Monemvasia

Monemvasia, officially the Kingdom of Monemvasia is a nation in Korovia, on the eastern continent of South Korovia. It is located on a peninsula, with the landward side being bordered by several minor nations. Monemvasian territory also includes the three small islands of Elafoisos, Kythira, and Syros, with a total national land area of 631,100 km2. Monemvasia is the second most populated nation of the region with over 131 million inhabitants. Somewhat separated from the rest of Korovia by the Caldyonian and Erisian Oceans, Monemvasia is arguably the most influential nation in Eastern Korovia.

Monemvasia is divided into six provinces. The government of Monemvasia is a constitutional monarchy. The King, currently Constantine Palaiologos II, directs foreign policy and acts as the head of state. Most domestic affairs fall to unicameral parliament, the Synklētos. The Synklētos is elected by popular vote every four years. At the conclusion of the popular election, a prime minister is selected from a vote by Synklētos members. The Prime Minister acts as the head of government.

Kingdom of Monemvasia
Flag
Motto: Audentes Fortuna Iuvat
Capital	Gefyra
Largest	Neapolis
Official languages	Monemvasian Greek, English
Recognised national languages	Sakonian
Government	Constitutional Monarchy
• His Majesty	Constantine II Palaiologos
• Prime Minister	Eugen Alexiou
Establishment
• Komnenos dynasty established	1084
• Republic formed	1867
Area
•	631,100 km2 (243,700 sq mi)
Population
• 2015 estimate	131,107,781
• Density	208/km2 (538.7/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)	estimate
• Total	$4.1804 Trillion NSD
• Per capita	$31,885.47 NSD
Currency	Kero
• Summer (DST)	Gefyra Standard Time

History

Pre Caldyonian Contact

Humans have inhabited the area that would become Monemvasia since at least 15,000 BC. The Kelesh, Eresh, and Shardan were the largest pre-Caldyonian tribes in the area. These tribes practiced polytheism and were mostly hunter-gatherers. The Shardan was the most powerful group and constantly waged war on its neighbors. None of these tribes developed a written language, as such, little is known about them and what is known comes from later Caldyonian writings.

The Caldyonian Arrival

The Caldyonians were an ancient seafaring civilization whose homeland was situated in eastern Archona Cristo. The Caldyonians developed a language very similar to Greek after making contact with the people of ancient Etarmoof and adopted many Hellenic traditions. From 800-300 BC, the Caldyonians established trading colonies along the coast lines of what is now known as the Erisian and Caldyonian Oceans. Some colonies grew to become powerful states in their own right. Tanais was established in modern day Glanodel and Cretyra would eventually grow to become the city of Creteil, Hzarland. The Caldyonians reached what would become Monemvasia around 400 BC and established two colonies. The first, Kyrenia, situated on the island of Kythira, would be abandoned after several years. Arneae on the Dorian peninsula, was the second colony and would be much more successful. From Arneae, the Caldyonians began to spread inland, making contact with the Kelesh and Eresh tribes. In contrast with some of the other Caldyonian colonies, the Caldyonians of Arneae intermarried with the local tribes. The population in the area began to grow exponentially and new city states, including Asopos, Molaoi, and Mystras, were formed from 200 BC to 100 AD. These city states developed rivalries, usually because of economic reasons, and fought many wars during this time period. Meanwhile, the Caldyonian homeland in Archona Cristo was overwhelmed by barbarian invasions and finally collapsed around 10 BC, leaving its colonies to fend for themselves.

Medieval Period

When news of the fall reached the Caldyonians of Arnea, they adopted the name Monemvasia to refer to the collection of city states of South Eastern Korovia. Monemvasia was the name of the last fortress to fall in the Caldyonian homeland. The Caldyonians of the area thus became known as Monemvasians. Monemvasia, however, would not be politically united for almost over a thousand years. Christianity became the dominate religion in the area in the 200s AD. By the 6th century, Monemvasian missionaries began to spread the religion across the Erisian Ocean. In circa 600, Father Odysseos, a famous Monemvasian missionary, arrived in Archona Cristo.

The first tenous political unification in Monemvasia came in 1084, when Alexios Komnenos of Molaoi formed an alliance with Asopos by marrying Queen Karinia.

The newly formed kingdom was not a stable one. With the death of King Antonis in 1149, the formal line of succession was broken. Nomadic tribes began invading from the south and with no strong leader to unite the Monemvasians, the kingdom broke up into rival states yet again. In 1261, Michael Palaiologos, a military general from Molaoi, defeated an invading barabarian army and declared the kingdom reestablished. In all practicality, he only directly ruled over the cities of Molaoi, Papadianika, and Dara, scarcely a quarter of modern Monemvasia. The rest of the city states remained nominally independent, but in alliance with Molaoi to varying degrees. The remainder of Monemvasia's present territory was slowly incorporated into the country over the next 300 years.

