Infrastructure: North Torbia
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The infrastructure of North Torbia is old, dilapidated, and in need of repair and upgrade. Due to international sanctions and the isolationist policies of the totalitarian state, resources and aid needed to maintain roads, electrical grids, bridges, dams, etc., is largely unavailable. The small amount of aid that reaches North Torbia is diverted to the military and the ruling class at the expense of the rest of the country. The lagging infrastructure suffers from the inability to import much need resources due to the sanctions.
Construction in the largest cities in North Torbia ranges from skyscrapers and modern buildings to slums and shantytowns. Rural areas and villages tend to have limited infrastructure, usually having few paved roads, intermittent electrical service, and basic water and plumbing.
Major North Torbian Cities and Urban Zones
Approximately 48% of North Torbian citizens live in cities or urban areas. This is due to the Torbian Worker's Party's (WPT) centrally-planned, collective economic initiatives. The four largest urban areas are the central engines of the North Torbian economy and house about 37% of the population with a national average density of 233 km2. Of this 48%, 20% (or approximately 15% of the population) are WPT members, and thus enjoy better housing, food, and standard of living than most North Torbians. Population density and urban construction patterns reflect the societal divide. The difference between WPT member housing and the slums and substandard dwellings that most citizens live in is drastic. Most citizens suffer through inadequate housing, utilities, plumbing, and access to reliable electricity. Even those lucky enough to live in dormitory-style housing near major factories, mines, and plants still lack basic necessities.
The population is centered around the four major urban areas, with the rest of the population living in rural towns and villages, and working on collective farms or state sponsored small industries. Since the WPT restricts internal movement in the DPRT, there is little chance for people to move to seek better employment or education.
| Infrastructure Sub-Variables | ||||||||||
| City | Est Pop (2017) | Pop Dens/km2 | UBD | Rd | Air | Rail | Sea | Pwr | Wtr | Sani |
| Baguio City | 518,049 | 9,008 | H | C | M | P | NE | Dv | Dv | Dv |
| Aparri | 218,253 | 762 | M | M | P | P | M | Dv | Dg | Dg |
| Laoag | 194,254 | 1,673 | M | C | M | NE | P | Dv | Dv | Dv |
| Tuguegaro | 153,502 | 1,590 | M | C | M | NE | NE | Dv | Dv | Dv |
Legend (per TC-7-101): (UBD) urbanized building density, (L) low, (M) medium, (H) high,
(P) primitive, (M) moderate, (C) complex, (NE) non-existent, (Dg) degraded, (Dv) developed
Baguio City
Baguio City is a highly urbanized city in southern North Torbia. It was referred to as the Summer Capital of Torbia in the period before WWII. It served as a provincial capital from 1901 to 1916, but has since been administered independently by the central government since the Torbian War. The city is the center of business, commerce, and education in northern Torbia, as well as the seat of government for the WPT.
Citizens of Baguio enjoy a higher standard of living than the rest of North Torbia. Most of the population works for the Government or Armed Forces, or in industries that support the Central Government. Electricity, transportation, and housing are plentiful and functional in the capital, as opposed to the rest of the country, where these services are intermittent and unreliable.
What investments and business opportunities exist in North Torbia are usually centered in and around Baguio. Despite the city's relatively small size, it is home to numerous shopping centers and malls catering to increasing commercial activity in Baguio, although these businesses are plagued by chronic shortages of goods.
Food and retail businesses run by local residents form a key part of Baguio's cultural landscape. Several retail outlets and dining outlets are situated along Bonifacio Street, Session Road, near Teacher's Camp, and Baguio Fastfood Center near the market. The trade center of the city is concentrated with commercial and business structures such as cinemas, hotels, restaurants, department stores, and shopping centers.
Baguio is the country's only profitable investment area, with the Torbian People’s Economic Zone Authority (TPEZA) and an accredited business and industrial park called the Baguio City Economic Zone (BCEZ). Located in the southern part of the city between Camp Bansa Peoples Country Club and The Torbian People’s Army (TPA) Military Academy in Barangay Loakan. Firms located in the BCEZ mostly produce and export knitted clothing, transistors, and small components for vehicles, electronics, and computer parts.
