Richensland

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For the micronation named Richland, see People's Republic of Richland.
Richensland
Richensland (Malay)
富饶之地 (Mandarin Chinese)
ரிச்சன்ஸ்லாந்து (Tamil)
2020–2023
Motto: "Sit Nomine Digna"
(Latin, 2020–2021)
"Calamus Gladio Fortior"
(Latin, 2021)
"Libertate Unanimus"
(Latin, 2023)
Anthem: Anthem to His Majesty the King (2020)

Rise, O Voices of Richensland (2020–2021)

State Anthem of Richensland (2021–2022)

National Anthem (2022–2023)
Map of Asia in 2023, showing Richensland highlighted in red
Map of Asia in 2023, showing Richensland highlighted in red
CapitalSjerelyslau
(1°26′10.57″N
103°47′12.14″E)
Religion
Secular state
(2020–2021)
No designated state religion
(2021–2023)
Demonym(s)
  • Richenslandian
  • Koldovian (informal; alternative)
Governmentsee section for details
Monarchy
(2020)
Republic
(2020–2023)
President 
• 2020
Ryan
• 2020–2021, 2021–2022, 2023
Nyck Bradaten
• 2021, 2021
Rifqi
• 2021
Amelia Banks
• 2022–2023
Thomas Jacobs
• 2022–2023
Aidan McGrath
LegislatureNone
(rule by decree; 2020, 2021–2022)
Parliament
(2020–2021)
People's Representative Assembly
(2022–2023)
• Consultative chamber
National Convention
(2021)
Historical eraCOVID-19 pandemic
• Establishment of the Kingdom of Richensland
13 August 2020
3 November 2020
22 September – 5 December 2021
3 June 2022
5 December – 16 December 2022
• Last constitution
1 January 2023
5 June 2023
CurrencyRichensland valora[a] (RV)
Preceded by		 Succeeded by
2016:
Republic of Singapore
2020:
Koldova Nation
Bir Tawil
Mary Byrd Land
2021:
Republic of India
Viskonian Empire
2021:
Bir Tawil
Mary Byrd Land
2023:
Republic of India
Republic of Singapore
Today part ofSingapore
Bir Tawil
Antarctica
India

Richensland (pronounced /raɪkɛnslænd/; Malay: Richensland, Mandarin Chinese: 富饶之地, Tamil: ரிச்சன்ஸ்லாந்து) was a micronation that existed from its initial creation on 13 August 2020 to its eventual dissolution on 5 June 2023. During its existence, it claimed various territory in Southeast Asia, Antarctica, North Africa and the Indian subcontinent with its capital at Sjerelyslau in northern Singapore (see Claimed territories). Richensland was a self-styled simulationist micronation for most of its existence, resulting in the shaping of government policies such as the nation's foreign policy approach (see Simulationist policy and Foreign relations). The nation also prided itself as "Singapore's first micronation" due to the lack of other known and active micronations found in Singapore.

Richensland was founded in August 2020 by co-founders Nyck Bradaten and his close friend, Thanukshan after four years of Bradaten's Koldova Nation which he governed alone from 2016 to 2018 and with nominal involvement by Thanukshan from 2018 to 2020. Initially an autocratic constitutional monarchy, Richensland remained isolated similar to how it was from 2016 to 2020. Internally, Richensland underwent some degree of political instability, having five prime ministers, two serving twice in a span of less than a year. The monarchy was composed of Bradaten's relatives. Bradaten served as the king and his first cousin Rifqi was designated as crown prince. The monarchy was overthrown on 3 November 2020 by the third prime minister (fifth if counting the double tenures of Bradaten and Thanukshan) Ryan. He established Richensland as a republic and formed a transitional government to change the republic from a monarchy to a republican government. Ryan became Richensland's first president and Bradaten served as vice president. After fifteen days, Ryan resigned and Bradaten became president. As president, Bradaten presided over the drafting of the nation's first and transitional constitution. Bradaten established the "Most Serene Republic of Richensland" on 2 May 2021. The "second republic" started with the republic's only instance of a collective leadership and culminated with the nation's tensions with the Cycoldian Imperium that caused the government to enter into exile. In December 2021, the government's authority was restored and resulted in the start of a third republic. Richensland promulgated a new constitution on 1 January 2023 after a political crisis in December 2022 that resulted in the nation having co-presidents for the first and only time in its history to date. An early presidential election was held in January 2023 and resulted in the reelection of former president Bradaten for a third tenure. Bradaten assumed office on 5 February 2023 and held office until the nation's dissolution on 5 June 2023 due to the nation's heightened inactivity.

Characteristics

The state

Neighbours

Etymology and names

Origin of Richensland

When Richensland was founded, its official name was the "Kingdom of Richensland". However, after the overthrow of the monarchy, Richensland was renamed the "Plurinational State of Richensland". It was intended that the name was to be the nation's official name since, but because the name had been stained by the nation's reputation after the diplomatic crisis near the end of 2020, Richensland was renamed once again to the "Most Serene Republic of Richensland" on 2 May 2021, when the nation officially ended its transition to republican government. In addition, it was planned during the nation's attempt to join Roscamistan for Richensland to be renamed once more to the "Constituent Republic of Richensland" on 1 January 2023 but fell out when the nation abandoned its plans to merge with Roscamistan.

"Richensland" was the name decided by co–founders Nyck Bradaten and Thanukshan when the nation was founded in 2020. Noticeably combining two words in the English language dictionary, "rich" and "land". The ens in between both words were added to help with pronouncation of the name. Furthermore, "Richland" was already the name of a preexisting micronation. Before the name "Richensland" was adopted, the nation was known as "Koldova", officially the "Koldova Nation". When translated into other languages, the full name of the nation may also be translated. Citizens of Richensland are known as "Richenslandians". However, "Koldovian" may also be used colloquially, albeit in an informal capacity. When in need of a prefix, "Richensland" is used (example: Richensland car, Richensland product).

