Argata

Argata 𐐂𐐕𐐥𐐍𐐓𐐂⸣
Flag
Motto: "𐐄𐐍𐐥𐐂𐐌𐐔𐐡𐐗 𐐥𐐍𐐗𐐠 𐐑𐐂𐐔𐐜𐐥𐐂" "Zâgalnis gasi Đanoga" "We Advance Towards the Sun"
Location of  Argata  (dark green) in North Avalonia  (green)
Capital	Elega (legislative, royal) Fasyak (judicial)
Largest city	Asgano
Official languages	Gada
Recognised regional languages	Badzevala, Govel, Kovasal, Novaka, Sorekek, Tog
Demonym	Argatan
Government	constitutional monarchy
• Emperor	Mosik IV Taran
• Chancellor	Savas Każeg
Legislature	Parliament
• Upper house	Senate
• Lower house	Union Council
Establishment
• Autonomy from the Samot-Seratofian Empire	1 December 1872
• Collapse of Samot-Seratofian Empire	31 October 1925
Area
•	271,675 km2 (104,894 sq mi)
Population
• 2023 estimate	63,799,408
• Density	234.84/km2 (608.2/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)	2020 estimate
• Total	$2.795 trillion
• Per capita	$43,809
Gini	38.4 medium
HDI	.897 very high
Currency	Argatan det (֏) (ADD)
Time zone	UTC-5
Date format	dd/mm/yyyy CE
Driving side	right
Calling code	+273
ISO 3166 code	AD
Internet TLD	.ad

Argata (Gada: 𐐂𐐕𐐥𐐂𐐓𐐂⸣, Argada) is a nation in Northern Avalonia. Argata has a population of 63,799,408 and a total land area of 271,675 square kilometers (104,894 square miles). Argata is a fairly diverse nation, consisting of several significant ethnic and linguistic groups. Argata is dominated by two climate zones, humid continental and humid subtropical. The climate in Argata is characterized by significant variation in seasonal climate, with hot summers and cold winters.

Argata is a federal semi-constitutional monarchy, with an emperor serving as the head of state and a chancellor, appointed by the ruling party in Parliament, as the de facto head of government. The federal legislature of Argata is bicameral, split between an upper house, the Senate, and a lower house, the Union Council. Argata is administratively divided into 11 states and 3 crown territories. Argata's states are provided a significant amount of autonomy in their affairs, with each one operating under a constitutional elective monarchy that mirrors the federal system. Territories, on the other hand, are less independent in their capabilities, and do not have their own monarchies. The largest city of the country is Asgano, and the monarchy, as well as most government organs, are situated in Elega.

Argata has existed as a nation in some form since the 12th century, when a number of states in the region united to form the Gada Confederation. This confederation of nations expanded in the region mostly by diplomatic means, offering smaller states a place in the confederation in order to protect against outside threats. In the 17th century, Gada was made a protectorate of the Samot-Seratofian Empire along with their neighbor to the West, Badzevalari. Upon their independence in 1872, Argata would split from the Samot-Seratofian Empire as a dominion. Following the empire's collapse in 1925, Argata would become completely independent. From then on, Argata pursued a policy of deterrence, opting for diplomacy over military action while simultaneously keeping a formidable reserve force.

Argata is a free-market economy, characterized by above-average financial freedoms. The Argatan economy is highly advanced and diverse, and while it is dominated by a strong service sector, Argata's industrial sector is also highly developed, accounting for nearly 30% of the nation's GDP. Argata is considered a developed country and scores high on rankings of human development and personal freedom. The nation is known for its high quality of infrastructure, as well. Even still, Argata struggles with above-average rates of unemployment, crime, and wealth inequality. Argata is one of four signatory nations to the Tavic Accords, a political, economic, and military union between Argata as well as Badzevalari, Tavaluda, and Vefovadîse, the other Tavic nations in Northern Avalonia.

History

Early History

Argata has been consistently inhabited by indigenous peoples for millennia. It's thought that these early humans arrived in the region from the south and the west, through modern-day Badzevalari. Artifacts such as stone knives and spears have been found in southern Argata, and are dated as far back as 15,000 BCE. These first peoples were nomadic hunter-gatherers, subsisting mainly off wild berries before developing tools and beginning to hunt large game. Between 10,000 and 5,000 BCE, the ancient peoples of Argata would slowly transition from nomadism to a more sedentary lifestyle with the advent of farming, and agriculture became more common than hunting and gathering food.

The Bronze Age in Argata began around the 1000 BCE, and with it came rapid technological advancement that would result in the beginning of urban-focused civilization in Argata. The emergence of cities was especially crucial to Argata's development in its early history, and as a result, many of the region's new empires would evolve from agricultural city-states. The largest of these states would develop along Argata's coasts, with less populated, but more regionally influential states found further inland.

