United Republic of Colonia

Flag of the Colonian Republic

The **United Republic of Colonia**, often simply called **Colonia ,**the **United Republic** or the **URC**, is a democratic country lying at the base of Western Limeria. Its citizens see in themselves a nation where the sacred rights of mankind are not bestowed by old parchments or musty records, but won through costly sacrifices on the altar of freedom, to build a land where every man might prosper. Perhaps more so than any other nation across the world, the United Republic has been carved from its philosophy, not its history. And if the words of its great founders are to be believed, then like some majestic river which enlarges and widens as it approaches its parent ocean, Colonia is destined to become greater and greater through every age and outlive the ruins of the world itself.

Colonia stretches across the breadth of the western Continent, bordered to the east and west by the largest oceans of the world and to the north by the Union of Provinces and the north-west by the Federal States of Laurentia and the Overseas Territory of Equitoria respectively. Its overseas territories extend to the Arkadian Archipelago, the Turtle Islands, and many other small atolls across the Talos, to the Grand Canal and Meridian Islands in Equitoria. It is a vast nation, fourth largest in the world. Within its borders can be found every manner of natural wonder, towering mountain ranges and river valleys giving way to vast plains, tan deserts and verdant tropics. The Colonian people are as diverse as the landscapes they inhabit. A nation of immigrants, the concept of Colonian nationality is not linked to any race or ethnic group but rather their shared history and cherished values. Foreign expatriation is seen as an integral right and once a person has taken the Republican Oath of Allegiance, they enjoy all the rights of citizenship, no matter their ethnicity, creed or culture. They may even retain their former citizenship and every bond of fellowship with their home country, so long as their loyalty to the Union is paramount.

Binding the lands and peoples of Colonia together, are 20 constituent states. The first 8 of these can trace their history to Northern colonies of Aurellea, Callis, Hesperia and even those of the Northern Union and Thalassia that fought for independence during the Centuries Turn Revolutionary Wars, while the remainder were federal territories or sovereign states absorbed into the greater Republic. It broke away from Callis and Aurellea (pre-federation) and became independent. Its breakaway is often cited as the start of Callisian colonial decline and a major cause of the Aurellean Revolution's success. Each state is allotted various levels of power according to their individual constitutions, but all are grounded in republican principles and are bound to federal law. While each state was initially responsible for managing most of their internal affairs such as infrastructure, law enforcement, public education and public health, these services have been increasingly centralized under the federal government, leading to continued tensions and debate over the nature of state's rights.

The Colonian federal government is based in the capital city of Port Landing, also known by its Callisian name of Port le Atterrissage. Here the office of the President, Congress and the Supreme Court hold authority over the nation's executive department, legislature and judicial system. The power and duties of these branches, as well as their relationship with state governments, are vested by the Republic Constitution and further defined by acts of Congress. While major offices, including those of the President, Congressmen and State Governors are elected by popular vote, many others are held by political appointees. Nearly all elected officials are members of either the Freedom Party or the Democracy Party (while other smaller political parties exist, Colonia exists in practical terms, under a two-party system). While Callisian people make up a majority of the population, a close second are those by Aurellean decent. The two have a reputation of being at each other's throats. President Johnson, candidate for the Freedom Party, is of both Aurellean and Callisian descent thus being able to appeal to a wide voter base.

The country’s main export is raw minerals, textiles, timber, and manufacturing. It has close ties to the Imperial Federation and Callis. The NSR’s current foreign policy is one of staunch isolationism influenced by its current president, Baltimore Johnson. While his government does support the Coalition of Nations, Johnson has unequivocally refused to get militarily involved in any foreign conflict.

The NSR, as of Y10 000, is politically unstable. Some even speak of a possible civil war. Its instability stems from two points: a militant group made up of ethnic minority native peoples who have begun an active insurgency against the government in the far reaches of the southern states in response to the continued persecution they face under Johnson’s government, and the Western States who more and more vy for independence. Also wanting independence are the islands of the NSR, named the Madrigold Islands (capital Gardenias) who have wanted independence since the republic's invasion, claiming the valuable Damion Strait. There is also the Socialist Republicans, a political party Johnson banned. It’s leader, Reines Argent, has been adamant in his disdain for the Johnson administration. As Johnson continues to take steps against socialism in his country, many accuse his government of tyranny. He has had allegations of spying on, kidnapping or assassinating political opponents. Rumor's have started that Gregor and Madrigold revolutionary leaders have begun conspiring against the government. With all this tension, whispers have started of a possible civil war.