Grand Fenwick

Duchy of Grand Fenwick

Cities:
Capital:	Grand Fenwick
Other:	{{{other}}}
Currency:	Fenwickian Pound
Established:	1370, Roger Fenwick liked it
Languages:
Official:	English (Fenwickian dialect)
Others:	French, Helvetian
Population:	2149
RULER:	Grand Duke Tully I

General Information

Located in the Alps along the French and Helvetian borders, the Duchy of Grand Fenwick is the smallest country in the world not consisting solely of a radar platform, and rarely appears on maps because printers complain that no one can ever make out what the cryptic phrase "DUCHY OF GRAND FENWICK" actually points to. Grand Fenwick was founded in 1370 by Englishman Roger Fenwick, who, as he later said, rather took a fancy to the place and moved in. The only real resource of the duchy is grapes; and of course its chief export is wine, particularly the Pinot Grand Fenwick. The Forest is a favourite of hikers and naturalists; which has led to a nascent ecotourism firm in the Duchy. Mostly this involves young Henry Bascombe pointing out the woods to visitors and telling them to have a good time. If there is no guard on duty at the border, just go right on in.

History

In 1370, Sir Roger Fenwick was in the employ of the French. While traveling with them, he came across the land that would be Grand Fenwick. After he successfully claimed the small territory (roughly 15 sq. miles/39 sq. kilometers), the Grand Duchy played only a very minor role in history. In 1801, the territory was occupied by Napoleon, and was occupied until 1810, when a treaty was written up between the then Grand Duke Roger X and Napoleon.

In 1880, a full constitution was written up, under the order of the Grand Duchess Gloriana XI. In it, all power of the state was vested in the Grand Duke/Duchess and a small cabinet appointed by the ruler. This changed in 1950, when the (then) new Grand Duchess Gloriana XII ordered the constitution to be amended to allow a parliament (House of Electors). It was amended, and the Grand Duchy was joint ruled by both the Prime Minister and Grand Duchess.

During the First Great War (nicknamed "Everyone Else's War" in Grand Fenwick), it remained neutral (as almost every other war). It also happened to have an increase in grape supply in 1914, releasing many more bottles of its famous "Pinot Grand Fenwick" to people across the world than it ever had before. Many wine lovers at the fronts actually demanded leave just to get some.

During the interbellum period, Grand Fenwick went on its way as always until the Helvetian Takeover. Several leaders attempted to gain entrance to Grand Fenwick. All but one was turned away (the only refuge was a young son of one of the leaders, who happened to live just across the border and had several friends in Grand Fenwick).

During the Second Great War, Grand Fenwick once more declared neutrality, but the HRE appeared to not recognize it, and "occupied" the country (only 10 soldiers "occupied" it). As the HRE was pushed back, Grand Fenwick declared war, arrested the ten soldiers, and turned them over to the allies. It never sent a single soldier to the front, and instead went back to business as usual. It was recognized as an ally in only one sentence of a treaty signed by the HRE and France: ... and the Holy Roman Empire is to pay Grand Fenwick £2000 for the 5 bottles of "Pinot Grand Fenwick" seized under occupation, and lodging costs. It was quickly paid.

Since the Second Great War (nicknamed in Grand Fenwick as "Our War Too,"), the Grand Duchy has been a quiet little country, only gaining notoriety in recent years as a tax-haven. Its citizens (numbering around 2000) do not pay taxes, for all government costs are stemmed from its two main exports: Pinot Grand Fenwick and Pinot Grand Fenwick Gum, which is a recent development.

On 10 October, 2007, GD Gloriana XII abdicated, being the first monarch of the small nation to ever do so. Her son, Tully Jr. became Grand Duke Tully I.

Grand Fenwick never invaded the NAL, contrary to the popular 1950s moving picture, Lion in Summer.

Politics

The sole political body is the House of Electors, with each Elector being chosen for a term of 3 years, though they may run for office again. The Parliament numbers 30 Electors, with Prime Minister Victoria Pepall (Lib.) running on a coalition Government between the Liberal Party and the Ecotopic Party. There are, as of the 2007 election, four political parties: Ecotopic Party of Grand Fenwick (9), Commonwealth Advocator Party (1), Liberal Party of Grand Fenwick (11), and the Royalist Party (8).

The nation has decent relations with its neighbors, but has declined several requests to join several supranational organizations, like the European Federation.

Geography

Due to its relative small size, the geography of Grand Fenwick is not varied as much as, say, France. It is only 15 sq. miles (39 sq. kilometers), but only about a 1/4 of that is inhabited, and another 1/3 is vineyards. The remainder consists of the Fenwick Forest and Fenwick Mountain.

Borders

• South, West, and Southeast: France
• North & East: Helvetia

Economy

Due to its small size, Grand Fenwick does not produce much of its basic needs. However, it has signed several small trade agreements with France, Helvetia and Italy, in which those countries citizens get reduced discounts at the few B&B's in Grand Fenwick, reduced pricing for Fenwickian products (most notably the Pinot), and several other minor things. Citizens of France living within 50 kilometers may also petition for citizenship if they can prove the need to in front of a judge appointed by the House of Electors. These have only been granted a total of 37 times (out of 76).

Languages

Grand Fenwick's official language, English of the Fenwickian dialect, is unique in that it is the only country on continental Europe to have English as its official language. The reason behind this is noted in the History section above.