Aretias: Difference between revisions
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|map_caption2 = Political Map of Aretias | |map_caption2 = Political Map of Aretias | ||
|capital = [[ | |capital = [[Perivolia]] | ||
|largest_city = capital | |largest_city = capital | ||
|largest_settlement = | |largest_settlement = | ||
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|leader_name3 = | |leader_name3 = | ||
|legislature = [[#Politics|None]] | |legislature = [[#Politics|None]] | ||
|sovereignty_type = Independence {{nobold|from the [[Vardana| | |sovereignty_type = Independence {{nobold|from the [[Vardana|Kingdom of Vardana]]}} | ||
|established_event1 = Declaration | |established_event1 = Declaration of the Mysian Kingdom | ||
|established_date1 = 19 July 1924 | |established_date1 = 19 July 1924 | ||
|established_event2 = | |established_event2 = | ||
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|area_sq_mi = 1,396 | |area_sq_mi = 1,396 | ||
|percent_water = 1.5% | |percent_water = 1.5% | ||
|population_estimate = | |population_estimate = 865,577 | ||
|population_estimate_rank = | |population_estimate_rank = | ||
|population_estimate_year = 2020 | |population_estimate_year = 2020 | ||
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|patron_saint = St George | |patron_saint = St George | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Aretias''', officially the '''Kingdom of Aretias and the Mysians''' ([[wikipedia:Armenian language|Vardanan]]: Արեթիասի և միսիացիների թագավորություն; [[wikipedia:Pontic Greek language|Mysian]]: Βασίλειον τῆς Ἀρητιάς και οι Μυσιανοί), is a semi-recognized sovereign state located off the western coast of the [[Ajax|Chersonian Peninsula]]. It is located on an archipelago in the Periclean Sea, and shares maritime borders with [[Thraysia]] to the north, [[Vardana]] to the east, and [[Perateia]] to the southwest. Its capital, and largest city, is | '''Aretias''', officially the '''Kingdom of Aretias and the Mysians''' ([[wikipedia:Armenian language|Vardanan]]: Արեթիասի և միսիացիների թագավորություն; [[wikipedia:Pontic Greek language|Mysian]]: Βασίλειον τῆς Ἀρητιάς και οι Μυσιανοί), is a semi-recognized sovereign state located off the western coast of the [[Ajax|Chersonian Peninsula]]. It is located on an archipelago in the Periclean Sea, and shares maritime borders with [[Thraysia]] to the north, [[Vardana]] to the east, and [[Perateia]] to the southwest. Its capital, and largest city, is Perivolia. | ||
The first human settlements in Aretias date back to the 11th century BCE, with the first [[Aradia|Aradian]] and [[Lihnidos|Lihnidosi Hellene]] colonies established in the 8th and 9th centuries BCE. Aretias has long been a territory of successive empires and kingdoms since the 6th century BCE. Until 1832, Aretias was a county of the Kingdom of Vardana within the [[Mysia|Province of Mysia]], and from 1832 until 1901 a province of the [[Mysia|Kingdom of Mysia]]. The islands remained under control of the [[House of Bznuni]] after re-integration into [[Vardana#History|Hazaraspid Vardana]]. During the [[Vardanan Revolution of 1924|1924 Revolution]], the | The first human settlements in Aretias date back to the 11th century BCE, with the first [[Aradia|Aradian]] and [[Lihnidos|Lihnidosi Hellene]] colonies established in the 8th and 9th centuries BCE. Aretias has long been a territory of successive empires and kingdoms since the 6th century BCE, including the ancient X, [[Latium|Latin Empire]], ancient Greater Vardana, Thraysia, [[Bayarid Empire]], Caliphate and [[Most Magnificent Republic of Aligonia|Aligonia]]. Until 1832, Aretias was a county of the Kingdom of Vardana within the [[Mysia|Province of Mysia]], and from 1832 until 1901 a province of the [[Mysia|Kingdom of Mysia]]. The islands remained under control of the [[House of Bznuni]] after re-integration into [[Vardana#History|Hazaraspid Vardana]]. During the [[Vardanan Revolution of 1924|1924 Revolution]], the Governor of Mysia maintained control of the islands and mainland Mysia, which was re-established as a sovereign kingdom. Since 1924, Aretias has laid claim to [[Vardana]] and [[Mysia]] by way of both royal titles. | ||
