Cashar

Incorporated States of Cashar ₭₾$₾₹
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: Productivity, Pursuit of Happiness, Profit
Anthem: Zvyakan Ye Kasar Jiljulk (By the Country, Cashar the Place to Be)
Map of Cashar in Alharu
Incorporated States of Cashar
Capital	Pavat
Largest city	Majalir
Official languages	Monetok
Other languages	Esonian, Iverican, Anglish
Ethnic groups	Ketek, Narvic, Iberic, Soluk
Demonym(s)	Cashari
Government	Parliamentary republic under a constitutional corporatocracy
• Executive Head of State	Nakwa Melviska
• Executive Assistant	Luhat Kusnetvola
• Chairperson of the Board	Qusam Sharvisk
• Director of Court	Rizwuka Sokoviska
Legislature	The Board The Bureau
Establishment
• Establishment	17 July 1770
• Incorporation	12 December 1968
Area
•	512,764 km2 (197,979 sq mi)
• Water (%)	1%
Population
• 2017 estimate	22,412,566
GDP (nominal)	2021 estimate
• Total	775 billion (medium)
• Per capita	24,000 (medium)
Gini (2021)	.56 low (high)
HDI	0.6908 medium
Currency	Cashari Kumut (CSK)
Driving side	right
Calling code	+22
Internet TLD	.csh

The Incorporated States of Cashar, commonly called Cashar, is a parliamentary republic under a constitutional corporatocracy in Alharu on Eurth. It is bordered on the north by the North Oriental Ocean, in the east by Heiheguo, to the south by Esonice and on the west by another nation. Cashar covers 512,764 square kilometers and has an estimated population of 22,412,566. The capital is Patav, and the largest city is Majalir.

Etymology

Cashar (Monetok: ₭₾$₾₹) has its roots in a proto-language known as Ketek. It comes from the root K-Sh-R which means to flow (as in the idea of flowing trade) or to allow trade. This comes from the idea that economic ideals should be promoted and not hindered. The standard way to refer to a citizen of Cashar is as a "Cashari."

Geography

See also: Geography of Cashar

Landscape

The Cashari Desert

Cashar is typically divided into six loosely defined topographic zones: the Cashari Desert, the Ramat Plains, the Marjan and Walstret Mountains, the Sinka Oasis, the Pesodyna Mesas, and Cashar's coastline. The largest of these areas are the Cashari Desert. The terrain in the Cashari Desert is quite flat and subject to areas of quicksand and brackish salt flats. The Ramat Plains are cut by the Oros River. Lake Sinka occupies much of the Sinka Oasis, making the areas around it quite rich in fertile soil suitable for agricultural development and pursuits. The next topographical area covers the Marjan and Walstet mountain ranges stretching from the west and from the east respectively. The highest peak belongs to Mount Lazez in the Marjan Mountains at 3,488 m. West of the Marjan Mountain range is the Pesodyna Mesas, an area of rocky hills and flat-top plateaus. Finally, there's the coastline which extends over 3,000 kilometers. The beaches are well-maintained, white sandy shores with beautiful crystal-clear waters. Cashar takes a lot of pride in its pristine environment. Tourism and animal trade is such a big industry in Cashar that economic interests lie heavily in ensuring the environment remains clean. The highest point is at an elevation of 3,488 m, and the lowest point is at sea level.

Climate

Cashar is an arid rain-shadow desert with scattered shrubland. It typically faces temperature extremes and has two distinct seasons. The winter months bring comfortable daytime temperatures while summer months are dominated by the heat. Annually, Cashar receives anywhere from 76 to 500 mm of rainfall per year.

Wildlife and conservation

Cashar has a high level of biodiversity as a result of species adapting to the desert climate, its coastal area, and the Sinka Oasis; though it is not quite megadiverse. Plant life is relatively rare in Cashar and typically involves small shrubs, dry grasses, cacti, succulents, and isolated desert trees. A great variety of animals includes wild cats, wild dogs, camels, desert magpie (emus), vultures, antelopes, desert mice and rats, scorpions, spiders, scarabs, and many other unique creatures. While Cashar seeks to preserve and protect these animals, it does have very loose restrictions involving animal trade and the consumption of desert magpie - its national animal. The populations of these creatures is carefully looked after, however, and a scarcity of an animal might prompt legislation involving tighter restrictions.

Administrative divisions

Rank	City	Metro area population	State
1	Majalir	4.8 million	Nakal
2	Zafarid	3.9 million	Danar
3	Patav	2.8 million	Sanatvo
4	Karaz	2.2 million	Satak
5	Hanami	850,000	Qadika
6	Kinam	650,000	Kalak
7	Gurud	400,000	Dakimi
8	Lalirumi	320,000	Rabal
9	Rajan	280,000	Karan
10	Pasadim	250,000	Bitit

Cashar comprises of twelve states: Sanatvo, Danar, Shakal, Karan, Maraka, Dakimi, Rabal, Nakal, Satak, Bitit, Kalak, Qadika. Each state holds jurisdiction over over a defined geographic territory, where it shares sovereignty with the federal government. It is further divided into metropolitan and district municipalities. The most populous state is Nakal, and the least populous state is Bitit.

Each state government is responsible for drafting its own constitutions and holding its own elections, but they are beholden to the Constitution of the Establishment of the Republic of Cashar and the Proclamation of Incorporation.

