Lambat (CivClassic 2.0)

The Republic of Lambat, or simply Lambat is a Northeastern nation located within the southern portion of Nuevo Luzon. Lambat is a unitary presidential republic with a direct democracy. It was formerly known as the Free State of Lambat. The country is bordered by Potistan to the north, Iria to the east, and Prospectors' Guild to the south. As of May 2021, Lambat is the 31st largest country in Civclassics based on claim area.

Initially planned to be a tiny and isolated city-state, Lambat has grown to encompass one-thirds of Nuevo Luzon and several island exclaves of major economic importance. The nation has a distinct cultural identity that is slightly based on real life Filipino customs and traditions, while integrating various aspects of several nations in CivClassics due to interactions with its foreign trade partners. Lambat is a non-aligned pacifist and non-interventionist nation that maintains bilateral ties with several countries from various regions and alliances, mainly Capeland, Cortesia del Mar, Icenia, Lusitania, Mount September, and Potistan.

Lambatan history is separated into three categories: the geopolitical history of the lands currently held by Lambat, the history of Lambat as a political entity, and the history of the people of Lambat.

CivClassic before Lambat (before December 2020)
The land currently hosting Lambat was historically occupied by various nation states. Evidence of older civilizations can be found due to the presence of numerous abandoned cities and structures, the most prominent being the ruins of Arstotzka and the intact Appomattoxan city of Antietam (not to be confused by an Icenian settlement of the same name). The continent was claimed by Appomattox as late as March 2020, while the Southern Islands belonged to Brennau. By May, both nations have disappeared from the server.

An island in the southeast, Burma, was once claimed by Caledonia.

Origins of Lambat (December 2020 - January 2021)
The roots of Lambat stemmed from an unnamed LAN world, where kaprediem and banyough colonized a village and named it Kabanuan Town. After the unexplained deaths of villager residents, the duo made an effort to build a railway network extending to other villages across the continent, aiming to import new residents. The project was a mild success, after two villagers were brought to Kabanuan. It was around this time when kaprediem discovered Civclassic and decided to embark on a mission to establish a colony.

Free State of Lambat (January 13 - February 12 2021)
Kaprediem joined the server on the 12th of January, 2021 and presumably spawned within the realm of Imperial Truidence. After aimlessly wandering through the vast swampland, he reached Gensokyo and boarded on a train to Nyasaland. There he was raided by a fleet of phantoms and killed, before respawning within Nyasaland. Eventually, he decided to settle in the continent formerly inhabited by Appomattox.

On the 13th of January, while in transit, kaprediem established the Free State of Lambat and called upon the assistance of Banyough, in order to initiate construction activities, ushering the birth of a new nation state. The country opened its doors to immigration a week later. Within the last two weeks of January, Kaprediem embarked on a goodwill visit to the nations of Iria, Icenia, Cortesia Del Mar, and EM.

At its height, Lambat's population grew to four. Citizens were outnumbered by sheep, although no official census has been administered.

Lambat acceded to DUMP on the 31st of January, 2021. It initially declined after being invited by EM, due to Lambat's status as a newly-established nation. Around the same day, Lambat incorporated the abandoned lands of Western Arztotzka, Impor, Ewell, and the northern islands of Brennau (excluding a vault of unknown ownership), tripling its territorial size.

During the last week of the Free State, a surge of hostile mobs were reported after admin tweaks. Kaprediem declared a state of emergency, prohibiting entry to Lambat.

Cortesian Administration (February 2 - February 12 2021)
Days later, on February 2, Kaprediem proclaimed the dissolution of Lambat, after what was described as a "CivClassic speedrun". To this effect, the nation broke its alliance with DUMP. The City of Lambat was ceded to Cortesia Del Mar for protection.

On February 8, the Lambat Government-in-Exile was announced by Kaprediem in a Reddit post, raising an intention to return to CivClassic at an unspecified date. The statement also declares severing ties with DUMP, upholding neutrality, and imposing isolationism, while reaffirming its waiving of territorial rights to CDM's custodianship.

The Second Republic (February 13 - May 4 2021)
After assessing the regional situation, Kaprediem announced the formation of the Republic of Lambat, a direct successor to the Free State of Lambat. Cortesia del Mar returned Lambat's territory to the restored nation. Upon the restoration of Lambat, Kaprediem announced his 'Five-Point, Five-Month Agenda'. On February 16, Kaprediem enacted the Lambat Citizenship Law, which allows dual citizenship.

On February 22, Lambat laid its claim on an uninhabited island in +,+, which it named as the New Kalayaan Islands Territory. It is intended to become a trading outpost.

Sack of Lambat City and Reconstruction (February 13 - Mid-March 2021)
President Kaprediem visited Mount September from February 19-21 with the intention of establishing permanent diplomatic relations. During his absence, activity in Lambat was extremely low. Upon his return, he found that Lambat City was pillaged by a group of bandits, causing the destruction of virtually all structures, such as the Executive Palace, the Town Hall, and the First National Factory. The raiders also looted a significant amount of diamonds and iron, among other valuables.

