Argata

States of Argata 𐐐𐐢𐐗𐐉 𐐂𐐥⸣𐐂𐐕𐐥𐐂𐐓𐐂
Flag
Motto: "𐐄𐐂𐐄𐐍𐐥𐐂𐐌 𐐥𐐍𐐗𐐉 𐐟𐐂𐐔𐐜𐐥𐐎𐐠" "Zazågal gase Manogki" "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	Union Houses
• Upper house	Senate
• Lower house	People's Congress
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)	2023 estimate
• Total	$2.795 trillion
• Per capita	$43,809
Gini	38.4 medium
HDI	.897 very high
Currency	Argatan deda (֏) (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, officially the States of Argata (Gada: 𐐐𐐢𐐗𐐉 𐐂𐐥⸣𐐂𐐕𐐥𐐂𐐓𐐂, C̄use ågArgada) is a federal semi-constitutional monarchy in Northern Avalonia. Located on a peninsula jutting into the Gulf of Brigantica, Argata has a total land area of 271,675 square kilometers (104,894 square miles), and borders one other country, Badzevalari. Argata is an ethnically and linguistically diverse nation, with seven native nations comprising the majority of the population. Argata's largest city is Asgano, and the administrative capital is in Elega, with other large cities including Đagun, Galdalas, and Koswoves̄. The country is administratively divided into 11 states and 3 crown territories.

The first united Argatan state, the Zalod Empire, emerged in early antiquity. This imperial state comprised the bulk of present-day Argata, and would dominate the region for roughly half a millennium. However, increasing instability and regional strife eventually proved insurmountable, and with the royal family's execution in 459, the Empire collapsed and gave way to Argata's Divided Era. In the 12th century, several states in the region united to form the Gada Confederation. This confederation of states expanded in the region mostly by diplomatic means, with smaller Argatan states typically joining the confederation for the sake of protection from foreign adversaries. After centuries of relative prosperity, the confederation would be invaded and ultimately annexed by Badzevalari in the early 16th century.

In the 17th century, the states of the confederation were made protectorates of the Samot-Seratofian Empire, along with their neighbor to the west, Badzevalari, after the Empire annexed both territories. Argata would gain autonomy within the Samot-Seratofian Empire after over two centuries, in 1872, retaining the status of an imperial dominion. Argata declared neutrality during the Grand Campaigns, and would gain complete independence when the Empire ultimately collapsed in 1925. In the mid-20th century, Argata pursued a policy of deterrence, opting to maintain a formidable reserve force through the policy of conscription, while largely steering clear of international conflict. Argata suffered from economic stagnation and political instability in the 1960s, culminating in the bloody Tavetên riots of 1969 and 1970. The riots are seen as a major political and cultural turning point in Argatan history.

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 and press freedom, though the nation struggles with high 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 Avalonia.

History

Prehistory and early antiquity

Argata has been consistently inhabited by indigenous peoples for millennia. It's thought that 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 BC. These first peoples were nomadic hunter-gatherers, subsisting mainly off wild berries before developing tools and beginning to hunt local game. Between 10,000 and 5,000 BC, the ancient peoples of Argata would gradually transition from nomadism to a more sedentary lifestyle with the advent of agriculture, and

The Bronze Age in Argata began around the year 1,000 BC, and with it came rapid technological advancement that would give rise to the first Argatan city-states. Urbanization was a major factor in Argata's development during this time, with a select few cities hosting the majority of the region's population. These city-states would burgeon into regional polities as they vied for resources and control in the peninsula.

Around 200 BC, the Bronze Age society in Northern Avalonia would experience a large-scale collapse, on account of several factors, including a major famine and warfare between states. The states within present-day Argata all went through societal upheaval, and some of these states eventually dissolved altogether. Technological progress stagnated, as did commerce, and many cities experienced significant revolts. This period of societal instability would give way to the expansion of the Zalod Empire, the first state to unite all of Argata under a single banner.

