Pharitaya

Haean Republic of Pharitaya 파국 ภริทยา
Flag Emblem
Motto: "Unity, Light, Truth"
Capital	Seriwon
Largest	Puri Rimbawan
Official languages	Haean, English
Recognised national languages	Johko, Jaebang, Seogurim
Recognised regional languages	6 recognized regional languages
Ethnic groups (2022)	59% Tae 33% Jaebang (Coastal Tae) 19% Johko (Highland Tae) 5% Yugeomae (Midland Tae) 2% Other Tae 27% Kasa 18% Seogurim (Central Kasa) 8% Sura (Coastal Kasa) 7% Haemi 4% Mizu 2% Kaijanese 1% Rén 0.6% Mallacan <1% Other
Religion	Large minority: Celestialism (official), Sasna Thaya, Islam Small minority: Minjian, Neo-Minjian, Christianity
Demonym(s)	Pharitayan
Government	Parliamentary Republic
• Yuhwa	Mi Nayul
• Anuya	Tae Jiheon
• Prime Minister	Suchin Chaiwong (채수진)
Legislature	Parliament of Pharitaya
Establishment
• Kingdom of Pharitaya	842–1398 CE
• Pharitaya and Seogura Provinces of Haesan	1398–1736
• Pharitaya Colony of Opthelia	1736–1977
• Independence from Opthelia	23 May 1977
Area
•	174,270 km2 (67,290 sq mi)
• Water (%)	7.8%
Population
• Estimate	28,309,441
• Census	2020
GDP (PPP)	2022 estimate
• Total	$1.561 trillion
• Per capita	$55,145
GDP (nominal)	2022 estimate
• Total	$1.208 trillion
• Per capita	$42,663
Gini (2022)	57.3 high
HDI (2022)	.821 very high
Currency	Eun (은) (PHE)
Time zone	UTC+9 (Pharitaya Standard Time)
Date format	yyyy.mm.dd
Driving side	left
Calling code	+25
Internet TLD	.ph

Pharitaya, officially the Haean Republic of Pharitaya, is a nation in Eastern Hesperida, bordering Misumi to the west, the Slokais Sea to the east, and the Gulf of Haesan to the south. While the nation is nominally a unitary parliamentary republic, in reality the leadership of the Seobhagunnang, or the aristocratic Council of the Seven Houses, dictates most national policy. Parliament is largely considered a puppet of the executive branch, as it has been dominated by the conservative, pro-business Pharitaya National Party (PNP), which is seen as beholden to the Seobhagunnang. The Pharitayan Constitution does not guarantee total separation of powers with checks and balances, and the influence of the Seven Houses is felt throughout political, economic, and social life.

Pharitaya was first unified in 842 by Phra Bat Somdet Khwanchai Chanthahom Phra Chao Yu Hua (Samat I), as a hereditary monarchy known as the Kingdom of Pharitaya. The Kingdom endured many crises, as border wars with their more technologically advanced Mizu neighbors were common. In the late 13th century, a two decades marked by severe flooding weakened the Kingdom, and in 1398, Haesan colonized the nation, administering it as the provinces of Pharitaya and Seogura. In the 16th century, a unique power sharing agreement arose between provincial governors and wealthy Haesanite merchant families and business leaders, forming the basis of the Seobhagunnang. When Haesan was colonized by Opthelia, Pharitaya was also taken over and governed semi-autonomously as an Opthelian colony for over 200 years. In 1977, Pharitaya was granted independence, and it adopted its current parliamentary system of goverment.

