes under Article 4:

A. Issuing a fine under $100 to a convicted person to be paid to the treasury of Tropico. (Money added to treasury using an EXACTO code)
B. Firing a convicted person from his or her present job.
C. Evicting a convicted person from his or her government-owned place of residence.
D. Issuing a fine over $100 to a convicted person to be paid to the treasury of Tropico.
E. Imprisoning a convicted person in a regular security prison. (Imprison Edict)
F. Imprisoning a convicted person in a high security prison. (Capture Edict)
G. Administering capital punishment to a convicted person. (Eliminate Edict)

Article 4: Criminal Code

The Ministry of Justice may prosecute and convict persons of crimes outlined below. Only the highest penalty is listed below, however, the Ministry of Justice may also apply penalties from Article 3, preceding the highest penalty listed here.

A. Impeding the flow of people or goods. Penalty: eviction.

B. Publicly taking part in drunken behaviour, commiting vandalism, or disturbing the peace. Penalty: Up to eviction.

C. Destruction of public property or private property of another person. Penalty: Up to imprisonment.

D. Littering or polluting. Penalty: Fine under $100.

E. Indecent exposure. Penalty: Fine under $100.

F. Posession or sale of narcotics, except by licensed medical professionals under an indepenently verified prescription. Penalty: Up to imprisonment.

G. Soliciting, organizing or taking part in prostitution. Penalty: Up to imprisonment.

H. Fraud, theft, robbery, or posession of stolen property. Penalty: Up to imprisonment.

I. Assault (except by military personnel following lawful orders or police officers in the line of duty). Penalty: Up to imprisonment.

J. Money laundering or embezzlement. Penalty: Up to imprisonment.

K. Inciting violent or disorderly behaviour. Penalty: Up to imprisonment.

L. Belonging to a criminal organization. Penalty: Up to a fine over $100.

M. Murder (except by military personnel following lawful orders or police officers in the line of duty). Penalty: Up to capital punishment.

N. Treason or espionage. Penalty: Up to capital punishment.

[sethwbcl91]

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF TROPICO

Article I - GOVERNMENT AND LAW

Section I - Tropico is to be ruled as a republic.
Section II - The head of the government is the President who has an elected Vice President to guide him. Both the President and the Vice President serve a term of five years. The President and the Vice President can serve as many terms as the people want them to.
Section III - The laws of the country are proposed to the Minister of Justice who then proposes those laws to the President. If the President approves, then those laws will be voted on by Parliment. Parliment is made up of country Ministers, and County Representatives.
Section IV - Law will be enforced by the Legal System and Civillian Police. The Supreme Judge of Tropico, who is also the Minister of Justice, decides if criminals go to prison or not.
Section V - Voting is universal at age 18.
Section VI - Tropico is to have an Army to protect the people, not terrorize. The Army will be financed by the Tropican economy which consists of farms, factories, and tourism. For national security, a conscription of young men aged 13 years of age and above is legal. Each soldier, enlisted or conscripted, will serve for five years. The enlisted term is five years with the option to re-enlist the year after.
Section VII - If an Article of the Constitution needs to be revised or deleted then a constitutional amendment is neccesary. Ministers of the various governmental departments will convene, discuss, and will make a vote on the issue.
Section VIII - The Government has the power to levy taxes to meet the financial needs of Tropico.