Around 200 BCE, the Bronze Age society in Northern Avalonia would experience a large-scale collapse, the reasons for which are still disputed to this day. The states that inhabited present-day Argata all went through societal degradation, and some of these states eventually dissolved altogether. Technological progress stagnated, as did commerce, and several cities experienced social upheaval and revolts. This period of societal instability would give way to

Zalod Empire

The strongest nation in early Argata was the Zalod Empire, or Zaloda, located on the southeastern coast of what is now Argata. The Empire began as a city-state on the southeastern coast of Argata and, after the Bronze Age Collapse in Argata, quickly expanded, taking advantage of other states' vulnerable positions as a result of the collapse. Although the Empire was suffering from domestic instability, like many other states in the region at the time, the Zalod authorities were heavy-handed in their suppression of civilian revolts, and it was through this strict societal control that the Empire found stability. As the Zalods expanded, they dominated lesser states through conquest and subjugation and by 1 CE had become the most dominant power in the region. With their virtual monopoly on power in Argata, the empire began a period of technological and scientific advancement. Medicine in particular became one of the empires's most advanced fields, with Zalod practitioners pioneering numerous early innovations in surgical and medical procedures. Zalod society also excelled in architectural development, with the Zalod capital of Kazok being the site of numerous architectural wonders, such as temples and monuments.

The Zalod Empire would last for almost 500 years, and for almost all of that time was the foremost power in present-day Argata. Starting in 445 AD, however, the nation would begin to experience widespread instability. As a result of the empire's conquest and subjugation of neighboring states, resistance against the empire's government began to manifest across the region in the following decade. Insurrection broke out in cities across the empire, and several provinces would fall into anarchy as the imperial government lost control of the country. In 459 AD, the rebellions that had gripped the nation for 14 years would finally end as the Zalod emperor and his family would be ushered from their residence in Kazok and executed in the streets. With the collapse of the empire, Argata would once again split into a conglomeration of multiple independent states, all vying for territory and dominance.

Argata, for the most part, would remain divided for several centuries. Immediately after the collapse of Zaloda. none of the newly-created independent states could manage to make any major territorial gains during this time. As a result of the chaos wrought by the collapse of the Empire, no state had enough wealth or manpower to be capable of domination on the same level as Zaloda. This period in Argatan history, known as the Divided Era, lacked a central Argatan state, and left the region more vulnerable than it had ever been to outside influence.

Divided Era and Gada Confederation

For the next seven and a half centuries, the territory that makes up present-day Argata would be ruled by a number of different states, both of native and foreign origin. At the same time, Argatan society evolved with influence from both old Zalod traditions and the cultures of the empires which dominated the region in that time. One state in particular was by far the most powerful in the region, that being the Kingdom of Sevezêt. Sevezêt, a large state in central Argata, was the powerhouse of the region, controlling much of the politics and trade in it's sphere. For centuries, Sevezêt maintained power through diplomacy and economic dominance, but as the power of the adjacent empires waned, the nation sought to expand its borders. In 1203, Sevezêt would, along with 3 other states in the region, form the Gada Confederation. The confederation would be ruled by Sevezêt's House of Sodek, with each member state's individual monarchies being preserved as well. The confederation remained largely isolationist for the following century, as none of the confederation's states wanted to threaten their own independence through conflict with other nations.

The confederation began expanding into Southern and Western Argata in the 12th and 13th centuries. By 1300, The Gada Confederation had expanded all the way to Argata's southern coast, and 3 more states had become members of the confederation. Several more states would enter the confederation during the 13th century, and the nation continued to consolidate its power and wealth. The confederation sought economic development through trading with its neighbors and via the sea, and foreign trade became a staple of the Gada economy. In the 15th and 16th centuries, trade and relations between Tavaluda brought Tavaludan language and culture to northern and central Argata. In the following centuries, the Gada Confederation would do its best to avoid foreign interference, maintaining a neutral, pacifist state while attempting to avoid outside influence.

The confederation's economic and military strength would begin to stagnate as the nation isolated itself from its neighbors even further. By 1510, the nation was weak enough that their western neighbor, Badzevalari, saw an opportunity to expand. Badzevalari invaded the confederation, and a 3-year war ensued. Initially, the Confederation's member states were able to defend their soil, but as the war progressed and the nation's military suffered heavy losses, it became evident that the Confederation could fight no longer. In 1513, the devastated Confederation would surrender to Badzevalari. The nation was completely annexed, and the House of Sodek was removed from power and exiled.

Badzevalan Rule and Colonial Era

The Conference at Naz̄dak Palace, by Degit Êbêrznak, 1881

In the early 17th century, Argata, and by extension the entirety of Avalonia, was subject to exploration by several Artemian nations, most notably the Samot-Seratofian Empire. At this point, Argata had been under Badzevalan rule for over a century. In 1630, with assistance from the Samot-Seratofian Empire, various Argatan states would rise up and lead a rebellion against Badzevalan rule in the region. Overwhelmed by the strength of the Samot-Seratofian reinforcements, the Badzevalans would be driven out of Argata, and numerous states in the region declared their independence once again. Seeing the dominance of other colonial powers in the region, however, prompted all of these states to make agreements with the Samot-Seratofian Empire, promising protection from other nations seeking to colonize Argata.

During Samot-Seratofian rule over Argata, the borders of the region's states would be reorganized several times. The first and most consequential border alteration, in 1676, would annex thousands of square kilometers worth of land in Sevezêt to the state's neighbors. The Sevezêti public, outraged by their territorial losses, would riot in response, raiding communities across the new border, killing hundreds. Additionally, offices belonging to the colonial government were attacked and dozens of Samot-Seratofian administrators would perish.

