[[File:Ursinethrone.jpg|thumb|right|An artists rendition of the initial Ursine Throne prior to the creation of the guardian bears.]]
The '''Ursine Throne''', alternatively the '''Imperial Seat''' (''Sede della Imperatore'', "Seat of the Emperor") is a term used to describe both the head of state of [[Aciria]], the [[Emperor of Aciria]] and his aides, and the literal throne used by the current [[Emperor of Aciria]].
Literally, the Ursine Throne refers to the throne located in the Imperial Palace in [[Trossera]]. The thrones located in places like the Imperial Retreat on [[Montverde]] are used during the imperial stay there, when imperial matters are directed there, but generally remain unnamed, the Ursine Throne being used exclusively for the one in [[Trossera]].
Burgundian Economy by Industry
==History==
The term Ursine Throne traces its roots back at least to the establishment of the [[Kingdom of Aciria]] in 220 BC, from when the first descriptions of the Ursine Throne have been found. The throne was described as the Ursine Throne due to the two statues of bears made of pure gold that sat next to the throne, guarding the King. Bears were chosen as the guardians due to the historical religious importance that the bears had in the region, with bears being seen as both strong and wise.
Transport and Storage (25.3%)
During the initial years of [[Caphiria|Caphirian]] rule, nobility often respected and looked to the Ursine Throne for guidance and directed their allegiance here over [[Venceia]]. Some early [[Aciriani people|Acirian]] sources claim that due to this, the Caphirian legion stationed at [[Trossera]] at some point destroyed the Ursine Throne and brought the bears to Venceia where they were eventually smelted. The first modern Ursine Throne was constructed in 1815 by Emperor Enrico to honour his father, but it was replaced in 1905 by the current throne, and the initial modern Ursine Throne was taken to the Imperial Museum in [[Trossera]].
Services (18.2%)
==During Imperial Reclusion==
During times of Imperial Reclusion, the term Imperial Seat refers not to the Emperor, but the various aides the Emperor uses. These include but are not limited to the [[Arm of the Emperor]], [[Voice of the Emperor]] and the [[Eye of the Emperor]]. The reclusion periods mean the Emperor staying away from the public eye for extended periods of time, which is when he uses the various aides of his to ensure his will is followed through. Only the Arms of the Emperor are personally appointed by the Emperor, but both the Voice of the Emperor and the Eye of the Emperor are selected by him, while the Arm of the Emperor reaches out to those selected to recruit them.
Heavy Manufacturing (16.6%)
The Arm of the Emperor is responsible for recruiting the other aides of the Emperor. The Arm is also expected to eliminate any threats to the Imperial Seat, either selected by the Emperor or spotted by the Eye of the Emperor. Those behind executing these orders are sometimes referred to as the Fist of the Emperor.
Construction (13.9%)
The Voice of the Emperor is responsible for speaking in place of the Emperor, being the only one in regular, direct contact with the Emperor during the times of reclusion.
Healthcare (8.3%)
The Eye of the Emperor is responsible for watching out for threats against the Imperial Seat, the Emperor, and those pretending to be imperial aides without appointment. Sometimes in modern day the [[Polizia Amministrativa Imperiale]] are identified as the modern equivalent of the Eye of the Emperor, casting doubt on the need for the Eye of the Emperor in modern times.
Agriculture and Mining (7.1%)
[[Category:Aciria]]
Wholesale/Retail (3.5%)
Insurance and Security (3.2%)
Medical Sevices/Pharmaceuticals (2.9%)
Other (1%)
Burgundie's economy is comparatively massive, highly-advanced and industrialized, with a national GDP of $10 trillion and GDP per capita of $50,170 as of 2028, and a low unemployment rate of only 3.26%. The official currency, Imperial Dollar ($), is the currency of the Holy Levantine Empire. The private sector and nonprofit sectors represent 59% of the country's GDP and the public sector the remaining 41%.
The Burgundian economy is dominated by maritime trade, followed by the heavy manufacturing. The maritime sector accounts for 43.5% of the national GDP, and employs 37% of the population. Heavy manufacturing makes up 16.6% of the GDP, and employs 20.1% of the population. Economic growth for the last fiscal year was slow, with a growth rate of only .76%. The private sector dominates the national economy, with the private sector constituting 84% of the economy and the public sector just 17%.
As a post-industrial economy, Burgundie is highly reliant on global market to perform well in order to ensure that the local market remain healthy. The Merchant Marine of Burgundie has a total capacity of 214,573,650 metric tons spread across 4,146 ships, and is dominated by O’Shea Container Shipping, Lansing Lines and Doppel Gangway. Burgundie plays a major role in maintaining international trade at the sacrifice of its own self-sufficiency and resources independence. Since history has dictated that Burgundie maintain a thalossocratic presence in the world it controls very little land, all of which has long been stripped of its natural resources.