Pharitaya has a diverse economy, led by the finance and energy sectors. Pharitaya has gained infamy for being a major tax haven, as it has a shoestring tax code and scarce government oversight. The government's pro-business leanings and inherent stability have made the nation's largest city, Puri Rimbawan, a hub for the international banking sector. The 1983 discovery of hydrocarbons in Pharitaya's offshore EEZ turbocharged its economic growth, and helped lift millions out of poverty while exacerbating the nation's wealth inequality; Pharitaya is currently rated as the most unequal nation in the IDU. The nation's capital, Seriwon, is currently the world's wealthiest and most expensive city, as those who seek to live on the island city must meet a high, undisclosed, wealth threshold, or otherwise have accrued fame or diplomatic status. Much of the country remains rural and agricultural, with rice, tea, and silk being the amongst the nation's main exports. Poverty rates are low, as extensive government welfare programs provide a baseline quality of life for Pharitayans.

Pharitaya has gained international recognition for its culture in recent years, as the lavish lifestyle of its wealthiest residents has drawn international media attention. In recent years, Pharitaya has also angled at hosting prestigious events, expositions, and conferences to boost its international profile.

History

Ancient History

The perahu greatly changed trade networks and politics in ancient Pharitaya.

The first recorded settlements in Pharitaya are dated to around 900 BCE, typically small communities with an economic base of rice farming. Archeologists hypothesize that these communities often used tribal governance systems, and that in many, there is evidence of systems that used some type of collective resource gathering system and an unusual level of specialization of labor. The marshy riverlands that covered much of the southern and central regions and the rocky foothills made overland travel and trade very difficult, and as oxen were the typical beast of burden, villages often remained isolated and self-sustaining.

The invention of the perahu, a lightweight, sturdy sailing vessel, by the Coastal Tae circa 250 BCE radically shifted society in the following centuries. Coastal communities found themselves able to connect and trade goods and ideas, and disputes over fishing rights and traditional customs led to inter-clan skirmishes. Iron ox mounts and specially rigged lembing perahu, or spear battleships, dated to this era indicate that this was a particularly tumultuous period. Around 130 BCE, King Chanin I exerted control over much of southern Pharitaya, and started the Amphai Dynasty, which would last for over 400 years. The Amphai Dynasty ushered in great stability, as the nation saw technological developments in maritime navigation, silk cultivation, rice milling, and palm extraction. This period also saw the development of the Sasna Thaya religion, and the establishment of temples across the southern coast region.

The Prakar Si Khaw is one of the elaborate temple complexes built by the Sitrakun Dynasty.

Phirapong III, the last ruler of the Amphai Dynasty, was notoriously superstitious, and as legend has it, at the start of his reign he asked a Sasna priestess for a prophecy regarding his rule. The priestess supposedly replied, "A force from across the sea will lead to your demise." Phirapong, fearing an invasion, built up a massive naval force at a great expense. However, in 353 CE, a great typhoon struck the Chalermphrakiat Peninsula, destroying nearly all of his new navy and devastating coastal towns. Without the resources to rebuild, a collection of local leaders revolted, assassinating Phirapong, and anointing one of their own, Sitthiphon I, as the new ruler of the Sitrakun Dynasty.

The Sitrakun Dynasty was notable for its focus on constructing religious sites and its brutal missionary campaigns to covert communities which still practiced native animistic religions to Sasna Thaya. Technological and economic progress stalled out during this period, as much of the national budget went to temple construction, often at great expense, buying granite and marble from the mountains of Misumi and precious metals and gems from as far away as Aredoa and High Fells. While the average quality of life in Pharitaya was worse than the Amphai Dynasty, the Sitrakun Dynasty has a larger lasting legacy, as its magnificent temple complexes like Prakar Si Khaw and Pratu Si Thang still survive and are popular tourist destinations and pilgrimage sites.

Medieval History

In the early 9th century, northern tribes unified under the banner of the Chanthahom clan began their march southward through the central river valleys on a mission to unify the lands of Pharitaya under one ruler. As the Sitrakun Dynasty of the south had long been neglecting the military in favor of religious largess, the northerners easily captured the lavish but underprepared southern cities, and Samat I was pronounced as the first leader of the unified Kingdom of Pharitaya. Samat I moved the capital to Sibu for its central location and converted to Sasna Thaya to ingratiate himself with his new southern subjects. Despite the northern rulers having typically more formal and archaic language and etiquette and different social and cultural customs, through intelligent policies and general tolerance of ethnic diversity, there was relatively little upheaval at the beginning of this new dynasty.