Official name of the state

  • 2020: Kingdom of Richensland
  • 2020–2021: Plurinational State of Richensland (abbreviated as PSR)
  • 2021–2023: Most Serene Republic of Richensland (abbreviated as MSR)

Translated names

English name Malay language translation Mandarin Chinese translation
and transliteration 		Tamil language translation
and transliteration
Kingdom of Richensland Kerajaan Richensland 富国王国
Fùguó wángguó 		ரிச்சன்ஸ்லாந்து இராச்சியம்
Riccaṉslāntu irācciyam
Plurinational State of Richensland Negara Plurinasional Richensland 富饶多民族国
Fùráo duō mínzú guó 		ரிச்சன்ஸ்லேண்ட் ப்ளூரினேஷனல் ஸ்டேட்
Riccaṉslēṇṭ pḷūriṉēṣaṉal sṭēṭ
Most Serene Republic of Richensland Republik Richensland yang amat agung 最宁静的瑞金斯兰共和国
Zuì níngjìng de ruìjīn sī lán gònghéguó 		ரிச்சன்ஸ்லாந்து மிகவும் அமைதியான குடியரசு
Riccaṉslāntu mikavum amaitiyāṉa kuṭiyaracu

History

Origins

Flag of the Koldova Nation

Nyck Bradaten started the predecessor to Richensland, the "Koldova Nation" sometime in 2016. With no government, Koldova lacked any features of a micronation except for a flag. As it was only intended to be temporary and was to be replaced by a well off micronation which was Richensland, it was more of an amateur micronational experiment to test out various methods of governance that would best fit the future micronation. It was also during this period that Koldova only had a population of 1 from 2016 to 2018, and 2 from 2018 to 2020 until he was acquainted with Thanukshan, a friend who apparently also had interest in micronational affairs. During this period, no laws existed and Koldova was de facto governed as a "one-man regime". Furthermore, Koldova did not have any foreign relations and was isolated from the micronational community. Bradaten operated Koldova from his bedroom and designated it as its de facto capital and claimed his parents' apartment then in Punggol as the de facto territory of the micronation, before moving to Richensland's capital, Sjerelyslau in the second half of 2018. Koldova ceased to exist with Richensland's proclamation of establishment in August 2020. It was followed by the Kingdom of Richensland.

Kingdom, 2020

  • Flag of the Kingdom

    Flag of the Kingdom

  • Coat of arms of the Kingdom

    Coat of arms of the Kingdom

For the first few months of Richensland's existence, it was governed as a unitary autocratic constitutional monarchy. Bradaten served as king and designated his relatives as royalty. The government consisted of a prime minister as head of government and his cabinet. However, the king maintained executive, legislative and judicial authority. The authority of the prime minister and cabinet was highly dependent on the King for legitimacy due to the absence on an institutionalized legislature. Four individuals served as prime minister, two of them twice non-consecutively and one in an acting capacity. The first prime minister was Thanukshan in August 2020 who was replaced by Bradaten in August 2020. A day later, Thanukshan regained the premiership and was prime minister until September 2020. Bradaten then served as prime minister in September 2020 and was followed by his younger sibling, Aiden as acting prime minister from 24 until 27 September 2020. Since then, Ryan was the final prime minister of the kingdom and overthrew the monarchy in a peaceful and bloodless coup d'état on 3 November 2020. During the its existence, the kingdom suffered from nearly the same problems faced by Koldova. Bradaten's reign was plagued by political stagnation and slow population growth as a result of the isolation despite the kingdom's newly established presence in the micronational community. During the existence of the kingdom, there was no nobility.

Richensland's political "ideology" was vaguely stated in its Declaration of Establishment. They were stated in nine points and are referred to as the "Nine Principles". This would later in Richensland's history, be developed into "Revbertism". The Declaration of Establishment states:

That we have decided upon these as our guiding principles, (1) that all men are created equal, (2) and with that is their right to self–determination, (3) the elimination of stressful–conditions in life. We also do agree that (4) the individual has the right to his privacy, (5) matters of public life should not interfere with his private one, school should not affect his private life. With these, we also agree that (6) on a creation of a fraternal society, (7) the individual to live an enjoyable and relaxed life, (8) liberation from oppression and (9) the establishment of a just, benevolent and democratic society.

The nine principles would later go on to play an important role in Richensland's history.

Coup and transition

Emblem of Richensland (2020–2021). The emblem has led speculation that Richensland was a secret nazi state. However, such allegations have been denied. The bird in the emblem was designated as a "phoenix" instead of an "eagle". The emblem ceased to be used in October 2021. Allegations have been quiet since.

Ryan's coup took the form of signing the "Declaration of Establishment of the Plurinational State of Richensland" which replaced Richensland's monarchy with a republican government. The 78 word document was signed by Ryan, Bradaten and Nayli. The republican government of the newly formed republic was a transitional government tasked with transitioning Richensland from a monarchy into a republic. Ryan appointed Bradaten as vice president as governance seemed bleak without Bradaten's help in the government.