The incident gained international attention, prompting humanitarian, military, and intelligence support from Cortesia Del Mar, Icenia, Lusitania, and Mount September. One of the accused, namely Thomasvdbunt, was subdued and pearled by Icenian officials in former Mount Augusta. Kaprediem requested to the Septemberian government that the accused be extradited to Icenia for trial. Reconstruction efforts in Lambat continued for around two weeks.

Construction boom and expansion (Mid-March - May 2021)

Weeks after the reconstruction, Lambat ushered in a period of increased economic activity. Several new buildings and factories were built, most notably the Lambat Rail Station, which connects the country to international destinations. In April 2021, Kaprediem reorganized Lambat City's counties into districts and expanding its borders to the western coast of Lake Ewell. In the same month, Lambat signed a grant from the Augustan Development Bank.

With the influx of newfriends and rapid urbanization of Lambat, the nation entered an unprecedented era of growth and prosperity, therefore several adjustments had to be made. The National Reconstruction Council was abolished and succeeded by the State Ministry, an executive and legislative council with members appointed by the President. The City of Lambat was incorporated through a charter, leading to the nation's first elections. Kaprediem and Kloudei were elected as mayor and councilor, respectively.

Constitution and the Third Republic (May 4 2021 - present)
On the 4th of May, Lambatans ratified their constitution with a vote of 7-0, changing their nation's form of government from oligarchy to democracy. Elections were held in the 15th of May; Kaprediem won and became the first democratically-elected president, while Commrade Potatoe and Yodabird19 were chosen as judges.

Etymology
The country's name is derived from the Filipino (a standardized form of Tagalog) word for fishing net. A common intentional misspelling is "Lamb Bat", coined by Septembrian minemaster933.

Structure
The President serves as the head of state and government. Under the constitution, the president is an elected position who may serve for a three-month term, and may be reelected for unlimited times. Laws are proposed and voted upon directly by citizens and ratified or vetoed by the president. The Supreme Court is the primary judicial arm of Lambat and follows the civil law tradition, with common law influences.

Legislation
See: List of Legislation in the Free State of Lambat

Political parties
The defunct Free State of Lambat was a one-party state dominated by the Lambat National Party (LNP). Currently, there are no active political parties due to the Republic's low population.

Ideology and political philosophy
Lambat's values are described in its "Four Freedoms": freedom of speech, freedom of faith, freedom from want, and freedom from oppression. It is a liberal democracy in principle.

Economy and infrastructure
Lambat is a predominantly agricultural nation, supplemented by mining. The government plans to open its economy to foreign businesses in order to bolster growth within the country and in the region. Iron and diamond are both used as currency for international date, while a barter system is practiced domestically. The country uses a floating exchange rate where the value of iron is dependent on the supply of diamonds (and vice versa).

Transportation
Lambat is served by the Lambat Colonial Line, a series of both new and repurposed railways established by CommradePotatoe, which has stops in all Lambatan territories except for North Vacari, which is accessible through the Nexus-Iria line. The country is connected to the Nexus through the repurposed Appomatox-Nexus line.

Until March 2021, the country was mainly served by dirt roads. Boat was the most preferred method of outbound travel, since there were no active railways.

Communications
The Lambat Post is a state-owned newspaper, irregularly published at least once a month. It mainly features news and exchange rate updates.

Geography
Mainland Lambat is situated in the far south of Nuevo Luzon, a landmass once occupied by several historical nations, including Appomattox, Nyasaland, and Brennau. It is bordered by Iria to the east and Monterrey (through the Old Georgia Colony) to the west. The southwestern portion is covered in sand dunes, while the rest of the terrain is a varied mix of temperate hills and plains. Settled north is the city of Antietam, the former capital of Appomattox. Most fauna consists of feral pigs, cattle, horses, and sheep. Oak and dark oak are native to the country, while acacia is a prominent introduced species. Lambat has retained the historical names of some geographical features.

It has one exclave in the Southeast (+,+), called New Kalayaan Islands, a directly administered territory.

Provinces and Territories
1Provincial-level settlement

Lambat City
Lambat City serves as the de facto capital of the Republic of Lambat. It is the center of most activities in the country. The city is divided into seven districts:


 * Lambat de Viejo (formerly Lambat Settlement, then West County) - A residential area that is also the first settlement in Lambat City.
 * Poblacion (formerly Central County) - Downtown area.
 * Silangan (formerly East County) - A cultural and diplomatic center that is currently being developed.
 * Port Grestin - A port that predates Lambat. Originally established by Arstotzka.
 * Nuevo Kabanuan - Another portion of Arstotzka integrated into Lambat.
 * Bukiran - A rugged landscape being converted into farmland.
 * Lakeside Hills - A huge, undeveloped hillscape on the western coast of Lake Ewell.

The city originated as a tiny settlement built on January 13, 2021. Although Kaprediem is regarded as the founder of Lambat, it was Banyough who laid the city's foundations, through the construction of the Office Cabin, now called the Executive Palace. Lambat Settlement grew at a slow pace, until the arrival of Shanaaro, who built the first factory in West County. From hereon, the settlement was called Lambat City.