Zalod Empire

The strongest polity in early Argata was the Zalod Empire, 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 long suffered from domestic instability, Zalod authorities were heavy-handed in their suppression of peasant revolts, and ultimately, it was through repression that the Empire found stability. As the Zalods expanded, they dominated lesser states through conquest and subjugation and by 50 BC 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. Medical science, in particular, was prioritized in Zalod society, with ancient practitioners pioneering numerous early innovations in surgery and medicine. Zalod society is also noted for its ornate architecture, with the Zalod capital, Kazok, playing host to a number of ancient monuments and temples, a few of which still stand today.

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 the Zalod Empire, the peninsula was once again divided 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 single state had enough wealth or manpower to be capable of domination on the same level as Zalods.

Divided Era and Gada Confederation

For the next seven centuries, the territory that makes up present-day Argata would be ruled by a number of different states. 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. At the same time, Argatan society evolved with influence from both old Zalod traditions and the cultures of the empires which came to then dominate the region.

One state in particular, the Kingdom of Sevezêt, maintained a considerable presence in the region even as the peninsula remained divided. Sevezêt, a large state in central Argata, was the powerhouse of the region, with significant political and economic influence over its neighbors. For centuries, Sevezêt maintained power through diplomacy and economic primacy, but as the power of adjacent empires waned, Sevezêti aristocrats sought to further integrate the peninsula under their rule. 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 also being preserved. The confederation remained largely isolationist for much of the following century, as the confederation's constituent states avoided conflict with their external adversaries, including the remaining independent states in Argata.

The Confederation would not expand its borders until the late 13th century. Several more states would enter the confederation during the 14th century, and by 1400, The Confederation had expanded all the way to Argata's southern coast, as well as westward, past the Raṅtul Mountains. The Gada states continued to consolidate their power and wealth amidst the addition of new member states, which led to the balance of political power amongst the states swaying in favor of the Confederation's original members. The Confederation sought economic development through trade by both land and sea, and commerce became an integral part of the Gada economy. In the late 14th and early 15th centuries, merchants from Tavaluda introduced their language and culture to northern and central Argata, and as relations warmed between Tavaluda and the Confederation, usage of the Tavadal script became widespread in the region. In the following centuries, the Gada Confederation would do its best to avoid foreign conflict, maintaining a policy of neutrality, while attempting to negotiate disputes largely through diplomatic measures.

The Confederation's economic and military strength would begin to stagnate as the nation further isolated itself throughout the late 15th century. By 1500, the Confederation was severely hampered by economic hardship and internal unrest. At this time, the government in Badzevalari, the Confederation's neighbor to the west, grew increasingly concerned with the instability in the Gada states and, coupled with a desire to expand Badzevalan influence, Badzevalari invaded the confederation in 1510. The Confederation's member states fended off the initial Badzevalan attacks, but as the war developed and the nation's armies suffered heavy losses, it became evident that the Confederation could not continue fighting a war of such magnitude. In 1513, the devastated Confederation would surrender to Badzevalari. The Gada states were fully 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, these states were all prompted to make agreements with the Samot-Seratofian Empire, promising protection from other nations seeking direct rule in the region. A colonial union was established between these states, but despite the states retaining their de jure legal autonomy, the final authority on colonial respects rested with the imperial government in Yuksekent and Azxara. Some historians consider this period of Argatan history to be the beginning of modern Argata, but most agree that present-day Argata is not a direct continuation of its colonial predecessor.

The states of Argata would remain semi-autonomous colonies 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. Even as

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. Subsequent border adjustments were made over time, in smaller increments, in order to avoid outraging the population to such a degree again. Even still, cross-border violence remained an issue for colonial administrators and civilians alike, and would further destabilize Argata and turn many citizens against the colonial government.

Even as colonial rule in Avalonia began to decentralize in the 19th century, it became much more difficult for the colonial government 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 legally still protectorates, most historians consider this the origin 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 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 1875.

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 fizzled, largely due to their shared goals of independence and the preservation of Tavic culture.

