Alstin

The United Republic of Alstin, commonly known as the United Republic or Alstin, is a sovereign state comprising the entirety of the Alstinian Isles off the coast of Crona. Covering an area of more than 708 thousand km² and hosting a population of more 109 million, the United Republic is divided into 24 provinces, 13 territories and a federal district - with its capital and largest city being Alstin.

The United Republic of Alstin is a highly developed country, with its economy ranking within the "Top 20 in the Globe", both in terms of nominal GDP and PPP. Though its population is only 0.5% of the global total, Alstinians hold nearly 7% of the total wealth in the world. The United Republic ranks among the highest in several measures of socioeconomic performance, including average wage, human development, per capita GDP, and productivity per person. While the Alstinian economy is considered post-industrial, characterized by the dominance of both the service and information industry, the manufacturing sector remains one of the largest in the world. Accounting for approximately 10% of the global GDP and an eighth of global military spending, the United Republic is one of the world's foremost economic and military powers. The United Republic is a prominent political and cultural force internationally, and a leader in scientific research and technological innovations.

Etymology
The nation's name derives from the city of Alstin. The city's name itself, according to its founding myth, is believed to have been derived from the city's founder and the first king of Alstin, Alstanus Ryefield.

The standard way to refer to a citizen of Alstin is as an "Alstinian."

Indigenous peoples and the Age of Exploration
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Occidental Settlement and the Founding of the Kingdom
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Unification and Development
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Alstinian Civil War and the birth of the United Republic
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Further immigration, expansion, and development
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The Great War
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Occidental Cold War
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Contemporary History
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Politics and government
Further Reading: Government of the United Republic; List of provinces and territories of Alstin

The United Republic is the world's oldest surviving federal republic. It is a representative democracy, "in which majority rule is tempered by minority rights protected by law". The government is regulated by a system of checks and balances defined by the Constitution of the United Republic, which serves as the country's supreme legal document.

In the Alstinian federalist system, citizens are usually subject to three levels of government: federal, provincial, and local. The local government's duties are commonly split between county and municipal governments. In almost all cases, executive and legislative officials are elected by a plurality vote of citizens by district. There is no proportional representation at the federal level, and it is rare at lower levels.

The federal government is composed of three branches:


 * Legislative: The bicameral Parliament, made up of the Senate and the National Council, makes federal law, declares war, approves treaties, has the power of the purse, and has the power of impeachment, by which it can remove sitting members of the government.


 * Executive: The President is the commander-in-chief of the military, can veto legislative bills before they become law (subject to Parliamentary override), and appoints the members of the Cabinet (subject to Senate approval) and other officers, who administer and enforce federal laws and policies.


 * Judicial: The Supreme Court and lower federal courts, whose judges are appointed by the President with Senate approval, interpret laws and overturn those they find unconstitutional.

The National Council currently has 375 voting members and 5 non-voting delegates, with each of the former representing a parliamentary district for a two-year term, while each of the latter representing an incorporated overseas territory. Council seats are apportioned among the provinces by population every tenth year, with the constitutional minimum being that at least one council seat be allotted for each province. With the most recent census, five provinces plus the Capital District each had the least amount of councilors at three, while Cecelia, the most populous province, had twenty-four.

The Senate has 50 members, with each province plus the Capital District having two senators, elected at-large to six-year terms; one third of Senate seats are up for election every other year. The President serves a four-year term and may be elected to the office no more than twice. The President is not elected by direct vote, but by an indirect electoral college system in which the determining votes are apportioned to the provinces and the Capital District. The Supreme Court, led by the Chief Magistrate of the United Republic, has nine members, who serve for life.

The provincial governments are structured in roughly similar fashion. The governor, or an official of equivalent nature, of each province is directly elected. Some provincial judges and cabinet officers are appointed by the governors of the respective provinces, while others are elected by popular vote.

The original text of the Constitution establishes the structure and responsibilities of the federal government and its relationship with the individual provinces. Article One protects the right to the "great writ" of habeas corpus. The Constitution has been amended 42 times; the first ten amendments, which make up the Bill of Rights, and the Fourteenth Amendment form the central basis of Alstinians' individual rights. All laws and governmental procedures are subject to judicial review and any law ruled by the courts to be in violation of the Constitution is voided.

Foreign Relations
The United Republic has an established structure of foreign relations. It is a founding member of the League of Nations, and was a member of the now-defunct Southern Defense Coalition. Almost all countries have embassies in Alstin, and many have consulates around the country. Likewise, nearly all nations host Alstinian diplomatic missions.

Military
See Main Article: United Republic Armed Forces

The President holds the title of commander-in-chief of the United Republic Armed Forces (URAF) and appoints its leaders, the Minister of Defense and the Armed Forces Council. The Ministry of Defense administers the various branches of the armed forces, including the Army (URA), Marine Corps (URMC), Navy (URN), and Air Corps (URAC). Currently, the armed forces has approximately 1.3 million personnel on active duty, which, when combined with those personnel serving in both the Reserve Forces of the each of the service branches and the various provincial Home Guard units brings the total number of troops to about 2.1 million. In addition, the Department of Defense also employs about 815,000 civilians, not including contractors.

