Introduction
The Republic of White Highlands, commonly known as The Republic or more formally The Sovereign and Unified Republic of White Highlands, is a country situated on the Western coast of the White Highlands Region, Auriga Bella on the planet of Kebir Blue.
The Republic is currently known to be a Parliamentary Democracy, with it's parliament situated in the capital; Kigali. The Republic is a unitary state, compromised of a political, economic and cultural union between the now two smaller states of Velurum and Bashir. The Republic is a member of the Soviet Federation.
Etymology
The name of the country the Republic of White Highlands is a fairly new term and was originally coined by Sir. Adam Sutler in the early 3470's just before the Grand Revolution. With White Highlands being the region for which the Republic resides, in a speech dennouncing the previous government he said:
- "We here today must break our government! Break the Aristocracy for which have benefited so much from the toils of our great suffering. It is now that we plaec our faith in a new dream. A dream of a completely Sovereign and Unified Republic of White Highlands, where we former Kinsekian peoples are no longer restrained by indecent national and provincial borders,"
The previous name of the Republic of White Highlands, Bashir was a arabic name given to the collective small provincial and city states preceeding the Republic. Bashir means "The one that brings good news," and was a named used by many foreign travellers emigrating to the state.
History
Main article:History of the Republic of White Highlands
Before 3479
Settlement by anatomically modern humans of what was to eventually become the Republic of White Highlands ocurred in a series of waves beginning roughly 3000 years ago near the end of the Aurigian prehistoric period, most of the population travelled from the Eastern regions of the continent.
In 600 the Bazrian Conquest of White Highlands brought many settlers to the region, and in particular the area which came to be known as the Republic. This was subsequently followed with the inception and later spread of the Islamic religion throughout the region for a duration of 1000 years.
In 1600 the first borders were erected and the area which came to be known as the Republic was named Bashir. In 1673 the first states formed within Bashir, though these were small states consisting of 2 ~ 3 villiages at their largest. Feudalism became the dominant form of legal and military custom, small conflicts between rival land owners were common.
1934 saw the first of many religious conflicts between Islamic city states and Marbellian settlers coming to arrive, the early modern period for the Region was thus characterised by the annexation of the region by the Gijonian Empire, which was largely Christian in beliefs. Christian influence in Bashir therefore played a key part in many of the Eastern and Southern states of Bashir.
By 2065 nearly all of the city states within Bashir were locked in isolationism from the rest of the region and continent, Gijonian influence continued to play a key role in the politics and later economics of the city states.
The 2300's saw a long period of innovation in Bashir, though this was later characterised by imperialism and the creation from hundreds of smaller states to several larger ones. The Kingdom of Amelata, Velurum and the Bashirian Federation were involved in a series of small yet connected wars for domination over Bashir.
In 2542 the three states unified against the Invading Gijonian Empire, prompting a act of political, economic, military and fiscal union between the states to form the Kingdom of Bashir. The Triparte - Gijonian War lasted for 20 years and resulted in anexation of the Bashirian kingdom by the Gijonian Empire. For 5 years after Bashir experienced mass de-islamisation in much of the country, though some of the Western regions were left untouched by the invaders and Islamic influences remained.
In 2567 the Bashirian Kingdom was unified with it's northern neighbour Swampland, renamed Swamplandia a technological and innovative boom was characterised by a significant influences in the culture of the country.
2600 saw the entry of Swamplandia into a new war, this was a large war between the Belonia and Gijonian empires, in which the dominion status of Swamplandia forced it's entry into the war. This saw a gradual population decline throughout the war, where Swamplandia became famed for it's significant shipbuilding. Eventually the Gijonian empire crumbelled from a large social movement, and Gijonian rule collapsed throughout Swamplandia. The Union collapsed in 2797 and by 2800 was invaded by the Belonian Empire.
In 40 years from 2800 to 2900 the name Bashir was reinstated and the nation industrialised to some extent where the economy became finally compatible with that of foreign nations in comparison.