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. However, by this point, the Empire's control over their colonies was, in practice, effectively 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 in the following decades was largely based around deterrence, as the government sought to protect the nation from foreign adversaries. Argata's now independent government also began a campaign to further develop the nation's economy, relaxing business regulations and strengthening industries through subsidization. Argata's economy would see rapid growth as a result, and the nation's GDP growth would peak in 1965 at 8.1%. Argata would become a hub for manufacturing in Northern Avalonia, with major exports at the time including aircraft and heavy machinery.

Despite Argata's rapid economic expansion in the mid-20th century, societal issues abounded. Poverty and material deprivation became a major issue in the nation during the 50s and 60s, income inequality skyrocketed, and a failure to innovate led to government services becoming inefficient and outdated. Meanwhile, a string of laissez-faire Royalist governments did little 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 People's Congress 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 considerable loss of civilian trust in the Argatan government, and the fallout from the riots still affects Argatan society today.

In 1970, shortly after the end of the Tavetên, Argata would join the newly-created Tavic Accords, joining Badzevalari, Tavaluda, and Vefovadîse in a political and economic union seeking to promote Pan-Tavic cooperation - a shared goal of these nations dating back centuries.

As a result of the Tavetên, Argata's Conservative League would collapse, with most of its members splintering from the coalition. Former Conservative League officials would soon after form the Crown Congress, which succeeded the Conservative League as the nation's most prominent right-wing coalition. 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 Congress having formed a majority after six of nine parliamentary elections since 1980.

Geography

The Raṅtul Mountains in southern Kova

Argata is located in Northern Avalonia, on the coast of the Gulf of Brigantica and the Adeline Sea. 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. The country consists of two main climate zones: humid continental and humid subtropical. The climate across Argata is characterized by warm 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. Argata only contains one major mountain range: the Raṅtul Mountains, located in northern and central Argata. The Raṅtul Range is home to all of Argata's highest peaks, including the highest point in the country, Kupro 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 here is higher than elsewhere in the country. West of the Raṅtul Range, the Argatan countryside contains a mix of flatland and hills. 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, most of which drain into the Adeline Sea. the longest of which are the Avro, which originates in the Raṅtul Range, flowing through Central Argata and Eastern Arroyo-Abeille before draining into Lake Murdon, and the Antis, which also originates in the Raṅtul Range before draining into the Gulf of Brigantica to the North.

Climate

Argata is split into two Köppen climate zones: humid subtropical in the south and hot-summer humid continental in the north. Northern Argata's humid continental area, which comprises the majority of the country's land area - is characterized by moderate variation in seasonal climate, with summer temperatures in the region often exceeding 30° Celsius (86° Fahrenheit), and winter temperatures regularly dropping below freezing. Snowfall is a common occurrence in the winter in northern Argata, particularly in the mountains. Additionally, cold air from the North Gulf Current blows into northern Argata and cools the region, relative to the rest of the country. southern humid subtropical regions are considerably warmer on average than the north, and snowfall occurs only very rarely during the winter months. Southern Argata is subject to frequent storms, as warm air from the Adeline Sea is carried northwards onto the peninsula. The inland areas of Argata present a continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Inland Argata is also drier than the country's coastal areas.

Biodiversity

Despite its small size, Argata is home to several different bioregions, providing the nation with a diverse range of flora and fauna. Argata's highlands are covered by temperate broadleaf forests, and contain more protected land than anywhere else in the country. Western Argata, meanwhile, contains many flora and fauna also found in neighboring countries. The southeastern coast of Argata hosts wetlands, and is often considered the most biodiverse region of the country. Many native plant and animal species, however, face existential threats from human activity, especially in the more urbanized eastern parts of the country.

Politics

Government

Argata is a federal semi-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 head of state. The nation's legislature, meanwhile, is bicameral, and led by the chancellor. Almost all government bodies, as well as the royal family, operate from the nation's de jure capital city, Elega. The only exceptions are the Argatan High Court and Ministry of Justice, which are in Fasyak, Ayu̇ka.

