Geurighaven

**Geurighaven**, officially the **Republic of Geurighaven** (Faikangnese: 繁港共和国; Dutch: Geurighaven Republiek; Prussiatian: Geurighaven Republik) is a sovereign nation located on the Jabal Peninsula on the Osho Continent. The country only borders Ubizieten southeast of the nation. The capital is located on the northern tip known as Geurighaven City. The country has around 20.2 million people. The official language of Geurighaven are Dutch, Faikangnese and Prussatian with Dutch as the lingua franca of the country.

## Etymology

The name Geurighaven stands for "Fragrance Harbour" as the colony was known for it's flowers. In Faikangnese, the country is known as "Harbour of Prosperity" (Faikangnese: 繁港).

## History

### Pre-Historic (30,000 BCE - 923 BCE)

Archaeological findings suggesting human activity in Geurighaven date back over 30,000 years. Stone tools from the Old Stone Age have been excavated in Si Kong in Wangji Cave. The stone tools found in Si Kong were perhaps from a stone tool making ground from perhaps the Late Neolithic Period or Early Bronze Age.

Evidence of an Upper Paleolithic settlement in Geurighaven was found at Wangji Cave in Seng Tsong beside the Three Fathoms Cove in Sai Kung Peninsula. There were 6000 artefacts found in a slope in the area and jointly confirmed by the Geurighaven Archaeological Society and Centre for Faikang Archaeology of Geurighaven National University.

The Neolithic Era began approximately 7,000 years ago in Geurighaven. The settlers in this area during that time were the Jabal people, who also settled on the coast of Geurighaven. Excavations were mostly found on the western shores of Geurighaven. This location was most likely chosen to avoid strong winds from the southeast and to collect food from the nearby shores. Settlement can be found in Chang Zou, Douyusai Island and Lamya Island.

### Arrival of Quangsuis (923 BCE)

Around 1,064 BCE, Quangsuis bagan to move north from their original land in Tung Wan towards a new continent in the north. At this point in time, the peninsula was still under the control of the Jabal people. However, in 923 BCE, a hurricane occured off the coast of modern day Geurighaven and swept an entire fleet of Quangsuh towards the coast of Geurighaven. As their navigation skills are not excellent, they Quangsuis believed the region to be the new land they were looking for and settled in the region near modern day Bofai forming the Kingdom of Fai.

### Kingdom of Fai (923 BCE - 1708 AD)

The local Jabal people did not view the Quangsuis as friends as Fai kept on expanding into their territory. Rather than falling apart, the harsh tropical climate and the constant attacks by the Jabal people kept the survivors strong and were able to repel the Jabal's attacks eventually pushing them out of modern day Geurighaven and a wall began to be constructed on the border in 829 BCE. However, the wall failed to defend themselves when the Jabal banded with other southern allies threatened the fall of the Kingdom in 602 BCE before being repelled. Eventually, the Jabals and the Kingdom have accepted the status quo with a treaty in 560 BCE.

There were also attempts to re-connect with those who arrived in Quangsuh in several expedition and many early attempts between 800 to 500 BCE failed evident by a trail of shipwrecks under the sea. Many wanted to do this due to the constant attacks but interest were lost after the Jabals came to terms with the Kingdom of Fai. As technologies for navigation of the sea became better, another major attempt was made in 203 BCE as interest renewed the King, Kang Yung, gave an order to build a fleet of 188 vessels, led by Admiral Han Yang, to travel north and re-connect with those who have made it. They made contact with the Quangsuis and were amazed by the civilisation they have created. When they returned in 198 BCE they talked about lavish cities and brought back animals and luxury items. The new navigation skills also helped Fai to expand trade with other nations mainly in Osho but it also facilitated trade from Quangsuh to the rest of Osho.

Since then, the Kingdom of Fai have became a regional power under the rule of an absolute monarchy reaching it's largest extent in 23 AD. Through foreign trade to the region, the Kingdom of Fai also blossomed as a prosperous trading port particularly Geurighaven City. The new trade routes from other parts of the world have brought new religion, culture and ideas to Geurighaven. While the country have always contracted and expanded throughout the centuries, the country have continued to blossom as a trading centre.

However, the absolutism in the monarchy was not always stable as 5 powerful noble houses namely the Tsai, the Yang, the Wong, the Luk, the Ng and the Chan, each attempted to outsmart each other in order to take over the throne through marriages, deception and murder. In 1589 AD, the king was under the control of the House of Ng and the house was struck with infertility. Rather than being willing to give up the throne to the rest of the family, the Ng decided to completely bypass the five noble families and introduced a royal decree, despite fierce opposition from the other four families, to form an elective monarchy where literate males over the age of 20 would be able to elect the king.

The decree significantly decreased the power of the five families and two of them, the Ng and the Chan were upset of the new arrangement and began an uprising the following year in 1590 AD. However, the population were supportive of the decree and the uprising was crushed the same year and the two families were forced into exile.

