Most Serene Republic of Richensland

"Richensland" redirects here. For other uses, see Richensland (disambiguation).

Most Serene Republic of Richensland Republik Richensland yang amat agong (Malay) 最宁静的瑞金斯兰共和国 (Chinese) ரிச்சன்ஸ்லாந்து மிகவும் அமைதியான குடியரசு (Tamil)
Flag Emblem
Motto: "Libertate Unanimus" (Latin) "Unified by Freedom"
Anthem: "National Anthem"
Location of Richensland (red) (1°23′30″N 103°53′40″E)
Capital	Sjerelyslau (1°26′10.57″N 103°47′12.14″E)
Largest District	Central Water Catchment District (01°22′N 103°48′E)
Official languages	English Malay Mandarin Tamil
Ethnic groups	23.4% Malay 3.9% Chinese 2.6% Indian 2.6% White 67.5% Unknown
Religion	27.3% Islam 2.6% Hindu 2.6% Christianity 66.2% Unknown
Demonym(s)	Richenslandian Koldovian (informal)
Government	Unitary dominant-party presidential simulationist republic
• President	Nyck Bradaten
• Vice President	Thomas Jacobs
• Speaker of the People's Representative Assembly	Hasan Çakar
• Chief Justice	Vacant
Legislature	People's Representative Assembly
Formation
• Koldova Nation	c. 2016–2020
• Kingdom of Richensland established	13 August 2020
• Coup and republic established	3 November 2020
• Current constitution	1 January 2023
Area
• Total	134.5 km2 (51.9 sq mi)
Membership	78 (as of June 2022)
Currency	Richensland valora (RV) (RSV)
Time zone	UTC +8 (SST)
Date format	dd-mm-yyyy
Driving side	left
Calling code	+65
Internet TLD	.com (de facto)

Richensland, officially the Most Serene Republic of Richensland (abbreviated as MSR); is a micronation in Southeast Asia, bordered by Singapore to the west, south and southeast; and sharing a maritime border with Malaysia to the north, connected by the Johor–Singapore Causeway in the nation's capital. Strategically located on the northern half of Singapore's Pulau Ujong (mainland Singapore), it is at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and is separated from it by the Straits of Johor. In addition, it lies about one degree of latitude (137 kilometres or 85 miles) north of the equator. Richensland has four official languages: English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil. English is the lingua franca and most institutions of the nation operate in the language. The national capital and most populous district is Sjerelyslau.

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 six 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 (sixth 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. Currently, the nation is governed by president Nyck Bradaten since 5 February 2023.

In the nation's fundamental law, the nation is described as "a simulationist micronation and shall not refer to itself as an unrecognised sovereign state, or by any other term that may so contradict its doctrine of simulationism, defined as not claiming independence". However, the nation also functions similarly to an actual nation, and has adopted its own laws, symbols and has held elections.

Richensland is an unitary state divided into eight districts with a political system functioning as a presidential republic. The chief executive of the nation is the president (currently Nyck Bradaten) and is assisted in office by a vice president (currently Thomas Jacobs). The president chairs the Executive Council. The legislature is the People's Representative Assembly, consisting of elected members. The judiciary is the Supreme Court of Richensland, whose judges are appointed by the president. Richensland is a member state of the Southeast Asian Micronational Association, Southeast Asian Micronations Games Federation, Micronational Olympic Federation and is a permanent observer with voting rights of the Union of Christian Sovereign Micronations.

Etymology

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 w: 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).

History

See also: History of Singapore

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 present 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

• 

  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 Governess

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. 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. 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.

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.

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. 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.

Attempt to join Roscamistan, 2022

A propaganda poster asking voters to vote yes in the Richensland referenda.

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.

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	5
Total votes	19	95

2022 crisis and junta

Aidan McGrath

Transitional Junta for National Reconstruction of Ritshinsland
Junta Peralihan untuk Pembinaan Semula Negara Richensland (Malay) 里琴斯兰国家重建过渡军政府 (Chinese) ரிச்சென்ஸ்லாந்தின் தேசிய புனரமைப்புக்கான இடைக்கால இராணுவ ஆட்சிக்குழு (Tamil)
Seal of the Junta
Overview
Established	5 December 2022 (2022-12-05)
Leader	Collective leadership Aidan McGrath and Thomas Jacobs (de facto)

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.