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. The emperor supervises Argata's Royal Cabinet, which consists of the federal government departments and their constituent agencies. The chief ministers of these departments are appointed by the chancellor and confirmed by the emperor.

Savas Każeg, the chancellor of Argata since 2018.

Argata's parliament, the Union Houses, resides in Elega, and is headed by the chancellor, who serves as the country's head of government and as an advisor to the emperor. The chancellor is elected by the People's Congress after each parliamentary election. One cannot be elected 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. The Union Houses comprise a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Senate (Gada: Mêrzadak) and the People's Congress (Gada: Frskelk Falage). The Senate consists of 22 members, two from each state, who are elected every five years. One member is elected by the people of that state, and the other is elected by the parliament of that state. The 3 crown territories do not send delegates to the Senate. The People's Congress is made up of 320 members, also elected every five years, who each represent their respective councillorships. Councillorships are drawn after each parliamentary election by the Federal Census Office. Members of both houses are limited to five terms in office.

Argata is functionally a two-party state, with the Union Houses being dominated by two main political coalitions, the Crown Congress and the New Argata Congress, each consisting of several independent parties. These coalitions are dominated, respectively, by factions known as Royalists and Progressives. The Crown Congress is socially conservative, supporting the monarchy and generally promoting traditional values. At the same time, the coalition supports moderate government intervention in the economy, but generally promotes a free market approach to economics. The New Argata Congress, on the other hand, is more supportive of socially liberal policies, and leans towards increased government regulation on the economy. The New Argata Congress platform does not vocally oppose the monarchy, but have historically been much more critical of the royals than Argatan conservatives. There are several smaller coalitions whose parties regularly obtain seats in the Union Houses, such as the Federal League (social democracy) and the Adzagan People's Union (Adzagan regionalism/nationalism), but only the two aforementioned main coalitions have ever gained a majority in either house since the establishment of the Crown Congress in the 1970s.

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 confirmed by the Senate. A three-fifths majority vote is needed in the Senate to confirm a justice, and upon confirmation, justices serve at the emperor's pleasure.

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:

States:

• Adzaga
• Ayu̇ka
• Goveloda
• Kova
• Manas̄
• Novakal
• Noxlar
• Sevezêt
• Tukolud
• Veknis̄
• Zåtbeta

Territories:

• Delnis Vês̄dalasalar (D.V.L.)
• Managama
• Zåtnove

Argata's states all originated as separate kingdoms in 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. These heads of state, like the federal monarchy, serve in tandem with the states' heads of government. The title and level of responsibility 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 enforce their own laws largely independent of the federal government.

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 People's Congress. territories are also constitutional monarchies, however royal power is held by the emperor rather than an elected ruler like the states.

Argata's states and territories are further subdivided into counties. The counties of Argata all administer at least one municipality, and are also used for statistical purposes. The level of power delegated to counties varies between the states, and some states, such as Adzaga and Manas̄, use different terms to refer to counties internally.

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 city, 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, and are oftentimes assigned . 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.

Military

The KT45 tank, produced by Krîzn, was Argata's first domestically-built tank.

Argata's military, the Unified Royal Forces, consists of five branches: The Royal Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force, as well as the Internal Security Service and the Imperial Guard. The commander-in-chief of the military is the emperor, who acts as the ultimate authority on defense matters in the nation. Argata practices a strict policy of conscription, with every male aged 18 or older having to serve at least 150 days in the military. 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 military avoiding intervention in almost any international conflict since the end of the Grand Campaigns in 1925. Despite this non-interventionist policy, Argata still maintains a well-prepared military, with the policy of conscription offering basic military training to most of the nation's citizens. Much of Argata's military equipment is manufactured domestically, but some is supplied from abroad.

Argata's Imperial Guard is a specially-designated branch of the Royal Argatan Forces, and is the smallest branch of the five. In contrast to the rest of the military, the Imperial Guard operates under the direct order of the emperor. The duties of the Imperial Guard 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 Imperial Guard will deploy a squadron to provide round-the-clock security for them. Royal properties are also provided security by the Guard. The Imperial Guard also provides security for some federal government buildings, including the Houses of Parliament, the residence of the Chancellor, and the High Court.

