It’s understated as to how much of an effect the Third Abaloniscia Revolution was, not only economically and politically, but also population and demographic wise. According to the International Humanitarian Board of Crises (I.H.B.C.) from December 19 1996 to June 10 2001, approximately 10 to 15 Million fled the country to seek refuge in the neighboring nations.
The closest neighbor was Atsovia. For many it was a rather logical choice, Atsovia spoke Abalonic, even if it was a dialect of its own, it was easier to understand and learn than other regions. Atsovia was wealthy, and before the Revolution, was in the middle of an economic boom which many believed would be a benefit for their families, and a chance to “Live like Princesses!” as the Atsovian saying goes. However, the tourist image of a golden age paradise hid the reality that was the Government, and a refugee’s most hostile enemy... the Media.
In 1996, the average Atsovian living in Abberton would turn on their television to see news of a failed state, that was several miles across the Silico Strait. “Abaloniscians…” they would rationalize, ”are impulsive and squabble over a simple election.” Some would even say, “They shouldn’t deserve a democracy!” This sentiment was the talking point of the more popular television shows of the time. “They are a people who have never known a democracy! They seek to destroy it wherever they go!” Dave Shamrod said during an episode of his late night show 'Shamrod Tells It!', displaying images of refugees climbing over barricades, clashing with Border Guards, and the least charitable photographs he could find.
The postcard-tourist view of this fantasy land was quickly washed away as the first refugees entered the Princessdom. There weren't people to welcome them in, there wasn’t a princess, there wasn’t a castle, there was no fantasia wonderland… only the camps.
According to the Atsovian Bureau of Immigration (B.O.I.); “...between 1996 and 2001, around 3,654,200 refugees were accepted into Atsovia. 2,224,000 were designated to ‘temporary settlements’, 1,856,300 were granted work visa cards, but not citizenship, and only 426,100 were granted full citizenship.”
- Excerpt from "The Untold Voices of Abaloniscia" by Harriot Peterson
