Republic of Euzkadi

[Cataduanes]

Republic of Euzkadi

The Ikurriña, flag of Euskadi.

Anthem:Gernikako Arbola

Capital: Gernika (Spanish: Guernica)

Official Language: Euskera (Basque)

Unrecognized Minority languages: Castellano (Spanish) and French.

Ethnic Groups: Basque, Spanish and French.

Demonym:

-Basque: Euskaldun

- English: Basque

-Spanish: Vasco/a

Government: Transitional Government (Slated to become Parliamentary democracy after the end of the Interim govt.)

Population: 6,890,000

Area: 20,494 km²

Currency: Pezeta

Geography:

Euzkadi is formed of 7 provinces within two regions collectively known as the ‘’Lurak Bat’’, the southern province form what is known as the ‘Hegoalde’ while north of the Pyrenees the northern provinces form ‘’Iparralde’’. In popular thought the nation is also affectionately called the ‘’Zazpiak Bat’’ which means ‘’the seven that are one’’.

While the administrative capital is located in the historically and culturally important but rather sleepy town of Gernika the City of Bilbao forms the country’s largest urban centre and serves as the Republic’s financial centre. Other cities of note include Donostia (San Sebastian), Irunea (Pamplona), Baiona (Bayonne), Barakaldo and Gazteiz (Vitoria).

History:

The Basque people (known as the Euskaldun) are thought by some to be the remnants of a pre Indo-European presence in Europe, since Roman times the Basques have remained in their misty forest and hills straddling the western reaches of the Pyrennes preserving their unique language and culture. Another peculiarity of the Basque language is that it has been spoken continuously in situ, in and around its present territorial location, for longer than other modern European languages, which have all been introduced in historical or prehistorical times through population migrations or other processes of cultural transmission.

In recent times as the Iberian peninsular became the playthings of foreign powers the Basques remained in their little corner of the world indifferent to the geo-political events unfolding elsewhere in the world. However in recent decades both Basque culture and political awareness experienced a renaissance giving birth to a largely Liberal nationalist movement that successfully petitioned the Scottish authorities (the latest power to officially hold sway in the Iberian peninsular) to allow the formation of an independent Basque state; the Republic of Euzkadi.

Demographics:

The Basque form a national majority with the numbers of ethnic Basque making up to 53% of the population. Over the last few decades in which the Basque country remained under foreign occupation and Basque society quietly underwent a period of isolation in which Basque culture and language flourished like never before.

This had the result of eroding the use of Castilian (Spanish), however Castilian remains widely spoken despite its lack of official status, which has become a source of discontent for the Non-Basque (i.e non Basque speaking, largely Spanish speaking descendants of Castilian, Galician and Andalucían migrants, but there is also a French speaking minority in the north) section of the population who are estimated to form 35% of the population.

French speakers can be found in the northern provinces, in total they form just under 10% of the total population, like the Castilian speaking segment of the population their native language is not officially recognized under Basque law which is a source of discontent.

Gypsies or Ijitoak as they are called in Euzkadi make up around 2% of the total population, they wer etraditional found in rural areas but have in the modern era migrated to inhabit urban centers mainly in the province of Lapurdi (Labourd). Basque Gypsies are bilingual speaking both Euskera (Basque) and Erromintxela, a mix of the Kalderash Romani language and Basque with a primarily Romani lexicon but using Basque grammer and syntax.

Government and Politics:

Until the recent Military coup the republic was a fully fledged democracy with a elected Lahendakari (the Basque title for President)and Eusko Legebiltzarra (Basque Parliament). At present absolute control rests with the Armed Forces that has taken command of the civil services and has imposed martial law.

Economy:

The Basque country has always had a strong mining traditon as miners and the modern mining sector is mainly centred on Uranium extraction and processing, in addition aluminium production also forms a vital component to the economy.

Construction engineering (construction ingame bonus resource) is also a very visible sector with the Durango Corporation having a respected international reputation.

The agricultural sector is a highly visible component of the economy but is not seen as a vital sector, however the Basque country is known for its high quality Dairy produce (Idiazabal cheese), Wine and Seafood products. The latter is particularly important with the Fishing industry providing the majority of employment in coastal areas (except for industrialized Bilbao). However the biggest and most well known agricultural produce is Orhi Beer (beer Ingame bonus resource) which is brewed by the Euskal Garagardoa corporation, Orhi is the biggest selling brand of Beer in Euzkadi.

