Alstin and Housing in Urcea: Difference between pages

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{{Infobox country
{{wip}}
|conventional_long_name = United Republic of Alstin
|native_name =
|common_name =      Alstin
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|alt_coat =         
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|national_motto = "One Nation, United and Free"
|englishmotto =     
|national_anthem = Alstin the Majestic [[File:Media Player.png|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l8rxiPsKuc]]
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|map_caption =        Location of the United Republic, its Territories, and Occupied Entities
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|capital =            [[Alstin (City)|Alstin]]
|coordinates =        <!-- Coordinates for capital, using {{tl|coord}} -->
|largest_city =      capital
|largest_settlement_type = largest city
|largest_settlement =
|official_languages = [[Blairian Ænglish|Alstinian Ænglish]]
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  }}
'''Housing in Urcea''' is a vital sector in the [[Economy of Urcea|Urcean economy]], with housing development and adjacent activity comprising approximately a tenth of all economic activity as of 2020. Urceans have strong social views on housing and housing strongly relates to Urcea's view of itself and its relationship with both private property and {{wp|Catholic social teaching}}. Since the mid-20th century, [[Disurbanism|disurbanist approaches]] have been popular in [[Urcea]]. Much of Urcea's housing stock was constructed in the form of low density {{wp|suburban}} single family homes following the [[Second Great War]], although since the 1980s the priority has shifted to even lower-density exurban development due to both environmental and social concerns.
|ethnic_groups_year = <!--Year of ethnic groups data (if provided)-->
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|demonym =            Alstinian
|government_type = {{wp|Federal state|Federal}} {{wp|presidential system|presidential}} {{wp|constitutional republic}}
|leader_title1 =      [[President of the United Republic|President]]
|leader_name1 = [[Sophia Forrester]]
|leader_title2 =      [[Vice President of the United Republic|Vice President]]
|leader_name2 = [[Kiana Olson]]
|leader_title3 =      [[Speaker of the Council]]
|leader_name3 = [[Alyssa Vincent]]
|leader_title4 =      [[Chief Magistrate of the Supreme Court|Chief Magistrate]]
|leader_name4 = [[Joseph Upton]]
|legislature =        [[United Republic Parliament|Parliament]]
|upper_house                = [[United Republic National Council|National Council]]
|lower_house                = [[United Republic Senate|Senate]]
|sovereignty_type =  Formation
|sovereignty_note =
|established_event1 = Founding
|established_date1 =  23 March 1559
|established_event2 = Kingdom Established
|established_date2 =  1 April 1565
|established_event3 = Unification
|established_date3 =  21 October 1600
|established_event4 = Republic Proclaimed
|established_date4 =  4 July 1688
|established_event5 = Current Constitution
|established_date5 =  21 April 1689
|area_rank =
|area =              <!--Major area size (in [[Template:convert]] either km2 or sqmi first)-->
|area_km2 =          1,202,168.88
|area_sq_mi =        464,160
|area_footnote =   
|percent_water =
|area_label =        Total
|area_label2 =        United Republic Proper
|area_data2 =          641,799.054 km2
|population_estimate =  157,084,067 <br><small>115,248,920 (UR Proper)<br><small> 
|population_estimate_rank =
|population_estimate_year = 2028
|population_census =  96,267,943 
|population_census_year = 2020
|population_density_km2 = 128.41
|population_density_sq_mi = 332.58
|population_density_rank =
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|GDP_PPP_year =
|GDP_PPP_per_capita =
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank =
|GDP_nominal = $8,646 trillion <br><small>$6.826 trillion (UR Proper)<br><small>
|GDP_nominal_rank =
|GDP_nominal_year = 2027
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $56,005.22 <br><small>$59,231.33 (UR Proper)<br><small>
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank =
|Gini =              29.4
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|HDI =                0.943
|HDI_change =        increase
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|currency =          United Republic Dollar
|currency_code =      URD
|time_zone =          UTC+10:00 to UTC-11:00
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}}
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]], as well as overseas holdings on the Cronan mainland, in the [[Cartesian Archipelago]], and off the coast of East [[Alshar]]. Covering an area of more than 1,202 thousand km² and hosting a population of more 157 million, the United Republic is divided into [[List of provinces and territories of Alstin|30 provinces, eight territories and a federal district]] - with its capital and largest city being [[Alstin (City)|Alstin]].  


A highly {{wp|developed country|developed}} and {{wp|high income country}}, the United Republic has a healthy capitalist mixed economy and historically strong economic growth; As a result, the [[Economy of Alstin|Alstinian economy]] ranks 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 8% 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.
In [[Urcea]], housing policy issues are typically regulated by the [[Ministry_of_Administration_of_the_Realm_(Urcea)#Agency_for_Housing_Development|Agency for Housing Development]] outside of cities and the [[Ministry_of_Administration_of_the_Realm_(Urcea)#Agency_for_Urban_Development|Agency for Urban Development]] within cities. The Agency for Urban Development also works closely with the [[Ministry_of_Administration_of_the_Realm_(Urcea)#Agency_for_Royal_Public_Housing_and_Royal_Dormitory_Aid|Agency for Royal Public Housing and Royal Dormitory Aid]] to identify and develop new public housing opportunities.


