Perateia

Empire of the East Βασιλεία Ἑῴα (Perateian)
Flag Coat of Arms
Motto: Σταυρέ, βοήθει Staurè, boéthei ("Cross, Come to Our Aid")
Anthem: ἐν τούτῳ νίκα EN Touto Nika In this, Victorious
Imperial Seal:
Location of Perateia (dark green) – in Scipia (dark grey)
Political Map of Perateia
Capital and largest city	Leonople
Official language	Perateian
Religion	Perateian Ecumenical Church (state church)
Demonym(s)	Perateian Arbanane (colloquial)
Government	Unitary absolute monarchy
• Co-Emperor	Diana I Anicia
• Co-Emperor	Jacobus I Claudius
• Co-Emperor	Constantine XIII Claudius
• Mesazon	The Duke of Beroea
• Grand Logothete	Niketas Metochites
Legislature	Senate
Formation
• Founding of Perateia	887 BCE
• Latin conquest	100 CE
• Re-founding of Leonople	360
• Perateian Empire proclaimed	485
• Personal union with Messenia	1725
• Loss of Nesilian territories to the Vardani	1765
• Personal union with Latium	1964
Area
•	68,160 km2 (26,320 sq mi) (nth)
Population
• 2022 estimate	12,716,289
• 2020 census	12,084,565
• Density	186.5/km2 (483.0/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)	2020 estimate
• Total	$329.1 billion (56th)
• Per capita	$25,879 (29th)
Currency	Hyperpyron (𐆙) (PEH)
Date format	dd/mm/yyyy (AD)
Driving side	left
Calling code	+54
Internet TLD	.pe

The Empire of the East, more commonly referred to by the exonym Perateia, (Perateian: Περάτεια), the Perateian Empire (Βασιλεία Περατειοι), and by the endonym as Arbana (Αρbανα), is a transcontinental country primarily located on Scipia, with a portion of its territory located on the [peninsula] in Ochran. It shares a border to the west with Vardana, an eastern border with Halys and a maritime border with Aretias. It is located at a confluence of the Periclean and Ozeros Seas. The Helianic-descended Perateian comprise the majority of the country's population, with notable minorities including Alatikans, Dardaloni, Latins, Lerazgan, and Vardani.

The earliest settlements located in present-day Perateia were home to ancient Nesilian and indications that the Scipian-side of the peninsula that is home to the modern city of Leonople was first inhabited as early as the 5th millennium BCE. Peratiea is home to important neolithic sites such as X, and has been inhabited by ancient civilizations such as the Nesilians, XXXX peoples, among others. Following the ancient XXXX empire and its conquests. However, the history of Perateia and Leonople proper begins in 875 BCE when Helianic colonists from Gythaca established Perateion on the Scipian-side of Perseid Straits, with tradition claiming that the ancient city of Perateia was founded by the Helianic hero Perseus.

The surrounding area was Helianic by the time of territorial advances of the ancient Latin Empire, and continued through the declaration of the Empire of the East in 485 CE. Colloquially known as the Perateian Empire, Perateia assumed control of former many Latin territories throughout the Eastern Periclean, in what are now the countries of Alanahr, Dzhuvenestan, Halys, TBD, and Vardana. The borders of the empire fluctuated, though often including what is now Vardana and remaining centered on its capital of Leonople. Successive wars with Mesogeia left the empire vulnerable to the invading Bayarid Empire and Yen Caliphates. Though Perateia experienced a brief resurgence following the collapse of the X Caliphate, it was short lived as the Vardani peoples swept into Perateia from the Kalzashi Mountains, and eventually encompassed the territories that consist of modern-day Vardana.

Perateian is the official language and Perateian Ecumenical Church is the official church of Perateia. With a population of 12.7 million, it is the Xth most populous country in Scipia and the Xth most populous in Ochran. The majority of its population lives in or around Leonople. It has an area of 68,160 km², making it the Xth larges country in Scipia and the Xth largest in Ochran. Spanning the continents of Scipia and Ochran, approximately 51% of its territory is in Scipia.

Perateia is considered a regional power due to its transcontinental position and control of the Perseid Straits. From 1928 to 1934, Perateia was in a dynastic union with Latium. In 1964, with the ascension of Empress Diana I Anicia, Perateia entered a personal union with Latium. It has an estimated population of X, making it the Xth largest country in the world. Its economy is classified as emerging and growth leading. It is the 56th largest economy in the world by nominal GDP and the 29th by nominal GDP per capita. It is a member of the Forum of Nations, the Civitas, the X, and y, as well as holding associate or observer status in the Joint Space Agency and Association of Ozeros Nations.

