Drahen

The Imperial Republic of Drahen, commonly known as Drahen or the Imperial Republic, is a sovereign state in Skathia. Lying on the north-eastern coast of Skathia, the country is bisected by the Drah Strait into two major parts, The Isle of Drahn to the east and the Navajae Jungle to the west, along with many smaller islands. Drahen is surrounded by the Lagrain Sea to the east and north, and several countries to the west and the south.

Drahen is the 3rd-most populous country on Siora, with an estimated 208 million inhabitantsas of 1575. It is constitutional monarchy with a parlimentary system of governance. It's capital city is Telos the fourth-largest urban area on Drahen, and Traus is the largest city and the major economic center. The current monarch —since 1512— is Emperor Quintilus Valerii I. The Imperial Republic consists of 21 provinces along with the Imperial District, which contains Telos, the capitol.

The Imperial Republic is a newly industrialized country and has the world's 13th-largest economy by GDP and has the world's fastest growing economy, with an average GDP growth of 2.5% per year. The country is categorized as high in the Human Development Index. Drahen is a emerging power with considerable economic, military, cultural, military and political influence in eastern Skathia, and has moderate influence on international affairs.

History

Template:Main Article===Pre-Colonial Drahen===

Prehistory

One of the first evidences of human activity was pottery excavated in the Navajae Jungle near the city of Aldlyn, which was carbon dated to 1000 BCE. Several Prehistoric Drah societies, especially near the coast, were mainly based on agriculture, using techniques such as irrigation and terracing; animal husbandry and fishing were also important. Organization relied on reciprocity and redistribution because these societies had no notion of market or money. Development of a complex mythological and religious complex, a numeric system and social stratification, followed by cultural and economic centers. However a majority of societies, especially deep in the Navajae jungle were semi-nomadic who subsisted on hunting, fishing, gathering, and migrant agriculture.

Pre-Classic Period

Several complex societies developed during the Pre-Classical Period, both along the coast of the Navajae Jungle and on what is now known as the Isle of Drahn. They have been generally divided into 4 main socities: Wayra, Kisecawchuck, Aputsiaq, and Kermode, each of which flourished at different times. THe Aputsiaq originated as a coalition of tribes in the Navajae jungle and flourished from around 700-300 BCE. The reasons of the dissolution of the Aputsiaq coalition is not well known, but cultural traits diffused into other throughout the Navajae Jungle and this formative period saw the spread of the Aputsiaq religious and symbolic traditions, as well as artistic and architectural complexes.

Several societies rose to importance after 300 BCE, including the Wayra, Kisecawchuck, and Kermode. The Wayra were renowned for their agricultural system which fertilized the Navajae jungle, their sophisticated ceramic pottery, their lofty buildings, and clever metalwork. The Wayra were the great city builders of pre-Mestran civilization; as loose confederation of cities scattered along the coast of the Strait of Drah. The Kisecawchuck, on the Isle of Drahn developed large urban settlements and wide-ranging state systems.

Classic Period

The Classical Period is defined by the rise of the Ukaleq, and Cuauhtémoc, in the Navajae Jungle and the Isle of Drahn respectively, from 500 CE until the establishment of a the Royal Mestran colony of Drahasia. Previously the Ukaleq represented one of the small and relatively minor ethnic groups, though starting around 500 CE, they started to expand and incorporate their neighbors. Ukaleq expansion was slow until 550 CE, when the pace of conquest began to accelerate. Within the next 50 years the Ukaleq came to control most of the Navajae Jungle region, with a population of 9 to 16 million inhabitants under their rule. The Ukaleq also promulgated a comprehensive code of laws to govern the far-flung empire along with creating a religion of King worship. Over the next 100 years , the Ukaleq used a variety of methods, from conquest to peaceful assimilation, to incorporate a large portion of the Wayra.