Aretias is a {{wp|Unitary state|unitary}} {{wp|absolute monarchy}}, with a limited consultative assembly. Its population is near evenly split between a plurality of [[Mysia|Mysians]] and [[Vardana|Vardanans]], along with other minority groups. Aretians are overwhelmingly christian, primarily following the [[Vardanan Apostolic Church|Vardanan Apostolic]] faith, which is the official state religion. | Aretias is a {{wp|Unitary state|unitary}} {{wp|absolute monarchy}}, with a limited consultative assembly. Its population is near evenly split between a plurality of [[Mysia|Mysians]] and [[Vardana|Vardanans]], along with other minority groups. Aretians are overwhelmingly christian, primarily following the [[Vardanan Apostolic Church|Vardanan Apostolic]] faith, which is the official state religion. | ||
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Aretias has an area of 3,616 square kilometers, which consists of the main island, also named Aretias, and a series of smaller islands surrounding it. The main island has an area of 3,200 km{{sup|2}}, equating nearly 88% of the nation's territory. The country is X kilometers off the coast of the [[Varadana#Administrative divisions|Vardanan province]] of [[Mysia]], X kilometers from the [[Latium|Latin]]-helf [[Perateia]], and X kilometers from the coast of [[Thraysia]]. | Aretias has an area of 3,616 square kilometers, which consists of the main island, also named Aretias, and a series of smaller islands surrounding it. The main island has an area of 3,200 km{{sup|2}}, equating nearly 88% of the nation's territory. The country is X kilometers off the coast of the [[Varadana#Administrative divisions|Vardanan province]] of [[Mysia]], X kilometers from the [[Latium|Latin]]-helf [[Perateia]], and X kilometers from the coast of [[Thraysia]]. | ||
The main island is dominated by a small mountain range, the Agrafa Mountains, and a central-to-coastal plain crossing the island. The Agrafa Mountains cover most of the northern end of the island, and together with southern hills surround the central plain. The | The main island is dominated by a small mountain range, the Agrafa Mountains, and a central-to-coastal plain crossing the island. The Agrafa Mountains cover most of the northern end of the island, and together with southern hills surround the central plain. The Perivolia River runs through the center of the country, and is the longest river in Aretias. Mount Baghats, as part of the Agrafa Mountains, is the highest point in Aretias at 2,109 meters. | ||
<gallery mode=packed heights=100 style="font-size:88%;line-height:120%"> | <gallery mode=packed heights=100 style="font-size:88%;line-height:120%"> | ||
File:Acheloos river narrows 02.jpg|River | File:Acheloos river narrows 02.jpg|River Perivolia is the largest river in Aretias | ||
File:View of Bursa from the hills of Mount Uludag.jpg|Landscape around | File:View of Bursa from the hills of Mount Uludag.jpg|Landscape around Perivolia | ||
File:Vai R05.jpg|Beaches near Teos along the Periclean Sea | File:Vai R05.jpg|Beaches near Teos along the Periclean Sea | ||
File:Chionistra winter 1.JPG|Winter snowfall in the Agrafa Mountains | File:Chionistra winter 1.JPG|Winter snowfall in the Agrafa Mountains | ||
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Aretias has a typical [[wikipedia:Mediterranean climate|Periclean climate]], with [[wikipedia:semi-arid climate|semi-arid]] tendencies inland at mid-level elevations of mountains. Coastal winters are mild, with hot summers. Coastal communities experience some of the hottest days in the Periclean during the summer, reaching upwards of 80 °F during the day, on average, during the peak of summer. | Aretias has a typical [[wikipedia:Mediterranean climate|Periclean climate]], with [[wikipedia:semi-arid climate|semi-arid]] tendencies inland at mid-level elevations of mountains. Coastal winters are mild, with hot summers. Coastal communities experience some of the hottest days in the Periclean during the summer, reaching upwards of 80 °F during the day, on average, during the peak of summer. | ||
Winters remain warm in Aretias. The average winter temperature in the capital of [[ | Winters remain warm in Aretias. The average winter temperature in the capital of [[Perivolia]] sees a daily average of 66°F, with nightly lows near 45°F. Snow is possible at the highest peaks of the Agrafa Mountains, particularly Mount Baghats. | ||