Etymology

Early in its proclamation, Perateia claimed the mantle of the Latin Empire, but was frequently internally referred to as the Empire of the East or the Eastern Empire. However, the empire proclaimed by Emperor Leo III was commonly referred to by the exonym Perateia or the Perateian Empire by those outside its borders. This name is derived from the first known name for what became the city of Leonople.

The city was named by the Helianic colonists from Gythaca, which is derived from the Lihnidosi "ἡ περαία", which translates to "place beyond [the sea]". The original colonists claimed direct descent from the city's legendary founder, Perseus.

The most common endonym for the country is Arbana (Αρbανα). The name is derived from Alba in Latium, which was often used interchangeably with Latin during the ancient imperial period. Perateians have since called themselves Arbanane, ie Alban, and as a result Arbana became the colloquial name for Perateia within the country.

Geography

The city of Leonople and the Persespont from the Ozeros Sea.

Perateia is located in the eastern Periclean-region, split between northeastern Scipia and southwestern portions of the Ochrani peninsula, and stradles the only sea connection between the Periclean and Ozeros Seas via the Perseid Straits. This location has provided Peratiea ideally for defense and trade due to the confluence of the only land route between Ochran and Scipia and only sea lane between the Periciean and Ozeros Seas. The nearby [fault] is cause for earthquake activity, even though it doesn't pass through Perateia. The Scipian portion of Perateia consists of rolling plateaus, while the Ochrani side is hilly in general. The area around Leonople is the most densely populated.

Perateia's land area is approximately 68,160 square kilometers including lakes. Roughly 16% of its territory is located on the Ochrani side of the Perseid Straits.

Climate

Perateian climate varies from a Periclean climate, humid subtropical climate and oceanic climate. Its coastal, and borderline coastal regions have a Periclean climate that are highlighted by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

The hilly disposition of Perateia has led to various mircoclimates throughout Perateia. The Scipian side of the Perateia are typically more wet, while the western borderlands near Vardana are some of the most commonly dry regions of the country. Conversely, the Ochrani side has a primarily oceanic climate characterized by moderate temperatures year round, and the absence of a typical dry season. Central Perateia, in and around Leonople there is often no dry season and heavy morning humidity, with semi-frequent fog.

Politics

See also: Politics of Perateia

Constantine XIII Claudius, Emperor since 2015

The Duke of Beroea, Mesazon since 2022

Niketas Metochites, Grand Logothete since 2016

Perateia is a unitary absolute monarchy, operating under an uncodified constitution in which the emperor is the autocratic ruler of Perateia, and is considered the chief law giver and chief administrator.

The emperor is assisted by key ministers, members of the nobility, and oftentimes ecclesiastical figures. The emperor is the supreme commander of the armed forces, and serves as the head of state and government, and the leader of the the church and government. However, while the emperor is the head of the government, he is aided by key officers such as the Mesazon, who serves as the emperor's chief advisor, and more recently as viceroy, and the Grand Logothete, whose office is primarily akin to that of a chief minister. The emperor has wide reaching discretionary powers over finances and dismissing and appointing state officials. While succession is officially semi-elective or appointed, it is hereditary in practice and often follows male-preference primogeniture succession practices. This de facto hereditary succession is primarily attributed to the long standing practice of junior co-emperors (symbasileis). Perateia has been in a personal union with Latium since 1964, and jointly ruled by the Anician dynasty and Claudian dynasty since the establishment of the personal union. The current senior moanrch is Diana I Anicia, who rules jointly with her eldest son Jacobus I Claudius. Constantine XIII Claudius, who has reigned as junior emperor since 3 November 2016 and rules directly from Leonople, handling most day-to-day affairs on behlaf of the senior monarchs.

The senate is the national legislature of Perateia, and while many of its roles are advisory, and it plays an important role in the crafting of legislation and budgetary matters. Its membership is traditionally appointed or inherited, though since 1984 a number of seats have been open for election. At times, the Senate may take part in limited judicial functions as the highest court in Perateia, most often in treason or more recently terrorism. Many key officials are granted a position in the Senate by virtue of their government or court offices. These senators comprise nearly half of the legislative composition. The senate is non-partisan, with partisan politics strictly prohibited by 1839 imperial decree.

Law

Perateian law is primarily based in traditional Latin law, with Latin codes as the earliest codes of law recognized in Perateia. Early differences in legal interpretations stem from more eastern and Helianic influences in Perateian law. Many of the deviations between Latin and Perateian law began when usage of Latin began to decline in favor of Perateian, resulting in different interpretations of old Latin-based legal codes. This ultimately culminated in the promulgation of new legal codes, such as the Zenobid code issued in the mid 8th century.

