Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox country
{{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics
| conventional_long_name = Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics
|native_name                = اتحاد جماهیرعرفانی زرصانی<br> ''Ettehād-ye Jamaheer-ye Erfāni-ye Zorasāni''</small><br>الاتحاد الجمهوريات العرفانية الكرصانية<br>''al-Ittiḥād al-Jumhūrīyyat al-Irfānīyyah al-Kurṣāniyyah''
{{collapsible list
|titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:center;line-height:normal;font-size:84%;
|title = 4 other official names
| {{Infobox|subbox=yes|bodystyle=font-size:77%;font-weight:normal;
  | rowclass1 = mergedrow | label1 = {{wp|Farsi language|Pasdani}}:
  | data1 = اتحاد جماهیرعرفانی زرصانی<br>''Ettehād-ye Jamaheer-ye Erfāni-ye Zorasāni''
  | rowclass2 = mergedrow | label2 = {{wp|Arabic language|Rahelian}}:
  | data2 = الاتحاد الجمهوريات العرفانية الكرصانية<br>''al-Ittiḥād al-Jumhūrīyyat al-Irfānīyyah al-Kurṣāniyyah''
  | rowclass3 = mergedrow | label3 = {{wp|Kurmanji language|Kexri}}:
  | data3 = اتحاد جمهوريات عرفاني<br/>''Yekîtî Qorazānî Irfanî Komarên''
  | rowclass4 = mergedrow | label4 = {{wp|Uzbek language|Togoti}}:
  | data4 = اتحادیه عرفانی جمهوری های قوروزان<br/>''Birlik Irfaniy Qorozan Respublikalar''
}}}}
|common_name                = Zorasan
|common_name                = Zorasan
|image_flag                  = Flag of the UNIR.png
|image_flag                  = Flag of the UNIR.png
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|alt_coat                    =  
|alt_coat                    =  
|symbol_type                = Emblem
|symbol_type                = Emblem
|national_motto              = {{unbulleted list|وحدت در همه امور|''[[Ettehād dar Omur-e Hāme]]''|{{small|''Unity in all affairs''}}}}<br>'''{{wp|Ideology|National ideology}}: '''''[[Sattarisim]]''
|national_motto              = {{unbulleted list|وحدت در همه امور|''[[Ettehād dar Omur-e Hāme]]''|{{small|''Unity in all affairs''}}}}<br>'''{{wp|Ideology|National ideology}}: '''''[[Sattarism]]''
|national_anthem            = {{unbulleted list|تعب الم|{{small|''[[Zorasan Zendēbad]]''}}|{{small|''Victory to Zorasan''}}}}  
|national_anthem            = {{unbulleted list|تعب الم|{{small|''[[Zorasan Zendēbad]]''}}|{{small|''Victory to Zorasan''}}}}  
|royal_anthem                =
|royal_anthem                =
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|alt_map2                    =   
|alt_map2                    =   
|map_caption2                =  
|map_caption2                =  
|capital                    = [[Zahedan|Zahedan, UTC]]
|capital                    = [[Sattarishahr|Sattarishar, UTC]]
|largest_city                = capital
|largest_city                = [[Zahedan]]
|official_languages          = {{wp|Arabic language|Rahelian}}<br>{{wp|Farsi|Pardarian}}
|official_languages          = {{wp|Arabic language|Rahelian}}<br>{{wp|Farsi|Pardarian}}
|national_languages          =  
|national_languages          =  
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|ethnic_groups_year          =  
|ethnic_groups_year          =  
|demonym                    = Zorasani <small>(common)</small><br/>[[Sattari people|Sattari]] <small>(official)</small>
|demonym                    = Zorasani <small>(common)</small><br/>[[Sattari people|Sattari]] <small>(official)</small>
|government_type            ={{wp|Federalism|Federal}} [[Sattarism|Sattarist]] {{wp|single-party state}} under a [[Civil-Military State|Civil-Military system]]
|government_type            ={{wp|Federalism|Federal}} [[Sattarism|Sattarist]] {{wp|single-party state}}
|leader_title1              = [[State President of the UNIR|State President]]
|leader_title1              = [[State President of the UNIR|State President]]
|leader_name1                = [[Vahid Isfandiar]]
|leader_name1                = [[Rahim Ali Haftar]]
|leader_title2              = [[First Minister of the UNIR|First Minister]]
|leader_title2              = [[First Minister of the UNIR|First Minister]]
|leader_name2                = [[Farzad Akbari]]
|leader_name2                = [[Gafur Qahhor]]
|leader_title3              = [[Central Command Council|Chairman of the Central Command Council]]
|leader_title3               = [[Deputy First Minister of the UNIR|Deputy First Minister]]
|leader_name3               = [[Adavazdar Golzadari]]
|leader_name3                = [[Sadavir Hatami]]
|leader_title4               = [[Speaker of the Supreme Assembly]]
|leader_title4               = [[Central Command Council|Chairman of the Central Command Council]]
|leader_name4               = [[Ibrahim Al-Fahim]]
|leader_name4               = [[Adavazdar Golzadari]]
|legislature  = [[Supreme Assembly of the Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics|Supreme Assembly]]
|leader_title5               = [[Speaker of the Supreme Assembly]]
|leader_name5               = [[Ibrahim Al-Fahim]]
|legislature  = [[Supreme Assembly of the Union (Zorasan)|Supreme Assembly of the Union]]
|upper_house  =  
|upper_house  =  
|lower_house  =  
|lower_house  =  
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|area_magnitude              =  
|area_magnitude              =  
|area                        =
|area                        =
|area_km2                    = 4692920
|area_km2                    = 5471003
|area_sq_mi                  =  
|area_sq_mi                  =  
|area_footnote              =
|area_footnote              =
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|area_label2                =  
|area_label2                =  
|area_dabodyalign            =  
|area_dabodyalign            =  
|population_estimate        = {{increase}} 204,118,980
|population_estimate        = {{increase}} 328,260,173
|population_estimate_rank    =  
|population_estimate_rank    =  
|population_estimate_year    = 2020
|population_estimate_year    = 2023
|population_census          = 195,369,278
|population_census          = 320,429,199
|population_census_year      = 2012
|population_census_year      = 2020
|population_density_km2      = 36.88
|population_density_km2      = 59.99
|population_density_sq_mi    =
|population_density_sq_mi    =
|population_density_rank    =
|population_density_rank    =
|GDP_PPP                    = {{increase}} $2.652 trillion ([[List of countries by GDP (Kylaris)|13th]])
|GDP_PPP                    = {{increase}} $6.337 trillion ([[List of countries by GDP (Kylaris)|4th]])
|GDP_PPP_rank                =  
|GDP_PPP_rank                =  
|GDP_PPP_year                = 2021
|GDP_PPP_year                = 2022
|GDP_PPP_per_capita          = $12,997
|GDP_PPP_per_capita          = $19,035
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank    =
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank    =
|GDP_nominal                = {{increase}} $1.928 trillion ([[List of countries by GDP (Kylaris)|9th]])
|GDP_nominal                = {{increase}} $2.406 trillion ([[List of countries by GDP (Kylaris)|9th]])
|GDP_nominal_rank            =  
|GDP_nominal_rank            =  
|GDP_nominal_year            = 2021
|GDP_nominal_year            = 2022
|GDP_nominal_per_capita      = $9,450
|GDP_nominal_per_capita      = $7,332
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank =
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank =
|Gini                        = 34
|Gini                        = 48.9
|Gini_rank                  =
|Gini_rank                  =
|Gini_year                  =  
|Gini_year                  =  
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|HDI_year                    =
|HDI_year                    =
|HDI_category                =
|HDI_category                =
|currency                    = Toman
|currency                    = Zorasani toman (₮)
|currency_code              =
|currency_code              = ZOT
|time_zone                  =
|time_zone                  =
|utc_offset                  =
|utc_offset                  =
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|drives_on                  = left
|drives_on                  = left
|cctld                      =
|cctld                      =
|iso3166code                =
|iso3166code                = .zo
|calling_code                =  
|calling_code                = +39
|image_map3                  =  
|image_map3                  =  
|alt_map3                    =
|alt_map3                    =
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}}
}}


The '''Union of Zorasani Irfanic Repulics''' ({{wp|Farsi|Pasdani}}: اتحاد جماهیرعرفانی زرصانی; ''Ettehād-ye Jamaheer-ye Erfāni-ye Zorasāni''; {{wp|Arabic|Rahelian}}: الاتحاد الجمهوريات العرفانية الكرصانية; ''al-Ittiḥād al-Jumhūrīyyat al-Irfānīyyah al-Kurṣāniyyah''), commonly called the '''Zorasani Union''', '''Zorasan''' or the '''UZIR''', is a {{wp|federalism|federal}} {{wp|constitutional}} {{wp|parliamentary republic}} located in northern [[Coius]]. The UZIR is bordered by [[Xiaodong]] and [[Kumuso]] to the south, [[Ajahadya]] and [[Sinharia]] to the west, [[Tsabara]] to the east and the [[Gulf of Parishar]] to the north and [[Mazdan Sea]] to the north-west. The UZIR is home to diverse ethnic groups, with [[Irfan|Arta Irfan]] as the majority and XXX as the largest minority, it also includes XX, Yazidis, XX and a tiny minority of Abburites. Its two largest ethnic groups are {{wp|Persians|Pardarians}} and {{wp|Arabs}}. With a population of 173.1 million it is the 3rd largest in Coius and the world, it has a total area of 4,692,920 km2 (1,811,946 sq mi), making it the 2nd largest in Coius and the 3rd largest in the world.
'''Zorasan''', officially known as the '''Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics''' is a [[Sattarism|Sattarist]] {{wp|federalism|federal}} {{wp|one-party state}} located in northern [[Coius]]. It is bordered by [[Tsabara]] and [[Behera]] to the north, [[Mabifia]] and [[Dezevau]] to the east, [[Shangea]] to the south, [[Ajahadya]] and [[Gulbistan]] to the west and is bound to the northwest by the [[Gulf of Parishar]]. Zorasan is the third largest country in the world with 5,471,003 km2 (2,112,366 sq mi) in land area, and with 328.26 million inhabitants as of 2023, it is the fourth most populous country in the world, though with a population density of 59.99/km2 (155.4/sq mi). Its capital is [[Sattarishahr]], while other major urban areas include [[Zahedan]], [[Borazjan]] ([[Pardaran|Pardarian UR]]), [[Faidah]] ([[Khazestan|Khazi UR]]), [[Sadah]] ([[Irvadistan|Irvadi UR]]), [[Ad-Daydh]] ([[Ninevah|Ninevahi UR]]) and [[Mina Majid]] ([[Riyadha|Riyadhi UR]]).  


Zorasan is home to some of the world's oldest civilizations, beginning with the formation of the Asirani and Galdian kingdoms in the fourth millennium BCE. Both the Pardarian and Rahelian civilisations would be united under the former through the Barzanid Empire. The Sorsanid Empire would establish the tradition of Pardarian rule from the 4th century BCE until the 19th century, often with deep levels of Rahelian integration. The Arasanid Empire would emerge in the 3rd century CE as a world leading power, with territory stretching from Hydana to southern Bahia. The Arasanid Empire would be in regular conflict with both the [[Solarian Empire|Solarian]] and [[Verliquioan Empire|Verliquioan]] empires, until the emergence of [[Irfan]] in 620 CE and the Tagemes invasion .  
Zorasan is the site of ancient civilisations, some the oldest in the world. The first recorded organised civilisation to emerge in the 5th century BCE was the [[Galdian civilisation]], which inhabited the area now known as Ashkezar in northwestern Pardaran. The world's first written language in the form of {{wp|Cuneiform}} emerged in modern-day Khazestan through the Ebtarian civilisation in 3,200 BCE. The Pardarian kingdoms would first be united in 2,100 BCE by the [[Sorsanid Empire]] which expanded to become one of the largest empires in early history and seized much of modern-day Zorasan. The empire would be succeeded by the [[Arasanid Empire]] in around 600 BCE, which would later see the emergence of a new monotheistic faith in the form of [[Irfan]] in the 320s BCE, and was ultimately overthrown in 300 BCE by the {{wp|prophet}} [[Ashavazdar Fereydun]], who established the [[First Heavenly Dominion]], which expanded militarily to reconstitute the Sorsanid's territory and spreading the faith. In 50 BCE, the [[Second Heavenly Dominion]] succeeded the first and continued the [[Irfanic conquests]] across much of northern Coius and into parts of [[Bahia]] and [[Satria]], itself forming one of the largest empires in history, under the Second Heavenly Dominion, [[Irfanic Golden Age|the Irfanic world underwent a golden age]] of scientific and cultural discovery. The [[Third Heavenly Dominion]] succeeded the Second in 953 AD and would be marred by external invasions, decline and internecine violence before being overthrown by the [[Gorsanid Empire|Gorsanid dynasty]], which reconstituted an imperial monarchy for the first time since the Arasanid Empire.  


The rise of Irfan between 620 and 690 succeeded the devastation of the Tagemes invasions, the fledgling religion overthrew the Arasanid Empire in the [[Emshab-ye Amorzesh]], in which the Shah and his family were killed by rebels under [[Ardashir Fereydun]]. The empire was replaced with the [[First Heavenly Dominion]], which rapidly expanded across northern Coius and Bahia in what became known as the [[Irfanic Conquests]]. From 690 CE to 1100 CE, much of northern Coius would be ruled under successive Heavenly Dominions sparking the Irfanic Golden Age, until the Fourth Heavenly Dominion transitioned to a monarchy under the Gorsanid dynasty.  
The Gorsanid Empire would rule over what would form modern-Zorasan for five centuries until it was defeated by various [[Togoti invasions of Zorasan|Togoti warlords]] in the 17th century, who established the [[Togoti Khaganate]] who would rule much of modern Zorasan until their own overthrow by the Khardarid Khaganate. During this time, the region underwent significant decline in culture, economic output and development, though this would be turned around in 1703 with the Gorsanid Restoration. However, the Togoti domination coupled with the Gorsanid inability to modernise fundamentally weakened the Empire in relation to its growing [[Euclea|Euclean rivals]], who began several colonial efforts to gain control over the empire's resources and key trade routes. Beginning the 1820s, the [[Etrurian conquest of Zorasan]] through several conflicts and forced unequal treaties eventually led to the empire's collapse and the partition of its territory by Etruria under the [[Treaty of Povelia]], which established several colonial dominions, protectorates and treaty ports. Under Etrurian colonial rule, there would be several localised and regional uprisings and by late 19th century a resurgence in nationalism, though in often competing forms. In 1918, the [[Khordad Rebellion]] began and would last until 1922, though defeated the rebellion gave way to the [[Pardarian Revolutionary Resistance Command]] under the leadership of [[Mahrdad Ali Sattari]], who authored [[Sattarism]] and was the most prominent advocate for the reunification of the former Gorsanid Empire. Zorasan would serve as a front in the [[Great War (Klyaris)|Great]] and [[Solarian War|Solarian]] wars during the 1930s and 1940s, suffering extensive destruction. In the latter stages of the Solarian War, the [[Greater Solarian Republic]] was forced to conduct a full-scale withdrawal from Coius, abandoning its colonial possessions, within the power vacuum, several states would emerge out of the former colonies and protectorates - the [[Kexri Free Republic]], [[Emirate of Irvadistan]], [[Kingdom of Khazestan]] and the [[Emirates of Riyadha]], while Pardaran was divided between the former protectorate [[Sublime State of Pardaran]], the [[Pardaran Revolutionary Resistance Command]], the [[Ashkezar Republic]] and numerous local warlords. In 1950, the [[Pardarian Revolutionary Resistance Command]] defeated its rival factions in the [[Pardarian Civil War]], this was swiftly followed by the [[Khazi Revolution]] and in 1952, the two countries united to form the [[Union of Khazestan and Pardaran]] marking the beginning of [[Zorasani Unification]]. This three-decade long effort was marked by ideological tensions, terrorism and two major conflicts, the [[First Rahelian War|First]] and [[Second Rahelian War|Second Rahelian]] wars, which pitted the UKP against first the [[Zubaydi Rahelian Federation]], though the Federation was overthrown in a [[Irvadi Revolution|socialist revolution]], establishing the [[United Rahelian People's Republic]]. In 1976, the UKP and URPR went to war and after thirteen months of conflict, the URPR was defeated and the UKP established the [[Provisional Revolutionary Government of Irvadistan and Riyadha]], this was followed in 1979 by the [[Union Republic Referendum]] which would lead to a victorious vote for the establishment of the Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics, which was officially founded in 1980.  


For much of its history, the [[Gorsanid Empire]] would be a leading world power until it fell technologically and economically behind its Euclean rivals. Successive rebellions and crises would ultimately lead to the Gorsanid collapse and the eventual conquest of its territory by Euclean powers. In 1863, much of modern day Zorasan was colonised by [[Etruria]] and was subsequently divided into numerous colonial possessions, though the monarchy survived through the Etrurian-dominated [[Shahdom of Pardaran]]. During the first half of the 20th century Zorasan was dominated by numerous rebellions and uprisings against Etrurian rule which coincided with both the [[Great War (Kylaris)|Great War]] (1928-1936) and [[Solarian War]] (1943-1946). Independence followed with Zorasan being divided into a series of unstable states along ethnic lines, where ideological extremism dominated politics. In 1949, Pardaran was unified following a short [[Pardarian Civil War|civil war]] under [[Mahrdad Ali Sattari]], who's [[Sattarism|pan-Zorasani]] ideology led to a similar revolution in [[Khazestan]] in 1950 and the two nations merger. Over the next twenty years, conflict, terrorism and revolution would ultimately lead to [[Zorasani unification]] in wake of the [[Irvadistan War]] in 1979. Between 1979 and 1980, the new union reformed into a parliamentary non-partisan federation. Economic reforms led to significant economic growth and rapid development.  
The UZIR was established under a one-party system governed by the [[National Renovation Front]] and throughout the 1980s, was forced to focus primarily on repressing various revolts and uprisings against Zorasani unification within Irvadistan, as well as rebuilding a country that suffered near forty-years of conflict and instability. Through unification however, Zorasan quickly became the world's largest producer of {{Wp|oil}} and other hydrocarbons which enabled rapid reconstruction. In 1990, a reformist Front administration took power, heralding the [[Saffron Era]] in which the economy, governance and culture were liberalised. From 1990 to 2003, Zorasan recorded on average 10% GDP growth and over 90 million people were lifted out of poverty, while the population boomed from 111 million to 195 million by 2012. In 2000, the NRF government led by [[Ekrem Dalan]] began enacting broader and more reckless reforms that caused severe disruption to the economy and exacerbated the worsening crisis of inequality and social tensions. These issues [[Turfan|erupted into civil unrest in 2005]] and worsened by the manipulations of the Zorasani military who opposed the reform agenda. The Dalan-led government was removed from office in a constitutional coup and was replaced with the [[Interim Governing Authority]] which held power until 2008 during which time it re-wrote the national constitution. Many reforms were rollbacked and economic growth returned to high rates. In 2015, a new administration took power which continued steady reforms of the economy maintaining growth. In 2021, this administration was removed from office for corruption following a brief political crisis.  


The UZIR is a member of the [[Community of Nations]], [[Global Institute for Fiscal Affairs|GIFA]], [[International Forum for Developing States]] and the [[International Trade Organisation|ITO]] and a founding member of the [[Rongzhuo Strategic Protocol Organisation]] and [[Organisation for the Irfanic Community]]. It is recognised as a {{wp|major power}} by international commentators; some have claimed that it is a {{wp|potential superpower}} in the event of further economic development. The UNIR has the largest proven oil reserves and is the world's largest producer of oil and natural gas, leading it to be considered an {{wp|energy superpower}}.
Today, Zorasan is considered a {{wp|major power}} and with significant economic, military, cultural and religious influence, as well as possessing [[Zorasan and weapons of mass destruction|nuclear weapons]]. Due to being the site of the world’s largest proven oil reserves and its high production, Zorasan is considered an {{wp|energy superpower}}. Zorasan is a founding member of the [[Irfanic Cooperative Congress]], the [[International Forum for Developing States]], the [[Rongzhuo Strategic Protocol Organisation]] and a member of the [[Community of Nations]], [[Global Institute for Fiscal Affairs|GIFA]] and the [[International Trade Organization (Kylaris)|ITO]].  


== Etymology==
== Etymology==
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Following the de-colonisation of Zorasan in 1946, in wake of the [[Solarian War]], the term's use fell exclusively to political figures in [[Pardaran]], as the Rahelian states emerging out of the Etrurian colonies strove to secure independent national identities. However, the term Zorasan remained highly popular among the rural and urban poor classes, who saw Zorasan as a moniker for a pre-colonial time of prosperity, unity and independence. The [[Pardarian Civil War]] and rise of [[Renovationism]] in wake of the [[Khazi Revolution]] resulted in Zorasan's useage returning to the norm and was subject to considerable propaganda, fuelled by [[Pan-Zorasanism]] and [[Zorasani unification]]. The completion of unification in 1980 saw "Zorasan" be adopted as the official name of the unified country.
Following the de-colonisation of Zorasan in 1946, in wake of the [[Solarian War]], the term's use fell exclusively to political figures in [[Pardaran]], as the Rahelian states emerging out of the Etrurian colonies strove to secure independent national identities. However, the term Zorasan remained highly popular among the rural and urban poor classes, who saw Zorasan as a moniker for a pre-colonial time of prosperity, unity and independence. The [[Pardarian Civil War]] and rise of [[Renovationism]] in wake of the [[Khazi Revolution]] resulted in Zorasan's useage returning to the norm and was subject to considerable propaganda, fuelled by [[Pan-Zorasanism]] and [[Zorasani unification]]. The completion of unification in 1980 saw "Zorasan" be adopted as the official name of the unified country.
== History ==
== History ==
=== Pre-history ===
=== Prehistoric ===
 
=== Classical antiquity ===
The earliest attested archaeological artifacts in Zorasan, like those excavated at Dorshad and Zarashfud, confirm a human presence in both Khazestan and Pardaran since 300,000 BC. Pardaran's Neanderthal artifacts from the Middle Paleolithic have been found mainly in the Miran region. From the 10th to the seventh millennium BC, early agricultural communities began to flourish in and around the Miran region in eastern Pardaran.
=== Rise of Irfan ===
[[File:Cylinder Seal, Old Babylonian, formerly in the Charterhouse Collection 09.jpg|250px|thumb|left|A Galdian Cylinder Seal discovered near the Khazi city of Sa'ada in 1911.]]
=== Heavenly Dominions ===
Pardarian development ran almost concurrently to the emergence of civilisations in the Asirani valley, in neighboring modern [[Khazestan]]. In Khazestan, the early [[Galdian civilisation]] became the source of what is debated to be the [[Kylaris|world's]] first writing system and recorded history itself were born. The Galdians are also argued to be the first to harness the wheel and create City States, and whose writings record the first evidence of Mathematics, Astronomy, Astrology, Written Law, Medicine and Organised religion. Writing systems also emerged in eastern Pardaran, with similar systems of cuneform to that of the Galdians.
=== Medieval ===
[[File:Bill of sale Louvre AO3765.jpg|250px|thumb|right|A clay tablet detailing the bill of a male slave, from eastern Pardaran, circa 2600 BC.]]
=== Early modern period ===
 
==== Khaganates ====
=== Sorsanid Empire (550 BCE-400 BCE) ===
==== Gorsanid Restoration ====
=== Arasanid Empire (400-322 BCE) ===
=== Etrurian conquest ===
=== Rise of Irfan (322-300 BCE) ===
=== Modern ===
=== Heavenly Dominions (300-1100) ===
==== Colonial Zorasan ====
=== Gorsanid Empire (1100-1700) ===
* Division of the Gorsanid Empire in [[Etrurian Rahelia]], [[Ninavina]], [[Cyracana]] and [[Sublime Shahdom of Pardaran]].
=== Gorsanid collapse (1700-1880) ===
* Divide and rule between the ethnic groups
=== Colonial Zorasan (1880-1946) ===
* Efforts to establish the [[Paxean Republic]]
=== Independence and Civil War (1946-1950) ===
* [[Khordad Rebellion]]
{{Main|Zorasani Post-War Crisis}} {{main|Pardarian Civil War}}
* [[Great War (Kylaris)|Great War]]
Following the end of the [[Solarian War]], the Treaty of Ashcombe restored independence to Etruria’s colonial possessions, establishing the independent states of [[Shahdom of Pardaran|Pardaran]], [[Kingdom of Khazestan|Khazestan]], [[Emirate of Irvadistan]], [[Kexri Republic]] and the [[Confederation of Riyhadi Kingdoms]]. The use of the 1889 Treaty of Verlois to establish the borders, alongside the lack of legitimacy of the new governments resulted in the collapse of authority and government across swathes of Zorasan, and the emergence of warlord cliques, small statelets and two rival governments in Pardaran.
* [[Operation Lexicon]]
[[File:RCEG.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Shah Ahmad Reza addressing his generals in 1947, his reign over an independent Pardaran would be short-lived, with his military defeat and execution in 1948.]]
* [[Solarian War]]
The Shahdom under [[Ahmad Reza Shah]] failed to establish control over the internationally recognised borders of Pardaran, owing to the Shahdom’s history as a compliant protectorate of Etruria since 1869. This allowed two military cliques and a [[Ashkezar Republic|nascent democratic republic]] to emerge in the north-west, while the Xiaodong-backed [[Pardarian Revolutionary Resistance Command]]; which had dominated the resistance movement during the [[Zorasani Rebellion]] (1936-1946) coalesced in the far-south. Competing ambitions eventually led to a [[Pardarian Civil War| multifaceted civil war]] that ultimately led to a PRRC victory over its rivals and the establishment of the [[Free Zorasani Republic]] in 1950.
* [[Coian Evacuation]] - Collapse of Etrurian colonial control
[[File:King Faisal I of Syria with King Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia in the mid-1920s.jpg|250px|thumb|right|King Said Ali of Irvadistan (left) and King Hussein I of Khazestan (right), successfully established their nation-states and were integral in the early emergence of Rahelian nationalism and independence. However, both rulers would be overthrown by Pan-Zorasanist elements.]]
* Treaty of Ashcombe - Shahdom granted control over Cyracana - Immediate collapse of Shah's authority - Warlords, PRRC and Ashkezar emerge
In the {{wp|Arabs|Rahelian}} east of Zorasan, the Kingdoms of Khazestan and Irvadistan stabilised relatively quickly, with King Hussein I of Khazestan and King Said Ali of Irvadistan cooperating in confronting restive Rahelian tribes in the [[Al-Hizan]] region. Both kingdoms restored order and stability within their mandated borders by 1948, although economic crises and the spread of [[Sattarism|Pro-Sattarist]] elements in Khazestan would undermine the monarchy until its downfall in 1952. In the east, the [[Kexri Republic]] under its {{wp|left-wing nationalism|left-wing nationalist}} governnment sought to expand its borders at the expense of Rahelian, {{wp|Druze}} and {{wp|Yazidi}} tribes and local communities, culminating in the [[Kexri War]] (1946-1959). The various emirates and kingdoms of the Riyadha peninsula were the only states to stabilise immediately upon independence, coalescing into the [[Confederation of Riyhadi Kingdoms]] under the pro-Euclean Emir [[Rafiq Ali]]. Riyadha became a prominent safe haven for refugees and exiled writers, political thinkers and activists, who fled Pardaran toward the end of the civil war.
* Rahelian monarchies stabilise relatively quickly, establish links to Euclea
 
By 1950, the states forged by the Treaty of Ashcombe had established themselves, though the instability and anarchy of the four-year period produced a climate of intense revolutionary activity, ideological entrenchment and a deep divided between Pan-Zorasanism and nationalism. This divide would form the basis for the process of [[Zorasani Unification]], as Pardaran and its Sattarist ideology expanded across Zorasan through revolution, coups and war.


