Giokto

Protectorate of Giokto 玉島保國 (Gio̍k-tó Pó-kok)
Flag Coat of arms
Map of Giokto
Capital and largest city	Saipuo
Official languages	Giokton
Recognised national languages	Andallan
Demonym(s)	Giokton
Government
• President	Wen Jianguo
• Vice President	Liu Xiuying
Legislature	Giokton Congress
Population
• Estimate	10,278,427
Currency	Andallan Amla (Å)
Date format	dd/mm/yyyy
Driving side	right
Internet TLD	.gk

Giokto (Giokton: 玉島保國; Phen-im: Gio̍k-tó Pó-kok / Giok8 to3 Bin2 kok1), officially known as the Protectorate of Giokto, is an Andallan protectorate situated north of the Little Flauton twin islands of Phalon and Nolaf. It comprises the island of Giokto and the Goa Archipelago, located off Giokto's northwestern coast. Its capital and largest city is Saipuo.

The state functions as a republic in formal association with Andalla, maintaining a semi-presidential system with a president, vice president, and a unicameral Congress. The Giokton economy is a well-developed mix of industry and services sectors, with prominent companies such as the Aviation Industry Company of Giokto (AVIG) and the national airline, KAir. Giokto uses the Amla as its currency, shared with Andalla due to its status as an Andallan protectorate.

Giokto has a rich history, with the earliest human settlement dating back to 6800 BCE by the Hong-êng people. Over time, it has been influenced by various cultural exchanges with neighbouring regions, especially Andalla, contributing to a vibrant and distinctive Giokton culture. With a population of over 10 million, Giokto is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, predominantly of Giokton (Lanang) ancestry. The official language is Giokton, also known as Lanang, and the majority of the population practises the local religion, Posattism. Giokto's rich culture, heritage, and natural beauty, including pristine beaches and lush landscapes, make it a unique destination on the Thalassan continent.

Etymology

The name "Giokto" (Giokton: 玉島; Pheng-im: Gio̍k-tó; literally “Jade Island”) is derived from the name of its main island, which was named after the mountain in its centre, Gioksua (Giokton: 玉山; Pheng-im: Gio̍k-soa / Giook8 soa1; literally “Jade Mountain”). It is unknown as to when Gioktons began referring to the mountain as “Gioksoa”; the earliest known writings containing the name date back to 800 BCE during the Tsòa Dynasty.

Geography

Map of Giokto.

Giokto is surrounded by the Tiauhai Sea (Giokton: 趙海; Pheng-im: Tiāu-hái) to its east, which separates Andalla and Giokto. The Kimen Archipelago (Giokton: 群島; Pheng-im: Kim¹ mng¹ Liat⁸ to⁴) lies off its northwest coast, while Bante Beach (Giokton: 曼底; Pheng-im: Bân-tē), the site of the 1943 Andallan amphibious landings, is located opposite the Kimen Archipelago on the coast of Liamchia. The southernmost point on Giokto Island is Cape Holam (Giokton: 戶南角; Pheng-im: Hō-lâm-kak), which is located on the southwest coast. Chiongto (Giokton: 蔣島; Pheng-im: Chióng-tó / Chiong⁴ to⁴) is an island off the southern coast, with a city of the same name.

Provinces

Giokto is divided into several provinces, including (from north to south):

• Liamchia (Giokton: 廉奢; Pheng-im: Liâm-tsia), a coastal province in the northwest and a former Andallan territory. The capital of is Nangong (Giokton: 南宮; Pheng-im: Lâm-keng), meaning 'South Palace'. It is a coastal city known for its historic harbour, beautiful waterfront, and the extensive Liamchia Fortress that harks back to the time of Giokto's struggles against Andallan control. Despite its historic and somewhat sombre reminders of the past, Nangong has transformed into a lively city with a thriving seafood industry and a burgeoning tech sector. The city's charm is accentuated by its picturesque location between the azure sea to its west and verdant hills to its east.