The Universal Court of Judges is the court of last resort in Perateia. It is composed of 12 judges of secular or ecclesiastical expertise, and accepts applications of appeals from the Courts of Judgement, which presides over public and private tribunals. The main court of first instance is the Droungarios courts. The Dikaiophylaxian court is a special private and ecclesiastical court that presides over primarily ecclesiastical matters, though has limited jurisdiction over private matters below $10,000.

Law enforcement is provided by the Noumeroi, which serves as that national police force of Perateia with regional and local offices throughout the country and are supported by the Hetaeria tactical forces.

Foreign relations

See also: Foreign relations of Perateia

Perateia is a member of the Forum of Nations, Civitas, X, Y, and Z. It also holds associate membership in the Joint Space Agency, and Z.

Perateia maintains a key place in world affairs due to its strategic hold on the land route through Leonople linking Ochran and Scipia, and one of the busiest sea lanes through the Perseid Straits that link the Periclean and Ozeros Seas. Its location dictates its foreign policy aims. The foreign minister is the Logothete of the Course (λογοθέτης τοῦ δρόμου), who is supported by the Bureau of Barbarian Affairs (σκρίνιον τῶν βαρβάρων), and oversees Perateia’s foreign policy objectives.

Due to Perateia’s location straddling Scipia and Ochran, its foreign policy aims are focused on securing its position across the Perseid Straits. Due to the personal union with Latium, Perateia is supported in these goals through Latium’s Eastern Policy, which was first instituted during the early reign of Alexios IX Byzennios. Perateia also works to achieve these aims by pursuing a network of alliances, membership in international organizations, and expansive trade policies to safeguard its position.

Military

See also: Autokramyna

The Autokramyna is the national defense force of Perateia, of which the emperor is the commander-in-chief, and under the oversight of the Grand Domestic. It consists of X branches:

• Perateian Army (Αρbανîοι στρατός; Arbanîoi stratόs)
  • Hetaireia (foreign legion)
• Perateian Navy (Αρbανîοι ναυτικό; Arbanîoi naytikό)
• Perateian Air Force (Αρbανîοι αεροπορία; Arbanîoi aeroporía)
• Paramonai (Παραμοναί)
  • Varangian Guard (Τάγμα τῶν Βαράγγων)

Akritai (ἀκρίται) for border guards or border patrol. Hetaireia as a foreign legion element. Paramonai as an imperial guard force.

Human rights

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Administrative divisions

Since the Anician reforms in the 19th century, Perateia has consisted of 9 themes. Each theme is then subdivided into numerous archonates, which are governed by an archon (roughly equal to mayor). Historically, themes were led by a single civil and military administration; however the 1888 reforms of Thomas I Anicius and Eusebia I Byzennina severed the joint civil-military administrative style. However, the central imperial government oversees the actions of local governments. Currently, eight themes are led by the imperial-appointed Kephale, with civil authority over the theme. Military themes equally correspond in geographic scope with their civil counterparts, but lack any administrative authority and serve as military groupings.

Leonople is the only city-theme, and it is subdivided into districts. Leonople is the only theme to be led by the Eparch and the consultative Leonople Assembly. Districts of Leonople feature an appointed archon, and in some cases elected councils of anywhere from 5 to 10 residents. Like with themes, the Eparch oversees the actions of district governments, who in turn is supervised by the central government. Due to its role as capital and proximity to the emperor, the Eparch of Leonople is often considered one of the most influential offices in government.

Economy

Perateia, primarily through its capital Leonople, houses international ports that link Belisaria, Ochran, and Scipia. The Perseid Straits provides the only passage from the Periclean to Ozeros Seas, and is one of the busiest and narrowest sea lanes used for international navigation. As the Perseid Straits fall within Perateian territorial waters, passage is regulated by the Perateian government, with commercial and private passage governed by the [office]/convention. As a result, shipping is a key part of the economy.

The service industry is well-developed due to the strategic location of the country, as well as historical and religious connections, including commerce, tourism, and trade. The financial sector of the economy grew along with industrialization and the increased passage of shipping and trade through the Perseid Strait. Agriculture was historically a major sector of the Perateian economy until the loss of the Nesilian provinces in what is now Vardana. However, with a series of reforms and investments in modern irrigation system, Perateia has expanded a limited agricultural industry.

Tourism

Ormos beach

Sfarda in Perateia is a popular summer tourism destination.

Perateia is a major tourist destination and has become a major source of growth for the economy, both of vacationers and visiting professionals. Nearly all tourists enter through John X International Airport, located just west of Leonople on the Scipian side of the strait, or through a seaport in Leonople, Selentis, Savatra, or Gagara.