Ryan would turn out as the second–shortest serving president. Serving for 15 days, he was outranked by fourth president Amelia Banks, who served for 8 days. Ryan was succeeded by then vice president Nyck Bradaten. Bradaten appointed Nayli as vice president and soon, appointed his cousin Rifqi as the Richensland's first prime minister since the coup. Nayli resigned from her position on 11 December 2020, after 32 days in office. To fill the vacancy, Bradaten appointed Rifqi to the position. This was the first time in Richensland that a person had held both offices of vice president and prime minister concurrently. A temporary constitution was drafted and approved on 8 January 2021. On 2 May 2021, Bradaten issued Proclamation No. 862. This decreed the end of the transitional government, temporary constitution and established a directory. Comprising 6 members, each member held different positions in government and were tasked with drafting a permanent constitution for Richensland. In addition, the directory also functioned as the collective head of state. It was headed by a president which Bradaten served as, while also serving as Speaker of Parliament. Rifqi retained his position of vice president. This period of Richensland's history is known as the "First republic".

Second and third republic

Main article: Cycoldian involvement in Richensland

The final draft of the constitution was adopted on 23 August 2021. Bradaten stepped down on the same day. He was succeeded by vice president Rifqi. Bradaten assumed the office of prime minister, a position he had held two times before. This was the start of the "Second republic".

Summi Imperatoria Christina I & II of the Cycoldian Imperium
Amelia Banks, 4th president for 8 days and former Cycoldian appointed Colonial Governor
Coat of arms of Arthur Lacey-Scott, disputed prime minister in 2021
Heads of Disputed Government
Proposed coat of arms for Richensland. Proposed by the Cycoldians.

Most of the history of the second republic was shadowed by a series of events- particularly the republic's dispute with the Grand Republic of Cycoldia. On 21 September 2022, Richensland's parliament passed an act to allow Cycoldian involvement in Richensland. The main goal of the arrangement was to oversee the republic's democratic transition from a one-party to a multi-party regime. After a period of political instability, the the government of Nyck Bradaten requested the aid of the Cycoldia, whose request was granted with the formation of a colonial delegation and invitation to the Cycoldian Imperium as a partial member state. Soon after, tensions arose between the government and the Cycoldian delegation. Tensions began to emerge with the government over the question of monarchical titles. Imperial Order 2.7 as issued by the reigning house of the Cycoldia stipulates for the title of a head of state of an Imperium realm be that of a monarch and not of a governmental or noble title for full integration to take place. However the government of Bradaten rejected such a notion and few days of negotiations ensued with the Cycoldian delegation. The matter was finally resolved when both parties suggested that Christina I of Cycoldia to be made monarch of Richensland in personal capacity as monarch of Cycoldia and its realms, rather than personally holding sovereign over Richensland.

Shortly thereafter another issue emerged over the question of civil rights between the Cycoldian delegation and the government. The second article of the Constitution of Cycoldia provides that no discrimination be undertaken by any realm or sovereignty under the control of the Grand Republic of Cycoldia. The issues regarding civil rights emerged after the government of Nyck Bradaten published a statement desiring the possibility of the implementation of sharia law in Richensland, which would endanger the civil rights of Cycoldian and any other individuals due to the curtailing of LGBTQ+ rights. The Cycoldian delegation expressed their desire against such a measure and requested such a notion be dismissed as to not compromise the civil rights of any Richenslandian citizens. Thereafter a public poll was published by prime minister Bradaten asking whether LGBTQ+ rights are to be expanded within Richensland. This action precipitated a break-off in relations on part of the Cycoldian delegation and resulted in the subsequent resignation of prime minister Bradaten for his role in the event. Christina I in capacity as monarch of Richensland then appointed Arthur Lacey-Scott as provisional prime minister of Richensland in absence of any clear Richensland precedent for empty administrative posts. However, former prime minister Bradaten rebutted this claim and retracted his statement regarding resignation, thus precipitating another political crisis between Richensland and the Cycoldian delegation. Bradaten then released a statement barring any Cycoldian official or individual a place within the then Richensland Discord server and retracted any attempt to negotiate with the Cycoldian government and the Cycoldian delegation. The Cycoldian government then released as statement supporting Arthur Lacey-Scott as de jure prime minister of Richensland in place of the now-disputed Bradaten. However, Christina's dominion as monarch of Richensland was not recognized by Bradaten's government. Thus, the appointment of Arthur Lacey-Scott as prime minister was not recognized. Bradaten and his government passed an act of parliament on 22 October 2021 and went into exile, styling themselves as the "Government of the Most Serene Republic of Richensland in exile". During the republic's brief rule under Cycoldia, a 13 bullet point list was delivered to Bradaten by Christina I titled "Suggested List of Policies for Richensland" on 22 September, some of which including the removal of Tizian Aruna due to him being a Nazi and hole in Discord raiding, the replacement of the national seal due to its associations with Nazism, the implementation of heraldic laws, and the removal of discriminatory practices.[1] These were estimated to take 1–2 years to implement by the Cycoldian Government, with Bradaten agreeing to them originally, though rebuking them later on 27 September.

Animated "picture" of Bhuvan Pathuri

While in exile, the Lacey-Scott government remained relatively stagnant, while the Bradaten government had political activity. The government had gone through various leadership changes. The office of president had been taken over by Bradaten on 22 October 2021. Bhuvan Pathuri resigned from office that same day. He was replaced with Mullah Mujahid Al Wardasaqri. The position of prime minister was abolished a month later on 22 November 2021, further making Lacey-Scott's claim to office "illegitimate". During the exile, the Bradaten government formed formal diplomatic relations with other micronations and garnered diplomatic support for themselves.[2] On 5 December 2021, the Bradaten government and the cycoldians discussed and worked out an agreement. Mediated by Paloma, the treaty was signed on the same day and took effect immediately. The signing of the agreement signaled the end of Bradaten's exile and return to normal in the republic. This event ushered in the start of the "Third republic". On 1 January 2022, the constitution was heavily amended.