The status of the Argatan states as protectorates of the SSE would remain for several centuries. Their location as an important gateway into the Adeline Sea made them a valuable asset to the Empire, and to let the colonies slip away from the Empire's control would constitute a crucial loss in the region. However, as colonial control in Avalonia began to wane in the 19th century, it became much more difficult to assert control in the region. In 1872, the states of Argata would gain nominal independence along with Badzevalari, with a high level of autonomy being granted to both, even though the Argatan states were technically still protectorates. Even if this technically wasn't complete independence, many Argatans consider this the foundation of Argata as a modern nation.

Independence

The newly-independent states of Argata quickly sought unification under a strong federal government in order to protect themselves from outside aggression, inspired by a desire to recreate the prosperity of the Gada Confederation. In 1874, two years after gaining autonomy, eight of the 11 states in the region united to form Argata, a confederation of monarchies led by a single Emperor. Initially, these eight states could not agree on which city would become the nation's capital. A compromise was eventually reached, in which Elega, the capital of Sevezêt, would host the new Argatan government. A small district in the center of Elega would be carved out of Sevezêt to house the federation's government buildings, as well as to provide housing to government officials. The House of Taran, which ruled over Sevezêt, would also become the rulers of the new Argatan state. The first federal election in Argata took place in January of 1874.

Upon independence, Argata would maintain cordial relations with the Samot-Seratofian Empire, but the nation's government would act almost completely independently of the Empire's. After gaining their autonomy, Argata would race to industrialize, free from the strict economic regulations imposed upon them by the Samot-Seratofian Empire. In the ensuing decades, Argatan society began to shift away from its largely rural, agriculture-based recent past, and focus on industry and urbanization grew rapidly during the early 20th century. In an attempt to emulate the decentralized nature of the Gada Confederation, the nation would return to a largely federal model of government, inspired by the system of indirect rule imposed by the Samot-Seratofians as well as the administration of the Gada Confederation. Argata maintained cordial relations with many other former colonies in Avalonia, including Badzevalari, as the centuries-long rivalry between the two nations had improved due to their shared goals of independence and preserving their Tavic traditions.

Upon the Samot-Seratofian Empire's entrance into the Grand Campaigns in 1918, The empire would pressure its foreign dependencies, including Argata, to involve themselves in the war. At this point, the Empire's control over their colonies was almost completely nonexistent, and as a result, Argata elected to not send troops to assist in the war. Upon the end of the Grand Campaigns in 1925, the Samot-Seratofian Empire collapsed, leaving Argata completely independent of any foreign influence.

The aftermath of the bombing of a police department in Asgano during the Tavetên

Argatan foreign policy from this point on was largely based around deterrence, as the people of Argata sought to protect their nation from other foreign adversaries. With their newfound freedom, the Argatan government also began a campaign to further advance the nation's economy, relaxing business laws and strengthening industry through subsidization. Argata's economy would see rapid growth as a result, and the Argatan economy would begin expanding into newly-created industries, such as aircraft and automobile manufacturing. Argata would become a center of manufacturing in Northern Avalonia, and the nation's GDP growth would peak in 1965 at 8.1%.

The rapid economic growth Argata experienced in the mid-20th century did have its consequences. Inequality in the country would skyrocket as a result of lax economic regulation, and blue-collar workers would suffer the most as a result. Poverty became a major issue in the nation during the 50s and 60s, and a string of laissez-faire conservative governments failed to rectify the issue. In 1969 violent riots began to break out across Argata. Martial law was imposed nationwide by Emperor Mosik III in December of that year, and the violence would intensify leading up to the 1970 election. Chancellor Żatên Dêktag was impeached by the State Council in April of 1970, and in May, he was deposed by the Senate. During the Tavetên, as the conflict came to be known, 255 people would be killed, and thousands more would be injured. The conflict caused a massive loss of civilian trust in the Argatan government, and the fallout from the riots still affects Argatan society today.

Argata would also join the newly-created Tavic Accords in 1970, joining Badzevalari, Tavaluda, and Vefovadîse in a political and economic union joining the four nations, which have a shared culture and language.

As a result of the Tavetên, Argata's Conservative League would collapse, with most of its members splintering from the party. Former Conservative League officials would soon after form the Crown Congress, which succeeded the Conservative League as the nation's most prominent right-wing party. The Conservative League ultimately ceased to exist in 1972. In the late 20th and early 21st century, Argatan politics shifted further to the left, with the New Argata Party having won a majority in six of the nine parliamentary elections since 1980.

Geography

The Raṅtul Mountains in southern Kova

Argata is located in Northern Avalonia, on the Adeline Sea coastline. It shares a single land border in the west with Badzevalari. Argata is 271,675 square kilometers (104,894 square miles) in size, making it smaller in comparison to most other North Avalonian nations. Two main climate zones encompass the country: humid continental and humid subtropical. The climate across Argata is characterized by hot summers and cool to cold winters. Most of Argata is connected by land to the Avalonian continent, however there are several islands in the Adeline Sea that also fall under Argatan jurisdiction. Most of these islands are dominated by lowlands, and are warmer on average than the rest of Argata due to their altitude and proximity to the ocean.