=== Unification of Zorasan (1950-1979) ===
==== Zorasani unification (1946-1980) ====
{{Main|Zorasani Unification}}
{{Main|Zorasani Unification}}
[[File:PRRCtroops.jpg|250px|thumb|left|The Pardarian Civil War would be the most pivotol moment in post-war Zorasan, with the PRRC victory setting in montion the three-decade long [[Zorasani unification|unification of Zorasan]].]]
The situation in Zorasan by 1950, though mostly stabilised politically, was still stricken by extensive war-time devastation, economic collapse, famine and shortages. The civil war in Pardaran saw extensive use of propaganda and radio by the PRRC leader, [[Mahrdad Ali Sattari]] who broadcasted daily, messages of republicanism, socialism, pan-Zorasanism and the threat of renewed colonialism. This broadcast were made across Zorasan, which led to the emergence of mass Sattarist movements in the Rahelian states. The failure by the new states to immediately confront the devastation caused by the Great and Solarian Wars had profound effects on their internal stability.
The PRRC immediately in wake of the civil war regularly vowed to unify Zorasan in order to birth a “renaissance” and to ensure that colonialism would never return to suppress the Zorasani peoples. The PRRC’s conflation of colonial exploitation with monarchism led to further agitation among the starving masses toward their monarchs in Khazestan and Irvadistan. This was defined by the power-struggle in wake of Mahrdad Ali Sattari's death in 1951 and his succession by [[Omid Sharifirad]] and then by [[Ali Sayyad Gharazi]]. The PRRC’s renewed focus on unification in wake of its victory in the Pardarian Civil War swiftly led conflict with its Rahelian neighbours.
Between 1950 and 1952, Khazestan was racked by mass bread riots, strikes and the continued effects of its collapsed infrastructure. King Hussein’s reliance on authoritarianism and often excessive violence to maintain control was capitalised by the Sattarist movement in Khazestan and its patron in Pardaran. On July 8 1952, a bread riot in the capital of Faidah escalated into a [[Khazi Revolution|full-blow revolution]], which coincided with a Pardarian military invasion. King Hussein was overthrown and executed, while Khazestan formally merged with Pardaran to form the [[Union of Khazestan-Pardaran]], with Ali Sattari as Supreme Leader. However, the rapid disintegration of the Kingdom outpaced Pardarian armed forces, which resulted in northern Khazestan breaking away and forming the independent [[Emirate of Khazestan]]. The immediate deployment of armed units from the [[Emirate of Irvadistan]], deterred a Pardarian advance, leading to the formal division of Khazestan for the next decade.
[[File:Atatürk 1924'te Bursa halkına hitap ediyor.jpg|250px|thumb|left|[[Mahrdad Ali Sattari]] addressing a crowd in Mazdavand in early 1950. He would lead the PRRC to victory in the [[Pardarian Civil War]] and become the founding father of the [[National Republic of Pardaran]].]]
A cold war rapidly developed between the [[Union of Khazestan-Pardaran]] and the independent Rahelian states to the north. In the east, the left-wing [[Kexri Republic]] struggled to confront resistance from its Rahelian, Druze and Yazidi minorities, while it deferred from taking sides, it would eventually become a major theatre in the cold war. During the late 1950s, the region recoiled under the costs of terrorism, political agitation and economic mismanagement. The Rahelian states were faced with growing ideological extremes competing for control, while also threatening the ruling elites. The Emirate of Irvadistan, primarily focused on combatting Sattarism, failed to confront the socialist movement, which grew significantly from economic failures, inequality and weaknesses of the monarchy.
In 1962, a coalition of Rahelian, Druze and Yazidi rebel groups united to form the [[Revolutionary Resistance Command of Ninevah]] (RRCN). Aided by the UKP, it escalated its guerrilla war, while the UKP invaded the [[Kexri Republic]] in May 1962. An RRCN offensive on the Kexri capital of [[Naqan|Surayda Hemko]] decapitated the Kexri government and the republic swiftly collapsed. A widely regarded rigged referendum six months later saw the former Kexri Republic merged into the UKP as the Region of Ninevah. This victory for the UKP greatly upset the balance of power and directly led to the [[Rahelian War]] in 1963. During the three-year conflict, the UKP would defeat the allied forces of Irvadistan, North Khazestan and the Riyhadi Confederation, and would see the reunification of Khazestan within the UKP.
[[File:IrvadiWar1.png|300px|thumb|right|The [[Irvadistan War]] (1975-79) saw the completion of Zorasani unification with the collapse and annexation of Irvadistan in 1980. The war left over a million dead and devastated much of northern Zorasan.]]
The late 1960s and early 1970s would see repeated waves of terrorism, political instability, failed coups and agitation by both sides. The prior instability in Irvadistan coupled with the casualties and defeat in the Rahelian War led to the overthrow of the Emirate by the [[Irvadi Section of the Worker’s Internationale]] (ISWI) in 1968. The coup saw the collapse of the unified Rahelian opposition to the UKP, ultimately leading to the 1974 overthrow of the Riyhadi Confederation by the [[Revolutionary Resistance Command of Riyadha]], this was followed by the admission of the Riyadha peninsula into the UKP, leaving Irvadistan as the sole remaining independent state.
Rising tensions coinciding with disputes over the Haradh oil field, led to the surprise Irvadi invasion of Khazestan in the Summer of 1975. The [[Irvadistan War]], would devastate much of northern Zorasan and leave over a million dead. By 1978, facing chronic manpower shortages, collapsing industry and an advancing Khazi-Pardarian opponent, the Irvadi government collapsed. In 1979, the UKP captured the Irvadi capital of Qufeira and established the [[Provisional Revolutionary Government of Irvadistan]]. The PRGI worked tirelessly to prepare for the country’s admission into the UKP, while also confronting resistance and economic collapse. Despite the opposition, Irvadistan was admitted on January 11 1980, with the UKP becoming the Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics, this marked the end of Zorasani unification and its completion.
=== Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics (1980-present) ===
Following the forming of the UZIR in 1980, the new Zorasani government faced considerable pressures for reform to consolidate unification. Many senior figures around [[Supreme Leader of Zorasan|Supreme Leader]] [[Javad Jahandar]] were concerned that the single-party state would perpetuate resistance and rebellion in Irvadistan and in other parts of the war-exhausted state. Jahandar opposed immediate reform, but ultimately agreed for considerable structural and constitutional change.
[[File:UZIRfounding.png|250px|thumb|left|The founding to the UZIR in wake of the [[Irvadistan War]] coincided with state-organised mass rallies aimed at mobilising society toward reconstruction and reconciliation.]]
In 1981, Jahandar authorised the sitting of a Constituent Assembly to develop a new inclusive system, which would be introduced after a fixed period of continued single-party rule. By the start of 1982, the Assembly had produced the framework for a federal non-partisan parliamentary republic, which would provide universal suffrage, a commitment to human and civil rights and equally distribute powers to Union Republics to be forged out of the former states. The proposal was put to the Zorasani people by referendum on August 19 1982 and was backed by 88% of the electorate, the first democratic exercise in forty-years within Zorasan. The new constitution and government would be established in wake of a general election in 1985. Jahandar's intention to compete for office in 1985 was scrapped in wake of the [[1983 Solarian Sea Crisis]], a military confrontation with [[Halland]], that resulted in a missile strike on a Hallandic naval vessel, and a surprise retaliatory airstrike on a major air base in northern Zorasan.
During this time and until the 1985 election, the single-party government under Javad Jahandar focused on reconstruction and the economic revitalisation of the northern regions. The merge of the Irvadi and UKP oil companies secured the new nation as the world’s largest oil producer and the possessor of the largest proven oil reserves. Aided by high prices, the government funded rapid reconstruction and modernisation, while also using its capital reserves to fund industrialisation and diversification. Despite the rate of reconstruction and economic growth, Irvadistan would see two unsuccessful revolts against the new government, with the [[Al-Thawra Uprising]] (1983-1984) and the [[Assan Uprising]] (1985). These failures saw the decline of Irvadi nationalism and resistance, further repressed by a mass embrace of the new semi-democratic system.
In 1985, Zorasan elected members to its local, state and federal level legislatures, marking the adoption of the 1981 constitution and the establishment of the non-partisan parliamentary system. The first parliament was stacked with Sattarist ideologues and figures from the now defunct [[Revolutionary Masses Party]] and the [[Zorasani Revolutionary Unification Front]]. [[Attallah Shahedeh]] was elected State President by the upper-house, while [[Assadollah Bakhtiar]] was re-elected First Minister following his appointment by the lower-house. Between 1985 and 1990, the Shahedeh-Bakhtiar administration continued its focus on reconstruction and economic reform, with the privatisation of state-owned enterprises, the opening of the economy to foreign investment and the formal replacement of the command-economy with state-capitalism as the national economic model. Economic growth averaged 7% annually during this period, while social reforms expanded education to every child, hundreds of schools and colleges were opened, new universities were opened to women and special scholarships were provided for war orphans. Healthcare also saw significant improvements, with new modern hospitals replacing antiquated or destroyed facilities in Irvadistan. Infant-mortality declined dramatically, and life expectancy rose from 64 on average to 69 by 1990. Mass inoculations eradicated many diseases that plagued pre-war Irvadistan. The same period saw living standards and wages rise nationally by a marked degree, an expansion in foreign trade and investment further improved infrastructure and non-petrochemical sectors of the economy.
These economic changes would be hastened in 1990 with the election of [[Abdelraouf Wazzan]] and [[Faris-Ali Erekat]] as State President and First Minister respectively. The new government was firmly within the pro-democratic reform camp, who sought to support economic reform with political liberalisation. Furthermore, they sought to further pushback the military out of governance of the nation, with the ultimate goal of dismantling the {{wp|national security state}}. Between 1990 and 1995, the Wazzan-Erekat government successfully launched a major economic reform program, while steadily pushing back the military out of government affairs in exchange for concessions on military appointments and the defence budget. In 1992, they successfully secured the government's right to appoint the head of the [[Union Ministry for State Intelligence and Security]] (MSIS). Economic growth fell to 5% in 1990 owing to a oil price shock, before averaging 9% for the rest of the decade. Liberalisation also resulted in a significant cultural boom and renaissance, with modern expressions in art, music, theatre and film. The economic boom, coupled with the social and political opening up established the 1990s as the beginning of the [[Saffron Period]]. The 1995-1990 period marked the high point of the Saffron Period, where the country established close relations with several Asterian and Euclean states, rapidly boosting trade, economic development and {{wp|foreign direct investment}}. In 2000, [[Ekrem Dalan]] and [[Izzat al-Din Kahala]] were elected into office, both sought a significantly deeper and wider liberalisation of Zorasan compared to their predecessors. AUSTERITY - MASS LAY OFFS - SECULARISATION - HYPER-PARTISANSHIP - HURRICANE - DEMISE OF SAFFRON PERIOD.
CHANWAN WAR - RETURN OF CIVIC-MILITARY SYSTEM - RETURN OF AUTHORITARIANISM - MORE ECONOMIC REFORM


=== Since unification ===
== Geography ==
== Geography ==


Zorasan is located in northern-central Coius and is one of the largest countries in the world, with a total area of 4,692,920 km2 (1,811,946 sq mi), the second largest in [[Coius]] after [[Xiaodong]] and the third largest in the world. To the north, Zorasan is bounded by the [[Gulf of Parishar]] and beyond by the [[Solarian Sea]]. The Gulf of Parishar is home to several small archipelagos, including the [[Khazal islands]]. Some sandbars have been built into sizeable islands through the use of {{wp|dredging}} of the seabed, this includes [[Qabre Nakhoda island]], some of these islands were constructed during the early 2010s as a result of Zorasan's government seeking to expand its {{wp|exclusive economic zone}}. The coastal regions of north-west Zorasan are bounded by the [[Mazdan Sea]]. To the north-east, Zorasan borders [[Tsabara]] and [[Ihram]], to the east it is bordered by [[Mabifia]] and [[Dezevau]], to the south it is bordered by [[Kumuso]], and [[Xiaodong]] through the [[Kharkestar Corridor]]. To the west, Zorasan borders [[Ajahadya]] and [[Sinharia]].  
Zorasan has a total area of 5,471,003 km2 (2,112,366 sq mi), making it the third largest country in world and the second largest in [[Coius]] after [[Shangea]]. Zorasan borders [[Tsabara]], [[Behera]] to the north-north-east, [[Mabifia]] to east, as well as [[Devezau]] where the border is also demarcated by [[Lake Zindarud]], one of the largest lakes in the world. To the south, it borders [[Shangea]] via the [[Kharkestar Corridor]]. To the west it borders [[Ajahadya]] and [[Gulbistan]]. To the direct north is the [[Gulf of Parishar]], where Zorasan also possesses the [[Khazal Islands]]. Northwestern Zorasan has a coastline along the [[Acheolian Sea]].  


The geography of Zorasan is divided into five distinct regions, the [[Great Steppe]], the Tinnin-Gahvareh Region, which includes the [[Dasht-e Aftab desert]], Gulistan of north-western Pardaran, the Sharezan Forests of Khazestan, Ninevah and Ajad and finally, the Irvadistan region. These five distinct regions also provide separate climates and biomes for fauna and flora.  
Zorasan consists of four distinct geographical areas, the Ashkezar Plain in the northwest, the [[Great Steppe (Coius)|Great Steppe]], from which comes the Tinnin Plateau, the [[Hamun-e Faravani|Hamun-e Faravani Plain]] and the foothills of the [[Hajjar Mountains]], located along the country's northeastern borders with [[Mabifia]] and [[Behera]]. The most populous areas of Zorasan are the Ashkezar Plain and the Tinnin Plateau both of which are located in Pardaran. It is the rugged hills that emerge out of the Great Steppe that form the majority of Zorasan's mountainous regions in the form of the Tinnin Plataeu which contains [[Mount Fereydun]], the highest point in the country at 5,615m (18,421 ft). The second highest point in Zorasan is Mount Kassoun, in [[Irvadistan]] and is located in the lower Hajjar Mountains, standing at 3,210m (10,531 ft). Much of Zorasan is dominated by vast tracts of open {{wp|savanna|savanna plains}}, deciduous forests and shrublands. Northern Irvadistan transitions into arid and desert terrain, and is marked by the  {{wp|depression (geology)|Almarana Depression}} which is 19,605 km2 (7,570 sq mi) is total area and on average 60m (200ft) below sea-level. The [[Great Steppe (Coius)|Great Steppe]] which constitutes most of southwestern Pardaran is a vast flat plain and rests at a higher altitude of 1,000m (3,280ft) above sea-level.
[[File:ZorasanBiotopeMap.png|290px|thumb|right|Map of the biotopes of Zorasan: {{legend|#aeff2f|Forest steppe}} {{legend|#32cd32|Forests and woodlands}} {{legend|#ffc0a8|Semi-desert}} {{legend|#fff0b9|Desert lowlands}} {{legend|#c8fb98|Steppe}}]]
The five regions are such:


* Great Steppe: The Great Coian Steppe, covers much of southwestern Zorasan and an estimated 15% of its total land area. The Zorasani region of the steppe is dominated by flat open grassland and shrubland and is sparsely populated. The northwestern region of the Zorasani steppe as it approaches the Gulistan, it transitions from grass and shrublands to {{wp|forest steppe}}, with thicker seasonal growth interspersed by forests and woodland. The Steppe is shared with Zorasan’s neighbours, [[Sinharia]], [[Kumuso]], [[Ajahadya]] and [[Xiaodong]]. Zorasan and Xiaodong are connected via the [[Kharkestar Corridor]].
Zorasan's most prominent rivers include the Fiḍḍa River (2,394km) which is sourced from Lake Sattari and bisects [[Irvadistan]] from south to east-to-west before entering the Gulf of Parishar at Khadal. This is followed by the Abzâr River (2,102km) which is formed through the conjoining of the Qashanrud and Sabar rivers, both of which flow from the Great Steppe, the Abzâr deposits in the Acheolian Sea via Dahanesar.   
* Gulistan: The Gulistan region of Zorasan dominates the entire north-west of Pardaran. Gulistan is a Pasdani word for “The Rose Garden”, named for the lush and thick forests and grass covered hills and valleys. The Gulistan region receives the second highest degree of precipitation after the Sharestan region.  
* Tinnin-Gahvareh Region: The central regions of Pardaran and western Khazestan fall under this region. The Tinnin-Gahvareh Region contains three distinct regions in itself, the Gahvareh Basin, the Tinnin Plateau and the Dasht-e Aftab desert. The Gahvareh basin forms north of the Great Steppe as the elevation declines to several hundred feet above sealevel. The Basin contains Lake Sattari is a {{wp|semi-desert}} biome, though its topography is relatively flat. East of the Basin is the Dasht-e Aftab, one of the world’s largest deserts and hosting the world’s largest {{wp|salt flats|salt flat}}. The Dasht-e Aftab also hosts the Darb-e Jahannam (Gate of Hell), where the temperature can reach 70.7 °C (159.3 °F) on average daily, during the height of the summer months. North of the Basin and Dasht-e Aftab is the Tinnin Plateau, which is an extension of the Steppe’s topography, running west-to-east. At the centre of the plateau is the Tinnin Mountain range, which hosts Mount Fereydun, Zorasan’s tallest peak, with a height of 5,609.2 m (18,403 ft). Despite the presence of the Dasht-e Aftab, the Tinnin-Gahvareh region is the most populous in Zorasan, being home to over 26 million people.
* Sharezan Forests: Running from south-to-north through the Union Republics of [[Ninevah]], [[Ajad]] and northern [[Khazestan]], the Sharezan Forests region is dominated by {{wp| Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests| Varkanian mixed forests}}, created through the entrapment of humid air by the Dasht-e Aftab to the west and the [[Wasat al-Ramal]] desert to the north-east and the Fersi desert to the east. This region includes lush lowlands and montane forested areas and rolling green hills. This area owing to the entrapment of humid area, receives the highest precipitation in northern Coius.
* Irvadistan region: The Irvadistan region is divided into three sub-regions, the Coastal Forests, Semi-Desert interior and the Wasat al-Ramal desert. Northern Irvadistan shares the Ruqqad highlands with southern [[Tsabara]]. Irvadistan is also bisected by the [[Harat River]], which finds its source in [[Lake Bakhtegan]] over 1,200km to the south. The Harat River valley, where over 70% of the population reside. Apart from the Harat Valley and the Parishar Gulf coast, the majority of the Irvadistan region’s landscape is desert, with a few oases scattered about. Winds create prolific sand dunes that peak at more than 30 metres (100 ft) high.   


{{multiple image
Zorasan is also the site of three major lakes, [[Lake Zindarud]] which it shares a maritime border with [[Dezevau]] is one of the largest in the world, with a total area of 143,503km2 (55,406 sq mi), followed by Lake Jahandar at 20,070km2 (7,749 sq mi) and Lake Sattari at 7,902km2 (3,050 sq mi). However, Lake Jahandar is believed to have lost over 80% of its volume since 1980 owing to over-exploitation, poor water management and {{wp|climate change}}.
| align    = center
| image1  = DashteAftab.png
| width1  = 258
| caption1  = Dasht-e-Aftab desert
| image2  = Landscape_of_Shadegan.jpg
| width2    = 230
| caption2  = Landscape of the Gulistan region
| image3    = Aerial_View_of_Damavand_26.11.2008_04-25-38.JPG
| width3    = 230
| caption3  = Mount Fereydun
| image4    = ZuvandForest.jpg
| width4    = 276
| caption4  = Rainforest of the Sharezan
}}
=== Climate ===


Owing to its unique biomes and geographical regions, the climatic nature of Zorasan is also markedly different from region to region. These differences range from arid and semi-arid to sub-tropical along the Pardarian coast, the Sharezan and Gilustan regions. Except for the Great Steppe and the Tinnin Plateau, no other region ever sees temperatures fall below freezing. The Gilustan and Sharezan regions remain humid for all seasons bar winter. Summer temperatures in these regions rarely exceed 30 °C. The Sharezan region sees an annual precipitation of 1,700mm (66.9 in) a year, while the Gilustan region sees only 680m (26.8in), this the same level for the western Pardarian and Irvadi coastal plains.
{{Gallery
 
|title=Geography of Zorasan
The Gahvareh Basin region, alongside southern and northern Khazestan and the Riyadhi peninsula are arid or semi-desert and are interspersed with desert. The Gahvareh Basin is also host to the Dasht-e Aftab desert. These regions see less than 200mm (7.9in) of rainfall annually and summer temperatures on average remain steady at 39 °C (102.2 °F). However, the Dasht-e Aftab can reach temperatures as high as 48 °C (118.4 °F), while the Darb-e Jahannam area of the desert has reached 70.7 °C (159.3 °F) on average for the past 20 years. These areas have very mild winters and very humid and hot summers, while in recent years, temperatures during winter have consistently remained above 15 °C (59 °F). The Tinnin Plateau on the otherhand experiences the lowest temperatures of all regions, with severe winters, heavy snowfall and temperatures regularly falling below zero. Spring and Summer for the Tinnin region are humid and warm.
|width=200 |height=140
 
|align=center
Owing to the limited rainfall for most of the country, water scarcity has been described as the greatest crisis facing Zorasan in coming decades. Poor water management, overexploitation of aquifers and springs has had a severe detrimental affect on the distribution of water resources.
|footer=
 
|File:Patagonian_Steppe_(3260842962).jpg | width4=250
{{Weather box|location = Zorasan, extremes since 1996
|alt1=
|metric first = Yes
|Vast plains of the [[Great Steppe (Coius)|Great Steppe]] in western and southwestern Pardaran.
|single line = Yes
|File:Almighty_Damavand_دماوند_پوشیده_ازبرف_ازدوراهی_معدن_کمردشت_-_panoramio.jpg| width4=250
|Jan record high C = 70.7
|alt2=
|Feb record high C = 52.3
|[[Mount Fereydun]] Zorasan's highest peak and part of the Tinnin Plateau.  
|Mar record high C = 33.4
|File:Morro_cabeludo_-_Parque_dos_Pireneus_-_Pirenópolis_-_Goiás_01.jpg| width4=250
|Apr record high C = 30.3
|alt3=
|May record high C = 24.9
|Plains and hills of the [[Hamun-e Faravani]].
|Jun record high C = 22.8
|File:Qattara_Depression_(March_2007).jpg | width4=250
|Jul record high C = 24.9
|alt4=
|Aug record high C = 28.6
|Almanara Depression in northern Irvadistan.
|Sep record high C = 33.1
|File:Devprayag_-_Confluence_of_Bhagirathi_and_Alaknanda.JPG | width4=250
|Oct record high C = 34.1
|alt5=
|Nov record high C = 35.8
|The Fidda River flowing through Sharorah, Latifardh
|Dec record high C = 55.4
|year record high C = 44.3
|Jan record low C = -11.8
|Feb record low C = -12.4
|Mar record low C = -8.5
|Apr record low C = -1.3
|May record low C = 2.5
|Jun record low C = 3.2
|Jul record low C = 3.7
|Aug record low C = 3.8
|Sep record low C = -2.7
|Oct record low C = -11.8
|Nov record low C = -18.6
|Dec record low C = -12.1
|year record low C = -13.5
}}
}}


=== Climate ===
=== Biodiversity ===
=== Biodiversity ===
* Lots of animals, birds and plants species
* Shahrezan, Khojir and Hijjar rainforests
* Rapid deforestation and limited conservation


Zorasan boast significant biodiversity both terrestrial and marine species, some of which are endemic solely to Zorasan present or historically. Terrestrial species present in Zorasan today include, {{wp|fox|foxes}}, {{wp|gray wolves}}, {{wp|bear}}s, {{wp|boar}}s, {{wp|wild pig}}s, {{wp|jackal}}s, {{wp|Eurasian lynx|lynxes}} and {{wp|panther}}s. Non-predatory animals include water buffaloes, camels, mountain goats and {{wp|Indian elephants|Satrian Elephants}}, who were introduced to the forested north-west in the late 15th century. Zorasan was historically home to the largest population of {{wp|Asiatic Cheetah|Coiatic Cheetahs}}, which went extinct in the late 1990s according to the World Institute for Wildlife Protection. Zorasan is also home to populations of {{wp|Persian Leopard|Pasdani Leopards}} and {{wp|Capsian Tigers|Gilustani Tigers}}, however, both these species are considered endangered and under serious threat of extinction by the 2030s. Avian species native to Zorasan include {{wp|falcons}}, {{wp|pheastants}}, {{wp|eagles}} and {{wp|Sparrowhawks}}.
=== Environmental issues ===
[[File:Dugong_-_underside.jpg|290px|thumb|left|A Dugong native to the Harat Delta.]]
* Soil degredation
The marine wildlife of Zorasan differs greatly, with the [[Gulf of Parishar]] being home to a wide variety of large mammals such as {{wp|minke whale}}s, {{wp|humpback whale}}s, {{wp|bottle-nose dolphin}}s and along the Harat Delta region, populations of {{wp|dugong}}s have been recorded. The establishment of several Marine Life Protected Areas has enabled the return of a permanent population of {{wp|hunchback dolphin}}s. To the south, [[Lake Bakhtegan]] is home to a wide variety of freshwater fish, including large species of {{wp|sturgeon}}. The presence of sturgeon stocks has resulted in Lake Bakhtegan being a major source for {{wp|beluga caviar}}.
* Deforestation
[[File:Lynx lynx2.jpg|290px|thumb|right|The {{wp|Eurasian lynx|Coian Lynx}} is one of the most culturally iconic animals in Zorasan.]]
* Water shortages (misuse and over-exploitation)
The situation regarding wildlife in Zorasan is ranked as one of the most serious to numerous NGOs and international charity groups. Over 80 species are on red lists for possible extinction. According to the WIWP, Zorasan has lost over 56% of its native wildlife since the early 20th century. Efforts by Zorasani state governments to regulate the protections of wildlife are regularly overridden by federal legislation that fast tracks the exploitation of mines and other subterranean resources without the input of Zorasan’s National Wildlife Institution or the Union Ministry for Environmental Protections. As of 2020, the final regulations demanding studies of local wildlife to assess the impact of human development was scrapped.
* Pollution (air, water and soil)
 
=== Environment ===
The natural environment in Zorasan has come under severe strain since the mid-20th century. The rapid development and industrialisation process beginning in the 1970s has caused irreparable damage to the natural world in some regions according to Zorasani and International environmentalist groups. The effect on wildlife has been profound with the loss of 56% of endemic species, while the country also faces water scarcity, poor air quality and rapidly expanding deserts, in what has been described as the “most severe case of desertification” in modern times.
 