Nationsleep and stagnation

First page of Proclamation No. 9853

Bradaten's decision to declare 'nationsleep" in Richensland on 3 June 2022 was due to the increasingly busy nature of citizen's lives. Richensland entered a deliberate state of inactivity while still being considered "active". However, officeholders of political positions continued to exercise their duties and functions. The document, Proclamation No. 9853, had been signed a few days earlier, but Bradaten chose for the proclamation to take effect on said date. The proclamation legally extended his term of office indefinitely until the lifting of nationsleep, where his term will continue for the remainder of his original six–year term.[3]

The proclamation provided no date that nationsleep was to be formally lifted and any lifting of nationsleep should be done by presidential proclamation. On 5 June 2022, Bradaten's Richenslandic Development Party, Muslim Brotherhood of Richensland and the National and Progressive Party merged into the Richensland Party. The merger agreement was signed on the same day. As Richensland was a one-party state at that time, Richensland Party's Secretary-General Hasan Çakar became de facto leader of Richensland. A writ of election was issued on 6 June 2022, a day after the creation of the Richensland Party which called for a legislative election to elect the 3rd legislature for Richensland as well as the first convocation of the People's Representative Assembly (PRA). Bradaten stood as a candidate under his party. The election took place over 5 days, from 10 until 15 June of that year. Results of the election were announced on 20 June 2022 which Bradaten's party attained a majority and was elected to the People's Representative Assembly.[4]

Bradaten resigned from the presidency on 27 July 2022. Having served 278 days in his first and second presidency, Bradaten served a total of around a year and seven months. However, on 26 July 2022, then first vice-president Jacobs released a statement noting his intention to take a temporary break from the micronational community.[5] As part of that, Jacobs stated that he would resign from all positions that he was serving at that time. This meant that Jacobs had the intent to resign from his position of first vice–president. Despite that, Jacobs did not tender his resignation to the president on 26 July 2022 and succeeded Bradaten as president the next day. Not long after, Aidan McGrath was appointed first vice–president on 29 July 2022. Jacobs reshuffled his cabinet on 30 July 2022 and Bradaten was appointed second vice–president. On 14 August 2022, the People's Representative Assembly passed the Democracy (constitutional amendment) Act of 2022, which abolished one–party rule in the republic.[6]

Attempt to join Roscamistan, 2022

A propaganda poster asking voters to vote yes in the Richensland referenda.
Proposed seal for the Constituent Republic of Richensland

On 8 October 2022, then state representative Bradaten reached out to president Jacobs of Roscamistan and asked if Richensland could join Roscamistan as an autonomous republic. After discussions with Jacobs, Bradaten proposed a "transition guide" that a referendum on Richensland's ascension be held in Roscamistan, Richensland holds a referendum on approving a new constitution and joining Roscamistan, Richensland and Roscamistan sign a treaty confirming the republic's government after ascension and for said treaty to be approved in both micronations, the signing of a second treaty on the ascension of Richensland by both parties. Finally, said treaty would then be approved by both parties and Richensland would officially be a republic of Roscamistan on 1 January 2023.

A communique was published in Roscamistan by president Jacobs on 9 October 2022 on the desire to join Roscamistan. It states:

Chief Justice Bradeten has shown growing disinterest in running his micronation, and instead of him wishing to dissolve it, he wishes for it to join the Republic of Roscamistan. Whilst I am happy to hear said news, I have tried to work out this new system. The Richenslandians are asking for the status of “autonomous republic”, the issue being that no such status currently exists, though I’d be happy to create such an entity. The Richenslandians were not forced into said agreement, they have done this on accord of their former leader Nyck Bradeten.

The communique also proposed a new government system for the republic, for the official name of the republic to be the "Constituent Republic of Richensland" and for there to be a "State President", "Executive Council", "Chamber of Deputies", "Speaker" and an "Superior Autonomous Court". The communique also reaffirmed that there would be a referendum.[7]

This sparked another discussion between the two leaders on the status of the president of Richensland after the ascension. Bradaten had hoped that the title remained. However, Jacobs wanted to distinguish the office from that of the president of Roscamistan, thus the addition of "State" to the title. Jacobs also proposed title official title of the state president as being the "State President of the Executive Council". After a while, both leaders finally agreed on "chief executive" as the replacement title. They also agreed that Richensland should not have a regional head of state, agreeing that such distinction should only rest with the president of Roscamistan.

Roscamistan held its planned referendum on 10 October 2022 for 24 hours. The results of the referendum showed a voter turnout of 8 voters, 75 percent showed the results in favour of approving Richensland's ascension. Bradaten was subsequently appointed as "Minister of State for the integration of Richensland" and a "Richensland Integration Committee" was also formed.

Richensland held its referendum from 14 to 19 October 2022, for a period of five days. The referendum to join Roscamistan and to approve the new constitution was held concurrently.

Richensland's decision to join Roscamistan attracted many negative criticism which would later lead to the 2022 political crisis.

Referendum results

Roscamistan referendum results
on Richensland joining Roscamistan
Response Vote Percentage (%)
Yes 6 75
No 2 25
Invalid votes 0 0
Total votes 8 100
Richensland referendum results
on joining Roscamistan
Response Vote Percentage (%)
Yes 16 80
No 4 20
Invalid votes 0 0
Total votes 20 100
Richensland referendum results
on approving the Fundamental Law as the new Constitution
Response Vote Percentage (%)
Yes 16 84
No 3 15
Invalid votes 1[b] 5[b]
Total votes 19 95

2022 crisis and junta

Aidan McGrath
Alternative flag used by Junta

The first treaty was planned to be signed on 5 December 2022, on the first anniversary of the nation's liberation from Cycoldian involvement. President Jacobs had at midnight greenwich mean time made first vice president Aidan McGrath acting president for twenty-five hours in order to sign the treaty. Previously, McGrath had argued against Jacobs signing the treaty as it was a "conflict of interest", citing the fact that Jacobs was also the incumbent president of Roscamistan.