==Etymology==
==History and overview==
The nation's name derives from the city of [[Alstin (City)|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 [[Kingdom of Alstin|king of Alstin]], [[Alstanus Ryefield]].
===Enclosure===
{{wp|Enclosure}}, the process by which land held in common is transferred to private ownership (especially within the context of the {{wp|Feudal system}}) took place from approximately the end of the [[Saint's War]] in 1401 to the beginning of the [[Caroline Wars]] in 1740, during which time the vast majority of land held in common was enclosed for ownership. While much of the land was enclosed on behalf of local magnates, a great portion of it - especially following the weakening of the nobility during the [[Great Confessional War]] - was enclosed into relatively small parcels on behalf of the urban [[Social class in Urcea#Privilegiata|privilegiata]]. Unlike many other countries, however, anti-enclosure sentiments gained many successes in the period of the 17th century and onward. Balancing the various [[Social class in Urcea|social classes]] became an increasing concern to the [[Apostolic King of Urcea|Apostolic King]] and [[Government of Urcea|His Governments]] in the wake of the social upheavel of the Great Confessional War and subsequent [[History_of_Urcea_(1575-1798)#Gassavelian_integration_and_uprising|Gassavelian uprising]]. Accordingly, considerable amounts of common land began to be preserved beginning in 1620 onward, though these sentiments slowed rather than halted the process of enclosure. By 1740, further enclosure was prohibited by law, but conflicting and inconsistent land title deeds for enclosed lands existed, inaugurating more than two hundred years of legal disputes until land surveyance and commune reform efforts succeeded in [[Housing_in_Urcea#Proprietor_communes|in the 1950s]].


The standard way to refer to a citizen of Alstin is as an "Alstinian."
===Attitudes===
==History==
===Suburban rise and fall===
''Further Reading: [[History of Alstin]]
===Passage of the Family Living Act===
{{Main|Family Living Act of 2003}}


===Indigenous peoples===
==Public housing==
It has been generally accepted that the first inhabitants of the [[Alstinian Isles]] migrated from mainland Crona and East Alshar arrived at least 3,000 years ago; however, some evidence suggests an even earlier date of arrival. Over time, indigenous cultures in Crona grew increasingly complex, and some, such as the pre-Levantine Azure culture in modern-day Azura, developed advanced agriculture, architecture, and complex societies. The city of [[Cuzco (City)|Cuzco]] is the largest, most complex pre-Levantine archaeological site in Alstin, and is oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the modern-day United Republic. In the Kjeldorian Highlands region, the Kjeld culture practiced hunting and trapping, along with limited cultivation. The Uto, located in modern-day Utopia, practiced fishing and whaling.  
Public housing in [[Urcea]] is generally overseen by the [[Ministry_of_Administration_of_the_Realm_(Urcea)#Agency_for_Royal_Public_Housing_and_Royal_Dormitory_Aid|Agency for Royal Public Housing and Royal Dormitory Aid]] or by provincial and local governments. Since the 1960s, the Agency has had specific policies for public housing, preferring to maintain single or multi-family rent controlled units within the same neighborhood within cities rather than {{wp|tower blocks}}. The general prohibition on tower blocks came about largely as both an ideological one as well as problems encountered in constructing them in the Urceopolis borough of [[Urceopolis_(City)#Campori|Campori]] following the [[Second Great War]]. The Agency is responsible for the general property maintenance of these facilities in conjunction with the occupants in the case of single family houses. Several "legacy" {{wp|tower blocks}} public housing projects exist as well, especially in and around [[Urceopolis (City)|Urceopolis]].


===Occidental Settlement and the Founding of the Kingdom===
==Private housing==
''Further reading: [[Aster's expedition]]''


The first Levantines to arrive in Alstin were Occidental explorers connected to [[Aster's expedition|Paul Aster's voyage]] to find a western route to Alshar in March 1389. During the Age of Exploration in the early 16th century, several trading outposts were established throughout the Isles, forming the foundation of a number of Alstinian cities, with . However, during the [[Great Confessional War]], waves of predominantly Protestant refugees fled from [[Levantia]] to the Alstinian Isles, founding a myriad of settlements; One such settlement was [[Alstin (City)|Alstin]]. Founded on 23 March 1559 by the Ænglish noble [[Alstanus Ryefield]], the city, due its location on a island in the center of the Altaic Sea, quickly became the economic and cultural center of the Isles. By 1565, the city-state was recognized as one the preeminent polities in the region, with Alstanus Ryefield being formally coronated as the first King of Alstin on 1 April that, beginning a century-long reign by the House of Ryefield.
Most [[Urcea|Urceans]] live in a {{wp|single family home}} or low-unit multi-family home according to surveys conducted over the course of the 2010s. Urcean society places a high value on home ownership, and private housing enjoys pride of place among types of housing in Urcea. As part of these efforts, the [[Ministry_of_Administration_of_the_Realm_(Urcea)#Agency_for_Royal_Public_Housing_and_Royal_Dormitory_Aid|Agency for Royal Public Housing and Royal Dormitory Aid]] provides subsidies to lower income families as part of the Royal Dormitory Aid program in order to encourage ownership.


