Mekabiri

State of Mekabiri مکبیری (Ala)
Flag Emblem
Motto: Somnium vita est Life is a dream
Capital	Piri
Largest	Mi‘irabi
Recognised national languages	Ala Arakha Cristinese Kurdoka Nakha Lora Oharic Veina
Recognised regional languages	Mahanan Tosyrai
Ethnic groups	Alainean Arakhainean Kurdokainean Nakhainean Lorainean Veinainean
Religion	Juluvanism
Demonym(s)	Mekabirian
Government	Unitary presidential republic
• President	Rahaēli Sērafīmi
• Vice President	Richard Haller
Legislature	National Congress of Mekabiri
• Upper house	Càmara dos Senadores
• Lower house	Càmara dos Deputados
Independence from Orioni
• Independence	1822
• Constitution	1825
Area
•	522,586 km2 (201,772 sq mi)
Population
• 2022 estimate	9,155,000
• 2020 census	9,149,522
Currency	Mekabirian galoniye
Antipodes	Bexshaw, Eulycea
Driving side	right
Internet TLD	.me

Mekabiri, officially the State of Mekabiri and internally known as Mek'abiri, is a sovereign state in Eastern Europa on Eurth. It is situated on the western shore of the Byzantine Sea and the northern shore of the Azure Sea. The country is bordered by Mahana to the north, Tamurin and Orioni in the east, and Miiros in the southwest. Piri is the capital and Mi‘irabi is the largest city; other major cities include Mazqabr and Mek’idesi. Mekabiri is approximately 522,586 km² (201,772 sq mi) in size, without the territorial waters. The country is home to 9,149,522 inhabitants.

Mekabiri is a bicameral unitary presidential republic. The country's head of state is president Rahaēli Sērafīmi, supported by his Vice President Richard Haller. The territory that is now Mekabiri was first settled in prehistoric times. From the 14th century, it was a colony of Orioni until 1822 when the country gained its independence as a republic. Culturally, Mekabiri is still considered part of the Orinese diaspora.

The country's wealth comes largely from the industrial and tourism sectors, with limited contributions from fishing and services. International cooperation with Orioni represents a large share of the country's domestic product. Mekabiri is part of several international and intergovernmental institutions, including the Assembled Nations and Entente of Oriental States, as well as being a founding member of the Oriental Association for Regional Cooperation.

Etymology

The name of Mekabiri is an exonym, originating as the Oharic word Mek’abiri (መቃብር, "grave"). This name is a reference to the relative position of where the Sun sets or "goes to die" when viewed from Orioni.Other names have also been used, for example Mi'irabi ("west"), a term which applies to both Mekabiri and neighbouring Miiros. The frequent misspelling Merikebi ("ship" or "vessel") is a reference to the many ships that once sailed back and forth between Mekabiri and Orioni. Late Aroman historical sources have come to associate Mekabiri's hot and unforgiving climate with the macabre, a place described as "having the quality of having a grim or ghastly atmosphere".

WIP. During the colonial period (1349-1822) the country was called Birlini.

• At first there only existed a city on the coast. Locals were instructed to bring resources to a warehouse called Perlinin, for transport to Orioni.
• The warehouse would become a city, and later the capital of Mekabiri. Non-Orinese use the country name, while people from Orioni use
• Birlini, a reference to the entire country by its capital city name (a pars pro toto.
• Per•li•nin (Ancient Oharic: house tribe lady), or roughly the house of the land of the lady.
• Oharic is widely spoken as a first language by millions in the coastal cities. However, Oharic becomes more of a lingua aromana among the rural and interior populations, where a variety of Shakyan languages are spoken as a first language. Mekabiri is generally known as "Dižgang" by the Shakyan people.

Geography

Regular map (left) and Köppen climate classification.