Despite the wide consensus that {{wp|climate change}} is playing a role in Zorasan’s environmental crises, most international and Zorasani groups agree that most of its crises are self-inflicted and man-made. The issue of water scarcity has been blamed on mismanagement of water resources and over-use by industry and agriculture. The over-development of agricultural land in limited space has in turn, played a key role in the instigation of desertification. Air quality worsens as the Zorasani government either disregards the need for regulation or active repeals what limited regulations are already in place.
 
==== Water scarcity ====
Water scarcity and shortages in Zorasan have become common in numerous regions in recent years. The lack of water access is regarded as the most serious environmental issue facing Zorasan. Between 2010 and 2020, over 36.4 million people went without clean drinking water 8 out of the 10 summers, with many reservoirs being emptied by usage within weeks of the summer season beginning. Approximately 6.5 million Zorasanis do not access to clean drinking water all year round and rely on government subsidised bottled water for personal usage. A vast majority of these cases are in southern Pardaran, specifically, the southernmost provinces of Pardaran, and the Union Republics of [[Armavand]] and [[Saravan]].
[[File:Tochal sport complex 5.jpg|290px|thumb|left|Zahedan's "smog blanket" covering the city, as viewed from the Soreh Alizadeh Skii Park.]]
In 2018, the [[Community of Nations]] launched a study and detailed that the root causes of these regional shortages were the diverting of what limited water resources the regions had to fuel industry, agriculture and the largest urban areas. Approximately 28% of the south’s natural water is diverted to [[Zahedan]] and its 18 million citizens. One of the starkest examples of the south’s problem is the decline of Lake Sattari. The lake since 1980 has lost over 60% of its water, due to both limited precipitation but also over-development. Between 1981 and 1984, six large pump stations and irrigation systems were constructed to support local agriculture, while no significant effort was made to educate farmers on water use. In 1991, a further irrigation system was constructed to supply the rapidly growing city of [[Soltanabad]] with drinking water and for industrial use.
 
In 2018, the CN report said, “little attention paid to the need of sustainability has led to over 35 million people facing the prospect of daily water shortages. Over-development of limited water resources has seen what is produced supply millions, but without any regard to the need to regulate to sustain.”
 
==== Desertification ====
Ever since the onset of the green revolution in Zorasan during the 1960s and 70s, agriculture alongside heavy industry has been subject to sizeable state investment and subsidy. With the support of the petrochemical industry, the Zorasani government throughout the 1980s constructed one of the largest irrigation systems in the world, transforming large parts of the Tinnin Plateau and Gahvareh Basin into productive and profitable farming regions. By 1998, Zorasan became self-sufficient for its food production.
[[File:Desertification in Zorasan.png|290px|thumb|right|Desertification as seen in the Gahvareh Basin has become of the most serious environmental concerns in Zorasan.]]
However, the over development of limited areas, has led to significant cases of {{wp|overgrazing}} and {{wp|deforestation}}. The systematic destruction of the Sharezan Forest and overgrazing in the Gahvareh Basin has led to the expansion of the Dasht-e Aftab northward and eastward. Since the early 2000s, the Dasht-e Aftab has grown by 2,300km². Deforestation and overgrazing in northern Khazestan has been blamed for the 36% increase in the land area of the Al-Nifayat al-Shamaliya desert near the Riyadhi border. The issue of desertification has been worsened by the growing issues surrounding water scarcity, especially in the Gahvareh Basin, where most water resources are consumed by the industrial hubs of Zahedan, Irfanshahr and Ineqlabshahr.
 
In 2018, the Zorasani government announced a €10.5 billion program dedicated to combatting the desertification of the Dasht-e Aftab and Al-Nifayat al-Shamaliya deserts. The same year, the government admitted that desertification endangered the livelihoods of millions.
 
==== Pollution ====
Air quality in Zorasan has consistently ranked as among the most unclean and unsafe since the 1980s. [[Zahedan]], [[Borazjan]], [[Faidah]], [[Qufeira]] and [[Soltanabad]] have ranked among the top 15 most polluted cities in the world since 2000. Zahedan has ranked as the most polluted city in Zorasan since records began in 1990, owing to its geographical location, Zahedan’s smog from street traffic and industry becomes trapped beneath hot air blocked by the Tinnin Mountains from being blown north by prevailing winds. The Khazi state capital of [[Faidah]] has ranked as the second most polluted city owing to the presence of large petrochemical industries, notably the Said Khadir Refinery. Air pollution in Zorasan is estimated to cause over 260,000 premature deaths a year.


While air pollution has been regularly considered a major threat, environmentalist groups have also criticised the degradation of marine environments by pollution. Zorasan’s limited number of rivers has brought to public attention the issues relating to {{wp|urban runoff|urban wastewater}}, {{wp|surface runoff|industrial and chemical run-off}} and the dumping of untreated human waste into rivers, streams and canals. Oil and chemical spills along the Harat River have caused serious damage both to water quality and marine wildlife, while stretches of the Parishar Gulf coast have been subject to both oil spills and the depositing of chemical and industrial run-off. In 2003, over 80% of the Kajur River’s aquatic wildlife was killed following the leakage of 100,000 tons of cyanide-contaminated water from a industrial chemicals plant in [[Javanrud]].  It remains the worst environmental disaster in Zorasan since 1990.
== Government and politics ==


== Government and politics ==
Zorasan according to its constitution is a {{wp|federation}} of nine Union Republics under a {{wp|one-party state}}. However, in reality since the 2008 constitution, it functions as a highly centralised hybrid one-party-military state. It is self-described as a “revolutionary union guided and defined in its activities by [[Sattarism|Sattarist National Renovationism]] and the legacy of the [[Union Fathers]].” Alongside the constitution, Zorasan is also governed by the [[Six Articles of Union and Conformity]], which establishes the standards of individual and collective behaviour and actions of Zorasanis. The [[National Renovation Front]] is the ruling political party and sole legal political entity, it is estimated to have 18.6 million members, making it one of the largest parties in the world and is one of the two dominant features of politics and every day life.
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  |caption1=[[State President of the Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics|State President]] [[Vahid Isfandiar]]
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  |caption2=[[First Minister of the Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics|First Minister]] [[Farzad Akbari]]
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Zorasan is a {{wp|Federalism|federal}}, [[Sattarism|Sattarist]], {{wp|Parliamentary Republic|parliamentary republic}}. Zorasan’s political system operates under a framework laid out in the 2008 constitution known as the [[Second Treaty of Union]] (Ertegha-Ettehad). Amendments generally require a two-thirds majority of both the [[Popular Assembly of the Union (Zorasan)|Popular Assembly]] and the [[Superior Assembly of the Union (Zorasan)|Superior Assembly]]; the fundamental principles of the constitution, as expressed in the articles guaranteeing human dignity, the role of [[Irfan]], the federal structure, and the rule of law are valid in perpetuity.
The Zorasani constitution defines the state as comprised of three branches, the [[Central Authority (Zorasan)|Central Authority]] coalesced around the Central Committee of State, Council of Union Ministers, Supreme Council of the Armed Forces and the State Commission for Administration. The second is the [[Supreme Assembly of the Union]] and the third, the [[Supreme Committee for Irfanic Affairs]].  
 
The Zorasani political system provides significant power and influence to the [[Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Army|armed forces]], through the [[Central Command Council]]. The CCC has the right to appoint key cabinet positions, holds vetoes over select areas of government responsibility and vets parliamentary candidates for the state and federal level, while also maintaining a two-thirds majority in the upper-house through its political grouping, [[Zorasan Zindebad (political party)|Zorasan Zindebad]].  


The Zorasani government is classified as a “civic-military hybrid regime”, while also being classified as “authoritarian.Zorasan has long been a serious violator of human rights, being regularly criticised and condemned.  
The constitution identifies Zorasan as operating a trifecta of “state officers” who wield considerable executive and state power. [[State President of the Union]], who also holds the titles of ; {{wp|head of state}}, [[Secretary-General of the National Renovation Front]] and [[Central Committee of State (Zorasan)|Co-Chairman of the Central Committee of State]]. The incumbent State President is [[Rahim Ali Haftar]]. The {{wp|head of government}} is the [[First Minister of the Union]], who also serves as the [[Council of Union Ministers|Chairman of the Council of Union Ministers]], [[Secretary-General of the State Commission for Administration]] and [[Supreme Assembly of the Union (Zorasan)|Chief Representative to the Supreme Assembly of the Union]]. The incumbent First Minister is [[Gafor Qahor]]. The third office of the executive is the [[First Marshal of the Union]], the country’s highest ranking military officer who also serves as [[Central Committee of State (Zorasan)|Co-Chairman of the Central Committee of State]], [[Supreme Council of the Revolutionary Armed Forces|Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Revolutionary Armed Forces]] and [[Supreme Commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces]].
[[File:Pakistani parliament house.jpg|290px|thumb|right|The Supreme Assembly of the Union is the unicameral parliament of Zorasan.]]
The Central Authority is centred around the [[Central Committee of State (Zorasan)|Central Committee of State]], which is the highest decision-making body within the country. Its members are drawn from the highest-ranking officials of the NRF and the SCRAF. It is charged with deliberating and devising state policy and direction and has the final say on all matters. Though the Central Committee holds jurisdiction over all branches of government it is widely seen as the apex of executive power. Directly subordinate to the Central Committee is the [[Council of Union Ministers (Zorasan)|Council of Union Ministers]] (the cabinet of Zorasan), which is chaired by the First Minister and holds 24 ministers and five State Commissioners, the President of the Union Central Bank, the Chairman of the National Economic Coordination Committee and the Chairman of the National Academies. The [[State Commission for Administration]], also headed by the First Minister is the body tasked with overseeing and guiding the civil service at the federal and state level, it is comprised of the First Minister, Governors of the Union Republics and two State Commissioners, the SCA is also subordinated directly to the Central Committee. The [[Supreme Council of the Revolutionary Armed Forces]] (SCRAF) is the body of the most senior uniformed leaders within the [[Union Ministry of National Defence (Zorasan)|Union Ministry of National Defence]], that advises the government on military matters. However, the SCRAF also wields political power, with the constitution mandating that SCRAF members also serve as the Union Ministers for Defence, Defence Ordinance Production and for State Intelligence and Security. The SCRAF also appoints officers to serve as heads of the State Commissions for Societal Defence, Popular Security and for Spiritual Mobilisation. The third element to the Central Authority is the [[Supreme Committee for Irfanic Affairs]], which is headed by the [[Supreme Custodian of the Faith (Zorasan)|Supreme Custodian of the Faith]], Zorasan's highest ranking [[Irfan|Irfanic cleric]] and a number of subordinate clerics chosen by them. The SCIA is tasked with producing social and moral policies, directions and guidance, as well as observing and directing the Irfanic court system.
[[File:Pak Secretariat buildings,Islamabad by Usman Ghani.jpg|300px|thumb|left|The Union Quarter of [[Sattarishahr]] is the seat of every major Zorasani political and party institution.]]
The legislative branch of Zorasan is formed through the {{wp|unicameral}} [[Supreme Assembly of the Union (Zorasan)|Supreme Assembly of the Union]] (SAU). It has 540 members, of which 130 are elected by state legislatures (10 from each Union Republic, Union Municipality and Union Territory), the military appoints 200 members and a further 200 are appointed by the Central Committee on the basis of their contributions to society. Its members are appointed or elected every five years following the [[Revolutionary Command Congress]] and how unlimited term limits. Under the country's constitution, the Assembly is structured as a unicameral legislature, with the power to legislate and oversee the daily operations of the government, the supreme court, special committees, the Union Procuratorate, the [[State Commission (Zorasan)|State Commissions]] and hold ministers to account through bi-monthly hearings and reviews. Notably, the Assembly lacks the {{wp|power of the purse}} and limited legislative initiative powers. However, the Assembly can propose legislation in certain policy areas, while {{wp|international treaties}}, {{wp|declarations of war}} and constitutional amendments require majority votes by the Assembly to come into force.


=== Government ===
=== National Renovation Front and armed forces ===
{{Main|Politics of Zorasan}}  
{{Main|National Renovation Front}}  


{{Sidebar
Since the [[Turfan]] and the new constitution adopted in 2008, the basic law of Zorasan declares, “the foundation of the Union is the leadership of the National Renovation Front and the preservation of the Sattarist National Renovationist way of life through the guardianship of the Armed Forces.” The 2008 amendments constitutionalised the one-party state together with the considerable role afforded to the military, leading many to describe Zorasan as a {{wp|totalitarianism|totalitarian}} one-party militaristic hybrid regime. The amendments also constitutionalised the collective leadership of the NRF and state by declaring the Central Committee of State the “ultimate holder and purveyor of power and authority over all state and government.”
| name = Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics
[[File:Ettehad Prop.png|290px|thumb|left|The military plays a prominent role in political and daily life within Zorasan.]]
| outertitle = [[Superior Council of the Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics|Superior Council of the Union]]
The Zorasani political system through the NRF is notably lacking in any form of {{wp|democracy|popular democracy}}, while being pyramidal in structure, only registered party members may engage in secret ballots to elect members of the local party offices and committees. From the local level up toward the national, political office is filled via appointment by the level above on the basis of merit and record. The promotion and elevation of officers through the party ranks is vetted and overseen by the Party Office for General Management and Record, who may veto the decisions of party committees. The NRF's structure is devised to mirror the political structure of Zorasani federalism, with party structures at the local, district, provincial, Union Republic and national levels, each is subordinate to the one above, with the national level theoretically subordinating all others below it, negating the Zorasani constitutional claim of operating federalism.
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| image = [[File:SuperiorCouncil.png|200px]]


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The Zorasani military alongside the NRF is present in all areas of political and daily life and retains considerable control and influence over the political system, often to such a degree that many argue that the NRF is in fact subordinate to the military. Military personnel below the rank of Brigadier General are prohibited from being party members, those at that rank and above are often found on key committees both at the state and national levels. The military’s control of the [[Union Ministry of State Intelligence and Security]], together with [[AKHID]], the [[National Security and Protection Service]] and the [[Popular Security Directorate]] affords the military unmatched power in the realms of domestic security and repression. The NRF for its part only retains control over the [[Union Directorate for Law Enforcement]] (police) and the [[Union Office for Political Security]].
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| heading1 =  
=== National ideology ===
| content1 =  
{{Main|Sattarism}}
[[File:SuperiorCouncilSeats.png|250px]]


'''Government:'''<br/>{{colorbox|#000000}} [[Society for Justice and Development]] (57)<br/>{{colorbox|#5e6379}} [[Association for the Preservation of the Union]] (25)<br/>{{colorbox|#1a3879}} [[Zorasani People's Party]] (5)<br/>{{colorbox|#cdac00}} [[Association of Patriotic Clerics and Seminarians]] (5)<br/>'''Supported by:'''<br/>{{colorbox|#202020}} [[Zorasan Eternal]] (4)<br/>{{colorbox|#3f48cc}} [[Irfanic Workers House]] (2)<br/>{{colorbox|#99d9ea}} [[Union Association of Mothers]] (2)<br/>{{colorbox|#b152b1}} [[Union Association of Veterans and the Martyred]] (2)<br/>'''Opposition:'''<br/>{{colorbox|#060074}} [[People's Society for Freedom and Prosperity]] (32)<br/>{{colorbox|#a349a4}} [[Tradition and Moderation]] (12)<br/>{{colorbox|#ff5360}} [[People's Democratic Union]] (3)<br/>{{colorbox|#ff9d27}} [[National Platform for Reform]] (10)<br/>{{colorbox|#ff9292}} [[Liberty and Unity]] (3)<br/>{{colorbox|#cd0000}} [[United Party of the Socialist Left]] (3)<br/>'''Armed Forces'''<br/>{{colorbox|#b7ad9c}} [[Zorasan Zindebad (political party)|Zorasan Zidebad]] (335)
The Zorasani constitution declares “[[Sattarism|Sattarist National Renovationism]] as the foundation upon which the nation is built.” It is viewed as the embodiment of the [[Sattari people]] and the manifestation of the shared spirit of the country and provides the means to “preserve, protect and unleash the national potential.” While the ideology predates the Union, having been formulated in the 1920s by [[Mahrdad Ali Sattari]] and the leaders of the [[Pardarian Revolutionary Resistance Command]], it was adopted and enshrined within the constitution in 1980 upon the foundation of the Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics. Its core principles are {{wp|collectivism}}, {{wp|militarism}}, {{wp|nationalism}} and the pursuit of modernisation. Throughout the 1980s, a series of “Ideological and Political Reaffirmations” were announced, establishing the role of private business and capitalistic policies. Since the 1980s and specifically 2008, Sattarism has evolved, seeing a decrease in state control over the social elements of everyday life, it still provides the groundwork for austere behaviour, self-sacrifice, discipline and the erosion of individualism for the greater whole, within the greater framework of a neo-mercantilist and state capitalist totalitarian state.  
}}
{{Sidebar
| name = Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics
| outertitle = [[Popular Council of the Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics|Popular Council of the Union]]
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Notably, compared to other authoritarian states in Coius and elsewhere, ideologically speaking Sattarism does not provide space for a unifying singular head or leader, rather its commitment to collectivism both socially and politically elevates the state as a whole as the ultimate entity within political life. As living standards and wealth has increased since unification in 1980, the degree in which collectivism is promoted has increased in lock step. While the state advocates and supports the imposition of a profit-seeking economic model, it has endeavoured to do so by celebrating the collective contribution of citizens to that success. This includes the continued use of mass events, rallies and national holidays and the continued promotion of [[Ettehâd]], the central tenet of Sattarist collectivism.
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=== Administrative divisions ===
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[[File:Popular Council of the Union 2019.png|250px]]
'''Government:'''<br/>{{colorbox|#000000}} [[Society for Justice and Development]] (102)<br/>{{colorbox|#5e6379}} [[Association for the Preservation of the Union]] (76)<br/>{{colorbox|#1a3879}} [[Zorasani People's Party]] (30)<br/>{{colorbox|#c3c3c3}} [[Party of the Nations and Union]] (23)<br/>{{colorbox|#009211}} [[Irfanic Worker's Party]] (17)<br/>{{colorbox|#00e7a9}} [[Party of the Faithful Citizens]] (16)<br/>{{colorbox|#cdac00}} [[Association of Patriotic Clerics and Seminarians]] (10)<br/>'''Supported by:'''<br/>{{colorbox|#202020}} [[Zorasan Eternal]] (28)<br/>{{colorbox|#3f48cc}} [[Irfanic Workers House]] (8)<br/>{{colorbox|#99d9ea}} [[Union Association of Mothers]] (8)<br/>{{colorbox|#b152b1}} [[Union Association of Veterans and the Martyred]] (8)<br/>'''Opposition:'''<br/>{{colorbox|#060074}} [[People's Society for Freedom and Prosperity]] (99)<br/>{{colorbox|#a349a4}} [[Tradition and Moderation]] (31)<br/>{{colorbox|#ff5360}} [[People's Democratic Union]] (16)<br/>{{colorbox|#ffa700}} [[United Reform]] (11)<br/>{{colorbox|#0081ff}} [[Association of Irfanic Ladies]] (10)<br/>{{colorbox|#ff9d27}} [[National Platform for Reform]] (48)<br/>{{colorbox|#ff9292}} [[Liberty and Unity]] (13) <br/>{{colorbox|#ff0000}} [[Red Rose]] (10)<br/>{{colorbox|#2c924c}} [[Party for Social Justice (Zorasan)|Party for Social Justice]] (9)<br/>{{colorbox|#8dc73c}} [[Party of the Peoples]] (8)<br/>{{colorbox|#cd0000}} [[United Party of the Socialist Left]] (10)<br/>{{colorbox|#ed1c24}} [[People's Party for Workers and Peasants]] (6)<br/>{{colorbox|#ffaec9}} [[Social Consolidation Party]] (5)
}}
The head of state is the [[State President of the Union|State President]] who is elected by the upper-house of parliament for a five-year term. The State President is invested with some executive power, but is mostly restricted to a ceremonial position. The State President has the power to dissolve parliament, appoint or dismiss federal ministers, state governors, diplomatic and civil service officials. The State President ''de-jure'' chairs the [[Central Command Council]], which is also technically the {{wp|National Security Council}} of the Zorasani government. However, the {{wp|commander-in-chief}} of the [[Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Army]] chairs the CCC in reality.
 
The [[First Minister of the Union|First Minister]] is appointed by the members of the [[Popular Assembly of the Union|Popular Assembly]] by simple majority vote. The first minister is assisted by the [[Cabinet of Zorasan|Council of Ministers]], whose members are appointed by the State President on the advice of the First Minister. The [[Central Command Council]] also appoints members of the Council of Ministers, who cannot be removed by either the State President or First Minister. The Council of Ministers comprises the ministers, ministers of state, and advisers. Between 1980 and 1995, there were over thirty-five cabinet positions, but was reduced to merely twelve in 1995 as the state administrations were granted significantly more autonomy. From 2008 onward, this process of de-centralisation has been reversed and the states have been stripped of much of their original power. As of 2019, there are twenty-two cabinet positons. 
 
On the other hand, the Zorasani military plays a significant role in the national executive. The Commander-in-chief of the [[Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Army]] ''de-facto'' chairs the [[Central Command Council]], a senior body consisting of sixteen commanders from all branches of the military. The Central Command Council is also the executive's {{wp|national security council}}. The CCC has theright to appoint two-thirds of members of the [[Superior Assembly of the Union|Superior Assembly]] (the upper-house), by doing so, any attempt to reform the 2008 constitution would require military support to secure the necessary two-thirds majority to pass. The CCC also appoints 10% of members of the [[Popular Assembly of the Union|Popular Assembly]] (lower-house), this coincides with the CCC's ability to vet all parliamentary candidates through the [[National Commission for Political and Social Matters]], which also includes members of the Irfanic clerical establishment. Military officers who reach the rank of {{wp|Brigadier General}} and above, receive seats in the upper-house for {{wp|Life tenure|life}}. 
 
Most pivotally, the CCC appoints the [[Cabinet of Zorasan|Foreign Minister]], the [[Cabinet of Zorasan|Internal Affairs Minister]], [[Cabinet of Zorasan|State Intelligence and Security Minister]] and the [[Cabinet of Zorasan|National Defence Minister]]. These appointees cannot be dismissed or removed by either the First Minister or State President. Collectively, this grants the military control over foreign policy, law enforcement, domestic and external intelligence. The Central Command Council has a {{wp|veto}} over all legislation related to these areas.
 
=== Legislature ===
{{Main|Supreme Assembly of the Union (Zorasan)|Supreme Assembly of the Union}}
 
The legislature of Zorasan, known as the [[Supreme Assembly of the Union (Zorasan)|Supreme Assembly of the Union]], is a {{wp|bicameral body}},  and is comprised of the 500-member upper-house [[Superior Council of the Union|Superior Council]], and the 600-member lower-house [[Popular Council of the Union|Popular Council]]. The Popular Council is the sovereign national body. Members of the Popular Assembly are elected through the {{wp|open list}} {{wp|proportional representation}} under {{wp|universal suffrage|universal adult suffrage}} to single-member constituencies.
 