===Unification and Development===
===Urban===
Throughout the remainder of the 16th century, Alstin experienced a remarkable rate of growth both internally and externally. In terms of the former, Alstinian society developed and flourished largely in due part to its position at critical crossroads of traffic and trade routes on the Isles. This in turn not only made the city incredibly wealthy, but also made allowed for the construction of various public works projects (such as roads, aqueducts, and other civic projects that became the basic foundation of the city's modern infrastructure), all the while its culture thrived and developed as a result of its newfound prosperity. In terms of the latter, Alstin, using its vast new wealth, slowly yet gradually expanded its territory in every direction across the island of Alstin; Occasionally bringing them into conflict with many of its neighboring city-states and tribal confederations, but often than not, it peacefully incorporated . However, by 1600, during the reign of [[Douglas Corvinus]], Alstin had successfully united the entirety of the island under its banner.
====Single family====
====Multi family and apartments====
===Suburban===
{{wp|Suburban}} development was the primary form of housing development during the 20th century in [[Urcea]] and comprises a large plurality of the nation's housing stock. From the end of the [[Second Great War]] to the end of the century, government policy, economic factors, and social attitudes drove the creation of Urcea's suburbs. By the end of the century, suburban sprawl comprised most of [[The Valley (Urcea)|the Valley]], with relatively close together single family homes extending out from [[Urceopolis (City)|Urceopolis]] especially. Suburban development in other areas of the country also occurred but to a less sprawling extent given the population and relative population density of the [[Archduchy of Urceopolis]] and its surrounding provinces. Many social commentators by the 1980s had begun to grow concerned regarding suburban sprawl due to environmental concerns (including both waste and pollution) as well as social concerns, as many perceived a kind of isolation and alienation from the extended family and estate [[Culture_of_Urcea#Kinship|kinship groups]] on which Urcean society was traditionally organized. Suburban development began to wane during this time in favor of exurban development, which developed both due to public policy pressures and market forces interested in different models; this shift had the practical effect of causing massive disruption in Urcea's [[Economy_of_Urcea#Construction|construction industry]]. The [[Family Living Act of 2003]] essentially prohibited the construction of new, "core suburbs" and subsequent legislation has created large preservation areas around [[Urcea]] and particularly within [[The Valley (Urcea)|the Valley]]. The preservation areas, which not only preserve existing natural areas but also has properties and homes default to the government for demolition in the event of no property heir or in the event of foreclosure, has had the unintended effect of decreasing the Kingdom's housing stock according to many policy analysts and {{wp|Non-governmental organization|non-governmental organizations}}.


Over the course of the subsequent eighty years, the Kingdom experienced a period of relative peace and internal stability, as the Alstinians experienced an unprecedented amount of economic growth from its position at the crossroads of sea-based trade in the [[Orixtal Sea]]. This, combined with considerable scientific advances and cultural progress, would later become known as the "Long Peace". At the same time, Alstin engaged in series of conflicts in and around the lands of the [[Altaic Sea]], the [[Orixtal Sea]], and the Sea of St. John, from the [[Islevyny]] Archipelago to the shores of [[Rocotia]], in an effort maintain the stability of the region.
===Exurban===
{{wp|Exurbs|Exurban}} development has comprised the large part of [[Urcea|Urcean]] real estate development since the mid-1980s reflecting increased distances from urban centers as well as changing social views.


In [[1632]], King Julius convened the [[Chantry_of_Alstin#Establishment_and_reorganization|Convocation of 1632]], which formally established the [[Chantry of Alstin]] as state religion.
In [[2003]], the [[Concilium Daoni]] led by [[Michael Witte]] enacted the [[Family Living Act of 2003|Family Living Act]] (FLA), which establishes several rules governing the construction of multiple structures on a property by real estate developers intending to sell the land, known as {{wp|Subdivision (land)|subdivisions}}. Among other provisions, the FLA requires that contractors must first offer a condensed area within a development (intended to describe cul de sacs and other insular portions) to bidding by extended family groups before individually selling each house. In effect, this law has had the effect of making many portions of neighborhoods or even entire housing developments being comprised of related individuals. Since a considerable portion of Urcea's single-family housing stock has been constructed since 2003, the policy has had a large impact on Urcean housing and social relations, with many policy analysts calling the project a "major success" in restoring the proximity of extended families. Critics have said that the FLA has had the effect of artificially raising the price of homes and home ownership while suppressing housing stock and discouraging development.


===Alstinian Civil War and the birth of the United Republic===
====Urban town and country====
''Further Reading: [[Alstinian Civil War]]''
[[File:GlensFalls.jpeg|thumb|left|200px|Marchts, a small town in [[Hardinán]], exemplifies urban town and country design mostly utilizing older structures instead of new builds.]]
The primary design philosophy of exurban development in [[Urcea]] revolves around the notion of creating "urban town and country" (UTC), a design which has grown in frequency and popularity since the end of the 20th century. Though they existed prior to [[2003]], the [[Family Living Act of 2003]] introduced significant economic incentives for the design and construction of this style of development. Urban town and country design creates areas of moderate density housing, typically one to two blocks of {{wp|5-over-1}}s (or earlier mixed use structures) surrounding a {{wp|village green}}, {{wp|town square}}, or {{wp|roundabout}} park, surrounded by consistent low density housing with secluded cul de sacs and streets with large plots for homes separated by greenspaces and trees. This design is intended to allow individuals who can not own a home - either due to being short term transients to an area, lack of income, or some other reason - to live in rental units in and around the "central square" while simultaneously providing retail spaces - usually small businesses - in the central area. The "downtown area" is usually made up of several small retail outlets with restaurants in freestanding areas with parking, and this area is usually serviced by a [[Rail transportation in Urcea|rail-fed]] warehouse located on the periphery of town. Besides residential areas, churches schools, and libraries, and one to two large parking structures (depending on the size of the area) are intended to be constructed directly adjacent to the central square area for easy access to services by local residents. Since 2018 and 2019, most new UTCs are required to provide electric charging stations both in homes and in the public spaces, and many companies exist to transition existing UTC areas to electric compatibility on a large scale.