  Hot desert climate (BWh)

  Cold desert climate (BWk)

  Hot semi-arid climate (BSh)

  Dry-winter humid subtropical climate (Cwa)

  Tropical savanna climate with dry-summer (As)

Mekabiri coast as described by SAR, late 16th Century

WIP

• Landscape. Mekabiri is characterised by its mountains and dry climate, and its lack of major rivers. There are many small forests along the southern coast, whose trees grow big and strong because of the rich soil.
• Climate
• Southern coast is habitable. Rest is desert.
• Northern highland Bidakiye (Mahanan: Upatyakā, "valley").
• Capital at an estuary, in a well-defensible position.
  • On the Piriwadi River. Make the city a bit more westward into that temperate zone, so the river placement makes sense.
  • Natural harbour?
  • Ancient dock of the Pearl Road?
• Keep Emakera as a border province. Influence from nearby authoritarian Mantella, who attempted to detach this territory from Mekabiri by emphasising the north-south differences and exploit cultural differences.

History

Pre-colonial period

(Cave painting attributed to Harla near Harar.)

Caption.

Ruins of Yigedilali palace.

Caption.

• Early population came from Azania and Amutia in the west. The land used to be much greener, with more trees and grass. But after the last ice age ended, the climate became warmer and desertification increased.
• Prehistory: The changing climate led to more diversity in fauna and flora. And the early human cultures were also affected: fishermen along the coast, herders in the highlands, nomads in the desert.
• 1000-0 BCE: Small pockets of agriculture in some rare river valleys, mostly occupied with subsistence farming.
• 0-500s CE: The coastal area becomes tied into the Pearl Road. The peninsula is a crossroads for many other historic nations. Shakyan people begin their invasion and settle en masse in Mekabiri.
• 500-1000s: Various Shakyan kingdoms and republics vie for hegemony. The pacifist Sokhainean people are attacked and pushed off the mainland by a coalition of rival kingdoms. Borderland against the Sacred Aroman Realm, separated by the large desert are.
• 1000-1400s: This can be a golden age. Early, high, late. Maybe influence by Mahana. The late age weakens Mekabiri, allowing for easier Orinese conquest.

Colonial period

Boyi fort dating from c. 1580s.

Section from the air.

Caption.

Colonial flag of Birlini.

• 1349-1822: Official colonial period of Birlini. To be tied into the Orinese colonial expansion.
• 1300s: Area gives Orioni control of the Menelassar Bay.
• 1400s: Mostly extraction economy. First forts along the coast. Later on, more defensive lines inland.
• 1500s: As trade prospered, the rich southern territories needed to be defended against indigenous horseback raiders from the north. These raiders attacked small settlements and got away with stolen cattle. The Orinese Danya Boyi Kiburi ina Tewagi (1477-1529) employed local labour to build a 250-kilometres-long defensive system across the central part of Mekabiri. This includes three-meter-wide trenches, reinforced with wooden watchtowers, small strongholds, and garrisons. This was to protect the lands and new settlers to the south from the increasingly aggressive attacks of the natives who lived outside the line. These lands had been taken from the native peoples. There were intermittent periods of relatively peaceful relations. After the 1700s, when it could no longer stop large-scale incursions, the system fell in disrepair. Traces of the earthworks called The Lost Scars of Boyi can still be seen in the landscape.
• 1700s: This is when the Orinese conquered the northern parts up to Mahana. As a compromise to established peace, a Mahanan noble was appointed to rule the border provinces, while being subjected to the Orinese sovereign. These nobles grew ever more independent.
• 1798: Bureman Incident.
• 1800s: In the early 19th century, Mekabiri was ruled by the Mahanan Sanjay Sherchan. Nominally, he was still an Orinese vassal. But in reality he acted as a sovereign in his own right. Sherchan dictated his own foreign policy and only listened to the Empress when he felt like it. After a brutal, decade-long war which involved foreign support and intervention, the Mekabirians freed themselves.
• Colonial flag with a tower refers to the typical colonial-era forts along the coast. These could also be further inland. From a strategic point of view, there need to be at least two "choke points" along each side of the northern mountain range.

Independence

• Events leading up to the 1822 revolution. Mekabiri was part of the first wave of Orinese decolonisation, together with Tamurin (1781), Baribeni (1843) and Tahini (1847). Tamurin was the first domino to fall. A later, second wave of Orinese decolonisation occurred in the 1900s: Astrini (1901), Daini (1908), Rohini (1949), Burkini (1955), and Thubani (1969).
• 1800s: End of monarchy. (See: the end of Peter I in Emakera.)
• Re-use later history from Pirilao and Emakera.