Argata is located on a divergent fault line, between Northeastern Anterra and Brigantica. As a result, Argata has no major mountain ranges. Argata only contains one major mountain range - the Raṅtul Mountains in Northern and Central Argata. The Raṅtul Range is home to most of Argata's highest altitudes, including the highest point in the country, Kupros Peak, at 1,438 meters (4,718 feet) above sea level. The eastern coast of Argata is dominated by low-lying plains, and as a result the population density is much higher on the coast than in other parts of the country. West of the Raṅtul Range, the Argatan countryside is dominated by a mix of flatland and hilly areas. The increased altitude in some parts of the country has a slight effect on the climate, for example on some of the highest peaks in the country, where snow can be observed much later in the year than at lower altitudes.

Argata contains many rivers, the longest of which are the Avro River, which originates in the Raṅtul Range, flowing through Central Argata and Eastern Arroyo-Abeille before draining into Lake Murdon, and the Antis River, which also originates in the Raṅtul Range before draining into the Gulf of Brigantica to the North.

Climate

The entirety of Argata's territory is split into two Köppen climate zones: humid subtropical (Cfa) in the south and hot-summer humid continental (Dfa) in the north. The majority of the country's area falls in the latter category, around two-thirds of the nation. North Argata's humid continental area is characterized by wide variations in seasonal climate, with summer temperatures in the region often exceeding 30° Celsius (86° Fahrenheit). Conversely, temperatures in Northern Argata regularly drop below freezing during the winter, and snowfall is a common occurrence, especially in the mountains. Argata's southern humid subtropical regions are warmer on average than the north, and snowfall occurs much less during the winter months.

Government

According to the Argatan Constitution, Argata is a constitutional monarchy, operating under a system of separation of powers, with power divided between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. The highest executive authority in the nation is the emperor, who is considered the the head of state. The nation's legislature, meanwhile, is bicameral, and led by the chancellor. Most government bodies, as well as the royal family, are located in the nation's de jure capital city, Elega - save for the Argatan High Court and Ministry of Justice, which are in Fasyak, Ayu̇ka.

Monarchy

The Argatan throne is currently in control of the House of Taran, and the current emperor of Argata is Mosik IV, who ascended to the throne after the death of his father, Mosik III, on January 30, 2002. The royal family resides at the Naz̄dak Palace, in Elega, but there are several other royal properties across Argata. The heir-apparent to the Argatan throne is typically the current emperor's eldest child. This rule applies to the rest of the royal line of succession as well, with the second-in-line to the throne being the heir's eldest son/daughter, and so on.

The House of Taran are also heirs to the throne of the state of Sevezêt, and therefore the emperor is not only the ruler of Argata, but also Sevezêt.

The emperor of Argata wields any powers not explicitly delegated to either the chancellor or Parliament. The emperor has the final authority on any bills passed by Parliament, and also acts as commander-in-chief of the Royal Argatan Forces. The emperor is also permitted to recommend constitutional amendments, however the power to actually amend the constitution is held by Parliament. Argata's emperor also has the power to nominate justices for the Argatan High Court, but Parliament acts as the final authority on this decision as well. The emperor also has the power to dismiss the chancellor from their position, but this power is rarely utilized.

The Argatan Royal Family is a major political symbol of Argata. The Argatan emperor often makes international visits as a representative of Argata, and overseas, the emperor is usually seen as the face of the country as well as the "leader" of Argata, rather than the chancellor.

Legislature

Savas Każeg, the current chancellor of Argata.

The Argatan Parliament, based in Elega, is headed by a chancellor, who manages the legislative affairs of the country and serves as an advisor to the emperor. The current chancellor of Argata is Savas Każeg, who was inaugurated on 1 July 2018 and was reappointed in the 2023 election. Both the chancellor and vice-chancellor are appointed by the members of the Senate and appointees are approved by the Union Council. One cannot be appointed as chancellor for more than four terms. To be a candidate for chancellor, one must be at least 30 years of age and must be a native citizen of Argata. Those who are citizens of Argata but were born overseas are not eligible for the position. The minimum age for members of Parliament is 25, however the citizenship requirement is the same as the chancellor's. These rules are reflected in those of the state governments as well.

Legislative power is vested in the bicameral parliament, split between the Senate (Gada: Mêrzadak) and the Union Council (Gada: Frskelk Deltag). The Argatan Senate consists of 55 members, five from each state, elected every four years. The 3 crown territories do not send voting members to the Senate. The Union Council is made up of 319 members, elected every two years, who each represent their respective councillorships, each with an average population of 200,000. Councillorships are redrawn after each national census by a non-partisan committee of . Members of both houses are limited to five terms in office. After an election, chief ministers for Argata's various government ministries are appointed jointly by the emperor and chancellor. Bills can be introduced into Parliament by members of either house, and a five-eighths majority vote in both houses is required before the bill is sent to the emperor, who must approve the bill before it is signed into law. In addition to bills, Parliament also has the responsibility of passing an annual budget for the Argatan government, a process which is also subject to approval from the emperor. Laws passed by Parliament apply across all states and territories.