===Water=== | ===Water=== | ||
==Politics== | ==Politics== | ||
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|} | |} | ||
{{main|Monarchy of Aretias|Royal Council (Aretias){{!}}Royal Council}} | {{main|Monarchy of Aretias|Royal Council (Aretias){{!}}Royal Council}} | ||
Aretias is an absolute monarchy ruled by the [[House of Bznuni]]. The Bznuni have been ruling Aretias since the 15th century, originally as Lords or Princes of Aretias as a vassal of the [[Monarchy of Vardana|Monarch of Vardana]]. The current [[Monarchy of Aretias|Basileus]] is [[Basil III of Aretias|Basil | Aretias is an absolute monarchy ruled by the [[House of Bznuni]]. The Bznuni have been ruling Aretias since the 15th century, originally as Lords or Princes of Aretias as a vassal of the [[Monarchy of Vardana|Monarch of Vardana]]. The current [[Monarchy of Aretias|Basileus]] is [[Basil III of Aretias|Basil I]], who succeed his father as ruler on 19 November 2002. The Basileus has the sole power to appoint and remove ministers of the Crown, who together form the [[Royal Council (Aretias)|Royal Council]]. Aretias has no codified constitution, which places most legislative, executive, and judicial authority in the hands of the Basileus. | ||
Aretias features no political parties, which have been banned by decree since 1940. There is no national legislature, though various proposals eventually led to the creation of a consultative assembly of 40 individuals appointed by the Basileus. This consultative assembly has no ability to propose legislation, but regularly votes on legislation originating from the Basileus or Royal Council. There are no national elections, but elections on a local level are commonplace. Through customary law, all adult citizens have the right to petition the Basileus. However, local elections are often subject to fraud or voter intimidation according to human rights groups. | Aretias features no political parties, which have been banned by decree since 1940. There is no national legislature, though various proposals eventually led to the creation of a consultative assembly of 40 individuals appointed by the Basileus. This consultative assembly has no ability to propose legislation, but regularly votes on legislation originating from the Basileus or Royal Council. There are no national elections, but elections on a local level are commonplace. Through customary law, all adult citizens have the right to petition the Basileus. However, local elections are often subject to fraud or voter intimidation according to human rights groups. | ||
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Aretias is a unitary state divided into counties and municipalities. There are three counties, which are used for statistical and judicial boundary purposes. There are 80 municipalities, which serve as the primary avenue for local government. These municipalities control most local matters, such as education, transportation, and zoning. | Aretias is a unitary state divided into counties and municipalities. There are three counties, which are used for statistical and judicial boundary purposes. There are 80 municipalities, which serve as the primary avenue for local government. These municipalities control most local matters, such as education, transportation, and zoning. | ||
Perivolia is the largest municipality, with a population of approximately 300,000 residents, or roughly one-third of the country's population. Teos is the second largest municipality, with a population of close to 100,000. | |||
===International status and foreign relations=== | ===International status and foreign relations=== | ||
Aretias | Aretias was a province of [[Mysia]] upon the declaration of the second Mysian Kingdom on 19 July 1924, following the execution of [[Monarchy of Vardana|King]] [[Stepan IV of Vardana]]. The local governor, [[Gregor Bznuni]], a prominent royalist, proclaimed reinstated [[George II of Mysia|George II]] as Basileus of Mysia. Since 1924, Aretias has claimed to be the government of Greater Vardana, which has resulted in non-recognition of Aretias by successive Vardanan governments. Aretias continued to claim its status as the legal successor to the Mysian Kingdom; however, the country altered its name in 1945 from the Mysian Kingdom to the Kingdom of Aretias and the Mysians. However, even among nations that recognize Aretias as an independent state, few recognize its claim over [[Vardana]]. These historical claims have resulted in complex relations with cordial states as well. | ||