History

Prehistory

Modern humans first arrived on the Ketek Peninsula around 50,000 years ago. The most conspicuous signs of prehistoric human settlements are some cave paintings found in the Alkmirt Caverns. Before the Ketek Peninsula was conquered by an early Europan empire from the north, it was made up of three indigenous cultures, the Ketek, the Belpuk, and the Tartiv. The Ketek and the Belpuk were seafaring, nature-worshipping cultures and had successfully established trading settlements on the east and west coast. These two cultures got along reasonably well but would struggle with the Tartiv in the Kepuk Wars for control over the peninsula until the northern Europan empire began their conquest and completed it by 22 BCE.

• 50000 BCE - Modern humans arrived on the Ketek Peninsula. Scholarly debate exists as to whether they had migrated from the southeast, north, or if they had traveled by sea from the west.
• 33000-22000 BCE - A culture identified as the Rigtak existed on the southwestern coast and were known prominently for stone tools, fishing tools, and dugout boats.
• 22000-17000 BCE - A culture identified as the Soluk existed in the northern part of the Ketek Peninsula and were known for their ornamental beads and bone tools.
• 17000-12000 BCE - A culture identified as the Grekan existed on the southwestern coast and were known as a hunting-gathering culture with similarities to the Rigtak but included differences such as more elaborate personal adornments involving seashells, bone, and beads.
• 6000-4000 BCE - Two cultures emerged on the east and west parts of the Ketek Peninsula, known as the Belpuk and the Tartiv. Signs of agricultural development was starting to take place with grains and root vegetables. A few megalithic structures (possible nature worship sites) are also dated from this time period.
• 3000-1900 BCE - Earliest phase of metallurgy (copper, silver, and gold) begins to take place and metal goods become commonplace. One of oldest golden treasures, “The Golden Tree” figurine has dated back to 2800 BCE Civilization begins to take hold, and the first city, Madro, becomes established. It is thought to have had a population of 1,000 people. Proto-Madronian pictographic writing is also evident due to the Madronian tablets dated at 2000 BCE
• 1800-1300 BCE - Other civilizations and smaller cultures are established and fall at this time. The prominent cultures include the Madronians, the Tsan, the Tjasin. The Tjasin all but vanished by 1300 BCE, and the Tsan ended up breaking into smaller but fortified and permanent settlements scattered throughout the Ketek Peninsula.

Iron Age

Ketek earrings found near Kridshar, c. 300 BCE.

• 1000-800 BCE - The Iron Age begins. Cultures on the Ketek Peninsula begin to unify (known collectively as the Ketek culture) and further develop trade. The city of Madro is destroyed by the combined efforts of two neighboring cities Kridshar and Talk. Ketek script begins to emerge from the proto-Madronian pictographic writing.
• 700 BCE - Earliest currency in the Ketek Peninsula is dated back to this time. The mote was an electrum coin thought to have been valued at one bushel of grain. It had a tree design on it.
• 600-200 BCE - The Soluk having grown in power due to trade form an empire and begins their conquest of the Ketek Peninsula. At this time, the empire introduced slavery to the Ketek cultures due to its capture of people fighting back during the conquest. In 450 BCE, perhaps in response to the troubled times, Tabroda begins to form as a religion made up of already present traditions and nature worship rituals. By 200 BCE, the empire had assimilated the Ketek culture and was dubbed the Amir province.
• 200-100 BCE - Trade routes with southern, northern, and western neighbors become more prominent at this time.
• 100 BCE - The Kridshar Stadium is built. This stadium was a place to hold theatre, public executions, and gladiatorial combat.
• 50 CE – Rikkes Academy is founded by Rikkes, an eccentric noble who used the academy as a means to boost his wealth by charging for admission rather than furthering the pursuits of education. Strangely enough, education persisted with advances made in civil law and philosophy.
• 100 CE – Christianity reaches the Amir province, but the populace remains indifferent and, due to competition from business and political interests, is unable to plant a church.
• 350-450 – Following a partial collapse of the northern Soluk empire in roughly 350, the Amir are largely left to govern themselves. This leads to a number of brutal civil wars among the cities in Amir with Talk ultimately ending up decimated as a city. 390 saw the destruction of the Rikkes Academy in Kridshar as well. Tensions were high as the people of Amir tried to decide where their priorities were. Tabrodists, in particular, were adamant about a larger focus on nature. Others hoped the Soluk empire would return to its former glory. And others still thought they should focus on a new identity. This tension never ended up fully resolved, even when the city of Kridshar stood victorious and proclaimed the first emperor of Amir, Iskus I.

Imperial Amir

Under the empire, the Kepuk people were gradually assimilated into a culture with a primary focus on trade and education. The wealthiest leaders of the Ketek and Belpuk tribes were admitted into the plutocratic class of the empire, existing settlements were improved upon and given better infrastructure, an early university was established, and the economy expanded. The empire also introduced slavery and executions and gladiatorial combat for entertainment. After the fall of the empire in the 7th century, the Kepuk people now dubbed the Amirans were left to govern over themselves.

• 450-830 – This period involves the Rise and Fall of the Amiran Empire. The Amiran alphabet was developed around 458. The Amirans enjoyed a period of cultural renaissance from 600-700. At this time, it opened its doors to a number of different influences. Christians were able to plant their first church in Amir in 630. Utilizing trade routes held over from its time under the Soluk empire and enjoying an economic boon, Amir rose to prominence and became known for “protecting” and “economically assisting” other countries in exchange for their loyalty and service to the Amiran empire (essentially becoming part of the Amiran Empire themselves). By 760, however, the Amirans had stretched themselves too thin, and a catastrophic typhoon unleashed on Amir's coastal cities led to economic instability. Amir's capital, Kridshar, was devastated and never truly recovered.

