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In the year 1510, brave explorers from The Great Kingdom of Villa Rica discovered the rich and vast lands of the Star Peninsula. The curious explorers felt captivated by the rich natural resources that this land possessed. The natives that had built colossal pyramids and humble civilizations received the explorers with honors. The King of Villa Rica soon sent various ships with colonizers to establish the new colony of Nicholas, in honor of the present King Nicholas the VI. They built the great city of Serendipity, now a touristic city due to its beautiful colonial buildings and rich cultural history. Along with them, they also brought Christianity to the Natives. The colonizers quickly moved inland and established numerous cities throughout the rich forests and valleys. By the year of 1722, the colony of Nicholas was now a self-sustained state ready for independence. La Costa Royal, name given to the colony for its majestic beaches, gained its pure independence from the Villa Rica crown in 1728. Founded upon the principles of democracy, La Costa had a powerful form of government that served its people. The flourishing capitalist economy soon attracted many investors from the Great American States and the Asian Kingdom. However, La Costa and the Asian Kingdom developed a hatred relationship that led to multiple conflicts, one of them the War of Emporium. The American States sided with La Costa and the Asian Kingdom was forced out. The strong economic relationship that prevailed among the American States and La Costa led to the founding of Emporium, the economic capital of the Western hemisphere as of today, and the bilingual status of roughly a third of La Costa's citizens. The Democratic Kingdom of La Costa is now a sovereign nation rich in history and culture.


 * [[image:Tucan-1.jpg width="297" height="225" caption="National Bird Tucan"]] || [[image:leopardo6g.jpg width="258" height="223" caption="National Animal Leopard"]] || [[image:pineapple_(1).jpg width="308" height="220" caption="National Fruit Pineapple"]] ||



Location- Southwestern Hemisphere. Continent of South America.

Size- 536 square miles. Twice the size of Texas.

Climate- Tropical Climate. Rainfall year round. Average temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Terrain- Mainly flat land country. Tropical rain forests dominate the majority of the country. Beautiful white-sand, clear water beaches surround our nation. Pedretarian Islands are rich in animal and plant life. Victor Mountains are located in the center of the country. They are rich in minerals. Rivers flow throughout the land.

Natural Resources- Gold, livestock, mangos, shrimp, petroleum.

Arable Land- 20% arable land. Mainly located in the southeaster region of the nation.

Environmental Problems- La Costa Royal faces two major issues that concern our environment. One of them is that the beautiful, wonderful, awe-inspiring, man made islands The Palm are slowly sinking at a rate of 3 inches per year. Since thier inaguration in 2010, efforts made by the nations top engineers and environmentalists have been made to save our nations jewel. Also, the over population of toucans has caused some concern in the rain forests food chain. Zoos from all over the world have been aasked to take in some of our numerous toucans in order to stabilize the rain forest. Progress is slowly being made.


 * [[image:offshore-oil.jpg width="290" height="323" caption="Oil"]] || [[image:1185394643-30504-0.jpg width="309" height="297" caption="Gold"]] || [[image:mionerals.jpg width="357" height="288" caption="Precious Minerals"]] ||
 * [[image:Colorado-cattle-ranch.jpg width="321" height="242" caption="Livestock"]] || [[image:ShrimpAppetizer.jpg width="307" height="248" caption="Shrimp"]] || [[image:mango.jpg width="360" height="264" caption="Mangoes"]] ||

PEOPLE

-The Democratic Kingdom of La Costa Royal has a total population of **25,145,561** people. The average age of our population is **32 years** (there are more young people than elderly,because its and innovating cou ntry). There is slightly more men(52%) than women (48%). People in La Costa Royal prefer the urban life, with **74%** of the total population residing in urban areas. Kasa Del Rio is home to 12 million people. The people are referred to as **Royals** or **C****ostanians**. People in larger cities are more likely called Royals, while rural people are called Costanians. **Catholicism** is the dominating religion in our country, with **94%** of the population being Catholic. This is greatly due to the massive missions the King of La Villa Rica sent in the Colonial Era. Other 5% are members of other Christian churches and the small percent left assume to be atheist.

