Caphiria: Difference between revisions
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|area_rank = 2nd | |area_rank = 2nd | ||
|area = 6,047,907 km2 (2,335,110 sq mi) | |area = 6,047,907 km2 (2,335,110 sq mi) | ||
|population_census = | |population_census = 816,558,972 (2031) | ||
|GDP_nominal = $ | |GDP_nominal = $57.2 trillion (2031) | ||
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $ | |GDP_nominal_per_capita = $70,089 (2031) | ||
|currency = [[Aureus]] | |currency = [[Aureus]] | ||
|currency_code = AUR | |currency_code = AUR | ||
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|calling_code = <!--e.g. [[+1]], [[+531]], [[+44]], etc--> | |calling_code = <!--e.g. [[+1]], [[+531]], [[+44]], etc--> | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Caphiria''', officially the '''Fourth''' '''Imperium of Caphiria''', is a [[Government of Caphiria|caesaropapist constitutional republic]] on [[Sarpedon]]. Caphiria is composed of [[Provinces of Caphiria|21 Provinces, 1 Administrative Province, and several territories and Possessions]]. At over 2.3 million square miles and with a population of over | '''Caphiria''', officially the '''Fourth''' '''Imperium of Caphiria''', is a [[Government of Caphiria|caesaropapist constitutional republic]] on [[Sarpedon]]. Caphiria is composed of [[Provinces of Caphiria|21 Provinces, 1 Administrative Province, and several territories and Possessions]]. At over 2.3 million square miles and with a population of over 816 million, Caphiria is the world's second-largest country by total area and the second-most populous country. The capital of Caphiria is [[Venceia]], which is also the largest city by population in Caphiria and the second-largest in the world with over 50 million people. | ||
Inhabited since at least the Palaeolithic era, Caphiria can trace its origin to a geographic region called [[Latium]] that encompassed the southern part of [[Levantia]] and the northern part of [[Sarpedon]]. Latium played a pivotal role in the development of a number of diverse cultural groups and civilizations, most notably the [[Adonerum|Adonerii civilization]], an ancient thalassocratic civilization that controlled the partial coastlines of what is now [[Urcea]], Caphiria, [[Cartadania]], and [[Burgundie]]. After the collapse of Adonerum in the 6th century BC, the ancient Latinics emerged as a dominant ethno-cultural group and spread the Latinic language, ancestry, history, and culture throughout the continent. In 480 BC, the Kingdom of Caphiria was founded by [[Lanintius]], a popular and successful Latinic general. The kingdom lasted over a century until the last king Admoneptis was overthrown in a coup d'état and the [[Republic of Caphiria]] was established, lasting almost 500 years until 109 AD. The Republic saw a vast expansion of territory, including present-day [[Cartadania]] and [[Pelaxia]], but also saw internal pressure from various ambitious leaders and the | Inhabited since at least the Palaeolithic era, Caphiria can trace its origin to a geographic region called [[Latium]] that encompassed the southern part of [[Levantia]] and the northern part of [[Sarpedon]]. Latium played a pivotal role in the development of a number of diverse cultural groups and civilizations, most notably the [[Adonerum|Adonerii civilization]], an ancient thalassocratic civilization that controlled the partial coastlines of what is now [[Urcea]], Caphiria, [[Cartadania]], and [[Burgundie]]. After the collapse of Adonerum in the 6th century BC, the ancient Latinics emerged as a dominant ethno-cultural group and spread the Latinic language, ancestry, history, and culture throughout the continent. In 480 BC, the Kingdom of Caphiria was founded by [[Lanintius]], a popular and successful Latinic general. The kingdom lasted over a century until the last king Admoneptis was overthrown in a coup d'état and the [[Republic of Caphiria]] was established, lasting almost 500 years until 109 AD. The Republic saw a vast expansion of territory, including present-day [[Cartadania]] and [[Pelaxia]], but also saw internal pressure from various ambitious leaders and the aristocracy, leading to the [[War of the Republic (Caphiria)|War of the Republic]] which saw Caphiria transition from Republic to Empire. In 136 AD, the [[First Imperium (Caphiria)|First Imperium]] was established, which saw Caphiria experiencing a vigorous expansion of its territory, having regional dominance and ultimately total control of more than half of the Sarpedon. In the late 9th century, the First Imperium [[Collapse of the First Imperium|collapsed in on itself]] due to political instability stemming from the lingering effects of the War of the Republic and after a 10-year interregnum, the [[Second Imperium (Caphiria)|Second Imperium]] was established in 900. This government was plagued with issues from the start and quickly reignited more conflict however, and lead to a massive four-decade conflict of civil war known as the [[Great Civil War (Caphiria)|Great Civil War]] in 1127. The civil war led to the [[Collapse of the Second Imperium|quick collapse of the Second Imperium]] and left Caphiria in a highly vulnerable position from outside threats. | ||