The 50-Year Culture War

• 830-880 - This would lead to a civil war as some Amirans sought to get back to their cultural, nature-worshipping roots while others had more economic interests in mind. The fighting lasted for fifty years, ravaging the local economy and putting developmental progress on hold. Eventually, the wealthiest of the merchant classes united near the end of the culture war and began to put down revolutionary Tabrodists. The merchant classes divide the fallen Amir empire into three separate empires known as the Jade Empire, the Ivory Empire, and the Salt Empire.

Dawn of the Three Empires

• 880-1000 - The three empires (Ivory, Salt, and Jade) vyed for power for the mid-late part of the 9th century before the Ivory Empire ended up dissolving due to economic instability and corruption among the various merchant princes vying for control of the empire. Thus remained the Jade Empire and the Salt Empire. These two empires would exchange knowledge with one another, and the first university, The Tjasult University established at each other's borders by merchant prince, Sultjir Tjasult, born of family from both empires who had a special interest in Tabroda and understanding the mysteries of the natural world.

• 1000-1200 - Relations between the Jade Empire and Salt Empire sour in the early tenth century after a series of backstabbing intrigue and assassinations among the merchant princes of each empire culminating in the death of Merchant Emperor Ladrin Jartovisk. Modern-day scholars would later speculate the Emperor may have been murdered by a disgruntled servant rather than as an assassination plot by the Salt Empire. This would lead to war between the two empires and the advent of war-profiteering on both sides.

Dissolution of Imperial Power

After the war, the Jade Empire had essentially been absorbed by the Salt Empire, but the Salt Empire had been considerably weakened in power over the people. As time went on, the merchant classes continued to rise in power and began to form separate republics - city-states that were largely self-governed while still considered to be under the umbrella of the weakened Salt Empire. Thus, the Republics of Sanatvo, Rabal, Danar, and Shakal were formed - so named for the respective merchant families they were established under.

• 1200-1400 - During this time, trade became especially prominent between the Republics of Sanatvo and Rabal - and the republics grew in power and wealth. They begin to branch out their economic ventures, dealing primarily in salts, fertilizers, glass, and jade, helping to establish trade routes along what would become known as the Silk Road between the Yellow Empire and the Crescent Empire.

• 1400-1500- The Republic of Danar begins taxing the Republics of Sanatvo and Rabal for use of their trading route and stops at the Sinka Oasis. This greatly displeases much of the Republic of Sanatvo, save for its southern portion who had good ties to Danar and experienced unfairness in resource distribution, and the Republic of Rabal. Outright war over control of the Sinka Oasis erupts. This causes further fractioning of what used to be known as the Salt Empire as the southern portion of Centavo begins to declare its independence and is led by a working-class rebel named Malta Qadika. This causes trade between the republics and the Yellow and Crescent Empire to slow. Realizing they're harming their cause (to gain more economic control and power), the republics meet at their respective borders to discuss peace. Malta Qindrak manages to negotiate a fair share for the southern portion of Centavo, and the Republic of Centavo remains unsteadily unified.

• 1500-1600 - Despite the slowing of trade over the Silk Road between the republics and the Yellow and Crescent Empires, enough capital had been built up to attract raiders from the Paran Desert who began to conquer and pillage most of the eastern Salt Empire for its resources and gains. Naturally, the Silk Road had stations along the way. Control over those stations was always very important. The extra security needed to maintain those stations and provide security for the caravans along the way pushed prices even higher. The Salt Empire could not keep up with the rising prices like the republics could and collapsed entirely, leaving cities like Gurud and Banak ripe for control by raiders. The lack of a buffer between the former Salt Empire and the Republic of Danar meant a prominent trading route in the Republic of Danar became too dangerous to utilize, and the Republic of Danar began to suffer economically as a result. Locals began to form small amateur militias in attempts to drive the raiders out, but few such militias were successful. The ones that were began to form their own republics and foster good relationships with the richer republics (Sanatvo, Qadika, Rabal, and Shakal) for protection from the raiders.

Iverican Colonization and Establishment of Cashar

• 1600-1700 - By the late 1600s, the raiders from the Paran Desert began to assimilate in their respective cities and holdings; though, hostilities between the republics and the various feudal bands of lords and vassals remained at an all-time high. Fighting over lands in the Republic of Sanatvo led to a fracturing of the republic as the various feudal bands of lords and vassals carved up the Republic of Centavo for themselves. The resulting fractured Republic of Sanatvo left it vulnerable both physically and economically.

• 1702 - Explorer and later governor-general, Felipe Alfau Mendossa of Iverica, eventually came to colonize parts of Cashar which included creating walled districts in the cities of Patav and Kinam which were administered by a collection of tribute-paying but autonomous satrapies. The Iverican territories were administered as corregimientos which remained uninterested in revolt for much of the colonial period due to the stability Felipe Alfau Mendossa brought to the previously unstable region.

• 1705-1712 - The colonization of Ivericans in the area causes an outbreak known to the locals as the Iverican Pox. Due to fear and suspicion, Iverican colonists are avoided and left mostly to their own devices. By 1710, quarantine measures put in place by the governor-general eventually lead to the Iverican Pox subsiding before fading out completely in 1712.

• 1730 - Following increased trading treaties, marriage alliances, and complex territorial pacts, the republics surrounding the Republic of Sanatvo begin to strengthen economically.

• 1746 - The Iverican Civil War ushered in a period of neglect in the colonies. Corruption ran rampant as falling social order and the redeployment of much of the garrison lead to a decreased confidence in the Governor-General's administration.

• 1752 - Protests grew and pressure from the local satraps eventually led to a peaceful withdrawal of Iverican colonizers from the Republic of Sanatvo. Following the withdrawal of Iverican colonizers, an alliance between the Republic of Centavo and the surrounding republics formed leading to the League of Protiva. Leaders from the republics would meet in the city of Patav to discuss matters of trade and treaties.