### Arrival of the Dutch (1708 AD - 1758 AD)

The Dutch settlers arrived in Geurighaven on 19 December 1708 hoping to get as far away from the Corusconians as possible and travelled east and landed in modern day Geurighaven City. The King initially welcomed their arrival and the Dutch soon exert their influence upon the government in Geurighaven. By the middle of the 18th century, the influence over the Geurighaven government effectively made the country a puppet state of the newly arrived Dutch which established the place as a prime trading hub.

### Arrival of the Corusconian (1758 - 1966)

The Corusconian governor Luis Himmler of the Corusconian Far Eastern Company landed on Geurighaven on 8 June 1758 viewing it as a prime trading port. Having heard that the Dutch had arrived and took over the place prior. As the Dutch were percecuted under the Corusconians, the Dutch captured Himmler causing an incident between the Corusconians and the local Dutch government leading to war in September 1758. The war initially was successful for the Corusconians but the colonisation also saw opposition from the native population as Dutch rule have created economic prosperity for the native population. After 7 years of guerilla war between the Dutch and some natives, they were able to bring Corusconia to the negotiating table in 1765 and a compromise was made to allow Dutch representation within the colony.

While the Dutch had representation within the colonial government, they still faced discrimination but not as much as the original natives. Several rebellion continued to take place, the most prominent of which was the [insert year] Uprising which coincided with the [insert year] Uprising in Ubizieten.

#### Lorraine War

During the Lorraine War, Geurighaven was far from any actual fighting but was still affected by the war. Food, water and other necessities were lacking for the majority of the population and those necessities were prioritiesed for the Corusconians there which led to increasing resentment among the population.

The revolutions which took place in Konzask and Quangsuh in 1944 have inspired many Geurighavenians to start their own revolution which led to the formation of People's Democratic Party (DVP) in 1945. Strikes and clashes between the colonial authorities and workers were common during the war.

#### Post War Period

After the end of the Lorraine War, Geurighaven was no longer the same. While the war was over, the straining resources in the colony did not as resources were needed to recover in Curosconia mainland. Meanwhile, more and more people who were unsatisfied with the new regime in Quangsuh decided to settle here and many of which opposes communism and socialism. The colony also experienced the 1948 Geurighaven Riots which ignited the Geurighaven Emergency up until 1950 when the colonial government defeated the DVP.

Prominent figures in politics such as Lennerd Cheong from the pro-independence Labour Party have voiced support for self-rule and independnece which was eventually granted in 1954 where all matters except for foreign affairs and defense are handled by the local government. Cheong was elected as the first Chief Executive, the second highest office in colonial Geurighaven.

Geughaven continued to move towards independence. However, Cheong died of a heart attack in 1961 before that year's election which allowed Teun Ma to win the party. He continued his predecessor's policies towards an independent Geurighaven.

In 1966, the Corusconians allowed a referendum to take place on the question of independence. With 98.3% of the population agreeing to independence, the Corusconian government left the country on the 8th of September beginning the independent Geurighaven state.

### Independence (1966 - Present)

Geurighaven gained independence in 1966 as one of the last colonies of the Corusconians. The First President of the country was Christof Kolb, the speaker of the Legislative Assembly during the colonial days who advocated for the independence of the country. The first democratic election was held the same year with Teun Ma Gojiang from the Neutrality Party being made the first Prime Minister of the country.

Multiple governments were soon elected with multiple different policies such as the Geurighaven Housing Authority (GH), Mass Transit Railway (MTR), Geurighaven Health Service (GHS) and the Independent Anti-Corruption Committee (IACC). The longest continuely running government was David Rensink which lasted from 1972 until 1982. The country's economy took off in the late 1970s up until the late 1990s known as the Geurighaven Miracle when in many years, GDP grew by over 7%. The economic growth made Geurighaven an international financial hub and leading manufacturer of electronic components.

### Twenty-first Century

The economic growth did not last, the rising cost of homes led to the bursting of the housing bubble and years of deregulation led to the 2000 Financial Crisis which the governing People's Unity Party were unable to recover. In 2002, Thies Lo was elected and through successful economic reforms and government regulations, successfully recovered from the crisis. However in 2021, he was defeated by Hubert Wang in the year's election.

## Government and politics

The Guerighaven Government uses a Parliamentary democracy system. The Constitution of Geurighaven is the supreme law of the country, establishing the structure and responsibility of the government. The Prime Minister is the Head of State and Head of Government of the country and is appointed via a vote from the parliament which members are elected by the population.

* Executive: The Prime Minister of the country are responsible for the administration of the country and enforcement of law and policies as well as representing the country aboard.
* Legislative: The unicameral Geurighaven Legislative Assembly enacts national law, approves budgets, and provides a check on government policy.
* Judiciary: The Supreme Court and Local Courts, whose judges are appointed by the President and voted upon by the Judicial Selection Committee, interpret laws and overturn those they find unconstitutional.