Article II - THE PEOPLE

Section I - All citizens of Tropico have freedom of speech. This means all people can freely talk about the government and not have to fear about getting killed. Freedom of Speech also includes the priviledge to have a free press not monitered by the government.
Section II - All citizens of Tropico have freedom of religion. This means all people can openly practice their faith as long as they do not break the established Criminal Law of the country.
Section III - All citizens of Tropico have the right to assemble peacefully if they have secured the permission from the proper authorities. This is for the overall saftey forthe citizens of Tropico. This means that all citizens are allowed to voice their opinion, or protest, against what they think is wrong and not be arrested. This protest must be peaceful and not violent. If violent events happen then the government is allowed to arrest those certain people.
Section IV - All citizens of Tropico have the right to an education.
Section V - All citizens of Tropico have a right to their own personal freedom. This means that slavery is abolished and NOT permitted on Tropico. Everyone should have their own liberties.
Section VI - All citizens of Tropico have the right to bear arms. This means that all Tropican citizens can have a weapon(s) and use it for hunting or self defense purposes.
Section VII - Greviance against the government is illegal. If they do, strikers are subject to dismissal from their jobs and possibly more severe consequences such as fines or imprisonment.
Section VIII - Anyone accused of a crime is entitled to a hearing before the Minister of Justice. Prisoners shall be treated fairly and humanely.
Section IX - All people from countries around the world are openly welcomed to the Republic of Tropico.
Section X - All property on the Republic of Tropico is owned by the Federal Government and is rented to the citizens. The Government also establishes the wages and pays the citizens for their individual service to the country.
Section XI - The people have the right to chose their own political persuasion. (Such as Capitalism, Communism, ect.)
Section XII - Any person buying  a gun must have liscene given by the Department of Defense, which will be overseen by the Armed Forces. All gun sales must be recorded.
Section XIII - All Weapon Imports must have permission to unload thier cargo from a Buercrat.  Any import of more than 50 units or contains assult weapons must get a permit from the Minister of Defense, or the President. This includes private sales and weaponart given as aid.

[sethwbcl91]