The early 2900's the Kingdom of Bashir became more entrenched in Theocracy and thus the religious divisions grew, a man-made famine inflicted by the Belonian empire forced many christian peoples to flee north, gradually Bashir was granted more autonomy - In 2936 it gained independance.
In 2977 The Communist State of Kinsek came to fruitition - both Bashir and Kinsek initiated amicable contact, though to some extent rivals. Investment and economic growth was stunted whereas there was a significant difference to that of Kinsek, whom enjoyed a economic, political and military boom.
In 3001 the region experienced a large economic downturn, though this largely had little effect to that of Bashir it caused significant influxes once again, bringing the population to 10 million. Where it stayed untill 3200's.
3250 saw the collapse of communism in Kinsek, and although this brought about significant revolution throughout the region. The isolationism of Bashir was a advantage, much of the Kinsekian Aristocracy whom were members of the Communist Party fled to Bashir, creating a permanent rift between Kinsekian Christians of the East and Bashirian Islamists of the West.
3268 saw a attempted military coup fail, creating more instability throughout the nation.
In 3298 the governemnt persued a massive liberalisation programme, this was sucessful in diffusing the racial and religious tensions, although this did not remove the Theocracy that was in place. Isolationism continued despite external economic and foreign influences. This continued furthermore with little to no tension between the two groups for another 200 years.
This continued untill the rise of Highlandic Nationalism which spawned the NMP (Nationalist Movement Party,) a fascist organisation aimed at destroying all of the Theocratic aspects of the Kingdom of Bashir. Various efforts were made to subdue the party, untill in 3478 they insighted mass rebellion, and with the assitance of half the population brought a end to Theocratic rule in 3479.
This was known as the Grand Revolution.
After 3479
All previous political organisations were destroyed and banned. In 3479 a fascist government was installed with the High Chancellor Adam Sutler as the primary head of state. Elements of the former political system remained in place as for the Local Chancellors.
3479-80 saw the passing of the Presidency Act. Which stated a end to Theocratic rule, over 200,000 people were arrested and deported and a secret police was set up. Massive reforms to the political, economic and military systems were brought forwards. Including a end to Isolationism in accordance with Highlandic Nationalism and the expansion of influence. The country was renamed the Republic of White Highlands, and also joined the Soviet Federation.
By 3500 the Republic had became a active member of the Soviet Federation, and also became a economic powerhouse within the White Highlands area, the population reached a milestone of 23 million in 3504 in comparison with 12 million in 3479.
Geography
The Republic of White Highlands has a moderately diverse array of climates and regions bearing different geographical features. All together the area within the region and taking into consideration the position along the Centurai Ocean, meteorology speaking The Republic is considered one of the most interesting meteorological places in the region of White Highlands.
A large part of the nation, particularly near the border to the east is dominanted by largely unexplored decidious forests, which all together are large enough so that they encompass of the trilateral borders of Kinsek and Ezov. It is predicted that over 40% of the nation's wildlife call the decidious forests their home.
The Aeriela Mountain range is situated in the North of the country along the coastline, just East of the former capital Prevonica along the Velurum Sea. A majority of plant life there is representative of that of Boreal forests in great contrast to the grasslands in the central and western areas of the country, unlike the Decidious forests of the East the Boreal forest is home to a large proportion of the country's eco-tourism sites. The government has announced a series of plans to designate a large part of the Boreal forests a national park.
Climate
Being situated along the coastline of Centurai Ocean and near the White Highlands mountinious region to the East, The Republic enjoys moderately diverse climate all year round. Temperatures throughout a typical year tend to vary between -10°C to +25°C. Although on some years it has been recorded to be significantly higher or lower due to pollution and climate change effects.
Precipitation remains moderately high in the Republic to much contrast of the rest of region. This is thanks partly to a series of wheather fronts coming in from Centurai Ocean out in the West and North. With the occassional few storms, such storms are repicatory of 70 mph winds, with a few noticable execptions in the past where winds have exceeded 150 mph.
Government and Politics
Introduction
The Republic of White Highlands is a unitary state which is in turn compromised of (recently changed from three to two) two smaller states.