A stated primary goal of Aretias is to achieve the reunification of "Greater Vardana" under monarchist rule. In practice, however, Aretias's primary goal is noted to be defense and security of its territory, which has faced various tests since 1933. | A stated primary goal of Aretias is to achieve the reunification of "Greater Vardana" under monarchist rule. In practice, however, Aretias's primary goal is noted to be defense and security of its territory, which has faced various tests since 1933. | ||
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Law in Aretias primary operates under a [[wikipedia:Civil law (legal system)|civil law]] system, with [[wikipedia:Customary law|customary law]] serving as a secondary source of law when not officially codified or superseded by codified law. Civil law in Aretias is heavily based on Latin and Thraysian law. | Law in Aretias primary operates under a [[wikipedia:Civil law (legal system)|civil law]] system, with [[wikipedia:Customary law|customary law]] serving as a secondary source of law when not officially codified or superseded by codified law. Civil law in Aretias is heavily based on Latin and Thraysian law. | ||
Aretias lacks an independent judiciary, and as a result the court system is heavily influenced by the central government and the Basileus, who may intervene in cases or issue a verdict on appeal. Despite this, the judiciary underwent a series of reforms in the mid-20th century primarily based on judicial systems in Western Belisaria. It features royal circuit courts serving as the general trial court for all civil and criminal matters. There are four circuit courts, one per country except in | Aretias lacks an independent judiciary, and as a result the court system is heavily influenced by the central government and the Basileus, who may intervene in cases or issue a verdict on appeal. Despite this, the judiciary underwent a series of reforms in the mid-20th century primarily based on judicial systems in Western Belisaria. It features royal circuit courts serving as the general trial court for all civil and criminal matters. There are four circuit courts, one per country except in Perivolia which hosts two circuit courts. Aretias lacks an intermediate appellate court in the traditional sense, as the Court of Cassation is the de facto court of last resort and features a criminal and civil division. | ||
===Armed Forces=== | ===Armed Forces=== | ||
{{main|Aretian Defense Force}} | {{main|Aretian Defense Force}} | ||
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The economy of Aretias has a [[wikipedia:Mixed economy|mixed economy]], featuring a modernizing industrial sector, transitioning service sector and robust. Aretias continues to rely on mining, as it is mineral rich and relies on exporting rare earth minerals as a key segment of its economy. Agriculture consists of a small, shrinking sector of the Aretian economy. As of 2019, its unemployment rate is estimated around 13%. Its largest trading partners are [[Besmenia]], [[Garima]], [[Latium]], [[Lihnidos]], [[Thraysia]], and [[Vardana]]. The [[Aretian dram|dram]] is the country's currency, though currencies from neighboring nations such as [[Latium]] and [[Thraysia]] are often accepted by merchants. | The economy of Aretias has a [[wikipedia:Mixed economy|mixed economy]], featuring a modernizing industrial sector, transitioning service sector and robust. Aretias continues to rely on mining, as it is mineral rich and relies on exporting rare earth minerals as a key segment of its economy. Agriculture consists of a small, shrinking sector of the Aretian economy. As of 2019, its unemployment rate is estimated around 13%. Its largest trading partners are [[Besmenia]], [[Garima]], [[Latium]], [[Lihnidos]], [[Thraysia]], and [[Vardana]]. The [[Aretian dram|dram]] is the country's currency, though currencies from neighboring nations such as [[Latium]] and [[Thraysia]] are often accepted by merchants. | ||