The Cuauhtémoc reached their zenith of power in 900 CE, with their political and economic influence extending throughout most of the Isle of Drahn. Their capital, Telountichian, had a population estimated at over 150,000 and stretched over some 5 square kilometers. The Cuauhtémoc Empire was considered a an informal or hegemonic empire because it did not exert supreme authority over the conquered lands; it merely expected tributes to be paid. It was also a discontinuous empire because not all dominated territories were connected The hegemonic nature of the Cuauhtémoc empire can be seen in the fact that generally local rulers were restored to their positions once their city-state was conquered and the Cuauhtémoc rulers did not interfere in local affairs, as long as the tribute payments were made.

Colonial Drahen

Arrival of Mestrans

The coast of North East Skathia, which now makes the Imperial Republic was discovered by Brigandian powers in 964 CE by the Lanlanian Röllö Rïdbrid. Several expeditions were sent by various countries after the discovery, though no major efforts at colonization or exploration were taken until the Mestran Expedition of 1011, which established contact with the Cuauhtémoc and the Ukaleq in 1017. The first colonization attempt by the Mestrans occurred in 1033, near blank, but the colony ultimately failed and not further attempts were made at colonization until 1056, creating the town of Wildefield. Over the next 50 years, several dozen colonies were established, however decentralized and unorganized tendencies of the colonies proved problematic, and in 1099, the Emperor of Mestra restructured them into the Mestran Royal Colony of Drahsia, a single and centralized Mestran colony in Skathia, ruled by the brother of the Emperor.

Period of Conquest

For the first century of colonization, the indigenous and Brigidian groups lived in a near constant war, establishing opportunistic alliances in order to gain advantages against each other. However by 1127, the Mestrans had destroyed the remaining Cuauhtémoc Empire and had the Ukaleq kingdom contained to a few last holdouts in the Navajae Jungle, the last of which fell in 1130, which marked the start of the two century colonial period.

The Colonization Period

The Mestran colonization after the first few years mainly focused on the existing native cities since these areas could provide the settlers with a disciplined labor force. Mestran expeditions known as gradually advanced the colonial original frontiers in Skathia to approximately the current Drah borders. In this era other Brigandian powers tried to colonize parts of Drahsia, in incursions that the Mestra had to fight.

Colonial law with Mestran roots but original native features were introduced, creating a hierarchy between local jurisdiction and the Crown's, whereby upper administrative offices were closed to the natives, even those of pure Mestran blood. Administration was based on the racial separation of the population among Mestrans, natives, and those of mixed blood, autonomous and directly dependent on the king himself

From an economic point of view, the colony of Drahasia was administered principally for the benefit of the Empire and its military and defensive efforts. Competition with the Mestran Imperium was discouraged. In order to protect the colony from the attacks of Brigandian pirates, as well as the Crown's revenue, only a few ports were open to other Brigandan powers.

Education was encouraged by the Crown from the very beginning, and Drahen boasts the first primary school, first university and the first printing house in Skathia. Indigenous languages were studied during the first centuries, and became official languages in the so-called "Colony of Indians", only to be outlawed and ignored after independence until the early 1500s.

The colonial administration in Drahen had two objectives that would ensure colonial order, and the monopoly of its wealthiest and largest colony: both keep under control and eradicate all forms of rebellion and resistance, as well as repress all movements for autonomy or independence.

Independence

In the late 1200s, while many Mestran Colonies were swept by wars of independence, Drahen remained a royalist stronghold. As the elite vacillated between emancipation and loyalty to the Mestran Monarchy. During the late 1200s, the colony had obtained political and economic automony, due the size and economic strength of the colony. Due to fears of revolution in Drahasia, flamed by revolutions in various other colonies, the Mestran crown issued the Imperial Proclamation of 1304, which threatened to undermine the political and economic autonomy that the colony had been able to obtain.

Drah leaders convened with the leader of the Royal Mestran Colony of Drahasia, Arch-Duke Velor of Drahsia, Prince of the Mestran Imperium, convinced Velor to declare Drah independence from the Mestran Imperium on (date). Prince Velor was proclaimed as Autokrator of Drahen, first Emperor of the newly created Imperial Republic of Drahen, a constitutional monarchy.