The main source of power for that of the Republic is that of Parliament which is responsible for the legislative branch of government, members of the executive. Commonly the Prime Minsiter and his Cabinet are members of Parliament, they together make the day-day decisions of running the Republic, any large or permanent changes to the Republic or the Republican form of governence must be passed through Parliament. However the Prime Minister has the perogative powers such as that of the right to declare war as he see fits.
The Republican Parliament has a fusion of powers for all three aspects of government. Parliament has two chambers in which laws and bills are passed through the parliament. Whereas one chamber (dubbed the 'Commons') is democratically elected by the public, the secondary chamber has it's members appointed by the Chancellor's of the Republic whom are in turn appointed to their positions. They co-ordinate the chamber in which advocates largely that of a fusion between Meritocracy and Technocracy.
Being a new, fresh and young democracy. The Republic of White Highlands currently adapts a large multi-party system in which is fully entrenched, each political party regardless of political views has a unalienable right to put forward candidates of their choosing in a general and local election. There are currently numerous political parties throughout the Republic from all aspects and parts of the political spectrum, some only stand candidates locally because of their ideology. (For Example: Velurum Nationalists)
Foreign Affairs
See also: Swamplandian Unionism (Political Ideology) Highlandic Unionism (Political Ideology)
Since the glorious revolution the Republic of White Highlands has placed the defeat of extremism it's top priority. A large difference in it's foreign policy however would be that of increased use of Soft Power as opposed to that of Hard Power. Currently the Republic of White Highlands has one of the most sophisticated diplomatic networks on the continent. Enjoying a whole host of relations with differing organisations, federations and common markets.
Soviet Federation
The Republic of White Highlands has been a fully active member of the Soviet Federation since 3479. During this time it has been a major interest to that of the government to further enhance and develop relations with that of distinguished nations such as the Kingdom of Greenwood, the Imperial Union of Gaia and others through varying levels of co-operation throughout the Federation.
In 3507. The SAA of the Republic stated that the government will put forward it's candidacy for that of the Soviet Federation Premiership. It's manifesto as a independant was based on the increased "Economic Advisory Infastructure" to ensure the economic prosperity of all nations.
Since joining the Federation The Republic of White Highlands has established various embassies around the world, including the opening of the Soviet Embassy within the capital city Kigali. Various schemes including mutual defence and economic treaties are a highlight to the various examples of the benefits of being within the Federation.
Republican - Union Relations
Since 3514 the Republic has enjoyed positive relations with that of the Free Union of White Highlands, this new state has since it's inception in 3509. The Republic and Union(as it's informally called) enjoy a positive relationship, ajoined by a commom vision of Highlandic Unionism and the progression of the White Highlands area. Both nations are also affiliated with that of a common market such as that of the Highlandic Bloc.
Highlandic Bloc
As well as increasing ties within the Federation. Since 3507 huge efforts are being made in increasing Republican as well as Soviet Influence throughout that of White Highlands, the Highlandic Bloc is a common market organisation spanning the region of White Highlands, The Highlandic Bloc consists of the Republic, the Union and it's respective dominions. Through the Highlandic Bloc both nations hope to develop a dual economy, since the economic Crisis of 3505 large importance on domestic consumption.
Economy
The Republic of White Highlands currently has a mixed economy between the 3 main sectors of the economy, with a broad range of corporations in National,State, Public and Private hands. The economy therefore enjoys both a wide range of state intervention and market activity, with the privitisation and nationalisation of many businesses a regular occurance.
The overall ranking of the Republican economy since 3499 was that of 1st in the entire region of White Highalnds. Since the Glorius Revolution large sums have been spent on liberalisation of the economy, including a increased welfare state. Because of internal demand this has managed to shield most of the economy from global recession.