Perivolia and Teos comprise the economic centers of Aretias due to being the largest population centers and most modern cities in the country. Nearly all of the most major domestic companies and corporations have headquarters located in Perivolia. While economic growth in Aretias has continued since 1960, it is at a steady pace and not considered among a fast growing economy. | |||
===Transport=== | ===Transport=== | ||
Transportation in Aretias has undergone rapid change since the 1990s, featuring an expansion of motorways and additional air, rail, and water passage; however, outside of major cities such as | Transportation in Aretias has undergone rapid change since the 1990s, featuring an expansion of motorways and additional air, rail, and water passage; however, outside of major cities such as Perivolia and Teos motorways are not fully to modern standards throughout Aretias. Basil II International Airport in Perivolia is the nation's only international airport, which was first constructed in 1966. Smaller regional airports are located in Teos and [city], and connect the country's islands with the main island and close neighboring nations. The port of Akn is the country's main seaport and is located on the main island of Aretias along the Periclean Sea coast. | ||
==Demographics== | ==Demographics== | ||
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[[wikipedia:Pontic Greek language|Mysian]] and [[wikipedia:Armenian language|Vardanan]] are the two official languages of Aretias, as both are widely spoken and understood by nearly all of the county's inhabitants. However, [[wikipedia:Armenian language|Vardanan]] holds the dignity of being the official [[wikipedia:Court (royal)|court]] languages and as such is the primary language of government throughout the country. All civil servants are required to speak Vardanan. | [[wikipedia:Pontic Greek language|Mysian]] and [[wikipedia:Armenian language|Vardanan]] are the two official languages of Aretias, as both are widely spoken and understood by nearly all of the county's inhabitants. However, [[wikipedia:Armenian language|Vardanan]] holds the dignity of being the official [[wikipedia:Court (royal)|court]] languages and as such is the primary language of government throughout the country. All civil servants are required to speak Vardanan. | ||
A minor, yet noticeable Gariman minority has developed in major Aretian cities due to the personal union of Aretias and the Gariman state of [[Nyrundy]], which existed from 1933 to 2010. | |||
===Religion=== | ===Religion=== | ||
The Vardanan Apostolic Church is the state church of Aretias. Religious minorities typically do not have the freedom to practice their religion unless it is a religion officially recognized by the government. Recognized minority religions include Fabrian Catholicism, Vardanan Rite Orthodox, Judaism, and various [[Azdarin|Yen]] sects. Minority religions in Aretias are strictly regulated and controlled, though for what are understood to be political reasons, Catholic and Orthodox christians retain greater freedoms and autonomy than other minority religious groups. | The Vardanan Apostolic Church is the state church of Aretias. Religious minorities typically do not have the freedom to practice their religion unless it is a religion officially recognized by the government. Recognized minority religions include Fabrian Catholicism, Vardanan Rite Orthodox, Judaism, and various [[Azdarin|Yen]] sects. Minority religions in Aretias are strictly regulated and controlled, though for what are understood to be political reasons, Catholic and Orthodox christians retain greater freedoms and autonomy than other minority religious groups. | ||
Revision as of 02:39, 11 August 2020
 | This article is incomplete because it is pending further input from participants, or it is a work-in-progress by one author. Please comment on this article's talk page to share your input, comments and questions. Note: To contribute to this article, you may need to seek help from the author(s) of this page. |
Kingdom of Aretias and the Mysians | |
|---|---|
 Flag
 Coat of Arms
| |
