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 consisting of two smallers provinces.. The Republic is a member of the Soviet Federation,the Highlandic Trading Bloc as well as the key founding partner of the Highlandic Federation.
Etymology
The term Republic of White Highlands although the official name does not roughly translate any meaning in the English language. In Kinsekian however Republic still has the country's former name Bashir.
Bashir in Kinsekian meant, "The one that brought good news," and was the name of the preceeding Kingdom before the Republics formation in 3478.
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.
During the 3510's the Republic was experiencing another revolution, this time away from that of Fascism and more to democracy. The 3507 Economic Crises did not hit the Republic and thus there were a period of prolonged economic migration and growth when other states suffered decline.
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
See also: Swamplandian Unionism (Political Ideology) Highlandic Unionism (Political Ideology) Republican Armed Forces Highlandic Trading Bloc
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
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. The foreign affairs of the country are now operated by the Republican Foreign Office. (RFO)
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.
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 been a active founder in the Highlandic Trading Bloc, and thus has also since enjoyed close collaboration with that of the Union of White Highlands. Both countries have an active regional defence and economic policy, and have worked together since the 3507 Economic Crises.
Foreign Aid
According to the Kebir Blue security council, the Republic of White Highlands currently is the 7th highest aid giver in Kebir Blue. The Republic deploys aid to all countries effected by natural disaster. 80% of all foreign emergency aid is sent to countries within the Soviet Federation or any affliated countries.
Military
The Armed forces of the Republic of White Highlands have since the Military Fusion act of 3529 have been called the Highlandic Armed Forces. The Highlandic Armed forces consist of three primary branches: The Highlandic Army, the Highlandic Air Force and the Highlandic Navy.
The Armed forces are charged with primarily the protection of the Republic and it's interest at home and abroad in respect to it's function of the Highlandic Federation, it's secondary function is that of global security largely linked with that of the maintenance of Republican overseas bases affiliated with that of the Soviet Federation.
Economy
See also: Highlandic Trading Bloc 3507 Economic Crises
The Republic of White Highlands has a partially regulated market economy, with pragmatism being one of the main driving principles for the management of the economy. Since 3499 the Republic has maintained the largest economy in the region of White Highlands, along with the 6th largest by continential standards.
The Republican Treasury, which is in turn lead by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is primarily responsible for developing and executing the Republican government's financial and economic policy. The Bank of White Highlands is the Republic's national bank and issues the nation's currency, as well as controllign interest rates for the country.
Trade Surplus
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$5 Billion. Since 3479 there has also been significant increases in sufficiency levels throughout the country, over 72% of all country consumption as of 3496 were covered internally, this is despite growing domestic consumption throughout the economy, targets for achieving similar levels for all corporation consumption levels, which stands at a lower rate of approximately 43.56% of consumption covered by internal contracts.
GDP Data
Post Crises Production
Despite domestic growth, physical production has decresed by as much as 10% from it's pre-crises peak of 100B SC$.
This is partly to blame for the Economic crises of 3507. Where the services sector and the global markets were hit by a tragic oversupply, thus many corporations were forced to adapt, some of them closed. According to the White Highlands bank, production currently remains at 90.34B SC$, a large portion of production is now within the industrial and high-technology sector. As the tertiary sector was the hardest hit by the crises.
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.
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.
Demographics
A national census is taken simultaneously throughout the Republic every 10 years. The Republican office of statistics is responsible for the collection of data across the Republic. In 3530 the total population of the Republic was that of 25,252,400. Which is altogether the highest population within the White Highlands region, and 8th highest within the Aurigian continent.
Ethnic Groups
| Ethnic Group |
3530 Population % |
|---|---|
| White | 78.4% |
|
White: Kinsekian |
11.6% |
| Southern Aurigian | 6.3% |
| Paovian | 1.7% |
| Highlandic Native | 1.5% |
| Other: Total | >0.5% |
| Total | 100 % |
Historically, the ethnic makeup of the Republic has been largely impacted by that of continued isolationism. However since the 33rd century large influxes of Kinsekians have inhabited the Eastern and Northern areas of the country. More recently still since the late 3400's larger numbers of people have emigrated from the Paova Major continent, largerly related to that of the Soviet Federation.
Culture
The Culture of the Republic has been influenced by various factors including: the nation's previous isolationism, it's history as a major power as well as being affiliated with that of global institutions such as that of Highlandic Bloc, Highlandic Federation and the Soviet Federation.
Music
The Republic is often host to various forms and types of music. Notable popular genres of music throughout the Republic include that of ambient and classical forms of
music, with other types of music such as that of pop and symphony orchestraic pieces increasing in popularity throughout the Republic. Music throughout the Republic has enjoyed significant regional commercial sucess. Most music specifically composed to emit or convey a particular emotion or feeling.
Arguably the heart of Republican music would be that of Eastern city of Restopia . Which has been recognised for it's musical contribution and output of talent. According to some sources the ratio from musicians to other professions within the city is somewhere near: 1-100 people.
Cuisine
Cuisine throughout the Republic is largely varied from area to area. However large influences to Republican cuisine are drawn from that of 'Fish and Forest' dishes. Inspiration for such comes from the consumption of whatever foods were avaliable to the ancestors at the time. Traditionally dishes are focused around a food high in protein, (fish,beef etc) surrounded by consumable leaves and shrubbery. Salads are also of great popularity.