Aretias
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Kingdom of Vardana Վարդենիս Թագավորության (Vardanan) | |
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 Flag
 Coat of Arms
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Motto: Աստված, թագավոր և հայրենիք Astvats, t’agavor yev hayrenik’ ("God, King, Fatherland") | |
Anthem: Վարդերի մարտ Varderi mart Rose March  | |
 Location of Aretias (dark green) – claimed territories (light green) – in Scipia (dark grey) | |
| Political Map of Aretias Political Map of Aretias | |
| Capital | Basilakia |
| Largest city | Karchavan |
| Official language | Vardanan |
Recognized minority languages | |
| Ethnic groups (2019) |
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| Religion | State religion: Vardanan Aletheic Church Other recognized: Fabrian Catholicism, Azdarin, Emendatic Nazarism, Judaism |
| Demonym(s) | Aretian |
| Government | Unitary absolute monarchy |
• Basileus | Basil II |
| Legislature | None |
| Formation | |
• Took control of the Aretian islands | 19 September 1923 |
| 12 January 1924 | |
• Ceasefire | 8 August 1927 |
| Area | |
• Total | 3,616 km2 (1,396 sq mi) (nth) |
• Water (%) | 1.5% |
| Population | |
• 2020 estimate | 865,303 |
• 2014 census | 833,622 |
• Density | 230.5/km2 (597.0/sq mi) |
| Currency | Dram (Ð) (ARD) |
| Date format | dd/mm/yyyy (AD) |
| Driving side | left |
| Calling code | +575 |
| Internet TLD | .ar |
Aretias, officially the Kingdom of Vardana (Vardanan: Թագավորության Մյուսիա), an island country in the Ozeros Sea, located approximately XXkm2 off the eastern coast of Scipia. It shares a maritime border with Vardana to the west, and Perateia to the north. Its capital is Basilakia, and its largest city is Karchavan. The majority of the population consists of ethnic Vardanans, whose language is the only official language of the country. The official state religion is the Vardanan Aletheic Nazarism, with no official protections on freedom of religion.
Aretias was first settled by Nestians from coastal Eastern Scipia in the 14th century BCE, widely considered to be the first human settlements on the islands. The islands fell under the control of successive empires, such as the Kardish Empire, Latin Empire, Bayarid Empire, and intermittently Yen Caliphates. In the 14th century, Aretias served as the core of the minor kingdom of Lesser Vardana, headed by the Manavazean dynasty, and later the Artavazd dynasty that came to rule Greater Vardana and became the first Emperors of Lihnidos. It later came a province of the successor Hazaraspid Kingdom of Vardana in the early 1830s. Aretias gained its de-facto independence following the 1927 Ozeros Ceasefire, but has since remained in an official state of war with the mainland Republic of Vardana.
Not including unrecognized claims, Aretias is 3,616 km2, making it the second smallest Scipian nation by area. As of 2020, its population is estimated at 865,303. Aretias consists of one major island, five minor islands, and dozens of even more minor islands. The main island is known by its Mysian name of Aretias, from which the country derives its name. The country also claims all territories held by the Republic of Vardana, Perateia, and Lihnidosi imperial titles; however, no nation recognizes these claims. Aretias is a member of the Forum of Nations, Society of Latin States and Peoples, and the Trans-Periclean Free Trade Area.
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 is an island country in Eastern Scipia. The main island, from which the country draws its common name, consists of over 90% of the area controlled, and 3,616 square kilomters. It is located 20km off the coast of Vardana in the Ozeros Sea. The Alcaean Straits, and the Perateia, lies to the north. A number of smaller islands are included in the Aretian island chain, mostly controlled by Aretias.
River Karchavan is the largest river in Aretias
Landscape around Karchavan
Beaches near Berd along the Ozeros Sea facing Vardana
Winter snowfall in the Agrafa Mountains
Climate
The island is primarily categorized as a Periclean climate. Humidity is not uncommon across the country, except for the snow-capped peaks in the island's interior. The island experiences warmer temperatures, with hot summers and more mild winters. Most precipitation occurs in the winter months. Snow is rare except among some of the highest peaks of the Agrafa Mountains, particularly Mount Baghats.
Water
Politics
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| Basil I Basileus of Aretias |
Aretias is an absolute monarchy ruled by the House of Byzennos. The Byzennos have been ruling Aretias since the 17th century, originally as Lords of Aretias, historically as a vassal or tributary to other rulers, including the Monarch of Vardana. The current Basileus is Basil II, who succeed his father on 2 June 2016. 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 1931. 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 1 directly controlled city, 79 municipalities, which, in some instances, are further subdivided into districts. Only the single directly-controlled city and 3 municipalities are divided into districts, including Karchavan, Berd, and Basilakia. Municipalities serve as the primary avenue for local government and control most local matters, such as education, transportation, and zoning.