| Motto: Զիջել ոչ մեկին Zijel voch’ mekin ("Yield to none") | |
| Anthem: Վարդի մարտ Vardi mart March of the Rose  | |
 Location of Aretias (dark green) – in Belisaria (dark grey) | |
| Political Map of Aretias Political Map of Aretias | |
| Capital and largest city | Perivolia |
| Official languages | |
| Recognised regional languages | Latin |
| Ethnic groups (2019) |
|
| Religion | State religion: Vardanan Apostolic Other recognized: Eastern Orthodoxy, Fabrian Catholicism, Azdarin, Alban Emendatic, Judaism, Irreligion |
| Demonym(s) | Aretian |
| Government | Unitary absolute monarchy |
• Basileus | Basil I |
| vacant | |
| Legislature | None |
| Independence from the Kingdom of Vardana | |
• Declaration of the Mysian Kingdom | 19 July 1924 |
| Area | |
• Total | 3,616 km2 (1,396 sq mi) (nth) |
• Water (%) | 1.5% |
| Population | |
• 2020 estimate | 865,577 |
• 2015 census | 850,996 |
• Density | 235.34/km2 (609.5/sq mi) |
| Currency | Dram (Դ) (ARD) |
| Date format | dd/mm/yyyy (AD) |
| Driving side | left |
| Calling code | +377 |
| ISO 3166 code | AE |
| Internet TLD | .ae |
Aretias, officially the Kingdom of Aretias and the Mysians (Vardanan: Արեթիասի և միսիացիների թագավորություն; Mysian: Βασίλειον τῆς Ἀρητιάς και οι Μυσιανοί), is a semi-recognized sovereign state located off the western coast of the Chersonian Peninsula. It is located on an archipelago in the Periclean Sea, and shares maritime borders with Thraysia to the north, Vardana to the east, and Perateia to the southwest. Its capital, and largest city, is Perivolia.
The first human settlements in Aretias date back to the 11th century BCE, with the first Aradian and Lihnidosi Hellene colonies established in the 8th and 9th centuries BCE. Aretias has long been a territory of successive empires and kingdoms since the 6th century BCE, including the ancient X, Latin Empire, ancient Greater Vardana, Thraysia, Bayarid Empire, Caliphate and Aligonia. Until 1832, Aretias was a county of the Kingdom of Vardana within the Province of Mysia, and from 1832 until 1901 a province of the Kingdom of Mysia. The islands remained under control of the House of Bznuni after re-integration into Hazaraspid Vardana. During the 1924 Revolution, the Governor of Mysia maintained control of the islands and mainland Mysia, which was re-established as a sovereign kingdom. Since 1924, Aretias has laid claim to Vardana and Mysia by way of both royal titles.
Aretias is a unitary absolute monarchy, with a limited consultative assembly. Its population is near evenly split between a plurality of Mysians and Vardanans, along with other minority groups. Aretians are overwhelmingly christian, primarily following the Vardanan Apostolic faith, which is the official state religion.
Name
The Kingdom of Aretias rests on a minor archipelago surrounding a large, main island from which the country takes its name. The territory consisting of modern Aretias has held numerous names since the first recorded human settlements. Aretias was first used as a name for the main island in the 2nd century BCE, coming from the Hellenic meaning "Island of Ares". During the period of Latin control, from the 2nd to 5th centuries CE, the islands were referred to as Aretium in imperial documents, roughly meaning "Island of Mars", however Aretias remained the most widely used name.
History
Early history
Middle Ages
Early modern
Independence
Modern history
Geography
Aretias has an area of 3,616 square kilometers, which consists of the main island, also named Aretias, and a series of smaller islands surrounding it. The main island has an area of 3,200 km2, equating nearly 88% of the nation's territory. The country is X kilometers off the coast of the Vardanan province of Mysia, X kilometers from the Latin-helf Perateia, and X kilometers from the coast of Thraysia.
The main island is dominated by a small mountain range, the Agrafa Mountains, and a central-to-coastal plain crossing the island. The Agrafa Mountains cover most of the northern end of the island, and together with southern hills surround the central plain. The Perivolia River runs through the center of the country, and is the longest river in Aretias. Mount Baghats, as part of the Agrafa Mountains, is the highest point in Aretias at 2,109 meters.