• Tiongkang (Giokton: 重庆; Pheng-im: Tiông-khèng), a landlocked province situated south of Liamchia and west of Saipuo. The provincial capital is Taoping (Giokton: 高平; Pheng-im: Ko-pêng), which translates to 'High Peace'. Located at the foot of the Gioksoa mountains, Taoping is an important industrial centre with a vibrant manufacturing sector. Despite being landlocked, the city is characterised by a network of canals which are reminiscent of the city's historic past when they served as crucial trade routes. Today, these waterways add to the city's scenic charm and are a popular tourist attraction.

• Sinchia (Giokton: 新奢; Pheng-im: Sin-tsia), a province located on the east coast of the main island. Sinchia is known for its beautiful beaches and expansive coastal forests, attracting many tourists each year. Its provincial capital, Samto (Giokton: 山頭; Pheng-im: Sam-thô), is a bustling port city that serves as a major hub for trade and commerce in the province.

• Kianchoa (Giokton: 建潮; Pheng-im: Kiàn-tsiâu), the southernmost province of Giokto, incorporates several smaller islands along with parts of the main island's southern coast. This province boasts a rich biodiversity and hosts several national parks and nature reserves. The provincial capital, Potsia (Giokton: 堡市; Pheng-im: Pó-chhī), situated on one of the outlying islands, is famed for its historic lighthouse and its fish markets, offering a distinct blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Adding to the list of provinces, the capital city of Saipuo is designated as a separate administrative division known as the Saipuo Capital District (Giokton: 西堡首都區; Pheng-im: Sai-pó Siū-thô-khu). The district is located on the western face of Gioksoa and hosts the administrative, legislative, and judicial centres of the protectorate.

Capital

Saipuo (Giokton: 西堡; Pheng-im: Sai-pó), the capital and largest city of Giokto, is situated on the western face of the Gioksoa mountain range, forming a picturesque landscape that combines the bustling city life with serene mountain backdrops. As the political, economic, and cultural centre of Giokto, Saipuo is a cosmopolitan city offering a variety of experiences for both its inhabitants and visitors. From ancient temples and vibrant markets to modern high-rises and sophisticated cultural institutions, Saipuo represents a blend of Giokto's historical legacy and its modern aspirations.

At the heart of the city runs Konghok Road (Giokton: 光復道; Pheng-im: Kong¹ hok¹ to⁵), a major avenue that serves as a crucial artery of the city's transportation network, hosting numerous commercial establishments and government offices along its length. Known for its historic architecture juxtaposed with sleek, contemporary structures, Konghok Road is an emblem of Saipuo's development throughout the years.

To the southeast of the city centre, beyond the urban sprawl, lies the suburb of Toheng (Giokton: 桃園; Pheng-im: Tho² hng¹). This area is largely residential but is primarily known for being home to the Saipuo Toheng International Airport (CGST). As the primary air travel gateway to Giokto, the airport plays a vital role in the protectorate's connectivity with the wurld. CGST hosts a range of international airlines and offers routes to various global destinations, making it a major hub for both regional and intercontinental travel.

Cities

Giokto's cities include:

1. Saipuo (Giokton: 西堡; Pheng-im: Sai-pó), the capital and the largest city of Giokto, is located on the western face of Gioksoa.
2. Kaohen (Giokton: 九份; Pheng-im: Káu-hun), the second-largest city, is a major port on the northwest coast.
3. Potsia (Giokton: 堡市; Pheng-im: Pó-chhī), located on the southwest coast, is the third-largest city and an important industrial centre of Giokto.
4. Tailam (Giokton: 臺南; Pheng-im: Tâi-lâm), another city on the northwest coast, is located south of Kaohen.
5. Samto (Giokton: 山頭; Pheng-im: Sam-thô), an east coast port city, is the oldest city in Giokto and the site of the first human settlement.
6. Liangsiu (Giokton: 涼州; Pheng-im: Liâng-chiu), a city on the northern face of Gioksoa, is a popular summer vacation destination.
7. Yasiu (Giokton: 椰州; Pheng-im: Iâ-chiu) is a port city on the southeast coast.
8. Chiongto (Giokton: 蔣島; Pheng-im: Chióng-tó / Chiong4 to4) is a city on the southern coast, located on an island of the same name.
9. Lampu (Giokton: 藍浦; Pheng-im: Lâm-pō͘), found on the northern tip of Giokto Island, is known for its thriving fishery sector and breathtaking coastal landscapes.
10. Keppo (Giokton: 溪坡; Pheng-im: Khe-pho͘), nestled in the mountainous region of Giokto's eastern coast, is renowned for its serene rural atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.