HISTORY

   It was 1823 when a great island soon to be called The Republic of Tropico was founded. Previously named New España (New Spain) when held by Spain (1823-1884), it was a island ravaged by war. New España, with a population of 740, had Spanish speaking Catholics and English speaking Protestants. However, the war was not because of the settler's cultural and religious differences but rather by the ruthless pirates who controlled the Carribean Sea. The Catholics and Protestants on the island fought together against the bloody pirates. Torn by war, New España started to fall and was not supported by its mother country, Spain, due to their weak Navy and Army. Fourtunatly for New España and the other Carribean islands, the plague of the ruthless pirates also effected the United States, who came to España's aid and helped defeat the pirates.
   With the pirates gone, New España's economy started to grow. Agriculture was the major occupation followed closely by manufacturing and other industries. By 1872, the economy of the country was booming. However, New España was still dependent on Spain for many products such as weapons, textiles, newspapers, belts, tools, ect. One product in particular were the beautifully made Spanish leather shoes since New España had no leather industry.  Like the American Colonies in the 1700s, the European Spanish who controlled New España required that their territories buy goods only from Spain. Also like the American Colonies, Spain charged high tariffs on the goods that they shipped to their territories. This closed market did not sit well with the people of New España. With their needed goods highly taxed, people became poor and unlawful.
   In March of 1884 New España signed a Declaration of Latin Independence with the countries of Central America, Columbia and Venezuela in South America, and most of the Spanish controlled Carribean Islands. This declaration declared to Spain, and the world, that these nations intended to be free of Spanish rule. As a result, a war with Spain followed. After three years battling the Spainiards, the rebels won their independence on September 9, 1887. It was a day of victory for the countries and they rejoiced.
   Mexico, however, the biggest latin country in the alliance, caused trouble. Mexico, with the largest Army in Latin America, had designs on controlling the countries which Spain had previously ruled. First Guatemala fell then El Salvador, then Honduras, Nicaragua, and finally Costa Rica. Panama and Venezuela had signed a pact with Colombia to become close allies and fight together.
   After Mexico conqured Central America, they went after the Carribean Islands. First Cuba fell, then The Dominican Republic, next Puerto Rico, and finally New España. New España was under the rule of Mexico from 1890 to 1901. During this time, Mexico, went through many malovent military dictators. These Mexican dictators had poor economic skills and were very brutal.  The economies of all the Latin countries who were now in Mexico's control failed. New España suffered greatly. In New España, 98% of all citizen were below poverty, the average income of all working people was $2 a year, and 99% of the citizens lived in shacks. People were randomly being killed by Mexico's Secret Police and a great number of people were dying because of disease. Malaria, Dysentry, and Typhoid Fever epidemics shook the country. New España was not the only Mexican invaded country that was suffering, all of the Latin countries were experiencing a similar plight, and the people of course were unhappy. Soon the Mexican economy crashed and they could not afford a huge military. This was an opportunity for the Latin countries to regain there independence.
   Although their economies were just as bad as Mexico's, if not worse, and that they had no weapons, these Mexican controlled countries  were backed by a powerful United States. In 1898, the United States had a strong economy and a powerful military. At this time, the Latin countries drafted their own individual declarations of independence. Most of the countries signed their documents in July of 1901. New España signed their own Declaration of Independence on July 22, 1901 and renamed the country the Republic of Tropico. 
   Since 1898, the USA had been supporting, training, and providing weapons for the Latin countries, secretly, and now that it is 1901 they are ready to fight a gruesome war. In Tropico, every man fought, every woman worked in a weapon factory, and every child worked on a farm. The first shots of the war were made by the Americans and the Cubans against the Mexicans. This battle was known as the Battle of the Guns. It was given this name because the Cubans had not seen so many guns used in a war before. This battle was won by the USA and Cuba. There were many other battles but the main battles that Tropico was involved in included Battle of Santo Domingo, Mission: Hill, The Malex Battle, and the most famous battle of all, The Battle of Tropico. The Tropican's victory over Mexico was the last battle of the war. After this five year struggle with the Mexicans, the Latin American countries were finally free. It was May 15, 1906 and there was relative peace in the Carribean.
   Since many of Tropico's residents spoke English, and to honor the United States for their assistance during their struggle with the pirates, Spain, and Mexico the people voted to make English the official language. The people elected as their president Juan Perot (in power from 1906-1916), a charismatic and hardworking person born to lead. He and a group of advisors set up a parliment form of government. The government's first task was to draft a constitution for the new republic. There came to be six political parties supported by the following interest groups: Religious, Militarist, Capitalist, Communist, Intellectual, and Environmentalist. Regaurdless of one's special interest, the two main political ideologies are made up of either Capitalism or Communism.
   Tropico was not involved in World War I because it's fledgling government was in no position to give significant aid. However, the Republic of Tropico did support the United States and it's allies during this world conflict.
   By 1922, The Republic of Tropico was an industrial powerhouse. Like its ally, the USA, Tropico had many factories, farms, and businesses. Tropico had showed the world a fast positive change. For many decades the country had been poor and war torn, but now the country was rich and strongly defended. Poverty was at 2% and the GDP per capita was at $45 a year. Also during this time, many immigrants from around the world came to Tropico seeking jobs and creating new trades.
   Life was good until the 1930s when the world depression hit. People were back in shacks and the economy was horrible. This did not discourage the people, they had been through events a lot tougher then this. The Tropican president at the time was Josè Mora (in power from 1927-1937) and he led the country through most of the Great Depression. He was very popular, scholary, and hardworking. He set up a lot of programs and soup lines to help the citizens. During Tropico's depression, unemployment rose to 38%.
   As the depression went on, World War II began and the world was in a crisis yet again. At this time the president was Percy Charles (in power from 1938-1948). He was a down to earth, no-nonsense Englishman who was popular with the people and Tropico's allies. Percy's confidence and determination led Tropico through World War II. Tropico signed a treaty with the allied powers on June 4, 1942 to support them in anyway that they could. Although Tropico did not have a large fighting force to contribute to the war effort, they did support the US and her allies by providing needed goods such as sugar cane, coffee, bananas, and rubber, items that were important to the war effort. As with many free countries, Tropico's economy began to improve during the war years and beyond.
   In 1949, Donald Halifax was elected but unfortunately his presidency was cut short due to his untimely death from a heart attack in 1950. At this time the leadership of the country was assumed by Vice President Seth Lubben (in power from 1950 -   ).

Add on Note: This following script is from the Tropican Archives of Acient Civilizations when Tropico was colonized by Spain in 1823.