The ensuing years would see Pharitaya prosper off the back of the silk trade, as the terraces of the northern river valleys were seamlessly connected with the port cities of the southern coast. The Chanthahom Dynasty was known for its advances in science and technology, along with its patronage of traditional arts and theatre. With this prosperity came leaders who sought to use this wealth to expand Pharitaya's influence. In 1124, Thani II launched an offensive on the Mizu port city of Saikane, with the aim of conquering the territory. Undermatched and in unfamiliar territory, the Pharitayans were easily defeated, and the Mizu counteroffensive pushed into southwestern Pharitaya. Ultimately, Pharitaya would surrender and pay reparations of 1,000 reams of silk, but Mizu patrols would continue to harass Pharitayan border towns for decades after the event.

By the early 14th century, misrule would lead the Chanthahom Dynasty into stasis, but three critical developments would threaten the Kingdom as a whole. First, sustained flooding for decades threatened the agricultural stability of the nation, and thrust much of the population into food insecurity. Second, the arrival of Islamic missionaries from Neria by way of the Slokasian island chain greatly disrupted the social order, as many turned to Islam in the time of crisis. Lastly, a more militant Haesan continued to demand ever greater tributes for peace, which the struggling monarchy rapidly found itself unable to pay. Eventually, in 1398, this would come to a head as the Haesanite Empress Min dispatched a navy to Pharitaya in order to conquer it, ending the Kingdom of Pharitaya.

Early Colonial Period

The Haesanite colonial governate established a modern system of rice terracing in Pharitaya, but displaced tens of thousands of locals in the process.

Pharitaya was ruled at first as a strict governorship of Haesan, with a governor who oversaw the two provinces of Pharitaya (in the south) and Seogura (in the central valleys and the northern foothills). While allowing for religious and cultural tolerance, the governorship was brutal in terms of its management and economic governance. Haesanite technologies were implemented throughout society in order to maximize production of silk and tea, often disrupting long held ways of life in villages across the colony and forcing many into clearly defined labor roles. Furthermore, the governance of the colony was conducted entirely in Haean, and access to education was limited only to those locals clearly loyal to the government. The capital was also moved to the small island fortress of Seriwon, where the Haean government had full oversight. During much of the period, attempting to study Haean or gain otherwise unapproved education was a capital offense. These policies were highly unpopular, and throughout the period of governorship-based rule, revolts were common, and a large Haesanite military presence was maintained in the colony.

By the early 16th century, the Haesanite government was strained for resources, having to ward off Valahandian invasion from the south and Costenan invasion from the east. Unable to maintain its traditional control over Pharitaya, the government in Suyang abandoned the traditional governorship system in favor of an unorthodox power sharing agreement with seven prominent Haean merchant families in Pharitaya. The families would administer the economic aspects of society and divine political systems as they saw necessary, with the sole goal of running an efficient economy that can funnel resources to Suyang while requiring the minimal level of government oversight or expenditure. The Seven Houses divided up the economy into sectors, each falling under the purview of a specific house, and the heads of those houses would coordinate on issues involving those that would overlap. In order to maintain maximum efficiency, the original heads also established that their successors would always be handpicked from the most competent amongst those in their area of business. This system allowed for much greater economic liberalization, and the resumption of pre-governorship ways of life, but preserved many of the technological improvements of the governorship era.

Late Colonial Period

A rampart at Fort Jarvis in Rimbawan Harbor, the former home of the Opthelian colonial garrison.