Largest cities or towns in Giokto 2021 census
	Rank		Province	Pop.
Saipuo Kaohen	1	Saipuo	[[]]	529,247	Potsia Tailam
	2	Kaohen	[[]]	263,927
	3	Potsia	[[]]	202,746
	4	Tailam	[[]]	197,217
	5	Samto	[[]]	185,103
	6	Liangsiu	Liamchia	132,799
	7	Yasiu	[[]]	120,887
	8	Chiongto	[[]]	118,656
	9	Lampu	[[]]	111,432
	10	Keppo	[[]]	102,275

History

Ancient History and Formation

Paraw sailboats are hallmarks of the West-Alharun maritime culture.

First text — The first humans arrived in Giokto in several waves by boat from Western Alharu. The Hong-êng people established the first human settlement on the island, in what is now known as Samto, in 6800 BCE. The Hong-êng rapidly spread across Giokto, establishing a rich culture that still impacts modern life in the protectorate.

The earliest ancestors of the Giokton people are known to have lived along the southern coast of the Ketek (Cashari) Peninsula, eventually migrating south to a mountainous, resource-rich island now known as Giokto. Despite being located far from the center of the ancient Huang civilization, the Giokton people have always maintained close contact with the far-western reaches of Huang territory.

As opposed to the many Huang states in Alharu that had organized governments and went to war against each other, the Giokton people slowly developed peaceful city-states that were mostly focused on self-sufficiency and developing the economy. Initially inhabited by only a small group of people, the Giokton city-states made little contact even with each other.

Second text — The Giokton people are descended from an ancient Alharun civilization that split in half, becoming Fulgistan and Giokto, respectively. The half that would become Giokto settled near along the southern coast of the Cashari peninsula. Internal strife caused the people to separate into several groups, and over time, migrating across the sea in numerous waves, landing on the island. Eventually these waves grew into city-states and kingdoms constantly competing for land, as the island was small and rich in resources. For most of its history it was divided into such kingdoms which, after the internal strife problem somewhat died down, formed two major alliances that often fought against each other whether in large-scale battles or skirmishes. The two alliances were known as the Northern (北 Pak) and Southern (南 Lâm) alliances. Soon enough, the South was able to establish friendly relations with the neutral then-kingdom of Andalla, which agreed to assist them in their fight against the North. However, for most of the Warring Kingdoms period the North held a firm rule over most of the island, resulting in a stalemate. The South, though assisted by Andalla, was never able to defeat the North; on the other hand, the North was never able to defeat the South due to their powerful ally.

WIP

• Tiau (Giokton: 趙;Pheng-im: Tiāu / Tiau⁵) - Ancient Giokton kingdom, SW, namesake for Tiauhai Sea.
• Chowa (Giokton: 蔡; Pheng-im: Tsòa / Tsoa³) - Giokton dynasty, c. 860-720 BCE.

Rise of Giokto (c. 500 BCE – c. 400 CE)

Between 500 and 300 BCE, during the rule of the Geng 庚 Dynasty, waves of people migrated to the emerging island. To this day, historians continue to debate on the exact cause of this migration; however, the general consensus is that it was simply brought about as trade between the Giokton-city states and the Geng Dynasty prospered, promising new economic opportunities for those living on the island. Giokto's unique geography as a small, mountainous island allowed for a diverse climate and fertile land that could support both lowland and highland agricultural/livestock products, as well as vast mineral deposits and rivers flowing from the mountains.