River Perivolia is the largest river in Aretias
Landscape around Perivolia
Beaches near Teos along the Periclean Sea
Winter snowfall in the Agrafa Mountains
Climate
Aretias has a typical Periclean climate, with semi-arid tendencies inland at mid-level elevations of mountains. Coastal winters are mild, with hot summers. Coastal communities experience some of the hottest days in the Periclean during the summer, reaching upwards of 80 °F during the day, on average, during the peak of summer.
Winters remain warm in Aretias. The average winter temperature in the capital of Perivolia sees a daily average of 66°F, with nightly lows near 45°F. Snow is possible at the highest peaks of the Agrafa Mountains, particularly Mount Baghats.
Water
Politics
|
| Basil I Basileus of Aretias |
Aretias is an absolute monarchy ruled by the House of Bznuni. The Bznuni have been ruling Aretias since the 15th century, originally as Lords or Princes of Aretias as a vassal of the Monarch of Vardana. The current Basileus is Basil I, who succeed his father as ruler on 19 November 2002. The Basileus has the sole power to appoint and remove ministers of the Crown, who together form the Royal Council. Aretias has no codified constitution, which places most legislative, executive, and judicial authority in the hands of the Basileus.
Aretias features no political parties, which have been banned by decree since 1940. There is no national legislature, though various proposals eventually led to the creation of a consultative assembly of 40 individuals appointed by the Basileus. This consultative assembly has no ability to propose legislation, but regularly votes on legislation originating from the Basileus or Royal Council. There are no national elections, but elections on a local level are commonplace. Through customary law, all adult citizens have the right to petition the Basileus. However, local elections are often subject to fraud or voter intimidation according to human rights groups.
Administrative divisions
Aretias is a unitary state divided into counties and municipalities. There are three counties, which are used for statistical and judicial boundary purposes. There are 80 municipalities, which serve as the primary avenue for local government. These municipalities control most local matters, such as education, transportation, and zoning.
Perivolia is the largest municipality, with a population of approximately 300,000 residents, or roughly one-third of the country's population. Teos is the second largest municipality, with a population of close to 100,000.
International status and foreign relations
Aretias was a province of Mysia upon the declaration of the second Mysian Kingdom on 19 July 1924, following the execution of King Stepan IV of Vardana. The local governor, Gregor Bznuni, a prominent royalist, proclaimed reinstated George II as Basileus of Mysia. Since 1924, Aretias has claimed to be the government of Greater Vardana, which has resulted in non-recognition of Aretias by successive Vardanan governments. Aretias continued to claim its status as the legal successor to the Mysian Kingdom; however, the country altered its name in 1945 from the Mysian Kingdom to the Kingdom of Aretias and the Mysians. However, even among nations that recognize Aretias as an independent state, few recognize its claim over Vardana. These historical claims have resulted in complex relations with cordial states as well.
A stated primary goal of Aretias is to achieve the reunification of "Greater Vardana" under monarchist rule. In practice, however, Aretias's primary goal is noted to be defense and security of its territory, which has faced various tests since 1933.
Aretias is a member of the Forum of Nations, [org], and [org].
Law
Law in Aretias primary operates under a civil law system, with customary law serving as a secondary source of law when not officially codified or superseded by codified law. Civil law in Aretias is heavily based on Latin and Thraysian law.
Aretias lacks an independent judiciary, and as a result the court system is heavily influenced by the central government and the Basileus, who may intervene in cases or issue a verdict on appeal. Despite this, the judiciary underwent a series of reforms in the mid-20th century primarily based on judicial systems in Western Belisaria. It features royal circuit courts serving as the general trial court for all civil and criminal matters. There are four circuit courts, one per country except in Perivolia which hosts two circuit courts. Aretias lacks an intermediate appellate court in the traditional sense, as the Court of Cassation is the de facto court of last resort and features a criminal and civil division.