Upon becoming acting president on 5 December, McGrath issued the following statement:

My first action as President is to declare officially a state of nationsleep until a proper state resolution can be reached.

With that also I am officially using my ability to veto the legislation proposed under terms of conflict of interest in which is a prelude for imperialist expansionism into our nation by a self proclaimed "catholic iliberal" state.

The Kafirs and Ahl al-kitāb will not seize control over us. We've have already been ruled over once by the rank and disturbed Cycoldian monarch and we will not bow our heads down in allegiance to a Catholic imperialist state.

I will be designating a new cabinet for the new Emergency government very shortly.

-إن شاء الله‎-

McGrath used a loophole in the nation's 2021 constitution in order to solidify his claim to the presidential office as the role of acting president was not written into the constitution excluding when in the first schedule, the phrase "acting president" was present in the provision for the presidential and vice presidential oath of office.

Later on the same day, acting president McGrath created the "Transitional Junta for National Reconstruction of Ritshinsland". He was later confronted by Jacobs and resulted in a constitutional crisis. The presidency was both claimed by McGrath and Jacobs. Two days later on 7 December 2022, then second vice president Nyck Bradaten declared himself interim president in order to solve the crisis and stated that he would "pass on the presidency to the rightful President as may be determined by the negotiations or if an early president election is held".

On 14 December 2022, Bradaten announced in the nation's official discord server that after negotiations, Jacobs and McGrath will both serve as president alongside each other. McGrath was sworn in privately in Bradaten's presence on 16 December 2022.

2023 failed coup d'état attempt

On 15 January 2023, former vice president Bradaten announced in the nation's official discord server that the government junta established by McGrath would be renamed to the "Provisional Administration Council" (PAC) and that the agreed upon presidential election that would take place in June-July 2023 will happen from 20 to 25 January 2023. The announcement was as follows:

My fellow Richenslandians. Good morning, afternoon, evening or night. I am announcing that:

a) The Transitional Junta for National Reconstruction of Ritshinsland will be renamed the Provisional Administration Council and will be overseeing (b); b) A presidential election will be held in accordance with the Fundamental Law of the Most Serene Republic of Richensland effective 1 January 2023 for five days from 20 January to 25 January 2023¹.

I am tired of waiting for the agreed upon election in June of this year and so in order to maintain and uphold our democracy, (b) will be implemented briskly.

Nominations for president and vice president are open upon later notice. In order to be nominated for president, one must fulfil the eligibility criteria as stated in Section 2, Article VIII. Anyone may be registered as a candidate for the vice presidential office.

I also announce that: a) All governing authority shall be shifted to the Provisional Administration Council until after the election when the president-elect takes office²; b) As required by Section 3, Article X of the Fundamental Law of the Most Serene Republic of Richensland, the president-elect shall be declared by the People's Representative Assembly through resolution and for that express reason³, the People's Representative Assembly that has been suspended by President Aidan McGrath shall be able to resume its function⁴.

Meanwhile, Presidents Aidan McGrath and Thomas Jacobs shall remain in office and I shall be Chairperson of the Provisional Administration Council.

This is a coup d'état, there is no point rebelling. We seek your cooperation for a fast transition to democratic rule.

Notes: ¹ may be subject to change ² date to be decided (TBD) ³ to declare the president-elect

⁴ Note ³

The coup attempt was ultimately halted with McGrath responding to the situation by kicking all members except administrators out of the Richensland Discord server which later lead to Bradaten to concede and surrender.

2023 presidential election

Main article: Presidential elections in Richensland § 2023

Despite presidential elections having been planned for June-July 2023, it was later declared that presidential elections would be held in January. Although the coup attempt failed, the election was still carried out. In spite of opposition from president Aidan McGrath, nominations for the election were open from 22 January to 23 January 2023 but due to the strict eligibility criteria for the presidency under the newly implemented fundamental law, Bradaten was the only candidate who was eligible and was declared president-elect on nomination day (23 January 2023) without a presidential election. However, an election for vice president was held from 24 January to 29 January 2023. Running mate Thomas Jacobs won the vice presidential election with a comfortable majority of votes over opponent Azwariq Qadri.[8]

Nyck Bradaten and Thomas Jacobs assumed office on 5 February 2023.

Dissolution

After the 2023 presidential election, Richensland remained relatively stagnant.

President Bradaten announced in the nation's Discord server on 31 May 2023, that Richensland would be dissolved and that he would resign from office on 5 June 2023 in a statement. It came as a shock as there were immediate reactions from members of the server. Bradaten also stated in his statement that he would submit a bill to the People's Representative Assembly on the dissolution of the nation.[9]

On 4 June 2023, Bradaten officially proposed House Bill No. 6/2023 to the People's Representative Assembly. The bill was passed and presidential Assent was granted the next day.

In the statement, Bradaten stated that the causes of the nation's dissolution were:

Increased inactivity amongst the citizenry and amongst high-ranking government officials. Due to our busy schedule, we are understandably not able to commit to the existence and governance of the Most Serene Republic of Richensland.

Concern for the future. I am personally concerned, as concerned for the rest, that their future will be directly or indirectly affected due to their participation in the Most Serene Republic of Richensland.

To decrease my personal digital footprint. Being in micronationalism, I have had a much more heavy and sometimes unwanted digital footprint, especially on microwiki which may haunt me in the future.

