Nation/Isabelle Plantations

Christian Paradise of Isabelle Plantations
Motto: Fear not, the Catahoula.
Isabelle Plantations (red) and its claimed land (blue)
Detailed view
Region		Sjurdland
Capital		Plimoth
Largest Largest City		Boston
Official languages		English
Recognised regional languages		French
Demonym		Plantationite
Government		Federal Republic
-	President	Donald Hayes
-	Vice President	Willie Cook
Legislature		Congress
-	Upper house	Senate
-	Lower house	House of Representatives
Establishment
-	Ogranization	September 30, 2032
-	Declaration of Independence	August 15, 2033
-	North Woods Treaty	April 30, 2035
Population
-	2043 estimate	6,912,949
Gini (2043)		38.8 medium
HDI (2040)		0.92 very high
Currency		Dollar (IPD)
Date format		dd-mm-yyyy
Drives on the		right
Calling code		+826
Internet TLD		.ip

The Christian Paradise of Isabelle Plantations, commonly known as Isabelle Plantations or The Plantations, is a Theocratic-Federal Republic located in Sjurdland and comprises parts of the former American states within New England, as well as parts of New York State. Northern Vermont, north and central New York, and northern Pennsylvania are under possession and rule by Isabelle Plantations and are part of a plan to integrate the regions into the nation as Plantations, the county equivalent. It's empire, the third largest in Sjurdland, also includes three Autonomous Plantations; Novos Azores, Ros Muc, and Osawatomie, which are all self-governing regions but not independent nations. Aside from the "Big Three" nations of Haakonsson, Korgistan, and New America, Isabelle Plantations is among the largest nations in Sjurdland with around 10,000,000 residents and 18,350,000 if including its Autonomous Plantations. The capital city is Plimoth (Plymouth) and its largest city is Boston. Athol was previously the capital from 2033 until 2043 and is chartered today as the "Cultural Capital" known for its vibrant post-war cultural scene.

Emerging from The Great War as one of the most powerful nations, the Plantations were established by the Olde Colony Militia which defended Greater New England both during the Fall of the United States and the current reconstruction period. Militia General Donald Hayes was widely viewed and celebrated as a war hero and cultural icon. When HGE Sjurd Haakonsson signed the Incorporation Articles of Isabelle Plantations he declared Donald Hayes the first President.

In late 2040, President Hayes signed a new law allowing for democratic elections at both the local and national level, a dramatic shift from the previous autocracy. The Plantations are a contributing and superpower within Sjurdland and has one of the highest arms manufacturing sectors in the world. The World Assembly ranks the nation as one of the most religiously devout, conservative, and healthy in the world though it also ranks among the most dangerous largely due to a high homicide rate and the black market.

Demographics

Population and Communities

Christian Identity Church and Back Bay skyline in Boston

Current population estimates are around 10,000,000 citizens. Most of the population is located along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and many small cities lay scattered in valleys surrounded by the Appalachian mountains. Though small urban areas exist in the countryside. There are 54 incorporated cities, 440 townships, and 43 communities and land grants.

Oneonta, Athol, Brockton, Limestone, and Plimoth are among the fastest-growing cities.

Mill complex in Athol, the nation's former capital

The following represent the 10 most populous cities in the nation:

Boston is the nation's largest city with 503,000 residents. Boston was settled in 1620 and was a part of the United States of America until the nation's demise during the Great War. Boston was captured by Sjurd Haakonsson and served as the temporary capital of the New England Confederation before being chartered as part of Isabelle Plantations. Prior to the War, Boston was home to 700,000 residents and hit a low of 70,000-82,000 following the end of the War. The Greater Boston Area is home to over 2,600,000 residents and is by far the largest urban area in the nation. The city is renowned for its history, architecture, and is home to the nation's largest port.

The population is on the rise with many high paying jobs in the manufacturing sector, particularly with the aluminum deposits found in the northern part of the nation in Aroostook County.

Religion

Church in the isolated community of Saint-Venant-de-Paquette.

Dual Seed Christian Identity was the national religion from 2033 until 2040 after President Hayes pulled out of the Sjurdland Religious Pact citing a majority of residents and government in favor of withdrawal. Today, residents belong to various denominations including; Church of the Nazarene (20%), Christian Identity (13%), Church of Appalachia (12%) and Catholic (10%). Christianity is the sole religion allowed to be practiced in the nation, non-Christian religions are banned and practice is punishable by death.

Political Policy

Isabelle Plantations was founded as a National Socialist nation, but recently the nation has shifted towards a republic form of government while maintaining a strong sense of Nationalism.

The sale of alcohol is illegal and public intoxication carries severe pentalies. However, laws only apply to the sale, distribution, and public intoxication they do not apply to in-home use and distilling. There is a considerable black market for moonshine and home brewed beer, making up a 65% share in the black market. There is a growing movement for the existing laws to be overturned to allow the sale of alcholic beverages.

The death penalty is widely used for a variety of crimes including homicide, abortion, treason, practicing non-Christian faith, sexual assault, drug use, and theft. The mode of execution is public hanging or firing squad, chosen by the offender. It is estimated about 10% of deaths per year are by the death penalty. Insurance is not used in the nation, and healthcare is pay-for-service oriented though no citizen is denied treatment. There are 3 public federal Plantation Asylums for Citizens of Unsound Mind and Capacity, including the large Bangor Asylum, a historic mental hospital from the 19th century.

Abortion is outlawed except in cases of incest, rape, or when a mother's life is in danger. A caregiver that provides illegal abortion is mandated to be publicly executed and their building burned to the ground while the woman who receives this abortion is tried for homicide and normally sent to a work camp until they reach menopause. Contraceptives are also outlawed, though possession or use of condoms is not condemned and is not punishable by law. Homosexuality is banned and considered treason and a True Sin.

A referendum was called by President Hayes on May 4, 2038, that allowed all registered voters to vote on privatizing the national education system. 62% voted Yay whereas 38% voted Nay. The legislation was approved and signed into law on July 5, 2038.

On November 4, 2038, President Hayes signed the "Public Voting & Elections Law" which will implement democratic elections at the local level in the next 14 months and national elections over the next 36 months. This act substantially reduced the size of the federal government and essentially moves each "Plantation" into the power of a state.

During 2039, President Hayes annexed Bristol Plantation, the City of Pawtucket, and Dukes Plantation (Martha's Vineyard, Gosnold, and the Elizabeth Islands) to create a new colony, the Allies States of Novos Azores to give the large number of Portuguese heritage residents their own sovereignty to better take care of their own and to let them prosper independently. This creation led to the addition of the Azores Archipelago and the Madeira Islands to become part of Novos Azores becoming the first European territories in Sjurdland. Novos Azores is legally an autonomous region of Isabelle Plantations.

Culture

Much of the culture in Isabelle Plantations is based upon Americanism and traditional New England culture. The largest cities lay along the Atlantic Ocean with many inland communities and mountain towns maintaining a "small-town charm" persona.

The national animal is the Catahoula Leopard Dog, which came into prominence during The Great War for their ability to be utilized in war, hunting, security, and as companions.