In 1682, following a costly decade-long [[Burgo-Alstinian Wars|war]] with the [[Burgoignesc_North_Levantine_Trading_Company#Colonial_ventures|Martillien North Levantine Trading Company (MNLC)]], the [[Alstinian Civil War]] erupted between the brothers and rival claimants Stephan and David following the untimely death of Julius, who had failed to properly designate an heir beforehand. During the three year-long conflict, control over the throne switched hands four times before David successfully held on to it following the betrayal and murder of Stephan and most of his main supporters in 1685. But this only brought a temporary halt to the conflict, as by early 1687, it had become apparent that David intended to rule as an absolute monarch and that the populace had grown tired of his tyrannical policies. When it became publicly known that he, along with most of the nobles, attempted to orchestrate the murder of his last surviving brother, [[Geoffrey Ryefield|Geoffrey]], as well as attempted to abolish the [[Omnibus Canon]], the people revolted, beginning the second phase of the Civil War. The following year, David was captured and publicly executed following his defeat at the [[Battle of Leman's Crossing]] (now in modern-day Leman district of the city of Alstin). In spite of the victory, Geoffrey was mortally wounded, and, without a known heir to throne, formally proclaimed that the Kingdom would become a Republic as his first and last act as king. In 1689, on the anniversary of Geoffrey's death, the United Republic of Alstin, one of the first federal republics in the history of the world, officially came into being with the ratification of the [[United Republic Constitution|Constitution]] (which remains in use to this day), and the unanimous election of [[Marcus Alanson]], member of the Patrician delegation at the Constitutional Convention, and Geoffrey's most trusted general, as the first President of the United Republic.
Most UTCs have only one or two major roads leading to the town square area, with small limited access urban neighborhood roads radiating outwards. The larger roads are typically multiple lanes in order to allow for commercial traffic to efficiently enter and exit the community. The major roads in UTCs typically lead to other UTCs or to highway access, while most of them also have a degree of access to {{wp|park and ride}}s and mass transit options. These transit options were enhanced with direct government subsidies to local public transit corporations with the Connectivity Act of 2012.


In the decades following the establishment of the United Republic, the nation rebuilt itself economically and socially; The remnants of the royal government were either assimilated and re-tooled into the new federal government or were dissolved and replaced with new institutions.
===Proprietor communes===
Throughout [[Urcea]], small parts of land which escaped {{wp|enclosure}} exist. Efforts were made during the 19th and 20th century to create a stable legal framework for these entities to survive, and accordingly the distinction of a "proprietor commune" or PC exists within law. The creation of PCs was the result of massive land surveyance efforts conducted in the immediate wake of the [[Second Great War]] in the 1940s and 50s, as individuals living on ancestral communal land objected to encroaching real estate developers; the [[Government of Urcea]] issued a large number of charters for these lands in 1954. PCs are governed by the [[Consolidated_Laws_of_HMCM%27s_Kingdom_and_State#List_of_chapters|Alternative Housing Law]]. PCs are lands in which the title is held by a corporation consisting of all of the residents within it, and accordingly all lands under a corporate charter are owned in common. PCs can only be dissolved with a supermajority of members voting in favor. Most charters individually lay out the terms on which individuals and families can build structures within the commune, but most provide for an enforceable prohibition on trespassing, ensuring a kind of private property for homeowners. Charters also give the communes wide latitude to establish standards for structures within the PC while not totally exempting them from local and provincial zoning laws. In effect, PCs function in a similar manner to {{wp|home owners associations}} and collect fees. [[Levantine banking and finance|Banks]] are [[Family_Living_Act_of_2003#Protections_for_Proprietor_Communes|prohibited by law from discriminating against PCs]] and mortgages for individual homes are often assumed by the entire commune, who then levy the costs on the individual home resident.


===Further immigration, expansion, and development===
[[Category: Urcea]]
By 1710, the country had fully recovered and transitioned from Kingdom to Republic. With this, the United Republic resumed its involvement in international affairs, and began engaging in territorial acquisitions beyond the [[Inner Islands]]. Starting in 1721, the United Republic, through various methods, steadily expanded throughout the remaining Isles, establishing new settlements as well incorporating preexisting ones across what was then collectively referred the "Frontier Territories", nowadays officially called the "[[Outer Islands]]"; By 1840, the entirety of the "Frontier" was under the complete jurisdiction the United Republic.
[[Category: Culture of Urcea]]
 
Overseas, the United Republic began exerting its influence at first indirectly through intermediaries, most notably via the [[Alstinian Trade Company]], then later directly via diplomacy, trade, and military action. In 1750, there were 35 overseas trading outposts, most of which were concentrated in and around South Crona; By 1900, there over 300 outposts around the globe, some of which, particularly those on the Cronan continent, would eventually merge together to form larger territorial holdings. Concurrently, the United Republic would help to initiate the modern era of international diplomacy through its efforts in establishing and strengthening economic and political ties in [[Levantia]] and [[Sarpedon]]; A notable example being the landmark 1806 [[Treaty of Lariana]], which normalized diplomatic relations between the United Republic and the [[Holy Levantine Empire]].
 
