Genovia



Genovia, officially known as the Kingdom of Genovia (Reino Genovyano) is a tiny country in the Jochaclian peninsula, part of Neapolia. It is bordered by the sea to the west, and Jochaena on all the other sides.

The minute, liberal, pro-business, outspoken government, or what there is of one, prioritizes defense, although welfare, healthcare, and education are also considered important, while spirituality receives no funds. Citizens of Genovia don't have to pay a tax at all.

Genovia is the country with the highest Human Development Index in all of Yenaulia, this is because quite a big chunk of the population has a very, very high income, and due to its strong neutrality which helped the country prosper and avoid the carnage the rest of Jochaclia witnessed in the 2020s and 2030s.

Etymology
The name Genovia comes from Génunvi (promised land in Ucirlonian), a plateau in Genovia and parts of Tasoria where said country was founded.

History
Genovia was founded in parts of the Génunvi plateau on January 13th, 1704 YTE when the Duchy of Tasoria agreed to a treaty to allow the province of Genovia to be set free. In 1704, when the Constitution of the Nation was written, the nation intended to move forward with the Monarchy. The Monarchy is what led to the treaty. It was agreed that the Monarch should be able to rule his own nation, therefore, a treaty was set forth.

The Gran Miraklo Economico and modern times
In the late 20th century YTE, King Alexander I took over the country after his father's death. He introduced massive reforms to the country and democratized it for a "better pluralist society". His rule saw an economic boom, contributed in part by the growing tourist industries. However, despite all this improvement, there were some flops too. Genovia had its own currency until the adoption of the euro.

In the late 2020s YTE, Genovia was hit by a massive refugee crisis due to the collapse of Jochaclia. Hindus, trying to flee the persecution, had settled in Genovia as a refuge. Well, people could freely cross from Jochaclia to Genovia, basically, which created a problem in relations.

In 2028 YTE, Queen Penelope I came to power after her father's abdication due to his rapidly deteriorating health. Queen Penelope I is the first monarch of Genovia to rule without a husband, until her marriage to a former plumber she loved in 2031 YTE.

Under Penelope's rule, the country saw the biggest economic growth ever seen since the Gran Miraklo Economico in the 1990s.

Religion
Catholicism is Genovia's official religion (85%), but the right to practice any religion, without infringement, is enshrined in the nation's constitution. The second largest religious group is the Hindu faith. During the 2020s, Hindus escaping the Dardanaak Saal used Genovia as a secret safe haven, and were kept hidden from enemies by the predominantly Catholic Genovian people. At the end of the war most of the Hindus emigrated to places like Driuso or back to Jochaena, however, a few small Hindu families made Genovia their home. There are currently four Hindu members of parliament. Atheism and Irreligiousness is increasing in the country at a rapid rate ever since the 2010s, as some Genovians feel quite unsure on trusting religions.

Stay safe
Genovia is one of the safest major countries in the Yenaulia by virtually any measure. Most people, including single female travellers, will not face any problems walking along the streets alone at night. But as the local police say, "low crime does not mean no crime" — beware of pickpockets in crowded areas and don't forget your common sense entirely.

While jaywalking is illegal, it is still a common thing and occurs quite often around the city. Beware though that if a police officer catches you, you might end up with a small fine. Put simply, the roads are designated for cars and the footpaths are for people.

Marijuana laws are quite lenient, with small amounts only punishable by fines. You may get into trouble for smoking weed in public, though.

Violence
Violent behavior is relatively rare and if it occurs it is most likely alcohol-related. While pubs and clubs are generally very safe, the nearby streets may be scenes of brawls, especially late at night. Try to avoid confrontations. Women and girls are generally less likely to be confronted or harassed, since the Genovian code of conduct strictly prohibits any type of violence (physical or verbal) against women. By the same token, in case of a fight between mixed gender travellers, Genovian men are likely to intervene on the side of the woman, regardless of the context.

Stay healthy
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Genovia. The local authorities have even started a program to encourage school children to drink it.