Military service is voluntary, though conscription may occur in wartime through the Selective Service System. Alstinian forces can be rapidly deployed by the Air Corps' large fleet of transport aircraft, the Navy's thirteen active aircraft carriers, and Marine expeditionary units at sea with the Navy's Home, Orixtal, and Cathaic fleets. The military operates 69 bases and facilities abroad, and maintains deployments greater than 100 active duty personnel in seven foreign countries.

Geography
The territory of the United Republic covers more 569,000 km². The country occupies the entirety of the Alstinian Isles archipelago, and lies between the Ocean of Cathay and the Sea of Orixtal, with the north-east coast coming within 1000 km of the coast of southern Pankara, from which it is separated by the English Channel. In 2000, 15 per cent of the URA was forested, 35 per cent used for pastures and 25 per cent cultivated for agriculture.

The United Republic lies between latitudes 23° and 10° N, and longitudes 165° and 140° W. The coastline of Alstin is ??? km long. Most of the country consists of lowland terrain, with more upland and some mountainous terrain in the interior regions; including the Kjeldorans, the Artolans, the Ursans and the Villers Range. The main rivers and estuaries are the Corvus, the Lupus and the Davis. Alstin's highest mountain is Kjeld's Peak in Kjeldor.

Climate
Alstin has a humid subtropical climate, characteristic of southern Crona. Summer is hot and humid, with occasional showers and thunderstorms and warm air from the southwest. Winters are mild and usually sunny at the beginning, becoming cloudy towards February; an occasional cold front brings strong, cooling winds from the north. The most temperate seasons are spring (which can be changeable) and autumn, which is generally sunny and dry. Snowfall, whenever it occurs, is typically found at higher elevations; Particularly within the mountainous regions of the country. The United Republic averages 1,709 hours of sunshine per year, with the average temperature being 16 °C (60.8 °F) in January and 26 °C (78.8 °F) in July.

Economy
Main Article: Economy of Alstin

Overview
The United Republic has a capitalist mixed economy, which is fueled by abundant natural resources and high productivity. With a nominal GDP of $5.53 trillion, the private sector is estimated to constitute 76% of the economy, with federal government activity accounting for 9.8% and provincial and local activity (including federal transfers) the remaining 14.2%. Unemployment is at 2.78%, in spite of the amount of employment regulations throughout the country.

Alstin is one of the world's largest exporter of goods, with a trade surplus of {INSERT SURPLUS HERE}. Koré'hetanùa, Corumm, and The Cape are three of Alstin's largest trading partners.

Information technology is currently the nation's largest industry, followed by tourism, arms manufacturing, and book publishing. Mining, agriculture, and other facets of the manufacturing sector are other important drivers of the Alstinian economy.

Science and Technology
The United Republic has been a leader in technological innovation since the early 19th century and scientific research since the early-20th century. Methods for producing interchangeable parts were developed by the U.R. Ministry of Defense by the Republic Armories during the first half of the 19th century. This technology, along with the establishment of a machine tool industry, enabled Alstin to have large-scale manufacturing of sewing machines, bicycles, and other items in the late 19th century and became known as the Alstinian system of manufacturing. Factory electrification in the early 20th century and introduction of the assembly line and other labor-saving techniques created the system of mass production. In the 21st century, approximately two-thirds of research and development funding comes from the private sector. Alstin leads the world in scientific research papers and impact factor.

Alstinian scientists and engineers have contributed to the advancement of agricultural sciences, electronics, industrial robotics, optics, chemicals, semiconductors, life sciences and various fields of engineering. Additionally, Alstin leads the world in robotics production and use, possessing more than 20% of the world's industrial robots as of 2011.

Events leading-up to and during the Great War led many Levantine scientists to immigrate to the United Republic. This resulted in the development of the Alstinian nuclear program by the mid-1950s under what is now the United Republic Atomic Energy Commission (URAEC), as well as the establishment of the United Republic Space Agency (URSA), which produced rapid advances in rocketry, materials science, and aeronautics.

The invention of the transistor in the 1950s, a key active component in practically all modern electronics, led to many technological developments and a significant expansion of the Alstinian technology industry. This, in turn, led to the establishment of many new technology companies and regions around the country, most notably Silicon Bay in Mardünke. Advancements by Alstinian microprocessor companies along with both computer software and hardware companies, helped to create and popularize the personal computer.

