Speke

Republic of Speke Rzeczpospolita Spika (Spekean)
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: Speke Is Not Yet Lost Jeszcze Spik nie zginęł (Spekean)
Anthem: Dąbrowski's Mazurka Mazurek Dąbrowskiego (Spekean)
The map of Speke, without region borders.
Capital	Sczesczołiszin Sczolisziń
Largest city	Sczesczołiszin
Official languages	Spekean English
Ethnic groups (2022)	Spekean 94.2% Other 5.8%
Demonym(s)	Spekean
Government	Democracy
Area
• Total	507,207 km2 (195,834 sq mi)
Population
• 2022 estimate	37,420,690
• Density	73/km2 (189.1/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)	2021 estimate
• Total	1.4 Trillion ACU (1.11 Trillion SEK)
• Per capita	37,521 ACU (29,633 SEK)
GDP (nominal)	2021 estimate
• Total	1.4 Trillion ACU (1.1 Trillion SEK)
• Per capita	37,307 ACU (29,464 SEK)
HDI (2022)	0.880 very high
Currency	Sekinar
Time zone	UTC-5
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4
Date format	dd-mm-yyyy
Driving side	right
Internet TLD	.sk

The Republic of Speke (Spekean: Rzeczpospolita Spika) is a sovereign state located on the continent of Thuadia within the region of Anteria. It is bordered by Zhousheng and is a member of the Inner Sekidean Union. At 507,207 square kilometers, Speke is a medium-sized nation on Anteria and Thuadia. Its capital city and largest city is Sczesczołiszin. The population of Speke is 37,420,690. Speke is considered a homogenous nation in terms of ethnic groups, with 94.2% of its population being Spekean and the remaining 5.8% being from other ethnic groups. The official languages of Speke are Spekean, alongside Common, which are both required at schools. The nation uses the Sekinar, the monetary union of the Inner Sekidean Union, after it switched from the Nowy Złoty when it ascended to the Innner Sekidean Union, requiring to enter the Sekizone. The country has a democratic government and a GDP of 1.4 Trillion ACU.

Culture

Art and literature

Krystyna Kowalska and "Święty Mikołaj i duchy"

Krystyna Kowalska was a renowned Spekean author and one of the greatest writers in Speke's history. She is best known for her novella "Święty Mikołaj i duchy" ("Saint Nicholas and the Spirits"), a beloved holiday classic that has been translated into numerous languages and adapted into various stage and screen productions.

In the late 1800s, Speke was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization, which led to a widening gap between the wealthy and the poor. Kowalska sought to use her writing as a means of social commentary and to inspire change. Through the story of Ebenezer Skroog, a wealthy and miserly businessman who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve, Kowalska explored themes of redemption and the true spirit of Christmas. The ghosts, representing the past, present, and future, show Skroog the error of his ways and help him to see the true meaning of Christmas. The novella's message of hope and redemption resonated with readers in Speke and beyond, and it has become a treasured holiday tradition across Anteria.

Economy

A woman inspecting insulin production at a SOWA Laboratories factory in Speke.

Major industries

Speke's major industries include healthcare, technology, science, and aeronautics. The country is a major provider of medicine and equipment for healthcare professionals and systems around Anteria, especially on the continent of Thuadia. It is also home to a large private space company, SpekeX, which specialized in space launches and scientific research, including the development of the Orbitlink satellite internet system, which provides improved internet speeds and access across Anteria. In addition, Speke is a leading researcher in renewable energy, with many companies specializing in this field.

Trade partners

Speke engages in significant trade with nations within the Sekidean Union, particularly with the country of Torvon. Torvon plays a major role in the Spekean automobile industry, with the Torvonese company Departure acquiring the Spekean car manufacturer Bliat in 2022 after it faced financial difficulties. Departure retained the original name of the company, and Bliat continues to be a significant player in the Spekean automobile market. In addition, Speke also trades with Torvon for its cargo sea vessels.

Economic challenges or successes

In the 2000s, the country suffered from widespread corruption, which had a negative impact on the economy and the well-being of the people. This corruption resulted in a lack of investment in important areas such as employment and education, and it also led to a loss of trust in the government and political system. In response to these challenges, the government has implemented a number of anti-corruption initiatives since the late 2000s, including measures to increase transparency and accountability among politicians.

Infrastructure

Transportation

A ticket allowing for transport on any bus, tram, metro in Sczesczołiszin for 20 minutes after being "validated".

Transportation plays a vital role in the economic and social development of Speke, connecting citizens and facilitating commerce. With an integrated and extensive transportation network that includes air, water, road, and rail transport, Speke is well-equipped to meet the demands of its growing population.

The country's public transportation system is both comprehensive and sustainable, with a focus on providing efficient and affordable travel options for all of its citizens. Sczesczołiszin boasts the largest network of public transportation, including buses, trams, and metros, all of which are integrated with modern technology, such as electronic ticketing and real-time information systems, to enhance convenience and accessibility.

Tickets for buses, trams and metros can be bought at every kiosk in the country, and every Frogy convenience store in denominations of 20, 40, 60 minutes, 1 day, 1 week. Monthly and yearly passes are available through the use of the national transportation card "INSERT NAME HERE", or a mobile app.

