Uskad
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Republic of Uskad
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 Flag
 Coat of arms
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| Motto: Prosperity, Unity and Diversity | |
| Anthem: none, various | |
| Capital and largest city | Tehumyas |
| Official languages | English |
| Recognised languages | |
| Ethnic groups (2023) |
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| Religion (2023) |
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| Demonym(s) | Uskadian |
| Government | Federal parliamentary republic |
| Veronika Venuta | |
| Kekelina Pelita | |
| Legislature | Parliament |
| Independence from | |
• Christmas Uprising | 25 December 1925 |
• Autonomy | 12 February 1926 |
• Independence | 3 March 1944 |
• Republic | 18 May 1959 |
| Area | |
• Total | 2,456,304 km2 (948,384 sq mi) (11th) |
• Water (%) | 32% |
| Population | |
• 2024 estimate | 94,283,456 (17th) |
• 2023 census | 94,129,281 |
• Density | 38/km2 (98.4/sq mi) (185th) |
| GDP (nominal) | 2022 estimate |
• Total | $2.91 trillion (8th) |
• Per capita | $31,092 (37th) |
| Gini (2024) |  32.10medium |
| HDI (2024) |  0.859very high (45th) |
| Currency | Uskadian pound (£) (UDP) |
| Time zone | UTC+6 to UTC+8 |
| Driving side | left |
| Calling code | +610 |
| ISO 3166 code | UD |
| Internet TLD | .ud |
Uskad, officially the Republic of Uskad, is an island country located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. It comprises the main island of Uskad, the Tapakrebon Islands, and other smaller islands in the Indian Ocean. It shares maritime borders with Indonesia to its northeast, and Australia to its southeast. The capital and largest city in the country is Tehumyas. Tehumyas serves as the main financial centre, while Sampunuwu serves as the cultural and commercial centre of the country.
The early population of Uskad began as Austronesian people migrating from modern-day Taiwan arrived in Uskad around 4,000 years ago. As the groups spread out around the island, they began to form distinct cultures and languages from each other as geographic conditions of the island allowed cultures to flourish. In around the year 500, the Native Uskadians began trading with the nearby Indonesian archipelago, and the Hindu and Buddhist religions began the spread to the island, although it was mostly confined to the northeastern parts of the island. After the collapse of the Majapahit Empire, Javanese and Sundanese Hindus began flocking to the island, and conflicts with native Uskadians in the interior began, known as the Interior Wars, which lasted 90 years.
The island was discovered by Europeans at around 1605, and was later colonised by Great Britain in 1750. At the time, conflicts between the Javanese-Sundanese kingdoms and the local natives were at its peak. Britain utilised its superior military against the kingdoms and eventually conquered it. Uskad was found to have abundant natural resources such as oil, coal and minerals. These resources provided what seemed to be an endless source of income to the British Empire.
Stable British rule followed, with the colony participating and sending troops in WW1 and WW2. This stability was interrupted by the 7-month long December Uprising, where Uskadian WWI veterans banded together with nationalist youths to declare a revolutionary Uskadian state. The uprising was crushed, but autonomy was granted. Uskad eventually achieved independence in 1944. Later, it declared a republic in 1959.
Uskad is considered a middle power in international affairs, although it has taken an interventionist stance since the end of the premiership of Ruben Sasanta. The country has an extensive manufacturing industry and is a major player in semiconductor, food and automobile production. Although Uskad is still considered a developing country, it has an established welfare and healthcare system. It is a member of the United Nations, OECD and the WMCA.
Etymology
The name came from the Koleknio word "Uesa" which meant large, and the Bulenik word Pukad, which meant island. The word "Uskad" began to appear on Javanese inscriptions dating back to 1033, and after extensive trading, which resulted in the natives adopting the name themselves.
History
Prehistory (2000 BCE - 6th century)
The first Uskadians arrived in island at around 2000 BCE, as part of the Austronesian migration waves. It has been suspected that earlier prehistoric humans had a presence in Uskad, but this is mostly unconfirmed. Intially, the first people maintained a single cohesive language and culture, but as they spread out throughout the island, they began to develop separate cultures and languages.
Extensive trading and cultural influence (6th century to 16th century)
Contact was established with the nearby Indonesian archipelago, and a century long trade relationship began. The various Kingdoms of Uskad began sailing to the seas, and establishing trade contacts with many kingdoms. The trade made the Kingdoms of Uskad flourish, and this era is frequently referred to as the Golden Age of the country.
Javanese and Sundanese arrival and conflict (16th century to 1750)
During the collapse of the Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms in Indonesia and the spread of Islam, many Javanese and Sundanese Hindus and Buddhists sought refuge in Uskad, Initially welcomed by the natives, cultural and religious differences began to appear. News of isolated violence occurring lit the flames of the Settler Wars.