• 1770 - Other republics soon joined the League of Patav, and on the 17th of July, a constitution was drafted to unite the republics and establish the country of Cashar.

• 1771 - Lanat Tarakvo is elected as the first Head of the Republic of Cashar.

• 1775-1790 - As the country is developing new legislation and ways of organizing its government, there is pushback from some individual states (Dakimi and Bitit) who want more power or more of a say in how the government is run. In addition, economic prosperity has led to rampant inflation of the kumut rendering it almost essentially useless. This causes civil unrest in the country of Cashar as it becomes difficult to import agricultural products - causing food scarcity and starvation among the Cashari people.

• 1790-1801 - The lower economic classes revolt against the middle and upper class and the government as a whole citing preferential treatment, political corruption, and a lack of social welfare policies. Riots in the streets become increasingly common until the development of the Cashari Military Police. It is said some of the leaders of the revolt were carted off to the mines in the Marjan Mountains and never seen again.

The 19th Century

• 1816-1825 - The Great Famine causes yet more deaths from starvation and more riots.

• 1825- The Cashari economy begins to stabilize after a series of new legislation promoting economic growth and innovation. Mining productivity is at an all-time high, and Cashar is propelled to the top for its abundance of gold, jade, and iron. Cashar experiences an industrial revolution with the introduction of textiles and steam power. It begins to branch out into inland Alharu with fortified trading posts seeking to colonize and conquer new areas for itself especially lands suitable for agricultural development.

• 1830 - The discovery of gold deposits in Aurelia decreases the overall value of gold. Cashar's economy once again begins to struggle. It rapidly loses foothold in any and all potential colonies and loses control of its fortified trading posts in inland Alharu. Cashar withdraws into itself seeking to fix its economic problems.

• 1836-1851- Continued economic troubles and political corruption lead to Cashar setting its sights on neighboring countries in an attempt to gain access to their resources. This leads to conflict and occasional outright war. Cashar is handily defeated in most of these conflicts, due to lagging behind militarily and obsolete weaponry, which leads to yet more economic trouble and national debt.

• 1860-1868 - A second industrial revolution begins through the discovery of new chemical resources (such as pharmaceuticals, nitriles, etc) and better ag-nutrient development. The drug trade becomes a very lucrative part of Cashar's economy at this time with the trading of hallucinogens, opioids, sedatives, and stimulants. As the Cashari economy begins to recover, neighboring nations seek to take advantage of Cashar while it is still economically weak and recovering. However, due to a natural mountain border and vast swathes of desert, a proper invasion remains difficult. In response to the violent times, gun production (previously guns had been a rarity and had been introduced by Iverica) companies get their start. The first and most successful of these companies is the Lavishavisk Ordinance Company. The mass production of guns eventually leads to fighting off potential invaders.

• 1870-1879 - By this time, Cashar sees an increase in an addicted populace as well as rising murder rates. A health crisis is promptly declared, then ignored as resolutions to ban drugs, increase healthcare funding make little headway in the Board and Bureau due to the economic prosperity the drug trade has brought and pressure from drug companies and merchants. However, as work productivity drops, local governments begin enacting legislation banning drugs from the workplace. Campaigns on the part of merchants and companies lead to a demonizing of addicted people - people who have made bad choices, are displaying bad behavior, and get what they deserve. This increases the rate of homelessness in Cashar.

• 1881-1891 - The Plebian Manifesto, the works of Mark Karls, begins to circulate in Cashar. Karim Garanavol attempts to organize homeless people and various social revolutionaries calling for change in the government to support the people of the working and lower economic classes. The movement enjoys popularity for a period of three years. The government of Cashar considers banning the Plebian Manifesto, but opposition from various members of the Bureau means the legislation doesn't pass. Some local governments ban the Plebian Manifesto and see a rise in acts of revolution and riots. Other local governments, seeing this, take a different approach by outright mocking the movement and Karim Garanavol themselves. This leads to propaganda from various merchants and companies due to seeing the threat a potential revolution could bring to their social and economic standing. Karim Garanavol becomes so routinely mocked that the movement starts to lose momentum. In 1891, penniless and with few friends, Karim commits suicide. Some of the lingering followers of the movement become convinced they were murdered, but they are seen as wild conspiracy theorists on par with Flat-Eurthers.

Politics

Government

Executive government building in Protiva.

Cashar is a parliamentary republic under a constitutional corporatocracy. A parliamentary republic is a republic (in which the operation of the country is considered a public matter) that operates under a parliamentary system wherein the executive branch of government derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature. In Cashar, the head of state referred to as the Executive Head of State is mostly a ceremonial president while the heads of government consist of the most powerful corporations in Cashar. The legislature is bicameral consisting of the Board (elected officials from various corporations from each of the twelve states) and the Bureau (representatives of the people; depending on the population of a state is how many representatives represent each state). The final authority on the interpretation of law belongs to the Paramount Court which is headed by twelve justices; the leader of which is the Director of Courts.