The Basque country has its own stock exchange, the Eusko Burtsa, located in Bilbao. A public market that trade shares and convertible bonds and fixed income securities, and both government and private-sector debt. While a strong domestic banking sector is dominated by five major banking companies;

[*]Bilbao Bizkaia Kutxa

[*]Ipar Kutxa Rural

[*]Euskadiko Kutxa

[*]Banco Navarra

[*]Eusko-Eskoziako Kutxa (Basque-Scottish bank)

Transportation:

The Republic already has an existing rail system that connects it with France and the rest of Iberia. It also possesses a system of highways known as the ‘Euskal Herriko autobideak’ (Euskadi Interstate/ OOC: Ingame Interstate system wonder).

The republic has 3 major airports sites at Bilbao, Donostia (San Sebastian) and Gazteiz (Vitoria). A fourth is currently under construction outside the capital; Gernika. There is also 3 minor airports that deal mainly with domestic and European flights at Baiona (Bayonne), Biarritz and Irunea (Pamplona).

The port of Bilbao (Bilboko portua) is the main port of the Republic and is capable of handling up to 38 million tons of traffic annually.

Foreign Relations:

Euzkadi possesses very good relations with Scotland who provided much help in getting the Republics administrative infrastructure up and running. Cordial relations are evident with the rest of Europe and those portions of the world that have made diplomatic contact. However the Republic is not formerly tied to any one nation or bloc at present.

Police

The Ertzaintza, in English "Public Guard" is the police force of the Republic of Euzkadi. The Ertzaintza is currently a full-range police force and is split into specific divisions; each of them specialized in a series of specific police tasks. The most notable units are the Beltzak ("The Blacks", are the black-dressed riot police), Berrozi (Erzaintza SWAT and counter terrorism unit) and the Jendarmeria (Gendarmes, a military police unit).

The standard uniform is characterized by its use of the colour red topped off with a Red Beret. The use of Red head wear is maintained by the various different units of the Ertzaintza.

Ertzaintza Parade Uniform

Edited October 26, 2009 by Cataduanes

[Cataduanes]

Euskal Indar Armatuak Basque Armed Forces

The armed forces of Euzkadi are know as the Euskal Indar Armatuak. Their commander-in-chief is the Lahendakari (President) of Euzkadi and consists of the Army, Air Force and Navy. The Basque Armed Forces are a modern military force charged with defending the Republics integrity and sovereignty. The commander of the Armed Forces is the head of the military government; General Oiharzabal.

General Oiharzabal

Eusko Gudarsotea (Basque Army)

The Army is an all professional force which consists of 4 infantry divisions, two Mechanized Brigades, a Special Forces Brigade and 2 specialized Mountain infantry brigades specializing in mountain warfare.

With its small size a great emphasis has been placed on good training and modern equipment in order to negate the small size of the Army. However in the event of a national crisis or major war a voluntary part-time reserve was formed, the Gudaris (Basque historic euphemism for a militaman) to provide the professionals with sufficient supporting mass if needed.

The Gudaris consists of civilians who undertake to attend training and wargames on a monthly basis, the army high command recent stated that once this reserve scheme is in full swing the Republic will have a potential reserve of 140000 part time reservists that can be called up.

Infantry Units

• 1. Euskal Dibisio
  
• 2. Euskal Dibisio
  
• 3. Euskal Dibisio
  
• 4. Euskal Dibisio
  

Basque Infantryman.

The 4 Infantry divisions form the backbone of the Army, each has a strength of 10000 troops (Split across 3 Brigades). Each division is capable of independent operations possessing specialized personnel necessary for specialized support tasks such as intelligence, logistics, reconnaissance, and combat engineers.

The standard weapon of the Basque Infantrymen is the HK G36E - 5.56 mm assault rifle, the MG3 - 7.62 mm is the standard machine gun for the army. The main artillery equipment used by the Army is the M110 self-propelled howitzer.

Mechanized Units

• Zalduneria Dibisio
  
• Ehiztariak Dibisio
  

The Zalduneria (Cavalry) and Ehiztariak (Chasseurs) divisions combine mechanized infantry and armoured elements, equipped with Dardo IFV's and Leopard 2 MBTs they constitute the armys spearhead in any ground offensive.

Leopard 2 MBT of the Zalduneria division.

Mountain Infantry Units

• 1. Mendi Brigada
  
• 2. Mendi Brigada
  

The Mendi Brigades are the specialized mountain warfare units of the Eusko Gudarostea. They are currently organised in two main operational brigades with around 3000 troops each. They specialize in conducting warfare at high altitude conditions and are tasked with defending the frontier in the Pyrennes.