The Prime Minister can have unlimited term with each term lasting up to 5 years until the Prime Minister pass away, stepped down or lost an election. The country also uses proportional representation as its electoral system. Since last year, the government is implementing a mix of proportional representation and constituent system in the country's legislature.

### Administrative Divisions

The country can be divided into 4 Municipalities and 2 Provinces

Dutch: Geurighavenstad
Prussiatian: Geurighavenstadt
Dutch: Oosterstad
Prussiatian: Öststadt
Dutch: Bofai
Prussiatian: Bofai

Dutch: Klassland
Prussiatian: Klaasland
Dutch: Cuixiang
Prussiatian: Cuixiang

### Foreign Relations

Geurighaven is recognised by all other countries in Elparia and is an official member state of the United Nations. Geurighaven have persued a neutral foreign policy with other countries particularly with Konzask and Quangsuh due to the current Berinsky War. Geurighaven have established embassies in almost every country.

Geurighaven also provides free visa for 15-days for any froeigners.

#### Trade Relations

Geurighaven is in the Dusseldorf Agreement with Höllefjord and Vaadekoenië which would make the Hollefjord Edern as a legal tender in all three countries. Geurighaven has signed but not yet ratified the agreement as the government cited the current instability in Hollefjord and also the fact that Geurighaven Gulden is more used internationally in comparison to the Edern.

Geurighaven is also a member of CBON which member states remove tarrifs on each other's goods and services.

## Geography

Geurighaven is located in the northern tip of Osho on the Jabal Peninsula It also consits of 228 outlaying island with the largest being Wang Tsing Island in Oosterstad followed by Faikang Island in Geurighaven City. There is also extensive land reclaimation projects done in Geurighaven City and Oosterstad which increased the country's landmass by 2% from the orignal size as off 2021.

Geurighaven is also located in a tropical rainforest climate (Köppen: Af) with no distict seasons, uniform temperature and pressure, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. Temperatures usually range from 23 to 32 °C (73 to 90 °F). While the temperature does not vary greatly throughout the year, there is a wetter monsoon season from November to February.

Besides the dense urban centers in Geurighaven City and Oosterstad, the country have a lush rainforest on top of the Cuixiang Mountain Range which houses many endangered species of animals such as pangolins, pelicans and various species of plants. In the country's surrounding territorial water, there is a small patch of coral reef which the government has designated it as a protected area. In the country's water, the national animal, the Geurighaven Finless porpoise can be found. The forest on the mountain was protected due to it's difficulty to build.

## Economy

Geurighaven has a capitalist mixed economy characterised by minimal government internventions, low taxation and an established international financial market. This makes Geurighaven one of the highest in terms of economic freedom and the Geurighaven City Exchange is also one of the largest in the world.

Geurighaven's economy is mainly dominated by the service and manufactoring industry. As an international financial market, Geurighaven also have one of the largest port in the world located in Geurighaven City. Some of the largest company includes the Geurighaven Semiconductor Manufacturing Company which owns 42% of global market share, and Fruits Technology which owns social media sites and also manufacture electronic devices. As a higher income country, Geurighaven is dominated by the tertiary sector of an economy with the largest being the financial service, real estate, retail, tourism and transportation.

## Infrastructure

### Transportation

The Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Geurighaven is the cabinet-level governing body of the transportation network of Geurighaven. The semi state-owned Metro Corps has almost total monopoly in terms of rail transportation and buses while local government operates the taxi services in the respective municipalities/counties.

The majority of trains in Geurighaven are inter-city railways which connects to every counties in the country. Short distance or commuter railways are also available but only in Municipalities such as Geurighaven City, Bofai and Oosterstad. The government have also built high speed railways connecting the majority of the country's population, a new high speed railway line from Oosterstad to Yueping is set to begin operation later in 2022.

Other alternative transportation services are also available such as the Geurighaven Tramway and minibuses in Geurighaven City.

The Geurighaven City Rensink International Airport, completed and opened in 1998 is the busiest airport in Osho. A third terminal is currently under construction as well as an additional runway in accommodate the high air traffic.

### Utilities

Most of it's energy are locally generated and comprises mostly of non-renewable enrgy at 56% comprising mainly of coal and fossil fuel. 26% is from nuclear energy while 18% of energy is generated by renewable energy such as wind power and solar panels. The country's nuclear program known as the Laifang Program began in 1966 originally made to research nuclear weapons. Following a 1970 referendum, nuclear weapons was disapproved by the general public and the program was transformed into a nuclear energy program. The first nuclear power plant, the Bofai Nuclear Power Plant was opened in 1973. Currently, there is currenty 5 nuclear power plants in the country.

## Culture

Due to Geurighaven's historic ties, Geurighaven culture have been significantly influenced by Tung Wan, Corusconia and Ubizieten.