What about - the United States?

Day 2,492, 09:32 • Published in Norway Norway • by Norwegian Consulate
In a series the Ministry of Foreign Affairs likes to present foreign nations to the Norwegian public. After having dealt with Israel in our previous episode of the series, it is now time for a country everybody has heard of and which - according to Hollywood is the target for almost every alien attack - the United States.
The Flag of the United States of America. White Stars representing each of the 50 States, red and white stripes representing the 13 Colonies which founded the US in 1776

Society
The United States have a population of active users which is more than 20 times bigger than the population of Norway. Both countries do have their communication language in common - English.

Geography
The United State consist of 51 regions and are in possession of 7 further territories in Cuba, France, Japan and Mexico, some of them rented, some of them occupied. This amount of regions offers them all resources but Rubber and Sand.
Statue of Liberty in New York

Fiscal System
The United States have a working tax of 8% and an import tax of just 1% which makes production abroad cheaper than in the US as most countries offer lower work taxes - Norway has work taxes set at 1%. The Value Added Taxes are between 5% and 15% with the exception of Defense Systems and Hospitals. The daily tax income of the US is around 60k which is 2 orders of magnitude higher than the Norwegian income.

We contacted the US Minister of Foreign Affairs (Wild Owl) and asked some questions about the US.

Could you introduce yourself to the Norwegian Audience?
Hello there, I'm Wild Owl. I was e-born in January 2013, and am a fairly new player to eRepublik. I like to believe that I am well versed in essentially all of the eRepublik modules.


How many users of the US community are real life Americans - where do the others come from?
USA has a large number of members from communities all over the world, although a substantial amount of the population is RL American. While the majority is American, many RL foreigners hold key posts in the government and in Congress in eUSA.
Presentation of the Declaration of Independence to the Second Continental Congress

Thinking of America we usually think of fast-food and endless straight roads - stereotypes or reality? What is America really like?
I associate America with freedom.


Recently the US created Pacifica together with Russia. How did it come to that decision - basically you could have remained aligned with Sirius though?
Pacifica is a pro-Pacifica alliance. After getting kicked from Sirius, due to an incident involving Spain, we re-united with our bros the Russians to make Pacifica.


A notable number of citizen which is active on your forums seems to be Dioists - followers of a religion which originally emerged in Pakistan. Since we prefer to discuss Nordic deities over here, could you briefly explain that religion and how it affects the US?
Dioism as an e-religion still holds a small amount of sway in eUSA. The faith is centered around Dio Brando and his teachings, that can be read on the eRepublik wiki.
US Infantry approaching Omaha Beach on D-Day.

The US holds some territories belonging to other Nations such as Japan, France, Cuba and Mexico - are all of these territories rented, or is your presence regarded hostile in some nations?
Our territories in Mexico and Cuba are rented. The ones in France and Japan are regarded as hostile by the domestic population there.



Recently we saw an airstrike of Thailand against the US in marking the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on New York - what are your feelings about such an event?
Personally, I thought that the Thai airstrike on USA was in extremely poor taste. But it is what it is, and we look forward to beating them and sending them back to Asia.


What is the political landscape like, in the US? Are you all working together, or do you prefer to engage each other?
It varies. Generally on key issues though, we like to work together. The rewards are greater that way and we get a lot of stuff done.


What are the US citizen thinking of Norway and Asgard?
We admire Norway and Asgard as members of an old alliance that have stuck together through thick and thin for around 2 years now.


What are the big differences between Norway and the US - where are we close?
Norway's population and demographics seem to be quite different from the USA, leading to different issues and problems that the two countries face. However, English seems to be the main language in both countries, that's a common factor.


If Asgard invited the US to join our alliance, what was your reaction?
We're extremely happy in Pacifica, and will like to continue our brotherhood with Russia.


Is there anything you would like to add?
Thank you for the interview.

So would I like to thank you for answering the questions and giving us insight into the American nation. May our nations further enhance the existing relationship.


noenting
Directorate of Embassies
Ministry of Foreign Affairs