The first two settler wars began with an alliance of Javanese and Sundanese kingdoms pitted against the natives. But as differences arose between the kingdoms within the alliance, by the fourth and fifth Settler Wars, the conflict had escalated into a complicated and multisided conflict. The wars usually ended by a stalemate, but with the Javanese and Sundanese kingdoms slowly gaining land.
British rule and The World Wars (1750-1944)
The first documentation of Uskad in European maps was in 1232, and was known to the Europeans as an island of traders and farmers. The first expedition to Uskad was conducted by Scottish businessman and explorer Samuel Beattie in 1729. The natives welcomed him, and explained the situation that was occurring on the island. Beattie, went back to Britain and reported the situation to London. The British started a slow 15 year campaign to take the island from both the natives and Javanese-Sundanese. By 1746, the island was fully under British control.
The British started by putting Native Uskadians to work on agricultural plantations and factories. The Javanese and Sundanese were found to be capable managers by the British. This led to further conflicts between these two groups, until in 1816, where this arrangement was abolished. This did not lead to instant freedom for the natives, where they were still placed in cruel working conditions. In 1848, inspired by the revolutions in Europe, a romanticist nationalist movement began to prosper in Uskad. People from both sides felt they needed to unite for a common Uskadian nation.
Johannes Tebersa, a mixed Javanese-Native Uskadian nationalist activist, became one of the early advocates for a united Uskadian national entity. He frequently protested for autonomy for the colonies. While he was mostly ignored by colonial authorities, he established the Uskad Party in 1869 hoping that eventually in the future, his dream was achieved. Despite Tebersa's death in 1898, the Uskad Party continued to grow until it has reached a membership of 450,000 by 1910. Despite opposing support for the British colonial authorities, the Uskad Party supported British war efforts in World War I and World War II.
After World War I, a radical faction of the Uskad Party began to form, mostly composed of WWI veterans and revolutionary youth. It was led by future Prime Minister Robert Susilman, and was eventually expelled from the Uskad Party. Susilman and his faction's members formed the National Uskad Party, and dissatisfied by slow negotiations between the UP and colonial authorities, began planning for an armed uprising.
Susilman managed to get some colonial soldiers on his side, and made his veterans the officer corps of his fledgling revolutionary army. He signaled the start at 25 December 1925. The revolutionaries declared the "Uskadian Republic" and took control of all major cities. The conflict lasted for 7 months before the British Army conducted a full invasion of the colony.
The revolutionary leaders managed to negotiate full autonomy, with a transitional government led by UP party leader Sebesa Humania, with NUP members taking positions in the new cabinet. The UP extended their provisional mandates every 5 years, before the eventual independence of country itself where the first democratic elections were organised. Robert Susilman and his party won a supermajority, with the UP only receiving 6 seats.
Post-independence (1944-1964)
After the granting of Uskadian independence, newly elected Prime Minister Robert Susilman, spoke to the Uskadian Parliament about a program called "the Great Change". Great Change programs were the establishment of the Uskadian healthcare system, construction of the country's first motorways, development of the country's manufacturing industry, welfare programs, and others. The Great Change contributed to relative growth of the country, and also ensured dominance of the National Uskadian Party in general elections. After the resignation of Susilman in 1963, his successor, Gideon Pranoto was faced with a recession that caused his predecessor's resignation.
He first enacted austerity measures, which was very unpopular with the citizenry and caused a stop to the previously stable economic growth Uskad had. Two parties began campaigning for Pranoto's resignation, the Progressive Workers' Party, a then-socialist left wing party, and the Conservative National Party, a liberal-conservative party formed from the merger of the Conservative Party and the National Party, a split from Pranoto's own NUP. In the 1964 general elections, the NUP had its worst election results ever, relegated to a mere crossbencher party, while the CNP won the elections and entered government, while the PWP formed the official opposition.
Emergence of the two party system, continued stability (1964-1989)
The new leader of the CNP, Hendra Tirto, became the country's prime minister. He was also the first Native Uskadian prime minister in the country's history. He continued Great Change policies but pursued to make Uskad a manufacturing-based economy, and also large scale roadworks in the southern part of the country. His government also pursued an "aggressive neutrality" policy, which included withdrawing from defence agreements with both powers of the Cold War. One controversial policy of Tirto's government was the development of nuclear weapons, which led to Uskad's designation as a nuclear weapons state. The policy of nuclear weapons development led to the defeat of the CNP in the 1974 general election, in which the PWP was first elected to government. PWP leader and trade unionist Sutikno became prime minister. His government's policies were the passing of labour laws, increased funding for healthcare and transport, and the establishment of a proper welfare state. Sutikno reverted the previous "aggressive neutrality" policy, and making Uskad aligned to the West. Uskad's economic performance almost mimicked Japan and South Korea, but the mishandling of funds in the 1978 Wanderwell scandal led to poorer economic performance and the defeat of the PWP in the 1979 general elections, putting the CNP back to power.