In order to amend the Argatan Constitution, the amendment must first pass a two-thirds vote in both houses of Parliament. After this, the emperor must approve the amendment, after which the amendment will go into effect. However, if three or more state legislatures pass measures rejecting the amendment, then said amendment is voided, and is permanently removed from the Constitution.

The chancellor and other members of Parliament can be removed from office by impeachment. Impeachment requires a three-fifths majority vote in the Union Council and a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate if a chancellor is being impeached, otherwise it requires a two-thirds vote in whichever house the impeachment is taking place in. If a chancellor is removed from office, the vice chancellor succeeds them immediately. If a member of Parliament is removed, a snap election is held to determine their successor.

Argata's Royal Cabinet consists of a variety of different government ministries, which are responsible for the administration of various areas in the Argatan government, including economics, transport, justice, defense, etc. The chief ministers of these ministries are all appointed by the emperor, usually in the weeks following a federal election, with assistance from the chancellor. Argata's ministries are further subdivided into federal departments, each pertaining to a certain aspect of a given ministry. Usually, the number of federal departments contained within each ministry varies.

Voting is a right in Argata regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or political beliefs. However, those under the age of 18 are disenfranchised. The minimum voting age in Argata was 20 years old until 2005, when a constitutional amendment lowered the age of suffrage to 18. Women were also disenfranchised on the federal level in Argata until 1954, when they were given the right to vote, also by constitutional amendment.

Judiciary

The Argatan judicial system operates through a multi-tiered system of courts, with the highest court in the nation being the Argatan High Court. The High Court consists of 10 justices, who are nominated by the emperor before being voted on by the Senate. A three-fifths majority vote is needed in the Senate to confirm a justice, and upon confirmation, justices serve until death or retirement.

The next level of courts are the State Courts, which preside over state law. The lowest level of courts in Argata are District Courts, each of which presides over the law in a given county. The system of judicial appeals in Argata starts at the district level, and goes all the way up to the High Court. Civil cases almost never reach the High Court, however, and are usually decided at the state level, since each state has their own High Court.

Administrative Divisions

A map of Argata's states (red) and territories (orange).

Argata is a federal state, divided into 11 states and 3 crown territories. Argata's states all originated as separate kingdoms during pre-colonial Argata, and after colonization were allowed to continue as semi-autonomous dominions of the Samot-Seratofian Empire. Each state in Argata is a constitutional monarchy, with the position of head of state being held by a state-level monarch. All of these monarchies are held by various royal families native to their respective state. These state-level monarchs serve until death or abdication. These heads of state, like the federal monarchy, serve in tandem with the states' heads of government. The title and level of power given to these state-level government leaders vary, but most are known as governors, and operate with a level of power similar to that of the federal chancellor. The states of Argata are largely autonomous, with their own legislatures, and can to enforce their own laws, impose taxation, hold elections, and perform any and every other power delegated to them by the federal government.

Since the Argatan Emperor is also the de jure ruler of the state of Sevezêt, that state has a regent in place of the monarch, appointed by the emperor themselves. The Regent of Sevezêt maintains the same roles as a normal state monarch would, in place of the emperor.

Argata's crown territories are regions which, for one reason or another, were not chosen to be governed under a state-level government. Argata's territories are less autonomous than their state counterparts, and are largely subordinate to the federal government. These territories still, however, are given some autonomy, and are not completely subject to federal rule. For instance, while the territories do not send voting members to the Senate, they are represented in the Union Council. territories are also constitutional monarchies, however royal power is held by the emperor rather than an elected ruler like the states.

Argata's 11 states and 3 territories are further subdivided into 380 departments. The system of departments in Argata was standardized across all states via an amendment to the constitution in 1958. The departments of Argata provide governance over one or several municipalities and are also used for geographic and statistical purposes. Any department that is coterminous with a city or town is classified as a county. Counties do not have their own governments; they are governed by the municipal administration of said coterminous city or town therein. Additionally, some states, such as Adzaga and Manas̄, retain traditional administrative divisions for ceremonial purposes, but these subdivisions have no government capabilities of their own.

The third and final level of administrative rule in Argata is split between several different types of municipalities. The most common third-level subdivisions in Argata are towns, which are municipalities with between 10,000 and 100,000 inhabitants. They operate with some self-governing capabilities. If a given town is a satellite or suburb of a larger municipality, then it is classified as a borough. Municipalities with a population exceeding 100,000 people are classified separately as cities. Cities generally have more control over local affairs than towns and boroughs. Municipalities with less than 10,000 inhabitants are classified as villages. Any third-level division with the majority of the population not living in a built-up urban area, regardless of population, are referred to as townships.