Domestically, the Isles, beginning in the early 19th century, experienced a rise in urbanization and an unprecedented influx of immigrants from both the [[Occidental world|Occident]] and the [[Alshar|Orient]], which in turn supplied a surplus of labor for the country's industrialization and transformed its culture. National infrastructure, including telegraph and railroads, spurred economic growth and greater settlement and development of the "Frontier". The later invention of electric light and the telephone would also affect communication and urban life.
 
Rapid economic development during the late 18th and early 20th centuries fostered the rise of many prominent industrialists, many of whom led the nation's progress in the railroad, petroleum, and steel industries. Banking became a major part of the economy, further spurring its growth into becoming one of the world's largest. These dramatic changes were accompanied by growing inequality and social unrest, which prompted the rise of organized labor along with populist, socialist, and anarchist movements. This period eventually ended with the advent of the [[Alstinian Reformist Era|Reformist Era]], which saw significant reforms including women's suffrage, a shift in alcohol consumption habits, regulation of consumer goods, and greater antitrust measures to ensure competition and attention to worker conditions.
<br />
 
===The Great Wars Era===
''Further reading: [[First Great War]]; [[Second Great War]]; [[Alstin in the Second Great War]]; [[Cronan Theatre of the Second Great War]]''
 
The United Republic remained neutral from the initial outbreak of the [[First Great War]] in 1896, but joined a few weeks later on 13 June 1896 alongside the Concordiae Powers following repeated attacks on UR Merchant Shipping by the [[Navy of Burgundie|Burgundian Navy]], helping to turn the tide against the Aliança. In 1904, President [[Patrick T. Jones]] took a leading diplomatic role at the TBD Peace Conference, subsequently reaffirming the United Republic's place as one the world's great powers.
 
Around this time, the women's rights movement bore it greatest victory with the election of first [[Marion Roberts]], then [[Caroline Baxter]] to the Presidency in 1904 and 1908 respectively. Concurrently, the 1910s and 1920s saw the rise of radio for mass communication and the invention of early television, with [[ABS Corporation|ABS]] and [[NPB Corporation|NPB]] taking a leading role in both mediums. Additionally, the Alstinian film industry began to take form in earnest, centering in Driftwood, near [[Treadwell]], Cecelia, making a substantial impact in the art of film-making.
 
The period between 1909 and 1925 is known as the [[Golden Years]] in the United Republic, in which unseen previously levels of economic growth and prosperity was accompanied with a distinctive social, artistic and cultural dynamism and technological advancement. The prosperity brought upon during the Golden Years ended with the [[Lloyd Street Crash of 1925]] and the onset of the [[Blunt Depression]]. After his election as president in 1928, [[Alfred F. Jones]] responded with the [[Dawes Plan]], a comprehensive series of economic and financial programs geared towards providing financial relief to individuals and businesses, promote economic recovery, and institute economic and financial reforms.
 
At the outset of the [[Second Great War]] in March 1934, the United Republic, while maintaining neutrality, began supplying materiel to Urcea and its allies in response to unrestricted Caphirian submarine activity in the Orixtal, the Polynesian, and St. Brendan's Strait, supplying LOTA forces with much needed supplies and war materiel. On 31 December 1935...
 
TBA
 
===Occidental Cold War===
''Further Reading: [[Occidental Cold War]]''
 
TBA
 
<br />
 
===Contemporary History===
''Further Reading: Cartesian Wars; [[Final War of the Deluge]]''
 
TBA
 
==Politics and government==
''Further Reading: [[Government of the United Republic]]; [[List of heads of state of Alstin]]; [[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 [[United Republic Constitution|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 467 voting members and 10 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, there provinces ([[Azura]], [[Backdraft]], and [[Voltara]]), each had the least amount of councilors at four, while [[Cecelia]], the most populous province, had thirty-nine.
 
 
The Senate has 62 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===
''Main article:[[Foreign Relations of Alstin]]''
 
The United Republic has an established structure of foreign relations. It is a founding member of the [[League of Nations]], as well as a founding member of the now defunct [[South Crona Congress]] and its successor, the [[Cronan Security and Trade Union]]. Almost all countries have embassies in Alstin, and many have consulates around the country. Likewise, nearly all nations host Alstinian diplomatic missions, which are operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
===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), Air Corps (URAC), Coast Guard (URCG), and Space Force (URSF). 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 Ministry 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, Odoneru, 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 proper, which is defined as encompassing the Alstinian Isles and the overseas provinces of [[Mierria]] and [[Tracoa]], covers more 641,000 km², and lies between the Ocean of Cathay and the Sea of Orixtal, with the north-east coast of Mierria coming within 1000 km of the coast of southwestern Crona, from which it is separated by the Mierrian Channel. In 2000, 18 per cent of the Alstinian Isles was forested, 32 per cent used for pastures and 25 per cent cultivated for agriculture.
 
The Alstinian Isles lies between latitudes 23° and 10° N, and longitudes 165° and 140° W. The coastline of the Isles is aproximately??? 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===
The climate of Alstin is influenced by the Orixtal Sea to north and east, the Sea of St. John to the northwest, the Ocean of Cathay to the south and west, and the Altaic is its center. These seas constitute a reservoir of heat and humidity for Alstin.
 