In 1736, Suyang fell to Opthelian colonial forces, and Opthelia laid claim to all Haesanite provinces, including Pharitaya and Seogura. That year, the Declaration of Governance in the Orient established the Pharitaya Colony out of those two provinces, ruled by a governor under the Opthelian crown. Under the advice of governor Hiram Ashworth, the current aristocratic system seemed to work well for the benefit of the Opthelian state, seeing as "the well-heeled Haesanite aristocrats are by far the pleasantest to engage with, having many of the same inclinations as one might find in the salons of Eddington." As such, the Opthelian government collaborated with the established Seven Houses, where the aristocrats would ensure that Opthelia received its cut of trade profits while the Opthelians would provide technological and military support to ensure the aristocrats successfully maintained power.

While the 19th century saw gradual reforms and occasional revolutions, the dual Opthelian-aristocratic system held remarkably well, even social norms shifted. Further technological innovations like steam powered machinery further increased agricultural yields, enabling Eddington to functionally ignore the colony. Strong administrative control insulated the nation from many of the social shocks experienced in nearby nations like Haesan in the early 20th century, and independence movements, to the minimal extent they were able to operate in secrecy, were scarcely able to gain momentum throughout the colonial period. The relationship between Opthelia and the Seven Houses continued to be steady and symbiotic, and Pharitaya emerged as the crown's model colony after the loss of Haesan.

However, the Great War brought with it the most significant fracture between the ruling elite and the Opthelian government. In 1963, Eddington had given the order for Opthelian troops from Pharitaya to assist in the Daryan invasion of Haesan. Given that the ruling aristocrats were Haean and had close ties to Haesan, they were vehemently opposed to that plan of action. Secretly, they had enlisted a group of saboteurs to ensure the deployment was derailed, and on April 16, 1963, HMS Vigilance and several other support ships were intentionally sunk in Rimbawan Harbor, with hundreds of Opthelian sailors onboard. Due to the wartime conditions, it was nearly impossible to retaliate, and once Opthelia declared neutrality, several thousand Pharitayans would support the reclamation of Haesan. However, at the conclusion of the war, the incident still caused a significant rift between the Opthelian governate and the aristocratic houses. Eventually, after years of worsening relations, the colony held an independence referendum in which 85% voted to start an independent state. Without the resources or willpower to fight the popular resentment building up against their regime, on May 23, 1977, the last Opthelian ship left Rimbawan Harbor and Pharitaya was an independent state.

Republican Period

The construction of luxury hotels and casinos in Seriwon has been financed with oil revenues from Petrotaya.

Immediately after the Opthelians left, the Seven Houses immediately attempted to crush republican minded uprisings, but as mass protests continued to swell in size, they found themselves without the capacity to handle the situation. In February 1978, the Seobhagunnang sent missives to Haesan and Misumi requesting support in maintaining the status quo. Both Lagarde and Onishi sent troops to assist, fearing the instability a power vacuum would cause. With the foreign support, the Seven Houses were able to reassert control over the nation within months and enacted a new constitution, enshrining an ostensibly republican system in which they maintained nearly total control. The first election took place on July 3, 1978; the regime sanctioned Pharitaya National Party won 99 of 100 seats in Parliament.

Pharitaya was rapidly transformed after oil and natural gas reposits were found within its maritime Exclusive Economic Zone in 1983, and rapidly the nation became flush with wealth as the Seven Houses built up Petrotaya, the state oil company. The government would then rapidly reform nearly all of society, enabling a social net and economic motor from the oil wealth. Reforms to education enabled Pharitaya to become a leader in tech, reforms to healthcare helped eliminate preventable diseases that had long plagued the nation's rural population, and universal living stipends meant that the nation's poverty rate went to almost zero. Those changes also precipitated great migration to urban areas with a higher concentration of high-skilled jobs, especially Puri Rimbawan, whose population nearly doubled from 7 million in 1985 to 13 million in 2015. Oil wealth also allowed the Seobhagunnang to build up Seriwon into a luxury oasis which attracted ultra-high net worth individuals to the country, increasing its inequality to the highest levels in the IDU.