— Statement, 31 May 2023

Richensland was formally dissolved at 2359 hours on 5 June 2023. Upon dissolution, the nation's territorial claims were formally succeeded back to Singapore.[10]

Politics

See also: List of cabinets of Richensland
A organizational chart of the Richensland government in 2022

Richensland had multiple constitutions during its short existence. The nation had no written constitution during the monarchy. The first constitution was a transitional constitution adopted on 8 January 2021 under the first republic. It remained in force until another constitution was adopted on 23 August 2021. This constitution was later revised and the new revised constitution came into force on 1 January 2022. A year later, it was replaced by the "Fundamental Law of the Most Serene Republic of Richensland" on 1 January 2023 and remained in force until the nation's dissolution in June that same year.

Composition of the Legislature I of Richensland

All four constitutions during the republic period were similar. They advocated for a uniquely strong presidency under a semi-presidential system from 2020 to 2021, where the president reserved powers to appoint the prime minister and cabinet, and held sinificant influence in national politics. From 2021 to dissolution in 2023, Richensland was a presidential republic. The position of prime minister had been abolished on 22 October 2021 and the president was made the head of government. An amendment in 2023 to the Fundamental Law allowed the president to rule by decree, with exception on a few matters. The legislature of Richensland was the Parliament and the People's Representative Assembly (PRA), from 2020 to 2022 and 2022 to 2023 respectively. The judiciary consisted of the Richensland Revolutionary Tribunal (RRT) from 2020–2023, and the Supreme Court in 2023. Both were headed by a chief justice.

  • Executive: President, Vice President (s), Prime Minister, cabinet. The president could veto laws before they become effective. The head of government presided over the cabinet. The president may also constitutionally appoint certain government officials and was assisted in office by vice president (s).
  • Legislature: The president assents to bills (draft laws) passed by the legislature (Parliament/ PRA). The unicameral legislature wrote laws, approved budgets, treaties, and government policies put forward by the ruling administration.
  • Judiciary: The judiciary (RRT/ Supreme Court) adjudicated in civil disputes between persons, convicts or acquits accused persons in criminal prosecutions, and interpreted laws to decide on its constitutionality. Any law or provision of a law found to be unconstitutional can be struck down by the judiciary. Judges were nominated and appointed by the president.

Richensland was a one-party state from 2020 to 2022.

Political parties

For a more comprehensive list, see List of political parties in Richensland.
Logo of the Richensland Party

During Richensland's one-party period, several political parties were allowed to exist, but had to agree on the ruling party's dominance and "leading role". The leading party changed several times – the Libertarian Party in 2020, the Revolutionary Liberty Party from 2020 to 2021, the Grand Nationalist Party in 2021, the Richensland Development Party from 2021 to 2022, and the Richensland Party in 2022. One-party rule was ended in 2022 and Richensland adopted a multi-party system, which it retained until its dissolution.

It had been proposed multiple times by the government to limit the number of political parties (most commonly six). However, such proposals were never made into law.

Political parties that existed during Richensland's existence were:

  • Libertarian Party (2020)
  • Revolutionary Liberty Party (2020–2021)
  • Grand Nationalist Party (2021)
  • Richensland Development Party (2021–2022)
  • In Pog We Trust Party (2021–2023)
  • Conservative Party of Richensland (2021–2023)
  • Progressive Monarchist Party (2021–2023)
  • Shashan Dal (2021–2023)
  • Global Islamic Union (2021–2023)
  • National and Prosperity Party (2021–2022)
  • Republik Sedang Bergerak (2022–2023)
  • Muslim Brotherhood of Richensland (2022)
  • Racist Party (2022)
  • Richensland Party (2022–2023)
  • National Party of Richensland (2022–2023)
  • Islam Richensland (2022–2023)
  • Richensland Revbertist Party (2023)
  • Chokh Dee (2023)

Foreign relations

International relations of Richensland
Category Micronation
Formal diplomacy (18) Kingdom of Valdu[11],

Pogland, Republic of Hilbert Dimension[12], Greater Islamic Sultanate of Recanesia[13],  Kingdom of Fontasia[14], Xindapist People's Commonwealth Socialist Republic of Kanazia[15], Estonian Socialist Republic[16],  Melite,  Pavlov[17], Commonwealth of Zeprana,  Ela'r'oech[18], Kingdom of Ourania[19],  Lurdentania[20],  Huai Siao[21], Pigeoman Empire of Qinnowah, Sublime State of Gurkaniye[22], Sultanate of Qardasha

Intergovernmental organizations (4) Southeast Asian Micronational Association, Southeast Asian Micronations Games Federation, Micronational Olympic Federation, Union of Christian Sovereign Micronations

Intergovernmental organizations

Logo of Richensland's bide to host the 2022 MOF Games

Richensland was an active member of the Southeast Asian Micronational Association, Southeast Asian Micronations Games Federation, Micronational Olympic Federation and was a permanent observer with voting rights of the Union of Christian Sovereign Micronations. Richensland had chaired the Southeast Asian Micronational Association twice, briefly in January 2023 and again from March to May 2023. Presidents Thomas Jacobs and Nyck Bradaten served as Chair of the Southeast Asian Micronational Association during those periods respectively. Additionally, Bradaten served as Supreme Justice of Southeast Asian Micronational Association from 31 May to 5 June 2023. Richensland officially left all the above organizations when it was dissolved on 5 June 2023.

On 4 January 2022, Richensland confirmed its bid to host the 2022 MOF Games. In the first round of voting, the nation attained the highest number of votes – 11. However, in the second round against Aenopia, Wegmat and Saspearian, Richensland only received a single vote. Richensland did not advance to the third round and was not made the host as it was won by Wegmat.