Because of the extent of the Isles and the somewhat mountainous hinterland, the climate of the United Republic is highly diverse. The climate ranges from Mediterrean and Marine West Coast across much of the northern coast and central Alstin along rim the Altaic Sea, to humid subtropical and tropical wet throughout the coasts along the Cathay and Orixtal, as well as most of the Outer Islands, to Semiarid, Arid and Highland in the Kjedoran and Ursan mountain ranges.
 
Conditions on the coast are different from those in the interior, particularly during winter months when the higher altitudes tend to be cold, wet, and often snowy. Average winter temperatures vary from around 0 °C (32 °F) in the Kjeldorans to 12 °C (54 °F) in [[Islevyny]], so average summer temperatures range from 20 °C (68 °F) to over 25 °C (77 °F).
 
Winters can vary widely across the country with lingering cold, foggy and snowy periods in the mountains and milder, sunnier conditions in the coastal regions. Summers are hot across the country, except for at high altitude, particularly in the [[Outer Islands]]. Northern and central areas can experience occasional strong thunderstorms from spring to autumn.
 
==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 $8,646 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}. [[Cartadania]], [[Daxia]], 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, banking and financial services, and other facets of the manufacturing sector are other important drivers of the Alstinian economy.
===Science and Technology===
The United Republic is considered to be one of the world's most technologically-advanced countries. It is considered to be on par with [[Urcea]] and [[Caphiria]], as it 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. Alstin leads the world in robotics production and use, possessing more than 20% of the world's industrial robots as of 2011. Additionally, Alstin has made significant strides in the research and development of nanotechnology, with one such notable example being the "[[Alstinian Miracle]]".
 
Events leading-up to and during the [[Second 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.
 
==Demographics==
===Population===
{{Pie chart
| radius = 100
| thumb = right
| caption = Self-reported ethnic origin in the United Republic (2020 Census)
 
| other =
| label1 =White Alstinians
| value1 =62.8
| color1 =Blue
| label2 =Audonian-Alstinians
| value2 =21.3
| color2 =Green
| label3 =Alshari-Alstinians
| value3 =10.2
| color3 =Gold
| label4 =Indigenous-Cronan
| value4 =1.4
| color4 =Orange
| label5 =Mixed
| value5 =2.9
| color5 =Crimson
| label6 =Other
| value6 =1.4
| color6 =Purple
|
}}
The United Republic has an estimated population of 154 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 62.8%, make up the largest ancestry group, with sizable populations originating from various minority groups; Among them include Audonian-Alstinians at about 21.3%, Alshari-Alstinians at 10.2%, Indigenous-Cronan groups at 1.4%, and mixed at 2.9%.
 
===Language===
[[Blairian Ænglish|Alstinian Ænglish]] is the de facto national language, with approximately 97% of the population speaking it as a first language. Additionally, 27% widely speak [[Cartadanian language|Cartadanian]] as either a primary or secondary language, while both [[Burgoignesc language|Burgoignesc]] and [[Kiravic Coscivian|Coscivian]] tie for being the third most dominant language, with each having about 19% of the population being fluent.
 
===Religion===
The majority of Alstin's population, at 65%, identifies as [[Chantry of Alstin|Chantric]], while [[Catholic Church|Catholics]] account for 22% of the population. The nonreligious account for 13% 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 74 per cent of the United Republic's 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 99.2%.
 
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]].
[[File:Cities.png|thumb|Map of Major Cities of the United Republic]]
 
===Largest Cities===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Rank
!City
!Population (2028 est)
!Province
|-
|1
|[[Alstin (City)|Alstin]]
|7,342,969
|[[Alstin (City)|Capital District of Alstin]]
|-
|2
|[[Riverton]]
|2,632,480
|[[Cecelia]]
|-
|3
|[[Wheatley]]
|1,754,987
|[[Bryceland]]
|-
|4
|[[Dalton]]
|1,316,240
|[[Daltonland]]
|-
|5
|[[Cuzco (City)|Cuzco]]
|1,052,992
|[[Cuzco]]
|-
|6
|[[Washkau]]
|877,493
|[[Mardünke]]
|-
|7
|[[Pressley]]
|752,137
|[[Patricia]]
|-
|8
|[[Klepzigton]]
|658,120
|[[Mira]]
|-
|9
|[[Utopia (City)|Utopia]]
|584,996
|[[Utopia]]
|-
|10
|[[Lakeshore City|Lakeshore]]
|526,496
|[[Felicia]]
|}
 
==Infrastructure==
===Transportation===
[[File:Alstin Land Routes.png|thumb|Map of Major Highways in the United Republic]]
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 86 million licensed vehicles in the Alstinian Isles.
 
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 6,900 terawatt hours per year. In 2020, 17% of this energy came from petroleum, 7% from coal, and 8% 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 Environmental Protection and Restoration Agency (EPRA), 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 an Occidental culture largely derived from a number of factors including: the nation's key commercial location centered on the Alstinian Isles; its history as an occidental 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 Levantine 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.
 