Early-Modern Period

The Kingdom of Monemvasia labored on as a somewhat backwards feudal state until the Industrial Revolution. With the rise of industry, wealthy businessmen began to have more power than the royal family in Molaoi. Accordingly, new industrial cities, such as Neapolis and Gefyra began to eclipse Molaoi in economic importance. As the businessmen consolidated their control, there were calls to form a democratically elected government to represent the people. These calls escalated and eventually spread to Molaoi in 1867. The population threatened to revolt unless the Palaiologos family endorsed popular elections and gave up all political power. With no allies, the Palaiologos relented and went into voluntary exile for the next 147 years. The Synklētos, the parliamentary legislative body was created, and the Republic of Monemvasia was formed. The capital was moved from Molaoi to Gefyra in 1870. The Republic beckoned in the first true era of stability, which would last for the next 150 years.

The Modern Era

The only dissent to the formation of the republic came from the Sakonian minority, who are concentrated in the southern district of Trogir. The Sakonians, a minority in Monemvasia, felt marginalized by the new republics direct popular elections. Sakonian resistance to the government culminated in a bitter guerrilla war lasting from 1958 to 1959. The role the military played in winning the war elevated it to its current privileged position in Monemvasian society and culture. The defeated Tsakonians for the most part integrated into the republic following the war, although the Sons of Trogir terrorist group (estimated at around 100 members) remains active.

Monemvasia became an important sea trade center in the late 20th Century. In 2002 however, the stock market collapsed and resulted in a major economic downturn for the next twelve years. The majority of the population blamed corrupt politicians for their hardships. In a move to secure popular support, the Monemvasian Conservative Union (MCU), an alliance of right wing parties in the Synklētos, decided to ask the Palaiologos royal family to return to the country in early 2014. The Palaiologos family demanded that the call a vote of confidence in the sitting prime minister be called and a new, more royal friendly, minister be put in his place. The MCU agreed. Amid much pomp and circumstance, the royal family took up residence in Gefyra, and popular opinion in both the Synklētos and the new monarch, Constantine II Palaiologos, soared. The MCU agreed that the King would direct foreign policy and appoint National Court judges, while the Synklētos and Prime Minister would retain control over domestic affairs and the military.

Geography

The land area of Monemvasia is 392,147 km2 (243,669 sq mi). The climate is predominately Mediterranean with warm and dry summers and mild and wet winters. Extreme weather, such as hurricanes, is common on Monemvasia's eastern coast, while the west coast is relatively calm. The southern border with the Allied States of Leonlong is dominated by the Oneian Mountain Range. To the north and east of the Oneians is Lake Trogir, the largest known fresh water lake in Korovia. The Tyros River flows from Lake Trogir to the Caldyonian Ocean. North of the Oneian Mountains lies the sparsely populated, but fertile Trogirian Plains. From the Trogirian Plains, the land becomes increasingly hilly, culminating in Mount Basil, the highest point in the country at 1,613 meters (5,292 feet) high. The Cape of Voies and the Dorian Peninsula are known for its picturesque cliffs.

Deforestation is a major enviormental issue in Monemvasia. There are only two protected dense woodland areas remaining. One is located on the northern Monemvasian peninsula, between Gefyra and Neapolis. The other is on the provincial border of Komenos and West Trogir.

Government

Provinces

Monemvasia is a unitary state, currently divided into 6 provinces: Caldyonia, Central Monemvasia, Komenos, West Trogir, East Trogir, and Doria. Provinces are subdivided into 500 municipalities. Municipalities handle most of the day to day administration of the country.

Domestic Politics

The Synklētos is the unicameral national legislature of the Kingdom of Monemvasia. There are 500 members, each representing a municipality. These representatives are elected by their province every 4 years. The number of representatives per province is determined by population. All ministers, except for those in the Department of Foreign Affairs, are determined by a internal vote of the Synklētos. The Prime Minister, the acting head of government, is also selected this way. The Prime Minister can veto legislation, but a veto can be overridden by a 2/3 vote of the Synklētos. The Prime Minister also acts as the commander and chief of the military and appoints the chief of the general staff.

The King directs the Department of Foreign Affairs and acts as a ceremonial head of state at official functions. The King also selects the High Judges of the National Court. The High Judges determine if legislation is in compliance with the 1873 Monemvasian Constitution.

The political system of Monemvasia has been criticized for a number of reasons. Smaller provinces, like Doria and East Trogir are not well represented in the Synklētos. Additionally, minorities and women historically have been on the outside looking in politically. Women were not given the right to vote until 1976 and only 11 out of 500 current representatives are female. Civil rights that are common among more liberal nations, such as abortion if the woman's life is not in danger are banned. Given the conservative nature of the Monarchy, High Court, and vast majority of the Synklētos, this is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.

Foregin Policy and Military

The Kingdom of Monemvasia maintains a "sphere of influence" over Eastern Korovia. Formerly, this one done through the threat of military force; now it done primarily through economic and political pressure. Despite this, Monemvasia maintains close relations with several other nations in the region such as Hzarland, Beiarusia, and Entrits. Monemvasia also has diplomatic relations with many powers outside the region and hosts 15 foreign embassies in Gefyra.

Monemvasia maintains a national draft of able bodied males, although deferments are provided to most undergraduate and graduate students as well as single fathers. Approximately 200,000 serve in the military during peacetime; upon mobilization, the total number of military personnel expands to over 600,000.