Simulationist policy

Main article: Simulationism

Richensland, throughout its existence, had adopted a "simulationist" policy. This was defined as "not claiming independence".[23] Whereas other micronations often refer to themselves as "unrecognized sovereign states", the nation avoided such title. As such, Richensland was sometimes limited in its ability – especially to establish formal diplomatic relations with more serious micronations. Most formal diplomacy Richensland conducted were by signing a "Treaty of Friendship" and rarely signed treaties of "Mutual Recognition", alluding that it wished not to formally recognize micronations as sovereign states. Additionally, Richensland did not refer to itself as an "unrecognized sovereign state" and recognized Singapore's sovereignty over its claimed territory.[24]

Claimed territories

Initially, Richensland was divided into provinces – which there were five for most of the nation's existence. Richensland Province (mainland Richensland) was further divided into eight districts.

In alphabetical order, the provinces and districts were:

Provinces and districts of Richensland
Name Existence Location Picture
Almendria Province c. 2021 – 5 June 2023 Not known[c]
Bir Tawil Province 13 August 2020 – c. August 2021 Bir Tawil, Africa
Mary Byrd Land Province 13 August 2020 – c. August 2021 Mary Byrd Land, Antartica
Richensland Province
Central Water Catchment District
Lim Chu Kang District
Mandai District
Nee Soon District
Sembawang District
Simpang District
Sungei Kadut District
Sjerelyslau District
 13 August 2020 – 5 June 2023 North Region, Singapore
Viskonia Province c. 2021 – 5 June 2023 Telangana, India[d]

Economy

Richensland was considered a mixed economy, and the government had informally promoted the free-market and private businesses. Despite this, the Richensland economy remained weak throughout its existence and lacked any formally-registered businesses.

During Richensland's existence, its annual government budget had always been zero valora. The government often avoided spending money.

Currency

The currency of the nation throughout its existence was the valora. No official banknote designs were ever adopted. However, during its existence, the Singapore dollar was widely used in mainland Richensland.

2023 proposed valora banknote designs
Denomination Colour Theme Obverse Reverse
RV 2 Blue Phoenixes
RV 5 Green Trees
RV 10 Red Hibiscus
RV 50 Purple Fishing boat and man
RV 100 Yellow The arts
RV 1000 Orange, Blue HDB buildings

Transportation

MRT stations
Aerial view of Sembawang Air Base in 2022

Transportation in Richensland was handled by authorities in Singapore. At the time of dissolution, there were an estimated twelve mass rapid transit (MRT) stations located within mainland Richensland – eight from the North–South MRT line (NSL) and four from the Thomson–East Coast MRT line (TEL) that connected residents to other parts of Singapore.

There were also roads and expressways that are connected to other parts of Singapore. In addition, the Sembawang Air Base is located within mainland Richensland, but is only used for military purposes. The air base had also been informally referred to as "Nyck Bradaten Airport" during the nation's existence.

A proposed Richensland car plate during the attempted transition to merge with Roscamistan

Demographics

Ethnic groups and religion

Richensland was a multi-ethnic micronation. There was a population of Malays, Chinese and Indians; as well as others unknown to the government.

Richensland did not have a designated state religion but was not a secular state from 2020 to 2021. In the micronational community, Richensland was treated as a Muslim majority micronational as most of Richensland's citizens whose religious affiliations are known are Muslims. There was a minority of Hindus and Christians in Richensland.

Languages

A construction site sign written in English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil.

Richensland has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil. English is the lingua franca and the main language used in business, government, law and education. The Fundamental Law and all government legislation is written in English, and interpreters are usually required if a language other than English is used in official capacities. In Richensland, the Malay language is officially written in Rumi script although the Jawi script maybe also be occasionally used ceremonially.

In schools, English is the common language and mother-tongue as a second language taught in schools, in order to preserve each individual's ethnic identity and values. Chinese characters are written in simplified Chinese characters. Richensland English is based on British English.

Holidays and festivities

Holidays and festivities in Richensland
Date Name Remarks References
1 January New Year's Day
15 March Flag and National Symbols Day [25]
1 May Labour Day
13 August National Day Also known by other names, such as "Foundation Day" or "Freedom Day"
3 November Republic Day Commemorates Richensland's transition to republican government
7 November Victims of Communism Day [26]
5 December Victory Day Commemorates end of dispute with the Cycoldian Imperium
25 December Christmas
varies per year Chinese New Year Also known as "Lunar New Year"
varies per year Vesak Day
varies per year Hari Raya Puasa Also known as "Aidilfitri"
varies per year Hari Raya Qurban Also known as "Aidiladha"
varies per year Deepavali

List of leaders

Main article: List of leaders of Richensland

National symbols

Flags

The flag of the Kingdom of Richensland was a design of a white diamond against an orange background, with a black phoenix situated in the center. However, the flag was changed after the 2020 coup d'état. The three colors (black, white, orange) were rearranged into a simple tricolor of black, white and orange.

A specific color scheme was codified into the 2021 constitution, but only de facto came into force on 1 October 2021 in order to differentiate from the color scheme used by the then Cycoldian-claimed government.

The Fundamental Law of the Most Serene painting the Richensland (in force 1 January – 5 June 2023) described the design of the flag as:

The flag of the Most Serene Republic of Richensland is rectangular in shape, its width two-thirds of its length. It shall be equally divided into three parts horizontally and is black, white and orange from top to bottom.