Geography & Climate

Many tea and silk plantations can be found in the rolling valleys of central Pharitaya.

Pharitaya covers 174,270 km² (67,290 sq mi) in the east of Hesperida, and is typically seen as divided into three distinct regions: mountainous northern foothills, riparian central valleys, and lowland marshes and terraces in the south along the Gulf of Haesan and Slokais Sea. Most of the population of the nation lives on the Chalermphrakiat Peninsula jutting southward into the Gulf, including the major cities of Puri Rimbawan and Jarantasiri. The terraced river valleys of the Johko, Sigyu, and their tributaries are emblematic of the northern portions of the nation, but the far north is too rugged to be agriculturally useful.

Pharitaya has cool, dry winters, and hot, humid, rainy summers. Pharitaya's climate is distinguished by its strong monsoon pattern, lasting from mid-July to early September. The climate is seasonal, with four distinct seasons. The northern foothills usually have cooler summers, classified as Koppen type Dwb, as opposed to type Dwa in most of the rest of the nation. The nation is subject to rare typhoons originating in the North Tenebric Ocean; however, most typhoons far enough north lack the warm water required to strengthen and peter out before reaching Pharitaya, usually arriving as heavy rainfall.

Demographics

Puri Rimbawan is the largest city in Pharitaya, with about half of the nation's citizens living in the city.

Pharitaya has a population of 28,309,441 as of the 2020 census. The population is slightly increasing, driven by high birthrates in its rural areas, although that is mitigated by lower birthrates in its urban areas and an emerging trend of emigration to nations like Haesan and Slokais Islands. Urbanization is accelerating in Pharitaya as the nation's burgeoning services sector and general wealth of its urban citizens has driven internal migration to cities, especially amongst those with college degrees. The nation's population is divided between urban and rural areas in about a 65/35 split, with very few suburban areas. The nation's largest city, Puri Rimbawan, is responsible for about half the nation's population, with a population of 13,473,606 in its metro area.

Pharitaya is a racially diverse nation. While Haemi hold nearly all executive positions and control the Seobhagunnang, there is a deep tradition of plurality in the nation. The two largest ethnic groups in the nation, the Thaya (Tae) and the Qazzafi (Kasa), have generally peacefully coexisted since Pharitaya's colonization, but throughout history tensions have arisen over land and religion. Many credit the long, neutral rule of the Seven Houses for maintaining ethnic peace in the nation, although many critics have stressed that the Haemi domination of government has prevented the Thaya and Qazzafi from controlling their own destiny. There is also a significant number of Mizu Pharitayans who have crossed the border, often due to religious differences, as well as Kaijanese and Mallacans who have found a home in the many Muslim communities in the nation.

Religion

Sasna Thaya is the most commonly practiced religion in Pharitaya, although Haean Celestialism is the nation's official religion.

Celestialism is the official religion of Pharitaya; however, it is estimated only around 15% of Pharitayans practice the religion. Despite the often authoritarian nature of Pharitaya's government, religious pluralism is accepted, and there is broad religious diversity. The indigenous Sasna Thaya religion, a samsaric belief system in which believers seek enlightenment through meditation, is the most popular religion in the nation, estimated to have about 12 million followers, mainly from those of the Thaya (Tae) ethnicity. Islam is also a major religion in the nation, with many Qazzafi (Kasa) devoutly practicing various forms of Sunni Islam. Most cities and towns with a significant Muslim population, most notably, Puri Rimbawan, will pause for the Muslim call to prayer, and the weekend is generally considered to be Friday and Saturday. Pharitaya hosts a notable Minjian and Neo-Minjian population, especially amongst those of Mizu descent whose ancestors came to Pharitaya to freely practice their religion. Sanctarian Catholicism is practiced by about 2% of the population, a result of missionary work during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Language

The official languages of Pharitaya are Haean and English. Most commercial business in the nation is conducted in English, and most communication in Seriwon within and between the Seven Houses is in Haean. Various Thaya languages, predominantly either Chayfang (Jaebang) or Chawkhea (Johko), are the most spoken in casual conversation; both are recognized as national languages. The most common variant used by Qazzafi Pharitayans, Sukutime (Seogurim), is also a national language. Various other dialects are recognized locally, but they are used by no more than 3% of the population.