Politics

Argata is functionally a two-party state, with the two main political parties in the country being the Crown Congress and the New Argata Party. The Crown Congress party platform is largely conservative and laissez-faire, including support for the monarchy, free-market economic policies, and traditional values. The New Argata Party, on the other hand, supports liberal policies such as government intervention and social welfare. The New Argata Party leadership does not oppose the monarchy, but they are not as vocal in their support as the Royalists. Additionally, there are more radical elements within the party that hold anti-monarchist views. There are several smaller parties that regularly obtain seats in the Parliament, such as the Federal Party (social democracy) and the Adzagan People's League (Adzagan regionalism/nationalism), but only the two aforementioned main parties have ever gained a majority in either house since the establishment of the Crown Congress in the 1970s. Previously,

These parties also have counterparts which operate at the state, county, and municipal levels. There is no significant difference between these parties and their federal equivalent, as they function more as divisions of the party at-large than as separate entities. However, some state political parties in Argata are exclusive to their respective states. These include parties which advocate for state-specific policies, including regionalism and, in some cases, even independence.

In Argata, the more urban areas of the country tend to vote heavily with the New Argata Party, and the more rural areas with the Royalists. Traditionally, ethnic Argata people tend to be more heavily skewed towards voting Royalist, with ethnic minorities of all types voting for the New Argata Party more often.

Military and Law Enforcement

The K85 tank, built by Krîzn, was Argata's first domestic tank design.

Argata's military is known as the Royal Argatan Forces (Gada: Arga Żatêne S̄ulzag), abbreviated ZATSUL, and consists of five branches: The Argatan Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the Internal Security Service, and the Royal Security Corps. Argata practices a strict policy of conscription, with every male aged 18 or older having to serve at least 150 days in the ZATSUL. The Argatan military consists of approximately 245,000 active-duty troops, and because of conscription, has a formidable reserve force, amounting to about 1,300,000 troops, or almost 2% of the country's population. Argata's military spending in 2020 amounted to approximately $48.7 billion, or 1.8% of the nation's GDP.

Argatan military policy throughout the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century has been defined by a largely defensive stance, with the ZATSUL avoiding intervention in almost any international conflict since the end of the Grand Campaigns in 1925. Despite this non-interventionist policy, the ZATSUL still maintains a well-prepared military, with the policy of conscription offering substantial military training to almost every male citizen of the country. There have been proposals to introduce conscription for females as well, but no such legislation has ever been passed. Much of Argata's military equipment is manufactured domestically, but the ZATSUL also imports a substantial amount of supplies from abroad.

The commander-in-chief of the Argatan Forces is the emperor, who acts as the final authority on defense matters in the nation. As a result, the emperor plays a large role in military culture in Argata, participating in events such as parades and other ceremonies.

Internal Security Service

Argata's Internal Security Service (Gada: Zanratig Sabskêlg Ågalbek), abbreviated as ZSA, is a special branch of the ZATSUL dedicated to law enforcement among the civilian population, as well as special roles in combat zones. The Internal Security Service's mission in the present-day largely involves providing auxiliary law enforcement capabilities and cooperating with local law enforcement, especially in situations where the local police forces are incapable of controlling a situation on their own. Certain dangerous and large-scale incidents, such as riots and terrorist attacks, often warrant a ZSA response. The ZSA is often utilized for disaster relief as well. The ZSA is also suited for roles in conflict zones, including peacekeeping and humanitarian relief.

Royal Security Corps.

Argata's Royal Security Corps. is another specially-designated branch of the Royal Argatan Forces, and is the smallest branch of the five. The duties of the Royal Security Corps. primarily involve security and protection for the royal family and their properties, as well as for various other government buildings and positions. Whenever the Argatan emperor or other members of the royal family are travelling, for example, the Royal Security Corps. will deploy a squadron to provide round-the-clock security for them. Royal estates are also provided security by the Corps., including palaces and other properties. The Royal Security Corps. also provides security for federally-owned buildings, including the Houses of Parliament, the residence of the chancellor, and various ministries and other departments.

The Royal Security Corps. does not, however, provide protection for state-level monarchs and governments. Instead, security on the state level is provided by agencies organized by the various state governments.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement in Argata is largely decentralized and multi-tiered, in keeping with federal policy. The highest level of law enforcement is at the federal level, with the Ministry of Justice presiding over several federal law enforcement agencies, ranging in function from drug enforcement to criminal investigation. The next level of law enforcement belongs to the states, with each state being responsible for their own law enforcement agencies. These agencies are almost completely independent from the federal government, and funding is provided by the state alone. The lowest level of law enforcement is at the municipal level, with state police having county-level departments that provide law enforcement for their respective county.

Economy

View of the Gotsela Financial District in Asgano.

Argata possesses a highly developed and diversified economy, with some of the nation's largest industries including electronics, finance, aviation, lumbering, and fishing.. The Argatan GDP (PPP) was estimated to be $2.795 trillion in 2020, making it the 8th largest GDP in Avalonia. Argata is consistently ranked as one of the more competitive economies in the world, and despite recent economic hardship, Argata's economic prowess in Avalonia seems to be stable for the time being. Historically, Argata's economy relied heavily on manufacturing, which originated from Argata's strong tradition of shipbuilding. The industry-oriented Argatan economy of the early and mid 20th century started off as one of the strongest on the continent, but as the century progressed, Argata's export-based economy was soon eclipsed by other, stronger nations in Avalonia as well as the world at-large. Currently, the Argatan economy is dominated by the service sector, comprising 70.8% of Argata's annual GDP, followed by the industrial sector at 27.7% and the agricultural sector at 1.5%. Argata is classified as a high-income country, with the nation's per capita GDP (PPP) being $43,809 as of 2020.

