User:AlliedStates

The Allied States of Bustos is currently the only nation that is a profit driven conglomerate. Known, especially as of late, to be Taijitu's largest promoter of arms and pharmaceuticals. The Allied States operates an open, free market driven by laissez-faire capitalism within it's territories. Its sales are legal and it bears no responsibility for individuals bringing goods that are restricted into foreign territories.

The Allied States of Bustos Duchy of Valorium
Flag Coat of Arms
Motto: "Give Me Libery, or Give Me Death"
Anthem: "The Allied States"
Geography
Area	1.05 millionkm2
Water (%)	30
Highest point	Pelargir Mountain
Longest river	Snake River
Demographics
Population	155,000,000+
• Density	147.61/km2
• Growth	0.75%/year
Median age	29.6 years
Demonym	Bustian
History
Creation of Allied States of Bustos	August 19, 1780
First Board of Directors meeting	March 11, 1781
Government
Capital	Twenty-One
Official language	Eruvite
Type	Megacorporation
Legislature	The Board of Directors
Executive	Chairperson
States	21 States
Economy
Currency	gold ($) (G)
GDP	$5.6 trillion
• Per capita	$36,129
• Growth	3.9%/year
Sectors	4.2% Agriculture 37.4% Industry 58.7% Services
Unemployment	2.59%
Gini	60.9
Development
Life expectancy	80.2 years
Improved water access	98%
Literacy	99%
Enrollment	79.4%
• Primary	99.2%
• Secondary	98.3%
• Tertiary	40.5%
Standards
Measures	Eluvatarn-Myrorian Standard (Metric)
Date format	Month-Day-Year
Traffic	Right-Hand
Codes
ISO code	AS
Internet TLD	.asn
Calling code	+1

History

For Further Information: Allied States Timeline

Pelargir Company

The Pelargir Company was established around 1733 as a trading company with the Seven Baan. Based in Eluvatar, they took advantage of their time period. It was a period of general chaos in the midst of exploration, expansionism, and opening of borders. This chaos allowed the company to grow rapidly and spread to trade all around Cefnor. They used their profits to further expand by buying lands and building trading outposts to increase their control and revenues.

Colony(Duchy) of Valorium

Pelargir's economic success allowed them to maintain a private army to protect their trade routes and outposts. As the company grew, so did it's political power, especially in distant regions. In once such region, was a colony of Eluvatar, the Duchy of Valorium. The noble family of Bustos ran Pelargir's interests in the colony and through the company held near absolute control of the colony.

Birth of the Allied States of Bustos

For Further Information: Creation of the Board of Directors and The Charter of the Allied States of Bustos

Only on paper, was Valorium under the control of the Eluvataran government. The colony was split into twenty-one smaller provinces, most of which was under direct control of the Pelargir Company. Even the majority of occupational forces were mercenaries contracted to the company. In 1780, during the Second Eluvataran War of Non-Succession, a majority of the government's troops were away supporting the war. This was when the Bustos Family took advantage of the situation and pulled off a coup in Valorium. Not only did they declare their independence from Eluvatar but also, from the Pelargir Company. After the split, the family reorganized the company and renamed it, The Allied States of Bustos.

Frontier Expedition

The Signing of the Peace Treaty of 1817

The hostile Pelagian tribes of the Wild Lands had banded together, calling themselves the Great Tribe. They started a campaign to retake Valorium and kick out the settlers. The Allied States increased the size of its military and started the Frontier Expedition to push the Great Tribe back. Until the Great Tribe was defeated, numerous atrocities were committed from both sides during the Frontier Expedition.

In 1817, The Board of Directors and Cheifians sign the Peace Treaty of 1817. The treaty not only ended hostilities but officially recognized the borders of Valorium.

Government and Politics

Twenty-One, capital of the Allied States

The Allied States is a megacorporation that runs Bustos through its' Board of Directors, as per the The Charter of the Allied States of Bustos. New Offices were created as the company grew. Most Directors are CEOs of conglomerates that are operating subsidiaries, wholly owned by the Allied States. The remaining Directors are large shareholders or invitees of the Board. Under the leadership of the Chairperson, it is through them, Bustos is governed and managed.

The Board of Directors

The Cinco. The Five, main buildings of the Allied States in Twenty-One.

Office of Commerce

CEO of Allied States International Bank

Office of Resources

CEO of Atlas Corporation

Office of Public Relations

CEO of Regional Consulting

Office of Defense

CEO of Allied States Military

Office of Internal Affairs

CEO of Special Response Security

Office of External Affairs

CEO of Global Strategy Group

Office of Education

CEO of Think Through Learning

The Bustos Family

Main Article: The Bustos Family

The colony of Valorium was considerd a duchy under the Eluvataran government. The head of the Bustos Family held the titles of Duke and Governor of Valorium. These titles continue to be used today. As they created the Allied States of Bustos, they continued ownership of the land and majority holdings of the company. A member of the Bustos Family has always held the position as they continue to hold the majority stake. This member is considered the head of the Bustos Family and, personally, owns the majority stake. Use of the royal titles when addressing a member of the Bustos Family is rarely done however on official documents they are always used. Currently the Chairperson owns the majority stake at 58%. The remainder is spread to related and non-related individuals. The full title for the current head of the Bustos family is, Duke Valerio Alosiso, the First, of the Bustos, Governor of Valorium, Chairperson of the Allied States of Bustos.