Education

The Pharitayan education system has notably improved since the National Education Reform Plan in 1985. Literacy is near universal, and currently 30% of the population holds a college degree, with that number expected to rise over the coming decades. Pre-K, primary, and secondary education are available at no cost, and Pharitayan public education is well regarded internationally, borrowing heavily from the Haesanite exam-based system. Especially in mathematics and other STEM subjects, Pharitaya ranks extraordinarily highly on an IDU-wide scale. Public universities are highly subsidized for Pharitayan citizens, usually only costing the equivalent of a few thousand Sanctarian pounds a year. Private universities are common, and are usually more highly rated than their public ocunterparts, but the cost can be prohibitively expensive for those from lower-class backgrounds as needs-based financial aid is rare.

Pharitayan education has often been regarded as classist, as throughout the educational system those with money can pay for access to better schools, resources, and tutors, without any counterbalancing measures from the government. Additionally, critics have pointed out that those in urban areas often have access to one of the best educations in the IDU, while educational attainment rates in poorer areas like the northern foothills are as poor as some of the least successful nations. Outside observers have also raised the alarm about potential forced cultural assimilation via the educational system as typically only Haean and English are allowed to be spoken inside the classroom, despite Thaya and Qazzafi languages being far more popular in daily use.

Government & Politics

Pharitaya is nominally a unitary parliamentary republic. The Parliament of Pharitaya is a unicameral legislative assembly with 100 members chosen by party list proportional representation with a 5% threshold. Votes in excess of the 5% threshold are used to calculate seat apportionment. All party lists must receive the approval of the Anuya in order to appear on the ballot, and are either approved, approved with candidate strikes, or wholly denied. There are no grounds for appeal of this decision, although new slates for consideration may be submitted up until four weeks before election day. The ruling Pharitaya National Party (PNP) currently holds 98 seats in the Parliament, and their leader, Suchin Chaiwong, is the current Prime Minister and is nominally in charge of the legislative branch. There are parliamentary elections every five years or in the case of a successful vote of no-confidence; there has never been a vote of no-confidence. The HPGI has labeled Pharitayan elections as "not free", and has switched the nation's rating between "light authoritarianism" and "full authoritarianism" over the last ten years.

Executive authority is constitutionally vested in the Seobhagunnang, led by the Heonban, or heads of the Seven Houses. The seven leaders represent their House's interests, usually tied to the industry and portfolio that the House has historically managed. Every four years, the leaders will gather to select a Yuhwa, the Seobhagunnang spokesperson and Pharitayan head of state, and an Anuya, charged with managing legislative affairs. A Heonban can only serve as one of these roles for two consecutive terms, and these positions may be reassigned if five of the Heonban agree to the change. Currently the head of the House of Mi, Mi Nayul, is serving as the Yuhwa, while the head of the House of Tae, Tae Jiheon, is the Anuya. House leaders usually serve for anywhere between 20 and 40 years, and virtually all (greater than 95%) of successors are handpicked as opposed to being selected by primogeniture.

The Palace of the Anuya in Seriwon is a central decision making hub for legislative matters.