-The official language of the country is **Spanish**. However, people in large cities, mainly Emporium are bilingual, being fluent in Spanish and **English**. **37%** of the people speak English. This percent is rapidly increasing over years. This is due to the great coveted Economy La Costa Royal has. -Since La Costa Royal is located right near the Equator, the average temperature year round is 83 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, the traditional attire for Royals and Costanians is a **casual**: a t-shirt,cargo or swimming shorts accompanied by flip-flops or boat shoes. However, in large cities like Kasa Del Rio and Emporium, people generally dress formally wearing suits. In La Costa Royal, seafood is very popular. Everyone loves the fresh taste of seafood, therefore it has become our national food. **“Shrimp Ceviche”** is the nation’s national dish. It is made of chopped seafood ,preferably shrimp, drowned in a pool of lime juice. It also contains peppers,tomatoes,onion and cilantro. Also fruit is very popular in La Costa, since it is used to as a refreshment.**"Ensalada de frutas"** which basically means **"fruit salad"** is extremely popular, mainly in the summer months. It contains different kind of fruits all mixed together, but mostly the sweet mangoes and pineapples grown in La Costa Royal. Moreover, **dinner**, specially on Saturday and Sunday, is the most important meal of the day because it is when people gather around with their families and enjoy each other’s company

-Royals are very happy people. They love to celebrate and enjoy life. The most important holiday is The **Indepen****dence Day**, celebrated on April 24, which was first established on April 24, 1728. On this day, all government officials, students, and almost all other people do not report to school nor work. Another major holiday is **Chocolate Day (Dia De Chocholate)** which is celebrated on October 23. History says that on this same day in 1840, a famous chocolatier, Nocholas Zarco, gave out hundreds of chocolate treats in the nation’s capital, and since then, this tradition continues. On this day, chocolatiers all over the nation offer their sweet treats to the people. Moreover, on November 2, Royals honor their loved ones who have past away by making them altars. This tradition, **Day of The Dead**, dates back to the ancient civilizations who honored their dead kings and queens. It is complicated to know the exact year it started. Also, **New Years** is a major celebration day in La Costa. On this day, a massive colorful firework display is set in various cities, and everyone must make new ambition for the year. Finally, Christmas is the most joyful and heart-warming holiday. People do several things to prepare, however Royals and Costanians all gather with their families and celebrate due to the 99% Christianity in the nation.

-La Costa Royal is a very mystic country with various customs, tales, and taboos. A big custom is that on **June 21**, people rush to the thousands of the nations beautiful beaches to celebrate the years longest day. Also, in Emporium it is prohibited, unlawful, and bad luck to say the word **“crash”**, as it is thought to ruin the great, stable economy the nation has had for over 150 years. Moreover, it is a custom for people to either play the **piano** or the **guitar** because every first Saturday of every month, music festivals are held in all cities and towns. Another tradition is that every person carries a **1 Jenga gold coin** to symbolize luck and humbleness. This coin is traded to a special someone on March 21, the day Spring begins to symbolize a new beginning. And also, whenever a **Solar or Lunar** eclipse occurs, people do not have to report to work because they have the right to watch these celestial events since LCR honors the ancient civilizations who once honored these beautiful celestial objects.

media type="youtube" key="Di9fuqfDuWs" height="390" width="640"
 * [[image:ka.jpg caption="Kayaking, Another Major Sport "]] || [[image:fruit_salad.jpg width="244" height="161" caption="Pinapple-Mango Salad "]] || [[image:usual_wear.jpg width="176" height="187" caption="Usual Wear "]] ||
 * [[image:solar-eclipse-625x450.jpg width="184" height="135" caption="Solar Eclipse "]] || [[image:ceviche.jpg caption="Ceviche"]] || [[image:chocho.jpg width="195" height="124" caption="Chocolate Day- can be gift from chocolate covered fruit to chocolate bars."]] ||