Since 2023 presidential election

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.

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

Geography

Location of Richensland in Southeast Asia

A typical rainy scenery in Singapore

Richensland is located on the northern half of Singapore's Pulau Ujong, claiming around 134.5 kilometers of the landmass which is officially known in Singapore as the North Region. Prior to 2023, Richensland also claimed two other territories in India and a territory in an unknown country which Richensland designated the "Viskonia Province" and "Almendria Province" respectively. Richensland also formerly claimed Bir Tawil and Mary Byrd Land, having abandoned its claims to the territories that it had designated as the "Bir Tawil District" and "Mary Byrd Land District" to Pogland as a token of friendship. Richensland is connected to Malaysia due to the Johor–Singapore Causeway that can be accessed from Richensland's capital, Sjerelyslau.

Richensland's size has subjected it to much ridicule. Despite having declared that it was not serious in claiming the territories and had to goal of independence, it has been accused of being a live action role-playing game by the Greater Islamic Sultanate of Recanesia in 2022.

Climate

Richensland has a tropical rainforest climate (Köppen: Af) with no distinctive seasons, uniform temperature and pressure, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. Temperatures usually range from 23 to 32 °C (73 to 90 °F). While temperature does not vary greatly throughout the year, there is a wetter monsoon season from November to February. Richensland follows the GMT+8 time zone, one hour ahead of the typical zone for its geographical location. This causes the sun to rise and set particularly late during February, where the sun rises at 7:15 am and sets around 7:20 pm. During July, the sun sets at around 7:15 pm. The earliest the sun rises and sets is in late October and early November when the sun rises at 6:46 am and sets at 6:50 pm.

Climate data for Singapore (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1929–1941 and 1948–present)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	35.2 (95.4)	35.2 (95.4)	36.0 (96.8)	35.8 (96.4)	35.4 (95.7)	35.0 (95)	34.0 (93.2)	34.2 (93.6)	34.4 (93.9)	34.6 (94.3)	34.4 (93.9)	33.8 (92.8)	36.0 (96.8)
Average high °C (°F)	30.6 (87.1)	31.5 (88.7)	32.2 (90)	32.4 (90.3)	32.3 (90.1)	31.9 (89.4)	31.4 (88.5)	31.4 (88.5)	31.6 (88.9)	31.8 (89.2)	31.2 (88.2)	30.5 (86.9)	31.6 (88.9)
Daily mean °C (°F)	26.8 (80.2)	27.3 (81.1)	27.8 (82)	28.2 (82.8)	28.6 (83.5)	28.5 (83.3)	28.2 (82.8)	28.1 (82.6)	28.0 (82.4)	27.9 (82.2)	27.2 (81)	26.8 (80.2)	27.8 (82)
Average low °C (°F)	24.3 (75.7)	24.6 (76.3)	24.9 (76.8)	25.3 (77.5)	25.7 (78.3)	25.7 (78.3)	25.4 (77.7)	25.3 (77.5)	25.2 (77.4)	25.0 (77)	24.6 (76.3)	24.3 (75.7)	25.0 (77)
Record low °C (°F)	19.4 (66.9)	19.7 (67.5)	20.2 (68.4)	20.7 (69.3)	21.2 (70.2)	20.8 (69.4)	19.7 (67.5)	20.2 (68.4)	20.7 (69.3)	20.6 (69.1)	21.1 (70)	20.6 (69.1)	19.4 (66.9)
Average Rainfall mm (inches)	221.6 (8.724)	105.1 (4.138)	151.7 (5.972)	164.3 (6.469)	164.3 (6.469)	135.3 (5.327)	146.6 (5.772)	146.9 (5.783)	124.9 (4.917)	168.3 (6.626)	252.3 (9.933)	331.9 (13.067)	2,113.2 (83.197)
Average relative humidity (%)	83.5	81.2	81.7	82.6	82.3	80.9	80.9	80.7	80.7	81.5	84.9	85.5	82.2
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm)	13	9	12	15	15	13	14	14	13	15	19	19	171
Sunshine hours	172.4	183.2	192.7	173.6	179.8	177.7	187.9	180.6	156.2	155.2	129.6	133.5	2,022.4
Source no. 1: National Environment Agency
Source no. 2: NOAA (sun only, 1961–1990)