The Superior Council is unique in that two-thirds of its members (335) are appointed by the [[Central Command Council]], while members who hold the rank of {{wp|brigadier general}} or above hold seats for {{wp|life tenure|life}}. This guarantees any government effort to amend the constitution, would require the assistance and support of the armed forces. The remaining 165 members are elected by universal suffrage, with each administrative division of Zorasan providing 15 members.
 
Members of the Popular Council are elected by universal adult suffrage (eighteen years of age.). Seats are allocated to each of the eight [[Union Republics of Zorasan|Union Republics]], two [[Union Municipalities of Zorasan|Union Municipalities]] and the [[Union Territories of Zorasan|Union Territory]] on the basis of population. Popular Council members serve for the parliamentary term, which is five years, unless they die or resign sooner, or unless the Popular Assembly is Council. Owing to Zorasan's unique political culture, there are 24 political parties represented in the Popular Council, though all with the notable exception of [[Zorasan Eternal]] and the groupings representing "societal sectors" are aligned with umbrella electoral alliances. As of 2019, these electoral alliances were [[True Way]], [[Alliance for Moderation and Fairness]], [[Coalition for the Zorasani Dawn]] and the [[People's Front for Socialism and Equality]]. These alliances align the specific ideological groupings of member-states, with True Way representing the {{wp|right-wing}}, [[Irfan|Irfanic]], {{wp|nationalism|nationalist}} [[Sattarism|Neo-Sattarist]] platform, the AMF, {{wp|centre-right}} and {{wp|centrism|centrist}}, CZD representing the centre-left and the PFSE representing the {{wp|far-left}}. It is rare for parties to leave their respective electoral alliance, though political affiliation of individual members is known to fluctuate. Since 2005, [[True Way]] with the support of independent parties has held a majority in the Popular Council and been in government as a result since.


The Popular Council, Zorasan's sovereign legislative body, makes laws for the federation under powers spelled out in the federal legislative List and also for subjects in the concurrent List, as given in the fourth article of the Constitution. Through debates, adjournment motions, question hour, and standing committees, the Popular Council keeps a check on the government. It ensures that the government functions within the parameters set out in the Constitution, and does not violate the people's fundamental rights. The Supreme Assembly collectively scrutinizes public spending and exercises control of expenditure incurred by the government through the work of the relevant standing committees.
Accordingly to the Zorasani constitution, the country is a federation of nine constituent [[Union Republics of Zorasan|Union Republics]], four [[Union Municipalities of Zorasan|Union Municipalities]] and three [[Union Territories of Zorasan|Union Territories]]. The federal system of Zorasan is highly centralised and provides very limited distribution of powers and responsibilities from the centre to the Union Republics, to such a degree that the federal system is widely perceived to be a mere administrative provision designed to ease the burden of governing a vast country.  
The military is further empowered by the [[Central Command Council]] holding the responsibility to vet parliamentary candidates for both houses of the Assembly. It does this through the [[General Directorate for Political and Social Affairs]].


=== Law ===
The Union Republics as the primary administrative entities of Zorasan and operate governments that mirror the system used nationally; a collective executive Central Committee headed by a First Minister, a nominally rubber-stamp state legislature and annual Command Congresses run to hold the government to account and to review the works and records of office holders. However, the UR-governments are dependent upon the centre for policy, strategies and overall targets, though are provided some degree of autonomy in the way these are implemented or achieved. In 1980, the original founding Union Republics were [[Pardaran]], [[Khazestan]], [[Ninevah]], [[Riyadha]] and [[Irvadistan]], however, as a compromise to fears of Pardarian domination (it is the largest, wealthiest and most populous UR), [[Ravanistan]], [[Janubistan]] and [[Bagatistan]] were established out of southeastern Pardaran, to ease border disputes between Ninevah, Khazestan and Irvadistan, [[Latifard]] was also established the same year. The Union Republics for their part are further divided into provinces (Ostaran) and districts (Baxš-hâ), the number of provinces and districts differs between each Union Republic.
=== Administrative divisions ===


The Union comprises seven federal states which are collectively referred to as Union Republics (Ettehād-ye Jamaheer). Each state has its own state constitution, and is largely autonomous in regard to its internal organisation. Further to the seven states is the single Union Territory (Ettehād-ye Azar), in the form of the [[Zahedan Union Capital Territory]], which is the self-governing national capital. The Union is also comprised of two municipalities (bāladiyyeh), the holy cities of [[Ardakan]] and [[Namrin]], which hold some autonomy from the federal government. Every administrative division is led by an elected governor (ostāndār), who is appointed by the divion's legislature.  
The founding of the UZIR in 1980 also saw the inclusion of Union Territories, these administrative entities are governed directly by the Zorasani central government. In 1980, these included the [[Union Capital Territory of Sattarishahr]] (the city itself however was not completed until 1988) and the [[Khazal Islands]] in the Gulf of Parishar. Under the Zorasani constitution, the government can revoke a Union Republic’s status and govern it directly as a Union Territory, though only in emergency situations such as war, natural disaster or unrest. In 2021, the [[Dandan-ye Azdar]] was seized from [[Tsabara]] and was annexed into Zorasan as a Union Territory, however, it is expected to be transferred to the Irvadistan Union Republic by 2025.  


Despite the differences in size and population of the union republics, each is divided in 24 provinces (ostān), there are 168 provinces in the Union. The provinces are divided into counties (šahrestān), and subdivided into districts (baxš) and sub-districts (dehestān).
In 1986, the Union Municipalities were established, these are cities and their environs granted the same nominal powers as Union Republic. This policy was devised to facilitate the establishment of the Special Industrial and Economic Zones (SPIEZs), but also to ease the administrative burden caused by rapid urbanisation taking place during the decade. The Union Municipalities like the URs operate governments mirroring the centre, however, they are led by Mayors rather than First Ministers and are also responsible for local government issues and services. The original Union Municipalities were [[Zahedan]] and the two holy cities of [[Irfan]], [[Namrin]] and [[Kashashaveh]], [[Mina Majid]] and [[Bandar-e Sattari]] were established as Union Municipalities in 1992 and 1995 respectively.  


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Map!!Name and flag!!Administrative centre!!Population
!Map!!Name and flag!!Administrative centre!!Population!!Governor
|-
|-
| rowspan="16" |<center>{{Zorasan labelled map}}</center>
| rowspan="24" |<center> </center>
! colspan="5" |[[Union Republics of Zorasan|Union Republics]]
! colspan="5" |[[Union Republics of Zorasan|Union Republics]]
|-
|-
| [[file:SamrinURflag.png|50px]] [[Armavand]]  
|[[File:Flag of Pardaran.png|30px]] [[Pardaran]] || [[Borazjan]] || 120,127,663 || TBD
| [[Saravan]]
|-
| 3,100,068
|[[File:Flag of Ravanistan.png|30px]] [[Ravanistan]] || [[Feryedunekar]] || 14,598,112 || TBD
|-
|[[File:Flag of Bagatistan.png|30px]] [[Bagatistan]] || [[Karandagh]] || 13,662,583 || TBD
|-
|-
| [[File:FlagofAjadUR.png|50px]] [[Ajad]]  
|[[File:Flag of Janubistan.png|30px]] [[Janubistan]] || [[Sarvandan]] || 11,303,333 || TBD
| [[Khiyara]]  
| 1,112,547
|-
|-
| [[file:IrvadistanURflag.png|50px]] [[Irvadistan]]
|[[File:Flag of Khazestan.png|30px]] [[Khazestan]] || [[Faidah]] || 53,775,214 || TBD
| [[Qufeira]]
| 36,362,112
|-
|-
| [[file:KhazestanURflag.png|50px]] [[Khazestan]]
|[[File:Flag of Irvadistan.png|30px]] [[Irvadistan]] || [[Sadah]] || 38,587,233 || TBD
| [[Faidah]]
| 43,776,680
|-
|-
| [[File:NinevahURflag.png|50px]] [[Ninevah]]
|[[File:Flag of Riyadha.png|30px]] [[Riyadha]] || [[Ghalilah]] || 10,954,125 || TBD
| [[Adh Dhayd]]
| 6,023,530
|-
|-
| [[file:PardaranURflag.png|50px]] [[Pardaran]]  
|[[File:Flag of Ninevah.png|30px]] [[Ninevah]] || [[Ad-Daydh]] || 29,236,578|| TBD
| [[Javanrud]]  
| 104,552,103
|-
|-
| [[file:RiyadhaURflag.png|50px]] [[Riyadha]]  
|[[File:Flag of Latifard.png|30px]] [[Latifard]] || [[Urayjah]] || 3,225,687 || TBD
| [[At-Turbah]]
| 7,526,197
|-
|-
| [[File:SamrinURflag.png|50px]] [[Samrin]]
! colspan="5" |[[Union Municipalities of Zorasan|Union Municipalities]]
| [[Karandagh]]
| 3,447,480
|-
|-
! colspan="5" |[[Union Territory of Zorasan|Union Territory]]
|[[File:ZahedanUTCflag.png|30px]] [[Zahedan]] ||Zahedan|| 18,258,621 || [[Nasser Khosroshahi]]  
|-
|-
| [[File:ZahedanUTCflag.png|50px]] [[Zahedan|Zahedan Union Capital Territory]]
|[[File:Flag of Mina Majid.png|30px]] [[Mina Majid]] ||Mina Majid|| 4,885,426 || [[Hussein Al-Qasimi]]  
| [[Zahedan]]
| 18,557,230
|-
|-
| [[File:Flag of the Khazal Islands UT.png|50px]] [[Khazal Islands|Khazal Islands Union Territory]]
|[[File: |30px]] [[Bandar-e Sattari]] ||Bandar-e Sattari|| 3,887,456 || [[Ershad Akhtar]]  
| [[Evazeh]]
| 30,583
|-
|-
! colspan="5" |[[Union Municipalities of Zorasan|Union Municipalities]]
|[[File:Flag of Namrin.png|30px]] [[Namrin]] ||Namrin|| 2,444,558 || [[Mahmoud Gholfandiar]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Kashashaveh.png|30px]] [[Kashavasheh]] ||Kashavasheh|| 1,998,756 || [[Ershad Akhtar]]  
|-
|-
! colspan="5" |[[Union Territories of Zorasan|Union Territories]]
|-
|-
| [[File:NamrinUMRflag.png|50px]] [[Namrin (municipality)|Namrin]]
|[[File:Flag of the Khazal Islands UT.png|30px]] [[Khazal Islands]] ||[[Evazeh]]|| 30,583 || [[Nikahang Kowsar]]
| [[Namrin]]
| 2,102,482
|-
|-
| [[File:ArdakanUMRflag.png|50px]] [[Ardakan (municipality)|Ardakan]]
|[[File:Flag of Dandan Azdar.png|30px]] [[Dandan-ye Azdar]] ||[[Aaidmoun]]|| 26,225 || [[Rayhm Hachatryan]] <small>([[Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Army|military]])</small>
| [[Ardakan]]
| 2,883,687
|-
|-
|[[File:Flag of the UNIR.png|30px]] [[Sattarishahr]] ||Sattarishahr|| 1,258,020 || [[Abdolreza Karimi]]
|-
|-
|}
|}


=== Foreign policy ===
=== Foreign relations ===
The official goal of the government of Zorasan is to establish a {{wp|new world order}} based on {{wp|world peace}}, global {{wp|collective security}}, and international equality. Since the time of the [[Second Rahelian War]], Zorasan's foreign relations have often been portrayed as being based on four strategic principles; eliminating outside influences in the immediate region, maintaining Zorasan as the leading power of northern Coius, securing [[Pan-Zorasanism|Zorasani unification]] and pursuing extensive diplomatic contacts with developing and non-aligned countries, primarily in the wider Irfanic World (Rahelia and Bahia specifically). Zorasani foreign policy since 2008 has also been driven by principles of {{wp|South-South cooperation}} and the abandonment of {{wp|zero sum gain}}, especially in dealing with fellow developing nations.
 
Zorasan maintains close relations with [[Mabifia]], [[Yemet]], [[Sohar]], [[Nise]] and to a lesser extent [[Behera]]. Since the outbreak of the [[Tsabaran Civil War]], its relations with the [[Tsabara|Tsabaran government]] have collapsed into outright hostility. Due to Zorasan's political system and its status as a {{wp|Revisionist state|revisionist power}}, the country operates often antagonistic relations with the [[Euclean Community]] and its member states, primarily [[Estmere]], [[Gaullica]] and [[Werania]].
[[File:HaftarYuan.jpg|290px|thumb|right|State President [[Rahim Ali Haftar]] with Shangea's State Chairman [[Yuan Xiannan]] in 2022.]]
Zorasan's closest relations are with [[Shangea]], these ties are sufficiently deep in the political, economic and social realms that bi-lateral relations are often referred as the [[Rongzhuo-Zahedan Axis]]. Ties between Zorasan and Shangea are believed to date back to 1,200 BC, with regular contact and trade through the Shaleago Mountains and the [[Spice Road]]. It was not until the 20th century that relations began to become more formal and close. The hosting of the [[Pardarian Revolutionary Resistance Command]] in the 1920s by Shangea and the support provided to the group during the [[Pardarian Civil War]], as well as to the [[Union of Khazestan and Pardaran]] during [[Zorasani Unification]] established the groundwork for the eventual emergence of the Axis. In regards to Shangea, following the [[Corrective Revolution]] when [[Ma Renzhong]] met [[Mahrdad Ali Sattari]] in 1957 both countries began to foster close political and economic ties as both countries were ruled by one-party governments intent on regional hegemony. Close cooperation between both governments became more prominent under [[Sun Yuting]] and [[Ghassan Ali Ghaddar]], and have since [[Vahid Isfandiar]] and [[Yuan Xiannian]] held office seen a dramatic revival of ties. The government of [[Xi Yao-tong]] has furthered this policy, signing significant trade deals with Zorasan in 2016 and 2017, and an increase in military cooperation. Zorasan meanwhile has provided military and technological cooperation with Shangea, most prominently during the [[Third Duljunese-Shangean War]]. Together, Zorasan and Shangea have established multiple bodies including the [[Rongzhuo Strategic Protocol Organisation]], the [[International Forum for Developing States]] and the [[Bank for United Development]].
 
Zorasan is a member of the [[Community of Nations]], [[Irfanic Cooperative Conference]],  [[Global Institute for Fiscal Affairs|GIFA]], [[Non-Aligned Council|NAC]] and the [[International Trade Organisation|ITO]].
 
=== Law enforcement and internal security ===
Zorasan operates an eclectic legal system, which draws inspiration from multiple sources, notably civil law, Irfanic law and Sattarist legal theory. The Zorasani court system is divided into three formations, the Esafkar courts (Irfanic law), State Courts and Security Tribunals. The Esafkar court system is the only judicial branch to be entirely independent of the state and oversees the implementation of Irfanic law in social and moral matters only. The State Court system is the principal judicial branch, these matters and procedures are handled by the Supreme Court of the Union (highest court of appeal), provincial, municipal courts and popular courts. The Popular Courts are the lowest level within the system and operate in cities, towns, districts and urban districts. The Security Tribunals deal with political and military matters only.
 
With the exception of Irfanic judges, all legal officers in Zorasan are appointed by the state, through the Union Procuratorate and Union Ministry of Justice. Due to the {{wp|penal code}} being based upon the principle of {{wp|nullum crimen sine lege}}, the Zorasani penal code is one of the largest in the world, though Zorasan is known to extensively use {{wp|ex post facto law}}s to criminalise individuals. The separated court system also corresponds to a “dual prison system” in which criminal and Irfanic offenders are incarcerated in the general prison system, those sentenced by the Security Tribunals are sentenced to the [[Habsedar]], a network of labour camps throughout the country.
[[File:Zorasani Police.png|290px|thumb|right|Officers of the Union Directorate of Law Enforcement.]]
Law enforcement in Zorasan is managed and directed by the Union Ministry of Internal Affairs, which oversees the [[Union Directorate of Law Enforcement]] (police, border controls and the coast guard) and the general prison system. In 2008, the Union Ministry of State Intelligence and Security was subordinated to the [[Supreme Council of the Revolutionary Armed Forces]] is tasked with domestic security and counterintelligence. This operates alongside the military’s intelligence service, [[AKHID]], which is also tasked with domestic and foreign intelligence, counterintelligence, and the management of the Habsedar prison network. The military also manages the [[National Security and Protection Service]] which is tasked with protecting key facilities and sites and the [[Popular Security Directorate]] which is tasked with combatting drug, arms and human trafficking as well as organised crime.
 
Zorasan also operates two distinct popular grassroots organisations for enforcement of law and state repression, the largest being the [[Wolves (organisation|Wolves]], which also includes the Gorgan Guidance Patrol (morality police) as well as community-based organisations tasked with policing political and ideological loyalty. The other organisation is the network of [[Sar-Parast Aghtar]] or (Zone Wardens), these are NRF party members that operate in apartment blocks or pre-determined urban areas and are widely believed to serve as {{wp|informants}} as well as managing the day-to-day political behaviour of their zone. 
The security apparatus in Zorasan is extensive, exerting influence and control over residences, travel, employment, family life and public behaviour. Zorasan’s security services are known to operate mass surveillance, informants and monitoring digital and cellular communications.


The official goal of the government of Zorosan is to establish a {{wp|new world order}} based on {{wp|world peace}}, global {{wp|collective security}}, and international equality. Since the time of the [[Irvadistan War]], Zorasan's foreign relations have often been portrayed as being based on four strategic principles; eliminating outside influences in the immediate region, maintaining Zorasan as the leading power of northern Coius, securing [[Pan-Zorasanism|Zorasani unification]] and pursuing extensive diplomatic contacts with developing and non-aligned countries, primarily in wider Coius-Bahia.
=== Human rights ===
{{Main|Human rights in Zorasan}}  


Zorasan is a member of the [[Community of Nations]], [[Global Institute for Fiscal Affairs|GIFA]], [[Non-Aligned Council|NAC]] and the [[International Trade Organisation|ITO]].
Zorasan is widely perceived and accused of having among the worst human rights records in the [[Kylaris|world]]. While the degree of violations has decreased in severity since 1980, there remains “extensive abuses, restrictions and violations at a significant scale” according to the [[Community of Nations]]. There remain significant restrictions on the freedom of speech, expression, association, and movement, while arbitrary detention, torture, extrajudicial killing and excessive use of capital punishment remain.  
[[File:AkbariYuan.jpg|250px|thumb|right|First Minister Farzad Akbari (r) with Xiaodong's Chairman [[Yuan Xiannian]].]]
Zorasan's closest relations are with [[Xiaodong]], although the nature of these close relations differ. In regards to Xiaodong, following the [[Corrective Revolution]] when XXX met [[Mahrdad Ali Sattari]] in 1957 both countries began to foster close political and economic ties as both countries were ruled by one-party governments intent on regional hegemony. Close cooperation between both governments became more prominent under [[Sun Yuting]] and [[Ghassan Ali Ghaddar]], and have since [[Evren Volkan]] and [[Yuan Xiannian]] held office seen a dramatic revival of ties. The government of [[Xi Yao-tong]] has furthered this policy, signing significant trade deals with Zorasan in 2016 and 2017, and an increase in military cooperation. Zorasan meanwhile has provided military and technological cooperation with Xiaodong, most prominently during the [[Third Duljunese-Xiaodongese War]]. The extremely close and friendly relations between Xiaodong and Zorasan has been called the [[Rongzhuo-Zahedan Axis]].  


=== Armed Forces ===
In 2019, [[Liberty House]] conducted a study and argued that, “while social life may now be the freest it has been since unification, this is countered by the expansive use of disappearances, torture, arbitrary detention and the reliance upon the [[Graded Citizenry System]], in which citizens are ranked publicly by their past and present behaviour in relation to the state.” In 2019 alone, an estimated 6,000 people were forcibly disappeared and likely sentenced to hard labour or prison time without due process or a trial.
{{Main|Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Army}}
 
The [[Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Army]] (Arteš-e Enghelâb-e Zorasāni-e Erfāni) consists of the [[Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Army Land Forces|Land Forces]], the [[Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Navy|Navy]] and the [[Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Air Force|Air Force]]. The fifth branch exists, which is held by the [[National Protection Force]] which exists as a mostly paramilitary force. The Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Army currently has around 3,712,000 troops overall (761,000 active, 2,951,000 in reserve, including 367,664 paramilitary soldiers), making it overall the Xth largest in the [[Kylaris|world]]
The [[Union Ministry of State Intelligence and Security]] (UMSIS) together with [[General Intelligence Service (Zorasan)|AKHID]] are the principal violators of human rights in Zorasan. Both are known to extrajudicially apprehend and imprison individuals accused of political crimes, often without due process. Those individuals, together with perceived critics of the government, military and “Anti-Unity figures”, such as [[Badism|Badists]] and select ethnic minorities are often deported to the [[Habsedar]] prison camps. The Habsedar network includes hard labour camps, prisons and more notorious institutions such as [[Siyâh-ye Darre prison|Siyâh-ye Darre]] where tortue and ill-treatment is well-documented, including emotional, physical, psychological and sexual abuse.
[[File:Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder flies in front of the 26,660 ft high Nanga Parbat.jpg|250px|thumb|left|A IRAAF H-11 Tondar in-flight. ]]
 
The [[State President of Zorasan|State President of the Union]] is the commander-in-chief of the Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Army, which answers to the [[State Council of Ministers]] via Ministry of National Defence (MoND), which is headed always, by the [[Chief of Staff of the Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Army]]. Military affairs are primarily handled by the Supreme Revolutionary Military Command, a forum of military commanders who nominally subordinate to the State Council of Ministers. Since the [[Arduous Revolution]], the military has played a significant and domineering role in [[Politics of Zorasan|national politics]].  
According to Sergėtojai International, the Habsedar network’s labour camps often subject their inmates to harsh work, notably {{wp|logging}}. In a joint study with the [[World Environmental Alliance]], an estimated 60% of forest clearances in Zorasan are conducted by forced labourers. This work is often done in deplorable conditions, such as limited food and water rations, physical and emotional abuse by guards and the withholding of medical treatment in the event of accidents. Sergėtojai International estimates that between 3,500 and 5,000 people die a year within the Habsedar system.  


The coast guard and gendarmerie and police forces take on military functions - in the event of war, but are subordinate to the Ministry of State Security. The main intelligence unit, the [[General Intelligence Directorate]] (Resat-e Ejmal-e Ettela'at; RESAT), also is officially part of the military structure however they report directly to the government via the Ministry of National Defence. Despite its role as the military intelligence agency, it enjoys a significantly greater role in federal intelligence activities than the [[State Security Service (Zorasan)|State Security Service]] (Ta'min-e Ejbaree-e Dowlat; TEJDO).
In 2012, the Zorasani government introduced the Graded Citizenry System. The system categorises citizens into three classifications (red, yellow and green as seen on state issued ID cards), Green Citizens have no more restrictions upon their liberty than the law provides, Yellow Citizens are limited in movement and employment opportunities, while Red Citizens are those likely to have served prison time for political crimes, they are all but limited in movement to their immediate district and are essentially ostracised from society, having to rely upon menial state employment and being disbarred from accessing social venues such as cafes, restaurants and cinemas. A citizens’ grade must be presented in virtually every aspect of every-day life, while businesses and the state may access the national database at will, greatly affecting citizens’ ability to secure employment if not graded green.
[[File:IRIA_soldiers_marching_in_formation.jpg|300px|thumbnail|right|The Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Army is one of the largest armed forces in the world and the Xth largest in [[Coius]].]]
The Zorasani  Irfanic Revolutionary Army has gone through numerous periods of modernisation and reform to maintain a dominant position within northern Coius; known as the [[Union First]] (Ebteda'Ettehād) policy, allowing it remain relatively as the most disciplined, well armed and capable forces in Coius; this has meant either great efforts being made in domestic R&D or the purchase of quality equipment and systems from foreign producers.  


It is widely accepted that Zorasan operates an extensive chemical weapons arsenal, with an estimated combined total of over 14,000 tons of chemical agents in storage.
== Military ==
{{Main|Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Army}}
[[File:ZIRA Branches.png|330px|thumb|right|The Zorasani military operates four branches and is the largest military in the world.]]
The armed forces of Zorasan, officially the [[Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Army]] (ZIRA), comprises of 1,741,828 active and 2,100,000 reserve and paramilitary troops, making it the largest military in the world by total personnel. The ZIRA consists of the [[Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Land Forces]] (ZIRFL), [[Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Air Force]] (ZIRAF), [[Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Navy]] (ZIRN), the [[Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Airborne Troops]] (ZIRAT) and the [[National Protection Forces]] (NPF). The ZIRA also operates several "Inter-Service Commands", including the [[Central Air Defence Command (Zorasan)|Central Air Defence Command]] (army-air force) and the [[Central Coastal Defence Command (Zorasan)|Central Coastal Defence Command]] (army-air force-navy). Zorasan is unique in that neither the head of state or government are the {{wp|commander-in-chief}}, this position is held by the [[Supreme Commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces]], a role afforded to the [[First Marshal of the Union]], the highest ranking officer in the armed forces. The Zorasani military in political affairs and its relations with the government is conducted through the [[Supreme Council of the Revolutionary Armed Forces]], the chiefs of staff. While under the constitution, the authority to declare and deploy the armed forces rests with the Supreme Assembly of the Union, both can be requested by the SCRAF. Under the 2008 constitution, the Zorasani parliament is widely perceived to be a rubber-stamp for SCRAF requests, including the deployment of Zorasani military forces outside the country’s borders.  