 * DUE MARCH 17TH- 20 POINTS**



The Democratic Kingdom of La Costa Royal operates on a **market economy**, an economy that functions on the laws of **supply and demand** and follows the **"laissez-faire"** principle which states that the government has few or no regulations on the market. Since the Independence, LCR adopted this economic system in hopes of establishing a successful nation and a great economy. The **Economic Revolution of 1894**, war between the American States and LCR against the Asian Kingdom, marked the beginning of the coveted, stable, and triumphant economy of the nation. Since then, thousands of large and small companies flourish every year which greatly contributes to our economy. **XOCOLATL** the international world-leading chocolate company began in 1945 in the city of Serendipity. Moreover, **Luxury & Co**., was launched in 1873 after rich gold mines were discovered deep in the Victorian Mountains. However, the Government does get involved in the economy by issuing regulations and laws in order to secure the safety and well-being of the people. Further information is provided below.
 * The GDP of our nation sums up to **$2,237,239,286,333.94**. this is due to the illustrious economy LCR has managed to accomplished through its history.
 * The GDP per capita of our nation is **$88,971.54** witch accurately reflects the labor force of the nation.
 * The Economy is increasing at a moderately rapid rate, the ideal **2.9%.**
 * Since our Economy has evolved from industrial to a service Economy our labor force for the industrial sector is **19%** while the service sector constitutes for **70%**. The agricultural labor force totals only **11%**.
 * The unemployment rate for La Costa Royal is relatively low due to several factors:1) the great economy 2) the striving and motivated people 3) the **Internship Act** states that all students reaching the 9th grade and above must take part in an internship to a sector or company they prefer. Therefore our unemployment rate stands at a **2.9%.**
 * The present inflation rate stands at **1.8%.** In 2010, the inflation rate marked a record low at **1.6%**, while in 2009 it was **1.75%.**
 * Our currency name is the **Jenga.**
 * The exchange rate for a Jenga is as follows
 * 1 J = 1.35 US Dollars
 * 1 J = 0.93 EURO
 * La Costa Royal has various agricultural products that grow in the rich lands of the South East region of the nation. These include our world famous sweet mangoes, fresh pineapples, strawberries, bananas, lemons among others.
 * LCR has various industries due to its location and geography. Fishing is a major industry dues to the waters that surround 80% of the nation. Mining can be found in the Victorian Mountains where gold, silver, copper and other metals are excavated. The oil industry is the most coveted industry of the nation. Also, agriculture is also a key industry as it is a major export. Moreover, tourism is an industry that brings millions in revenue to the nation every year.
 * The countries major exports include
 * Oil
 * Gold
 * Shrimp
 * Mangoes
 * Wood
 * The countries main imports include
 * Automobiles
 * Pharmaceuttical products
 * Electronics
 * Clothes and Textiles
 * Spices
 * The nations major trading partner is the **United States**, followed by **Japan**. The US and Japan produce unlimited automobiles and electronics (cellphones, appliances, computers, etc) that we import. Also, **Mexico** and **Sweden** are important trading partners as they produce chemicals and pharmaceutical products. **France**, **Spain**, and **Canada** are among other great trading partners.


 * DUE APRIL 10TH- 100 POINTS**

The Democratic Kingdom of La Costal Royal is a **federal democratic republic**.The power of the government is shared among the nationnal government and its 10 providences: Provincia, Emporia, Rivera Sur, Colonia, Quintana, Nicholas, Villa Rica, Xico, The Palm Island and Pedrotopia.
 * = [[image:palacio_de_bellas_artes.jpg width="361" height="257" caption="The Marble House (President's Residence)"]] ||= [[image:camara-de-diputados2.jpg width="373" height="254" caption="Chamber of Deputies"]] ||= [[image:parliament.jpg width="302" height="255" caption="National Palace"]] ||

When King Nicholas VI colonized LCR, he sent his son Prince Alexander to be the king of the colony. For 20, until its independence in 1728, La Costa Royal functioned as a monarchy under the powers of now King Alexander of LCR. After the independence, the Independents, writers of our Constitution, created a nation that function as a democratic republic where states would be represented in the National Chamber. For 283 years, La Costa Royal has been loyal to its name and the Constitution and has functioned as a representative democracy. Furthermore, King Alexander of LCR became the first president of our nation. However, his son, Maximiliano, inherited all the money of his parents since President Alexander desired to be l oyal to his nation. Therefore, Maximiliano became the King of the nation and appeared at ceremonial events. He had absolutely no power on governmental decisions nor actions. Since then, La Costa Royal has had the "Royal Family", that now only appears at major ceremonies and diplomatic events.
 * = [[image:Spanish_Royals_Official_0407.jpg width="354" height="236" caption="Premier Family of LCR"]] ||= [[image:Danish+Royal+Family+Celebrates+Queen+Margrethe+7uqjO4utOTfl.jpg width="340" height="227" caption="The Royal Family"]] ||