==See also==
{{Country topics
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* [[Meteorology of Alstin|Meteorology]]
* [[Climate of Alstin|Climate]]
* [[Fauna of Alstin|Fauna]]
* [[Flora of Alstin|Flora]]
* [[Mountains of Alstin|Mountains]]
* [[Beaches of Alstin|Beaches]]
* [[Islands of Alstin|Islands]]
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* [[Valleys of Alstin|Valleys]]
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    | group1 = [[List of provinces and territories of Alstin|Provinces]]
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* &nbsp; [[Aegis]]
* &nbsp; [[Azura]]
* &nbsp; [[Backdraft]]
* &nbsp; [[Bryceland]]
* &nbsp; [[Cecelia]]
* &nbsp; [[Cuzco]]
* &nbsp; [[Daltonland]]
* &nbsp; [[Deralveca]]
* &nbsp; [[Equetus]]
* &nbsp; [[Felicia]]
* &nbsp; [[Islevyny]]
* &nbsp; [[Ionach]]
* &nbsp; [[Keldon]]
* &nbsp; [[Kjeldor]]
* &nbsp; [[Kufser]]
* &nbsp; [[Mira]]
* &nbsp; [[Mardünke]]
* &nbsp; [[Mierria]]
* &nbsp; [[Omepra]]
* &nbsp; [[Patricia]]
* &nbsp; [[Radia]]
* &nbsp; [[Rocotia]]
* &nbsp; [[Sierra (Province)|Sierra]]
* &nbsp; [[Silvia]]
* &nbsp; [[Suerta]]
* &nbsp; [[Tracoa]]
* &nbsp; [[Utopia]]
* &nbsp; [[Veraise]]
* &nbsp; [[Vintara]]
* &nbsp; [[Voltara]]
   | group2 = [[List of provinces and territories of Alstin|Federal District]]
    | list2 =
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   | group3 = [[List of provinces and territories of Alstin|Territories]]
    | list3 =
* &nbsp; [[Ante Magnum]]
* &nbsp; [[Arsyra]]
* &nbsp; [[Credesia]]
* &nbsp; [[Isidar]]
* &nbsp; [[Purépec]]
* &nbsp; [[Sotsial]]
* &nbsp; [[Stia-Dica]]
* &nbsp; [[Vertannia]]
}}
 
 
 
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[[Category:Alstin]]
[[category:Countries]]
[[Category:2022 Award winning pages]]
[[Category:IXWB]]
[[Category:IXWB]]
[[Category: 2022 Award winning pages]]

Revision as of 11:25, 13 July 2023

Housing in Urcea is a vital sector in the Urcean economy, with housing development and adjacent activity comprising approximately a tenth of all economic activity as of 2020. Urceans have strong social views on housing and housing strongly relates to Urcea's view of itself and its relationship with both private property and Catholic social teaching. Since the mid-20th century, disurbanist approaches have been popular in Urcea. Much of Urcea's housing stock was constructed in the form of low density suburban single family homes following the Second Great War, although since the 1980s the priority has shifted to even lower-density exurban development due to both environmental and social concerns.

In Urcea, housing policy issues are typically regulated by the Agency for Housing Development outside of cities and the Agency for Urban Development within cities. The Agency for Urban Development also works closely with the Agency for Royal Public Housing and Royal Dormitory Aid to identify and develop new public housing opportunities.

History and overview

Enclosure

Enclosure, the process by which land held in common is transferred to private ownership (especially within the context of the Feudal system) took place from approximately the end of the Saint's War in 1401 to the beginning of the Caroline Wars in 1740, during which time the vast majority of land held in common was enclosed for ownership. While much of the land was enclosed on behalf of local magnates, a great portion of it - especially following the weakening of the nobility during the Great Confessional War - was enclosed into relatively small parcels on behalf of the urban privilegiata. Unlike many other countries, however, anti-enclosure sentiments gained many successes in the period of the 17th century and onward. Balancing the various social classes became an increasing concern to the Apostolic King and His Governments in the wake of the social upheavel of the Great Confessional War and subsequent Gassavelian uprising. Accordingly, considerable amounts of common land began to be preserved beginning in 1620 onward, though these sentiments slowed rather than halted the process of enclosure. By 1740, further enclosure was prohibited by law, but conflicting and inconsistent land title deeds for enclosed lands existed, inaugurating more than two hundred years of legal disputes until land surveyance and commune reform efforts succeeded in in the 1950s.

Attitudes

Suburban rise and fall

Passage of the Family Living Act

Public housing

Public housing in Urcea is generally overseen by the Agency for Royal Public Housing and Royal Dormitory Aid or by provincial and local governments. Since the 1960s, the Agency has had specific policies for public housing, preferring to maintain single or multi-family rent controlled units within the same neighborhood within cities rather than tower blocks. The general prohibition on tower blocks came about largely as both an ideological one as well as problems encountered in constructing them in the Urceopolis borough of Campori following the Second Great War. The Agency is responsible for the general property maintenance of these facilities in conjunction with the occupants in the case of single family houses. Several "legacy" tower blocks public housing projects exist as well, especially in and around Urceopolis.

Private housing

Most Urceans live in a single family home or low-unit multi-family home according to surveys conducted over the course of the 2010s. Urcean society places a high value on home ownership, and private housing enjoys pride of place among types of housing in Urcea. As part of these efforts, the Agency for Royal Public Housing and Royal Dormitory Aid provides subsidies to lower income families as part of the Royal Dormitory Aid program in order to encourage ownership.