Policies

• Abortion: Abortion is legal in Cashar but not funded by government. It is, like most things in Cashar, a small, for-profit industry. It can, many times, be difficult for a poor person to afford an abortion.
• Racism: Racism is generally not a problem in Cashar. Historically, during the time it was being conquered, there was a good deal of racism towards red-headed, fair-skinned peoples, but this changed while it was being assimilated into the conquering culture. These days, racism is almost a foreign concept to the Cashari. Really, the only thing that matters is how much money a person has, not the color of their skin.
• Drugs: Drugs are definitely legal in Cashar, and part of another for-profit industry. However, it is generally frowned upon to use drugs in the workplace.
• Homosexuality: This has never been illegal in Cashar, and again, the very concept of making it illegal is foreign to a Cashari. Homosexuals have just as much capability for success, wealth, and spending that wealth as heterosexuals do. Homosexuals are free to marry, adopt children, run businesses, etc. without discrimination. Big, extravagant weddings are common in Cashar; not to mention, big business. As a result, this will probably never become illegal, either.
• Other Religions: There is sometimes mild to moderate tension with the religious due to the ultra-capitalist mindset and extravagant lifestyles of the Cashari. However, people are free to practice religion as they choose. There is no official religion of Cashar.
• Animal testing: Legal and unregulated. As a result, it is not uncommon for some sects of Tabrodists to break into facilities and rescue animals from maltreatment.
• Human Rights: Most Cashari recognize that humans have certain, inalienable rights. Torture and slavery, for instance, are illegal in Cashar. But beyond that, it can be a bit of a slippery slope.
• Genetic Research: This is legal in Cashar but underfunded.
• Euthanasia: Euthanasia is legal but very, very expensive.
• Death Penalty: The death penalty is illegal in Cashar. Instead, criminals, especially hardened criminals, are sentenced to hard labor with no possibility for parole.

Foreign relations

Cashar's primary embassy exists in the capital city of Patav and is known as the Corporate Embassy of Cashar. It is headed by the Managerial Ambassador General, currently Kisjak Sutfinvo. The Cashari have a variety of opinions on other countries. They generally view tourists and other visitors to their country with fondness, but a good portion of Cashari are not too keen on actual immigration in their country. In addition, there tends to be some protest about whether or not Cashar should provide international aid to needy countries, and the current stance and census seems to be that no, no they should not. Nonetheless, they view those they have trade agreements with positively and will generally do what it takes to keep those trade agreements.

Military

The military of Cashar is well-funded but small and efficient. In addition to government funding, funding for the military is also provided by corporations of Cashar in exchange for being allowed to advertise to the active duty troops. The biggest corporate sponsorship comes from Battle-Tech Industries, but even The Yednisvo Company has been known to advertise its products and merchandise as well. Most of the manpower is provided by two-year selective conscription. At any given time, there are about 25,000 active duty personnel.

Branch	Description	Personnel
Cashari Army	There are two primary army bases in Cashar which may be difficult to identify due to the base walls being covered in corporate logos. One base exists at the capital, Patav, and another exists in Rajan, Karan. The army specializes in guerilla warfare, particularly in the harsh environment of the Cashari Desert.	10,000
Cashari Navy	There is one naval base in the city of Patav and only one fleet which includes a very small aircraft carrier, ships, and two submarines.	10,000
Cashari Air Force	Cashar has not invested much in an air force, preferring to invest more in the army, navy, and in cyber troops.	1,500
Cashari Military Police	This division of the military largely takes care of internal, domestic threats, especially to business interests.	500
Cashari Cybersecurity Troops	Established in 2017, the cyber troops are so-called for protecting against hacking threats - domestic and foreign. They're dedicated to military communications and defensive cyberwarfare. Technically speaking, they're actually a subdivision of The Cashar Army and army-trained. This branch of military service is not without controversy due to some Cashari believing it to be a waste of tax dollars. It has proved to be a boon for the entertainment industry as it's the subject of many conspiracy theories, jokes, and sci-fi thrillers (who will often portray them as cyberkinetic soldiers when in reality, they are no such thing).	3,000

Economy

See also: List of Cashari Corporations

Cashar's primary order of business is, in fact, business. Trade, economy, and business interests are paramount. In addition, many corporations hold sway over Cashar's political processes including Cashari Basic Industries, Corp., The Yednisvo Company, the Cashari Broadcasting Corporation, Getgo, Inc., KASHKAR, and Actus Extreme, Co. Cashar's economy is broadly diversified. The primary industries of Cashar are tourism, retail, media and entertainment, food and beverage, casinos, fishing, glass production, and chemicals (including agri-nutrients which are a prime resource in desert economies such as Cashar). Middle-growth industries include Cashar's airlines, cosmetics, fashion, and pharmaceuticals. Minor industries include mining, automotive, and arms manufacturing and defense.

The economy of Cashar is heavily dependent on chemicals (including agri-nutrients) and tourism. The economy is largely unregulated and part of a free-market system designed for efficiency and the maximization of production and profits. The nominal GDP in Cashar was 775 billion kumut in 2021. The nominal GDP per capita was 24,000 kumut (at market exchange rates) in 2021. The currency in use in Cashar is the Cashari kermote which uses a combination of notes and coins. Notes in Cashar depict prominent corporate logos rather than significant figures from history. For instance, the one kermote note depicts Getgo, Inc.'s thumb's up arrow motif.

Tourism Industry

Travel guide to exploring Cashar and its best adventures.

The tourism industry began to develop in Cashar in the 1930s upon a collective realization that Cashar was struggling to compete economically with other countries with its current resources. Following the advent of television and having already created successful advertising campaigns in the past through aggressive tactics such as plastering the sides of buildings, the government of Cashar commissioned The Yednisvo Company to begin advertising unique locations in Cashar as must-see attractions. These locations included such places as the Almret Caverns - a site of dramatic cave paintings made by the early ancestors of human beings - and the Tree of Stones - a twenty-two foot high painted megalithic structure regarded as holy by the Tabrodists. From there, the government began to pour tourism revenue into developing yet more tourist attractions over the next forty years. Sports tourism became popular in the 1940s shortly after the establishment of KASHKAR - the Cashari endurance auto racing company. Some of the prominent tourist attractions today are the Zefarid Zoo (taking advantage of the unique animals found in a desert ecosystem), Majalir Mega Mall, and Yednisvo World Park.