Aparri
The Municipality of Aparri is a city in the province of Cagayan sits at the mouth of the Cagayan River, the longest river in North Torbia, about 88 kilometers from Tuguegarao, the provincial capital.
Aparri was formerly a foreign trading post due to its location at the northern tip of Luzon at the mouth of the Cagayan River. It was the main trade nexus for island of Luzon. Much of the area was once home to an indigneous people who historically allied themselves with various foreign powers as an early form of an informal protectorate city-state. Since the Torbian War, the city has become a strategic military area for the Torbian military. The Trobian Peoples Navy (TPN) uses the port of Aparri as a base, though they are unable to stage offensive operations due the dilapidated state of the port. Twelve years ago, the old naval pier deteriorated due to the rising level of water, storms, and poor construction. Work is underway to repair the damage.
Aparri's port is the main facility connecting North Torbia with Olvana, North Torbia's only meaningful trading partner. Most goods exchanged between the two countries flows through Aparri.
Aparri is the only city in North Torbia other than Baguio to operate a tram system. These trains are all second-hand from Baguio. Originally, it was planned to be a 32 km system, but only phases 1 and 2, covering the first 10 km , were completed. Phase 3, which was to cover the last 22 km, was not completed due to lack of funds and material. Due to electricity shortages, the trams run infrequently. Besides trams, Jeepneys also operate, but only for four hours a day. Private taxis do not exist.
During the North Torbian famine twenty years ago, Aparri was one of the worst affected locations in the country: death rates were as high as 20%. Food conditions there remain poor. This problem has caused several instances of civil unrest in Aparri, a rarity in North Torbia. The Central Government reacted with harsh repressive measures to the protests, killing 20-30 protesters and sending approximately 150 protesters and their families to prison camps. The Aparri area has little arable land, so the famine hit the residents of Aparri particularly hard. During the famine, the local frog population was wiped out due to overhunting, and the presence of rabbits, squirrels, and rats went down drastically due to the population using them as food source.
Aparri is one of North Torbia’s important steel and fiber industry centers. It has a shipyard, locomotive plant, chemical plant, and a rubber factory. Near the port area are the Bakan Steel Company, State Chemical Textile Company, Northern Copper Mine Machinery Factory, and Torbia Iron & Steel. Industrial activities in the city are severely handicapped due to a lack of resources and skilled workers. Despite these challenges, Aparri is estimated to have a 34% share of the foreign trade, and is host to a resident Olvanan consul who serves Olvanan merchants and businesspersons operating in the north east of the country.
Due to the heavy concentration of industries in the area, Aparri is the country's air pollution black spot. Since the famine, Aparri’s industry and factories have decayed. Most of the factories—while still operational— have not upgraded their infrastructure in a half century or more. Pollution and environmental regulations are nonexistent, so pollution and smog have leave a constant haze over the city.
Also found in the Aparri environs are the Cagayan Hot Springs, whose alkaline waters are reserved for party officials and guarded by the military, and the Zina Rang kaolin mine. Camp 87, a large prison complex in the northern part of the city, houses more than 3,000 political prisoners. The camp uses forced labor to manufacture bicycles and other consumer goods. A political reeducation camp, Camp 101, is located 30 kilometers southwest of the city, while the Aparri Detention Center, built during the Torbian War, is still in use. It houses criminals, as opposed to political prisoners. It is also the country’s center for executions.
Laoag
Laoag was originally a small fishing village that became a port for foreign trade in 1910, developing into a modern port after WWII. Since then, the city’s importance as an industrial center has grown with a corresponding population increase. Some of the city's industrial facilities include the Laoag Smelter Complex, the La-ri Glass Corporation, the Laoag Shipbuilding Complex, the Fishery Complex, and other local factories. Laoag is vital to the shipbuilding industry. Facilities for freight transportation, aquatic products, and fishery, and a sea salt factory are located north of the city.
The Port of Laoag has an 8 KM long Sea Wall that has three lock chambers which allow the passage of ships up to 50,000 tons, and 36 sluices. Laoag Harbor is often used as the primary port of call for the reception of foreign food aid assistance into North Torbia. Since the port receives the bulk of aid shipments, the Central Government ensures that it remains functional and conducts modernization and maintenance of all port facilities and infrastructure. What limited non-Olvansese shipping entering North Torbia also utilizes the port. Laoag boasts an international Sailor’s Club, as well as a meeting base for North Torbians and foreigners engaged in the shipping trade.