Feuding Kingdoms Period (c. 400 CE – 1590's)

Over time, the Giokton city-states expanded rapidly, forming alliances, merging and breaking off. As city-states grew in size, they became monarchies, adopting government systems similar to those of the Huang states especially during the Yue 月 Dynasty. Alas, Giokto was left with 12 kingdoms covering nearly the entire island; no sizable portion of land left unclaimed. Eventually, two de-facto alliances were formed out of the 12 kingdoms—the Northern (北 Pak) and Southern (南 Lâm) alliances, with 5 and 7 kingdoms, respectively. Relations between the two sides quickly soured, leading to frequent battles and skirmishes between the "Bordering Kingdoms" in the interior of the island and supported by their coastal allies. Later on, the South was able to establish friendly relations with the then-kingdom of Andalla, which would also send military support in battles. The two sides were mostly balanced in power, resulting in a bloody stalemate that lasted over a thousand years.

Giokton Peace (1590's – 1872)

First text — At the turn of the 16th century, hostilities began to subside; both sides reluctant to continue losing men and resources in a centuries-long conflict that yielded no positive outcomes. During this time, trade and communication opened between the North and South. This era was known as the "Giokton Peace", an unprecedented 280-year period of relatively little military conflict. However, political rivalry continued to run through the kingdoms; several attempts were made by both sides to unite the island, both peacefully and through force. The Giokton Peace also saw multiple changes in government, with several kingdoms on both sides adopting a constitutional monarchy system where the monarch held little to no power.

Though the two alliances were de facto at peace at this time, the Bordering Kingdoms adopted an aggressive defense policy characterized by two main principles: (a) attack if attacked, and (b) mirror the enemy's military strength as closely as possible. As the Andallan economy prospered during the mid-1700's, so did trade between Andalla and the South. Furthermore, a notable event during this period was when insular @Selayar fell to the North's sphere of influence after a series of economic agreements and the establishing of trading ports on the island. This resulted in a fierce arms race during the early 1800's, as the Northern kingdoms channeled more resources into their armies in their attempt to mirror the South's economic prosperity. Tensions between the two sides rose dramatically during this period, bringing people to realize that there was no official document or treaty protecting the cherished peace that had been in effect for nearly three centuries.

Second text — A notable event during that period was when the North established friendly relations with the city-states of Selayar in the mid-1600s, augmenting their superiority in resources. Several years later, one of the Northern kingdoms drew up plans to begin colonizing Selayar so the flow of resources could be regulated to only the North. The plan was not well-received as it was believed that sending soldiers overseas would reduce the number of defending soldiers on the island. In the end, only two kingdoms were willing to colonize Selayar, and so they did.

In the mid-1700s, as the Andallan economy grew rapidly, trade between Andalla and the South prospered. Throughout the rest of the 1700s and early 1800s, it allowed the South to slowly amass a much larger military force, eventually resulting in an arms race between the North and South. Tensions between the two sides also increased dramatically during that period.

Giokton Revival (early 1800's – 1872)

Rising tensions between the North and South during this time became the primary driving force behind the Revival—a period of great cultural development in all fields, spurred by scholars in arts, sciences and literature who called for the unification of the Giokton people. During this period, the island enjoyed a massive growth in public appreciation for ancient Giokton arts, as well as the desire for cultural development in the present age. Similar to the Europan Renaissance, the Revival was characterized by the rapid growth of education and knowledge, made accessible to even the lower classes of society.

Though the Revival created a huge impact on Giokton society, it backfired on its initial goal to unite the kingdoms. Instead, the rise of education and a newfound public knowledge became a medium for governments to indoctrinate citizens with their political theories and beliefs. This, combined with the ever-growing power of the military and augmented by the increase of intelligence during the Revival, once again resumed the arms race that had seemingly went silent for several decades.

Great Giokton War (1872 – 1880)

First text — A series of events and territorial disputes during the late 1860's and early 1870's finally escalated into what would become the new "Revival"—the revival of the Feuding Kingdoms period. Armies of all 12 kingdoms, plus the South supported by Andalla, were rallied once more to fight against each other in 1872. The North, assuming a strong offensive stance, quickly overpowered the borderlands and began a brutal advance against the South. At the same time, a detachment of naval forces from the South successfully cut off trade between the North and its Selayari ports, eventually gaining control over the ports as well after a months-long campaign against the surrounded Giokton garrisons there.

