Dowland, officially the Autonomous Region of Dowland, is a semi-autonomous territory of Great Phermesia (GP).[1] It is the only semi-autonomous territory in Great Phermesian history,[2] constituting the southern portion of the large square island southeast of Great Phermesia. Dowland is mostly free to make governing decisions on their own, but is subject to federal law and orders from the President of GP, and has no representation in GP Congress.[1]
Dowland is exempt from the federal income tax in GP, allowing businesses to thrive there, yet not many businesses operate there. Dowland is the only place where Pineapples are allowed in Great Phermesian territory, and is an income-taxless region similar to Hong Kong on Earth.[3]
At the city level, Dowland is a corporate dictatorship, being home to CRI Enterprises.[4] Dowland leaders are always a CEO of CRI Enterprises,[5] though there are no governing documents or laws of any kind.[6] The orders of the current CEO of CRI Enterprises govern Dowland alone.
Neo Ütlandia (NÜ) was the failed sovereignty inhabiting the region today known as Dowland. It was announced by Ender Mann (at the time also CEO of CRI Enterprises) on 7 August, 2021, though he had been constructing the project at least a week before.[7] He claimed the square island to escape the taxes in the neighboring country of Great Phermesia, even vowing to create a "... Dictatorship, with no taxes" in this new corporate state outside of Great Phermesian control.[4] Neo Ütlandia failed due to Ender Mann being the only person to have lived on the island beyond his own construction workers.[8]
Early Relations with Great Phermesia and the creation of Dowland[edit]
Great Phermesian response to the creation of Neo Ütlandia[edit]
On 8 August 2021, President Ryan released a statement calling for a diplomatic and economical meeting with NÜ at Shiflett City in Great Phermesia to seemingly establish good relations, and allow Neo Ütlandia to build an embassy in Great Phermesia.
On 10 August, just three days after the founding of Neo Ütlandia, Corporate Prime Minister Ender Mann announces the dissolution of Neo Ütlandia, stating the creation of the country was a "rebellion [against how GP does business]": a folly venture for one man. Following the dissolution of Neo Ütlandia,[9] Dowland held a referendum in favor of joining Great Phermesia, eventually leading it to being merged within GP's territorial claim. Ender Mann and and President Ryan announced the creation of Dowland and its inclusion as the official tenth city of Great Phermesia respectively.
President and dictator Ryan of Great Phermesia describes Dowland as an autonomous region (message link, image 1)
Dowland has no recognition in GP Congress on official senator documents (message link, image 2), only as a location under GP territory (message link, image 3)