20th and 21st centuries

Caption.

• 1900s: Republicanism.
• 1932-1956: Long War.
• 1954: Europan Commercial Alliance founded.
• 1957: Assembled Nations founded.
• 1970s: Large construction projects. (See: the construction of Paço in Emakera.)
• 2006: Co-founded the Entente of Oriental States.
• 2016: Co-founded the Oriental Association for Regional Cooperation.

Politics

Government

Pres. Rahaēli Sērafīmi.

VP Richard Haller

Megoteti government building in Piri.

Mekabiri is a unitary presidential republic with a multi-party political system. The country is divided into 7 provinces and the Capital district. These administrative divisions were updated several times since independence. There is a clear separation of powers. Executive power is exercised by the government of President Rahaēli Sērafīmi, the country's head of state, supported by his Vice President Richard Haller. Legislative power is vested in the bicameral National Congress. The Càmara dos Deputados has 100 members, directly elected by the people, which makes law projects and propositions. The Càmara dos Senadores has 100 members, also elected by the people, which vote for or against the law projects made by the Deputados.

Foreign relations

Mekabiri is a member of the Assembled Nations, the Entente of Oriental States, and previously also the Europan Commercial Alliance. The military unpredictability of Mantella is widely considered as the biggest wildcard in Amutian politics. As the peace process drags on, EOS has implied the possibility of a pre-emptive intervention. If it does happen, it will be the most significant regional event in Amutia in recent years. The Mekabirian armed forces not prepared to deal with the downstream consequences of such a development. The AN maintains a small observer force along the northwestern border, where numerous Mekabirian troops are stationed.

Military

The military of Mekabiri consists of the Mebakirian National Army (MNP), the Mebakiri National Navy (MNN), and the Mebakiri Air Force (MAF). Military service is compulsory for men aged 19–29, for a total of 10 months. The Army includes two armoured and two mechanised divisions. Mekabiri also recruit large amounts of the skilled Durkha warriors of Mahana, the Mekabiri Army Durkhas. Most of Mekabiri's weapons are imported from Miiros. Mekabiri operates a "green-water navy" (near to shore) that is capable of operating in the littoral zone. The navy is primarily focused on securing its exclusive economic zone. The Mekabirian air force formed in 1963. Many pilots train in friendly countries such as Tamurin.

Economy

Mekabiri has a diverse and open economy, with key industries including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The country is a major exporter of phosphates, textiles, and electrical equipment, and it has a growing automotive industry. The service sector, including tourism, is a major contributor to the economy, with millions of visitors coming to the country each year to experience its rich culture, history, and natural beauty. Additionally, Mekabiri has a vibrant informal sector, with many small businesses and street vendors operating in the country. Despite these strengths, Mekabiri faces economic challenges, including a high unemployment rate and a large trade deficit. The government has implemented economic reforms in an effort to improve the business climate and attract foreign investment.

Tourism is a major contributor to the economy, with the country attracting many visitors each year due to its rich culture, history, and beautiful coastal and mountain landscapes. Coastal cities such as Piri and Mi'irabi are important centres of tourism and trade, with busy ports and modern infrastructure. In contrast, the dry hinterland regions of Mekabiri, particularly in the north, are more rural and less developed. These areas are primarily agricultural, with a focus on crops such as wheat, barley, and olives, as well as livestock farming. The economy of these regions is generally less diversified and less developed than that of the coastal cities.

Unemployment is a problem in Mekabiri, particularly among the young. Nearly a quarter of those aged 15-24 do not have work. The government has taken steps to address this, such as investing in education and infrastructure and supporting small businesses. However, informality remains a challenge, with around half of employment in Mekabiri being informal. The official unemployment rate was 9.9% in 2020, though the true rate may be higher.

The Mekabirian galoniye is pegged to the Miirosi galea. The galoniye is issued and backed by the Bank of Piri, the central bank of Mekabiri. The peg to the galea is intended to help stabilize the value of the galoniye and promote economic stability in the country. The galoniye can be freely traded on the foreign exchange market, but the central bank intervenes in the market to maintain the peg to the galea within a certain range.

Yardna-5 dam.

