Southern Meridian Republic

Southern Meridian Republic Republique Meridienne du Sud
Flag
Capital and largest city	Alres-sur-Laval
Recognised national languages	French, Polish, Arab
Recognised regional languages	French, Polish, Arab
Other languages	Tyrannian, Sylvan
Ethnic groups (2017)	Arab 75% French 16.5 % Polish 5% Other 3.5%
Demonym(s)	Southern Meridian
Government	Meritocratic Parliamental Republic
• Premier	Renard Lacroix
• Vice-Premier	Aamil Hakim
Legal
• Breakaway from Sieuxerr Royalty	1834
• Adoption of Meritocracy	1868
Area
• Total Land	2,567,615.88 km2 (991,362.03 sq mi)
• Water (%)	~4%
Population
• 2017 census	94,638,083
• Density	36.84/km2 (95.4/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)	2017 estimate
• Total	$1,498 trillion
• Per capita	$15,835
GDP (nominal)	2017 estimate
• Total	$1,510 trillion
• Per capita	$15,961
Gini (2017)	38.6 medium
HDI (2017)	0.753 high
Currency	South Meridian Franc (SMF)
Time zone	UTC+3 (Southern Meridian Timezone)
Date format	yyyy-mm-dd; CE(AD)
Driving side	right
Calling code	+21

Southern Meridian Republic is a meritocratic country located in the south-western part of the continent of Meridia within the region of Septentrion. Its only close-proximity neighbour with land border is Wüstenfelsen. Entire length of its coastline runs along the Meridian Ocean. Multiple large rivers flow across the deserted territories, supplying most of the country with fresh water. An inland sea called Jezioro is situated in northern parts, close to the border. In total, Southern Meridian Republic has landmass of roughly around 2 and a half million square kilometers and population of 94 million people in 2017. City of Alres-sur-Laval is the capital.

While country is mostly populated by arabic natives, it has large French and Polish minorities that originate from colonists who have arrived on the peninsula in the middle of 18th century. This wielded a heavy impact on culture and politics of the country. Despite having ties with multiple Casaterran countries, such as Sieuxerr and New Tyran, Republic's main ally were and remain Allied Nations of Maracaibo. Thus, there is Maracaibean minorities in some of the cities, mainly Port Maracaibo and Alres-sur-Laval. Entirety of non-native population of the country lives in large cities, with natives populating the countryside and deserts.

Southern Meridian Republic possesses second largest GDP, population and military on the Meridian continent. In 1960s it has joined the Able Vigils Accord economic alliance.

History

Colony of Sieuxerr (1754-1834)

In the year of 1754, a settler fleet has arrived to the south-western shores of Meridia. Three ships have unloaded a year-worth of supplies and roughly hundred and fifty people on Cape Prosperity, founding a settlment that would be called Port Imperial. In ensuing years more vessels would arrive, bringing new settlers and fortune seekers to Meridia. Those people were citizens of Sieuxerr, on a mission to seek out new resources and riches for their country. Fortunate policy of collaborating with natives allowed them to quickly expand their reach, converting some of local tribes and villages to their side by promises of riches and power.

Year 1785 was a fruitful one, with trade caravans travelling across the ocean to bring seemingly endless supply of rare metals and goods made by local masters. Aristocrats who migrated to this region from the metropolia would soon become extremely rich and powerful. Despite all of this stability, incursions were a common sight, led by people that were unsatisfied with the new way of things. Colonial garrisons ruthlessly hunted them down and executed, sending their bodies back to the families as a grim reminder of what could happen, if you try to go against the regime. However, those events wouldn't slow down the rapid process of development that was occuring. New cities were founded every month, mostly succesfully in generous lands. One of those was Alres-sur-Laval, a future capital of Southern Meridian Republic.

Establishment of Republic (1834-1838)

With the destabilization of situation on the mainland, local bourgeoisie led by Antoine Sauveterre has begun an uprising against local aristocracy. On August 13th 1834 rebels attacked the garrison in Limojes, catching the soldiers off-guard and winning the fight. As the attack was so swift, that troops couldn't send a message to other cities, aristocracy was left clueless about the events. In following weeks revolutionists would recruit locals and colonists, messaging other cells of resistance in Le Havres and Dunkirk. Situation got out of hand in October of the same year, as duke Sartre, the leader of colonial aristocracy, was informed about an armed uprising in Dunkirk. Outraged, he sent his soldiers to suppress the civilians. Soon, the word about violent and brutal fighting that occurred got through to the citizens of other cities, leading to massive assault to be launched by anti-royalty movement.