Due to the stresses and strains from the Great Civil War, such as chronic usurpations, military insurrections, and simultaneous military conflicts across multiple frontiers, Caphiria was in a highly weakened state and the collapse of the Second Imperium brought with it a series of barbarian invasions. This ushered in Caphiria's dark age, known as the [[Dark Period (Caphiria)|Dark Period]]. Between the late 12th and 13th centuries, the empire was severely fragmented as the Senate agreed to let most of its provinces become pseudo-independent states controlled by local Sarpic warlords while it usurped control over Venceia and effectively reverted back to being a Republican city-state. Eventually, [[Șerossaccir Odobricci]], a Latino-Slavic warlord of Truřov (one of the established warlord states), began a successful military campaign of conquering his neighbors and reuniting the lost provinces of the empire.In 1283, Șerossaccir became the next Imperator and established the Third Imperium which saw the reunification of the state, the creation of the Constitution of Caphiria, and the establishment of dozens of Latino-Slavic dynasties and cultural/political institutions. Subsequent decades saw a period of optimism, cultural and scientific flourishing, as well as economic prosperity. At the same time, the [[Great Schism of 1615]], where a break of communion between what are now the [[Catholic Church]] and the [[Imperial Church|Imperial Church of Caphiria]] occurred. The Great Schism lead to the dissolution of the Western Provinces and the independence of countries such as Cartadania in 1615, Pelaxia in 1618, and Aciria in 1625. The final blow to the Third Imperium was the [[Veltorine War of Independence]] in the late 17th century, in which Caphiria lost its eastern provinces. The collapse of the Third Imperium marks Caphiria's transition into the modern era. | Due to the stresses and strains from the Great Civil War, such as chronic usurpations, military insurrections, and simultaneous military conflicts across multiple frontiers, Caphiria was in a highly weakened state and the collapse of the Second Imperium brought with it a series of barbarian invasions. This ushered in Caphiria's dark age, known as the [[Dark Period (Caphiria)|Dark Period]]. Between the late 12th and 13th centuries, the empire was severely fragmented as the Senate agreed to let most of its provinces become pseudo-independent states controlled by local Sarpic warlords while it usurped control over Venceia and effectively reverted back to being a Republican city-state. Eventually, [[Șerossaccir Odobricci]], a Latino-Slavic warlord of Truřov (one of the established warlord states), began a successful military campaign of conquering his neighbors and reuniting the lost provinces of the empire.In 1283, Șerossaccir became the next Imperator and established the Third Imperium which saw the reunification of the state, the creation of the Constitution of Caphiria, and the establishment of dozens of Latino-Slavic dynasties and cultural/political institutions. Subsequent decades saw a period of optimism, cultural and scientific flourishing, as well as economic prosperity. At the same time, the [[Great Schism of 1615]], where a break of communion between what are now the [[Catholic Church]] and the [[Imperial Church|Imperial Church of Caphiria]] occurred. The Great Schism lead to the dissolution of the Western Provinces and the independence of countries such as Cartadania in 1615, Pelaxia in 1618, and Aciria in 1625. The final blow to the Third Imperium was the [[Veltorine War of Independence]] in the late 17th century, in which Caphiria lost its eastern provinces. The collapse of the Third Imperium marks Caphiria's transition into the modern era. | ||
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The financial district, downtown Venceia | The financial district, downtown Venceia | ||
Caphiria has had one of the largest economies in the world for the last several centuries, during which it has seen cycles of prosperity and decline. The Imperium has a mixed capitalist economy fueled by abundant natural resources and high productivity. From 1943 to 1994, the Imperium's compounded annual GDP growth was | Caphiria has had one of the largest economies in the world for the last several centuries, during which it has seen cycles of prosperity and decline. The Imperium has a mixed capitalist economy fueled by abundant natural resources and high productivity. From 1943 to 1994, the Imperium's compounded annual GDP growth was 0.740%, compared to a xx% weighted average for the rest of the world during the same period. Caphiria's economy is unique in that it exhibits hyper-deregulation and minimal subsidization of a laissez-faire capitalist country, however, the extreme intervention of the government in certain markets - like public transit or national defense - is characteristic of state capitalism. On a national level, Caphiria's markets are dominated by monopolies in sparse competition while, locally, small businesses flourish on their social advantage in retail. | ||
