Arcer Heartland

Cowboys at Sunset, by renowned Arco painter and artist Hugo Davidson, depicting Arcer cowboys working a cattle ranch in the Heartland during the late 19th century.

The Arcer Heartland, when referring to the geographic and cultural region of Arcerion, is the central land area of the country, which encompasses most of Northlea Governorate. It does not border the Malentine Sea, but instead is cross-secitoned by the Innis, Leigh, and Cochrane Rivers. It is commonly used to refer to Arcerion's agricultural and cultural centre, and is a central theme in the national identity of Arcerion as seen in Arco Determinism. It is culturally rooted in agrarian lifestyles, traditional conservative values, and strong communal assistance.

Location

There is no cohesive or agreed upon defined borders for the Arcer Heartland, as it varies by age group, cultural subbcategory, and publication. However the consensus among Arcer demographers and geographers is that the Arcer Heartland is mainly centralised around Northlea Governorate. Politically, the Heartland refers to Arcerion's conservative voting blocs located North of the Aileach mountains and East of the Arcer-Kelekonese border.

The Arcer population within Norham and Nothlea, both of which comprise large portions of the Heartland, combined make up 45% of the total Arcer population, although some sources do not count the urban areas of Craigfearn and Dunborough meaning the actual statistic is likely closer to one third of the total Arcer population.

Usage and Terminology

The usage refers to the geographic center of Arcerion as a sovereign nation, as well as referencing the agricultural and ecological center of the nation. Almost all of Arcerion's rivers flow through the Heartland, as well as the vast majority of its arable farmland is found there. Politically, the term is used to refer to the farming and agricultural voting blocs that retain much power in the modern Arcer political landscape.

Commonly agreed upon geographical limits of the Arcer Heartland, encompassing Northlea and Norham Governorates.

Cultural Usage

In Arcerion Heartland is used heavily by the country music industry, as well as in 'cowboy' or 'settler' themes. The Presdale Country Music Festival, the largest folk and country music event in Crona and Ixnay, is organized by the Arcer Heartland Council, a nonprofit organization that preserves Arcer history and heritage.