Urban

Single family

Multi family and apartments

Suburban

Suburban development was the primary form of housing development during the 20th century in Urcea and comprises a large plurality of the nation's housing stock. From the end of the Second Great War to the end of the century, government policy, economic factors, and social attitudes drove the creation of Urcea's suburbs. By the end of the century, suburban sprawl comprised most of the Valley, with relatively close together single family homes extending out from Urceopolis especially. Suburban development in other areas of the country also occurred but to a less sprawling extent given the population and relative population density of the Archduchy of Urceopolis and its surrounding provinces. Many social commentators by the 1980s had begun to grow concerned regarding suburban sprawl due to environmental concerns (including both waste and pollution) as well as social concerns, as many perceived a kind of isolation and alienation from the extended family and estate kinship groups on which Urcean society was traditionally organized. Suburban development began to wane during this time in favor of exurban development, which developed both due to public policy pressures and market forces interested in different models; this shift had the practical effect of causing massive disruption in Urcea's construction industry. The Family Living Act of 2003 essentially prohibited the construction of new, "core suburbs" and subsequent legislation has created large preservation areas around Urcea and particularly within the Valley. The preservation areas, which not only preserve existing natural areas but also has properties and homes default to the government for demolition in the event of no property heir or in the event of foreclosure, has had the unintended effect of decreasing the Kingdom's housing stock according to many policy analysts and non-governmental organizations.

Exurban

Exurban development has comprised the large part of Urcean real estate development since the mid-1980s reflecting increased distances from urban centers as well as changing social views.

In 2003, the Concilium Daoni led by Michael Witte enacted the Family Living Act (FLA), which establishes several rules governing the construction of multiple structures on a property by real estate developers intending to sell the land, known as subdivisions. Among other provisions, the FLA requires that contractors must first offer a condensed area within a development (intended to describe cul de sacs and other insular portions) to bidding by extended family groups before individually selling each house. In effect, this law has had the effect of making many portions of neighborhoods or even entire housing developments being comprised of related individuals. Since a considerable portion of Urcea's single-family housing stock has been constructed since 2003, the policy has had a large impact on Urcean housing and social relations, with many policy analysts calling the project a "major success" in restoring the proximity of extended families. Critics have said that the FLA has had the effect of artificially raising the price of homes and home ownership while suppressing housing stock and discouraging development.

Urban town and country

Marchts, a small town in Hardinán, exemplifies urban town and country design mostly utilizing older structures instead of new builds.

The primary design philosophy of exurban development in Urcea revolves around the notion of creating "urban town and country" (UTC), a design which has grown in frequency and popularity since the end of the 20th century. Though they existed prior to 2003, the Family Living Act of 2003 introduced significant economic incentives for the design and construction of this style of development. Urban town and country design creates areas of moderate density housing, typically one to two blocks of 5-over-1s (or earlier mixed use structures) surrounding a village green, town square, or roundabout park, surrounded by consistent low density housing with secluded cul de sacs and streets with large plots for homes separated by greenspaces and trees. This design is intended to allow individuals who can not own a home - either due to being short term transients to an area, lack of income, or some other reason - to live in rental units in and around the "central square" while simultaneously providing retail spaces - usually small businesses - in the central area. The "downtown area" is usually made up of several small retail outlets with restaurants in freestanding areas with parking, and this area is usually serviced by a rail-fed warehouse located on the periphery of town. Besides residential areas, churches schools, and libraries, and one to two large parking structures (depending on the size of the area) are intended to be constructed directly adjacent to the central square area for easy access to services by local residents. Since 2018 and 2019, most new UTCs are required to provide electric charging stations both in homes and in the public spaces, and many companies exist to transition existing UTC areas to electric compatibility on a large scale.

Most UTCs have only one or two major roads leading to the town square area, with small limited access urban neighborhood roads radiating outwards. The larger roads are typically multiple lanes in order to allow for commercial traffic to efficiently enter and exit the community. The major roads in UTCs typically lead to other UTCs or to highway access, while most of them also have a degree of access to park and rides and mass transit options. These transit options were enhanced with direct government subsidies to local public transit corporations with the Connectivity Act of 2012.

Proprietor communes

Throughout Urcea, small parts of land which escaped enclosure exist. Efforts were made during the 19th and 20th century to create a stable legal framework for these entities to survive, and accordingly the distinction of a "proprietor commune" or PC exists within law. The creation of PCs was the result of massive land surveyance efforts conducted in the immediate wake of the Second Great War in the 1940s and 50s, as individuals living on ancestral communal land objected to encroaching real estate developers; the Government of Urcea issued a large number of charters for these lands in 1954. PCs are governed by the Alternative Housing Law. PCs are lands in which the title is held by a corporation consisting of all of the residents within it, and accordingly all lands under a corporate charter are owned in common. PCs can only be dissolved with a supermajority of members voting in favor. Most charters individually lay out the terms on which individuals and families can build structures within the commune, but most provide for an enforceable prohibition on trespassing, ensuring a kind of private property for homeowners. Charters also give the communes wide latitude to establish standards for structures within the PC while not totally exempting them from local and provincial zoning laws. In effect, PCs function in a similar manner to home owners associations and collect fees. Banks are prohibited by law from discriminating against PCs and mortgages for individual homes are often assumed by the entire commune, who then levy the costs on the individual home resident.