Finance

Finance is a crucial piece of the Argatan economy, with Argata's financial sector being particularly strong. Argata's two largest cities, Asgano and Đagun, are ranked as global financial centers, and the cities serve as hubs for banking in the region.

Industry

Argata's industrial sector accounts for 27.7% of the nation's annual GDP, and has historically been a driving force in the nation's economy. Argata is a leading manufacturer of materials such as aircraft and automotive parts, electronics, ships, chemicals, and consumer goods. Much of Argata's industrial output is concentrated in the eastern portion of the country, which is the most densely populated region in the nation, housing many of Argata's largest cities. One of Argata's most profitable industries is aircraft manufacturing, which accounts for a sizeable portion of Argata's industrial output.

Traditionally, the industrial heartland of Argata has been in the east and north of the country, where manufacturing developed rapidly starting in the late 19th century. By 1900, Sevezet and Vêknis̄ accounted for the biggest shares of Argata's industrial output, with their largest cities, Asgano and Koswoves̄ respectively, growing rapidly as a result. Additionally, the area around Đagun, the largest city in Adzaga and the second largest in the country, has been a large hub for industrial output as well.

Electronics is another industry which accounts for a considerable portion of the Argatan industrial sector. The area around Asgano serves as the nation's largest hub for technological innovation. The urban corridor between Asgano and Żenxasta is home to many tech companies, and as a result has been nicknamed "Anozozas" (t. "Innovation Road").

Agriculture

Agricultural activity is common in Argata, however it does not account for a significant portion of the economy. The entire agricultural sector in Argata is estimated to make up just 1.5% of the national GDP. Some of Argata's largest crops include corn, squash, and soybeans. While agriculture has historically been a large part of the Argatan economy, the Industrial Revolution greatly altered the Argatan way of life, and agricultural production was largely surpassed by other sectors during the early-to-mid 20th century. Agriculture is still a large part of society in Western Argata especially, owing to the region's long history of agricultural production.

Tourism

While Argata's tourism industry occupies only a small part of the nation's GDP, it is still a thriving sector of the Argatan economy. Much of Argata's promotion of tourism centers on the country's abundant beaches, which are particularly idyllic in the southern portion of the country. Thus, southern Argata is home to many tourist destinations and resorts. The Raṅtul Range is another focus for tourism. As the site of several state and national parks, hiking in particular is an often-promoted activity in the north of Argata. Cultural tourism is also significant in Argata, with traditional Argatan palaces and temples often being a hotspot for tourist activity.

Infrastructure and Transportation

A federal motorway in Southern Kova.

Argata maintains a highly developed infrastructure and ranks highly in infrastructure spending. As of 2020, infrastructure spending accounted for 0.93% of Argata's GDP.

Argata's road network spans some 500,000 kilometers across the country. The highest level of Argata's road network is the Dêlnis Zas̄dake, or Federal Motorways, which span the entire nation and are administered by the Federal Motorway Administration as a division of the Ministry of Transport. The second level of Argata's road network are the State Motorways, which operate under the jurisdiction of a given state, rather than the federal goverment. The Dêlnis Zas̄dake began construction in the early 1950s, as the need for effective ground transport increased rapidly as the nation developed.

Argata's rail system, named the Sokorelg is highly advanced, with many Argatans relying on the nation's rail infrastructure in their daily lives for transportation. The Argatan rail system's defining feature is the nation's high-speed rail program. The fastest trains operating on Argata's railroads can reach speeds of up to 370 km/h (230 mph), and Argata's high-speed rail program is often hailed as one of the nation's greatest infrastructure achievements. Numerous other rail lines across the country, including urban rapid transit lines, operate as a part of the nation's rail system, which is also administered by the Ministry of Transport.

As a coastal nation, Argata also relies on its ports for transporting cargo in and out of the country. The largest container port in the nation is located in Kêrevsot, Sevezêt, on the Adeline Sea, east of Asgano.

Energy

Argata contains some natural resources, most notably the nation's offshore natural gas reserves. Argata also has coal reserves, although the nation's coal supply has greatly deteriorated since the peak of the nation's coal boom in the early-to-mid 20th century. Since the turn of the century, the Argatan government has increasingly invested in renewable forms of energy, such as wind, solar, and geothermal power. Additionally, Argata maintains 12 nuclear power plants, which altogether account for 28.3% of national electricity production.

Demography

With a population of 63,799,408, Argata is a densely-populated nation. The population density is 234.84 people per square kilometer (608.2 per square mile). Argata's largest city is Asgano, with the city's metropolitan area containing a population of 8,049,524, or about 12.9% of the country's total population. As much as 80% of Argata's population resides in urban areas, many of which are concentrated in the low regions of the country. Nearly a quarter of the population resides in the Asgano-Galdalas Corridor, a densely-populated urban agglomeration located on the eastern coast of the country.

The average life expectancy at birth in Argata is 79.11 years, with the average male life expectancy being 76.50 years and the average female life expectancy being 82.03 years. Much of the most developed regions in Argata have high life expectancies, but the average is brought down mainly by the more impoverished and underdeveloped communities in the country, particularly those in the highlands. The median age in Argata is 38.8 years.