On the mainland, however, Southern soldiers—demoralized by the failure of the Revival—were unable to defend effectively against the lightning-speed advances of the North. Over the course of several months, public belief shifted to "when", not "if" the North would win the war. After 6 long years of desperate on-and-off fighting, the remaining four Southern kingdoms announced surrender on the condition that (a) Andalla—not the North—would assume control over the Selayari trading ports, (b) all Southern soldiers would be granted amnesty, (c) the new government would agree to preserve the collective cultural identity of Giokto, and (d) the current Southern governments would be permanently exiled to Andalla. The treaty, signed on December 2, 1880 in Bogd Gioro, Fulgistan, effectively ended 8 years of the Great Giokton War.

Second text — The spirit of war was once again awakened after 2 centuries when a land dispute between two mountain kingdoms from opposite sides escalated into battle and later war, as the two kingdoms rallied their allies to attack. The North once again assumed the offensive stance, while the South, after unfruitful attempts at offense, put up a brutal defense against the advancing North. It was then decided that a detachment of forces would be gathered to also attack Selayar, and after a months-long campaign, Selayar fell to the South. But on the mainland, the South were slowly being softened by the regular attacks until they were unable to defend. One by one, the Southern kingdoms fell to the North. As each kingdom fell, allied troops there would evacuate to another kingdom or risk getting captured. This issue was solved when Andalla and the North signed an agreement granting allied soldiers in surrendering kingdoms to escape unharmed if they promised a cease-fire there. Though it was not implemented successfully as some soldiers from the surrendering kingdom would disguise as an allied soldier, tens of thousands of lives were saved because of the agreement. In the end, only two Southern kingdoms and Andalla remained, both of which announced unconditional surrender as Northern troops slowly surrounded their capitals. At the same time, virtually-untouched Andalla proposed a cease-fire with the North, on the terms that Selayar would officially be ceded to the Andallans. The treaty was accepted, effectively ending the "Great Giokton War".

Unified Giokto (1880 – 1922)

Of the 12 initial Giokton kingdoms, only five from the North were left after the defeat of the seven-kingdom Southern Alliance. The North, thus doubling its territory, divided the South into seven autonomous provinces equivalent to the seven kingdoms, all under a provisional government that was to be ruled by a council of the five Northern kingdoms. As peace returned to the land, Giokton society slowly experienced a second Revival. The second Revival, known as the Intellectual Revolution, was marked by extensive development in political and social sciences, and the revival of ancient Huang philosophy. In a political sense, the primary objective of the Intellectual Revolution was to provide a way for the North to exercise effective government of the island, as well as to prepare the way for an eventual reunification of the entire Giokto as one single nation in what would become the first documented full unification in Giokton history.

Giokto enjoyed a relatively peaceful unification on August 8, 1896; the signing of the new constitution having been attended by the reigning King of Andalla, Christian IV.

For a few years, Giokto continued to experience social development and mild economic growth. Soon, however, the many disastrous effects of governing the war-torn island were realized. Aside from a general shortage of food and resources in many rural areas, the new government was highly flawed and plagued by a plethora of issues relating to public support and administration.

During this time, the government styled itself as the Union of Giokton States. At the operational level, the Union functioned as confederation of the five Northern kingdoms—all under their own respective governments—as well as the Provisional Government (臨時政府), which encompassed the seven Southern kingdoms that were now provinces.

During this time, the parliamentary government styled itself as the Union of the States of Giokto. Executive power was vested in the Prime Minister, both the Head of State and the Head of Government, who was elected to five-year terms by a bicameral Parliament—the members of which were in turn either appointed, elected by the people or both, depending on the administration. The “rules” of government were changed often, owing to the flawed nature of the Giokton parliamentary system. The parliament was split into numerous factions, all advocating different goals and styles of government. Most notable during this time was the Royalist Movement, a large coalition of parties led by some former monarchs and their allies who had lost power due to the change in government. Other groups were also popular during this time, ranging all across the political spectrum and supporting certain specific actions—land reform, tax reform, closed-door policy, foreign investment, restoring the constitutional monarchy, Republicanism, Nationalism and Ultra-Nationalism, among others.