The energy sector in Mekabiri is diverse, with the country relying on a mix of renewable and non-renewable sources to meet its energy needs. Mekabiri has significant solar, wind, and hydropower potential, and the government has made significant investments in these sectors in recent years. Solar energy is a particularly important source of power in Mekabiri, with the country's first solar power plant having been commissioned in 2016. In addition to renewable energy sources, Mekabiri also relies on fossil fuels, including coal and natural gas, to generate electricity.

Mekabiri has a well-developed infrastructure, with a modern road and highway network, as well as ports and airports that serve as important hubs of trade and transportation. The country is also home to a number of major rail lines, including the high-speed rail service that connects Piri to Mi'irabi.

The media landscape in Mekabiri is diverse, with a mix of state-owned and private media outlets operating in the country. The Mekabirian state operates a number of television and radio stations, and there are also a number of private television and radio stations, as well as a range of newspapers and online media outlets. In general, the media in Mekabiri is subject to state censorship, and journalists who criticize the government or sensitive political topics can face persecution.

Demographics

Ethnic groups

Mekabiri has a population of around 9 million people. The population is relatively young, with a median age of around 30 years. The country has a diverse mix of ethnicities. Most of the people have mixed ancestry in some degree. Everyone born in the country is treated as Mekabirian, independent of heritage. Racism is an unbailable crime. One notable minority group in Mekabiri is the Orinese community, which has a long history in the country. Orioni occupied parts of Mekabiri for many centuries. Since intermarriage between the settlers and the natives was very usual, there are still significant numbers of people of Orinese descent living in Mekabiri, particularly in the south of the country. These communities are concentrated in cities such as Piri and Mi'irabi, and they often speak Oharic as their second language. Many people of Orinese descent in Mekabiri are engaged in trade and commerce, and they have played a significant role in the economic development of the country.

Religion

Religion in Mekabiri.

  Juluvanism (75%)

  Orinese faiths (15%)

  Salam (5%)

  Other Faiths (3%)

  No religion (2%)

Mekabiri is a secular state, where the government is not affiliated with any particular religion and does not favour one religion over others. The government does not officially endorse any particular religion, and freedom of religion is protected by law. As a result, the country has a diverse religious landscape, with a variety of faiths being practised. The largest religion in Mekabiri is Juluvanism, followed by Orinese faiths and Salam. There are also a number of people of other faiths living in Mekabiri.

Education

In Mekabiri, children between the ages of 6 and 16 must attend school. The government provides free primary and secondary education, which includes three years of middle school and three years of high school. The Mekabirian education system, which is based on the Miirosi model, emphasizes subjects like maths, science, and literature. Private schools, which may offer a better education but at a higher cost, also exist in Mekabiri. Universities and other higher education institutions, found in cities such as Piri and Mi'irabi, offer higher education in Mekabiri.

Health

Mekabiri offers healthcare through both public and private facilities. The government operates public hospitals and clinics that are open to all citizens. Private hospitals and clinics, which generally provide higher quality care but at a higher cost, are also present in the country. While healthcare in Mekabiri is mostly adequate, access to it may be limited in rural areas. In an effort to improve healthcare access, the government has increased insurance coverage and built new hospitals and clinics.

Cultures

Kusikusi with vegetables and chickpeas.

Mekabiri has a long literary tradition that draws from both local and colonial influences. Its literature includes poetry, fiction, and non-fiction and often reflects the country's culture and politics. Mekabirian writers have received international acclaim and their work is widely translated. Mekabirian art includes painting, sculpture, and ceramics and is influenced by the country's cultural and historical traditions as well as contemporary themes. Artists from Mekabiri have gained recognition in Mekabiri and abroad. Its music reflects a range of cultural influences, and including genres such as traditional folk music, pop, and hip hop. It is typically a central part of Mekabirian cultural events. Mekabirian cuisine is diverse, with Amutian, Meteorolan, and Oriental influences, and features a variety of spices, herbs, and flavours that mix sweet and savoury tastes. Dishes include kusikusi, tajīnē, and t’ubawī and are known for their use of spices such as cumin, turmeric, and saffron. Football is the most popular sport in Mekabiri, and the country has professional clubs and a national team that has participated in international UENA tournaments. Other sports popular in Mekabiri include basketball, athletics, and boxing.