The judicial branch is constitutionally created as an appellate review system enforcing the law of the land with the power of constitutional review vested in the Court of Final Appeal (CFA). The Court of Final Appeal has seven justices, one selected by each House's Heonban, which must pass a cursory majority approval vote amongst the Seobhagunnang to be appointed. The justices serve at the pleasure of their respective houses, and may be removed by their head of house at any time, for any reason. Lower courts are staffed by direct, partisan elections every five years, currently concurrent with parliamentary elections. Judicial candidates, like legislative ones, must be prescreened by the Anuya. PNP judges currently hold around 94% of judicial positions. International observers have heavily criticized the lack of an independent judiciary, and have called for non-partisan judicial elections, an elimination of prescreening, and a more transparent CFA appointment process, amongst other reforms.

Local politics, while in theory more independent from the Seobhagunnang, often are directly influenced and often controlled by the Council of the Seven Houses, especially in urban areas. Pharitaya has eleven listed regions, but there are no region-wide governmental authorities. Local power is vested in mayors and town councils, and while the Anuya does not automatically review local election candidates, often, local elected officials critical of the Seobhagunnang are jailed on constitutional charges of "endangering the state" and are forcibly removed from office. As such, the vast majority of local offices, around 91%, are held by PNP officials loyal to the system, while most of those who are not are typically members of neutral regional parties that mainly seek to advocate for the economic welfare of their municipality.

International watchdogs consistently rate Pharitaya as very poor on civil liberties. Freedom of the press is virtually non-existent; all 5 major news channels and 21 newspapers of significant following are either directly owned by House aristocrats, or are managed by close allies who carry a House certification. Operating a news organization outside the purview of the Seobhagunnang is considered a criminal offense. Journalists critical of the Seobhagunnang are routinely jailed and imprisoned after show trials. Internet use is heavily surveilled and regulated; most Pharitayans have highly reduced access to internet resources and social media, although those wealthy or influential enough to live in Seriwon have much greater access. CCTV cameras, both privately owned and publicly owned, are prevalent and are routinely used for surveillance purposes. However, religious freedom, many economic freedoms, and protections against race or gender based discrimination are guaranteed and strictly enforced by the government.

Economy

Pharitaya's diversified, mixed economy is a main focus of its national policy, with a GDP per capita (nominal) of $42,663. Pharitaya is listed as a highly developed nation, although it's wealth is spread extraordinarily unequally, with the average income of the richest 10% of Pharitayans 35 times greater than the average income of the poorest 10% of Pharitayans. Many of Pharitaya's largest and internationally recognized corporations, such as Petrotaya, the Pharitaya Financial Group (PFG), and Mi Logistics, are directly owned and managed by the aristocratic houses. Increases in education and standard of living, coupled with lax labor and regulatory laws have made Pharitaya a desirable location for foreign direct investment, and its talent pool, especially in economics and computer science, is one of the most affordable and well-regarded in the IDU.

Silk weaving has historically been one of the principal industries in Pharitaya, and the nation's silk products are still regarded as among the IDU's finest.

Petrochemical production has been a core component of Pharitaya's economy since the discovery of oil in 1983.

The largest sectors of the Pharitayan economy are services, dominated by the financial sector, as well as energy, manufacturing, and agriculture. The discovery of hydrocarbons in 1983 kickstarted the Pharitayan economic renaissance, transforming it from a poor, agricultural post-colonial state into today's modern, developed economy. Drilling, processing, and refining hydrocarbons, as well as the liquefaction of natural gas, in addition to managing of the Petrotaya corporation which maintains a near monopoly in those sectors, all lay under the auspices of the House of San, traditionally in charge of the nation's energy and natural resources. Shortly after the petro-revenue allowed for the revitalization of the nation's education, healthcare, and worker training systems, land reforms and the addition of further cuts and loopholes to the tax code made Pharitaya a top destination for the financial services sector, starting the diversification of Pharitaya's economy.

The manufacturing sector, a moderate component of Pharitaya's economy, has been growing in recent years, driven by the nation's abundance of human talent, its lack of regulation, and its close ties to the regional manufacturing hub of Haesan. Pharitaya has emerged as a hub for textiles weaving and processing, driven by the rising cost of labor in Haesan, along with manufacturing of components for consumer goods, electronics, and appliances which are designed and finally assembled in Haesan. Manufacturing is boosted by the nation's positioning on strategic seaways and trade routes, making it a logical stopover point for various intermediate steps in manufacturing processes.