The final battle of this civil war begun in July of 1836, with revolutionists surrounding the city both on land and water. The siege lasted for the next six months, ending with a massive attack on the walls of city and harsh battles on the city streets. Many people have fallen on both sides, with royal garrison being fully wiped out. As duke Sartre was captured the leaders of the uprising, Sauveterre and Elder Ibrahim, dropped the speech of the balcony of his mansion. It said that with this victory, people of this land cut their ties with Sieuxerr royalty and embark on their own road to prosperity. In ensuing month parliamental government would be formed. Its main goal was to form a set of comprehensive laws and policies that would be acceptable for both Casaterran colonists and Arabic natives. Their choice has fallen on meritocracy, discarding the idea of racial difference and instead giving people merit for their skills.

Inner struggles (1838-1910)

Understanding that their stability vastly relied on supplies sent from the metropoly, Sauveterre and Ibrahim started searching for new ways to procure the so needed goods. Their main aim was to establish good connections with their neighbours, to make short and well-protected trade routes. While they kept expanding the industry on the peninsula, the needs of newly founded Republic were fulfilled by importing copious amounts of necessities from colonies of other royal countries. However, their closest neighbour, Wüstenfelsen, was only trading with them until year of 1848, as their relations quickly deterioriated because of numerous conflicts on the border. In desperate attempt, Sauveterre was convinced by Ibrahim to send their envoys to the Colony of Gran Meridia, with hope that local government would agree to establish trade routes. To their relief, the agreement was signed and they began their long-lasting friendship. Next year, Port Maracaibo would be founded and used as main trading hub between Gran Meridia and Southern Meridian Republic. Important to mention that same port was used also by Hallian vessels that stopped there for resupply, before continuing their journey to Eukras. This led to Hallians investing certain amounts into port's infastructure throughout the century.

In spite of having a meritocratic parliament, there still were a lot of issues that involved inequalities between seemingly equal people. French colonists held significantly larger riches and were capable of receiving better education, healthcare and in general having a better quality of life. The situation became even worse in the year of 1857, when Elder Ibrahim has died from old age. Being unable to pick another worthy elder from arabic tribes, Sauveterre was forced to choose another frenchman, leading to riots organized by insulted party. Attempting to reason with them, Sauveterre was gravely injured, causing massive infightings between French and Arabic citizens. It was almost certain that country would be doomed to be destroyed by itself, when a new leader has risen. A woman by the name of Iara Heroux managed to arrange a meeting with Sauveterre, asking him to let her speak to the people as a representative of the government. Dismissing the idea at the first thought, Sauveterre asked his closest advisors to find information about Heroux. She was Ibrahim's grandgranddaughter, with her parents being Arabic and French. Her reputation was of a person that always knew what to say to convince others. Realising that it wouldn't make anything worse than it is, Antoine allowed her to speak. The speech took effect almost immediately, winding down the unrest and making people more cooperative. Crisis was averted, paving the way for new policies and projects.

In recognition of her skills, madame Heroux was assigned to be the Speaker for the Parliament, making her the youngest person to hold this position. Her skills allowed for Sauveterre's government to begin working on their most ambitious project of constructing a railroad that would connect all the major cities. Preparations begun in the year 1864, when other projects, such as establishment of civil rights and creation of state-funded construction company took were over. Said company begun the work, ferrying steel, wood and tools to Alres-sur-Laval. Over the course of next 20 years they would encounter many difficulties concerning the climate and specifics of the landscape they were working with, slowly but steadily constructing the railway. First branch, running from Alres to Port Imperial was built in five years, significantly helping the efforts. Ensuing years had almost to no important events, except for founding of a new city of Cap-du-Ferre and finishing the railroad on year of 1884.

Year 1885 begun with a grim event. Death of Antoine Sauveterre has hit entire country, with thousands of people gathering in Port Imperial to accompany him in his last journey. Newly-appointed Premier Pierre Marchand announced that his government's goal will be expansion and modernization of the military forces. Aside from this, no other projects were conducted on country-wide scale. Lacking the means to produce large amounts of high quality weapons, Marchand and his closest advisor, General Roche have devised a plan to purchase the equipment from Hallia. They've mounted a large trading fleet and sent it to Hallia. Amicable relations and large sums of gold have secured the deal, allowing Republican forces to have their weapons upgraded.

By the year of 1900, SMR had second largest military on the continent, inferior only to their friends and allies. This has led to government spending less in the army and focusing more on the civilian economy and expansion of metallurgic industry. This marked the increase of investments in cities of Montreuil and Cap-du-Ferre. The premises of said cities were filled to the brim with quarries that extracted ores and minerals from depths of the earth. Received money would be spend on improvement of civil services and conditions of work: hiring more workers, acquiring better equipment and introducing shorter shifts for the miners. With some effort, Southern Meridian Republic managed to get a claim on a small portion of rare minerals market. The excess income from trading would be stored until 1920s, when it became obvious that country requires massive expansion of its own agricultural industry.

In the year 1905, Parliament was led by Farooq Jalal and Pascal Toussaint came to rule. Their intentions were finding new ways of expanding SMR's influence in foreign countries by trade agreements and cultural exchange programs.