Foreign Relations & Trade

For Further Information: Allies and Enemies and Allied States Embassy

Foreign Relations

The Allied States seeks to build relationships and expand its business dealings to become bigger and more powerful. Whether this be creating a defense alliance, trade agreements, or liberating a fallen nation, each endeavor is projected in costs and profits. As a general rule, they adopt the "Leave me alone and I'll leave you alone" policy. Diplomatic immunity is not granted to anyone from any nation. The Allied States does not expect to receive diplomatic immunity for any of their diplomatic representatives in return, for no one is above the law.

Trade

Trade barriers are a rare occurrence and only imposed against a nation that poses a threat to national sovereignty or regional stability.

Exports

None of our exports are considered illegal and thus are sold openly. We hold no responsibility for private persons bringing in Bustian exports considered illegal in foreign markets.

Arms and Pharmaceuticals in the Global Marketplace

A drug cache waiting for pick up by buyer.

A buyer makes final inspection before arms are packed and prepped for shipment.

Arms and pharmaceuticals are two of the top exports of the Allied States. The open and free marketplace draws many individuals, organizations, and governments to the Allied States. To avoid directly assisting in the international black market, these exports must be bought inside the Allied States. This allows the Allied States to retain plausible deniability. The Allied States does not bring any restricted goods for sale to foreign markets unless bought, approved, and/or requested by the foreign government to do so. Otherwise the buyer, either himself or a representative, has to pay for the goods while inside Allied States territory and is responsible for bringing them back to their home country, whether legal or not. Their legality and no shipping and handling costs, makes for these exports to come cheap, especially when bought in bulk.

Some foreign nations have expressed resentment of these markets and, in particular, their blind eye when dealing with known criminal organizations. To help further placate foreign governments, the Allied States conducted a campaign at shipping centers, ports, and border crossings with public service announcements, advertisements, and posting of permanent signs. The goal of the campaign was to remind all travelers and shippers of items commonly considered illegal in foreign countries. The only effect seen from this campaign was the decreased frequency of accidental smuggling.

The Allied States has often expressed respect for the sovereignty of foreign nations and stated it does not advocate nor encourage smuggling of restricted goods.

Natural Resources

Coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, uranium, bauxite, gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash, silver, tungsten, zinc, petroleum, natural gas, timber

Agricultural Products

Wheat, corn, other grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton, beef, pork, poultry, dairy products, fish, forest products, exotic animals

Finished Goods

Agricultural products (soybeans, fruit, corn), industrial supplies (organic chemicals, uranium), capital goods (transistors, aircraft, aerospace, and motor vehicle parts and equipment, computers, telecommunications equipment, military hardware, nuclear equipment, steel, superalloys), consumer goods (automobiles, medical and recreational pharmaceuticals)

Imports

There are no tariffs imposed on imports.

The Allied Stares' largest imports are agricultural products, industrial supplies (crude oil), capital goods (computers, telecommunications equipment, motor vehicle parts, office machines, electric power machinery), consumer goods (automobiles, clothing, medicines, furniture, toys).

Economy

Growth of the economy is the main goal of the Allied States in all endeavors, domestic and foreign. With the Allied States, all trade is free trade. Without a strong economy, the Allied States would not be where it is today. As a capitalist, free market, business owners can run their businesses as they see fit. Due to strong competition and desire to make money, very few business survive using discriminatory practices or creating a hostile workplace. Many business people know it is the person's skills that matter, not nationality, race, or gender. However there are still some small businesses that are extremely discriminatory and still turn profit, however their growth is very limited as many customers find such businesses repugnant and do not want to support them.

It is said anything can be bought or sold in the Allied States. The only known thing not for sale in Bustian markets are people. Slavery is viewed as an abhorrent practice and is outlawed under the penalty of death. Many items and services that are illegal in other nations, such as weapons, recreational drugs, gambling, and prostitution, are sold in the open.

The economy is based on the gold standard. Alan Greenspan, one of the most famous Bustian economists in its history, wrote an essay titled "Gold and Economic Freedom" which has been the basis for following and keeping the gold standard.

Industries

For Further Information: Major Corporations

Leading industrial power in the world, highly diversified and technologically advanced; petroleum, steel, motor vehicles, aerospace, arms, telecommunications, chemicals, electronics, food processing, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, lumber, mining

Military

Main article: Allied States Military

Bustian soldiers training during Hades Twelve.