Conscription - known as "Patriotic and Revolutionary Duty" (Takleef Enghelabee-parast) is currently enforced for all male citizens between the ages of 18-21 for a period of a year to three years, dependent on education and job location. Zorasan does not recognise conscientious objection and does not offer a civilian alternative to military service, many conscientious objectors are either imprisoned under charges of "conspiring against the state" or press-ganged into four year service.  
Of the branches of the ZIRA, the Land Forces are the largest, consisting of 1,180,000 active personnel and 1,900,000 in reserve. It operates around 6,000 tanks, 11,000 armoured personnel carriers, 8,000 artillery pieces and 150-200 unmanned aerial vehicles. The Land Forces constitute the largest army in northern Coius and one of the largest in the world. The Air Force is also one of the largest in the world, operating 1,500 aircraft, of which 789 are combat aircraft, these include airframes from [[Soravia]], [[Chistovodia]], [[Shangea]] as well as domestically produced craft such as the [[SAI GR-7 Imam Ardashir]], {{wp|JF-17|SAI Āzaraxš}} and [[SAI Tondar]] bomber. The ZIRAF also operates one of the largest drone fleets in the world, with numbers ranging from 200 to 350 drones of varying size in service. The Navy operates 311 vessels, including 38 submarines and two light aircraft carriers, the Mahrdad Ali Sattari and Javad Jahandar. The ZIRAT, is one of the world’s largest dedicated {{wp|paratrooper}} forces, consisting of 50,000 active personnel and 30,000 reservists.  


The armed forces are subject to controversial accusations of abuse and harsh treatment of trainee soldiers; with the use of beatings, caning and lashing in punishment of poor behaviour, low enthusiasm and slow progress in improvements. The IRA is also known to train its forces in "Isolated Desert Deployment"; in that units of troops are airdropped into the desert, with limited food and water to develop resilience in the event of being trapped or stranded in hostile environments seen in Coius.
Since unification in 1980, the Zorasani government has invested heavily toward developing its own military industry, enabling since the 1980s to produce its own tanks, armoured personnel carriers, missiles, submarines, military vessels, air defence systems, radar systems, helicopters, and fighter planes. Since the 2000s, this effort has also moved toward the development of {{wp|ballistic missile}}s such as the {{wp|Fateh-110}}, {{wp|cruise missiles}} and {{wp|unmanned aerial vehicles}}, notably the {{wp|Bayraktar TB1|SAI Zamboor-2}} and {{wp|Baykar Bayraktar TB2|SAI Zamboor-3}}.


=== Human rights ===
Every fit male Zorasani citizen otherwise not barred is required to serve in the military for a period ranging from a year to three years, dependent on education and job location. Zorasan does not recognise conscientious objection, but does provide for non-combat orientated roles, such as logistics and maintenance, though these roles are within the military.


Zorasan has been consistently criticised internally and abroad, with human right monitoring organisations such as the [[International Council for Democracy]] as of 2017 ranking the Union as unfree. The ICD stated "Zorasan remains a fundamentally flawed parliamentary democracy, with overbearing control by the unaccountable and unelected clergy and military controlled bodies. The mass surveillance and censorship system remains in place and undermines freedom of speech and the press. The excessive use of capital punishment, torture, rape and false imprisonment also remains rampant."
Officially, Zorasan spends 4.1% of GDP on defence, estimated at $84.87 billion annually. The Zorasani military however, operates a business empire estimated to be worth over $350 billion, including majority shares in chemicals, steel, textiles and even hotel chains. The military also operates a 10% share in [[Zorgen]], the state-owned petrochemical company. These corporate interests are managed through the [[Greater Soldier Foundation]], there is little to no public record of how much revenue the military draws from its corporate holdings or how it is utilised, though studies by analysts believe that the Zorasani military operates a budget of $120 billion per annum, one of the highest in the world. This economic influence runs parallel to its significant political power and influence.  


Zorasan's situation is unique in that the systematic abuses of human rights is conducted outside government control and oversight. The ICD has noted that much of the repressive policies and activities are conducted by the military, rather than the federal government. The military's oversized control of state media and the use of the [[General Intelligence Directorate]] (RESAT) to pursue activists, civil rights lawyers and critics of the state, led the ICD and the [[Euclean Community]] in 2018 to note, "without confrontation of the deep-state within the UZIR, it is unlikely that human rights will improve in the medium to long term."
The Zorasani government supports the military activities of its allies in [[Yemet]], [[Garambura]], [[Ajahadya]], [[Sohar]] and [[Nise]] with military and financial aid. Zorasani military forces have also contributed soldiers and equipment to [[Community of Nations|Community of Nations Peacekeeping Missions]], and since 2020 has been engaged in the [[Second Yemeti Civil War]]. It is long accused of being actively involved in the [[Tsabaran Civil War]], supporting the separatist [[Irfanic Liberation and Resistance]] (ILR) forces, though this is denied.


== Economy ==
== Economy ==
{{Main|Economy of Zorasan}}
{{Main|Economy of Zorasan}}  
[[File:DohaSkyscrapersIn2015.jpg|250px|thumb|right|[[At-Turbah]] is the financial capital of Zorasan, owing to its highly competitive economic zone.]]
As of 2019, Zorasan had the [[List of countries by GDP (Kylaris)|9th largest]] economy by {{wp|GDP nominal}}, with $1.809 trillion and the [[List of countries by GDP (Kylaris)|13th largest]] economy by {{wp|GDP PPP}} with $2.250 trillion. The [[Global Institute for Fiscal Affairs]] classifies Zorasan as a {{wp|Newly industrialized country|newly industrialised nation}} and a middle-income economy. The country operates an economic model many have described as {{wp|state capitalism|state capitalist}}, with heavy state intervention and {{wp|state-owned enterprise|ownership}} alongside private businesses. Following initial pro-market reforms beginning 1985 and more expansive reforms throughout the 1990s, the Zorasani economy became one of the fastest growing in the developing world, with GDP growth remaining above 6 percent from 1991 to 2001, before growing consistently above 8 percent from 2009 onward. The most prominent sectors of the Zorasani economy are {{wp|Industry}}, 41.45%, {{wp|petrochemical industry|petrochemicals}} 29.5%, {{wp|services}} 25% and {{wp|agriculture}} 4.05%.
As of 2019, Zorasan had the [[List of countries by GDP (Kylaris)|9th largest]] economy by {{wp|GDP nominal}}, with $1.809 trillion and the [[List of countries by GDP (Kylaris)|13th largest]] economy by {{wp|GDP PPP}} with $2.250 trillion. The  
[[Global Institute for Fiscal Affairs]] classifies Zorasan as a {{wp|newly industrialised nation}} and a middle-income economy. The country operates an economic model many have described as {{wp|state capitalism|state capitalist}}, with heavy state intervention and {{wp|state-owned enterprise|ownership}} alongside private businesses. Following initial pro-market reforms beginning 1985 and more expansive reforms throughout the 1990s, the Zorasani economy became one of the fastest growing in the developing world, with GDP growth remaining above 6 percent from 1991 to 2001, before growing consistently above 8 percent from 2009 onward. The most prominent sectors of the Zorasani economy are {{wp|Industry}}, 41.45%, {{wp|petrochemical industry|petrochemicals}} 29.5%, {{wp|services}} 25% and {{wp|agriculture}} 4.05%.  
[[File:PashtaranRefinery.png|350px|thumbnail|left|The Pashtaran refinery is the largest oil refinement facility in the world.]]
[[File:PashtaranRefinery.png|350px|thumbnail|left|The Pashtaran refinery is the largest oil refinement facility in the world.]]
Since 1980, the structure and nature of the economy has changed considerably. Upon the Union's founding 1980, its newly unified economy was dominated by agriculture and petrochemicals, owing to both the reliance on petrochemicals for revenue of pre-unification states and their shared aims of promoting agricultural self-sufficiency. The degree of development varied between the states, though all were historically recognised as {{wp|Rentier state|rentier economies}}. Following the completion of unification and the inescapable need to rebuild entire regions owing to near thirty-years of warfare saw a significant shift in economic planning and strategy. In 1980, the Zorasani government recognised the limitations of oil-dependency and sought to dramatically diversify the economy, both as a means of escaping rentier status and to provide greater means of improved living standards for the entire population. Throughout the 1980s, high oil prices and the consolidation of the unified oil industries - turning Zorasan into the largest producer of petrochemicals in the world, supplied the government with the necessary capital to invest into manufacturing and services. The industrialisation process was aided by urbanisation, which further fuelled diverisification and infrastructure development. Progress continued throughout the 1990s, during which the GDP rose at an average rate of 9.1%. As a result, the official poverty rate fell from 60% to 15%. Reduction of trade barriers from the mid-1990s made the economy more globally integrated. A series of pro-market reforms in the late 1990s expanded competitiveness and hastened diversification, however, more radical reforms in the early 2000s caused a sharp economic shock, combined with privatisation of ineffecient {{wp|state owned enterprises}} threw the economy into recession, which was deepened by the onset of the [[2005 Global Recession]]. [[The Hurricane|Political instability]] between 2005 and 2006 slowed recovery, before growth returned to its 9% average in 2007, which has been maintained since.  
Since 1980, the structure and nature of the economy has changed considerably. Upon the Union's founding 1980, its newly unified economy was dominated by agriculture and petrochemicals, owing to both the reliance on petrochemicals for revenue of pre-unification states and their shared aims of promoting agricultural self-sufficiency. The degree of development varied between the states, though all were historically recognised as {{wp|Rentier state|rentier economies}}. Following the completion of unification and the inescapable need to rebuild entire regions owing to near thirty-years of warfare saw a significant shift in economic planning and strategy. In 1980, the Zorasani government recognised the limitations of oil-dependency and sought to dramatically diversify the economy, both as a means of escaping rentier status and to provide greater means of improved living standards for the entire population. Throughout the 1980s, high oil prices and the consolidation of the unified oil industries - turning Zorasan into the largest producer of petrochemicals in the world, supplied the government with the necessary capital to invest into manufacturing and services. The industrialisation process was aided by urbanisation, which further fuelled diverisification and infrastructure development. Progress continued throughout the 1990s, during which the GDP rose at an average rate of 9.1%. As a result, the official poverty rate fell from 60% to 15%. Reduction of trade barriers from the mid-1990s made the economy more globally integrated. A series of pro-market reforms in the late 1990s expanded competitiveness and hastened diversification, however, more radical reforms in the early 2000s caused a sharp economic shock, combined with privatisation of ineffecient {{wp|state owned enterprises}} threw the economy into recession, which was deepened by the onset of the [[2005 Global Recession]]. [[The Hurricane|Political instability]] between 2005 and 2006 slowed recovery, before growth returned to its 9% average in 2007, which has been maintained since.  
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== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
{{Main|Demographics of Zorasan}}
According to the [[District Citizen Address Recording System]], the country's population was 328.26 million as of January 2023, an increase from the 320.42 million recorded in the 2020 Census. Furthermore, the DCARS also estimated that approximately 70.13% of the population lived in towns and cities and annual population growth was 1.2% in 2021. Zorasan has a population density of 59.99/km2 (155.4/sq mi), one of the lowest in the world, though the population remains densely populated in select regions. The age demographic of Zorasan in 2021 was as follows; the 0-14 age group constituted 26.9% of the population; the 15-64 age group constituted 64.3% of the population and those aged 65 or older 8.8%, this places Zorasan as among the youngest societies in the world.


In the 2012 census according to the Centre for Union Statistics, the national population stood at 195.36 million, and population growth stood at 2.11% annually. Over 70% of the population lived in towns and cities, one of the lowest rates of urbanisation for a major world economy. In 2019, the Centre for Union Statistics, using its Address Registration System estimated that the population was 203 million. Zorasan has an average population density of 36.88/k m² (95.5/sq mi). Zorasan has the third largest population in [[Coius]] and the world.
The Zorasani government  does not recognise ethnicity or race as a means of identification or categorisation; for ideological reasons and as a result, a Zorasani is defined as anyone who is "bound to the Union through the bond of citizenship or birth", thereby the legal term [[Sattari people|Sattari or Zorasani]] differs from ethnic definition. Due to this long-time policy, neither the Zorasani census and DCAR system offer options on ethnic or racial identity, furthermore, efforts at detailed demographic and ethnological study is severely restricted by the authorities. Despite the absence of reliable data, researchers estimate that 44% of the population are {{wp|Persians|Pardarian}}, with up to 15% of this population being {{wp|Mazandaranis|Ashkezari}} alone. 25% of the population are estimated to be {{wp|Arabs|Rahelian}}, 11-12% as {{wp|Kurds|Kexri}}, 6% as {{wp|Uzbeks|Khorazi}}, 6% as {{wp|Kazakhs|Majgar}}. Zorasan is also home to sizeable minorities of {{wp|Fulani}}, {{wp|Bamar people|Chanwan}} and {{wp|Hazaras|Hazari}}.
{{Historical populations
|type = sdsd
|footnote = Source: [[Union of Khazestan and Pardaran|UKP]] census (1952-1972)<br>UZIR census and estimates (1972-present)
|1952 | 68771235
|1962 | 84987800
|1972 | 99319245
|1977 | 119148530
|1982 | 138511477
|1987 | 159484374
|1992 | 170912654
|1997 | 178490409
|2002 | 184023257
|2007 | 189506381
|2012 | 195369278
|2017 | 199965841
|2020 | 203,112,587
}}
The 2012 census broke down the population by age group, with people within the 15–64 age group constitute 67.4 percent of the total population; the 0–14 age group corresponds to 25.3 percent; while senior citizens aged 65 years or older make up 7.3 percent, this gives Zorasan one of the youngest populations in the [[Kylaris|world]]. In 1980, when the first official census was recorded in the Union (following the annexation of Irvadistan), the population was 68.77 million. The largest city in the union, [[Zahedan]], is also 3rd largest in population and size in Coius.
{{Bar box
|width = 200px
|float = left
|title = <small>Composition of Zorasan by ethnicity (all estimations)</small>
|titlebar = #ddd
|bars =
{{Bar percent|{{wp|Iranians|Pardarian}}|red|47.48}}
{{Bar percent|{{wp|Arabs|Rahelian}}|green|30.21}}
{{Bar percent|{{wp|Kurds|Kexri}}|Brown|10.2}}
{{Bar percent|{{wp|Uzbek|Togoti}}|blue|4}}
{{Bar percent|[[Chanwa|Chanwan]]|cyan|2.1}}
{{Bar percent|{{wp|Yazidis|Yazidi}}|pink|1.71}}
{{Bar percent|{{wp|Assyrians|Syriazi}}|Orange|1.60}}
{{Bar percent|{{wp|Druze}}|purple|1.5}}
{{Bar percent|{{wp|Fula people|Ndjarendie}}|purple|1}}
{{Bar percent|{{wp|Jews|Atudite}}|purple|0.2}}
|caption = These are estimates.
}}
Zorasan does not officially recognise ethnicity, as per Article 89 of the Articles of Unification, which defines a “Zorasani” as “anyone bound to the Union through the bond of citizenship or the right of birth.” Owing to Zorasan’s multi-ethnic nature, the term “Zorasani” is the legal term for citizens of Zorasan and does not hold any ethnic definition. The active opposition to ethnic identities has led to a considerable limitation on studies aiming to identify the ethnic disposition of the Zorasani population, the lack of ethnic options in regard to the census no reliable data exists. However, it is estimated that 40-45% of the population is {{wp|Persian|Pardarian}} and 30-35% are {{wp|Arabs|Rahelian}}. 8-10% of the population are {{wp|Kurds|Kexri}} and the remainder of comprised of numerous ethnic minorities. Some estimate that there over 20 ethnic groups present in Zorasan, including {{wp|Burmese|Chanwans}}, {{wp|Afro-Iranians|Bahio-Pardarians}}, {{wp|Afro-Arabs|Bahio-Rahelians}}, {{wp|Assryians| Syriazi}} and {{wp|Jews|Atudites}}. As a consequence of the unrecognition of ethnicity, the term "minority" is a recurrent sensitive issue in Zorasan, especially in view of Zorasan's treatment of its minorities. The [[Chanwa|Chanwan]] minority is one particularly effect group, owing to the Zorasani view that they are not a "traditional people of Zorasan." Their [[Xiaodong|Xiaondongese]] origins coupled with their non-Irfanic status often leads to discrimination both state and non-state.  


Zorasan is officially a bi-lingual state, with {{wp|Farsi|Pasdani}} and {{wp|Arabic language|Rahelian}} as the two official languages of the country. Both languages are present in politics, business and everyday life and are often used interchangeably by Zorasanis, however, Pasdani takes predominance as the lingua gaullica in government affairs. All official government documentation and publications are printed in both languages. Newspapers and public broadcasters provide separate publications or broadcasts in the respective languages. The two official languages are taught simultaneously at every year of education, while language tests for educational advancement are mandatory. As of 2018, an estimated 92% of Zorasanis speak both languages fluently.  
The geographical distribution of Zorasan's ethnic groups has radically changed since the collapse of [[Etrurian colonial empire|Etrurian Zorasan]] in 1946. Over the course of [[Zorasani Unification]], millions drawn primarily from minority groups were {{wp|population resettlement|deported}} from their traditional homelands to various regions of the country, ostensibly under the [[Modernisation and Harmony Campaign]] (1948-1999), though several groups were deported under the [[Shatter the Citadels]] policy. In more recent decades, the redistribution of ethnic groups has taken place as a result of economic migration to the cities. Several minority groups, such as the {{wp|Bamar people|Chanwan}}, {{wp|Baloch people|Banbari}} and {{wp|Tajiks|Tayar}} are subject to strict travel restrictions.  


Minority languages are not recognised by the Zorasani government, though some states do provide protection for their use. [[Irvadistan]] for example, provides protections for {{wp|Assyrian language| Syriazi}} and [[Pardaran]] provides protection for {{wp|Urdu|Lashkari}}.  
Prior to the outbreak of the [[Tsabaran Civil War]] in 2020, the number of Tsabarans residing in Zorasan was estimated to be between 500,000 and 1 million, these include Rahelians and {{wp|Yazidi}}s. However, as of January 2022, the number of Tsabaran refugees in Zorasan was recorded at 1.997 million. The vast majority of these are living in Zorasan within refugee camps under Special Residency Permits, though a growing number are being granted citizenship for longevity of their stay. The Zorasani government has been accused of granting citizenship to the families of male refugees who have returned to Tsabara to join and fight with the [[Irfanic Liberation and Resistance]], the fighting units of the separatist [[United Irfanic Republic of Hamada]].  


{{Largest cities
{{multiple image
| name        = Largest cities in the Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics
| align     = center
| country      = Zorasan
| image1  = Pardarians.png
| stat_ref     = Markaz-e Amar-e Ettehād
| width1  = 303
| list_by_pop  =
| image2  = Rahelians of Zorasan.png
| class        = nav
| width2    = 262
| div_name    = Province
| image3    = Pilgrims_and_festival_at_Lalish_on_the_day_of_the_Ezidi_New_Year_in_2017_22.jpg
| div_link    =
| width3    = 223
 
| image4    = Uzbek_people_(4956184285).jpg
|city_1 = Zahedan
| width4    = 239
|div_1 = Zahedan-takht
| image5    = Chanwan people.jpg
|pop_1 = 18,557,230
| width5    = 223
|img_1 = Zahedan.jpg
| footer = Ethnic groups of Zorasan {{wp|Persians|Pardarians}}, {{wp|Arabs|Rahelians}}, {{wp|Kurds|Kexri}}, {{wp|Uzbeks|Togotis}} and {{wp|Bamar people|Chanwans}}.
 
|city_2 = Borazjan
|div_2 = Ashkezar
|pop_2 = 9,573,217
|img_2 = Mazdavand.png
 
|city_3 = Javanrud
|div_3 = Ardestan
|pop_3 = 4,932,075
|img_3 = Javanrud.png
 
|city_4 = Faidah
|div_4 = Qarqur
|pop_4 = 3,403,919
|img_4 = Jamal Abdul Nasser Circle Amman Jordan.jpg
 
|city_5 = Bandar-e Parvadeh
|div_5 = Bushkan
|pop_5 = 3,157,120
|img_5 =
 
|city_6 = Izdihar al-Mina
|div_6 = Izdihar
|pop_6 = 2,110,343
|img_6 =
 
|city_7 = Ad-Daydh
|div_7 = Zabdah
|pop_7 = 2,501,332
|img_7 =
 
|city_8 = Soltanabad
|div_8 = Khvansar
|pop_8 = 1,855,375
|img_8 =
 
|city_9 = Qeydar
|div_9 = Tarut
|pop_9 = 1,813,997
|img_9 =
 
|city_10 = Qufeira
|div_10 = Raydah
|pop_10 = 1,711,000
|img_10 =
 
|city_11 = Ardakan
|div_11 = Aqda
|pop_11 = 970,611
|img_11 =
 
|city_12 = Gamsar
|div_12 = Shahrud
|pop_12 = 803,852
|img_12 =
 
|city_13 = Shul Abad
|div_13 = Delfan
|pop_13 = 776,802
|img_13 =
 
|city_14 = Tarim
|div_14 = Hajjah
|pop_14 = 543,127
|img_14 =
 
|city_15 = Oshtorinan
|div_15 = Basht
|pop_15 = 541,111
|img_15 =
 
|city_16 = Pataveh
|div_16 = Ashkezar
|pop_16 = 490,536
|img_16 =
 
|city_17 = Qush Teppa
|div_17 = Teppah
|pop_17 = 436,002
|img_17 =
 
|city_18 = Bandar-e-Khamir
|div_18 = Dorestan
|pop_18 = 399,110
|img_18 =
 
|city_19 = At-Turbah
|div_19 = Khamr
|pop_19 = 300,019
|img_19 =
 
|city_20 = Namin
|div_20 = Tazeh-Kand
|pop_20 = 274,358
|img_20 =
}}
}}
=== Languages ===
=== Languages ===
Zorasan is a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual state, though it only recognises two languages, {{wp|Farsi|Pasdani}} and {{wp|Arabic language|Rahelian}}, which are the official languages. While, Pasdani is the {{wp|lingua franca|lingua gaullica}} of government and business, Rahelian is also widely used and the two are used interchangeably by Zorasan’s citizens. According to some estimates, there are over 40 different languages or dialects spoken in Zorasan. Though there is no officially recognised languages besides Pasdani and Rahelian, some of Zorasan’s states provide limited recognition or protections for minority languages.
Both Pasdani and Rahelian are taught in schools throughout a child’s school career. It is a noted national policy for lessons to be taught interchangeably between both languages to assist in educating Zorasani children into being bi-lingual. Tests in the respective opposition language are mandatory and many universities rank bi-lingual abilities as critical for a successful application. All civil service positions at the local, state and national level require fluency, as do many employers in the private sector, owing to government policies.
It is estimated that 91% of Zorasanis are bi-lingual, with 51.3% of the population speaking Pasdani as their first language and 48.7% speaking Rahelian as their first language. The bi-lingualism of Zorasan is aided by the nature of Irfan, which utilises phrases and terms in both languages, the rituals and processions of the faith also take place in both languages.
Minority languages present in Zorasan include {{wp|Assyrian language|Syriazi}}, which is provided some protections in the Union Republic of [[Irvadistan]], {{wp|Urdu|Lashkari}}, which is spoken primarily in western [[Pardaran]], along the border regions of [[Ajahadya]] and is provided some limited protection. Lashkari is the third most widely spoken language in Zorasan. The {{wp|Burmese language|Chanwan}} is the fourth most widely spoken language in Zorasan but faces active repression by the Zorasani state. The use of Chanwan is prohibited in official capacities and is actively discouraged in public.
Some areas of eastern Zorasan have communities speaking {{wp|Fulani language| Ndjarendie}}, a language brought over from neighbouring [[Mabifia]], through the {{wp|Afro-Arabs|Bahio-Rahelian}} minority. The use of Ndjarendie is not opposed but lacks any formal recognition by the eastern Union Republics.
=== Religion ===
=== Religion ===
{{Main|Religion in Zorasan|Badi in Zorasan}}
=== Education ===
{{Bar box
|width = 200px
|float = right
|title = <small>Composition of Zorasan by religion</small>
|titlebar = #ddd
|bars =
{{Bar percent|[[Irfan]]|Black|91.72}}
{{Bar_percent|[[Badi]]|Red|3.89}}
{{Bar_percent|[[Sotirianity]]|Green|3.02}}
{{Bar_percent|{{wp|Yazidism}}|Blue|0.66}}
{{Bar_percent|{{wp|Druze}}|Purple|0.40}}
{{Bar_percent|[[Atudism]]|Cyan|0.31}}
|caption = <small>These are estimates</small>
}}
The Zorasani constitution officially designates [[Irfan]] as the state religion. Notably, the designation does not differentiate between the various sects and denominations of Irfan, providing equal rights and protections, though subsequent constitutional clauses, elevates the majority Asha denomination as the “predominate sect of the Union.” The constitution also provides recognition and protections for [[Sotiranity]], [[Atudism]], {{wp|Yazidism}} and {{wp|Druze}}.
 
As the birthplace of Irfan, Zorasan is home to several of the faith’s most important {{wp|holy city|holy cities}}, including [[Ardakan]], [[Namrin]], [[Borazjan]] and [[Beyarjomand]]. Ardakan, Namrin and Beyarjomand are the sites of prominent religious events, with the former two taking prominent positions during the [[Ziyarat]] or “Pilgrimage.” Ardakan sees over 30 million visitors per year during Ziyarat to mark the [[Journey of Absolution]], while Namrin is visited by 20-25 million visitors per year to mark the [[Martyrdom of Imam Ardashir and the 300]].
 
Approximately 91% of Zorasan identify as Irfani, while 95% of the Irfani population are practicing members of the Asha denomination, which plays a significant role in Zorasani society and politics. The remaining 5% of Irfani in Zorasan are divided by the X and X sects, who enjoy equal rights and protections as the Asha majority.
 