A central feature of the Burgundian economy is the economic freedom afforded to the private sector by allowing the private sector to make the majority of economic decisions in determining the direction and scale of what the Burgundian economy produces. This is enhanced by relatively low levels of regulation and government involvement, as well as a court system that generally protects property rights and enforces contracts. Today, Burgundie is home to 3.7 million small businesses, 884 millionaires, 58 billionaires, as well as 15 of the world's 500 largest companies.
From its emergence as an independent nation, Burgundie has encouraged science and innovation. In the early 20th century, the research developed through informal cooperation between Burgundian industry and academia grew rapidly and by the late 1940s exceeded the size of that taking place in much larger countries.
Contents
1 Culture and trends
2 Wealth, Income and Economic Classes in Burgundie
3 Government Spending
4 Private Sector Spending
4.1 Private sector socialism
4.2 Top 10 Largest Burgundian Companies
4.3 Real estate
5 Currency
6 The Black Market and Corruption
6.1 A Brief History of Corruption in Burgundie
Culture and trends
On the local level Burgundie has deemed itself a “shoeshine/barbershop economy”. What this means is that aside from large scale conglomerates most businesses are small scale and serves the individuals who work for the conglomerates. The term comes from the practice of workers getting a shave and having their shoes shined before work at mobile barbers and shoe shiners that roam the early morning streets on the way into work. The concept more broadly applies to all of the service industries that support the working classes doing their work. The Bureau of Labor’s Divison of Labor Statistics have speculated that these small one-man enterprises generate a massive amount of economic activity in the country.
Wealth, Income and Economic Classes in Burgundie
The nominal GDPPC of Burgundie is $50,170. This is reflective of the economic situation in Burgundie. The following is a break down of the economic classes in the country and their designations as determined by the nation's tax code.
Economic Class
Annual Household Salary
% of Total Population
Number of Pop. in Class
Rich
more than $500,000
4%
8,000,000
Upper Class
$200,000-499,999
10%
20,000,000
Middle Class
$100,000-199,999
14%
28,000,000
Working Class
$60-99,999
46%
92,000,000
Working Poor
$45-59,999
15%
30,000,000
Poor
$25-44,999
8%
16,000,000
Impoverished
less than $25,000
3%
6,000,000
Government Spending
On average the Golden Council of Ten allots $4.1 trillion in discretionary funds each year (41% of GDP).
Burgundian Discretionary Funds
Military (30%)
Education (15%)
Transportation (11%)
Infrastructure (10%)
Veterans Benefits (10%)
Science (9%)
Housing and Community (6%)
Environment and Energy (5%)
Health Programs (4%)
Food and Agriculture (4%)
Private Sector Spending
Representing 59% of the economic spending activity in Burgundie. 48% of the is represented by e-commerce.
Private sector socialism
The sense of commonwealth among the Bergendii is born from the ancient raiding traditions. Each man looked out for his fellow boat-mates as though they were his brothers. If the sailors were to die the men of the boat would adopt and support his wife and family until she remarried. When the raiders became "landed" the "boat bond" was continued in each hamlet. They became known as meal groups this meant that the bread winners were collectively responsible for feeding the hamlet at the evening meal. This sense of commonwealth continues to this day with the practice of meal group not only in the neighborhoods around Burgundie but also, starting in the 1920s the rise of public health concepts led major companies to adopt the meal group mind set. In the 1980s many companies were buying apartment blocks and high rises near their factories and subsidizing their rent in order as an incentive. These "company rows" had become standard practice and by the late 80s, every manufacturing plant offered housing to all of its employees. This form of private sector socialism staunched the rise of the communist movement in Burgundie because it staked the fortunes of the working class on the upper class. Communist theorists decried this move as exacerbating the issue of inequity, but by the 1990s the communist movement in Burgundie was essentially dead.
Roth Insurance LLC-insurance firm offering all forms of insurance, but specializing in maritime insurance (also has an armed maritime escort service)
Cross Trucking Company- a mid-sized automotive company specializing in industrial, police and non-combat military vehicles
Beacon Business Continuity and Incident Management- split into two divisions, Beacon BC/IM offers both Business Continuity and Incident Management services
Perfect Storm Emergency Response Corps- comprehensive emergency management service with a volunteer corps of 2,020 personnel who can mobilize to any part of Greater Ixnay in less then 48 hours
Waldo Green Grocer Company- a massive international supermarket chain
Real estate
The homeownership rate in Burgundie is above average at 81.4%. This is due to both an aggressive effort by the royal family through Palacin Holdings to ensure both that homelessness is eradicated and through wholistic social programming that seeks to improve the living standard for all Burgoignacs.
Currency
The Viceimperial Bank of Burgundie, pictured here, is locally responsible for minting and maintaining the Imperial Dollar, the currency of the Holy Levantine Empire.
The Imperial Dollar is considered one of the world's strongest currencies, currently exchanging at U$1 for $1.95 USD. The currency itself is the common currency issued by the Holy Levantine Empire and used by most of the states therein; nevertheless, it is primarily coined in Urceopolis and much of its stability is attributable to the Royal Bank of Urcea. The Imperial Dollar is often used as the "default currency" of business in Levantia and even in some parts of Crona and Ixnay, as well as finding use in parts of Punth as a general currency of trade. It is a fiat currency, though in the past it was based on a gold standard. The Dollar is one of the globally accepted hard currencies and is a primary reserve currency in Levantia and abroad.