The road network in Laoag receives more government attention than other cities, due to the importance of the traffic through the Port of Laoag. Roads in the city are fairly modern and functional. The rail system is also fairly modern, as it services the port and the industrial section of the city. Laoag is home to Rehiyonal Airport, and can accommodate charter flights and the country’s airline, Paliparan.
Tuguegaro
Tuguegaro City is a city in northeastern North Torbia. A major urban center in the Northeastern Luzon, it is one of the fastest growing cities in North Torbia. This is due to the WPT’s forcible relocation of workers for construction projects to build new factories, rail facilities, and to support the growing copper mining industry. North Torbia is attempting to offset the effects of international sanctions by turning Tuguegaro into a profitable copper mining operation. Estimates are that these projects will be completed no later than the next four years.
Rapid growth of the population, caused Tuguegaro to develop a very large system of shantytowns and slums that house the workers and their families. The rapid growth of the city caused traffic problems and food shortages due to the WPT’s lack of concern or inability to provide for the influx of workers.
Tuguegaro is a center for education in Northeastern Torbia and is the university capital of the country. It has the most universities in the region and it is home to several prestigious schools. Examples are the People’s Science and Mining College and the University of Medicine, both located in the modern, urban city center. Other schools in the city are the University of Cagayan Valley, City Technological Institute, Cagayan Metropolitan Institute of Technology, and DPRT Computer College. The People’s Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (PTESDA), established twenty years ago by the WPT, focuses on modernization of North Torbian industrial and technical education. This agency forces the full participation of industry, labor, local government units, and technical-vocational institutions to develop the technical skills of the country's workers. The PTESDA headquarters complex and facilities are located at Carig Norte, in the industrial section of Tuguegarao.
Utilities Present
North Torbia depends on oil and coal imports to drive its economy. North Torbia faces geopolitical difficulties in imports, relying on tenuous routes with Olvana.
Power
North Torbia’s energy infrastructure is obsolete and in disrepair. Power shortages and outages are chronic. Coal, which must be imported, accounts for 37.5% of primary energy production, while hydroelectric power is vastly underutilized, even though it produces almost half. Most of the electrical infrastructure is located in urban areas, with rural areas having limited, intermittent, or no access to electricity. The WPT increased emphasis on renewable energy projects like wind farms, solar parks, solar heating and biomass, but the lack of trained and capable technicians and workers has hampered this effort. North Torbia's long-term objective is to curb fossil fuel usage and become energy independent 2050. At the present pace of modernization, this goal will not be met and the WPT will use the lack of adequate power as anti-US/South Torbia propaganda. Wind power is being emphasized as a key piece of the country's total energy demand under this strategy.
Power Plant Data
| Name | Fuel | Capacity
(MW) |
DLAT | DLONG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Alcala | Coal | 35 | 15.8369 | 120.4974 |
| Isabela Energy | Coal | 18 | 17.0088 | 121.6311 |
| Bakun Power | Coal | 70 | 16.8110 | 120.6879 |
| Singit Plant | Coal | 5.9 | 16.7838 | 120.5436 |
| Lower Labay Coal Burning Power Plant | Coal | 2.4 | 16.8083 | 120.7737 |
| Bangui Wind Farm | Wind | 33 | 18.5278 | 120.7139 |
| Bauang Coal Power Plant | Coal | 255 | 16.4905 | 120.3269 |
| Ambuklao Power Plant | Coal | 105 | 16.4585 | 120.7415 |
| Burgos Wind Farm | Wind | 150 | 18.5161 | 120.6461 |
| Sal-Angan Plant | Coal | 2.4 | 16.4163 | 120.7336 |
| Binga Power Plant | Coal | 140 | 16.3924 | 120.7310 |
| Lon-oy Power | Coal | 3.6 | 16.6953 | 120.5279 |
| Caparispisan Wind Farm | Wind | 81 | 18.6047 | 120.7983 |
| Pantabangan - Masiway Hydroelectric Power Plant | Hydro | 132 | 15.8113 | 121.1083 |
| Baligatan Hydroelectric Power Plant | Hydro | 6 | 16.8077 | 121.4502 |
| Magat Dam | Hydro | 360 | 16.8175 | 121.4531 |
| Sabangan Power | Coal | 14 | 16.9985 | 120.8340 |
| Ampohaw Power Plant | Coal | 8 | 16.4559 | 120.5268 |
| San Roque Dam | Hydro | 345 | 16.1378 | 120.6811 |
| Irisan Coal Plant 1 | Coal | 3.8 | 16.4338 | 120.5455 |
| Irisan Coal Plant 3 | Coal | 1.2 | 16.4334 | 120.5295 |
Water and Sanitation
Access to running water and indoor plumbing is limited to those Party Members in major urban areas and even this is not functional by Western standards. Most residents of apartment buildings still use communal bath and toilet facilities, with individual bathrooms limited to Senior Party Members. In the countryside, most citizens do not have access to indoor plumbing and use outhouses and transport water from rivers and streams for cooking and bathing.
