Motto:- Praises to the Zaeyr! Glory to His holy lands! May His people earn enlightenment for their souls.
National Anthem:- Zerchea, pristine holy home.
BACKGROUND
The Holy Kingdom of Zerchea. Zerchea, from the Old Zerchean Latin, 'Zer' an epithet for Zaeyr meaning overlord/creator and 'chea' meaning origin ground. An enormous compilation of city states and tribal nations were formally united in 850 by revered founder Zarieus Soter whom all rulers and the royal family claim lineage from. The lands are naturally nutrient rich and fertile but primarily towards the more interior of the lands are unending flatlands and twisting valleys with an mountainous region. Lest one forgets the pristine lakes scattered throughout the country. Internationally friendly and peace-keeping, Domestically, recent reforms by the new High King have lowered tensions down between collectivist and individualist factions and furthered economic growth due to less violence and a more fiscally responsible agenda. Winters are typically mild except in the mountainous region. Summers can bring heavy storms and high humidity.
The small bit of land across the strait in Ardia that Zerchea possesses is Zercadia. This land was claimed and settled by Zerchean explorers financed by nobles in 1681. The native tribe whom occupied it were recorded as being convinced after finding out they were immune to the charm of Zerchean women and cannabis. Soon these tribes and the land thus, were dubbed Zercadia or 'Zerchea love'. Zercadia is known for it's casinos and pharmaceutical industry. With Zerchea controlling the Matilda Channel, the navy personally guards it from neighboring or domestic pirates who prey upon ships.
Government Type:- Theocratic Triumvirate Single-Party Monarchy
Population:-:- 104.6 million
Capital City:- Kikonopolis
Demonym:- Zerchean
ECONOMY
Zerchea is an Social Market Economy with an emphasis on protecting much of the environment. Manufacturing, Services agriculture, and trade are some key industries. The industries that enrich Zerchean citizens of each class are so lucrative that two of the most prominent merchant families are usually exchanging violence toward one other! Foreigners are welcome to gamble at a casino, enlighten their spirituality at a temple of Lord Zaeyr, or indulge in Hashish while soaking in the culture. The slightly mountainous forest-filled like interior consists of manufacturing raw materials mostly domestic. Mining and Oil are the most steadily growing sectors although are legally bounded by government and religious law to specific areas as to protect pristine holy land. Throughout the rest of the country and coasts, agriculture blooms with crops galore. Fishing is a substantial industry along with ranching along the coasts and lakes. Tourists as well as expats fall in love with the paradise like scenery ranging from views from the top of hiked interior mountains to the breathtaking coasts and horizons. Slavery is legal and consists convicts and dissidents convicted of treason. It is not unheard of for a slave to be freed or pardoned by governmental oversight magistrates for any number of reasons.
Currency:- Drachmae
GDP per Capita:- 30,900
Unemployment Rate:- 0.2%
Main Industries:-Manufacturing, Agriculture, Husbandry, Service Industry, Pharmaceuticals, Mining, Oil, Tourism
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Ethnicity:- Zerchean(Greco-Roman) 82%, neighboring/foreign citizen%TBD
Languages:- Zerchean Latin
Religions:- Ekklesia Zaeyr(includes Olympian deities: Zaeyrism; Cults of Mundus the Earth Goddess and Aten the Sun are most popular,) 61%. Zerchean Catholic Church 22%, Atheist/Agnostic/Freethinker 5%, Apostolic Evangelical Church 4%, 8 % left
Average Life Expectancy:- 76
GOVERNMENT
Lysander Eleutherios II of the House of Dionysos is the current Rex Praetor, also referred to as High King. The crown is hereditary, claiming descent from the Prophet-Savior of the Zerchean race, Zarieus. There have been male and female rulers alike. The king or queen may also be the Pontifex Maximus of the nations faith before kingship. The Monarch has absolute power yet is held accountable to Zaeyrian law, which amongst other commandments, tales, and hymns, says that each ruler of his land must be objective, benevolent, and righteous. After an civil war in 1951, an Triumvirate of advisors from powerful sectors in society was voted to assist the king in policy and decision making.
Also referred to as the Triumvirate-
The Pontifex Maximus is Chief of the High Priests within Ekklesia Zaeyr, Zerchea's state sponsored religious institution; as well as Highest Priest of the College of Pontiffs. Elected by the College of Pontiffs with an optional unlimited term limit. Must be an verified member of one of the houses of Zarieus descendants- and close to the King at that.
The Praetor Polemarch has domain over the military, police and public services, including loose control of the paramilitaries/militias that are scattered throughout the lands.
The Consul is Chief representative of all regional magistrates and chosen by the High King.
All three have a heavy hand in advisement of the High King.
Pontifex Maximus (Highest Clergyperson): Stefanos Eleutherios
Archon Polemarch (Six star general): Kaeso Eleutherios
Consul of the Zerchean People: Augustus Galanakis
The King may over-rule them, tweak their advice, or follow along wholeheartedly. These nationally powerful advisors, although, are legally required since the Kikonic Civil war ended in 1962. This same civil war's ending brought the formation of regional People's Guild's, which have currently decent powers over making local laws and decisions.