— Section 1, Article III of the Fundamental Law of the Most Serene Republic of Richensland
  • National flag 13 August – 3 November 2020 (ratio 2:3)

    National flag
    13 August – 3 November 2020 (ratio 2:3)

  • National flag 3 November 2020 – 1 October 2021 (ratio 2:3)

    National flag
    3 November 2020 – 1 October 2021 (ratio 2:3)

  • National flag 1 October 2021 – 5 June 2023 (ratio 2:3)

    National flag
    1 October 2021 – 5 June 2023 (ratio 2:3)

  • Presidential standard c. 2022 – 16 March 2023 (ratio 2:3)

    Presidential standard
    c. 2022 – 16 March 2023 (ratio 2:3)

  • Presidential standard 16 March – 5 June 2023 (ratio 1:1)

    Presidential standard
    16 March – 5 June 2023 (ratio 1:1)

  • Standard of the Prime Minister c. 2021 (ratio 2:3)

    Standard of the Prime Minister
    c. 2021 (ratio 2:3)

  • Flag of the Richensland Development Party (RDP) and predecessor parties c. 2020 – 5 June 2022 (ratio 2:3)

    Flag of the Richensland Development Party (RDP) and predecessor parties
    c. 2020 – 5 June 2022 (ratio 2:3)

  • Standard of the Chairman of the Richensland Development Party (RDP) c. 2021 – 5 June 2022 (ratio 2:3)

    Standard of the Chairman of the Richensland Development Party (RDP)
    c. 2021 – 5 June 2022 (ratio 2:3)

  • Alternative flag used by government junta c. 2022–2023 (ratio 2:3)

    Alternative flag used by government junta
    c. 2022–2023 (ratio 2:3)

Official color scheme
Black White Orange
RGB 0-0-0 255-255-255 238-98-0
Hexadecimal #000000 #FFFFFF #EE6200
CMYK 0, 0, 0, 100 0, 0, 0, 0 0, 59, 100, 7

Coat of arms and national emblems

  • Coat of arms 13 August – 3 November 2020

    Coat of arms
    13 August – 3 November 2020

  • National emblem 3 November 2020 – 1 October 2021

    National emblem
    3 November 2020 – 1 October 2021

  • National emblem 1 October 2021 – 1 January 2023

    National emblem
    1 October 2021 – 1 January 2023

  • Coat of arms 1 January – 15 March 2023

    Coat of arms
    1 January – 15 March 2023

  • National emblem 15 March – 5 June 2023

    National emblem
    15 March – 5 June 2023

  • Proposed seal of the Constituent Republic of Richensland

    Proposed seal of the Constituent Republic of Richensland

  • Seal of the People's Representative Assembly c. 2022 – 5 June 2023

    Seal of the People's Representative Assembly
    c. 2022 – 5 June 2023

  • Logo of the Richensland Development Party (RDP) c. 2021 – 5 June 2022

    Logo of the Richensland Development Party (RDP)
    c. 2021 – 5 June 2022

  • Logo of the Richensland Party (RP) 5 June 2022 – 5 June 2023

    Logo of the Richensland Party (RP)
    5 June 2022 – 5 June 2023

  • Presidential seal c. 2022

    Presidential seal
    c. 2022

  • Presidential seal c. 2022 – c. 2023

    Presidential seal
    c. 2022 – c. 2023

  • Seal of vice president c. 2022 – c. 2023

    Seal of vice president
    c. 2022 – c. 2023

  • Proposed presidential seal (2023)

    Proposed presidential seal (2023)

  • Seal of government junta c. 2022–2023

    Seal of government junta
    c. 2022–2023

Notes

  1. ↑ De jure currency. In actuality, the Singapore dollar (SGD) is used in Richensland's claimed territory.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 a voter submitted a blank vote for the approval of the Fundamental Law
  3. ↑ Claimed by Richensland as a province, actual location not known to the Richensland government
  4. ↑ Claimed by Richensland as a province, exact location not known to the Richensland government

References

  1. ↑ Suggested List of Policies for Richensland by the Office of the Summi Imperatoria Retrieved 16 November 2022
  2. ↑ The Rabat Accords on Cycoldian Imperialism Retrieved 16 November 2022
  3. ↑ Proclamation No. 9853 s. 2022 Retrieved 16 November 2022
  4. ↑ 2022 Richenslandic legislative election results Retrieved 16 November 2022
  5. ↑ Thomas Jacobs's formal statement for taking a temporary break from the micronational community 26 July 2022 Retrieved 16 November 2022
  6. ↑ Democracy (constitutional amendment) Act of 2022 Retrieved 16 November 2022
  7. ↑ Communique on Richenslandian desire to join Roscamistan - October 2022 Retrieved 16 November 2022
  8. ↑ House Resolution No. 1/2023 Retrieved 10 March 2023
  9. ↑ Statement 31 May 2023 Retrieved 6 June 2023
  10. ↑ Dissolution Act of 2023 Retrieved 5 June 2023
  11. ↑ Treaty of Sjerelyslau - Beyanhum
  12. ↑ ,Treaty of Sjerelyslau - Malaja
  13. ↑ Recanesian-Richensland non aggression pact and recognition of a new relationship
  14. ↑ ,Treaty of Non-Agression and Mutual Recognition AF-Richensland
  15. ↑ Treaty of Diplomatic Alliance
  16. ↑ Treaty of Mutual Recognition
  17. ↑ TREATY OF ETERNAL ALLIANCE AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE SOCIUS STATUS BETWEEN THE EMPIRE OF PAVLOV AND THE MOST SERENE REPUBLIC OF RICHENSLAND
  18. ↑ Treaty of Sjerelyslau - Da'a'ck
  19. ↑ Treaty of Sjerelyslau - Nubla Jerusalem
  20. ↑ Treaty of Mutual Recognition
  21. ↑ Treaty of Royal Amity
  22. ↑ Friendship and Cooperation Agreement between the Sublime State of Hasanistan and Most Serene Republic of Richensland
  23. ↑ Fundamental Law of the Most Serene Republic of Richensland Retrieved 7 June 2023
  24. ↑ Fundamental Law of the Most Serene Republic of Richensland Retrieved 7 June 2023
  25. ↑ Proclamation No. 1/2023 Retrieved 5 March 2023
  26. ↑ Victims of Communism Act of 2023 Retrieved 5 March 2023

See also

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