The declaration of independence was opposed throughout Drahen by armed military units loyal to Mestra. The ensuing war of independence was fought across the country for the better part of a decade, with battles in the northern, northeastern, and southern regions. The turning point in the conflict occurred when the entire 5th Fleet, homeported in Drahen declared loyalty to the Imperial Republic, as a result, many Mestran forces were eventually cut off from supplies, and the last Mestran Stronghold something was defeated in early 1311.

The Imperial Republic of Drah was recognized by Mestra in late 1311 by Empress Isabella, by a royal decree releasing the colony from the Mestran Imperium.

Imperial Republic of Drahen

Early Years

The years following the independence of the Imperial Republic proved to be somewhat tumultuous, the new Empire contained several factions in the Imperial government alone and several secessionist rebellions occurred, especially in the Navajae Jungle region, and much of Emperor Velor's reign was comprised of resolving internal conflicts and rebellions that threatened the newly-formed country, either by diplomacy or military might. By Velor's death in 1343 he had been able to consolidate Imperial power and it was not until almost 200 years later, during the Drah-Indian War that Drahen became embroiled in any major internal conflicts.

Growth of the Nation

Emperor Augustinus was crowned Autokrator of the Imperial Republic of Drahen in 1343, after the death of his father, Velor Valerii. He inherited from his father a state that was politically stable, though economically weakened, after nearly two decades of instability. Augustinus had to navigate two major crisis that helped to develop Drahen's prestige and economic power that would set it's course as a regional power in Skathia.

Emperor Augustinus saw himself as an enlightened leader and pushed progressive initiatives in technology and institutions. The creation of Crown companies allowed Augustinus to develop the telegraph and railroad industries throughout the country despite having several weak Prime Ministers and set the precedent of the Emperor as a neutral figure — one who could stand above political factions and petty interests to address discontent and moderate disputes. Internationally, Brigandian's came to see the country as embodying familiar liberal ideals, such as freedom of the press and constitutional respect for civil liberties. Its representative parliamentary monarchy also stood in stark contrast to the mix of dictatorships and instability endemic in the other nations of Skathia during this period.

By the start of Emperor Aemilius's reign in 1385, Drahen enjoyed internal stability and relative economic prosperity. The nation's infrastructure was being developed at a rapid pace, with progress in the construction of railroads, the electric telegraph and steamship lines further uniting Drahen into a cohesive national entity. The Drahen economy grew rapidly due to railroad, shipping and other modernization projects and high rates of immigration. The Empire became known internationally as a modern and progressive nation, second only to the Nyland; it was a politically stable economy with a good investment potential.

Administrative Divisions

File:Provinces of Drahen.png

Map of Drah Provinces

Template:Main ArticleThe Imperial Republic is a composed of 21 provinces and the Imperial District (which contains the capital city, Telos) and hundreds of Municipalities. States have autonomous administrations, and collect their own taxes and receive a share of taxes collected by the central government. They have a governor and a unicameral legislative body elected directly by their voters and are granted power over provincial affairs, providing primary and secondary schools, oversight and control of provincial and municipal expenditures, providing for law enforcement and maintenance of local police forces and the creation of provincial law, as long as such laws do not infringe upon existing national law.

The provinces and capital district may be grouped into two distinct regions, the Ubertan Isle, and the Navajae Jungle. The two regions are merely geographical and not political or administrative divisions. The Ubertan Isle holds the majority of the population of the Imperial Republic and as a result is the more industrialized and advanced of the two regions. The Navajae jungle is the least inhabited region of Drahen with only around 10% of the population occupying almost 50% of the land area of Drahen. However, the area has many natural resources and development in the area continues to grow quickly.

Municipalities, much like the states, have autonomous administrations, collect their own taxes and receive a share of taxes collected by the central and provincial government. Each has a mayor and an elected legislative body, and has the power setting of municipal budgets, oversight of expenditures, creation of jobs, the nomination of civil servants, and the creation of municipal laws, as long as they do not infringe upon existing laws set by the central and provincial government.