As the goal of any military is to defend the nation, it is the stance of the Allied States to defend its people and their allies. It is not the stance of the Allied States to go to war without provocation.

The high regard of personal civil rights has extended into a certain patriotic fervor amongst the people to protect their rights from outside aggression. They also view their lives as morally correct and any trampling of civilian rights to live as they please as evil. Along with the right to bear arms, there is an unofficial militia amongst the populace, majority of members being ex-military. In case of invasion, they can support Bustian troops and form resistance cells in enemy occupied territory.

The Allied States Military is actually a conglomerate of mercenaries. It comprises of the Allied States Army, Allied States Navy, Allied States Air Force, Allied States Marines and Allied States Stragetic Force. These "mercenaries" are home grown Bustian citizens with a desire to protect their country. Some become career soldiers and some just serve for a tour of six years (includes the "Hades Twelve"). The signature of the Allied States Military is the use of the XM8 Rifle across its branches. In an exclusive military contract with Conglomerate of Arms Manufacturing, the Allied States military receives military hardware and software at discounted prices.

In addition the military offers many job training programs that are taught to soldiers for their service in the military. These skills are useful and highly regarded outside of the military in many different areas of the job market.

Law and Order

Civil freedoms are very highly regarded. This has led many laws to have either been abolished or to never come into effect. Drugs laws, prostitution laws, weapon laws, gambling laws, traffic laws, even business and environmental regulations are nonexistent. The decriminalization has allowed for time, money, and manpower to focus on crimes that violates those civil freedoms. The allowance of the citizen's right to bear arms have empowered the people to defend their property and lives from criminals. A criminal is more likely to be shot and killed by his/her potential victim(s) than the police.

Conviction of a capital crime warrants a public execution within a week. The execution is always televised to national and local media. Capital crimes include, but are not limited to, murder, kidnapping, rape, slavery, and assault.

Conviction of a non-capital crime warrants physical punishment and/or labor in various industries within prisons for a certain period of time. Non-capital crimes include, but are not limited to, theft, destruction or defacing of property, resisting arrest, invasion of privacy, and harassment.

A convict loses all freedoms and rights entitled by the Allied States for duration of punishment.

Foreigners and Immigration

With no Immigration and Naturalization Service, or similar organization in existence, all people are free to come and go as they please. All those entering the Allied States are expected to know and understand the laws and customs of the land. Any violation of Bustian law will compel the arrest, trial, and enforcement of punishment in the Allied States. The Allied States currently has no extradition treaties with any nation. Again, the Allied States offer no diplomatic immunity to any member of any foreign nation. However, they will accept the request of asylum if the Chairperson and The Board approve of it.

Geography

The Allied States of Bustos covers 1.05 million square kilometers. It's northern, northeastern border is shared with Letonna. It's eastern border touches the sea. The remaining borders touch the Wild Lands. It possesses a wide variety of landscapes.

Climate

The north and northwest have a temperate climate, while a combination of maritime influences, latitude and altitude produce a varied climate in the rest of metropolitan Bustos. In the south-east a Mediterranean climate prevails. In the east, the climate is predominantly oceanic with a high level of rainfall, mild winters and warm summers. Inland towards the west, the climate becomes more continental with hot, stormy summers, colder winters and less rain. The climate of the mountain ranges and other mountainous regions is mainly alpine, with the number of days with temperatures below freezing over 150 per year and snow cover lasting for up to six months.

Environment

Forests account for 28% of Allied States' land area, comprising more than 140 species of trees. There are 2 national parks and 21 regional parks for the preservation and education of each of the parks unique landscapes and heritage.

Demographics

Athene, the largest city in the Allied States.

Population

Age

• 0-14: 23.1%
• 15-64: 56.2%
• 65+: 20.7%

Gender

• Female - 54%
• Male - 46%

Language

As a former colony of Eluvatar, Eruvite is the official language of the Allied States. Everything is written in Eruvite so foreigners need to know the language or hire an interpreter while in the country. Since opening of their borders, growth of international trade, assimilation of native Pelagians, welcoming refugees from war torn nations, the diversity of languages spoken in the country has increased. Bilingual Bustians are the norm amongst those involved in international trade.

Religion

Since many religions impose limitations on what a person can do, many Bustians are atheists. In general, there is strong opposition to religions that preach enforcement and imposition of their beliefs on everyone, whether wanted or not. This does not mean there are no religious Bustians but a majority of them have learned to keep to themselves.

• Atheist - 87.6%
• Church of Eru - 4.9%
• Path of Truth - 3.3%
• Gaeanism - 2.1%
• Other - 2.1%

Culture

Residents and citizens are responsible for their own well-being. Their success and failures are entirely theirs. The government has no welfare system to support the unemployed and/or poor. As long as a resident and/or citizen does not harm or interfere with other resident and/or citizen, he/she can live as they please.