Miracle on the Nozama River
The Miracle on the Nozama River (Нозамакон Чикан tr. Nozamakon Chikan) also known as the Namorese Miracle (Намора Чикан tr. Namora Chikan) is a period of rapid economic growth in Namor that began in the 1950s and peaked during the 1960s and 1970s. The period saw Namor's transformation from a developing to a newly industrialized country, the emergence of a large middle class, and an increase in foreign trade.
The term Miracle on the Nozama River was first coined by The Liberator in a 1963 article describing the development of cities in the Nozama River Delta. It was popularized by President-General Kong Jo during his 1965 inauguration speech, when he declared "the Miracle of the Nozama River will be replicated all across the country and become a Namorese Miracle." The term has since been used by commentators to describe Namor's economic boom, as well as by Namorese politicians to evoke feelings of patriotism.
Prior to the 1950s, trade between Namor and the outside world was strictly limited due to the autarkic policies of the Liberationists, and the state controlled every sector of the economy. The country was further paralyzed by political movements such as the Green Fever, which severely disrupted economic activity. This started to change under the leadership of Antelope Gelai, who took power in 1950 following the death of his father Antelope Yunglang and the removal of hardliners from the Liberationist leadership. The government introduced a land-to-the-tiller program and abandoned collective farming, causing a dramatic rise in agricultural output and standard of living in rural areas. It also reduced its control over the economy, allowing privately owned enterprises to thrive, while taking on massive infrastructure projects. To attract foreign investment, the government set up the first special economic zone (SEZ) in Esquarian City in 1957. Its success led to the establishment of more SEZs across Namor.
During the second half of the twenty-first century, Namor's gross domestic product increased from 300 billion USD to 8 trillion USD, while the GDP per capita increased twelvefold from 750 USD to 8,900 USD.
The economic boom had significant effects on Namorese society. The country underwent rapid urbanization - 70% of Namorese lived in cities in 2015, compared to 10% in 1960. The boom was accompanied by the emergence of a large middle class, which to this day remains Esquarium's largest. Socioeconomic mobility peaked during this period, contributing to the development of the Spirit of the Nozama River Delta - the national ethos that stresses the linkage between social cohesion, individual perseverance and prosperity. On the negative side, economic inequality and environmental problems became more pronounced.