Finding its origin in the thaler of the Kingdom of Ultmar, the Dollar eventually became the trade currency of Levantia as a whole and beyond.
Despite the uniform nature of the Dollar, it will still have some regional variety in the type of bills and coins themselves; Burgundian bills, for example, tend to show scenes of the thalassocracy's history related to their mastery of the sea. Other states of the Empire tend to display their head of state or historic heads of state alongside the seal of the Empire.
The Black Market and Corruption
Because of its reliance on trade and the private sector the Burgundian economy has long been fairly unregulated, by the government. However, the private sector has a long tradition of cooperation with the Revenue Guard and policing any black market activity. As such, the black market is practically non-existent. This does not apply to the internet. Intellectual property piracy in Burgundie is rife and the conservative, traditionalist Revenue Guard have been slow to respond. In response to this, the private sector has turned to the court system and since approximately 2003 the courts have been presided over by pro-business judges. This has led to cries among the populace that a certain level of corruption exists in the courts, which is anathema in the country where corruption is tantamount to treason.
A Brief History of Corruption in Burgundie
When Burgundie became independent, it eschewed as many Fiannrian institutions and traditions as it could, to distinguish itself. Corruption was one of those traditions, less an endemic problem across the whole of Fiannria and more an issue with the Fiannrian appointed Dukes in Burgundie. In the early days of independence a moral and social campaign was embarked upon to do away with corruption. It was soon considered an affront to not only your family, but your community and the fledgling nation. The strong sense of commonwealth of the BergesMenn, that has always kept them together despite foreign rule, was also at stake in corruption cases and the citizens wouldn't stand for it. In time, corruption, while not legally punishable, was to become social suicide. Families with ties to corrupt politicians and businessmen were shunned and socially exiled. In the 21st century this is as true as ever and in light of the accusations that the justice system is corruptly pro-business, people have begun to question the courts more openly.
[[Category:Burgundie]]
Revision as of 11:00, 12 May 2022
An artists rendition of the initial Ursine Throne prior to the creation of the guardian bears.
The Ursine Throne, alternatively the Imperial Seat (Sede della Imperatore, "Seat of the Emperor") is a term used to describe both the head of state of Aciria, the Emperor of Aciria and his aides, and the literal throne used by the current Emperor of Aciria.
Literally, the Ursine Throne refers to the throne located in the Imperial Palace in Trossera. The thrones located in places like the Imperial Retreat on Montverde are used during the imperial stay there, when imperial matters are directed there, but generally remain unnamed, the Ursine Throne being used exclusively for the one in Trossera.
History
The term Ursine Throne traces its roots back at least to the establishment of the Kingdom of Aciria in 220 BC, from when the first descriptions of the Ursine Throne have been found. The throne was described as the Ursine Throne due to the two statues of bears made of pure gold that sat next to the throne, guarding the King. Bears were chosen as the guardians due to the historical religious importance that the bears had in the region, with bears being seen as both strong and wise.
During the initial years of Caphirian rule, nobility often respected and looked to the Ursine Throne for guidance and directed their allegiance here over Venceia. Some early Acirian sources claim that due to this, the Caphirian legion stationed at Trossera at some point destroyed the Ursine Throne and brought the bears to Venceia where they were eventually smelted. The first modern Ursine Throne was constructed in 1815 by Emperor Enrico to honour his father, but it was replaced in 1905 by the current throne, and the initial modern Ursine Throne was taken to the Imperial Museum in Trossera.
During Imperial Reclusion
During times of Imperial Reclusion, the term Imperial Seat refers not to the Emperor, but the various aides the Emperor uses. These include but are not limited to the Arm of the Emperor, Voice of the Emperor and the Eye of the Emperor. The reclusion periods mean the Emperor staying away from the public eye for extended periods of time, which is when he uses the various aides of his to ensure his will is followed through. Only the Arms of the Emperor are personally appointed by the Emperor, but both the Voice of the Emperor and the Eye of the Emperor are selected by him, while the Arm of the Emperor reaches out to those selected to recruit them.
The Arm of the Emperor is responsible for recruiting the other aides of the Emperor. The Arm is also expected to eliminate any threats to the Imperial Seat, either selected by the Emperor or spotted by the Eye of the Emperor. Those behind executing these orders are sometimes referred to as the Fist of the Emperor.
The Voice of the Emperor is responsible for speaking in place of the Emperor, being the only one in regular, direct contact with the Emperor during the times of reclusion.
The Eye of the Emperor is responsible for watching out for threats against the Imperial Seat, the Emperor, and those pretending to be imperial aides without appointment. Sometimes in modern day the Polizia Amministrativa Imperiale are identified as the modern equivalent of the Eye of the Emperor, casting doubt on the need for the Eye of the Emperor in modern times.