**Executive**

The president of La Costa Royal is elected every 4 years. The last election took place the first Saturday pf July of 2010, and the president took office the first Monday of December of the same year, as instructed by the Constitution. The current president is **Francisco I. Madero,** member of the PRI, Institutional Republican Party. The executive branch of the government consists of the President, t he Vice President, the Cabinet which includes i the heads of 14 executive departments: the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, State, Transportation, and Treasury. Each Department deals with issues of its manner and the head of each Department is chosen by the President. The Chamber of Masters must approve his decision of cabinet.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">**Legislative** <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">The Legislative branch of the government is located in the nations capital, Kasa Del Rio, in the National Palace. The <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;">re are two Chambers, or Houses, called the **Chamber of Deptuies**, lower house, and the **Chamber of Masters,** upper house. There are **100 deputies** in the Chamber of Deputies. Each providence is represented in this chamber according to their population. In the Chamber of Masters there are **50 masters** where each providence has two representaives. To become a Master, a citizen of LCR must be reside in his providence, have a Masters in Law, and be nominated by the Chamber of Deputies before running in the election. A deputy serves for four years and a master serves for 8 years. The political party in control of both chambers is the **PRI** by a margin of 54 to 43 in the Chamber of Deputies and 28 t0 22 in the Chamber of Masters.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">**Judicial** <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">Each city/town in La Costa Royal has its own local courts. Each providence has a **Prestige Court**, which over rules decisions made by local courts. **The National Court of Justice,** in Kasa Del Rio, is the supreme court of the nation. The 9 justices and the prime justice are appointed by the president and approved by the Chamber of Masters. The justices in the National Court hold the ultimate power of justive of our nation. The National Court's ruling over rules any decisions made in lower courts.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">There are three major political parties in La Costa Royal. The **PRI,** Instituional Republican Party, is a conservative party that favors large companies and sees them as the stimulating and driving force of our nation's economy. They strongly believe in conserving and instituing family values in our citizens. The **PRD**, Revolutionary Democratic Party, is a more liberal party who believes that the government should help all citizens directly with theri problems. Moreover, they strongly believe on Equal and Human Rights and aiding all nations when they require help. Finally, the **PAN**, National Action Party, is a conservtive party that compromises with liberal ideologies. Like PRI, they insist on helping companies in order to have a satisfactry economy, while they also believe on Equal Rights. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">The two dominant parties are PAN and PRI due to the fact that in 1987, when PRD was in power, conflicts between governmental agencies and an minor unstable economy created a panic wave in the nation.
 * [[image:PRD-ok.jpg width="320" height="320"]] || [[image:pri_bigger.jpg width="313" height="313"]] || [[image:partido_accion_nacional.jpg width="320" height="320"]] ||


 * DUE APRIL 21ST - 100 POINTS**

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">The power to Tax is a covetted and important power the Government of La Costa Royal possesses. This power insures a strong system of Government and a strong united nation. With the power to tax, the Government is able to insure public saftety, a health society, and a succesful nation. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 27px;">The National Tax Revenue is **$514.97 Billion dollars**. The spending, however, is $518.73 Billion dollars. In the recent years, the Government has worked in defecit spending, spending more than it recieves due to the recent renovations of the nation's cities.




 * < **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">Top 5 Mandatory Spending ** ||< **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;"> Explanantion ** ||
 * < <span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: 25px;">1.Education ||< <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">LCR believes that Education is the basis of a successful sciety, therefore creating better, knowledgable leaders. ||
 * < <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">2. Health Care ||< <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">LCR beleives that a healthy society creates a better society. ||
 * < <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">3. National Defense ||< <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">Having a strong national defense ensures domestic tranquility and saftey in our nation.Respect is acquired. ||
 * < <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">4. National Debt ||< <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">LCR strives hard to eleminate the national debt, large or small, at all costs. ||
 * < <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">5. Government ||< <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">The Government of LCR is required to sustaine itself. ||


 * **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">Top 5 Discretionary ** || **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">Explanation ** ||
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">1. Science & Technology || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">LCR strongly beleives in education, therefore spending in Science is considered an investment in humanity. ||
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">2. Commerce || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">Spending in international and national commerce helps our great economy flourish further. ||
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">3. Energy || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">LCR strongly believes in investing in research for new cleaner energy to protect our planet and to meet the great demand or power. ||
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">4. Environment || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">LCR spends in protecting natural resources and our environment. Spending goes to protect national parks, wildlife, rivers/lakes,ocean, forests. ||
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">5. Transportation || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">LCR spends in transportation, like the high speed, modern train system to reduce carbon emissions and provide transportation for our citizens. ||


 * DUE MAY 13th- 50 POINTS**



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