Transportation Architecture
The transportation system is relatively underdeveloped, partly due to the country's mountainous areas and partly as a result of the government's persistent underinvestment in the nation's infrastructure. In recent years, however, the DPRT has been pushing to improve the transportation system in the country through various infrastructure projects.
Jeepneys are the most popular mode of public transportation. They are a ubiquitous symbol of North Torbian culture. Another popular mode of public transportation in the country is the motorized tricycle; these are especially common in rural areas. The Torbian National Railway serves the Baguio and some parts of the rural area of the country, but it is mostly restricted to WPT and TPA use. Buses are important modes of public transport in urban areas.
Road Systems
The major road network in North Torbia consists of paved, poorly maintained two to three lane highways that connect North Torbia’s largest cities. Since travel is severely restricted and personal ownership of vehicles is outlawed, the roads are used mainly for military transport. Driving by citizens is usually limited to WPT functionaries on official business, and even these trips are subject to draconian rules as to how many people must be in the vehicle, numerous forms and permits, etc.
The minor road network consists of 505 km of paved roads and 1,700 km of unpaved roads. Quality remains poor due to the sanctions placed on the country. The primary focus of road maintenance is in and around the capital city and linking Baguio with Laoag. Roads through the mountainous regions feature narrow switchbacks and gravel, without guard rails. These roads are very dangerous even during good conditions, and become exponentially more dangerous during limited visibility and inclement weather. Police typically accept bribes in lieu of arresting and prosecuting people for violations. If a driver or passengers cannot pay the required bribe, they may be arrested and prosecuted for even minor offenses.
Bus
North Torbia maintains a national People’s Bus Line that citizens can use to travel in the unlikely event that they are granted permission to travel. Most buses were donated by Donovia or Olvana after their lifespan in those countries expired. Due to the age and poor maintenance of the buses, they often break down. Each star on a bus indicates 10,000 trips--most buses in the capital have 10 or more stars on them. This record is only after their arrival in Baguio; previous usage in other countries pushes this number even higher.
Baguio is the only city with a tram and trolley bus system. The trams and trolley buses were converted to electric power approximately 15 years ago due to limited amounts of fuel available. This system provides regular service throughout the town, but is effected by rolling black outs. If this happens, the riders are expected to get off the tram / bus and push it.
There is a black market bus system that operates in the towns in villages, where people with drivers licenses will buy outdated Donovian or Olvanan buses and use them for inter-city transport. These trips can be dangerous due to the roads and possible arrest due to unregulated travel.
Rail
Rail infrastructure in North Torbia is outdated and in a poor state. There have been no efforts to modernize the infrastructure since it was originally built more than 50 years ago. The tracks are all single, and require trains to wait sometimes several hours for another train to pass. Approximately 250km of track runs on the western coast of North Torbia. Most tracks are narrow gauge and incompatible with South Torbia. Some newer tracks are standard gauge, compatible with the South, but incompatible internally. All of the locomotives currently in use are over 40 years old, and are diesel electric that are not reliable. Movement of freight and goods is prioritized above passengers. The trains do not run on a regular schedule and are prone to breakdowns and delays.