The intense political divide led to a gradual decay of the Giokton government, which was slowly overrun by far-right groups during the 1910’s.

Thalassan War

Main article: Thalassan War

First text — A second war broke out in November 1941 when the Giokton submarine C-23 sunk the SS Teuvo Anttonen, an Andallan troop transport ferrying soldiers to Giokto. The ship sunk with the loss of 1,452 lives, and the beginning of a war that would last 6 long years, span 3 continents and cost millions of lives. The war saw three major alliances: the Andallans and their allies, Giokto and Selayar, and the Sunset Sea Islands and allied separatist groups. Meanwhile, the main battleground was the island of Giokto itself. The Andallan military, secretly assisted by underground Giokton rebels, led the assault on Giokton and Selayari forces on the island. Battles raged on, on land, sea and air. Both sides fought to the teeth with all their might; the far larger Andallan military equally-matched with the Giokton's advanced technology and knowledge of the topograhy.

The Sunset Sea Islands looks on as Andallan and Giokton forces slowly deteriorate from battle, then takes its chance. Suddenly, both Andallans and Gioktons see lightning-speed assaults on their shores and, being unable to defend as their troops were on the front lines, had large parts of their territories taken away by the Sunset Sea Islandian empire. The war between Andalla and Giokto turns into a three-way war, with the Sunset Sea Islands and Andalla's allies entering the scene.

Second text — A second war broke out in November 1941 when the Giokton submarine C-23 sunk the SAS Teuvo Anttonen, an Andallan troop transport ferrying soldiers to Giokto. The ship sunk with the loss of 1,452 lives, and the beginning of a war that would last 6 long years, span 3 continents and cost millions of lives. The war saw three major alliances: the Andallans and their allies, Giokto and Selayar, and the Sunset Sea Islands and allied separatist groups. Meanwhile, the main battleground was the island of Giokto itself. The Andallan military, secretly assisted by underground Giokton rebels, led the assault on Giokton and Selayari forces on the island. Battles raged on, on land, sea and air. Both sides fought to the teeth with all their might; the far larger Andallan military equally-matched with the Giokton's advanced technology and knowledge of the topograhy.

And now, as other countries get involved, I no longer know what happens. The Sunset Sea Islands looks on as Andallan and Giokton forces slowly deteriorate from battle, then takes its chance. Suddenly, both Andallans and Gioktons see lightning-speed assaults on their shores and, being unable to defend as their troops were on the front lines, had large parts of their territories taken away by the Sunset Sea Islandian empire. The war between Andalla and Giokto turns into a three-way war, with the Sunset Sea Islands (Err, everyone's enemy) and Andalla's allies entering the scene.

Contemporary period

The Giokton military was forced to surrender in 1947, granting Andalla the control over Giokto. Throughout the 1950s, the new government began extensive projects to rebuild and modernize the island, and by the 1970s, Giokto became an important financial center. Today, Giokto is highly-developed; it is evident in the bustling skyscrapers of Giokto's cities.

Politics

Government

President Wen Jianguo

Vice President, Liu Xiuying.

The political structure of Giokto is modelled after the Andallan government, with the head of state being the President. This post is currently held by President Wen Jianguo. Assisting the President is the Vice President, Liu Xiuying. Both the President and Vice President are elected to serve five-year terms by popular vote. The government also features a unicameral legislature, known as the Giokton Congress. The Congress consists of elected officials from each of the provinces, serving four-year terms.

The Giokto Republic maintains a unique political relationship with Andalla, known as an association. This arrangement provides the state with defence services from Andalla. Although initially, Andalla also took charge of Giokto's foreign relations, over recent years, Giokto has begun to handle its own international diplomacy. This shift towards self-determination in international affairs has been largely facilitated by the Republic's own Foreign Affairs Department, headed by Foreign Minister Guo Jing.

Political parties

The political scene in Giokto is primarily dominated by two major parties, the Giokto Democratic Party (GDP) and the Progressive Giokto Party (PGP).