As of | As of 2031, Caphiria has the world's third-largest economy in terms of nominal GDP behind Kiravia and Urcea, and the largest economy on Sarpedon, totaling approximately $57,231,914,765,343 according to the International Monetary Fund. Its diverse industries of manufacturing, technology, management, and agriculture proudly maintain a Consumer Confidence Rate of 100%, and a Worker Enthusiasm Rate of over 92%. A major factor in Caphiria's economic success has been its foreign investment portfolio, having vested controlling interests in dozens of markets such as real estate, setting up manufacturing plants, welcoming foreign business and having low corporate tax rates. | ||
Economic policy as well as currency is regulated through the central bank, the [[Imperial Bank of Caphiria]] (though it does not maintain power over the financial sector, which has its own regulatory body). Caphiria's fiat currency is the [[Aureus|Aureus Dollar]] (₳). It also maintains a legacy currency, the copper Uncia (₡). The legacy currency tends to be used by the less affluent, in rural areas and less developed regions of the Imperium. Backed by precious metals gives the government yet another avenue in which to expand and diversify their interests further, maintaining strong relationships with foreign traders. The imperial government's financial office, the Fiscus, is the highest credit rated organized body or person. It has not reneged on a debt for over 1000 years. Even in times of turmoil such as civil war, someone has claimed and payed the federal debt. | Economic policy as well as currency is regulated through the central bank, the [[Imperial Bank of Caphiria]] (though it does not maintain power over the financial sector, which has its own regulatory body). Caphiria's fiat currency is the [[Aureus|Aureus Dollar]] (₳). It also maintains a legacy currency, the copper Uncia (₡). The legacy currency tends to be used by the less affluent, in rural areas and less developed regions of the Imperium. Backed by precious metals gives the government yet another avenue in which to expand and diversify their interests further, maintaining strong relationships with foreign traders. The imperial government's financial office, the Fiscus, is the highest credit rated organized body or person. It has not reneged on a debt for over 1000 years. Even in times of turmoil such as civil war, someone has claimed and payed the federal debt. | ||
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The modern economy is 38.5% private activity, 41.2% federal government, and 20.3% provincial government. Meanwhile, a postindustrial economy is indicated by the country's small manufacturing and labor sectors (14%), and large (86%) service sector. The reason for this is that labor intensive jobs can be replaced by automated workers needing one technician where a thousand workers were once necessary. This also creates a high demand for skilled workers and creates a competitive workforce. Sectors like agriculture account for a mere 0.01% of the labor force, as farming is nearly totally automated. The state's agricultural output is still $14.1 billion. However, Caphiria has a balanced economy where no single type of job accounts for a disproportionate amount of economic activity. This protects the economy from long-term shortfalls in particular sectors that can result from changes in the structure of the economy. | The modern economy is 38.5% private activity, 41.2% federal government, and 20.3% provincial government. Meanwhile, a postindustrial economy is indicated by the country's small manufacturing and labor sectors (14%), and large (86%) service sector. The reason for this is that labor intensive jobs can be replaced by automated workers needing one technician where a thousand workers were once necessary. This also creates a high demand for skilled workers and creates a competitive workforce. Sectors like agriculture account for a mere 0.01% of the labor force, as farming is nearly totally automated. The state's agricultural output is still $14.1 billion. However, Caphiria has a balanced economy where no single type of job accounts for a disproportionate amount of economic activity. This protects the economy from long-term shortfalls in particular sectors that can result from changes in the structure of the economy. | ||