Baguio has a two line subway system that moves passengers below ground. The subway system is in relative modern state. It transports passengers either north to south or east to west. The tracks merge in the city center. There are several stations along the route, but not all of them are functioning. Subway cars are electric and are less prone to blackouts than the trams and trolley buses.
Air Transportation Systems
All airports in North Torbia are government-run. There are limited domestic flights and very few international flights; the only regular international destinations are Donovia and Olvana. Due to the sanctions and travel restrictions, air services have limited fuel, and the obsolete fleet of aircraft does not meet western safety or maintenance standards. North Torbia's communication infrastructure is not integrated with other countries: air traffic controls are required to use a landline to international air traffic controllers in order to hand off an aircraft. North Torbia has seven major airports, with two of them being international. Airline terminals are very outdated, with limited modern infrastructure.
Paved Runways
- Over 10,000 feet: 0
- 8,000 to 10,000 feet: 1
- 5,000 to 8,000 feet: 6
- 3,000 to 5,000 feet: 5
- Under 3,000 feet: 2
Unpaved Runways
- Over 10,000 feet: 0
- 8,000 to 10,000 feet: 0
- 5,000 to 8,000 feet: 1
- 3,000 to 5,000 feet: 7
- Under 3,000 feet: 5
Airfield Data
| City | Island | Rwy Length
(ft) |
Rwy Width
(ft) |
Elev
(ft) |
DLAT | DLONG | Surface | Lights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calayan | Calayan | 2970 | 148 | 5 | 19.2569 | 121.4897 | Grass | No |
| Kabugao | Luzon | 692 | 42 | 430 | 18.0800 | 121.0997 | Grass | No |
| Dinapigue | Luzon | 3467 | 48 | 44 | 16.5219 | 122.2650 | Dirt | No |
| Divilacan | Luzon | 1903 | 42 | 2028 | 17.3328 | 122.2994 | Grass | No |
| Pasuquin | Luzon | 3820 | 48 | 72 | 18.4031 | 120.6667 | Dirt | No |
| Mankayan | Luzon | 2204 | 40 | 3365 | 16.8706 | 120.7792 | Asphalt | Yes |
| Aparri | Mabag | 3661 | 75 | 0 | 18.8847 | 121.2569 | Grass | No |
| Maconacon | Luzon | 3755 | 90 | 3 | 17.3831 | 122.2478 | Dirt/Asphalt | No |
| Lal-lo | Luzon | 3508 | 98 | 1165 | 18.1294 | 121.6864 | Grass | No |
| Nampicuan | Luzon | 2184 | 120 | 22 | 15.7436 | 120.6389 | Dirt | No |
| San Jose | Luzon | 6000 | 98 | 12 | 15.7639 | 121.0342 | Dirt | No |
| Santa Ana | Luzon | 2829 | 48 | 16 | 18.5036 | 122.1489 | Asphalt | Yes |
| Lal-lo | Luzon | 6890 | 148 | 125 | 18.1819 | 121.7458 | Concrete | Yes |
| Laoag | Luzon | 9120 | 150 | 25 | 18.1781 | 120.5319 | Concrete | Yes |
| Ramon | Luzon | 3940 | 50 | 249 | 16.8297 | 121.5003 | Asphalt | No |
| Palanan | Luzon | 3280 | 98 | 167 | 17.0644 | 122.4272 | Macadam | Yes |
| Vigan | Luzon | 3429 | 98 | 108 | 17.5547 | 120.3561 | Asphalt | Yes |
| San Fernando | Luzon | 6955 | 150 | 13 | 16.5956 | 120.3032 | Concrete | Yes |
| Cauayan | Luzon | 6877 | 98 | 3 | 16.9300 | 121.7531 | Concrete | Yes |
| Bagabag | Luzon | 3937 | 98 | 820 | 16.6192 | 121.2519 | Concrete | Yes |
| Baguio | Luzon | 5912 | 98 | 4251 | 16.3750 | 120.6194 | Concrete | Yes |
| Tuguegarao | Luzon | 6453 | 150 | 1 | 17.6383 | 121.7306 | Concrete | Yes |
| San Luis | Luzon | 3937 | 98 | 108 | 15.7297 | 121.5000 | Asphalt | Yes |
| Casiguran | Luzon | 4326 | 100 | 5 | 16.1939 | 122.0644 | Concrete | Yes |
| Aparri | Luzon | 1564 | 48 | 0 | 18.3549 | 121.6539 | Dirt | No |
| Dilasag | Luzon | 3929 | 98 | 60 | 16.4458 | 122.2068 | Grass | No |
| San Fernando | Luzon | 6455 | 98 | 70 | 17.6434 | 121.7332 | Concrete | Yes |
| Vigan | Luzon | 9588 | 98 | 13 | 16.5952 | 120.3035 | Concrete | Yes |
Airlines
Currently there are three airlines that operate in North Torbia: Paliparan, Donovian Air, and Olvanan Airways. Donovian Air and Olvanan Airways offer international flights to and from North Torbia. Paliparan is the only airline to offer domestic flights. It is the flagship carrier for North Torbia and is owned and operated by the WPT. There is no civilian ownership of aircraft in the country. All aircraft are dual-purpose, as they can be used for both civilian aviation and in support of military operations. The aircraft typically do not meet western safety standards, and the air traffic controllers are not internationally certified.