A sniper of the 1. Mendi Brigade during training exercises in the Pyrenees.

Training includes climbing, cross-country skiing, plus winter and summer mountain leadership, alpine survival and mountain guiding skills. Personal weaponry includes the HK G36E - 5.56 mm assault rifle, MG3 Machine Gun, various types of sniper rifles and LGI light mortar.

Special Forces Units

• Txapelgorri Brigade
  

The Txapelgorri Brigade(Basque for Red caps) is the elite Special Forces unit of the Army. It consists of a Brigade further split into 3 battalions that is focused on counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, infiltration, operations behind enemy lines with insertion from land, air or sea. However, unlike most special forces in the world, the Brigade is also trained in non-combat search and rescue of civilians and providing aid as well as dealing with natural disasters.

The unit is equipped with the most sophisticated weapons and equipment available, and trained to undertake even the dangerous mid-air and sea operations. The name of the unit comes from the distinctive red berets the Brigade wear as part of the parade uniform.

Euskal Itsas Armada Navy

The Navy constitutes a powerful branch of the Armed Forces, tasked primarily with defence of the coasts and maintainance of Basque control of the Bay of Biscay it also allows for the porjection of power overseas.

The Carrier ''Askatasuna'' is flagship of the Navy, a 40000 ton vessel it is equipped with Saab Gripen fighters (adapted for carrier based operations) and Sikorsky SH-60F Oceanhawk patrol helicopters. A second Carrier ''Orreaga'' was recently completed and launched, with the same capabilities as the ''Askatasuna''.

The Carrier ''Askatasuna''.

The navys other vessels are listed below;

• Zumalacarregui Class Cruiser
  'Zumalacarregui'
  
  
• Independentzia Class Frigate
  'Independentzia'
  'Eneko Aritza'
  ''Garaipen''
  
• Guipúzcoa Class Destroyer
  'Guipúzcoa'
  'Bizkaia'
  
• Antso III Class Corvette
  'Antso III'
  'Barduli'
  'Harispe'
  
• Marrazo Class Submarine
  'Marrazo'
  'Orka'
  'Donibane Garazi'
  'Zubelzu'
  
• Ibai class Landing Ships
  'Bidasoa'
  'Urumea'
  'Oria'
  

Marine Infantry

The navy also possesses its own Marine infantry unit: the Itsas-Soldadu Dibisio. The Marines division is a 12000 man division highly specialized in amphibious warfare. Their equipment is in most respects identical to their counterparts in the Armys infantry divisions.

Euskal Aire Armada - Air Force

The Airforce comprises of 6 Fighter Bomber squadrons (equipped with the 4th generation Saab JAS 39 Gripen, Which is locally built under license), 1 Air transport squadron (equipped with Lockheed Martin C-130J "Super" Hercules transport aircraft) and a Marine patrol squadron (equipped with Lockheed P-3 Orion updated to P-3C UIP level).

Euskal Aire Armada (EAA) Roundel.

The air force has its main airbase on the outskirts of Bilbao, with smaller bases located at Tudela (Navarra) and Biarritz.

• List of Squadrons (Talde is Basque for Squadron)
  (sqn aircraft Air Base)
  
• 1 Talde JAS 39 Gripen - Bilbao
  
• 2 Talde JAS 39 Gripen - Bilbao
  
• 3 Talde JAS 39 Gripen - Tudela
  
• 4 Talde JAS 39 Gripen - Bilbao
  
• 5 Talde C-130J Super Hercules - Bilbao
  
• 6 Talde JAS 39 Gripen - Biarritz
  
• 7 Talde JAS 39 Gripen - Bilbao
  
• 8 Talde P-3 Orion - Biarritz
  

The Gripen, backbone of the Air Force.

Atomic Weapons

Euzkadi has an undisclosed number of Nuclear weapons, it is also undisclosed as to what delivery system the Air Force has in place.

OOC: I will add some pictures for the military entries over this weekend, otherwise comments and criticism is most welcome

Edited January 14, 2010 by Cataduanes

[Cataduanes]

Addtions/Change Log:

• Added some pictures for the military section.
  
• Amended the entry of Demographics, revising the percentages and adding an entry for a fourth ethnic component: the Basque Gypsies.
  
• Added a new section in the first post focusing on the police force of the Basque Country, the Ertzaintza.
  

Edited July 29, 2009 by Cataduanes