Government and Politics

Template:Main ArticleThe Government of Drahen is a Representative Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy and is the second largest Monarchy in Siora behind Ishnalla. The government is comprised of four main branches as stated by the Constitution, the legislative branch, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Judiciary and the Emperor. The Council of State and Council of Ministers assist the Emperor and Prime Minister, respectively, in their official duties.

Politics and Elections

The major political parties in 1574 are as follows: The Drahen Socialist Party (DSP), the Imperial People's Party (IPP), the Drahen Republican Party (DRP), One Empire, and the Green Party (Major Political Parties are defined as a party that obtains more than 10% of the vote).

Foreign Relations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for managing the foreign relations of Drahen. Drahen is a significant political and economic power in East Skathia and a key player on the world stage. Drahen's foreign policy reflects its role as a regional power and a potential world power and is designed to help protect the country's national interests, national security, ideological goals, and economic prosperity.

For the rule of the current Emperor, Avtokrator Quintilus Valerii I, the government has sought to expand Drahen's influence in Siora by pursuing pursuing a state-led industrial policy and independent foreign policy. With the rise of Protasekretis Gallus Statius, in 1560 to the office of the Prime Minister, Drahen's foreign policy has aimed to strengthen ties with other countries throughout Skathia and several nationalist and pan-nationalist countries abroad, while continuing to maintain relationships with great powers and act as a countervailing force to Brigandian political and economic influence in Skathia.

Military

Template:Main ArticleThe armed forces of the Imperial Republic of Drahen is comprised of three separate branches, the army, navy and air arm. Drahen has the second largest military in Skathia with 552,916 personel, 140 ships, and 3840 aircraft and helicopters in 1573. The Imperial Armed Forces, especially the Imperial Army, is very involved in civic-action programs, education, health care and constructing roads, bridges and railroads across the nation.

Army

The Imperial Drahen Army is the land arm of the Imperial Armed Forces and comprises a majority of the Armed Forces. The Imperial Drah Army has fought in several conflicts throughout it's history, mostly in Skathia during the late 1300's and early 1400's. The Imperial Army consists of 447,600 military personnel, with over 14,000 tanks, Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Armored Personnel Carriers, and other vehicles, 2,240 helicopters and is divided into 20 divisions.

Navy

The Imperial Drahen Navy is the naval arm of the Imperial Armed Forces, responsible for conducting naval and river operations. The Drahen navy is the largest in East Skathia and the second largest in Skathia, behind Nyland. The Imperial Navy consists of 61,716 military personnel, 140 ships and 428 aircraft. The navy is divided into 2 major groups, the Deep-Water Navy, which contains the ships of the navy capable of fighting on the high seas, and the Naval River Forces, which patrol the thousands of kilometers that crisscross Drahen.

Air Force

The Imperial Drahen Air Arm is the air arm of the Imperial Armed forces responsible for defending the airspace of the Imperial Republic and carrying out the full spectrum of air combat and transport operations. The Imperial Air Force consists of 43,600 military personnel, and 922 combat and transport aircraft. The Air Arm is dividend into eight Air Groups, each of which carries a complement of aircraft that are capable of carrying out full spectrum air operations, though on a much smaller scale.

Economy

Drahen is the second largest national economy in Skathia and Siora's 13th largest economy at market exchange rates and in purchasing power parity (PPP), according to international organizations. Drahen has a mixed economy with abundant natural resources. The Drah economy has been one of the fastest growing in Siora and is predicted to continue to grow in the decades to come, the GDP per capita following and growing. Its current GDP (PPP) per capita is $12,724(1572) Active in agricultural, mining, manufacturing and service sectors Drahen has a labor force of over 107 million and unemployment of 5.7%

The country has been expanding its presence in international financial and commodities markets. Drahen's diversified ecnomy includes agriculture, industry, and a wide version of services. Agriculture and similitar sectors, such as forestry, logging and fishing counted for around 5.1% of the GDP in 1570.