Retail Industry

With tourism really beginning to pay off in the 1960s came the development of retailers to give tourists places to shop and spend their hard-earned cash. The rise of Getgo, Inc. in 1966 is particularly notable as it developed a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores. It is now one of the biggest and one of the most familiar corporations in Cashar. Recently, the online retailer and technology company, Renot, Inc. has been poised to unseat the powerhouse Getgo, Inc. from its position as the largest retailer in the country.

Media and Entertainment Industry

Historically, entertainment has been limited in Cashar due to cultural expectations involving hard work and the importance of economic status. As such, theatre and the arts were poorly developed in Cashar and usually created by the religious minorities of the country. Media, however, has always had its uses for the purposes of information and advertisement. With the advent of television came a boom in news, advertising, and new opportunities to corner the market of entertainment. There are four major corporations that represent the media and entertainment industry in Cashar: the Yednisvo Company, Warviska Studios, Cashari Broadcasting Corporation (KBK), and the Labar Company.

Food and Beverage Industry

Much like the retail industry, the food and beverage industry developed in response to increased tourism in Cashar; though, one company enjoyed enormous success in Cashar well before that. Actus Extreme Co., formerly Actus Drinks, Co., was founded in 1892 and became known for its ultra sweet, ultra caffeinated cactus-flavored beverages. Due to aggressive marketing tactics, Actus became a household name in Cashar by the 1920s. Three of the prominent restaurant chains in Cashar include Jakham Silver's, Inc., Tree House Subs, Co., and Desert Delights, Inc.

Gambling Industry

Gambling has been a popular pastime in Cashar since ancient times. Many streetside gambling booths, gambling dens, and others have risen and fallen over many decades. Currently, two major casino branches reign supreme in Cashar - though, there are many smaller casinos that decorate Cashari cities. There's the Golden Tree, Co. - a chain of casinos, hotels, and spas in Cashar that are often Tabroda-themed. Then, there is the Money Rain Casinos, Inc. known for its floating casinos along the coast and on the Oros River as well as a few grounded casinos in Majalir.

Fishing Industry

The fishing industry is largely controlled by the Nippok Chamber, Corp. - one of the oldest companies in Cashar. It specializes in the taking, culturing, processing, preserving, storing, transporting, marketing, and selling fish and fish products. It is also known for its deep-sea diving ventures for pearls and the farming of pearls. Both the North Oriental Ocean and the Oros River provide many rich fishing opportunities.

Glass Production Industry

Glass production, much like fishing and gambling, has ancient roots in Cashar. Due to the abundance of sand and minerals, glass production has always been a big industry in Cashar. Historically, glass was made for practical purposes, but it also was one of the rare few art forms that spread through Cashar. As such, glassware in Cashar is often unique, colorful, and extravagant. Recently, glass production has been used to develop Cashar's technology sector and infrastructure. Teritek Optical Technologies, Inc. has been heading this particular effort due to its specialization in optic fiber and cables.

Chemicals Industry

Like most desert economies, Cashar has had to utilize its natural resources in its favor. This typically meant specializing in agri-nutrients i.e. fertilizers. This was big business in ancient times, and it has since developed even further. Cashari Basic Industries, Corp. not only specializes in agri-nutrients but also healthcare chemicals, salts, nitriles, and polyester and synthetic fibers.

Airline Industry

As part of its attempt to compete with other countries economically as well as to become a player on the Alharun stage, Cashar founded its first airline in 1930 - Cashar Airlines. The first airport was headquartered in Onomi, Nykel - but there has since been airports built in Sanatvo and Shakal.

Cosmetics Industry

Since ancient times, cosmetics have been used by men and women largely to demonstrate signs of wealth and good health. Due to the large wealth gap in Cashar, this industry hasn't kicked off quite as much as other industries.

Fashion Industry

Much like with cosmetics, fashion has been used by men and women as a way to show off economic status - particularly through loud, colorful clothing that nonetheless breathes and flows easily in order to escape the heat. While fashion has enjoyed some moderate success in Cashar, its limited in scope due to the harsh climate. Most people are more concerned with keeping cool.

Pharmaceuticals Industry

Having access to a wide array of chemicals means that Cashar has developed a moderate-sized pharmaceutical industry. However, due to the country's overall lagging investment in health care, it has not been able to grow as quickly as other industries.

Mining

In ancient times, precious metals and stones helped to propel the country's economic status. However in recent years, it has not been able to maintain a competitive advantage in this arena. Mining corporations such as Cashar Gold and Marjan Ventures are still operational in the Marjan Mountains. The Marjan Mountains are particularly rich in gold and jade - though, coal, copper, iron, and silver also exist in lesser quantities.

Automotive Industry

Due to a lack of oil and steel manufacturing, the automotive industry never really developed like it did in other countries. In general, transportation is largely utilized via camel or through corporation-sponsored bus systems. Cars are considered a rare luxury in Cashar which is likely why KASHKAR is such a popular sport in the country. Still, there does exist one automotive company as a result of the advent of KASHKAR: Tajat Motors, Corp.

Arms Manufacturing and Defense

While much of Cashar's history has been steeped in internal conflict, it has not been involved in many external conflicts - thus migitating the need for arms. Additionally, the call for efficiency has meant keeping the armed forces of Cashar relatively small. Battle-Tech Industries is the major company in charge of arms manufacturing and defense for Cashar and has had many periods of struggle. Though, due to a lack of gun control laws in Cashar and recent trade relations, it might be able to not only climb back onto the economic ladder but become a middle-growth industry as well.