Sczesczołiszin Centralny Station

Speke's railway system is one of the most advanced in Thaudia, with over a few thousand kilometers of higher-speed rail lines, reducing travel time and making intercity travel more convenient. With over 99% of rail lines electrified, Speke promotes sustainable transportation and has greatly reduced its carbon footprint, with a goal of getting to net zero emissions between 2030-2040. A majority of Speke's railway infrastructure is owned by SPK Group, who also operates a majority of rail services, however some notable public operators are Speregio and Koleje Kwietniowe.

The country's air transportation network is also well-developed, with international airports located in all major cities. Domestic flights are operated by its flag carrier, 5air, providing citizens with access to destinations throughout the country for prices as low as 5 SEK (6.25 ACU) on some days.

Trams also play a vital role in urban transportation, particularly in larger cities, where extensive tram networks offer an affordable and convenient travel option for as low as 1.60 SEK (2 ACU) per day, those tickets also being valid for bus and metro transportation.

Telecommunications

The telecommunications sector in Speke has been steadily growing and evolving over the years, with technology advancements and infrastructure developments playing a key role in its progress. The government of Speke has been actively involved in ensuring that the country's telecommunications infrastructure is robust, efficient, and accessible to its citizens across both urban and rural areas.

In recent years, Speke has made significant strides in expanding its 4G and 5G networks. As of the latest statistics in 2022, over 99% of urban areas in the country have access to 4G connections, with all major cities boasting 5G networks. In particular, Sczesczołiszin has achieved an impressive 80% coverage of 5G speeds. These figures demonstrate the government's commitment to providing high-speed and reliable telecommunications services to its citizens.

In addition to its impressive urban connectivity, Speke has also been making efforts to ensure that rural areas are not left behind in terms of connectivity. The country's leading internet service provider, Userva, has been crucial in bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas, providing high-speed internet access to both. The company currently holds almost 90% of the market share in Speke.

With the government's involvement, Userva has became one of the key researchers in research and development of 6G telecommunications technology, with the launch of these 6G networks expected sometime in the 2030s.

Furthermore, SpekeX's "Orbitlink" satellite constellation has been a game-changer in connecting even the remotest corners of Anteria. The satellite system has been instrumental in providing internet access to people living in rural and remote areas who may not have access to traditional telecommunications infrastructure. This has opened up new opportunities for individuals and businesses in previously underserved areas and has helped to close the digital divide between urban and rural areas.

Space Program

SpekeX

SpekeX's "ION" prototype on the launchpad at the Wielek Launch Complex.

SpekeX is a private aerospace and aeronautic company based in the eastern city of Wielek, Speke. Founded in 2002 with the initial goal of colonizing Stratos, a planet with the presence of water in the form of ice but no known biological life, SpekeX has grown and diversified its operations to include a range of other aerospace and aeronautic endeavors. These include the development of reusable rocketry, electric aircraft, and military drones. The company is known for its contributions to the development and advancement of these technologies, and continues to be a leader in the field, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of space exploration and related technologies.

SpekeX has a goal of launching around 3,000 Orbitlink Satellites into Low Anteria Orbit (LAO) around Anteria. As of 2021, the company has already launched over 2,000 of these satellites, which are designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to users across the planet. The success of the Orbitlink satellites has established SpekeX as a leader in the field of satellite-based internet access, and the company continues to work towards expanding and improving its services. The additional 1,000 satellites are intended to further improve the coverage and reliability of the Orbitlink network.

SpekeX has been working on the development of the ION spacecraft for several years, with multiple prototypes and tests conducted to ensure the safety and reliability of the rocket. The company is planning to conduct the first orbital launch of the ION rocket in 2023, which will mark a significant milestone in their efforts to send humans into space. This launch will be a major accomplishment for SpekeX, and the company is currently preparing for future missions, including the possibility of sending a crew to the Caliesia Lunar Outpost in the near future. The ION spacecraft has shown great promise as a reliable and capable vehicle, and SpekeX is confident in its ability to safely transport astronauts to and from Low Anteria Orbit and beyond and is expecting to send the first orbital craft into orbit in 2023.

As a founding member of SPASEK, the joint space agency of the Sekidean Union, Speke has played a significant role in the development and success of the agency. Since 2012, SpekeX has been a part of SPASEK and has made significant contributions to the agency, including the development of new space exploration technologies, the launch and operation of satellites, and various collaborative projects with international space agencies.

Military

Size and capabilities

Vantage nano-UAV being tested by the Speke military.

The military of Speke, officially known as the Speke Armed Forces, comprises of both active and reserve personnel. The active service members number around 8,000, with an additional 134,210 reserve personnel. The Speke Armed Forces are considered to be well-trained and technologically advanced, and are equipped with a range of modern weapons and equipment.

One notable piece of military technology that is utilized by the Speke Armed Forces is the "Orzeł I" drone, which is an unmanned aerial vehicle designed for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes. In addition to the Orzeł I, the military also makes use of "Vantage" and "Altitude" nano UAVs, which are primarily used for capturing images.

Despite its advanced military capabilities, Speke is one of the few countries in the Sekidean Union that does not possess nuclear weapons, and has committed to not pursuing them. However, the country's military is equipped with a variety of other weapons and equipment, including small arms, artillery, tanks, and armored vehicles.

In addition to its conventional military capabilities, the Speke Armed Forces also has specialized units for various roles, including intelligence gathering, special operations, and cyber defense. The country's military also conducts joint training exercises and participates in multinational military operations with its allies in the Sekidean Union.