Lambat City was once divided into three districts: namely West, Central, and East County, until it was reorganized in April 2021. Its city charter was enacted through Presidential Decree 11 on April 30, 2021.

Active settlements

 * New Athol - Lambat's second settlement, built on the east coast of Lake Ewell.
 * Sitio Palayok - A terracotta mining facility in West Arztotska.
 * Kalayaan - Future trading post located in the New Kalyaan Islands.
 * East Arztotska. An abandoned town adorned with Soviet-style architecture, now partially included in Lambat City proper.

Other locations

 * Fort Butterfly. An off-limits Appomattoxan fortification, surrounded by plantations and gardens.



Demographics
The current population of Lambat is 13. Lambat's census also accounts for non-resident citizens.



Foreign relations
The country has established diplomatic relations with several nations. Lambat established its first embassy in Mount September on February 22, 2021 and has plans to build embassies in Icenia and Capeland. The country also has friendship treaties with Capeland and Lusitania.

Lambat was a member of the Defense Union for Mutual Prosperity (DUMP) for two days. It has since maintained 'defensive neutrality' since the establishment of the Republic, barring itself from joining any alliance or taking sides in international conflict.

Languages
English is the most common language used in Lambat, followed by Filipino (Tagalog) and sometimes Portuguese. Lambat's bilingual nature has led to the development of culturally-specific jargon, based on the Tagalog language:


 * Awts - From the English word ouch, used in similar context to "oof".
 * Bano - Filipino equivalent of noob or newfriend.
 * Bawal - Means prohibited.
 * Gege - A contracted form of "sige", an expression of approval similar to "ok" or "sure". It is sometimes used sarcastically as a response to a bad joke or statement, in the same nature as dot posting (.).
 * Gurang - Filipino equivalent of boomer or oldfriend.
 * Ihi - Literally translates to "urine". Used as a code word for obsidian and obbyboming, inspired by a civball comic about Southshire's history.
 * Perlas - Literally "pearl", refers to end pearls and eyes of ender.
 * Uling - Coal.
 * Tulog - Sleep.
 * Magandang umaga - Good Morning.
 * Sinumpaan - Filipino for cursed.
 * Bonj hour - Bastardization of the French Bonjour invented on a voice chat by Banyough. Common Lambatan greeting.

Flag, Coat of Arms, and Seal


The nation's flag is a banner with five horizontal stripes in alternating blue and yellow with a red triangle in the hoist side. The colors red, yellow, and blue symbolize poppies, dandelions, and lapis lazuli, which are abundant in Lambat. Kaprediem refers to the flag as the Ness Flag, due to similarities in color with Earthbound's main protagonist.

The coat of arms as well as the seal bears the same colors as Lambat's flag, with the chevron defaced with the Baybayin (old Tagalog) character for the latter 'L' or 'La'. Its shapes is based on the kalasag, a traditional Filipino shield dating from the pre-colonial period.

Potistan's de facto national flag was inspired by the Lambatan flag.

Motto
Lambat's official motto is "Bawal Umihi Dito", a Tagalog phrase meaning "do not urinate here". In real life, it is commonly found written on signboards and walls in order to discourage public urination. The motto originated as an inside joke among Tagalophone Lambatans and was eventually popularized by Metriximor, who has since made it a bill to become the official Lambatan Motto. It has since become an inside joke among Lambatans in the nation's official Discord server and the official motto of the nation.

The nation's first motto was "Amor Libertas", a Latin phrase roughly meaning "Love for Liberty". It can still be found in Lambat's coat of arms.

National Anthem
On January 15, 2021, Lambat adapted its national anthem, simply titled "Lambat National March", which was composed by Kaprediem. The anthem has no lyrics, and there are currently no plans to add one. In addition, Never Meant by American Football serves as the country's secondary and unofficial anthem.

Memes

 * Bawal Umihi Dito - See above.


 * Jolliglad - A variation of the Glad Civmoji created by Kaprediem. It is a hybrid of Glad and Jollibee, the mascot of an eponymous Filipino fast food chain. Despite being popular in Lambat, it was first posted in the Lusitania Discord server.



Notable citizens



 * kaprediem - Founder and incumbent President
 * banyough - Co-founder of Lambat and former Minister of Agriculture, Forest, and Mining
 * Shanaaro - Former Minister of Defense
 * Kloudei - Minister of Arts and Culture; Councilor, Lambat City; first elected official besides the Mayor of Lambat City
 * Metriximor - King of Lusitania; credited for popularizing Bawal Umihi Dito
 * Yodabird19 - Vice President of Cortesia del Mar; de facto custodian of Lambat during the Cortesian Government Administration period
 * minemaster933 - Minister of Defense since May 2021; Cup of Balls, Mount September; reformed raider
 * NebulaSSR - First Lambatan with multiple citizenships
 * Thraldrek - Former Mount September diplomat
 * Commrade Potatoe - First Chief Justice; Minister of Industry and Trade; Pacem-native entrepreneur; founder of Commrade Potatoe's Dye Shop in Pacem and Icenia