The industry sectors in Drahen, such as automobile, steel, petrochemical and aircraft, accounted for 30.8% of the GDP. Industry is highly concentrated in the cities of Traus, Newgate, Blackham and Millford, though is present in other cities also.

Energy

Drahen is Siora's (number) largest energy consumer, with much of it's energy coming from renewable sources, mainly hydroelectricity, from the many rivers in Drahen.

Transport

Roads in Drahen are the primary carriers of freight and passenger traffic. The road system totals over 1.98 million kilometers, and has grown significantly in the last few decades. In contrast however, the railway system of Drahen has been in decline in the last few decades, with the shift to road networks. Since 1520, the total length of railway track has reduced from 31,848 km to 30,875 km in 1570. There are several major metro systems throughout Drahen including Traus, Telos, Newgate, and Wintercrest.

Drahen has around 2,500 airports throughout Drahen, many of which are rough landing fields throughout the country. Traus International Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Drahen with almost 43,645,849 passengers yearly and handles the vast majority of commercial traffic for the country.

Waterways play an important role in transportation, especially in the Navajae Jungle where many remote villages are only accessible by water. Major waterways in Drahen are maintained with a 6 meter minimum depth requirement, and there are over three dozen deep-water ports throughout the country. In addition several major international and coastal shipping go through the Drah strait that bisects the country.

Demographics

Language

The official language of the Imperial Republic is Mestran Imperial and Mestran Common. Mestran Common is by far the most common spoken language and is the only language used in newspapers, radio, television, though Mestran Imperial is used for official business and administrative purposes.

The Mestran Common that most of the Drah population speaks however is of a different dialect that that spoken in the Mestran Imperium due to the separation between the two countries and influence of local languages. As a result, the languages are somewhat different, mostly in phonology, from the language that is spoken in the Mestran Imperium. Drahen is the only Mestran-speaking nation in Skathia, making the language an important part of Drah national identity and giving it a national culture distinct from those of its neighbors.

Education

The National Education Act of 1531 determine that the Imperial Government, States, and municipalities must manage and organize their respective education systems. Each of these public educational systems is responsible for its own maintenance, which manages funds as well as the mechanisms and funding sources. The National Education Act reserves 25% of the state budget and 18% of federal taxes and municipal taxes for education.

According to international reports, in 1568, the literacy rate of the population was 90.4%, meaning that 19 million (9.6% of population) people are still illiterate in the country; functional illiteracy has reached 21.6% of the population. Illiteracy is highest in the western parts of the country, where some municipalities have reported up to 19.9% of the population is illiterate.

Higher education starts with undergraduate or sequential courses, which may offer different options of specialization in academic or professional careers. Depending on the choice, students can improve their educational background with courses of post-graduate studies or international programs. To attend a higher education institution is required by law, and completing all levels of education suited to the needs of all students of teaching kindergarten, elementary and medium, provided the student does not hold any disability, whether physical, mental, visual or hearing.

Health

Drahen has a public health system managed by the government of Drahen know as the Unified Health System (UHS). By the Drah constitution, healthcare is a public right and must be universal and available to all citizens. However, most middle and upper-class citizens have their own private health coverage, most of which are provided by their jobs. The Ministry of Health helps to guide national health policy, and oversees primary health care, the elements of which are up to the states and municipalities to control.

Culture

Sports

Template:Main ArticleThe most popular sport in Drahen by far is is Association Football (Soccer). The Drahen National Football Association (DNFA) estimates that there are over 8 million football players in Drahen at the youth, amature, semi-professional and professional levels. The Drahen men's national team is currently ranked 16th according to the SIFA World Rankings, placed 3rd in the 1538 SIFA World Cup and until 1574 has qualified for every World Cup since their induction in 1506. Drahen is one of the most successful football nations in Skathia, winning the COSFA Skathian Nations Cup in 1543, 1551, 1559, and 1563 and coming in 2nd place 1527, 1531, and 1555. Other popular sports include volleyball, auto racing, and martial art. .