A recession of sorts was entered in 1998 but unemployment has yet to exceed | A recession of sorts was entered in 1998 but unemployment has yet to exceed 5%. Currently, it is 4.4%, however, unemployment protection is almost non-existent. The federal government only assists in the search for new jobs, by facilitating communication. General unemployment benefits have never been offered in the modern history of the Imperium. Also, unlike former platonic socialist countries, workers unions are absolutely illegal. There are federal regulations that force guilds to provide a high minimum wage and a safe, non abusive work environment for their workers, but there is nothing in the way of health benefits or of allowances for worker strikes. However, severance pay is very large by government law and every Caphirian worker can expect no less than 35 days of paid vacation. Certain institutions such as federal buildings and schools are not allowed to offer so many holidays but still offer about 20 days. With low regulation, no unions, high minimum wage, and no unemployment benefits, Caphirian voluntary unemployment rate is almost the lowest in the world. | ||
===Income, poverty and wealth=== | ===Income, poverty and wealth=== | ||
Data collected by the Imperial Census Bureau has calculated a per capita GDP of $ | Data collected by the Imperial Census Bureau has calculated a per capita GDP of $70,089, which makes it the second highest in the world. A more meaningful metric, the median pre-tax income of a Caphirian citizen, is equal to | ||
$40,129. However, Caphirian society suffers from an income inequality deeply ingrained into its history and class system. The top 10% of the population control almost 66.5% of the empire's wealth - the top 1% alone control almost half of the total wealth. Still, a Caphirian citizen has an incredibly high standard of living compared with residents of other states. Every one of them has access to liberal amounts of food, water, electricity, living space and can afford telescreens, cars, computers, books, entertainment, and vacations in the plural. Non-citizens are not so fortunate. | |||
It is estimated that | It is estimated that approximately 6% of citizens live below the imperial poverty line. The minimum hourly wage for a citizen is $30, which works out to an annual income of approximately $49,920, meager for a Caphirian but is well beyond what non-citizens are afforded. Many of the latter do not even live on an income, sustaining themselves on subsistence farming, while those who are part of the urban society can expect an average gross income (AGI) of $8-15k. Accounting for roughly 7.5% of the global population, Caphiria's elite collectively possess nearly a quarter of the world's total wealth, and Caphirians make up more than half of the world's population of millionaires and a quarter of the world's billionaires. Caphiria is also ranked number one for food affordability and overall food security in March 2030, as well as on average having over twice as much living space per dwelling and per person as Levantine residents. | ||
Accounting for roughly 7.5% of the global population, | |||
After years of stagnant growth, in 2030, according to the Census, median household income reached a record high after two consecutive years of record growth, although income inequality remains at record highs with top fifth of earners taking home more than half of all overall income. There has been a widening gap between productivity and median incomes since the 1970s, however, the gap between total compensation and productivity is not as wide because of increased employee benefits such as health insurance. The rise in the share of total annual income received by the top 1 percent, which has more than doubled from 9 percent in 1956 to 50 percent in 2025, has significantly affected income inequality, leaving Caphiria with one of the widest income distributions among developed nations. | After years of stagnant growth, in 2030, according to the Census, median household income reached a record high after two consecutive years of record growth, although income inequality remains at record highs with top fifth of earners taking home more than half of all overall income. There has been a widening gap between productivity and median incomes since the 1970s, however, the gap between total compensation and productivity is not as wide because of increased employee benefits such as health insurance. The rise in the share of total annual income received by the top 1 percent, which has more than doubled from 9 percent in 1956 to 50 percent in 2025, has significantly affected income inequality, leaving Caphiria with one of the widest income distributions among developed nations. | ||