                "Evidence has indeed been found on the Islands of the Tropican Keys that a civilization found great routes between the islands. Radiocarbon dating suggests that the Tropican culture was planted around the same time as the Aztecs, suggesting that these peoples were of Maya descent, as well as sites bearing similarity to the Ruins in Yucatan. The civilization was found to have a cotalitional leauge, such as the Iriqious, and boats well able to quickly cross the Water between islands have been also beached near major sites, especially a Major one on The Republic of Tropico."

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The next sections will be about some needed Offices.

TROPICAN FOREIGN RELATIONS

Tropico is NOT an isolated country from the International Community. Therefore this office has been open to show the public Tropico's relation with each country. In order for Tropico to recognize a country, the Parliment must vote. Here are the current relations with these recognized countries:

In North America

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Fair ($500 Foreign Aid)
ENROSIA - Perfect Harmony (Allied)

In Asia

THE USSR - Close ($2,200 Foreign Aid)

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PAYROLL AND TAXES OFFICE

In Tropico, all of the Ministers get to own a house and get paid. At the end of each Tropican year they will get a paycheck. Taxes will already be figured out of the paystub. With there money they can donate to charities and churches, pay to go to entertainment hot-spots, and own a house. This board tells how about how much each minister gets paid a week and a year and how high the tax rates are.

NOTE: All people of Tropico are on Salary.

Right now,

CITIZEN PAYROLL

Average pay for a citizen is $0.20 a day, $6.35 a month, and $76.20 a year.

Minimum wage is $0.19 a day, $6.00 a month, and $72.00 a year.

Maximum wage is $0.65 a day, $20.00 a month, and $240.00 a year.

TAXES

Property Tax/Real-Estate Tax - 3.5%

Income Tax - 5%

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OFFICE OF ARCHIVES

This office if for the purpose to store short documentaries important to Tropico's history. The government, and ALL citizens, are allowed to come to this office at ANY time.

[sethwbcl91]

1959

THE 1950s, THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING GREAT
President Seth L.

Seth Lubben took office in January of 1950. On the first day in office the president and Parliament surveyed the poor state of the country. With only a dock, construction co., teamster shack, a farm, and the brilliant palace, the people looked as if they were in a suffering state. The people, at first, were desperate. They needed food, money, and a home! Five years into the new age of a new government, Aid was passed from both superpowers, the agricultural field grew, many immigrants flocked to the nation, religion and education was installed, and basic housing was provided. The population grew from 70 to 167 and the average happiness rating of the people was 45. The government approval rating was at an average of 49% and the president won re-election in 1955. In the House of Representatives, the Nationalist party came out strong with the most seats. This lead was followed by the Communists and Conservatives. The average age was 28 and the average income per year was $76.20. Lastly, the economy was primarily based on agriculture but grew strongly and is stable. The people praise God for his rewards to the nation and hope these blessings continue into the next decade and forever. God Bless Tropico!

Events, Concerns, and Success

January 1, 1950 - Seth L. and his Administration takes office
May 26, 1953 - The Toucan is declared the National Bird
January 4, 1954 - Russian Development Aid PASSES (4-1)
January 11, 1954 - Guillerm Rincon, a Conservative representative, complained about the lack of Churches
March 7, 1955 - The government wins re-election
December 14, 1954 - Dulcinea Sotomayor, a Communist representative, wanted more housing
December 1, 1956 - Diana Sanchez, a Nationalist representative, wanted more soldiers
February 15, 1957 - American Development Aid PASSES (4-1)
February 1, 1958 - Kerry Petty, a Capitalist representative, wants more big industry

[sethwbcl91]

1959

Tropico Department of Finance
Minister of Finance, CafeDave Jonathon Andrews
Presidente-
I have arrived and already settled down in my office, as I am sure your Minister of Defense will tell you. While looking through the rather... impressive pile of paperwork that my respected predecessor left behind, I noted an ongoing debate that had been going on amongst your Cabinet. It appears that there was a rather large debate about what type of manufacturing industry Tropico should enter. After a lengthy discussion period, it was decided that canned coffee was the way to go.