Nature

Within Richensland's claimed territory, there can be found the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and the Central Water Catchment area which includes the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. A lot of wildlife can be found in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve including the Eurasian whimbre, common greenshank, common redshank, Mongolian plover, curlew sandpipier, marsh sandpiper and Pacific golden plover, yellow bittern and cinnamon bittern. Smooth otters may also be spotted in the nature reserve if an individual is lucky, as well as the rare lesser whistling-duck, and the rare milky stork. Furthermore, Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are occasionally seen in the reserve. The water catchment boasts a rich biodiversity with over 500 animal species including crab-eating macaque, colugo, common treeshrew, sunda slow loris and sunda pangolin. Wild birds such as crimson sunbird, greater racket-tailed drongo and kingfishers are found in the reserve, too. Some species of critically endangered bats have also been spotted.

The Central Water Catchment area contains the MacRitchie, Upper Seletar, Upper Peirce and Lower Peirce reservoirs which are Singapore's main reservoirs. Due to the importance of both nature reserves to Singapore's already urban environment and the role played by the reservoirs for Singapore's water supply, this has caused both nature reserves to be designated with special status in Richensland.

Administrative divisions

• 

  Location and map of Sjerelyslau

• 

  Location and map of Central Water Catchment

Richensland is divided into 8 districts. Prior to 2023, Richensland was divided into 8 districts (including Bir Tawil and Mary Byrd Land) and 2 mainland territories (Sjerelyslau and Central Water Catchment), later into three provinces (Almendria Province, Richensland Province and Viskonia Province) and 6 districts with two mainland territories.

1. Nee Soon District
2. Sembawang District
3. Mandai District
4. Lim Chu Kang District
5. Sungei Kadut District
6. Simpang District
7. Sjerelyslau District
8. Central Water Catchment District

Politics

Political system

Main articles: President of Richensland, Vice President of Richensland, Constitution of Richensland, Executive Council of Richensland, and People's Representative Assembly (Richensland)

Richensland is a republic modeled after the presidential system since late 2021. The Fundamental Law of Richensland is the supreme law of the nation, establishing the structure and responsibility of governance. The president is the head of state and head of government and chairs the Executive Council. The Executive Council consist of the president, vice president, and heads of executive departments styled as "secretaries".

The government of Richensland is divided into three branches:

• Executive: The president is vested with executive powers, can veto laws before they become effective and presides over the Executive Council. The president may also appoint certain government officials and is assisted in office by the vice president.
• Legislature: The president assents to bills (draft laws) passed by the People's Representative Assembly. The unicameral legislature writes laws, approve budgets, treaties, and government policies put forward by the ruling administration.
• Judiciary: The Supreme Court adjudicates in civil disputes between persons, convicts or acquits accused persons in criminal prosecutions, and interprets laws to decide on its constitutionality. Any law or provision of a law found to be unconstitutional can be struck down by the Supreme Court. Judges are nominated and appointed by the president.

The president and vice president are elected by popular vote for an indefinitely renewable two-year term. The eligibility criteria set forth by the fundamental law for the presidency are stringent, and requires candidates to be residents of the nation's claimed territory such that only a handful of people qualify for the candidacy. The latest presidential election in 2023 saw only one eligible candidate, Nyck Bradaten, who was declared president-elect at the end of nomination day without a contest. However, the vice presidency does not have a strict eligibility criteria. The president and vice president are elected on seperate ballots.

Members of the People's Representative Assembly are elected at least every two years unless the People's Representative Assembly is dissolved early by presidential proclamation. Members are elected by block voting and do not represent any constituencies. The Richensland Party (RP) occupies a dominant position in Richensland politics, currently controlling the executive and legislative branches of government.

The judicial system is based on English common law retained from Singapore. Criminal law not codified in Richensland law is largely based on Singapore criminal law which is based on the Indian Penal Code originally intended for British India.