Population
The United Republic has an estimated population of 93 million. A census is taken every ten years, with the first taking place in 1690. While the birthrate is only 24 per 1000, the population growth rate is 1.4%, the result of immigration. White Alstinians, at about 77.1%, make up the largest ancestry group, with sizable populations originating from various minority groups; Among them include Keidran at about 3%, Ionachi-Alstinians at 7.2%, Kornish groups at 1.4%, Cajuns at 0.5%, and mixed at 2%.

Language
is the de facto national language, with approximately 94% of the population speaking it as a first language. Additionally, 23% widely speak Vertañes as either a primary or secondary language, with the third most dominant language being Kornish, with 11% of the population being fluent.

Religion
The majority of Alstin's population, at 71%, identifies as Chantric. The nonreligious account for 23% of the population, while Drutists make up 2%. All other faiths collectively make up 4% of the population. The Bill of Rights of the United Republic guarantees religious freedom, and prevents legislation that favors any religion over another. In addition, discrimination based on religion is illegal, with the exception of explicitly religious organizations such as churches. According to a survey in 2010, 47% of the population said that religion played a "very important role in their lives", while the percentage of irreligious people has been steadily increasing, particularly among younger generations.

Education
About 43 per cent of the United Republic population has a university or college degree, which is the highest percentage in Crona, and among the highest percentages in the world. The basic literacy rate is approximately 99%.

Whilst education in Alstin is the responsibility of the Ministry of Education, the day-to-day administration and funding of public schools is the responsibility of local authorities. Universally free of charge state education was introduced piecemeal between 1870 and 1945. Education is now mandatory from ages five to sixteen, and through out the United Republic, all Alstinians must stay in education or training until they are 18. Alstin has many private and public institutions of higher education, with Newton University, Saint Thomas Hobbs Seminary, Vazquez Institute of Medicine, and Altman Institute of Technology being among the most prestigious and notable throughout the Occidental world.

thumb|Map of Major Cities of the United Republic

Transportation


A radial road network totals 93,808 km of main roads, 46,994 km of motorways and 688,000 km of paved roads. While cars are inexpensive, car ownership fees and fuel levies are used to promote energy efficiency; As a result, there are approximately 59 million licensed vehicles in Alstin.

The United Republic has a railway network of 32,418 km throughout the Alstinian Isles. Since privatization in 1984, dozens of Alstinian railway companies compete in regional, local and intercity passenger transportation markets. Some 360 high-speed Mercury trains connect major cities and Alstinian trains are known for their safety and punctuality. In addition, there are about 1,000 freight trains in daily operation.

There are 190 public airports in Alstin; the largest domestic airport, Alstin-Highwind International Airport in Alstin, is Crona's busiest airport. Other major international gateways include Washkau International Airport, Deralveca International Airport and Lyleon International Airport. The Port of Alstin is the country's largest and busiest port, accounting for 10 percent of Alstin's trade value; Other major ports include Utopia, Lunsford, Dalton, Kenway, and Cuzco.

Energy
Main Article: Energy policy of the United Republic

The Alstinian energy market is about 5,200 terawatt hours per year. In 2010, 28% of this energy came from petroleum, 11% from coal, and 16% from natural gas. The remainder was supplied by nuclear and renewable energy sources.

Water Supply and Sanitation
Main Article: Water supply and sanitation of the United Republic

Access to improved water supply and sanitation in the UR is universal. It is estimated that 97.2 per cent of households are connected to the sewer network. According to the Environment Agency, total water abstraction for public water supply in the UR was 19,812 megalitres per day in 2011.

Culture
Main Article: Culture of Alstin 

Mainstream Alstinian culture is a Western culture largely derived from a number of factors including: the nation's key commercial location centered on the Alstinian Isle; its history as a western liberal democracy and a major power; traditions originating from foreign immigrants; and cultural practices stemming back several centuries. This has resulted in a cultural mix that has been described as both a homogenizing melting pot, and a heterogeneous salad bowl in which immigrants and their descendants retain distinctive cultural characteristics while also promoting Alstinian cultural values as a whole. The substantial cultural influence of the United Republic has led it to be described as a "cultural superpower".

Core Alstinian culture was established by the initial Levantian settlers and shaped by the centuries-long frontier settlement and expansion process, with the traits derived passed down to descendants and transmitted to immigrants through assimilation. Alstinians have traditionally been characterized by a strong work ethic, competitiveness, and individualism, as well as a unifying belief in an "Alstinian creed" emphasizing liberty, equality, private property, democracy, rule of law, and a preference for limited, yet effective, government.

The Alstinian Dream, or the perception that Alstinians enjoy high social mobility, plays a key role in attracting immigrants. Whether this perception is realistic has been a topic of debate. While mainstream culture holds that the United Republic is a classless society, scholars identify significant differences between the country's social classes, affecting socialization, language, and values. Alstinians' self-images, social viewpoints, and cultural expectations are associated with their occupations to an unusually close degree. While Alstinians tend greatly to value socioeconomic achievement, being ordinary or average is generally seen as a positive attribute.