Concurrent during this time was an insurgency in Tapakrebon, by the armed group Angkatan Bersenjata Nasional Republik Tapakrebon better known as the ABNRT. Newly elected PM Ithamar Purwolesmono commenced mobilisation of the Uskadian Defence Force for first time in history. The UDF commenced a full-scale operation in the islands, and the ABNRT's military capabilities were virtually destroyed within 14 days. Despite this, the UDF stayed in Tapakrebon, to fight apparent ABNRT insurgents. The government was criticised after it was found that the group's campaigns can be handled by the local police force. It was also found that the UDF has conducted excessive use of force against the locals, and protests in Panpinangan began, to withdraw UDF forces and investigate UDF actions. The CNP was later re-elected in the 1984 general election, led by fresh new face, Letena Sutana. Sutana, led a premiership based on radical reforms. He established the Commission on Tapakrebon, which investigated UDF actions in Tapakrebon, and pursued peace negotiations with the ABNRT. On domestic policy, he enacted policies intended to eradicate poverty, pursued corporatist policies, and encouraged further unionisation. He also pursued neoliberal reforms, and the privatisation of public services.
Economic recession and contemporary history (1989-present)
In 1989, midway through Sutana's premiership, an economic recession ensued. Caused by excessive borrowing, speculative real estate bubbles and relatively weak government oversight. PM Sutana responded by introducing a stimulus package, and also pursued other actions to mend the effects of the recession. The actions include: tax reforms, loan resolutions, bank recapitalisation and engagement with organisations such as the IMF and World Bank to secure financial help for the country's situation. Economic growth recovered by 1990. Sutana's actions were praised, and led to the CNP performing well at opinion polls. Sutana later led the CNP to victory in the 1994 general election. He later resigned in 1995. The CNP, now led by Isaia Kalesono, implemented several controversial taxation policies, and rolled back some of the anti-recession measures of the previous Sutana government. The government also controversially privatised motorways and railways, assigning management of transport to various Uskadian multinational conglomerates. The CNP government also had the lowest approval rate in Uskadian history, reaching 17% by 1998.
After the eventual defeat of the CNP in the 1999 general election, the new PWP government led by then 40 year old Ruben Sasanta, promised a 10 year old plan to hugely improve the standards of living of Uskadians at the time. Sasanta's government increased investment in infrastructure, renationalised the railways and motorways, expanded social welfare programs, and reintroduced the progressive income tax. His policies made him very popular with the Uskadian populace, reaching the highest approval rates of any Prime Minister in Uskadian history, at 78% by 2004. In the 2004 general election, Sasanta was reelected for a second term. He unveiled phase two of his plans, which included the further prioritisation of education, consumer protection laws, more prudent banking regulations, and the legalisation of same sex marriage. His more controversial foreign policy, was reintroducing the assertive neutrality policy. When the 2008 financial crisis hit, the government cut interest rates, and encouraged more foreign investment. He was relected for a third term in the 2009 general elections.
Sasanta resigned in 2011, and deputy PM Talia Jemenak became Prime Minister. Jemenak was the first female prime minister in the country's history. Jemenak mostly continued Sasanta's policy, and was seen by observers as a mere puppet of Sasanta. The PWP's reputation was stained during her tenure, due to successful campaigns by the CNP. This led the CNP to victory in the 2014 general election. CNP leader Theodore Lumunina became Prime Minister, and after a succession of many PMs, was later defeated in the 2019 general election, in which left-wing socialist William Sarbalsta was elected.
Geography
Uskad consists of the main island of Uskad, The Tapakrebon archipelago, and numerous smaller islands. It has maritime borders with Australia to the east, and Indonesia to its northeast. Uskad is entirely surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Uskad has one of the highest elevations in the continent of Oceania, in the inland Citapon mountain range. Uskad also is rich in natural resources, such as coal, ore, natural gases, forestry and most importantly, fertile soil.
Uskad has a variety of climates, The northern parts of the country and the Tapakrebon islands has a tropical climate, with Tapakrebon described, as the land of rain. Most parts of the country has a subtropical and oceanic climate.
Government and politics
Uskad is a unitary parliamentary democracy according to the Constitution of 1959 and is heavily modeled on the Westminster parliamentary system. The highest ranking officer of the state is the President, and is vested with reserve powers. The President formally appoints the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister appoints their cabinet.