Maritime Seaports
North Torbia has 2 seaports located along the South China Sea. Only the Port of Currimao averages more than 1 million tons of cargo throughput annually; however, the port can’t accommodate Military Sea Lift (MSC) Commands Large, Medium-Speed Roll-on/Roll-off (LMSR).
All of North Torbia’s ports lack many modern features that are standard in most ports around the world. The port of Aparri sits at the mouth of the Cagayan River, the longest river in the North Torbia, about 55 miles north of Tuguegarao, the provincial capital. The port of Currimao is a forth class municipality in the province of Llocos North, North Torbia. It is surrounded by Pinili in the south, Batac in the east, the South China Sea in the west and Paoay in the north. Both the Port of Appari and the Port of Currimao are shallow draft ports that require ships to anchor and have the cargo barged into the port. The Cagayan River is navigable by smaller flat-bottomed vessels in the valley; how far up depends on the season and the river level. The TPN is responsible for securing the ports, rivers, and territorial waters of North Torbia. Of note, North Torbia believes their littoral area extends 75 nm from the coast not the internationally recognized 12 nm.
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Pipelines
North Torbia does not currently have any pipelines. North Torbia is working to create pipelines from the port of Laoag (deep-water) to the capital of Baguio in the next 10 years and from Aparri to Tuguegarao in 20 years.
Telecommunications Architecture
The telecommunications network is fiber optic and 3G cellular technology. The cellular network only covers 16% of the country. North Torbia severely restricts the ability of the common person and even government officials from calling outside of North Torbia. There is no internet access on mobile phones. Cellular phones also all have logs that by government officials review to ensure no wrongdoing. 3.16 million residents have a cell phone. The cell phones have a digital signature so that the WPT can track whom they call. No mobile phones are able to dial out of the country or into it.
There are currently 1.07 million landlines in North Torbia. Typically, only senior government officials have landline phones. To get a landline a person must submit their rank, reasons for having a phone, and how they will pay for it before they are able to get one. Landline phones are in government offices, collective farms and state run businesses. Only 15% of the landlines are controlled by private citizens or homes.
The country greatly restricts internet access to people in the government. North Torbia has created their own intranet to connect all government offices (from national to provincial). It is highly regulated and monitored. There is limited outside internet connection in some of the major hotels for international travelers that is restricted and monitored.
Three national radio stations broadcast from 0900 to 1500 local time. Some local villages have their own radio stations. All radios have been modified to only receive approved channels.
There are seven television stations run by the central government. The stations do not broadcast until the news at 1700. On Sundays and holidays, broadcasts start at 0600. The stations will also broadcast sporting events, major events, or emergencies. Over 50% of North Torbians have access to television. All televisions are preprogrammed to only North Torbian channels. The government runs all media forms and only approved material is broadcasted. It is illegal to watch / listen / read anything that may portray the country or especially the Secretary-General in a negative light.