Ethnicities

Argata contains many different ethnic groups, consisting of both native ethnicities and immigrant groups alike. The most prominent of these are the Gada, who make up 65.3% of the population. The second largest group in the country are the Badzevala, who account for 13.7% of the population, the vast majority of whom live in the state of Adzaga. Aside from the Badzevala, there are several minority native ethnic groups inhabiting different regions of Argata, the largest of which include the Kovasal, comprising 4.1% of the population, and the Novaka, comprising 2.7% of the population. Numerous different immigrant groups also have significant populations in Argata, many of which are concentrated in the nation's urban areas. In particular, Samots and Seratofians, representing 5.5% and 4.7% of the population respectfully, retain large populations in Argata, due to the Samot-Seratofian Empire's lasting influence on Argata.

Argata's various native ethnic groups arose from the disconnected nature of Argatan states during much of Argata's history. These different ethnicities and cultures largely developed separately from one another, resulting in the multi-ethnic and multilingual status of modern-day Argata. Most of these ethnic groups are concentrated in a single state, and as a result, regional politics and culture are still very strong in Argata, Especially in Adzaga, where the majority of the population is Badzevala. Tensions between ethnic Gadas and Badzevalans in the state are reflected by the large regionalist and even separatist nature of politics in Adzaga.

Language

Gada is the lingua franca of Argata, as well as the sole nationwide official language. Gada is spoken at a fluent level by at least 90% of the population, however, Gada is the first language of only around 70% of Argata's population. The second most widely-spoken language is Badzevala, spoken fluently by about 15% of the Argatan population. Several other Gada-related languages, including Kovasal and Novaka, are spoken regionally in Argata as well. These languages are not considered official on the federal level, but in some states, they are considered official, either by themselves or with another language, usually Gada. Many non-native immigrants to the country also speak their native tongue as their first language.

Argata's official alphabet is the Temasesîfalek script, inherited from the Tavadal language and also used mainly for Tavic languages.

The Tavadal language has, through trade and immigration from Tavaluda, influenced Argatan linguistics to a moderate degree. For example, numerous northern dialects of Gada are noticeably closer phonetically and linguistically to Tavadal than dialects further south. Additionally, the Gada language, as well as all except one regional language, use the same script as Tavadal.

Religion

Most Argatans - around 68% of the population - practice Zågalto. The religion is based on traditional Zalod folk religion, and first spread in Argata in the 600s CE. As Argata's state religion, Zågalto traditions are present in many government functions in the country, including inaugurations and royal ceremonies. The second largest religion is Todza, practiced by a further 9% of the population, particularly in the Badzevala regions of Adzaga. Atheists and agnostics compose approximately 10% of Argata's population.

Urbanization

Over 80% of Argata's population lives in urban areas. Much of Argata's urban population is focused on the nation's eastern coast, where the largest agglomerations include Asgano and Galdalas. Other major urban centers include the city of Đagun, in the western state of Adzaga, and Elega, the nation's legislative capital, located 80 kilometers northwest of Asgano.

Education

Public education in Argata is managed primarily by the governments of the states. Compulsory schooling for children begins at the age of 6 and continues until the age of 17.

Higher education in Argata is well-funded and is a high priority for the state and federal governments. The oldest and most prestigious university in Argata is the University of Sevezêt, located in Elega. Other notable universities include the Technical Institute of Asgano, the University of Đagun, and the University of Vêknis̄.

Culture

Argatan culture has been influenced by many different groups of peoples throughout history. As a consequence of Argata's divided status for much of its early history, the nation is very regionalized, and vast differences in local cultures can be observed across the country, such as in clothing, cuisine, and music. Much of Argata's culture is similar to that of other Tavic peoples, including those in Tavaluda and Badzevalari.

One major example of cultural diversity in Argata is the cultural divide between the eastern and western regions of the country, usually seen as being divided by the Raṅtul Mountains. Eastern Argata is known for its large urban centres, and therefore, society in the East is usually viewed as more liberal and left-leaning, as well as being associated with urban and suburban living, as opposed to the more rural population in the West. Western Argata is known for being more conservative on average than the East, and is associated with industries such as farming and mining.

Music

Music plays a very large part in Argatan culture. Music in Argata dates back to the earliest civilizations in the country, with many primitive instruments having been unearthed in numerous locations across Argata. During the days of Zalod rule over much of Argata, musicians were highly-esteemed members of society, and occupied a fairly high position in the Zalod caste system. Today, Argata hosts a thriving music industry, with several large record labels located across the country. Music festivals are also popular in Argata, the most famous of which is the Đêtyuke Festival, hosted in the village of the same name in northern Manas̄.

Sport

Argata's most popular sports include association football, hockey, and rugby. Argata is unique in the fact that most sports in the country consist of two separate league systems - one for local clubs and one for state clubs. For example, football in Argata is defined by a system whereby local clubs are privately owned and compete against each other in a system of promotion and relegation, while the 13 state teams are funded by the governments of their respective state or territory, and compete against each other in a single-division league.