According to the Republican Economic committee. The country currently enjoys a large surplus of around SC$13 Billion every single month. This has grown year on year since 3480, and has currently surpassed government targets of achieving that of SC$5 Billion. Since 3479 there has also been significant increases in sufficiency levels throughout the country, over 72% of all country consumption as of 3496 were covered internally, this is despite growing domestic consumption throughout the economy, targets for achieving similar levels for all corporation consumption levels, which stands at a lower rate of approximately 6.58% of consumption covered by interal contracts.
Monthly Economic Production
National Production and general GDP data reveal that the current production per month stands at approximatley 100.14B SC$.
The high rates of growth for the economy of the Republic is also said to be having a significantly greater impact on other surrounding countries than previously thought.The energy and agricultural sectors which play a large share of 40% of the economy for example have been exported to the neighbouring countries of White Highlands, and have said to have brought down food and energy prices in the local area by as much as 13%. That said a large portion of credit throughout the population often finds it'self in internal investment. As much of 70% of private investment throughout the republic is internal.
Economic Cooperation and Investment Treaty
As part of the government's initiative to increase the level of investment going in and out of the public corporations throughout the country, on 16th November 3483 the government signed the Economic Cooperation and Investment Treaty. This treaty is aimed to increase the level of investment both publically and privately between the public corporations of: The Imperial Union of Gaia, the Republic of Romanam, the Republic of White Highlands and the Socialist Union of Mandarr. The aim of the treaty is put over 100 billion SC$ each into each other's public corporations. It is estimated that the combined partial investment from several countries would bring about a annual 2.7% faster and more stable growth for the economy and will prompt more investment from other countries into many of the developing projects throughout the country.
Energy
The Republic of White Highlands is a energy exporter nation, and therefore currently retains energy independance from outside countries, the energy market throughout the Republic has largely been monopolised by three larger corporations such as that of Pakston Energy Corp. and Sutler Energy Corp. which are both public companies and that of Nishat Power. Which is a private corporation.
The overall energy production for the Republic of White Highlands as of 3484 (at 100%) is approximatley 36,000 million kwh's. Which in turn generates approximatley 20% of the White Highlands share. A large distribution of this electricity is produced by hydraulic fracturing, where natural gas is extracted by the predominant public corporations of Sutler and Pakston energy corporations. According to Kebir Blue council reports there could be between 80 ~ 140 years worth of gas throughout the Republican territories.
Since 3493 there has also been significant development of offshore oil. Largely symbolised with that of the Minseto Offshore Oil company, though the Republic now enjoys a large input of oil from these offshore facilities only 7% of them are consumed in the country, and 90% are infact exported to other nations within the White Highlands region.
Transportation and Infastructure
In recent decades even before the Grand Revolution huge investment has been placed within the transportation and infastructure networks of the Republic. With the amount of road, rail and other transportation systems being laid down growing by as much as 48% in the past century. With the growing state of the economy this is set to change spectacularly. In the past 10 years alone a additional 130% more miles of motorway has been placed, connecting some of the larger cities across the Republic.
Such large projects includes a large budget of roughly 200 Billion SC$ for bridges, tunnels and conjestion solutions throughout the existing motorway to increase the max level of traffic. Furthermore new high-speed railways have recently being given critical investment and construction has already begun, the long-term plan set out by the previous government was aimed to:
- "Construct a long-lasting transportation and infastructure network to join up and connect the various countries throughout White Highlands together, being situated on the coastline and in the middle of the region a fast and efficient road and rail network can only bring substantial benefit into the regional economy,"
Science and Technology
With improving levels of education, the technology sector is becoming a increasingly growing sector of the Republican economy... Currently 15.5% of the country's monthly production is through High-Technology industries. Although this figure has declined in recent years due to a lack of proper educational facilities, improving levels of investment and educational quality have lead to a series of predictions that by 3500 the figure of such High-Tech contributions could reach that of 20% ~ 25%. Making the Republic of White Highlands one of the technological centres of White Highlands.
A significant area of interest for Republican science is that in advanced and efficient materials. A notable example would be that of Graphene. Which is currently being worked on in various education and research institutes around the Republic. Such materials which are super-efficient in terms of a strength/weight basis is said to potentially revolutionise industries.