Metzetta

Metzetta is a country in East Alshar comprising the Metzettan Peninsula and the Metzettan Archipelago to the south.

Metzetta has been inhabited since prehistory, with the earliest pottery fragments dating from around 8000 BC. In the 3rd Century AD the kingdoms of Metzetta were united under an Emperor and imperial court based in Hanzeong, the nation's capital and largest, most populous city. Since then, Metzetta has existed under the guiding hand of its Emperor.

Metzetta is a developed country which faces an aging population problem. The populace benefit from a high-speed train network and globally influential music and film sectors. The official language, Metzi, is written using Hangul, and is considered a language isolate.

Etymology
The ancient kingdom of Meseda derived its name from "Me" (메) meaning hill or mountain, and "Seda" (섿아) meaning fierce, strong or powerful; altogether the name translated as "Fierce Hill" or "Powerful Mountain" in reference not only to the mountainous terrain of the region, but also specifically to Adamant Hill where the Emperor's castle stood in Hanzeong, and Mount Riwa, an imposing holy mountain in the centre of the country. By the time Meseda had conquered the neighbouring kingdoms, the spelling and pronunciations of the root words had changed to "Mettu" (멛두) and "Zetta" (ㅿ엗다) from which the modern name is drawn.

History
Local legends hold that Metzetta and the surrounding lands were created by the gods; archaeological evidence has not yet been found to support this version of events.

Prehistory
Tool-making artefacts have been found in Metzetta dating from around 700,000 years ago. Settlements seem to have been concentrated in the central-western portion of the country. Agricultural societies and the most primitive forms of social-political complexities emerged around 1500 BC, developing around both dry-field and paddy-field crops. Beginning in 850 BC, chiefs began to take command over societies, and their (for the time) lavish burials have been excavated across the country. Bronze-production became possible in 700 BC and immediately cemented itself as a cornerstone of civilisation. Long distance trade, increasing levels of local conflict and the development of iron metallurgy signalled the end of this era of history about 300 BC.

Ancient Kingdoms
The first Metzettan kingdom, and the one which would come to dominate all others, was Meseda (메세다), supposedly founded by Emperor Yang-jo (a direct descendant of the gods) in 2333 BC. Written records from 700 BC attest that the kingdom was certainly well-established by this time. Meseda's capital was located in Hanzeong as it is today. Meseda is sometimes referred to in later accounts as Meseda-jo (메세다조) to differentiate it from modern-day Metzetta, but it was never known by this name at the time.

To the northeast of Meseda-jo lay Hyuntoji (휸도지, Hyuntoji translates as "Dark Land" or "Mysterious Land" and was the Metzettan name for the territory). Hyuntoji was smaller and less sophisticated than Meseda and was subjugated around 300 BC as Meseda-jo expanded. The territory to the south of Meseda was known as Daekang (대강, Great Water/River in Metzi) and was prosperous thanks to its ample coastline and greater proportion of arable land than the mountainous Meseda-jo. Daekang controlled several islands off the coast and resisted takeover attempts from the north for generations until falling in 85 BC. Ankae, the former capital of Daekang, is now the second-largest city in Metzetta. Following this acquisition Meseda-jo became known as Metzetta. Over the coming years the new empire would take to the seas and conquer many islands off the coast and laid claim to as many uninhabited islands as it could find.

Feudal Metzetta
By 300 AD Metzetta's borders had arrived in roughly the configuration seen today.

Modern Metzetta
Emperors Daeku and Yonzi kept Metzetta neutral during The First Great War. For the first year of The Second Great War, Metzetta remained neutral under Emperor Jan-Hu, however Levantine allies successfully induced Metzetta to join the Allies on March 30th, 1935, the same day Jalqolak fell to Corumm.

Geography
In the centre of Metzetta stands Mount Riwa, a holy site symbolic of the entire nation. It is part of a mountain range that divides east from west, running about two thirds of the way down the country. Metzetta is surrounded on all sides but north by the sea, with the Ocean of Cathay to the east. Metzetta's many island territories to the south are popular holiday destinations. Metzetta has an area of 281,890 square miles.

Climate
Metzetta tends to have a humid continental climate and a humid subtropical climate, and experiences a monsoon season in the summer, which begins end of June through the end of July. Winters can be extremely cold with the minimum temperature dropping below −20 °C in the inland region of the country. Winter temperatures are higher along the southern coast and considerably lower in the mountainous interior. Summer can be uncomfortably hot and humid, with temperatures exceeding 30 °C in most parts of the country. Metzetta has four distinct seasons; spring, summer, autumn and winter. Spring usually lasts from late March to early May, summer from mid-May to early September, autumn from mid-September to early November, and winter from mid-November to mid-March.