The next largest faith in Zorasan is [[Badi]], which is practiced by 4-5% of the population, though it is actively repressed and unrecognised by the Zorasani government, owing to the historic and traditional view of the religion by Irfan as {{wp|heresy|heretical}} and {{wp|witchcraft}}. From 1950 until the early 1970s, the Badi population was subject to violent repression during the [[Estekham]], in which an estimated 150,000 Badi were killed and millions more were forced to convert to Irfan. Thousands of Badi places of worship were destroyed or converted to serve Irfan and a prohibition on Badi being publicly practiced is still in place. The vast majority of Badi in Zorasan are from the {{wp|Kurdish|Kexri}} majority.
 
The next largest faith in Zorasan is [[Sotirianity]], which is practiced by 3-4% of the population, primarily in [[Irvadistan]]. An significant number of Sotirians in Zorasan are members of the {{wp|Maronite Church}}, with an estimated 85-90% of Sotirians being practicing Maronites. The 4-5% of Sotirians are members of the [[Solarian Catholic Church]], a legacy of Etrurian colonialism in Zorasan and the remainder are members of the {{wp|Melkonite Church}}. Sotirians in Zorasan have been protected under the constitution since the Union’s founding in 1980 and form vibrant communities in western Irvadistan. The town of [[Balad Kafin]], which is home to the [[Convent of Saint Paul]] is afforded the same status as Namrin and Ardakan, as a “Place of Spiritual Importance.” The town of Balad Kafin is of immense importance to the Maronite population and its town council is supported by federal funding.
 
{{wp|Druze}} and {{wp|Yazidism}} are both protected under the constitution and are practiced by 1-3% of the population in total. A vast majority of these respective communities reside in northern Irvadistan, close to the border with [[Tsabara]]. [[Atudism]] is also protected and practiced by 300,000-660,000 people, most of whom are migrants from Tsabara. The Atudite faith’s protection is only a modern development, owing to the lengthy and often bloody history between Atudism and Irfan dating as far back as 310 BCE.
<gallery mode=packed heights=100 style="font-size:88%;line-height:120%">
File:ArdakanZiyarat.jpg|The Imam Ardashir Shrine in [[Ardakan]] during [[Ziyarat]].
File:Imam_ali's_shrine,_Arbaeen_2015.JPG|[[Namrin]] during [[Ziyarat]].
File:Fatima-Masuma-HS2.JPG|Imam Khosrow Shrine in [[Beyarjomand]]
File:RezaShrine.jpg|Imam Parastar Shrine in [[Borazjan]]
File:Maaloula-St-Thecla_from_top_of_rock.jpg|[[Convent of Saint Paul]] in [[Balad Kafin]]
</gallery>


=== Healthcare ===
=== Healthcare ===
Healthcare in Zorasan is managed nationally through the Union Ministry for Health and is provided by the universal healthcare system in operation since 1990. The Union Health Authority is funded by both government revenues and a tax surcharge on employers, 5.5% for private enterprises and 5.8% for state-owned enterprises. Government funding covers approximately 70.56% of the UHA’s expenditure. Total expenditure on health services as a share of GDP was recorded at 5.98% in 2021, mostly due to the median age of Zorasan standing at 28. The average life expectancy in Zorasan in 73.20 years in 2021 (71.30 years for males and 75.20 years for females.), the country has a relatively low level of obesity, with 13.5% of adults in Zorasan having a body mass index (BMI) at 30 or above.
[[File:Razavihospital faz2.jpg|290px|thumb|left|The Al-Shafaqa academy hospital in [[Sadah]] is the largest {{wp|university hospital}} in Zorasan.]]
Zorasan’s healthcare system includes numerous private hospitals and services provided by charitable foundations, alongside the state-run Union Health Authority. The private chains are renowned for their qualitive services and enticement of health tourism, particularly among Coians. The so-called Bonyad Hospitals (run by charities) are known for servicing primarily working class and vulnerable patients.


Zorasan operates a universal public health system known as the [[Unified Health System]] (Nezam Beham-Bahbood). It was established in 1996, following decades of the individual states operating their own independent health systems. The UHS is free at access for all citizens and covers all medical procedures. Private healthcare in Zorasan plays a complementary role, while some state-owned enterprises provide private healthcare insurance. However, the construction and maintenance of health centers and hospitals are financed by taxes and state oil revenues, and the country spends about 9% of its GDP on expenditures in the area. In 2012, Zorasan had 1.85 doctors and 2.3 hospital beds for every 1,000 inhabitants.
Significant efforts made during the 1980-2005 period to confront infant mortality have been widely praised by public health officials and NGOs. During the 1980s, the mortality rate among infants stood at 128/1000 live births, while in 2005 this number dropped to 28/1000. This effort coincided with long-term and detailed immunisation programmes, aimed at combatting {{wp|polio}}, {{wp|tuberculosis}} and {{wp|measles}}.  
 
Despite all the progress made since the creation of the universal health care system in 1996, there are still several public health problems in Zorasan. In 2006, the main points to be solved were the high infant (2.51%) and maternal mortality rates (73.1 deaths per 1000 births). Since 2015, significant progress has been made in combating infant mortality, reducing it from 2.51% to 1.98%. A vast majority of infant mortality rates are focused in isolated rural regions of the country, where the quality of healthcare is drastically lower than more urbanised regions.
 
The number of deaths from noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases (151.7 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants) and cancer (72.7 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants), also has a considerable impact on the health of the Zorasani population. Finally, external but preventable factors such as car accidents, violence and suicide caused 10.9% of all deaths in the country. The country has one of the highest rates of smokers in Coius, with an estimated 39.5% of Zorasanis being active smokers. Further issues include the effects of environmental degradation and poor air quality, with the latter estimated to cause the early deaths over 185,000 people per year. Respiratory diseases are among the most common ailments in Zorasan’s largest cities.
 
Zorasan is also host to several prominent medical research institutes and is a pioneer in {{wp|pharmaceuticals}} and {{wp|bio-technology}}. The [[Beyarjomand Institute for Medicine]] and the [[Zorasani Institute for Medical Innovation]] are both dedicated to the research and development of new medical treatments for {{wp|cancer}}, {{wp|cardiovascular disease}}, {{wp|alzheimers}} and {{wp|dementia}}.


=== Education ===
A significant health problem facing Zorasan is {{wp|sexual transmitted disease}}, owing to the near universal ban on {{wp|contraception}}. Zorasan has one of the most severe cases of {{wp|HIV/AIDS}} in the population in [[Coius]].


Education in Zorasan is administered by the Union Ministry for National Education and Skills. It’s primary focus is pre-tertiary education, which is compulsory and lasts twelve years in total; primary, middle and high school lasting four years each. Approximately 79% of 25-to-34 year-olds have completed at least high school. There are significant qualitive gaps in basic education between urban and rural regions, with some rural schools lagging behind in every category, not only their urban counterparts but in comparison to other Coian states.
=== Urbanisation ===
 
The dependence on high school entrance exams for the quality of late-stage education has been widely criticised within Zorasan, as a vast majority of Zorasani students are known to take up private tutoring as young as ten or eleven. The mandatory language exams in Pasdani and Rahelian are also known to provoke intense study and tutoring, as high results are often the final decider in admittance. Adult literacy across Zorasan was 93.55%, 95.5% for females and 91.6% for males.
[[File:ZorasanLiteracyNumeracy.png|290px|thumb|right|The literacy and numeracy rate of 15-year olds and higher since 1980 has seen dramatic improvements.]]
When the UZIR was founded in 1980, the average literacy rate for 15-year olds and higher was only 33.75%, one of the lowest rates globally, in response, the Zorasani government instituted a nationwide mass literacy program, utilising [[Mazar]]s and other places of worship as locations for lessons. Drafting thousands of literate soldiers, civil servants and [[Irfan|Irfanic clerics]], millions of Zorasani children and adults were taught basic literacy, which led to rapid increases in the national literacy rate. From 1984 onward, these literacy lessons were expanded to include basic numeracy, which resulted in significant returns.
[[File:Sharif University of Technology.jpg|250px|thumbnail|left|Abdolreza Mandarani University is considered the premier technical and scientific educational establishment in the union and northern Coius. It is also the leading institute for scientific research and development in Zorasan.]]
Following the completion of high school, students can either apply for two tertiary options, a vocational career or academic. The vocational career is geared toward engineering, construction and computing and is subject to a series of entrance exams. Vocational study in Zorasan last four years and results in either a Diploma or an Advanced Diploma, the latter of which is counted as equal to an academic degree. For academic study at a university or institute, entrance exams are required and students can either achieve an associate degree (kārdāni) achieved after two years – vocational students if they secure an Advanced Diploma will receive a complementary associate degree. Academic students can then pursue a bachelor’s degree (kāršenāsi), after four years and a master’s degree (kāršenāsi e aršad), achieved after two years. A final exam is required to enable access to a doctoral program (PhD; Doktora).
 
As of 2018, there were 193 universities in Zorasan. All universities operate entrance exams which are administered by the National Student Placements Commission. The NSPC operates a system of “recommended placement”, which identifies other universities based on a student’s results if they fail to pass for their chosen institution. The National Open Education Association does not require entrance exams, though this only applies to adult students. According to the [[Coian Educational Standards Agency]], Zorasan’s top university is the [[Rasool Burzafrah Academy]] in [[Borazjan]], followed by the [[Mahrdad Ali Sattari University]], [[Zahedan Metropolitan University]] and [[Faidah University]]. Zorasan also operates several high ranking speciality universities, with the [[Abdolreza Mandarani University]] being one of the highest ranking technical and scientific institutions globally, it is joined by the [[Beyarjomand Institute for Medicine]], which is considered one of the highest ranking medical schools and research institutes in the world.
 
Zorasan also operates a series of Civil-Military Schools, which are administered by the Military Education Commission. These schools provide military cadets both with advanced degrees in social studies (politics and international relations), alongside traditional officer training. In 2009, these Civil-Military Schools were expanded to include vocational courses for engineers and mechanics. The curriculum and standards of these schools is not subject to the Union Ministry for National Education and instead falls under the purview of the Union Ministry of National Defence exclusively.
 
In 2017, Zorasan was praised by the [[Community of Nations|Community of Nations Office for Education and Advancement]] for the “dramatic improvements to both numeracy and literacy of its adult population and the general standard of key stage development.” The same CNOEA report stated that it had recorded a 68% improvement in adult numeracy and literacy. In 2018, Zorasan ranked second in the output of research publications, following [[Xiaodong]], this marked the sixth year consecutively.


== Culture ==
== Culture ==
=== Art ===
[[File:Miniator hotel shah abbas deevar.jpg|250px|thumb|left|A Gorsanid-era paintaing displayed at the Union Musuem of Cultural Achievement.]]
.
[[File:DushanTappe.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Ardashir Datartabaei's "Painting of Parchang Street" is considered the first work of modern Zorasani Art.]]
=== Music ===
Music has played a prominent role in Zorasani culture for millennia, with Pardaran being the birthplace of some of the earliest complex musical instruments, while the regions of [[Khazestan]] and [[Irvadistan]] are known to be the birthplaces of the earliest recorded scenes of singing. In Pardaran, at several historical sites, evidence has been found to reveal the use of vertical and horizontal harp like instruments as early as 3,000 BCE. Similar depictions have been found across sites in Khazestan, Irvadistan and southern [[Tsabara]], either indicating a natural spread of these Pardarian instruments or their exportation along with the rise of Pardarian empires.
[[File:Mehmoonifinal2.jpg|250px|thumb|left|A Gorsanid-era painting of a feast with female singers and instrumental players.]]
The [[Rise of Irfan]] during the late third century BCE gave way to the rise of vocal music as a means of conveying messages or themes. According to historical records, it was common during the [[First Heavenly Dominion]] for city streets to be “calmed by the melody of reciters.” The courts of the [[Towliatdar]]s to have large groups of singers and reciters, who would sing songs “praising and celebrating the conquests of the Irfanic armies and of the Angels of God”. Mecarius, a prominent Solarian historian wrote in 118 BC, “across the lands of Irfan, there is song, walking bands of robed men sing songs of conquest, victory and noble deeds in service to their God.” During the [[Second Heavenly Dominion]], many of the traditional instruments of Zorasan were developed. Zorasani traditional musical instruments including the {{wp|qanun}}, {{wp|setar}}, {{wp|sorna}}, {{wp|ney}}, {{wp| tompak}} and {{wp|naqareh}}.
During the late [[Gorsanid Empire|Gorsanid period]], music in Zorasan was significantly curtailed by Mozaffah Ali Shah, who saw music as a “temptress of desire, sin and wickedness.” His hardline interpretation of Irfanic scripture was backed by the then [[Custodian of the Faith]], [[Ali Reza Shuradi]], who issued a localised Ishtihar in support of the monarch’s effective ban on music across the Gorsanid Empire in 1804. The ban would decimate the musical scene in Zorasan for decades, the maintaining of the ban by Mozaffah Shah’s successors lengthened what the historian, Ruhollah Mousavi called “the barren wasteland of Zorasani culture.” The [[Etrurian conquest of Zorasan]] during the 1840s through to 1860 resulted in the ban being adopted by the new Etrurian colonial authorities, who sought to maintain cordial relations with the Irfanic religious hierarchy.
The ban and Ishtihar would ultimately be lifted in 1924 by Etrurian authorities and with the support of Custodian [[Ashavazdar Saif ad-Din Tatar]], this led to an explosion of musical experimentation and the embrace of Euclean music types, including {{wp|opera}} from [[Etruria]]. In 1925, the [[Shahdom of Pardaran]], an Etrurian protectorate, established the Imperial Philharmonic Orchestra by order of [[Ahmad Reza Shah]]. The 1920s saw a renaissance of traditional Zorasani music, as well as fusions of modern and classical.
[[File:Palmyra concert - panoramio.jpg|290px|thumb|right|The [[Symphony in the Desert]] is an annual classical music festival held in the ruins of Salutia, a [[Solarian Empire]]-era city.]]
Music would become highly regulated and censored in the post-independence period by all subsequent Zorasani national governments. The [[Zorasani Rahelia|Rahelian]] monarchies would revert back toward the restriction of music to only traditional genres and non-vocalised songs, while in the [[Union of Khazestan and Pardaran]], music would be utilised solely for propagandistic purposes, further stunting the emergence of modern genres.
Following Zorasani unification in 1980, censorship of music was augmented toward aligning with Irfanic principles and values. Though various modern genres were permitted to emerge, such as {{wp|hip-hop}} and {{wp|pop music}}, artists were subject to a strict regimen of rules on lyrics. In 1984, the Zorasani government established the [[Musical Champions List]], a registered of authorised artists, who required membership in order to see their work published by state-owned record labels.
During the [[Saffron Era]] (1990-2005), censorship of music was significantly liberalised, leading the rise of {{wp|jazz}}, {{wp|rap}} and embrace of Euclean genres such as {{wp|grunge}} and {{wp|Grime (music genre)|grime}}. However, the [[Turfan]] which brought about the collapse of the Saffron Era also reinstituted many of the restrictions on music, especially those imported from [[Euclea]] or the [[Asterias]]. Domestic genres therefore blossomed, with government support in place of foreign genres. Today, {{wp|Trap music (EDM)|electronic trap}}, {{wp|dance music}}, {{wp|pop music|pop}} are popular among younger generations, while older generations are known to popularise Rahelian and Pasdani language songs by singers such as {{Wp|Umm Kulthum|Fatimah Saadi}}. Restrictions on the mixing of men and women in enclosed spaces has limited Zorasan's capacity to host large music festivals or dance clubs, though Zorasan is renowned for its underground {{wp|rave}}s that are poorly policed.
=== Cinema ===
=== Literature ===
=== Architecture ===
<gallery mode=packed heights=100 style="font-size:88%;line-height:120%">
File:نمای سی و سه پل از روبروی میدان انقلاب.jpg|Golden Bridge in Javanrud
File:Ancient_ziggurat_at_Ali_Air_Base_Iraq_2005.jpg|Great Ziggurat of Ardu in northern Irvadistan
File:Naghshe_Jahan_Square_Isfahan_modified.jpg|Square of the Emissaries in Borazjan
File:Museum_of_Islamic_arts_SOP.jpg|Museum of Irfanic Art in At-Turbah
File:Azadi_tower_9.jpg|The Enqehlab Tower in [[Zahedan]]
File:Gravkammare_2.jpg|Pre-Irfanic Arab tombs in Khazestan's Wadi Tariqh
</gallery>
=== Sport ===
[[File:IttehadStadium.png|250px|thumb|right|Ettehad Stadium in Zahedan is north Coius' largest football stadium.]]
With two thirds of the population under the age of 25, many sports are played in Zorasan. The most popular sport in Zorasan is {{wp|association football}}. Zorasan has seen some success at international games, having won the Inter-Coian Cup on eight occassions. Zorasan has qualified for the [[Coup de Monde]] on several occassions, while Zorasani players have secured careers in numerous Euclean based clubs. Zorasan operates a four-tier football league, with the [[Union Pro League]] being the premier tier for club football. [[Shahin Borazjan]] is the most successful club in Zorasan, having won the UPL over 16 times since its creation in 1980, while [[Pasdaran Zahedan]] is the second most successful team.
[[File:TanguzSki.png|250px|thumb|left|The Tanguz Ski resort's highest station.]]
The second most popular sport in Zorasan is {{wp|volleyball}}, which is also popular in the beach form in [[Riyadha]]. The Zorasani Invictus volleyball team has won bronze, silver and gold medals on numerous occasions, while the Zorasani female volleyball team has consistently beaten the men’s team in medals at the Invictus and Coian games, while also leading the table at numerous international championships.
[[File:KhazestanDragonBoat.png|250px|thumb|left|Dragon boat racing is also popular with the annual At-Turbah Water Festival hosting races.]]
As national incomes increased since the late 1980s, {{wp|skiing}} has emerged as a widely popular sport. Owing to the geography of the [[Tinnin Plateau]], Zorasan operates some of the most widely acclaimed skiing resorts in Coius. The quality of Zorasan’s ski slopes has also seen a major interest in {{wp|snowboarding}}, while non-skiing mountainous sports include {{wp|hiking}}, {{wp|rock climbing}}, and {{wp|mountain climbing}}. Competitive {{wp|cycling}} is found predominately in eastern Zorasan, where many enjoy the routes provided by the [[Shahrestar Forests]], efforts are underway to establish an annual {{wp|bicycle race}} in the region for international competitors. 
{{wp|Cricket}} is a popular sport for some young Zorasanis, especially in [[Riyadha]], where it was introduced by [[Estmere|Estmerish]] soldiers during [[Zorasani unification]]. The sport has expanded to include teams across the rest of the country and is one of the fastest growing sports in the country.
{{wp|Dragon boat|Dragon boat racing}}, imported from [[Xiaodong]] is popular in coastal regions of Zorasan, with the annual Dragon Boat Race in [[Izdihar al-Mina]] standing as a major fixture for the sport. {{wp|Sailing}} has also risen to be a popular sport for coastal regions, with national racing championships being held annually across the Parishar Gulf coast.
Other competitive sports popular in Zorasan include {{wp|freestyle wrestling}} and the {{wp|Pahlevani and zoorkhaneh rituals|varzesh-e pahlavāni}} style native to Pardaran. Wrestling is the sport of the Pardaran Union Republic and one of the national sports of Zorasan. Zorasani wrestlers have won international championships on numerous occasions. {{wp|Polo}} is a sport prominent among middle-class Zorasanis and is believed to originate from ancient Pardaran.
=== Cuisine ===
[[File:Masgouf.jpg|290px|thumb|right|The carp-based {{wp|Masgouf}} is a popular dish from [[Riyadha]].]]
The cuisine of Zorasan varies from region to region and draws upon numerous influences. The differences are most marked between the Union Republics, though a unified national cuisine does exist, it is often deferred for the unique cuisines of the local region or state. As such, Zorasani cuisine is usually divided into several categories:
* “Zorasani Cuisine”: The fusion of all influences, though it is mostly comprised of [[Pardaran|Pardarian]] dishes. The most popular dish is Bareh Zorasani, lamb flavoured with saffron and or parsley, served upon a bed of {{wp|Basmati rice}}, which is grown in the marshes of the [[Harat River|Harat Delta]] in [[Irvadistan]], Khazi {{wp|Tabbouleh}} salad stands as a side dish. The most common drink among all Zorasanis is {{wp|tea}}.
* “Pardarian Cuisine”: Pardaran’s location has seen its cuisine draw on influences from [[Satria]] and [[Xiaodong]], as such many of its dishes though meat based, utilise a wide variety of herbs, spices and fruit. Many of its meat dishes are served with the meat being grilled as a {{wp|kebab}}, alongside rice and either {{wp|flatbread}} or variants of the Satrian {{wp|naan bread}}, these dishes come with varieties of salad, which can include certain fruits such as {{wp|plum}}s and {{wp|pomegranate}}s. Side dishes can include yoghurt, {{wp|tzatziki|mast-o-khiar}} or vegetables in raw or pickled form.
* “Khazi-Ninevahi cuisine:” The Khazi-Ninevahi cuisine is mostly meat dependant and is centered around the use of potatoes, rice, vegetables and mostly brown meats, such as camel. Western Khazestan is known to include numerous influences from Pardarian cuisine, with the use of fruits and herbs for taste. The region shares the {{wp|Kabsa}} with its Rahelian neighbours, though in comparison to Riyadha, the meat is near universally chicken, camel or beef, the rice can be interchanged for a {{wp|murtabak}}, a pan-fried pancake type dish that includes salad or picked vegetables.
[[File:Machboos.JPG|290px|thumb|left|{{wp|Kabsa}} is popular among the {{wp|Arabs|Rahelian}} [[Union Republics of Zorasan|Union Republics]] of Zorasan and is served fish, shrimp or meat depending on the region.]]
* “Riyadhi cuisine:” Owing to its peninsula location, the Riyadhi cuisine is significantly more marine in nature than the other regions of Zorasan. The use of {{wp|shrimp}} and {{wp|fish}} is universal, while meats are still consumed, fish remains the staple food of Riyadha. The most popular dish in Riyadha, is a fish or shrimp based {{wp|Kabsa}}, which is a mixed rice served with spices and vegetables.
* “Irvadi cuisine:” Owing to the vital socio-cultural importance of the Harat River, the Irvadi cuisine is significantly more imbued with the use of freshwater fish than the other regions of Zorasan. The most popular dish and of the Union Republic is {{wp|Masgouf}}, grilled {{wp|carp}} which is usually served with sliced lemon or lime, with a side of salad. The Irvadi cuisine also draws significant influence from [[Tsabara]], with starters including {{wp|meze}}, there also exists in Irvadi cuisine a wide use of dips and sauces, with {{wp|hummus}}, while {{wp|keffe}} and {{wp|Kibbeh}} being popular side dishes.
[[File:Kebab Bakhtyari.jpg|290px|thumb|right|The Pardarian based Bareh Zorasani is the national dish of Zorasan.]]
=== Media ===
Zorasan has one of the lowest rankings for freedom of the press in both Coius and the [[Kylaris|world]]. Since 2015, it has ranked as the highest in the world the number of imprisoned journalists. Activities regarding communications and information are subject to the authority or two primary bodies, the Union Ministry for Irfanic Culture and National Harmony and the military run [[State Commission for Societal Defence]]. Both bodies share jurisdiction over the [[State Administration for Broadcasting and Religious Propagation]], which is the country’s censor.


The first newspapers to be printed in Zorasan came about in the mid-19th century in wake of its colonisation by [[Etruria]]. Many of these newspapers were owned by Etrurians and were focused on producing pro-Etrurian headlines and biases toward the small but influential literate class of Zorasan. Following independence and the fracturing of Zorasan into the various smaller nation-states, local newspapers emerged. In wake of the founding of the UZIR in 1980, virtually all these newspapers were shuttered and banned, with only state media permitted until 1986, when the country began to liberalise.


Today, all major newspapers in Zorasan print two identical editions, one in {{wp|Farsi|Pasdani}} and one in {{wp|Arabic language|Rahelian}}. The most widely circulated include, [[Ettehad]], [[Hamestaghi]], [[Resalat]], [[Al-Ghad]], [[Assabeel]] and the military printed [[Ejlal]]. The [[Parishar Financial Times]] and the [[Zorasan Today]] are two of the most widely circulated international newspapers. The country’s leading newspapers are based in [[Zahedan]], [[Izdhar al-Mina]] and [[Faidah]].
[[File:UCTVstudio.png|290px|thumb|left|The UCTV studio in [[Izdhar al-Mina]].]]
Zorasan first saw the introduction of television in 1956 in [[Confederation of Riyadha|Riyadha]], who was followed by the [[Union of Khazestan and Pardaran]] in 1958. Full colour programming did not arise in Zorasan until 1979, though special state broadcasts and messages were broadcasted in colour from 1974. Since 1980, the largest media group and broadcaster has been [[Union Central Television]], the public broadcaster. Between 1985 and 2005, the number of privately owned and independent broadcasters reached a height of 14, however, in wake of the [[Tufan]] in 2005-06 and the restoration of authoritarian governance, that number has fallen to five. The [[Community of Nations]] has criticised this state of affairs, claiming all five private broadcasters are owned by individuals or companies closely aligned with the Zorasani state. Approximately 65% of households across Zorasan have access to international television channels through satellite dishes, though there are no restrictions on their use, some channels, such as foreign news broadcasts are blocked by the Zorasani government. 


Internet was introduced to Zorasan in late 1992 and the country remains one of the fastest growing in terms of internet access. As of 2019, an estimated 72.4% have access to the internet, while 79.4% of those with access are active internet users. Since the 1990s, the Zorasani government has operated numerous schemes aimed at securing 100% access, while since 2015, the government has been focused on rolling out {{wp|broadband}} access across the entire country. As of 2018, an estimated 60.4% of the population had access to broadband. Since 2016, the government has also actively funded numerous digital start-ups, with the {{wp|e-commerce}} company, [[DigiEbtehaj]] rising to become the third largest domestic company of its type in Coius, with 10.8 million visitors per day and more than 36.4 million subscribers.