• Giokton Democratic Party (GDP) – The GDP is a centre-right political party that currently holds the majority in Congress. The party's political philosophy is based on moderate conservatism and economic liberalism. They promote the principles of free trade, limited government intervention in business, and individual liberties. The GDP has played a significant role in the development of the Giokto Republic, including advocating for the 1998 referendum that led to its formation. The current President, Wen Jianguo, is a member of the GDP.
• Progressive Giokton Party (PGP) – The PGP is the main opposition party in Giokto, advocating for progressive, social liberal policies. This left-leaning party seeks more social reforms and aims for greater autonomy from Andalla. The PGP strongly supported the 2005 Saipuo Protests, which called for Giokto to have greater control over its foreign affairs. They continue to advocate for political and social change within the nation.

Some key events in Giokto's political history include:

• The 1998 Giokto Referendum – This historic event saw the citizens of Giokto vote in favour of becoming an associated state with Andalla, leading to the establishment of the Republic of Giokto. The referendum was overseen by then Andallan President Lars Nedergaard.
• The 2005 Saipuo Protests – These peaceful demonstrations called for greater autonomy for Giokto in handling its foreign relations. The protests, which saw thousands of citizens take to the streets of Saipuo, eventually led to the establishment of the Giokto Foreign Affairs Department.
• The 2022 Giokto Election – The most recent election saw the incumbent GDP retain power, with Wen Jianguo being elected as President. The election was notable for having the highest voter turnout in Giokto's history.

Despite being a protectorate of Andalla, the Giokto Republic has consistently worked towards asserting its independence and establishing its own identity on the international stage. This ambition is reflected in its political structure, foreign policy, and the continuing efforts of its leadership.

Foreign relations

While initially Andalla took charge of Giokto's foreign relations, in recent years, Giokto has started to conduct its own international diplomacy. The Giokto Foreign Affairs Department, led by Foreign Minister Guo Jing, oversees these diplomatic activities. Giokto maintains a policy of neutrality, focusing on economic and cultural cooperation with other nations. It has established a number of embassies and consulates in countries around the world, as well as hosting diplomatic missions from various countries in Saipuo. Giokto is also an observer of international organisations such as the Argic-Thalassan-Alharun Regional Association (ATARA).

Military

As an associated state of Andalla, the defence of Giokto is the responsibility of Andalla. The Andallan Commonwealth Armed Forces provide the military presence within the region. There is no indigenous military force in Giokto, but there is a local law enforcement agency, the Giokto Police Service, which maintains internal security and order.

However, the Giokto Civil Defence Force (GCDF) is a paramilitary organisation made up of Giokto residents. The GCDF operates under the supervision of the Andallan military and is primarily responsible for disaster response, search and rescue operations, and aiding the police in maintaining public order. The GCDF also conducts regular civil defence exercises and education campaigns to prepare the public for potential emergencies.

Economy

The economy of Giokto is characterised by its open and developed nature. As a small island, Giokto relies heavily on trade, with the service sector, especially tourism, contributing significantly to the economy. The GDP per capita of Giokto stands at approximately $30,600 as of the latest economic survey.

Giokto's most prominent companies are part of the aviation industry. The Aviation Industry Company of Giokto (AVIG) is one of the nation's leading companies, being a major producer of commercial and military aircraft. Other notable firms include the Chiongto Aircraft Company, a former military aircraft manufacturer which has now merged with AVIG, and Khai Thalassan Airways (KAir), the nation's flag carrier. KAir also operates a subsidiary, KiteAir, which is a low-cost domestic airline.

Energy

The Giokton energy sector is primarily powered by renewable energy sources. Due to the island's geographical location, wind energy and tidal power contribute significantly to the power supply. Solar power is also becoming an increasingly important energy source, with numerous solar farms being established across the country.

Transport

Transportation in Giokto is well-developed, with extensive road and rail networks connecting different parts of the island. Giokto is served by a state-of-the-art high-speed rail network, with the capital Saipuo being the central hub. The country also has several ports and airports, with Saipuo Toheng International Airport (CGST) being the largest and busiest airport.

