Jochaena

Jochaena, officially the Jochaenan Republic (Repubblica Giochenese), is a country in Northern Limmo-Neapolia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic bordering many countries, such as Aclia, Arstotzka, Cospeocia, Genovia, Iuclistan (near Cartango), Sineoria and Ucirlonia.

Jochaena is a leading nation in Limmo-Neapolia, and one of the richest and most intelligent countries overall. It is a country rich in history, culture, and delicious food.

History
Jochaena is a country rich in history, and as such it kind of explains why it is so diverse these days. Mainland Jochaena was formed after two tectonic plates shifted and formed the peninsula we know as Jochaclia. It was first settled many many years ago by nomadic tribes, which eventually met with another nomadic tribe from the East, which is the ancestor of the Hindus.

The Latin Kingdom ruled over half of the peninsula for centuries, until its collapse.

Modern era
In 2031, Jochaclia collapsed after mounting unrest and the Ocruanian invasion which pushed the country into complete disarray. Eustosio Perrelli took power in Jochaena, and declared a "transitional regime".

The first free and fair elections were held in 2032, and Jochaena is a stable federal democracy, although somewhat flawed and corrupt.

In 2041, Arstotzka invaded a city named Imorsa and killed 30% of the population of said city at the time. This sparked a long conflict, which escalated after Jochaena, Lofluaria, and Muclea wanted to control a rural country, pushing it into civil war. The war ended only in 2045, after a peace treaty was signed.

Following this, the president at the time, Melezio Smeriglio, was getting widely unpopular, after a series of corruption scandals and "irredentist" policies. He was forced to resign and a snap election was called, won by Gallicano Mancinelli.

In 2052, the election of Demetrio Campitelli was an important one. Demetrio improved the economy rapidly and increased stability and order in Jochaena, although he was suspected on electoral fraud in 2056. Although the conflict in Aclia was still ongoing, Jochaena was in a new era of prosperity and peace with many friendly and close allies such as Prillovania, Ucirlonia, Fusnistan, Etrait, and Driuso, or so we thought.

In 2057, Jochaena and Aclia exchanged gunfire prior to an event where an Aclian military jet supposedly fired a missile in a refugee camp near Pelermo. The exact motive of the attack was unknown, but this caused a huge escalation in the conflict, with reports of espionage. Skuobia was also ramping up its terrorist activity, which led to war on March 12. Oh, now this is the most important one. Tensions with Catruosia had reached a breaking point and were escalating as well. So much so that on March 13, 2058 YTE, Catruosia suddenly attacked Jochaena with missiles. The Third Yenaulian War had begun. And now we're in the present day.

Politics
Jochaena is a Federal presidential republic located in the heart of the North Atlantic Ocean. Its government is based on the principles of democracy and the rule of law, and its constitution guarantees the fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens.

The People's National Assembly is the country's sole legislative body and is composed of elected representatives from each of its regions. It is responsible for setting and enacting national laws, as well as approving the country's budget.

The President of Jochaena is the head of state and is elected for a four-year term, with a maximum of three consecutive terms. Elections are held every four years in accordance with the Presidential Regulation Act of 2035. The President is responsible for appointing ministers to the cabinet, signing legislation into law, and appointing judges to the Supreme Court.

Administrative divisions
Jochaena is made up of 19 regioni (regions) and numerous comuni (municipalities). Its regions are home to many diverse landscapes ranging from lush forests, snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, and coastal plains.

The regions can decide their own laws according to the Jochaenan Constitution of 2032, which also stabilized how the region is divided as a whole. Oh, not just that, but Jochaena also has 3 overseas departments (Black Isles, Arca Trionfante, and Rame Island), all located in Phuzanica.

Stay safe
Jochaena is a relatively safe place to visit, just make sure not to provoke any scandal. In areas near the Arstotzkan border, do not leave bags on the streets, as they might be suspected for a bomb sent by the APAF.

War
For your safety, stay away from military facilities, infrastructure (transportation, power, what have you) and key government facilities. You are advised to grab the bag filled with necessities like durable food and clothes you have prepared and evacuate to your nearest civil defence shelter when you hear air raid sirens. In major cities like Pelermo, there may be red arrows marked with "Rifugio", showing the direction of the nearest shelter. If you don't know where your nearest shelter is or if the nearest shelter is not operational, go to your nearest metro station.

Don't wear camouflage patterned or otherwise military-like clothing to avoid any possibly-fatal misunderstanding.

Tourist scams
Around popular tourist sites, there are people trying to sell cheap souvenirs. They may also carry roses and say they are giving you a gift because they like you but the minute you take their 'gift' they demand money. They are very insistent, pleading and pesty and often the only way to get rid of them is to be plain rude. Do the best you can to not take their "gifts" as they will follow you around asking for money. Simply saying "no" or "vai via" ("go away") will get them off your back until the next vendor comes up to you.

Another typical encounter throughout tourist spots is the fake 'deaf and dumbs' who enter restaurants or bars, leaving small objects (lighters, keychains, or small toys) on tables with a note asking for financial help. Do not examine their wares; leave them down and they will come back and collect it then leave.

Another scam involves men approaching you, asking where you are from, and beginning to tie bracelets around your wrists. When they are done they will try to charge you upwards of 400 dinars for each bracelet. If anyone makes any attempt to reach for your hand, retract quickly. If you get trapped, you can refuse to pay, but this may not be wise if there are not many people around. Carry small bills or just change, in your wallet, so if you find yourself cornered to pay for the bracelet, you can convince them that 5 or 10 dinars is all you have.

Yet another scam involves being approached by a man, asking you to help break a large bill - usually 100 or 300 dinars. Do not give him your money. The bill he is giving you is fake, but at first glance it might seem real.

Many tourists have reported lottery scams whereby they are contacted via the Internet or fax and informed that they have won a substantial prize in the Jochaenan lottery (EasyRich), when in fact they have never participated in the lottery. They are asked to deposit an amount of money in a bank account to pay taxes and other fees before collecting the prize or coming to Jochaena to close the transaction.

The best advice to avoid scams is to get away from anyone you have never seen before who starts talking to you.

Road safety
Driving in Jochaena and Aclia is fast-paced and widely considered to be wild, especially when compared to other nearby rural countries. Drivers tend to change lanes quickly and tend to make hasty, irrational driving decisions. It's common for drivers to drive on the wrong side of the roads just to beat the traffic and get ahead of everyone else.

As a pedestrian, be careful when crossing roads, as not all vehicles will stop at marked crossings.