Leonople is one of the most important and popular tourism spots in Perateia, and the world. It is host to thousands of hotels and other industries related to tourism. A number of its attractions include many historical imperial or religious sites. These sites include including the range from historic religious sites Hagia Euergetou, Heraion, [market], Rosaeum, Tower of Christ, Ippodrómos, and [historic palace site], as well as museums located throughout the country. A number of beachfront destinations on either the Periclean or Ozeros coasts are also popular tourism areas in Perateia, including Ormos located on the Ochrani side of the strait.

Demographics

According to the most recent 2020 census, the population of Perateia was 12 million people. Nearly 58% of the population resided in, or near, Leonople. Its population density is 186.5 people per km². Residents in the 15–64 age group compose 65% of the total population.

Ethnic Perateians consist of the largest percentage of the population at 95%. Per census guidelines, a Perateian is any individual that speaks Perateian as a first language, adheres to Perateian Ecumenicism, and follows traditional Perateian cultural practices. This has led to a disparity in the census recognized ethnic Perateians and those that identify as Perateian, which independent studies show is closer to 84 to 88% of the nation’s population. However, colloquially, individuals that fall into this group are commonly referred to as Paomanian or Paomanians, a term roughly meaning "[citizen] of the empire" or "[citizen] of the state" from the ancient Gythacan.

The largest ethnic minority groups is Lerazgan, who first settled the Ochrani areas of Perateia in the 7th century. Other minority groups include, Vardani, Gharbaic, and Tenerians, Kembesans, among others. A Latin population has grown in Perateia since the 19th century and the dynastic, and later personal, union with Latium.

Languages

The sole official language of Perateia is Perateian, a Lihndosi language that evolved from Gythacan. It is the third most spoken Helianic language in the world, and is spoken by 92% of the Perateian population as a first language. Approximately 4% of the population speaks Alatikan as their mother tongue. Lerazgan and Y are the first language of 2% of the population, with many other languages spoken throughout parts of Perateia, including Dardaloni, Gharbaic, Kardish, and Vardani. While Latin is not widely spoken as a major first language in Perateia, usage and education on Latin has risen since the late 19th century.

Religion

Religion in Perateia (2020)

  Perateian Ecumenicism (90%)

  Unaffiliated (3%)

  Other Christians (2%)

  Nazarists (3%)

  Azdarin (1%)

  Other religions (4%)

The Perateian Ecumenical Church has been the state church of Perateia since the empire’s establishment in the 5th century. Despite having a state church, the Perateian imperial government provides a number of safeguards on freedom of religion; however, these freedoms require government recognition of a religion. Nearly 90% of the nation’s inhabitants follow Christian faiths, the largest portion of which follow the Ecumenical Church. Among minority faiths, nearly 3% of the population identify as Yen, and 1% of the population as Jewish, and 4% of the population does not identify with any single religion or does not belong to an organized religion.

Christianity has a long standing position in Perateia, and it is the birthplace of many saints. There are nearly 12000 churches in Perateia as of 2020. The Christian population of Perateia has grown in diversity since the 1970s, though the Ecumenical Church remains the predominant faith in Perateia, and incredibly influential.

Education

The Ministry of Education is responsible for overseeing all primary and secondary education in Perateia. Compulsory education lasts for 12 years, from ages 5 or 6 to 17 or 18. Public schooling is provided for those that are unable to afford private schooling, leading to a divide in quality of education, though in recent years public education has seen greater government funding and rising performance standards. Most students attend private tutors beginning at the age of twelve. Primary school consists of five years, middle school of three years, and high school of four years, resulting in 99% literacy rate among adults. Approximately 5% of students are home-schooled.

There are a total of 122 public or private universities in Perateia, of which 78 are located within Leonople or its surrounding area. According to independent studies, the University of Leonople is the highest ranked university in Perateia, followed by the Perseid University, both of which are ranked among the top 250 universities worldwide. Traditionally the emperor is responsible for appointing the president or provost of all universities in Perateia, whether public or private. Perateia participates in the SLPC Exchange Program, the XXXX, and YYYY exchange programs.

Health

Perateia instituted publicly funded, universal healthcare in 1989, which is administered by the Eidikon and the Special Secretary (Epi tou eidikou). This publicly funded system is primarily funded by 4% tax on payroll or employers, and covers anywhere from 71% to 80% of health care costs depending on the expense. Healthcare spending amounts to approximately 7% of GDP according to the most recently disclosed government budget. This healthcare spending ranks #th among nations.

Nearly 70% of Perateians have some level of secondary health insurance for services not fully covered by the Eidikon, such as dentistry or optometry.