Rainfall is concentrated in the summer months of June through September. The southern coast is subject to late summer typhoons that bring strong winds, heavy rains and sometimes floods. The average annual precipitation is around 1400 millimetres.

Biodiversity
Metzetta is home to many diverse species of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to the country (found nowhere else in the world), particularly in the south-eastern island territories.

Politics
Metzettan citizens are very fond of their Emperor.

Government
Metzetta has always existed under the direct rule of the Emperor. Historically the High Priest also held much power within the government but their sway has diminished in recent decades.

Metzettan Royal Family
The Metzettan Imperial Family represent the pinnacle of the aristocracy in Metzetta, and have marriage links to royal families in Urcea (through Princess Haeki in 1965), Grajnidar and Arcerion. The Emperor/Empress are the ultimate authority, followed by their spouse who is followed in turn by the heir to the throne. Members often hold additional titles (Dukedoms, Earldoms, Baronies) in addition to their Imperial titles. The current Emperor has been Emperor Hachi since 2022.

Administrative Divisions
The major administrative divisions of Metzetta are the 16 provinces, 8 metropolitan cities (cities which are self-governing rather than part of a province) and one special city (the capital of Hanzeong). All administrative divisions are associated with a noble title.

Law
content about constitution, human rights, etc

Foreign Relations
Historically one of Metzetta's favourite diplomatic tools was the arranged marriage between a high-ranking foreigner and a cadet member of the Imperial Family. Modern-day Metzetta also employs the tactic of twinning its cities with those abroad to foster friendly relations. Metzettan Emperors often bestow honours upon foreign heads of state as a display of friendship.

Metzettan embassies can be found in Urceopolis, Ninao, Minvras, Cape Town, Alstin, Kartika and Mirzak.

Military
weapons-grade content

Demographics
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Population
Metzetta has a population of roughly 77,000,000.

Education
Metzetta boasts several ancient universities and its citizens place a high value on educating themselves and their children. Education is free and compulsory until the age of 16 (homeschooling is also an option). Students may elect to stay on for 2 further years of education, which most do. University education is heavily subsidised for citizens, but remains expensive for foreign students.

Language
The language of Metzetta is Metzi, a language isolate. It is written using the Hangul alphabet. Most students study English as part of their education, with some optionally taking on Corummese or Latin as well.

Religion
The indigenous account of the origin of the universe in Metzetta is known as Chulcheo, which is explored briefly below. For most of recorded history Chulcheo was regarded as plain fact, and despite all scientific evidence pointing to the contrary, many locals still retain their beliefs in the old gods. Other religions such as Buddhism exist only as a minority, and among the younger generations abandoning religion entirely is becoming the norm.

Metzettan Cosmology (Chulcheo)
Metzetta's (almost certainly apocryphal) first Emperor was said to be descended directly from the gods. The country's mythical early history was compiled in the Iyagi-seda, one of the earliest history books developed in the region. A High Priest has been installed as long as Metzetta has had an Emperor and their lineage is similarly well-documented.

The progenitor of all things in Chulcheo is Nalag, the primordial force of chaos. From Nalag came Sim-yeon, the god of the sea, an enormous red whale whose tail causes the waves, and Haneul, goddess of the sky, a gigantic bird whose wings cause the wind. Sim-yeon and Haneul's child was Hwasan, a great bear who raised the land from the sea and raised the mountains above the land. Hwasan created Ip, who placed the plants upon the land, Uloe who caused thunder and lightning, and Ugi, the rain god. Before retreating to the Moon, Nalag also created Majimag, the god of death, a skeleton who puffs a pipe until the smoke forms demons, and Taeyang, the sun. Majimag in turn created Ssaum, the god of war. Taeyang had 3 daughters: Hwajae, the goddess of love and fire; Jihye, the goddess of knowledge; and Won-in, the goddess of fertility. Jihye became the mother of the demigods, while Won-in gave birth to all the beasts and animals of the land.

Ssaum and Hwajae had a daughter; Dalrae, the first woman. This is the mythical origin of the human race. Dalrae and the demigod of the stars, Byeol, had many children, the first of whom was Yang, the founder of Meseda-jo and one of the most important figures in Metzettan legend. From these few figures all the men and women of the world are said to be descended. While it is not true in reality than the human race originated in Metzetta, this origin tale indicates that the people of other lands went forth from Metzetta to found their respective countries.

Health
Metzetta offers its citizens free healthcare, and boasts high life expectancy rates. With birth rates falling, the population is aging rapidly. Advanced medical facilities such as MRI scanners are readily available. Tourists must pay to access Metzettan medical care. Smoking is common in Metzetta, causing concern amongst the country's medical experts.

