Al Amarja is an independent island state in the southern Mediterranean. It is not member of United Nations or any other international body. It does not maintain embassies anywhere in the world.
During its history, Al Amarja has been colonized and conquered in succession by Greeks, Romans, North African muslims, Catalonians, Castilians, various Italian states and eventually unified Italy. In 1940 president-for-life Monique D’Aubainne took over. Officially she drove out the fascists with the aid of her bodyguard. In reality, she just bought the island from Benito Mussolini. She founded the new state and legislation using USA as a model.
Western side of the island is covered by three interconnected cities; Skylla, The Edge and Traboc. Most of the population lives there. Freedom City, the capital of Al Amarja, is on the eastern end of the island. Is consists mainly of government buildings and homes of government officials. The rest of the island is undeveloped hilly forest.
Mixed history of the island means that locals look like a mix of various racial characteristics. Current population of Al Amarja has also been increased by a mix of Mediterranean, European, North American and some Asian and Sub-Sarahan African immigrants. They also include mutants, maniacs, outlawed psychics, magicians, intelligence and conspiracy operatives, fringe scientists, unscrupulous businessmen, rich patrons and anything else. There is no accurate census numbers.
Official language is American English, but Al Amarjan patois has numerous loan words from just about any other language in the world, including various versions of the word for Yes.
Al Amarjans – also known as ‘Martians – are rough people. Self-expression is common to the point of self-indulgence. Instead of neckties, they may carry a noose around their neck. Knives and steel-reinforced boots are universal accessory. Street and bar brawls are common entertainment. Because of the common mutual hostility and suspicion, it is a custom to serve beverages and snacks in their original containers.
Guns, explosives and bulletproof vests are illegal. Only the Peace Force, heavily armed law enforcement, can carry guns and they enforce this law very vigorously. Drug laws are similar to those in Europe and USA but enforced only sporadically. Otherwise the police and government lets everybody do whatever they want unless it threatens the state or they have something to gain in stopping it.
Al Amarjans practice just about any religion from Christian Science to human sacrifice. They include Satanists and Sommerites, religiously oriented fans of rock star Karla Sommers. There is only one official but multireligious temple in Al Amarja.
Al Amarja gets its income from various sources - decadent tourists, private donations and investments, legal and illicit business, smuggled ivory and other forbidden animal products, lecherous sailors, expense accounts of various operatives and pirated products. Business likes the lack of copyright and trademark laws, absence of safety regulations and easily bribed law enforcement.
Al Amarja is also a center of just about any kind of global conspiracy and all of them have their own operatives in the island.