Demographics

Old Cashari man with olive skin.

A majority of Cashari are short and stocky with dark hair, dark eyes, and olive complexions or darker. There's a sizable minority that tend to be of more average height, stocky, fair-skinned with red or auburn hair, and often hazel-colored eyes but a few have green eyes. The wealthiest Cashari citizens enjoy life in Cashar. It is a sunny and pleasant paradise with plenty of sights to see and lots of shopping to do. The middle classes tend to be torn between loving their country and being vaguely horrified at what their country has become. Some also bear a lot of worry and compassion for the poor. Some bear disgust and view the poor as criminals. The poor hold a quiet resentment for the country.

Language

Because of its extensive history as an international trading culture and because of the modern advent of tourism, Cashar considers itself a multilingual nation. Monetok is only one of the many languages spoken by the average Cashari including Esonian, Iverican, and Anglish. Monetok is derived from the proto-languages Ketek and Amiran. The words please and thank you are absent from Cashari vocabulary in both the literal and metaphorical sense. Smiling is considered an important part of social etiquette as frowning, especially in front of guests or strangers, is considered rude. Cashari table manners are complicated and deal a lot with "presentation." Gesturing while talking is acceptable and sometimes encouraged when trying to get a point across.

Character	IPA	Rom.	Notes
₳	/a/	aa
₾	/ɑ/	a
฿	/β/	v
₿	/b/	b
₵	/s/	s
₫	/d/	d
€	/ɛ/	e
₣	/ɸ/	f
₲	/ɢ/	g
₪	/h/	h
¥	/i/	ii	Only found in the middle of the word
	/ɪa/	i	Only found at the end of the word
	/j/	y	Only found at the beginning of the word
֏	/ʒ/	j
₭	/k/	k
£	/l/	l
₼	/m/	m
₦	/n/	n
¤	/oʊ/	o
₱	/p/	p
Q	/q/	q
₹	/ɹ/	r
$	/ʃ/	sh
₮	/t/	t
o	/u/	u
₩	/w/	w
₴	/z/	z

Religion

Tabrodists.

There is no state or official religion in Cashar. The vast majority of Cashari (about 66%) are atheists who understand little about the appeal of religion and live according to the philosophies and sciences. A small percentage (24%) of Cashari are Tabrodists who believe in Tabroda, an animistic, nature-worshipping religion. A smaller percentage (5%) believe in The Golden, a pantheistic religion revolving around gods of wealth (Riches, Poverty, Business, Gambling, Investing, Debt, and Budgeting). An even smaller percentage partakes of other religions such as Islam (3%) and (2%) Christianity.

Health

In 2021, the average life expectancy at birth for the average Cashari was 67.9 years. Health care is entirely privatized in the Incorporated States of Cashar and largely seen as a luxury afforded only by the middle and upper economic classes. Deaths of Cashar are attributable to obesity, drug overdose, suicide, lung cancer, and excessive heat or dehydration. Teenage pregnancy rates are relatively low as a result of an open policy regarding sexual education. The infant mortality rate along with the mortality rate of pregnant mothers is relatively high due to limited access to care for the poor.

Education

Education is legally mandated to be sponsored by a number of major corporations in Cashar for young citizens from the ages of four to fourteen in exchange for extensive, tasteful advertising in schools. After fourteen, citizens must vie and compete for a sponsorship from a specific corporation for continuing education up until the age of eighteen. At eighteen, if a citizen has performed well, they may be able to receive a partial sponsorship from that same or a different corporation for a university education, but the rest of the expense comes out of the citizen's pocket.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Cashar is considerably lacking in public roadways in many areas of the country. One major roadway stretches from Malmeja, Nykel to Protiva, Centavo. Personal automobile ownership is rare and usually reserved for the upper class - though, some enterprising people in the middle classes can occasionally afford an older model of vehicle for racing purposes. In Malmeja, Nykel, it is possible to rent a car for tourism purposes - though, this option is available for tourists exclusively. There is a number of privately owned competing bus systems in Cashar which can get a little confusing as it is not uncommon for bus routes to overlap. However, all the bus routes are extremely efficient, and the buses are almost never late in arrival or destination. Walking, cycling, and camel riding are still one of the more popular ways to get around in Cashar, and cities and towns have been designed and grown with this in mind.

Cashar Airlines is a company headquartered in Hanami, Qadika and has airports located in Qadika, Sanatvo, Nakal, and Shakal.

Energy

Electricity is largely available for the middle and upper economic classes, but electricity is more often than not a rarity among the poor in Cashar. The largest consumers of energy are industrial rather than residential. In 2021, 37% of Cashar's energy came from natural gas, 21% from coal, and 20% from solar energy. The remainder of Cashar's energy came from other sources such as petroleum and wind. Currently, a subsidiary of Teritek Optical Technologies - Sarak, Inc. is investing and researching solar energy options. Sarak, Inc. researchers recently discovered a new material - gallium arsenide - which could make solar PV systems nearly three times more efficient than existing products on the market.

Water Supply and Sanitation

Water supply and sanitation in Cashar is characterized by significant investments in seawater desalination, water distribution, sewerage and wastewater treatment leading to a substantial increase in access to drinking water and sanitation over the past decades. About 50% of drinking water comes from desalination, 40% from the mining of non-renewable groundwater, and 10% from surface water particularly from the mountainous parts of the country. Despite improvements, service quality remains poor especially in rural areas and in poor districts of the cities. Additionally, like most things in Cashar, the water supply and water treatment is operated by the private sector. Water is not free in Cashar.