No social media site in Zorasan has been blocked, though the security services have been known to use social media activities for repression, including digital honey-traps, punishing individuals for posts critical of the government.


[[Category:Zorasan]]
[[Category:Zorasan]]
[[Category:Kylaris]]
[[Category:Kylaris]]
[[Category:Countries (Kylaris)]]

Latest revision as of 21:58, 7 November 2023

Template:Region icon Kylaris

Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics
4 other official names
  • Pasdani:اتحاد جماهیرعرفانی زرصانی
    Ettehād-ye Jamaheer-ye Erfāni-ye Zorasāni
    Rahelian:الاتحاد الجمهوريات العرفانية الكرصانية
    al-Ittiḥād al-Jumhūrīyyat al-Irfānīyyah al-Kurṣāniyyah
    Kexri:اتحاد جمهوريات عرفاني
    Yekîtî Qorazānî Irfanî Komarên
    Togoti:اتحادیه عرفانی جمهوری های قوروزان
    Birlik Irfaniy Qorozan Respublikalar
Emblem of Zorasan
Emblem
Motto: 

National ideology: Sattarism
Anthem: 
Great Seal
Emblem of the UNIR.png
Zorasan in blue, Coius in light blue and claimed territories in dark blue
Zorasan in blue, Coius in light blue and claimed territories in dark blue
CapitalSattarishar, UTC
Largest cityZahedan
Official languagesRahelian
Pardarian
Recognised regional languagesKexri
Syriati
Yanogu
Ethnic groups
See Ethnicity
Religion
State religion:
Irfan (Arta and Hasawi)
Constitutionally recognised minority religions:
Maronite Catholicism, Atuditism, Zoroastrianism, Druze
Demonym(s)Zorasani (common)
Sattari (official)
GovernmentFederal Sattarist single-party state
Rahim Ali Haftar
Gafur Qahhor
Sadavir Hatami
Adavazdar Golzadari
Ibrahim Al-Fahim
LegislatureSupreme Assembly of the Union
Established
10 December 1979
• Established
1 January 1980
• Turfan
February-July 2005
13 July 2008
Area
• Total
5,471,003 km2 (2,112,366 sq mi)
• Water (%)
1.3%
Population
• 2023 estimate
Increase 328,260,173
• 2020 census
320,429,199
• Density
59.99/km2 (155.4/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)2022 estimate
• Total
Increase $6.337 trillion (4th)
• Per capita
$19,035
GDP (nominal)2022 estimate
• Total
Increase $2.406 trillion (9th)
• Per capita
$7,332
Gini48.9
high
HDI0.784
high
CurrencyZorasani toman (₮) (ZOT)
Date formatdd.mm.yyyy
Driving sideleft
Calling code+39
ISO 3166 code.ZO

Zorasan, officially known as the Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics is a Sattarist federal one-party state located in northern Coius. It is bordered by Tsabara and Behera to the north, Mabifia and Dezevau to the east, Shangea to the south, Ajahadya and Gulbistan to the west and is bound to the northwest by the Gulf of Parishar. Zorasan is the third largest country in the world with 5,471,003 km2 (2,112,366 sq mi) in land area, and with 328.26 million inhabitants as of 2023, it is the fourth most populous country in the world, though with a population density of 59.99/km2 (155.4/sq mi). Its capital is Sattarishahr, while other major urban areas include Zahedan, Borazjan (Pardarian UR), Faidah (Khazi UR), Sadah (Irvadi UR), Ad-Daydh (Ninevahi UR) and Mina Majid (Riyadhi UR).

Zorasan is the site of ancient civilisations, some the oldest in the world. The first recorded organised civilisation to emerge in the 5th century BCE was the Galdian civilisation, which inhabited the area now known as Ashkezar in northwestern Pardaran. The world's first written language in the form of Cuneiform emerged in modern-day Khazestan through the Ebtarian civilisation in 3,200 BCE. The Pardarian kingdoms would first be united in 2,100 BCE by the Sorsanid Empire which expanded to become one of the largest empires in early history and seized much of modern-day Zorasan. The empire would be succeeded by the Arasanid Empire in around 600 BCE, which would later see the emergence of a new monotheistic faith in the form of Irfan in the 320s BCE, and was ultimately overthrown in 300 BCE by the prophet Ashavazdar Fereydun, who established the First Heavenly Dominion, which expanded militarily to reconstitute the Sorsanid's territory and spreading the faith. In 50 BCE, the Second Heavenly Dominion succeeded the first and continued the Irfanic conquests across much of northern Coius and into parts of Bahia and Satria, itself forming one of the largest empires in history, under the Second Heavenly Dominion, the Irfanic world underwent a golden age of scientific and cultural discovery. The Third Heavenly Dominion succeeded the Second in 953 AD and would be marred by external invasions, decline and internecine violence before being overthrown by the Gorsanid dynasty, which reconstituted an imperial monarchy for the first time since the Arasanid Empire.

The Gorsanid Empire would rule over what would form modern-Zorasan for five centuries until it was defeated by various Togoti warlords in the 17th century, who established the Togoti Khaganate who would rule much of modern Zorasan until their own overthrow by the Khardarid Khaganate. During this time, the region underwent significant decline in culture, economic output and development, though this would be turned around in 1703 with the Gorsanid Restoration. However, the Togoti domination coupled with the Gorsanid inability to modernise fundamentally weakened the Empire in relation to its growing Euclean rivals, who began several colonial efforts to gain control over the empire's resources and key trade routes. Beginning the 1820s, the Etrurian conquest of Zorasan through several conflicts and forced unequal treaties eventually led to the empire's collapse and the partition of its territory by Etruria under the Treaty of Povelia, which established several colonial dominions, protectorates and treaty ports. Under Etrurian colonial rule, there would be several localised and regional uprisings and by late 19th century a resurgence in nationalism, though in often competing forms. In 1918, the Khordad Rebellion began and would last until 1922, though defeated the rebellion gave way to the Pardarian Revolutionary Resistance Command under the leadership of Mahrdad Ali Sattari, who authored Sattarism and was the most prominent advocate for the reunification of the former Gorsanid Empire. Zorasan would serve as a front in the Great and Solarian wars during the 1930s and 1940s, suffering extensive destruction. In the latter stages of the Solarian War, the Greater Solarian Republic was forced to conduct a full-scale withdrawal from Coius, abandoning its colonial possessions, within the power vacuum, several states would emerge out of the former colonies and protectorates - the Kexri Free Republic, Emirate of Irvadistan, Kingdom of Khazestan and the Emirates of Riyadha, while Pardaran was divided between the former protectorate Sublime State of Pardaran, the Pardaran Revolutionary Resistance Command, the Ashkezar Republic and numerous local warlords. In 1950, the Pardarian Revolutionary Resistance Command defeated its rival factions in the Pardarian Civil War, this was swiftly followed by the Khazi Revolution and in 1952, the two countries united to form the Union of Khazestan and Pardaran marking the beginning of Zorasani Unification. This three-decade long effort was marked by ideological tensions, terrorism and two major conflicts, the First and Second Rahelian wars, which pitted the UKP against first the Zubaydi Rahelian Federation, though the Federation was overthrown in a socialist revolution, establishing the United Rahelian People's Republic. In 1976, the UKP and URPR went to war and after thirteen months of conflict, the URPR was defeated and the UKP established the Provisional Revolutionary Government of Irvadistan and Riyadha, this was followed in 1979 by the Union Republic Referendum which would lead to a victorious vote for the establishment of the Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics, which was officially founded in 1980.

The UZIR was established under a one-party system governed by the National Renovation Front and throughout the 1980s, was forced to focus primarily on repressing various revolts and uprisings against Zorasani unification within Irvadistan, as well as rebuilding a country that suffered near forty-years of conflict and instability. Through unification however, Zorasan quickly became the world's largest producer of oil and other hydrocarbons which enabled rapid reconstruction. In 1990, a reformist Front administration took power, heralding the Saffron Era in which the economy, governance and culture were liberalised. From 1990 to 2003, Zorasan recorded on average 10% GDP growth and over 90 million people were lifted out of poverty, while the population boomed from 111 million to 195 million by 2012. In 2000, the NRF government led by Ekrem Dalan began enacting broader and more reckless reforms that caused severe disruption to the economy and exacerbated the worsening crisis of inequality and social tensions. These issues erupted into civil unrest in 2005 and worsened by the manipulations of the Zorasani military who opposed the reform agenda. The Dalan-led government was removed from office in a constitutional coup and was replaced with the Interim Governing Authority which held power until 2008 during which time it re-wrote the national constitution. Many reforms were rollbacked and economic growth returned to high rates. In 2015, a new administration took power which continued steady reforms of the economy maintaining growth. In 2021, this administration was removed from office for corruption following a brief political crisis.

Today, Zorasan is considered a major power and with significant economic, military, cultural and religious influence, as well as possessing nuclear weapons. Due to being the site of the world’s largest proven oil reserves and its high production, Zorasan is considered an energy superpower. Zorasan is a founding member of the Irfanic Cooperative Congress, the International Forum for Developing States, the Rongzhuo Strategic Protocol Organisation and a member of the Community of Nations, GIFA and the ITO.

Etymology

The roots of the name Zorasan can be traced back to the Middle Pasdani "Xwarāsān", meaning "Land of the Sun." It was first used to denote the expanse of territories under the Arasanid Empire, when in 325 BCE, Shah Farrokhan II proclaimed his empire to be the "greatest expanse under the Sun" in a series of poems written in that year. His coining of the term was adopted by the First Heavenly Dominion during the Rise of Irfan, when the Prophet Ashavazdar, declared his intention to "free all Zorasan from the bounds of ignorance." The term from its inception until the Pardarian Civil War in the late 1940s, was rarely used to denote a singular polity, but rather a geographical region, under the Arasanids it denoted the imperial heartlands, which corresponded mostly to the modern bounderies of Zorasan, while under the Heavenly Dominions, "Zorasan" was used to denote the entirety of the Irfanic World, often due to the metaphorical comparison of the Sun to Khoda. Its relationship with the rise and spread of Irfan, alongside the definable boundries of Zorasan provided by the Shahs enabled the term to become culturally and political engrained in both the Pardarian and Rahelian peoples.

The use of "Zorasan" as a geographical term continued under the post-Dominion Pasdani empires and would see continued use by Etruria following the Conquest of Zorasan. The dismemberment of Gorsanid Zorasan in 1860 by the Etrurian colonial authorities saw "Zorasan" fall out of official use as the Etrurians sought to identify their colonial posessions independently of one another to deter a unified uprising. Between 1860 and 1946, the Etrurian colonies in Zorasan were collectively referred to as the "Southern Dominions" (Vespasian: Domini Meridionali), while the various underground anti-colonial movements maintained the use of Zorasan illicitly.

Following the de-colonisation of Zorasan in 1946, in wake of the Solarian War, the term's use fell exclusively to political figures in Pardaran, as the Rahelian states emerging out of the Etrurian colonies strove to secure independent national identities. However, the term Zorasan remained highly popular among the rural and urban poor classes, who saw Zorasan as a moniker for a pre-colonial time of prosperity, unity and independence. The Pardarian Civil War and rise of Renovationism in wake of the Khazi Revolution resulted in Zorasan's useage returning to the norm and was subject to considerable propaganda, fuelled by Pan-Zorasanism and Zorasani unification. The completion of unification in 1980 saw "Zorasan" be adopted as the official name of the unified country.

History

Prehistoric

Classical antiquity

Rise of Irfan

Heavenly Dominions

Medieval

Early modern period

Khaganates

Gorsanid Restoration

Etrurian conquest

Modern

Colonial Zorasan

Zorasani unification (1946-1980)

Since unification

Geography

Zorasan has a total area of 5,471,003 km2 (2,112,366 sq mi), making it the third largest country in world and the second largest in Coius after Shangea. Zorasan borders Tsabara, Behera to the north-north-east, Mabifia to east, as well as Devezau where the border is also demarcated by Lake Zindarud, one of the largest lakes in the world. To the south, it borders Shangea via the Kharkestar Corridor. To the west it borders Ajahadya and Gulbistan. To the direct north is the Gulf of Parishar, where Zorasan also possesses the Khazal Islands. Northwestern Zorasan has a coastline along the Acheolian Sea.

Zorasan consists of four distinct geographical areas, the Ashkezar Plain in the northwest, the Great Steppe, from which comes the Tinnin Plateau, the Hamun-e Faravani Plain and the foothills of the Hajjar Mountains, located along the country's northeastern borders with Mabifia and Behera. The most populous areas of Zorasan are the Ashkezar Plain and the Tinnin Plateau both of which are located in Pardaran. It is the rugged hills that emerge out of the Great Steppe that form the majority of Zorasan's mountainous regions in the form of the Tinnin Plataeu which contains Mount Fereydun, the highest point in the country at 5,615m (18,421 ft). The second highest point in Zorasan is Mount Kassoun, in Irvadistan and is located in the lower Hajjar Mountains, standing at 3,210m (10,531 ft). Much of Zorasan is dominated by vast tracts of open savanna plains, deciduous forests and shrublands. Northern Irvadistan transitions into arid and desert terrain, and is marked by the Almarana Depression which is 19,605 km2 (7,570 sq mi) is total area and on average 60m (200ft) below sea-level. The Great Steppe which constitutes most of southwestern Pardaran is a vast flat plain and rests at a higher altitude of 1,000m (3,280ft) above sea-level.

Zorasan's most prominent rivers include the Fiḍḍa River (2,394km) which is sourced from Lake Sattari and bisects Irvadistan from south to east-to-west before entering the Gulf of Parishar at Khadal. This is followed by the Abzâr River (2,102km) which is formed through the conjoining of the Qashanrud and Sabar rivers, both of which flow from the Great Steppe, the Abzâr deposits in the Acheolian Sea via Dahanesar.

Zorasan is also the site of three major lakes, Lake Zindarud which it shares a maritime border with Dezevau is one of the largest in the world, with a total area of 143,503km2 (55,406 sq mi), followed by Lake Jahandar at 20,070km2 (7,749 sq mi) and Lake Sattari at 7,902km2 (3,050 sq mi). However, Lake Jahandar is believed to have lost over 80% of its volume since 1980 owing to over-exploitation, poor water management and climate change.

Climate

Biodiversity

  • Lots of animals, birds and plants species
  • Shahrezan, Khojir and Hijjar rainforests
  • Rapid deforestation and limited conservation

Environmental issues

  • Soil degredation
  • Deforestation
  • Water shortages (misuse and over-exploitation)
  • Pollution (air, water and soil)

Government and politics

Zorasan according to its constitution is a federation of nine Union Republics under a one-party state. However, in reality since the 2008 constitution, it functions as a highly centralised hybrid one-party-military state. It is self-described as a “revolutionary union guided and defined in its activities by Sattarist National Renovationism and the legacy of the Union Fathers.” Alongside the constitution, Zorasan is also governed by the Six Articles of Union and Conformity, which establishes the standards of individual and collective behaviour and actions of Zorasanis. The National Renovation Front is the ruling political party and sole legal political entity, it is estimated to have 18.6 million members, making it one of the largest parties in the world and is one of the two dominant features of politics and every day life.

The Zorasani constitution defines the state as comprised of three branches, the Central Authority coalesced around the Central Committee of State, Council of Union Ministers, Supreme Council of the Armed Forces and the State Commission for Administration. The second is the Supreme Assembly of the Union and the third, the Supreme Committee for Irfanic Affairs.

The constitution identifies Zorasan as operating a trifecta of “state officers” who wield considerable executive and state power. State President of the Union, who also holds the titles of ; head of state, Secretary-General of the National Renovation Front and Co-Chairman of the Central Committee of State. The incumbent State President is Rahim Ali Haftar. The head of government is the First Minister of the Union, who also serves as the Chairman of the Council of Union Ministers, Secretary-General of the State Commission for Administration and Chief Representative to the Supreme Assembly of the Union. The incumbent First Minister is Gafor Qahor. The third office of the executive is the First Marshal of the Union, the country’s highest ranking military officer who also serves as Co-Chairman of the Central Committee of State, Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and Supreme Commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces.

The Supreme Assembly of the Union is the unicameral parliament of Zorasan.

The Central Authority is centred around the Central Committee of State, which is the highest decision-making body within the country. Its members are drawn from the highest-ranking officials of the NRF and the SCRAF. It is charged with deliberating and devising state policy and direction and has the final say on all matters. Though the Central Committee holds jurisdiction over all branches of government it is widely seen as the apex of executive power. Directly subordinate to the Central Committee is the Council of Union Ministers (the cabinet of Zorasan), which is chaired by the First Minister and holds 24 ministers and five State Commissioners, the President of the Union Central Bank, the Chairman of the National Economic Coordination Committee and the Chairman of the National Academies. The State Commission for Administration, also headed by the First Minister is the body tasked with overseeing and guiding the civil service at the federal and state level, it is comprised of the First Minister, Governors of the Union Republics and two State Commissioners, the SCA is also subordinated directly to the Central Committee. The Supreme Council of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (SCRAF) is the body of the most senior uniformed leaders within the Union Ministry of National Defence, that advises the government on military matters. However, the SCRAF also wields political power, with the constitution mandating that SCRAF members also serve as the Union Ministers for Defence, Defence Ordinance Production and for State Intelligence and Security. The SCRAF also appoints officers to serve as heads of the State Commissions for Societal Defence, Popular Security and for Spiritual Mobilisation. The third element to the Central Authority is the Supreme Committee for Irfanic Affairs, which is headed by the Supreme Custodian of the Faith, Zorasan's highest ranking Irfanic cleric and a number of subordinate clerics chosen by them. The SCIA is tasked with producing social and moral policies, directions and guidance, as well as observing and directing the Irfanic court system.

The Union Quarter of Sattarishahr is the seat of every major Zorasani political and party institution.

The legislative branch of Zorasan is formed through the unicameral Supreme Assembly of the Union (SAU). It has 540 members, of which 130 are elected by state legislatures (10 from each Union Republic, Union Municipality and Union Territory), the military appoints 200 members and a further 200 are appointed by the Central Committee on the basis of their contributions to society. Its members are appointed or elected every five years following the Revolutionary Command Congress and how unlimited term limits. Under the country's constitution, the Assembly is structured as a unicameral legislature, with the power to legislate and oversee the daily operations of the government, the supreme court, special committees, the Union Procuratorate, the State Commissions and hold ministers to account through bi-monthly hearings and reviews. Notably, the Assembly lacks the power of the purse and limited legislative initiative powers. However, the Assembly can propose legislation in certain policy areas, while international treaties, declarations of war and constitutional amendments require majority votes by the Assembly to come into force.

National Renovation Front and armed forces

Since the Turfan and the new constitution adopted in 2008, the basic law of Zorasan declares, “the foundation of the Union is the leadership of the National Renovation Front and the preservation of the Sattarist National Renovationist way of life through the guardianship of the Armed Forces.” The 2008 amendments constitutionalised the one-party state together with the considerable role afforded to the military, leading many to describe Zorasan as a totalitarian one-party militaristic hybrid regime. The amendments also constitutionalised the collective leadership of the NRF and state by declaring the Central Committee of State the “ultimate holder and purveyor of power and authority over all state and government.”

The military plays a prominent role in political and daily life within Zorasan.

The Zorasani political system through the NRF is notably lacking in any form of popular democracy, while being pyramidal in structure, only registered party members may engage in secret ballots to elect members of the local party offices and committees. From the local level up toward the national, political office is filled via appointment by the level above on the basis of merit and record. The promotion and elevation of officers through the party ranks is vetted and overseen by the Party Office for General Management and Record, who may veto the decisions of party committees. The NRF's structure is devised to mirror the political structure of Zorasani federalism, with party structures at the local, district, provincial, Union Republic and national levels, each is subordinate to the one above, with the national level theoretically subordinating all others below it, negating the Zorasani constitutional claim of operating federalism.

The Zorasani military alongside the NRF is present in all areas of political and daily life and retains considerable control and influence over the political system, often to such a degree that many argue that the NRF is in fact subordinate to the military. Military personnel below the rank of Brigadier General are prohibited from being party members, those at that rank and above are often found on key committees both at the state and national levels. The military’s control of the Union Ministry of State Intelligence and Security, together with AKHID, the National Security and Protection Service and the Popular Security Directorate affords the military unmatched power in the realms of domestic security and repression. The NRF for its part only retains control over the Union Directorate for Law Enforcement (police) and the Union Office for Political Security.

National ideology

The Zorasani constitution declares “Sattarist National Renovationism as the foundation upon which the nation is built.” It is viewed as the embodiment of the Sattari people and the manifestation of the shared spirit of the country and provides the means to “preserve, protect and unleash the national potential.” While the ideology predates the Union, having been formulated in the 1920s by Mahrdad Ali Sattari and the leaders of the Pardarian Revolutionary Resistance Command, it was adopted and enshrined within the constitution in 1980 upon the foundation of the Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics. Its core principles are collectivism, militarism, nationalism and the pursuit of modernisation. Throughout the 1980s, a series of “Ideological and Political Reaffirmations” were announced, establishing the role of private business and capitalistic policies. Since the 1980s and specifically 2008, Sattarism has evolved, seeing a decrease in state control over the social elements of everyday life, it still provides the groundwork for austere behaviour, self-sacrifice, discipline and the erosion of individualism for the greater whole, within the greater framework of a neo-mercantilist and state capitalist totalitarian state.

Notably, compared to other authoritarian states in Coius and elsewhere, ideologically speaking Sattarism does not provide space for a unifying singular head or leader, rather its commitment to collectivism both socially and politically elevates the state as a whole as the ultimate entity within political life. As living standards and wealth has increased since unification in 1980, the degree in which collectivism is promoted has increased in lock step. While the state advocates and supports the imposition of a profit-seeking economic model, it has endeavoured to do so by celebrating the collective contribution of citizens to that success. This includes the continued use of mass events, rallies and national holidays and the continued promotion of Ettehâd, the central tenet of Sattarist collectivism.

Administrative divisions

Accordingly to the Zorasani constitution, the country is a federation of nine constituent Union Republics, four Union Municipalities and three Union Territories. The federal system of Zorasan is highly centralised and provides very limited distribution of powers and responsibilities from the centre to the Union Republics, to such a degree that the federal system is widely perceived to be a mere administrative provision designed to ease the burden of governing a vast country.

The Union Republics as the primary administrative entities of Zorasan and operate governments that mirror the system used nationally; a collective executive Central Committee headed by a First Minister, a nominally rubber-stamp state legislature and annual Command Congresses run to hold the government to account and to review the works and records of office holders. However, the UR-governments are dependent upon the centre for policy, strategies and overall targets, though are provided some degree of autonomy in the way these are implemented or achieved. In 1980, the original founding Union Republics were Pardaran, Khazestan, Ninevah, Riyadha and Irvadistan, however, as a compromise to fears of Pardarian domination (it is the largest, wealthiest and most populous UR), Ravanistan, Janubistan and Bagatistan were established out of southeastern Pardaran, to ease border disputes between Ninevah, Khazestan and Irvadistan, Latifard was also established the same year. The Union Republics for their part are further divided into provinces (Ostaran) and districts (Baxš-hâ), the number of provinces and districts differs between each Union Republic.

The founding of the UZIR in 1980 also saw the inclusion of Union Territories, these administrative entities are governed directly by the Zorasani central government. In 1980, these included the Union Capital Territory of Sattarishahr (the city itself however was not completed until 1988) and the Khazal Islands in the Gulf of Parishar. Under the Zorasani constitution, the government can revoke a Union Republic’s status and govern it directly as a Union Territory, though only in emergency situations such as war, natural disaster or unrest. In 2021, the Dandan-ye Azdar was seized from Tsabara and was annexed into Zorasan as a Union Territory, however, it is expected to be transferred to the Irvadistan Union Republic by 2025.

In 1986, the Union Municipalities were established, these are cities and their environs granted the same nominal powers as Union Republic. This policy was devised to facilitate the establishment of the Special Industrial and Economic Zones (SPIEZs), but also to ease the administrative burden caused by rapid urbanisation taking place during the decade. The Union Municipalities like the URs operate governments mirroring the centre, however, they are led by Mayors rather than First Ministers and are also responsible for local government issues and services. The original Union Municipalities were Zahedan and the two holy cities of Irfan, Namrin and Kashashaveh, Mina Majid and Bandar-e Sattari were established as Union Municipalities in 1992 and 1995 respectively.

