Visoclesia

Republic of Visoclesia Република Визоклесија (Visoclesian) Republika Vizoklesija
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: Блажена тебе, Визоклесија Blažena tebe, Vizoklezija Blessed are thee, Visoclesia
Anthem: Плачот на слободата (Visoclesian) Plačot na slobodata (transliteration) The Cry of Freedom
Capital and largest city	Višnagrad
Official languages	Visoclesian
Ethnic groups (2019)	73% Visoclesian 26% Other marolevs 1% Other
Demonym(s)	Visoclesian
Government	Unitary Parliamentary Republic
• President	Apostol Zlatarev
• Prime Minister	Stojan Kralevski
Legislature	National Assembly
Population
• 2019 census	3,864,781
GDP (nominal)	2019 estimate
• Total	$49.68 billion
• Per capita	$12,854
HDI (2019)	0.836 very high
Currency	Visoclesian Ruba (VSR)
Internet TLD	.vs

The Republic of Visoclesia (Visoclesian: Република Визоклесија), often simply referred to as Visoclesia, is a landlocked state in western Euclea. It is bordered to the west by Poliania and by Minilov to the east. With a total land area spanning NUMBER square metres, Visoclesia is the smallest state in west Euclea and one of the smallest in Euclea proper. It has a population of almost 4 million and is significantly less urbanised than many other Euclean states. The capital and largest city is Višnagrad on the coast of Lake Meža.

Visoclesia was first settled in the Neolithic era and existed outside of the Great Vesimir despite its Marolevic population. Its central location meant that Visoclesia avoided the bulk of the Zalyk wars and was able to develop a distinctly Marolevic cultural identity. The Visoclesian Boyars established the first Visoclesian state in the tenth century, however, it was swiftly subsumed by its more powerful western neighbour. Visoclesia existed as a backwater for much of its history, remaining a part of Poliania while their epismalist faith separated them from a complete integration into the kingdom. With the reforms to the Episemialist faith in Narozalica, the Visoclesian church declared its independence and broke off patriarchal ties. Despite these cultural differences, it was not until the romantic era that the idea of a separate Visoclesian national identity was truly considered. Following the liberalisation of Polianian society in 1869 these sentiments were able to be expressed more openly, resulting in the "Renasansa" or "Visoclesian Renaissance", a wave of artistic expression in the search of a uniquely Visoclesian cultural identity in literature, music and visual art. During this time the Visoclesian People's Party was established, which represented Visoclesia within the Polianian parliament. With the rise of functionalism, Visoclesian cultural identity faced repression from the central government. During the great war, Visoclesian partisans fought on the side of Narozalica and with the defeat of Poliania, an independent Visoclesian state was established. While close ties with Narozalica were maintained at the start, fears of Narozalic cultural domination and authoritarianism coupled with liberalisation in Poliania led to Visoclesia aligning closer with its western neighbour and the EC.

Visoclesia is a democratic parliamentary republic, recognised by the Euclean Community for its commitment to democracy and open society. Its politics are dominated by the Visoclesian People's Party, a big tent agrarian party who were instrumental in the political independence of the country. The head of state is President Apostol Zlatarev, and head of government Prime Minister Stojan Kralevski. Legislative power is held by the National Assembly, a 100 member body. Visoclesia is a minor power internationally, due to its small size and landlocked location. It is a member of the ICD, CN, ITO and GIFA.

History

Castipia

Sarcophagus of a Castipian king, Lakanrid site

Pre-Marolevic Visoclesia was the home of the Castipian culture, a cultural isolate similar to the Tenic peoples of northern Euclea. The Castipian culture arose during the Chalcolithic era, centralising on theocratic city states which followed the code of Zilat. This was at once a strict caste system and monotheistic religion centred around filial piety, and dominated most aspects of Castipian daily life. They spoke the Castipian language, a linguistic isolate which is now extinct.

The largest of the Castipian city states was Lakhzan, which reached its apopee in the 3rd century CE under the rule of Zilipuri. Lakhzan became the hegemonic power over the other states, enforcing the creation of the Castipian League which united the Castipian states into a loose confederation. Under the league, Castipian culture grew and trade with the Tenic peoples north of Lake Meža increased the wealth of the component states. Castipian military might also increased, with several wars being waged against the neighbouring Tenic peoples resulting in some territorial gains. The Castipians would remain a relevant local power until the Marolevic migration.