Arsyra

Arsyra, officially the Commonwealth of Arsyra is an overseas incorporated territory of the United Republic, located in mainland southern Crona bordering Ante Magnum to the northwest, Equetus and Vertannia to the south, and Pankara to the northeast.

Geography
Arsyra is situated in between the Calidus and Carolus Rivers, forming the border with Ante Magnum and part of the border with Equetus respectively. The territory consists of a wide range of climates and terrain, from the humid Mediterranean climate of the coastal plains to the west, to the arid mountainous climate of the Velyrian Uplands that form part of its border with Equetus, Vertannia and Pankara.

History
Arsyra was inhabited by the Cartesian people and their ancestors for several millennia before the arrival of Levantines. During the Age of Exploration, Arsyra was settled by a mix of Pankarans, Pelaxians, Caphirian exiles and expats from Alstin, leading to the development of a unique society that promoted the acceptance of diversity. Nevertheless, by 1910, the territory was firmly under the control of Pankara, due in large part of the loss of Cartadanian influence in the region, following the independence of both Galicia and Porlos.

Under Panakaran rule, much of Arsyra became dedicated to the harvesting and extraction of its rich deposits of mineral and natural resources, namely coal, oil, lumber and gold, among many others. However, the harsh labor laws and practices imposed by the Pankarans, as well as their unofficial status as second-class citizens and the lack of autonomy in regional affairs, the local populace increasingly grew discontent with the heavy-handed tactics of the Pankaran Stratocracy throughout the 20th century. As result, when UR forces entered Arsyra during the Pankaran Campaign, the majority of the region defected over the United Republic, resulting in a significant lack of combat in Arsyra during the conflict, with the notable exception being the Battle of Thaide. As part of the Treaty of Radiopolis, which brought to an end to hostilities between the United Republic and Pankara on 30 September 2021, Arsyra was transferred to and annexed by the United Republic as an autonomous territory.

Government
Arsyra is an incorporated territory of the United Republic. Its governmental structure and fundamental law are prescribed by the Arsyra Territorial Charter, promulgated by President Benjamin Ryder and validated by Parliament in late 2021. The Governor of Arsyra is elected by the residents of Arsyra, and is prescribed a four-year term by the Charter, though a Governor may be replaced or recalled at any point in their term.

The territorial legislative body is known as the People's Congress. It is a part-time body that meets twice annually for a period of 18 weeks each. The Congress comprises of 100 seats, apportioned according to population, with a guaranteed minimum of two seats per precinct.

Arsyra sends a single non-voting Delegate to the National Council.

Society & Culture
The population of Arsyran is predominately a mix of residents descended from Pankaran transplants and settlers of Occidental origin. Combined, this binary mixture makes up approximately 79% of residents, with the remaining populace being are of other origins; Mainly from Anta Carda and Ulaga.

Arsyra is a multilingual society, with the most widely spoken languages in the territory being Alsintian Ænglish, Cartadanian, and Vertannes. 56% of Arsyrans are Catholic, with minorities practicing other Christian traditions, most prominently the Chantry of Alstin.

Economy
Mining, lumber and agriculture have long been major key industries in Arsyra. However since the 1970s, the the regional economy has been attempting to diversify, with particular emphasis towards tourism, retail trade, and other service-oriented sectors.