In 2021, a desert storm caused damage to a critical desalination plant in Cashar which quickly led to a water shortage crisis. In response to the crisis, the country of Orioni provided assistance via a floating desalination ship. Additionally, the country of Esonice sent over healthcare workers to provide humanitarian aid to treat dehydrated Cashari adults and children in the urban painted districts.

Internet

The invention of the internet and its potential for advertising has led to significant investments by businesses in internet infrastructure. Due to an efficiently designed fiber optic cable network, internet speed is also quite fast. Internet cafes are big business in Cashar since there are still many people who do not own a personal computer.

Culture

Cashar has centuries-old attitudes and traditions, often derived from the ancient Empire of Amir as well as through occasional influences from other cultures due to its history as an ancient trading civilization. A lot of emphasis is placed on status and wealth in Cashari culture with higher economic classes being idealized and lower economic classes being demonized or treated with disdain. The Cashari people themselves are characterized by a strong work ethic, competitiveness, individualism as well as being noted for their attention-seeking behaviors.

Cuisine

A serving of jalmectat.

Cuisine in Cashar relies predominantly on fish and shellfish - and to lesser extents pork (from javelina), chicken (from desert fowl), and lamb. Dairy is very popular in Cashar in the forms of yoghurt and ice cream (called jalmectat) and generally comes from camels (and to a lesser extent goats). Due to the vast amount of desert in Cashar, fruits and vegetables can be difficult to come by - and about 50% of Cashar's fruits and vegetables are imported. Major crops grown in Cashar tend to be legumes, sorghum, dates, figs, carob, wheat, barley, potatoes, limes and lemons, and olives. Other crops grown to lesser extents include cherry tomatoes, peppers, onions, and maize. Jerky, tjevirme (the Cashari equivalent of shawarma), salad, and cold soup dishes dominate most of Cashari cuisine.

Jalmectat is a popular and traditional dessert of Cashar that has been around since the days of Imperial Amir. Emperor Iskus I's daughter, Princess Padnet, used to entertain foreign guests with the dessert (which was made in ancient refrigeration units known as yakhchal). Other famous dishes of Cashar include meat from the desert magpie, which is considered a delicacy. Desert magpie tjevirme are said to be especially tasty.

Literature and the Arts

The arts in Cashar are very limited. Poets and artists tend to be viewed with suspicion due to the potential for anti-capitalist attitudes. The arts are mainly utilized for marketing and advertising purposes and for making big motion pictures and television, but these are carefully controlled by producers and the businesses sponsoring the picture.

Humor tends to be bland and inoffensive, but occasionally, fun, laugh-out-loud wordplay is used.

Media

News media in Cashar is dominated by two major entities: The Cashari Broadcasting Corporation (KBK) and Yednisvo Company Media Group. One specializes in news on the national and international level, and the other specializes in family-friendly news at the national and local level. Cable television offers a little over a hundred channels catering to a variety of interests - though, this number has been dropping due to the advent of streaming services on the internet. Radio has fallen in popularity since the advent of the internet; though, it remains slightly more popular than television especially among the poor (who can't afford a personal television). There are approximately 588 radio stations in the Incorporated States of Cashar.

With only one exception, the newspapers in Cashar are privately owned either by the Cashari Broadcasting Corporation or as a family-owned business. The one exception to this is the Capital Gazette based in Protiva, Centavo which is subsidized by the government. Aside from search engines, the most popular websites in Cashar are Reins, Wittier, Fumblr, and Picnet.

Music

Pop music tends to sound the same all across the board with variations only in the singers used, the instruments used, and what products are being subliminally or overtly advertised.

Fashion

A Cashari woman in decorative fashion.

Modesty and plain clothes are a foreign concept to Cashari. It is not wholly uncommon for people to go nude or to wear little clothing in response to the extreme heat of the climate - however, most of these people will decorate themselves with jewelry in order to display themselves as someone possessing wealth. More commonly, however, people will dress with the intent to prevent sun exposure and to protect the eyes and mouth from blown sand (a common hazard in Cashar). Often, these clothes will involve colorful loose, flowing garments and elaborate, decorative head coverings. Cashari like to wear clothing which is as colorful as possible and may possess symbols and writing indicating the family they are from, their most prized possession, their level of education, their occupation, and favorite products.

Indeed, people who serve as "walking advertisements" are often viewed favorably in Cashar as someone who is an upstanding citizen and patriotic, capable, and charming. It is not uncommon for Cashari visiting foreign countries for the first time to experience some culture shock upon discovering there are no advertisements or deeper meaning or significance to the clothing or jewelry they wear.

Architecture

Cities in Cashar vary in appearance depending on what part of the city is being visited. Most commercial buildings and houses utilize a Streamline Moderne-like architecture style. Very wealthy homeowners may utilize a different architectural-style for their home, usually a style of bizarre architecture with flashy colors used. In the slums of the cities, it is common to find shanty shacks painted in a variety of colors, sometimes by local graffiti artists, sometimes not. The "Urban Painted Districts" of Cashar are sometimes advertised as potential tourist destinations.

Sport

Active citizens of Cashari might enjoy hiking, cycling, fun in the sun at the beach, and shopping. Less active citizens of Cashari probably spend a lot of time on the internet (and online shopping) and watching television and movies. Patav is the destination for the Cashar Rally. The biggest sport in Cashar is endurance auto racing often sponsored by KASHKAR the prime endurance auto racing league in Cashar which brings in a great deal of revenue from its races. Soccer (football) is also quite popular in Cashar but doesn't bring the crowds like KASHKAR does.

References

• History of Cashar (11 April 2018)
• The Efficient Overview of the Incorporated States of Cashar (18 July 2017)
• The Incorporated States of Cashar (18 July 2017)