Demographics

Censuses are generally held every 5 years. From 2000 to 2010, Monemvasia's population growth rate decreased, likely due to poor economic conditions. In 2015 however, Monemvasia's population growth rate rebounded, from 0.8% in 2014 to 1.3% in 2015. Immigration, mainly from Greece and Leonlong are expected to result in an increasing rate of growth over the next decade. Monemvasia is currently the most populated nation in Korovia, with a total population of over 131 million and a density of 334 people per square km (538 per square mile).

Komenos is the most populated province at 47.8 million. The other provinces in order of descending population are Central Monemvasia (29.9 million), West Trogir (26.2 million), East Trogir (15.5 million), Doria (6.9 million), and Caldyonia (4.7 million).

Ethnicity and Language

Monemvasia, a previously racially homogeneous nation, has seen an uptick in immigration over the past several years. Most notably, millions of citizens of Leonlong fled over Monemvasia's southern border following the Leonlong Civil War. These refugees are referred to as "Leonese" by Monemvasians, and are in the process of becoming full citizens. Many Leonese settled around Elateia, the provincial capital of East Trogir.

Tsakonians are distinguished from the Korovian Greeks by language, speaking a highly divergent variety of Modern Greek believed to be derived from Doric Greek as opposed to Attic-Ionian Koiné. Tsakonians are otherwise physically identical to Korovian Greeks. Other notable minorities include Hzarians, Italians, French, Turkish, and Armenians.

Economy

The 2002 recession had a serious effect on the Monemvasian economy. From 2001 to 2002, unemployment spiked from 4% to 15%. Some elements of the economy, such as the automobile and mining industries, have yet to recover. Nonetheless, long term prospects for the Monemvasian economy are among the most promising in Korovia. Monemvasia has a nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of K2.7562 trillion (Keros), equivalent to $4.1804 trillion Nationstates Dollars. Per capita GDP figures are K21,0022.92 or $31,885.47. For the year, real GDP growth was 5.1% and is expected to continue to trend upwards. Privatization is mostly complete, although some telecommunications corporations, utility companies, and arms manufacturers remain state owned. Monemvasia is considered an open free market economy.

Sectors

The service sector accounts for the majority of GDP. Gefyra is already a leading banking center in Korovia and a increasingly important financial center in the world as foreign investment in Monemvasia increases. Tourism remains an important subsector and Monemvasia is one of the top destinations in the region. Information technology is also a major contributor to Monemvasia's growing economy.

The manufacturing sector was the hardest hit by the 2002 recession, but has begun to recover. Industrial production is centered on the Neapolis/Mystras area and Molaoi. Neapolis has historically been known for its shipbuilding, while Mystras is the center Monemvasian arms industry. The largest known weapons manufacturer in the region is Mystras based Korovia Arms, which employs over 200,000 across the country. Korovia Armaments foreign sales for 2015 are valued at over $29 billion.

Agriculture was also hit hard by the recession, but it is still an important sector in the Monemvasian economy, especially in the south. Doria is a center for permanent crops and horticulture, such as fruit orchards, olive groves, and vineyards. East Trogir produces wheat, corn, and livestock. Monemvasia as a whole produces enough food to feed itself, as well as export it in moderate amounts.

Culture

From its beginnings as a Greek colony in 500 BC to the present day, Monemvasian culture has evolved to its current state, which is generally referred to as "Korovian Greek Culture" by academia. The Byzantine diaspora of the 15th Century was a major influencing factor on the direction of Korovia Greek culture, and its legacy can be seen today in Monemvasian architecture, literature, and politics. Monemvasia has been a staunchly Christian nation since approximately 220 AD, when the first missionaries arrived by sea. Monemvasia's social conservatism is strongly based on its people faith. Through centuries of political and economic turmoil, the Korovian Orthodox Church has endured. Monemvasians are seen as stubborn by some, and backwards by others.

Despite this, Monemvasia has a rich history of art and learning. Knowledge was preserved by monks for hundreds of years as the rest of the nation warred each other. Religious icons and artwork were also preserved and are now on display in the Astrapas Museum of Fine Art in Gefyra. This legacy of learning continues to this day, with many foreigners from around the world opting to attend its renowned schools, such as the Royal University of Molaoi.

Monemvasians are exceptionally proud of their defense forces and many willingly postpone college attendance to serve one year in the military. Historically, the military has been seen as a way for the poor to "make a name for themselves." On the flip side, those who do not serve are frequently at a disadvantage in social, economic, and political settings.

Monemvasian society does have its flaws. Some nations are unwilling to conduct diplomatic negotiations with a state that does not recognize homosexual marriage and other social justice issues. Others find Monemvasians extremely arrogant, further hampering diplomacy. Economically, Monemvasia has one of the highest wealth gaps in the region and this has occasionally led to discontent among the lower class. A strong sense of "civic responsibility" permeates through Monemvasian culture. Those who do their part are respected, but are not necessarily rewarded in tangible ways. Those who speak out against the majority are often labeled as "troublemakers" or worse.