Map Name and flag Administrative centre Population Governor
Union Republics
Flag of Pardaran.png Pardaran Borazjan 120,127,663 TBD
Flag of Ravanistan.png Ravanistan Feryedunekar 14,598,112 TBD
Flag of Bagatistan.png Bagatistan Karandagh 13,662,583 TBD
Flag of Janubistan.png Janubistan Sarvandan 11,303,333 TBD
Flag of Khazestan.png Khazestan Faidah 53,775,214 TBD
Flag of Irvadistan.png Irvadistan Sadah 38,587,233 TBD
Flag of Riyadha.png Riyadha Ghalilah 10,954,125 TBD
Flag of Ninevah.png Ninevah Ad-Daydh 29,236,578 TBD
Flag of Latifard.png Latifard Urayjah 3,225,687 TBD
Union Municipalities
ZahedanUTCflag.png Zahedan Zahedan 18,258,621 Nasser Khosroshahi
Flag of Mina Majid.png Mina Majid Mina Majid 4,885,426 Hussein Al-Qasimi
[[File: |30px]] Bandar-e Sattari Bandar-e Sattari 3,887,456 Ershad Akhtar
Flag of Namrin.png Namrin Namrin 2,444,558 Mahmoud Gholfandiar
Flag of Kashashaveh.png Kashavasheh Kashavasheh 1,998,756 Ershad Akhtar
Union Territories
Flag of the Khazal Islands UT.png Khazal Islands Evazeh 30,583 Nikahang Kowsar
Flag of Dandan Azdar.png Dandan-ye Azdar Aaidmoun 26,225 Rayhm Hachatryan (military)
Flag of the UNIR.png Sattarishahr Sattarishahr 1,258,020 Abdolreza Karimi

Foreign relations

The official goal of the government of Zorasan is to establish a new world order based on world peace, global collective security, and international equality. Since the time of the Second Rahelian War, Zorasan's foreign relations have often been portrayed as being based on four strategic principles; eliminating outside influences in the immediate region, maintaining Zorasan as the leading power of northern Coius, securing Zorasani unification and pursuing extensive diplomatic contacts with developing and non-aligned countries, primarily in the wider Irfanic World (Rahelia and Bahia specifically). Zorasani foreign policy since 2008 has also been driven by principles of South-South cooperation and the abandonment of zero sum gain, especially in dealing with fellow developing nations.

Zorasan maintains close relations with Mabifia, Yemet, Sohar, Nise and to a lesser extent Behera. Since the outbreak of the Tsabaran Civil War, its relations with the Tsabaran government have collapsed into outright hostility. Due to Zorasan's political system and its status as a revisionist power, the country operates often antagonistic relations with the Euclean Community and its member states, primarily Estmere, Gaullica and Werania.

State President Rahim Ali Haftar with Shangea's State Chairman Yuan Xiannan in 2022.

Zorasan's closest relations are with Shangea, these ties are sufficiently deep in the political, economic and social realms that bi-lateral relations are often referred as the Rongzhuo-Zahedan Axis. Ties between Zorasan and Shangea are believed to date back to 1,200 BC, with regular contact and trade through the Shaleago Mountains and the Spice Road. It was not until the 20th century that relations began to become more formal and close. The hosting of the Pardarian Revolutionary Resistance Command in the 1920s by Shangea and the support provided to the group during the Pardarian Civil War, as well as to the Union of Khazestan and Pardaran during Zorasani Unification established the groundwork for the eventual emergence of the Axis. In regards to Shangea, following the Corrective Revolution when Ma Renzhong met Mahrdad Ali Sattari in 1957 both countries began to foster close political and economic ties as both countries were ruled by one-party governments intent on regional hegemony. Close cooperation between both governments became more prominent under Sun Yuting and Ghassan Ali Ghaddar, and have since Vahid Isfandiar and Yuan Xiannian held office seen a dramatic revival of ties. The government of Xi Yao-tong has furthered this policy, signing significant trade deals with Zorasan in 2016 and 2017, and an increase in military cooperation. Zorasan meanwhile has provided military and technological cooperation with Shangea, most prominently during the Third Duljunese-Shangean War. Together, Zorasan and Shangea have established multiple bodies including the Rongzhuo Strategic Protocol Organisation, the International Forum for Developing States and the Bank for United Development.

Zorasan is a member of the Community of Nations, Irfanic Cooperative Conference, GIFA, NAC and the ITO.

Law enforcement and internal security

Zorasan operates an eclectic legal system, which draws inspiration from multiple sources, notably civil law, Irfanic law and Sattarist legal theory. The Zorasani court system is divided into three formations, the Esafkar courts (Irfanic law), State Courts and Security Tribunals. The Esafkar court system is the only judicial branch to be entirely independent of the state and oversees the implementation of Irfanic law in social and moral matters only. The State Court system is the principal judicial branch, these matters and procedures are handled by the Supreme Court of the Union (highest court of appeal), provincial, municipal courts and popular courts. The Popular Courts are the lowest level within the system and operate in cities, towns, districts and urban districts. The Security Tribunals deal with political and military matters only.

With the exception of Irfanic judges, all legal officers in Zorasan are appointed by the state, through the Union Procuratorate and Union Ministry of Justice. Due to the penal code being based upon the principle of nullum crimen sine lege, the Zorasani penal code is one of the largest in the world, though Zorasan is known to extensively use ex post facto laws to criminalise individuals. The separated court system also corresponds to a “dual prison system” in which criminal and Irfanic offenders are incarcerated in the general prison system, those sentenced by the Security Tribunals are sentenced to the Habsedar, a network of labour camps throughout the country.

Officers of the Union Directorate of Law Enforcement.

Law enforcement in Zorasan is managed and directed by the Union Ministry of Internal Affairs, which oversees the Union Directorate of Law Enforcement (police, border controls and the coast guard) and the general prison system. In 2008, the Union Ministry of State Intelligence and Security was subordinated to the Supreme Council of the Revolutionary Armed Forces is tasked with domestic security and counterintelligence. This operates alongside the military’s intelligence service, AKHID, which is also tasked with domestic and foreign intelligence, counterintelligence, and the management of the Habsedar prison network. The military also manages the National Security and Protection Service which is tasked with protecting key facilities and sites and the Popular Security Directorate which is tasked with combatting drug, arms and human trafficking as well as organised crime.

Zorasan also operates two distinct popular grassroots organisations for enforcement of law and state repression, the largest being the Wolves, which also includes the Gorgan Guidance Patrol (morality police) as well as community-based organisations tasked with policing political and ideological loyalty. The other organisation is the network of Sar-Parast Aghtar or (Zone Wardens), these are NRF party members that operate in apartment blocks or pre-determined urban areas and are widely believed to serve as informants as well as managing the day-to-day political behaviour of their zone. The security apparatus in Zorasan is extensive, exerting influence and control over residences, travel, employment, family life and public behaviour. Zorasan’s security services are known to operate mass surveillance, informants and monitoring digital and cellular communications.

Human rights

Zorasan is widely perceived and accused of having among the worst human rights records in the world. While the degree of violations has decreased in severity since 1980, there remains “extensive abuses, restrictions and violations at a significant scale” according to the Community of Nations. There remain significant restrictions on the freedom of speech, expression, association, and movement, while arbitrary detention, torture, extrajudicial killing and excessive use of capital punishment remain.

In 2019, Liberty House conducted a study and argued that, “while social life may now be the freest it has been since unification, this is countered by the expansive use of disappearances, torture, arbitrary detention and the reliance upon the Graded Citizenry System, in which citizens are ranked publicly by their past and present behaviour in relation to the state.” In 2019 alone, an estimated 6,000 people were forcibly disappeared and likely sentenced to hard labour or prison time without due process or a trial.

The Union Ministry of State Intelligence and Security (UMSIS) together with AKHID are the principal violators of human rights in Zorasan. Both are known to extrajudicially apprehend and imprison individuals accused of political crimes, often without due process. Those individuals, together with perceived critics of the government, military and “Anti-Unity figures”, such as Badists and select ethnic minorities are often deported to the Habsedar prison camps. The Habsedar network includes hard labour camps, prisons and more notorious institutions such as Siyâh-ye Darre where tortue and ill-treatment is well-documented, including emotional, physical, psychological and sexual abuse.

According to Sergėtojai International, the Habsedar network’s labour camps often subject their inmates to harsh work, notably logging. In a joint study with the World Environmental Alliance, an estimated 60% of forest clearances in Zorasan are conducted by forced labourers. This work is often done in deplorable conditions, such as limited food and water rations, physical and emotional abuse by guards and the withholding of medical treatment in the event of accidents. Sergėtojai International estimates that between 3,500 and 5,000 people die a year within the Habsedar system.

In 2012, the Zorasani government introduced the Graded Citizenry System. The system categorises citizens into three classifications (red, yellow and green as seen on state issued ID cards), Green Citizens have no more restrictions upon their liberty than the law provides, Yellow Citizens are limited in movement and employment opportunities, while Red Citizens are those likely to have served prison time for political crimes, they are all but limited in movement to their immediate district and are essentially ostracised from society, having to rely upon menial state employment and being disbarred from accessing social venues such as cafes, restaurants and cinemas. A citizens’ grade must be presented in virtually every aspect of every-day life, while businesses and the state may access the national database at will, greatly affecting citizens’ ability to secure employment if not graded green.

Military

The Zorasani military operates four branches and is the largest military in the world.

The armed forces of Zorasan, officially the Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Army (ZIRA), comprises of 1,741,828 active and 2,100,000 reserve and paramilitary troops, making it the largest military in the world by total personnel. The ZIRA consists of the Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Land Forces (ZIRFL), Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Air Force (ZIRAF), Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Navy (ZIRN), the Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Airborne Troops (ZIRAT) and the National Protection Forces (NPF). The ZIRA also operates several "Inter-Service Commands", including the Central Air Defence Command (army-air force) and the Central Coastal Defence Command (army-air force-navy). Zorasan is unique in that neither the head of state or government are the commander-in-chief, this position is held by the Supreme Commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, a role afforded to the First Marshal of the Union, the highest ranking officer in the armed forces. The Zorasani military in political affairs and its relations with the government is conducted through the Supreme Council of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, the chiefs of staff. While under the constitution, the authority to declare and deploy the armed forces rests with the Supreme Assembly of the Union, both can be requested by the SCRAF. Under the 2008 constitution, the Zorasani parliament is widely perceived to be a rubber-stamp for SCRAF requests, including the deployment of Zorasani military forces outside the country’s borders.

Of the branches of the ZIRA, the Land Forces are the largest, consisting of 1,180,000 active personnel and 1,900,000 in reserve. It operates around 6,000 tanks, 11,000 armoured personnel carriers, 8,000 artillery pieces and 150-200 unmanned aerial vehicles. The Land Forces constitute the largest army in northern Coius and one of the largest in the world. The Air Force is also one of the largest in the world, operating 1,500 aircraft, of which 789 are combat aircraft, these include airframes from Soravia, Chistovodia, Shangea as well as domestically produced craft such as the SAI GR-7 Imam Ardashir, SAI Āzaraxš and SAI Tondar bomber. The ZIRAF also operates one of the largest drone fleets in the world, with numbers ranging from 200 to 350 drones of varying size in service. The Navy operates 311 vessels, including 38 submarines and two light aircraft carriers, the Mahrdad Ali Sattari and Javad Jahandar. The ZIRAT, is one of the world’s largest dedicated paratrooper forces, consisting of 50,000 active personnel and 30,000 reservists.

Since unification in 1980, the Zorasani government has invested heavily toward developing its own military industry, enabling since the 1980s to produce its own tanks, armoured personnel carriers, missiles, submarines, military vessels, air defence systems, radar systems, helicopters, and fighter planes. Since the 2000s, this effort has also moved toward the development of ballistic missiles such as the Fateh-110, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, notably the SAI Zamboor-2 and SAI Zamboor-3.

Every fit male Zorasani citizen otherwise not barred is required to serve in the military for a period ranging from a year to three years, dependent on education and job location. Zorasan does not recognise conscientious objection, but does provide for non-combat orientated roles, such as logistics and maintenance, though these roles are within the military.

Officially, Zorasan spends 4.1% of GDP on defence, estimated at $84.87 billion annually. The Zorasani military however, operates a business empire estimated to be worth over $350 billion, including majority shares in chemicals, steel, textiles and even hotel chains. The military also operates a 10% share in Zorgen, the state-owned petrochemical company. These corporate interests are managed through the Greater Soldier Foundation, there is little to no public record of how much revenue the military draws from its corporate holdings or how it is utilised, though studies by analysts believe that the Zorasani military operates a budget of $120 billion per annum, one of the highest in the world. This economic influence runs parallel to its significant political power and influence.

The Zorasani government supports the military activities of its allies in Yemet, Garambura, Ajahadya, Sohar and Nise with military and financial aid. Zorasani military forces have also contributed soldiers and equipment to Community of Nations Peacekeeping Missions, and since 2020 has been engaged in the Second Yemeti Civil War. It is long accused of being actively involved in the Tsabaran Civil War, supporting the separatist Irfanic Liberation and Resistance (ILR) forces, though this is denied.

Economy

As of 2019, Zorasan had the 9th largest economy by GDP nominal, with $1.809 trillion and the 13th largest economy by GDP PPP with $2.250 trillion. The Global Institute for Fiscal Affairs classifies Zorasan as a newly industrialised nation and a middle-income economy. The country operates an economic model many have described as state capitalist, with heavy state intervention and ownership alongside private businesses. Following initial pro-market reforms beginning 1985 and more expansive reforms throughout the 1990s, the Zorasani economy became one of the fastest growing in the developing world, with GDP growth remaining above 6 percent from 1991 to 2001, before growing consistently above 8 percent from 2009 onward. The most prominent sectors of the Zorasani economy are Industry, 41.45%, petrochemicals 29.5%, services 25% and agriculture 4.05%.

The Pashtaran refinery is the largest oil refinement facility in the world.

Since 1980, the structure and nature of the economy has changed considerably. Upon the Union's founding 1980, its newly unified economy was dominated by agriculture and petrochemicals, owing to both the reliance on petrochemicals for revenue of pre-unification states and their shared aims of promoting agricultural self-sufficiency. The degree of development varied between the states, though all were historically recognised as rentier economies. Following the completion of unification and the inescapable need to rebuild entire regions owing to near thirty-years of warfare saw a significant shift in economic planning and strategy. In 1980, the Zorasani government recognised the limitations of oil-dependency and sought to dramatically diversify the economy, both as a means of escaping rentier status and to provide greater means of improved living standards for the entire population. Throughout the 1980s, high oil prices and the consolidation of the unified oil industries - turning Zorasan into the largest producer of petrochemicals in the world, supplied the government with the necessary capital to invest into manufacturing and services. The industrialisation process was aided by urbanisation, which further fuelled diverisification and infrastructure development. Progress continued throughout the 1990s, during which the GDP rose at an average rate of 9.1%. As a result, the official poverty rate fell from 60% to 15%. Reduction of trade barriers from the mid-1990s made the economy more globally integrated. A series of pro-market reforms in the late 1990s expanded competitiveness and hastened diversification, however, more radical reforms in the early 2000s caused a sharp economic shock, combined with privatisation of ineffecient state owned enterprises threw the economy into recession, which was deepened by the onset of the 2005 Global Recession. Political instability between 2005 and 2006 slowed recovery, before growth returned to its 9% average in 2007, which has been maintained since.

The Union General Steel and Iron Corporation is the largest producer of steel in Zorasan.

Today, the diversification has been widely praised and documented by leading global economists. Zorasan is one of the largest producers of steel, industrial and electrical parts and its shipbuilding industry is one of the fastest growing, while it has also established itself as one of the larger shipbreakers. Zorasan is the leading economy in Irfanic Finance, it has risen to be one of the largest producer textiles, with an estimated 1.9 million workers in the textile industry alone. Zorasan has abundant natural resources like oil and natural gas, coal, copper, gold, bauxite and aluminium, while agriculture produces fruits, nuts, flowers and rice. However, with the exception of oil and natural gas, the most prominent exports are manufactured goods; textiles, electronics, electronic parts, industrial equipment, steel and chemicals. In recent years, Zorasan's automotive and locomotive industries have grown to boast some of the largest producers, with Zorasan ranking as the 3rd largest producer of city buses and coaches and the 5th largest producer of locomotives and high-speed train units. Xiaodong, the Euclean Community, Ajahadya are Zorasan's largest trading partners. The country's armed forces are unique in that it owns and operates a sizeable business empire in its own right, according to the Global Institute for Fiscal Affairs, the Zorasani military owns or holds significant voting shares in twelve of the largest Zorasani companies, which it manages through the Great Soldier Foundation holding company.

Zorasan is one of the world's leading producers of ships.

Energy

Zorasan has the world's largest proved oil reserves, with an estimated 354,103,000 barrels, it is also the world's largest producer. Zorasan also ranks XX in proven natural gas reserves, with 15.3 trillion cubic meters and is the Xth largest producer. It is LOPS's largest oil producer and is widely considered to be the pre-eminent energy superpower. As of 2019, Zorasan's production of oil averaged 11.55 million barrels per day (XXX m3/d), a marked increase from the average of 6.8 million barrels throughout the 2000s. Zorasan spends €5.5 billion on maintainence, research and development and modernisation within its oil industry, while a further €3.5 billion is spent on exploratory wells, expansion of existing wells and improving extraction processes. 111 exploratory wells were drilled between 2005 and 2008. Between 2006 and 2012, Zorasan spent €1 billion on developing clearner fuels.

The country's long held program for diversification from oil-reliance, while not dimimishing the country's production or output has resulted in the establishment of alternative energy sources. The country is one of the largest consumers of coal in Coius and operates an estimated 26 coal and gas-fired power stations. In 2000, the Zorasani government announced plans to reduce domestic oil use by 35% by 2030, this included plans for the full-adoption of solar, geothermal, hydroelectricity and wind power. Between 2003 and 2005, significant reforms to the country's long-time ineffecient and fraudulent energy subisidies succeeded in reducing domestic use of fuel. In 2003, the country's fourth nuclear power plant was activated at Qufeira, Irvadistan. In 2016, the world's second largest solar farm was opened near Kashdar in central Pardaran, the Kashdar Solar Park produces 850 MWp of energy. The rapid development of various dam projects, while increasing non-oil energy, has had a serious and adverse effect on the country's water supply, exacberating the Zorasani water crisis.

Zorasan is the fourth largest automobile producer in Coius.

Tourism

Science and technology

STRDC is the leading agency for developing science, technology and innovation policies in Zorasan. STRDC is the umbrella semi-autonomous government agency charged with overseeing and directing scientific studies and activities in Zorasan and is subordinate to the Union Ministry for Science and Technological Development and under some oversight by the Central Command Council. STRDC directs both state agencies and private research and development bodies. Among STRDC's major subordinate bodies is the Zorasani Space Research Organisation, the country's official space agency. Supporting to the ZSRO is Zorasani Aerospace and Atmospheric Industries (ZAAI), which plays a pivotal role in the development and production of satellites, including a series of global observation satellites for reconaissance. ZAAI has been the most prominent producer of satellites launched by ZSRO for commercial, military and scientific purposes.

Zorasan ranks amongst the top 10 for number of university graduates and the top 5 for doctorate degrees, primarily in medicine, engineering and physics. The country operates over 100 universities and 26 academies, the most presitigous include the Abdolreza Mandarani University, the Mazdavand Medical University and the Faidah Metropolitan University for Disease.

Zorasan also hosts several of the largest pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, in 2007, Zorasani scientists at the Imam Ardashir Centre for Life Studies successfully coloned a sheep by somatic cell nuclear transfer. A study in 2010 by the International Council for Bio-Medicine, found that stem cell research in Zorasan is amongst the top 5 in the world. Zorasan also scores high in rankings of nanotechnologies. Zorasan's history in medical research has produced several breakthroughs, including the collaborative success in inventing and developing the first artificial cardiac pump, the precursor of the artificial heart.

The Zorasani nuclear program was launched in the 1970s. Zorasan became the Xth country to produce uranium hexafluoride in 1990, and controls the entire nuclear fuel cycle.

Infrastructure

As of 2018, there were 104 airports in Zorasan, including 24 international airports. The most busiest in the country, Zahedan Mahrdad Ali Sattari Airport is the 10th busiest in the world, serving 39,569,204 passengers between January July 2017. Plans for a new and third international airport of Zahedan will see it become one of the more busier in the world, with a capacity to serve 165 million passengers per year. Air Zorasan is the flag carrier and serves the country alongside other national carriers. As of 2020, there are plans a 18 new regional airports to link the less developed frontier regions with the highly urbanised coast.

Port of Bandar-e Parvadeh

As of 2018, the country has a roadway network of 115,888 kilometres (72,09 miles). The total length of the rail network was 19,991 kilometres (12,421 miles) in 2017, including 6,133 kilometres (3,810 miles) of electrified and 1,457 kilometres (905 miles) of high-speed track. The Union General Railways started building high-speed rail lines in 2001. The Zahedan-Faidah line became operational in 2008, while the Faidah-Qufeira line entered service in 2015. In 2018, the Zahedan-Karandagh-Saravan line became operational, followed in 2019 by the Zahedan-Mazdavand line. Construction of the Faidah-Ad Dayhd and the Qufeira-Khiyara lines are on scheduel for completion in 2023 and 2024 respectively. The most ambitious high-speed rail line under construction of the Zahedan-Rongzhuo line, which will travel an estimated 1,100 miles through the Kharkestar Corridor, to connect two of the largest cities in the world. The line is estimated to be completed by 2026. Zorasan also boasts several of the largest ports in the world, with Bandar-e Parvadeh being the second largest on the Solarian Sea after Accadia. Other majors ports include Bandar-e Hussein, Safwan and Chaboksar.

Many natural gas and oil pipelines span the country's territory. The Kharkestar Stream pipline, the second longest oil pipeline in the world, was inaugurated on 3 May 2002 and serves to export Zorasani petrochemicals to Kumuso and Xiaodong, the Ajad Stream pipeline serves Southeastern Coius and the Mabifia-Extension pipeline connects Zorasan to Bahia, but also permits the reselling of Mabifian oil and gas to Euclea. Plans for the Solarian Stream pipeline, connecting Zorasan to southern Euclea through Galenia and Etruria has been hold since 2016.

Zorasan's internet, which has 100.3 million active users, holds a 'Not Free' ranking in Liberty House's index. Zorasan's government has constantly blocked websites such as social media sites, news sites and online educational wikis. According to some references, Zorasan is the leading nation in social media censorship. The internet in Zorasan has been known to be used as a tool for repression, both through the spread of misinformation, propaganda and its uses a trap for dissidents and critics of the regime.

Demographics

According to the District Citizen Address Recording System, the country's population was 328.26 million as of January 2023, an increase from the 320.42 million recorded in the 2020 Census. Furthermore, the DCARS also estimated that approximately 70.13% of the population lived in towns and cities and annual population growth was 1.2% in 2021. Zorasan has a population density of 59.99/km2 (155.4/sq mi), one of the lowest in the world, though the population remains densely populated in select regions. The age demographic of Zorasan in 2021 was as follows; the 0-14 age group constituted 26.9% of the population; the 15-64 age group constituted 64.3% of the population and those aged 65 or older 8.8%, this places Zorasan as among the youngest societies in the world.

The Zorasani government does not recognise ethnicity or race as a means of identification or categorisation; for ideological reasons and as a result, a Zorasani is defined as anyone who is "bound to the Union through the bond of citizenship or birth", thereby the legal term Sattari or Zorasani differs from ethnic definition. Due to this long-time policy, neither the Zorasani census and DCAR system offer options on ethnic or racial identity, furthermore, efforts at detailed demographic and ethnological study is severely restricted by the authorities. Despite the absence of reliable data, researchers estimate that 44% of the population are Pardarian, with up to 15% of this population being Ashkezari alone. 25% of the population are estimated to be Rahelian, 11-12% as Kexri, 6% as Khorazi, 6% as Majgar. Zorasan is also home to sizeable minorities of Fulani, Chanwan and Hazari.

The geographical distribution of Zorasan's ethnic groups has radically changed since the collapse of Etrurian Zorasan in 1946. Over the course of Zorasani Unification, millions drawn primarily from minority groups were deported from their traditional homelands to various regions of the country, ostensibly under the Modernisation and Harmony Campaign (1948-1999), though several groups were deported under the Shatter the Citadels policy. In more recent decades, the redistribution of ethnic groups has taken place as a result of economic migration to the cities. Several minority groups, such as the Chanwan, Banbari and Tayar are subject to strict travel restrictions.

Prior to the outbreak of the Tsabaran Civil War in 2020, the number of Tsabarans residing in Zorasan was estimated to be between 500,000 and 1 million, these include Rahelians and Yazidis. However, as of January 2022, the number of Tsabaran refugees in Zorasan was recorded at 1.997 million. The vast majority of these are living in Zorasan within refugee camps under Special Residency Permits, though a growing number are being granted citizenship for longevity of their stay. The Zorasani government has been accused of granting citizenship to the families of male refugees who have returned to Tsabara to join and fight with the Irfanic Liberation and Resistance, the fighting units of the separatist United Irfanic Republic of Hamada.

Ethnic groups of Zorasan Pardarians, Rahelians, Kexri, Togotis and Chanwans.

Languages

Religion

Education

Healthcare

Healthcare in Zorasan is managed nationally through the Union Ministry for Health and is provided by the universal healthcare system in operation since 1990. The Union Health Authority is funded by both government revenues and a tax surcharge on employers, 5.5% for private enterprises and 5.8% for state-owned enterprises. Government funding covers approximately 70.56% of the UHA’s expenditure. Total expenditure on health services as a share of GDP was recorded at 5.98% in 2021, mostly due to the median age of Zorasan standing at 28. The average life expectancy in Zorasan in 73.20 years in 2021 (71.30 years for males and 75.20 years for females.), the country has a relatively low level of obesity, with 13.5% of adults in Zorasan having a body mass index (BMI) at 30 or above.

The Al-Shafaqa academy hospital in Sadah is the largest university hospital in Zorasan.

Zorasan’s healthcare system includes numerous private hospitals and services provided by charitable foundations, alongside the state-run Union Health Authority. The private chains are renowned for their qualitive services and enticement of health tourism, particularly among Coians. The so-called Bonyad Hospitals (run by charities) are known for servicing primarily working class and vulnerable patients.

Significant efforts made during the 1980-2005 period to confront infant mortality have been widely praised by public health officials and NGOs. During the 1980s, the mortality rate among infants stood at 128/1000 live births, while in 2005 this number dropped to 28/1000. This effort coincided with long-term and detailed immunisation programmes, aimed at combatting polio, tuberculosis and measles.

A significant health problem facing Zorasan is sexual transmitted disease, owing to the near universal ban on contraception. Zorasan has one of the most severe cases of HIV/AIDS in the population in Coius.

Urbanisation

Culture