Karchavan is the largest city, with a population of approximately 300,000 residents, or roughly one-third of the country's population. Berd is the second largest municipality, with a population of close to 100,000. Basilakia, the capital city, is only the 9th largest city in Aretias, with a population of approximately 40,000.
International status and foreign relations
Aretias was a province of Vardana upon the Proclamation of the Continuance of the Kingdom on 12 January 1924, a month after the execution of King Stepan IV of Vardana. The local governor, prominent royalist and son-in-law of the King, Tigran Byzennos, declared himself Tigran V as King of Greater Vardana. Since 1924, Aretias has claimed to be the sole government of Greater Vardana, which has resulted in non-recognition of Aretias by successive Vardanan governments; however, the territorial extent of the Aretias has dwindled since the original declaration. Despite losing all mainland territory, Aretias continues to claim its status as the legal successor to the Kingdom of Greater Vardana. Proposals to officially recognize the country as the Kingdom of Aretias were most recently discussed in the late 1960s during the reign of Sempad I; however, any plans for this change were dropped following the 1970 coup and the reign of Sempad's brother King Tigran II. However, even among nations that recognize Aretias as an independent state, few recognize its claims over any mainland territory. 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 the 1927 ceasefire.
Aretias is a member of the Forum of Nations, [org], and [org].
Law
Law in Aretias primary operates under a civil law system that is heavily supported by uncodified customary law serving as a secondary source of law unless it is superseded by codified law. Civil law in Aretias is heavily based on Vardanan 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. The royal circuit courts serve as the general trial court for all civil and criminal matters. There are four circuit courts, one of which serves in Karchavan. Aretias lacks an intermediate appellate court in the traditional sense, as the Court of Cassation is the de facto court of last resort for all civil matters. The Court of Cassation features a criminal and civil division. The court of last resort for criminal matters is the Supreme Court of Public Claims. Parties may then appeal to King, or more commonly, the Royal Council. Appeals in administrative courts are heard by the Royal Council.
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. Its largest trading partners are Chasania, Latium, Fahran, and Vardana. The dram is the country's currency, though currencies from neighboring nations such as Chasania, Latium, and Vardana are often accepted by merchants.
Karchavan is the main economic center of Aretias due to being the largest population centers and most modern city in the country. Nearly all of the most major domestic companies and corporations have headquarters located in Karchavan. 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 Karchavan, Berd, and Basilakia motorways are not fully to modern standards throughout Aretias. Basil II International Airport in Karchavan is the nation's only international airport, which was first constructed in 1966. Smaller regional airports are located in Berd and Basilakia, and connect the country's islands with the main island and close neighboring nations. The port of Karchavan is the country's main seaport and is located on the main island of Aretias along the Ozeros Sea coast.
Demographics
As of the most recent 2014 census, the population of Aretias is 833,622. Recent estimates place the population closer to 875,000. The largest ethnic group in Aretias consists of ethnic Vardanans, estimated at 72% of the population. Key minority groups include Daraloni, Latins, and Lerazgans.
Daralonis consist of the single largest minority population, composing nearly 25% of the country's population. Many Daraloni migrated to the islands from neighboring Bayazet and Dardalona in Vardana, or fled as members of the nobility in exile.
Vardanan is the sole official language of Aretias. Vardanan, along with not!Persian, hold the dignity of being the official court languages. All civil servants are required to speak Vardanan, though many speak Latin.
A minor, yet noticeable Latin minority has developed in major Aretian cities due to the proximity between Aretias and Latin-held Perateia.
Religion
The Vardanan Aletheic Nazarism 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 various Nazarism sects, Fabrian Catholicism, Judaism, and various Yen sects. Minority religions in Aretias are strictly regulated and controlled, though for what are understood to be political reasons, Fabrian Catholics retain greater freedoms and autonomy than other minority religious groups.
While the historical leader of the Vardanan Aletheic Church is the Apostolic Presbiter of Aparan, and the Patriarch of All of Vardana is a leader figured in neighboring Vardana, the Presbiter of Teos serves as the chief religious authority in Aretias. The government regularly intervenes into clerical matters, such as selection of the Presbiter of Teos upon a vacancy, and other major religious figures within the country. Official census records place 82% of the population as Aletheic Nazarists, however this number is believed to be more accurately stated around 65-70%.