Armed Forces
The Aretian Defense Force is the main military institution of Aretias. It is a combined arms force, with air, land, and sea elements. The Defense Force has featured conscription since its inception, requiring all males to serve a compulsory 16 months of service beginning on their 17th birthday. Though primarily a conscripted force, since 1989 the Defense Force features a growing professional enlisted involvement.
Aretias also features a number of paramilitary services, such as the Royal Guard, and the Civil Guard. The Royal Guard serves as the personal protection service of the Basileus and his family. Members of the Royal Guard are often some of the most trained soldiers in Aretias and are granted privileges not commonly found in the Defense Force or the Civil Guard. The Civil Guard is the national police force of Aretias, which has in recent years been marginalized in favor or expanded authority of the Defense Force.
Economy
The economy of Aretias has a mixed economy, featuring a modernizing industrial sector, transitioning service sector and robust. Aretias continues to rely on mining, as it is mineral rich and relies on exporting rare earth minerals as a key segment of its economy. Agriculture consists of a small, shrinking sector of the Aretian economy. As of 2019, its unemployment rate is estimated around 13%. Its largest trading partners are Besmenia, Garima, Latium, Lihnidos, Thraysia, and Vardana. The dram is the country's currency, though currencies from neighboring nations such as Latium and Thraysia are often accepted by merchants.
Perivolia and Teos comprise the economic centers of Aretias due to being the largest population centers and most modern cities in the country. Nearly all of the most major domestic companies and corporations have headquarters located in Perivolia. While economic growth in Aretias has continued since 1960, it is at a steady pace and not considered among a fast growing economy.
Transport
Transportation in Aretias has undergone rapid change since the 1990s, featuring an expansion of motorways and additional air, rail, and water passage; however, outside of major cities such as Perivolia and Teos motorways are not fully to modern standards throughout Aretias. Basil II International Airport in Perivolia is the nation's only international airport, which was first constructed in 1966. Smaller regional airports are located in Teos and [city], and connect the country's islands with the main island and close neighboring nations. The port of Akn is the country's main seaport and is located on the main island of Aretias along the Periclean Sea coast.
Demographics
The population of Aretias sits at 850,996 as of the 2013 census. Recent estimates place the population near 965,000. The largest ethnic group in Aretias consists of Vardanans, estimated at 49-52% of the population. Ethnic Mysians form nearly 40% of the population, and consist of the second largest group.
Vardanans have increased in number since the 1960s, which was preceded by a swell in Mysians fleeing the civil war in Vardana. It was estimated that from 1910 to 1960, Mysians created a majority of the population. Other ethnic groups present in the country are Ayrumi, [slavic group], Kards, Cherkes, and [group].
Mysian and Vardanan are the two official languages of Aretias, as both are widely spoken and understood by nearly all of the county's inhabitants. However, Vardanan holds the dignity of being the official court languages and as such is the primary language of government throughout the country. All civil servants are required to speak Vardanan.
A minor, yet noticeable Gariman minority has developed in major Aretian cities due to the personal union of Aretias and the Gariman state of Nyrundy, which existed from 1933 to 2010.
Religion
The Vardanan Apostolic Church is the state church of Aretias. Religious minorities typically do not have the freedom to practice their religion unless it is a religion officially recognized by the government. Recognized minority religions include Fabrian Catholicism, Vardanan Rite Orthodox, Judaism, and various Yen sects. Minority religions in Aretias are strictly regulated and controlled, though for what are understood to be political reasons, Catholic and Orthodox christians retain greater freedoms and autonomy than other minority religious groups.
While the historical leader of the Vardanan Apostolic Church is the Apostolic Patriarch of Aparan, and the Patriarch of All of Vardana is a leader figured in neighboring Vardana, the Patriarch of Teos serves as the chief religious authority in Aretias. The government is known to regularly insert itself into selection of the Patriarch of Teos upon a vacancy, as it does with other major religious figures within the country. Official census records place 73% of the population as Apostolic Christians, however this number is believed to be more accurately stated around 65-70%. Nearly 20% of the population is believed to follow the Orthodox church.