Media

Media in Giokto is diverse and free, with newspapers, radio, and television broadcasts available in both Giokton and Anglish. The largest broadcasting company in Giokto is the Giokto Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), which operates a number of television and radio stations. In addition to GBC, there are also a number of private broadcasters operating in the country. Internet penetration in Giokto is high, with over 85% of the population having access to the internet.

Companies

The companies in Giokto have a global reach, with particular prominence in the aviation industry. The Aviation Industry Company of Giokto (AVIG; Giokton: 玉島航空工业股份有限公司; Pheng-im: Gio̍k-tó Hông-khong Kong-gia̍p Ku-hun Ū-hān Kong-si), a merger of Giokton aircraft manufacturers, holds a prominent position. AVIG was formed by the merger of several domestic manufacturers, including the prominent Chiongto Aircraft Company (Giokton: 蔣島飞机公司; Pheng-im: Chióng-tó Hui-ki Kong-si), a military aircraft manufacturer.

The national airline, Khai Thalassan Airways (KAir), is another major company in Giokto. Formerly known as Khai Thalassan Airways (Giokton: 凱玉島航空; Pheng-im: Khái-gio̍k-tó Hông-khong), KAir is the flag carrier and the largest airline of Giokto. It is helmed by a team of experienced executives, including CEO Jerry Ko (Giokton: 高生侃; Pheng-im: Ko¹ Seng¹ khan⁴), CFO Colin Cho (Giokton: 曹悟臣; Pheng-im: Cho² Ga⁵ sin²), and COO Lim Koan Hong (Giokton: 林冠放; Pheng-im: Lim² Koan³ hong⁴).

KAir also operates KiteAir (Giokton: 鳶航空; Pheng-im: Iân Hông-khong), a low-cost domestic subsidiary that provides affordable air travel within Giokto. This contributes to the connectivity and accessibility of the island, further stimulating economic and tourism activities.

Currency

Giokto uses the Amla (Å) (ALA) as its official currency, shared with Andalla due to its status as an Andallan protectorate. The currency exchange rate is managed by the Central Bank of Giokto, in coordination with Andalla's central bank. This shared currency agreement facilitates the ease of business and trade transactions between the two entities, contributing to Giokto's economic growth and stability.

Demographics

The estimated population of Giokto is 10,278,427. The residents of Giokto, known as Gioktons, have a rich history, with the first human settlement dating back to 6800 BCE by the Hong-êng people. This settlement, known as Samto, was located on the modern-day site of the same name.

Ethnic groups

The Giokton population is predominantly of Lanang (咱儂; Lan3 nang2) ancestry. This ethnic group has inhabited the region for millennia and continues to influence the culture, language, and societal structures of Giokto.

Language

The primary language of Giokto is Giokton, known as Lanang in the local vernacular. It's a language with its own unique script and phonetic system. Giokton Romanization system, Pheng-im (Peng-im; 拼音), is used to transliterate Giokton characters into Latin script. Additionally, the Hiong-im-jī (HIJ; 鄉音字) system is used to represent the Lanang dialect in writing, maintaining its unique phonological characteristics.

Religion

The majority of Gioktons practise Phosattism, a local religion known as Phô-sat in Giokton. This belief system features an array of traditional practices and spiritual beliefs, centred around worship of various deities and respect for ancestral spirits.

Health

Healthcare in Giokto is largely provided by the state, with hospitals and clinics well-distributed across the islands. The state ensures the provision of primary healthcare, while specialised care and private healthcare options are also available. The average life expectancy is high, reflective of the effective healthcare system and good living conditions.

Education

Education in Giokto is highly valued, with a well-established public education system. Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 16, and schools provide a comprehensive curriculum including languages, mathematics, science, and Giokton history and culture. There are also several universities and vocational training centres, offering higher education and skill development programmes. The literacy rate in Giokto is near-universal, testifying to the success of its education system.

Culture

Flag of Giokto.

The color green symbolizes Jade (a symbol of Giokto, referring to Gioksoa) and the island's rich nature. Yellow symbolizes royalty, alluding to the history of Giokto. The three blue bands represent the sea and the three faces of Gioksoa: the north, south and west faces.

(Literature. Visual arts. Music. Cuisine. Sport.)