Pre-Modern Republic (1910-1960)

With establishment of Democratic Republic of Maracaibo, Premier Jalal has personally arrived to Maracaibean capital to congratulate their friends with this event and sign multiple agreements that would expand their amicable relations even further. Cultural exchange project was one of those, suggesting that both countries would choose some of their citizens and send them to each other's capitals. Trade agreement was also expanded, lowering taxes for imports.

At the year 1920 ministry of agriculture received massive funds to expand the industry in fertile regions. City of Champs-sur-Cote became the center of agriculture in Southern Meridian Republic, with ~67% of its population working the fields. Smaller cities such as Marseille, Krasow and Dunkirk had begun contruction of bigger ports and drydocks to fulfill an increasing demand for fish and vessels. Ensuing years, until the beggining of Pan-Septentrion War were un-eventful, filled with increasing civil production and stagnation of military. However, in 1936, army and navy were re-organized into Southern Meridian Republic Defence Force, creating two separate branches (SMRN and SMRA). This event also marked creation of aerial forces.

During the Pan-Septentrion War, SMR's military engaged Wüstenfelsen's forces, drawing some of their troops away from Qusayn. The government sent copious amounts of Merchant vessels to Maracaibo, sending supplies and expeditionary forces. Roughly 25,000 troops were engaged on frontlines and performing rear-echelon duties. Surviving the aftermath of the war, they would be picked as instructors for the military in years to come.

In attempt to help their allies, SMR started multiple foreign-oriented projects. They would send their engineers and doctors to help Maracaibeans restore their country. Many of them would later settle down and get citizenships. Fearing that same would happen to citizens of their country, SMR has joined the Able Vigil Accord in 1960s, following it with rapid modernization and expansion of SMRDF. In their search for funds, Parliament invested in prospecting the deserts for natural resources, and discovered large oil basins underneath it. In 1950s copious amounts of money were invested in oil extraction and refining, but the profit was far too big to be ignored. People were captured by a 'black gold folly', spending their savings on buying land and trying to establish their own oil extraction companies. These events forced Ministry of Finance to increase the taxation of this businesses, to at least somehow maintain state's monopoly.

Modern Republic (1960-present)

Joining AVA (Now known as EC), proved to be very fruitful for Southern Meridian Republic. Overcoming their hatred towards aristocracy, SMR merchant ships started circiling between Port Imperial and Casaterra, bringing goods and technologies from more advanced continent. After studying some of the samples, Ministry of Defense launched "Project Chateux", with a goal of creating a number of companies that would act as defense contractors for the country. This was a striking success, with seventeen new companies being established in the next five years. The biggest ones were Armscor, Denel and Atlas Aircraft. Initiative was synced with expansion and even further modernization of SMRAF. Multiple contracts with EC's members were signed to begin the acquisition of new naval vessels, tanks and aircraft.

Following this, in the year of 1972, country's capital was moved from Port Imperial to Alres-sur-Laval, to accomodate larger governmental sctructures.

Geography

Most of the country is covered in sand, with four large rivers running their waters across the deserts. Northern region possesses an inland sea, in close proximity of Wüstenfelsen border. South-eastern regions are softer, with landmass near the coast being mostly covered in fertile soil.

Government and Politics

Southern Meridian Republic is governed by parliament.

• Legislative: Parliament, consists of the National Assembly (128 Representatives) and the National Council of Regions (8 Repsentatives)
• Executive: The Premier, both Head of State and Head of Government.
• Judicial: High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court.

Foreign Policy

Southern Meridian Republic's foreign policy is complicated, and consists of multiple goals.

• Peace on Meridia
• Intervention with operations of opposing countries
• Recruitment of skillful scientists, engineers, specialists, etc.

Military

SMRDF Soldier during military excercises in Maracaibo

Southern Meridian Republic Defence Force was created in 1936 as limited conscription professional military composed of the former Land Forces and Navy. SMRDF is divided into three branches, the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. Following SMR's affiliation with Able Vigil Accord, SMRDF started participating in peacekeeping and intervention operations across Septentrion. Military is equipped with higher-end equipment, most of which is supplied by country's defense contractors. Multiple regiments and air wings are deployed on an off-shore base in Maracaibo, often organizing military exercises that include Maracaibean troops. The most recent ones have happened this year, with almost 30,000 SMRDF Personnel taking part, playing the OPFOR role.

Regions

• île des Alres
• Cap-du-Corsica
• Hautes-de-Limojes
• Cot du Nord
• Grande Mer
• Nouveaux Bordeaux
• Breton
• Basse

Economy

Western regions retain larger naval and military industries, with large dry docks and ports to accomodate maritime trading. North-Eastern Regions are more famous for their oil and aerospace industries, with South-Eastern Regions possessing large metallurgic and agricultural industires. Most of the largest companies belong to the state, but some of them, like Varon Mining belong to citizens. In total, economy is a mixed bag of public and private affairs, with multiple markets being entered.