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 some state police forces operating 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 mixed 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 economic hardship in recent decades, Argata's economic standing in Avalonia appears stable. Historically, Argata's economy relied heavily on manufacturing. 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 2023.

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. Today, international trade remains a major contributor to the Argatan economy.

Argata's industrial sector accounts for over 27% of the nation's annual GDP, and has historically been a driving force in the nation's economy. Traditionally, the industrial heartland of Argata has been in the east and north of the country, where industry developed rapidly starting in the late 19th century. By 1900, Sevezet and Vêknis̄ accounted for the largest shares of Argata's industrial output, with their largest cities, Asgano and Koswoves̄ respectively, growing significantly as a result. Đagun, the largest city in Adzaga and the second largest in the country, has been a large hub for industrial output as well. Argata is a leading manufacturer of materials such as aircraft and automotive parts, electronics, ships, chemicals, and consumer goods. Argata's industrial output is concentrated in the eastern portion of the country, which is the most densely populated region in the nation.

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 an integral part of society in Central Argata, owing to the region's long history of agricultural production.

Transportat

Argata's road network spans over 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.

A federal motorway in Southern Kova.

Argata's rail system, 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 275 km/h (171 mph). Argata's high-speed rail program is often hailed as one of the nation's greatest infrastructure achievements. Numerous other rail lines operate across the country as part of the nation's federalized rail system, which is maintained by the Ministry of Transport.

As a coastal nation, Argata relies on its ports for transporting cargo in and out of the country. Argata maintains some of the busiest container ports in North Avalonia, by total container traffic. 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.

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, the state of Manas̄, which occupies much of the southern coastline, is home to many of the nation's tourist destinations and resorts. The Raṅtul Mountains pose another focus for tourism. As the site of several national and state parks, hiking in particular is an often-promoted activity in the north of Argata. Cultural tourism is also significant in Argata, with Zalod architectural sites often being a hotspot for tourist activity.

Demographics

With a population of 63,799,408 as of 2023, Argata is more densely-populated than most Avalonian countries, with a population density of 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 6,849,524, or about 10.7% of the country's total population. As much as 85% of Argata's population resides 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, the capital of Adazga, and Elega, the nation's legislative capital, located 80 kilometers northwest of Asgano. 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, stretching between the two eponymous cities.

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. Additionally, Samot and Seratofian still retain large bases of first-language speakers in their ethnic strongholds. 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.

Ethnicity

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.

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 AD. 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.

Education

Public education in Argata is managed primarily by the governments of the states. Compulsory schooling for children typically begins at the age of 6 and continues until around the age of 17. Typical primary and secondary education in Argata includes instruction on mathematics, science, social studies, the Gada language, and physical education. Secondary education in particular is defined by a set of core classes, complimented by a number of elective classes, typically focused on a particular artistic or technical skill. Additionally, there are specialized secondary schools in most of the country which offer focused education relating to a certain occupation or trade.

Tertiary education in Argata is primarily made up of public institutions. Public higher education 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. A number of private universities also exist in Argata, though not without approval from their respective state governments.

Health

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 higher life expectancies, but the average is brought down by the more impoverished and underdeveloped communities in the country, particularly those in the highlands. The median age in Argata is 38.8 years.

Healthcare in Argata is based on a mixed system, offering both statutory and private health insurance.

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 considerable differences in local cultures can be observed across the country, such as in clothing, cuisine, and music. During Argata's colonial era, native culture was suppressed in education, in favor of the promotion of Samot and Seratofian culture. In the mid-19th century, Argata underwent a cultural revival movement as a result of political devolution in the protectorate states. Much of modern Argatan culture derives from this movement. Argata's culture is similar to that of other Tavic peoples, particularly 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 multiple 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 typically privately owned and compete against each other in a system of promotion and relegation, while the 13 state-level teams are funded by the governments of their respective state or territory, and compete against each other in a single-division league.