Industry
The industrial sector in North Torbia includes agricultural processing, fishing and fish processing, wood and wood products, copper, nickel, cement and construction materials, pharmaceuticals, fertilizer, natural gas, garments, and jade and rubies. In addition to the potential wealth of natural resources, government-owned factories as well as cottage industries produce tobacco on a small scale. Some other industries include food and beverages, electronics, electrical products, steel processing, chemicals, garment, metal and machine products, although the vast majority of these tie directly to the defense industry. The fishing industry is hampered by inefficiencies in fish processing and transportation, resulting in large quantities of waste prior to fish reaching consumers.
Industrial infrastructure in North Torbia is nearly beyond repair due to years of underinvestment, shortages of spare parts, and poor maintenance. A lack of raw materials and electricity causes poor industrial performance. A notable exception is the automotive industry. Automotive manufacturing activities have been on the rise due to a combination of government subsidies and foreign investment.
As of January, a new state-owned steel factory has opened after two years under construction. This factory will produce between 36,000 and 60,000 additional tons per year. New residential construction and improvements on infrastructure will gradually facilitate steel consumption. The Torbian Economic Development Corporation, a fully state-owned enterprise, is the dominant player of the iron and steel industry. The Corporation operates three major steel mills with total capacity of 450,000 tons per year.
Agriculture
69.8% of North Torbians work in the agriculture sector, accounting for 12.4% of the GDP. The country is not food self-sufficient. Natural disasters paired with economic malfeasance created severe food shortages, and subsequent reliance on international aid. Rice is planted on 60% of the land that can be farmed and accounts for 97% of crops produced. Other agricultural products include corn, pineapple, other fruits, and sugarcane. In remote, mountainous regions, cannabis and hemp are also cultivated.
North Torbians still use traditional farming methods and use natural irrigation to supply water to their fields. If any season is overly dry or wet it can greatly impact the crop production. There were severe droughts 30 years ago; the country is still recovering from them.
Oil/Gas
North Torbia has no oil deposits in its territory and must import petroleum, but faces ever-declining shipments from former allies and trade partners. The government would prefer to import only crude oil and process the oil at one of the country’s three refineries, which have a theoretical total capacity of 51,000 barrels of oil per day. Due to parts and labor shortages, actual output is much less with utilization rates as low as 41% of total capacity. As the refineries are unable to keep up with gasoline demand, despite an extremely low quantity of personal vehicles, North Torbia must also import refined gasoline. Concerning the Aparri refinery, nine companies from across Asia have already submitted their feasibility study reports and proposals.
Although North Torbia has a relatively low amount of proved natural gas reserves and production overall. North Torbia has no natural gas pipelines. North Torbia has attempted to put significant investment in this area, particularly with development of the reserves just off the Torbian coast. However, geographic restrictions and political constraints with South Torbia blocking both pipeline access and FDI means that despite total proved natural gas reserves of 283.2 billion cubic meters (bcm) in the Cagayan gas field, North Torbia only produced 16.8 bcm, much of which had questionable commercial viability.
Defense Industries
There are between 22 and 25 defense industries built or under construction in North Torbia, responsible for everything from manufacturing ammunition and small arms, to involvement in a nuclear and long-range missile program. Exactly what and how much each of these industries produces is, however, difficult to ascertain due to the difficulty in obtaining credible sources.
Nuclear
North Torbia is advancing its nuclear weapons program by saying it is trying to invest in nuclear power as a sustainable method to combat the electricity blackouts. The status of the nuclear plants is unknown. North Torbia is not a signatory to any treaties and under stiff sanctions by the US and several other organizations. North Torbia has fewer than 10 nuclear weapons but Secretary-General Song has openly stated they will strike first if he perceives that his regime is about to collapse—or that an extra-regional power is contemplating regime change.
Space
North Torbia is actively working on a space program and satellites. Currently they only have one satellite in orbit but are working towards designing and launching another. They do not have any navigation satellites and may be using Olvanan or Donovian satellites for this purpose. Information is limited on the future endeavors of North Torbian space programs.
Pollution
Heavy deforestation coupled with slash-and-burn farming techniques devastated the North Torbian environment. Though the WPT started several programs to undo the damage done, no significant progress has been made. Rivers are severely polluted by industrial waste and farm runoff; the water is not safe for human consumption in most cases. Air quality and particulates in the air are among the worst in the world, due to the reliance on coal for power generation and individual households burning dirty fuel for cooking and heat.