Taska

Taska (Taskan:ټسکا), officially known as The Holy Republic of Taska (Taskan: د تاسکا مقدس جمهوریت), is a sovereign nation located on the island of Taska in North Avalonia. It has an area of 288,779 km² and a population of about 14,259,490. The capital of Taska is the city of Winterhome (Taskan: وینټروم), whilst the city of Port Clovis (Taskan: پورټ کلویس) is the largest city in the nation.

Taska is a unitary presidential theocratic republic. The President is the head of state and head of government. The National Assembly is the legislative body. Taska has a large number of natural resources including coal, limestone, iron, and gold reserves.

Economy
Taska is a developed country with a high average income. The Taskan economy is a mixed export-focused economy.

Religion
Elistism is the official state religion of Taska. According to available statistics, an estimated 98.5% of the population is an Elist. The President of the Holy Republic of Taska also acts as the Protector of the Holy Flame, the head of the Elist religion. The courts in Taska do operate according to Elistism religious law. The government of Taska does provide overseas aid to overseas Elist organizations and operates missionaries through the Foreign Service in order to spread Elistism. It is suspected that this may have led to some overseas Elistism terror attacks.

Fire is considered sacred in the Elist religion with the god of Elistism being known as the Holy Flame. The Flame offers power. The Light that radiates from The Holy Flame offers protection and healing. Then there is the kindling which represents humanity. Humanity sacrifices itself to The Holy Flame for the power of the Flame and the protection and healing of the Light.

Abortions, homosexuality, and contraception are banned in the Holy Republic of Taska. The government does have natalist policies in accordance with Elist religious law that encourages child-bearing, parenthood, and large families through various financial incentives, limiting access to abortion and contraception, and various decorations to honor Taskan mothers. Taskans often observe traditional kinship systems, living in large clans of extended family. These are led by an elder patriarch, usually a grandfather, who often has the title of Ataman.

In addition, Elistism encourages martial and medical knowledge as part of its teaching. It is common for independent and government religious organizations to run clinics and kitchens in accordance with the teaching of Elistism. Elistism also dictates that followers should assemble every evening possible to pray together. It is considered the duty of the faithful in Taska to denounce and report any heretical activity.

Government and Politics
Taska is a unitary presidential theocratic republic consisting of three branches, the executive, the legislative, and judicial. The nation is led by a President with a Vice President. The National Assembly is the legislature, a bicameral body having two chambers, the House of the People and the House of Elders. The Supreme Court is led by a Chief Justice. The political system of Taska is based on the 1794 Constitution. Taska has universal suffrage.

Executive Branch
The Constitution of Taska creates a strong presidency, serving as the head of state and Commander-in-Chief of the Taskan Armed Forces. A president is elected with one vice-presidents. The president appoints cabinet ministers and provincial governors, which are to be approved by the National Assembly. The President is elected by direct voting for a term of seven years.

Legislative Branch
The National Assembly is the national legislature of Taska. It is a bicameral body, compromising of a House of Elders and a House of the People. The House of the People has 250 seats with members directly elected by the people at the district level. The House of Elders has 100 seats with members directly elected by the people at the province level.

Judicial Branch
The Constitution of Taska mandates a Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in Taska and is the court of last resort. Judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the National Assembly.