Supreme power is held by the Parliament of Uskad, which promulgates legislation and approval of certain executive decisions. The Cabinet is led by the Prime Minister, who is by convention the leader of the largest party in Parliament or leader of a government coalition.
There are three major parties in Uskad, but two have managed to form governments, the centre-left and social democratic Progressive Workers' Party, and its main rival, the centre-right Conservative Nationalist Party. These two parties were formed from splits of the formerly dominant Uskadian Revolutionary Democratic Party who later reformed themselves into the modern-day liberal Initiative party. The most recent election was held in 2024, which resulted in the PWP and Initiative parties forming another coalition.
Provinces and territories
Uskad consists of 14 states, 3 territories. These first-level administrations are further divided into cities/metropolitan cities and districts/regions.
Uskadian states have responsiblity over health, education, transport, law enforcement, and budgets. The federal government still maintains significant power and oversight over the states.
Uskad was previously a unitary state until 2024, when the a referendum for federalisation was successful and the Federal Act was passed, officially transforming all the existing provinces into states. The three territories decided to remain territories, with an option to become states in the future.
Military
The Uskadian Defence Force consists of three branches, the Uskadian Army, the Uskadian Navy, and the Uskadian Air Force. They are controlled by the Ministry of Defence and the President serves as commander-in-chief. Uskad has an extensive military history, dating back to the Settler Wars. Uskad also participated in the Napoleonic Wars, and the two World Wars while under British rule. The only major operation conducted by the modern-day UDF was the invasion of Tapakrebon.
Uskad is considered a non-NATO ally of the United States, and its military trains frequently with the United States military.
Foreign affairs
After independence, Uskad maintained good relations with its former coloniser, and aligned with the West during the early stages of the Cold War. During the Tirto premiership, Uskad pursued an assertive "Aggressive Neutrality" policy, which included the development of nuclear weapons. This was reversed by the Sutikno cabinet, who realigned the country with the West while maintaining parts of the Aggressive Neutrality policy. After Tapakrebon separatists were found to have been aided by the Soviet Union, the country underwent a full realignment with the West.
Uskad now maintains a humanitarian foreign policy, dedicating a significant portion of the GDP to foreign aid. This policy was implemented by the Sutana government, and later governments continued the policy. Uskad is a signatory to various international treaties.
Economy
Uskad is a upper-middle income market economy, and also the largest in Oceania. Uskad has the largest population in Oceania and therefore the largest workforce in the continent. Uskad is the eighth largest economy in the world by nominal GDP. The country has developed a large manufacturing sector, with manufacturing contributing to 56% of the total GDP. Mining, while declining in share, still contributes considerably to the Uskadian economy, making up 24% of the GDP. Uskad's current poverty rate is 7.2%, with poverty still a major issue in rural areas of country. Uskad's currency is the stem, introduced in 1990 to replace the hyperinflating Uskadian pound. It is the eleventh most traded currency in the world, and one of the most stable currencies. The Central Bank of Uskad, issues stem notes and coins.
Uskad is also one of the largest exporters and importers in the world. Main trading partners are the European Union, Indonesia, Australia and the United States. Uskad's extensive manufacturing industry consists of consumer electronics, semiconductors, telecommunications equipment, textiles and automotives.
Transport
Uskad has an extensive railway network, with 14,232 kilometres of track. High speed rail, is currently under construction, with the first line, from Tehumyas connecting with Palangpalolu, nearing completion. If completed, it will be the first indigenous high speed rail system in the Southern Hemisphere. Uskad also has a dense system of roadways, totaling around 698,000km of roads. Uskad's road system is also extensive, totalling around 128,219km.
The largest and busiest airport in Uskad is in Tehumyas, Robert Susilman International Airport. handling most international flights from all around the world. Sampunuwu, despite being the country's largest city, due to planning restrictions, does not an international airport. Spalwi is the national flag carrier, with AirPan being the largest airline in the country. The Port of Tehumyas is the main port of the country and also the busiest, handling 44% of the country's maritime traffic.
Energy
In terms of energy, Uskad has mainly depended on coal for power, due to its extensive mining industry, but due to the slow decline and phase out of the mining industry, Uskad has began to switch to nuclear power, starting with the first nuclear power plants completed in 1986. Both the CNP and PWP has carried out nuclear power plant construction programs, and also pursued other sources of renewable energy, such as wind, solar, and hydro power.
Today, nuclear makes up 49% of Uskad's energy source, followed by coal at 31%, wind at 11% and other renewable sources at 9%. Notable facilities include, SCTNPP in the Special Capital Territory, powers the capital and its surroundings. Netria Wind Farm in Sampunuwu province, powers the city and surrounding communities.