Economy
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Currency
The Metzettan Won is the nation's currency, minted by the Bank of Metzetta. The word "won" means "round" in reference to the shape of the coins, which were originally minted with square holes. Many variations have been produced and coin collecting is a popular hobby. Currently coins are minted in values of ₩1, ₩5, ₩10, ₩50, ₩100 and ₩500, though ₩1 and ₩5 coins are becoming increasingly rare as inflation renders them obsolete. Banknotes are currently minted in denominations of ₩1000, ₩5000, ₩10,000, ₩50,000 and ₩100,000. Coins and banknotes in other denominations have been produced in the past and unusual denominations are sometimes minted for commemorative purposes. Common subjects depicted on coins and banknotes include Emperors, flowers, birds and architecture.

Agriculture
With a relatively small amount of arable land for a country of its size, most Metzettan crops are sold domestically, with very little produced for the export market. Metzettan farmers are very proud of the unique cultivars of fruits, vegetables and other plants they maintain, some of which have been the family business for generations. Most homes include a small food garden.

Industry
Industrial content

Automotive Industry
Car-based content

Tourism
In 2024, 18 million foreign tourists visited Metzetta. With rising tourism prospects, especially from outside of Alshar, the Metzettan government has set a target of attracting 20 million visitors a year by 2030.

Science & Technology
content about the space program and how great it is wow

Infrastructure
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Transportation
content about rail gauges my dude!

Rail
Metzetta uses the somewhat unusual rail gauge of 1600mm (5ft 3in), meaning its trains are incompatible with tracks of most other nations of the world, necessitating a change of trains when leaving the country's rail network. This rail gauge is also used by Kiravia. The slightly wider tracks allow for larger cylinders, useful for pulling trains up the hilly terrain of the countryside. Rail transport and freight is a public enterprise in Metzetta. Several cities offer a subway system and a vestigial narrow-gauge network operates in tandem with the main network.

Road
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Air
Metzettair is the government-owned flag-carrier for the country, operating both domestic and international flights. A small number of private airlines have appeared in the past few decades to provide budget vacations. Hanzeong International Airport is the largest airport in the country.

Sea
Metzetta has a strong seafaring tradition given its ample coastline and many island territories.

Energy
Historically Metzetta was a coal-powered nation but this system has been supplanted by nuclear energy, and to a lesser extent, other renewable sources such as wind, geothermal, solar, tidal and hydroelectric power. Nearly 75% of Metzetta's energy is produced in Nuclear power plants, with plans to retire the few remaining coal plants well underway. It is not uncommon for private citizens to generate some of their own electricity through the use of a small wind turbine or bank of solar panels. Energy is not a private industry in Metzetta and all power plants are controlled by Energy For Metzetta, a government agency.

Internet & Telecommunications
Metzetta's capital of Hanzeong has offered free city-wide public Wi-Fi since 2024, with plans for similar services in Ankae, Jamsu and Inyang to open before 2030. The country's top-level domain code is .mz.

Postal Service
The Imperial Postal Service operates in Metzetta under the control of the government. They often issue commemorative stamps and collecting them was once a popular hobby. Metzetta's postal codes are written in the format LLNN-NNNL, where L is a letter and N is a number; for example Hanzeong City Hall's postal code is YG01-355A. The first two digits represent Yang District in Hanzeong; there are over 50 of these two-letter abbreviations.

Culture
symbolic content

Art
content on the visual arts of painting, sculpture, etc

Architecture
ccoonntteenntt about shrines

Cuisine
Metzettan cuisine has evolved through centuries of social and political change. Ingredients and dishes vary by province. There are many significant regional dishes that have proliferated in different variations across the country in the present day. Metzettan cuisine is largely based on rice, noodles, tofu, vegetables, fish and meats. Traditional Metzettan meals are noted for the number of side dishes, banchan (반찬), which accompany steam-cooked short-grain rice. Every meal is accompanied by numerous banchan. Metzetta is unique among Alshari countries in its use of metal chopsticks rather than wooden or bamboo ones.

Literature & Philosophy
content about poetry

Music
anyway here's Wonderwall

Media
theatrical content

Television
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Film
content

Press
content

Video Games
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Theatre
content

Holidays
content about days off work, festivals, traditions

Fashion
content on traditional and contemporary dress

Sports
content about wrestling, boxing, ice hockey, etc (all the ones with fighting)

Symbols
content (remember to add to National Symbols page)

Folklore
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Gardens
holy moly that's a lot of content

Galleries, Museums & Libraries
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templates, see also, whatever. make template for Alshar, template for Metzetta-based articles, add Metzetta to worldwide standard articles