Office held	Office holder	Incumbency
President	Nyck Bradaten	5 February 2023
Vice President	Thomas Jacobs	5 February 2023
Speaker of the People's Representative Assembly	Hasan Çakar	12 August 2022
Chief Justice	Vacant	5 February 2023

Political parties

Logo of the Richensland Party

Logo of Islam Richensland

There are currently political parties that exist in Richensland. The nation has seen a gradual increase in political parties, especially islamic-based parties.

Party		Abbr	Ideology	PRA seats	PRA caucus
	Richensland Party	RP	Conservatism	7 / 10	Majority
	Progressive Monarchist Party	PMP	Progressivism Absolute monarchism	1 / 10	Minority
	Shashan Dal	SD	Communism	0 / 10	NA
	Republik Sedang Bergerak Republic Progressing Forward	RSB	Liberalism	1 / 10	Minority
	National Party of Richensland	NP	Islamic democracy Anti-Zionism Anti-Western sentiment Anti-Russian sentiment Richenslandic irredentism	0 / 10	NA

Foreign affairs

A proposed Richensland passport

Richensland has established and maintains diplomatic relations with other micronations. On [date], president Nyck Bradaten issued an executive order placing emphasis on special relations with neighboring micronations located in Southeast Asia and Roscamistan. In addition, the nation's fundamental law declares Richensland as a "pacifist state".

Diplomacy is conducted through the Department of State. Richensland currently conducts formal diplomacy with:

1. Kingdom of Valdu
2. Pogland
3. Republic of Hilbert Dimension
4. Greater Islamic Sultanate of Recanesia
5. Kingdom of Fontasia
6. Xindapist People's Commonwealth
7. Socialist Republic of Kanazia
8. Estonian Socialist Republic
9. Melite
10. Pavlov
11. Commonwealth of Zeprana
12. Ela'r'oech
13. Kingdom of Ourania
14. Lurdentania
15. Huai Siao
16. Pigeoman Empire of Qinnowah
17. Sublime State of Gurkaniye
18. Sultanate of Qardasha

The nation is an active member of the Southeast Asian Micronational Association, Southeast Asian Micronations Games Federation, Micronational Olympic Federation and is a permanent observer with voting rights of the Union of Christian Sovereign Micronations. Richensland has chaired the Southeast Asian Micronational Association twice, briefly in January 2023 and again since March 2023. Incumbent president Nyck Bradaten is the Chair of the Southeast Asian Micronational Association since 1 March 2023.

Human rights

Although not codified in Richensland law, the government has, from time to time, reinforced and reaffirmed its stance on capital punishment, making it a de facto penalty for criminals, especially for drug trafficking. Richensland has also retained restrictions on the selling of chewing gun from Singapore.

Since 2023, marriage has been codified in the fundamental law as a "union of a man and a woman", making it harder for homosexual couples to legally wed.

Demographics

Population

The government of Richensland reported around 78 citizens as of June 2022.

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.

Religion

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

Cuisine

Local food items generally relate to a particular ethnicity – Chinese, Malay and Indian; but the diversity of cuisine has increased further by the hybridisation of different styles (e.g., the Peranakan cuisine, a mix of Chinese and Malay cuisine). In hawker centres, cultural diffusion is exemplified by traditionally Malay hawker stalls also selling Tamil food. Chinese stalls may introduce Malay ingredients, cooking techniques, or entire dishes into their range of catering. Richensland has a burgeoning food scene ranging from hawker centres (open-air), food courts (air-conditioned), coffee shops (open-air with hawker stalls), cafes, fast food and simple kitchens. Religious dietary strictures exist (Muslims do not eat pork and Hindus do not eat beef). Therefore, Richensland's cuisine is inspired by the cuisines belonging to the different ethnicities in the nation.

Holidays or festivals

There are some public holidays, festivities and ceremonies in Richensland. Richensland also de facto recognizes Singapore's holidays, festivities and ceremonies.

• 15 March (Flag and National Symbols Day)
• 13 August (Foundation Day)
• 3 November (Republic Day)
• 7 November (Victims of Communism Day)
• 5 December (Victory Day)
• Chinese New Year
• Vesak Day
• Hari Raya Puasa (Aidilfitri)
• Hari Raya Qurban (Aidiladha)
• Deepavali
• Christmas
• Labour Day
• New Year's Day

Other holidays, festivities and ceremonies may be declared by the government.