I am, however, slightly less certain whether coffee is the best choice. You see, the majority of industries availible to us are based on processing raw materials, and the overwhelming amount of raw materials available are crops, such as coffee, or tabacco.

The problem with these things as a feedstock for our budding industry is that the supply is always uncertain. The most famous example of this is rum distilleries, but even cigar factories are prone to having bumper crops of tabacco one year and massive surfeits the next.

The cannery is a quite good choice, because it can take three different feedstocks, BUT this is also it's weakness. It's nature, if you wish to take advantage of it, can also force the unsuspecting Presidente to try to expand to quickly in multiple directions at once (i.e. pineapple farms, coffe farms, and fishing wharves.) This can take away needed focus in your efforts.

To be blunt, what I am saying is that you need a good secondary industry. My answer to this comes from another fevered discussion between the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Defense. They were arguing about what to do with the trees, Presidente. Minister Celticman was for saving them, while Minister S. Stabeler was for chopping them all down. In this, I side with our head of the Department of Defense. I note that you have already set up a healthy, but small, logging concern. What I propose is to set up many more logging camps and expanding it.

The reason for this is that logging is one of the few industries which provides the same return in logs at a steady rate EVERY YEAR (those lumberjacks are very efficient). Once you have this set up, build a lumber mill. The beauty of this is the fact that lumber mills are also the cheapest industry to set up. One mill costs a tiny $5000! Even though you only employ 5 people each, for $15000 (the cost of a cannery!) you can set up three! And, if you are worried about them sitting idle, because of the several logging camps you will have set up, you will always have a steady stream of logs going in (and, of course, lumber coming out).

I recommend setting up the logging camps so that they have bunkhouses nearby. That way, the loggers can get from home to work quickly and easily. Yes, they are rather smelly and cramped, but who will the loggers complain to? There are plenty more illiterate immigrants where they came from...

The lumber mills should by built in such a way as to allow the building of tenements around them. After all, you want to keep the workers reasonably happy. They DO have high school diploma's, you know. Be a shame to let them booger off because their hovel is a bit TOO rat infested.

[sethwbcl91]

1969

THE 1960s, THE GROWTH OF AN IMPORTANT NATION
President Seth L.
Vice President Stabeler

In January 1960 the next decade of Tropico and its people where ruled by President Seth L., the newly appointed Vice President Stabeler and the great Parliment of Tropico. The country had remained strong, if not stronger. Little developement was made in the first four years but the next six where fantastic. A very important event that happened in 1966 was the appointment of the Vice President, Stabeler. He was the only minister, out of seven, to apply for the job. Therefore there was no election and he was appointed. Starting in 1965, the quality of life increased. A small clinic opened on the island, housing quality went from 10 to 31, entertainment was expanded into restaurants and caberets, education raised with a high school and college built in 1969, and the military got the funding for a Army base. Economically, the country built a starting making profit from the cannery and expanded into services and agriculture. The population grew from 110 to 189 and the average happiness rating of the people was 40. The government approval rating was at an average of 49%, a 2% increase from the 50s. The average age was 27 and the average income per year grew to $80.28. And lastly, the economy was primarily based on agriculture again. The top three money makers were these, in this order: Agriculture ($138,032), Industry ($52,500), and Logging ($36,000). God bless Tropico and we look forward to a very positive and bright future in the 70s.

HAPPENINGS IN THE 1960s:

December 20, 1964 - Literacy Program - NOT PASSED
April 29, 1965 - Anti-Litter Ordinance - NOT PASSED
May 6, 1965 - Fiona del Fuego, a communist representative, complained about the lack of housing
November 29, 1966 - Stabeler is appointed Vice President of Tropico
July 5, 1967 - Marguerita Parque, a local capitalist representative, commented on the heavy dependence of agriculture and calls for more dependence on industry and tourism
October 21, 1968 - Samantha Orlando, an intellectual representative, has complained about the lack of college on Tropico
December 19, 1968 - Russian Developement Aid - PASSED
September 16, 1969 - Mardi Gras - PASSED
December 30, 1969 - Military Modernization - PASSED