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Unsurprisingly, the empire's gender gap is enormous. 75% of women who reported working in the year of the last census earned less than a third of what a male would have earned that year. Women are subject to the same minimum hourly wage as men so their lower income comes from a lack of work hours - a social disparity rather than legal inequality. Regularly working females tend to hold jobs for which men are less suited, e.g. designing women's clothes or men consider degrading to their gender, e.g. prostitution. Other jobs typically held only by females will place them underneath men, like the position of secretary, or keep them by the side of a businessman or politician. This reflects the perception Caphirians possess of distinct gender roles in society. However, there have been notable examples of women achieving coveted high ranking positions, but this greatly varies upon how progressive the company is; Quicksilver Industries is a prime example, as many women are in high ranking positions. | Unsurprisingly, the empire's gender gap is enormous. 75% of women who reported working in the year of the last census earned less than a third of what a male would have earned that year. Women are subject to the same minimum hourly wage as men so their lower income comes from a lack of work hours - a social disparity rather than legal inequality. Regularly working females tend to hold jobs for which men are less suited, e.g. designing women's clothes or men consider degrading to their gender, e.g. prostitution. Other jobs typically held only by females will place them underneath men, like the position of secretary, or keep them by the side of a businessman or politician. This reflects the perception Caphirians possess of distinct gender roles in society. However, there have been notable examples of women achieving coveted high ranking positions, but this greatly varies upon how progressive the company is; Quicksilver Industries is a prime example, as many women are in high ranking positions. | ||
For both genders, work can only begin at the age of 16, when boys receive their ''toga virilis'' (toga of | For both genders, work can only begin at the age of 16, when boys receive their ''toga virilis'' (toga of adulthood), and children can acquire citizenship. There is no legal or customary end to a Caphirian's work life. Retirement is as rare an occurrence in modern as it was in ancient society. Only those who are debilitated by a condition, as most of the elderly were before medicine caught up to life expectancy, retire from their careers. The Latin language does not even have a term which exclusively means retirement. However, the Imperium defines the working age as 16-65 and uses that for economic statistics | ||
That being said, historically when citizens or corporations lacked the means to support themselves the Senate's first action for centuries has been to offer low-interest loans. This policy of micro-financing poverty is the government's attempt to reduce public dependence on hand-outs and bail-outs while still mitigating the short-term damage from widespread private bankruptcies. | Statistics on poverty in the Imperium are not publicly available through LoN resources because the Caphirian government does not issue any. The Caphirian state discourages calling attention to or complaining about poverty. The Internal Office of the Ministry of Diplomacy arrested three reporters and held them for almost two weeks for questioning after they uploaded a video on the topic to YouTube. Authors of the video claim that 22 percent of Caphirians may be considered poor and observers researching the issue prefer to stay anonymous because of the risk of being arrested. That being said, historically when citizens or corporations lacked the means to support themselves the Senate's first action for centuries has been to offer low-interest loans. This policy of micro-financing poverty is the government's attempt to reduce public dependence on hand-outs and bail-outs while still mitigating the short-term damage from widespread private bankruptcies. | ||
==Infrastructure== | ==Infrastructure== | ||
The Imperium benefits from rapid infrastructural development that has not been marked by periods of decay or destruction. Roads built in the 8th century are still used today while protocols that have served for centuries continue to council policy-makers facing modern problems. The Senate is deeply involved in most large scale construction projects, providing commodities such as transportation and sewer access by directly paying large construction guilds (''curatores'') for their development. | The Imperium benefits from rapid infrastructural development that has not been marked by periods of decay or destruction. Roads built in the 8th century are still used today while protocols that have served for centuries continue to council policy-makers facing modern problems. The Senate is deeply involved in most large scale construction projects, providing commodities such as transportation and sewer access by directly paying large construction guilds (''curatores'') for their development. | ||