Agriculture, while employing over a third of Pharitayans, only contributes about 10% of the nation's GDP. Rice is the main staple crop of Pharitaya, and rice terraces comprise the largest single use of Pharitayan land. Pharitaya is also a major producer of tea, and is a key producer of white and green varieties to be blended for mass consumption, mainly processed by corporations in Haesan or Opthelia. Specialized types of black tea, adapted for the cooler climate of Pharitaya's northern latitude, are staple to many of the nation's most important beverages, and boutique varieties of Pharitayan black and white teas fetch some of the highest prices per lot on the open market due to the nation's unique terroir. Pharitaya is the IDU's largest producer of silk per capita, with a gross quantity of 21,273 tonnes, a material traditionally used for textiles in both the Haemin and Thaya traditions. Pharitaya has scarce mineral resources other than its offshore hydrocarbon reserves, and mining has never been a significant proportion of its economy. However, fishing and pearl diving have long been important to the nation, and in rural areas, fishing is still a common profession, especially amongst the elderly.

Pharitaya has long been criticized by labor rights activists for its lack of worker protections: unions are illegal, there is no minimum wage, and worker safety legislation is scarce. That severe lack of worker protections, along with concerns about political freedom, led Pharitaya to be one of the only applicant nations to have ever been rejected by the Global Development Investment Bank, with its 2021 application denied by a majority of the member states. The nation has also faced international scrutiny as an infamous tax haven, with little government oversight on foreign money, and a net tax rate often at 0% for the wealthiest individuals. This fact, combined with cheap service labor, dazzling architecture and artificial islands financed by petro dollars, and the exclusivity that comes with wealth restrictions on property in Seriwon, has made Pharitaya a notable gathering place for the IDU's ultra-rich.

Energy & Infrastructure

As a major exporter of hydrocarbons, the vast majority of Pharitaya's energy needs come from combusting fossil fuels. About 65% of Pharitaya's energy is produced from natural gas, 25% comes from oil power plants, and the balance comes from a variety of renewable sources, largely hydropower but also including small solar and wind facilities and a single nuclear power plant. Climate activist groups such as Climate Alliance Lauchenoiria have criticized the government for doing relatively little to embrace the green transition and accuse the nation of continuing the global proliferation of fossil fuel consumption. The Seobhagunnang has so far only advocated for a shift to phase out its more inefficient oil power plants and nearly entirely transition to natural gas; the nation has advocated for natural gas as a component of a "green future" at international conferences as well as in its economic plan "New Pharitaya 2030".

Pharitaya's infrastructure, at least in the Chalermphrakiat Peninsula and lowlands, is sophisticated and developed. Highway infrastructure is critical to the nation, which has been effectively linked by roadways and causeways since the "Future Vision Infrastructure Plan" in the 1990s. Railway infrastructure is well developed and connects most cities of a significant population. High speed railways are under development internally, but an international line that connects Seimei, Misumi to Puri Rimbawan in a little under four hours via Saikane and Jarantasiri sees millions of annual passengers. Urban public transportation usually consists of bus lines; however, Puri Rimbawan has one of the most extensive, and most highly rated, metro systems in the IDU and Jarantasiri is famous for its above ground tram lines. Intercity ferries are common, as well as water taxis in many riparian urban areas.

Pharitaya is also known for its track record of ambitious infrastructure projects. Much of the land in Seriwon has been reclaimed in recent decades as artificial islands supporting luxury towers, villas, casinos, and other entertainment venues. Pharitaya has also constructed monumental stadiums and world class athletic facilities as part of its "Sporting Hub Pharitaya" initiative, in the hopes of eventually hosting a continental or international competition. Puri Rimbawan and Seriwon are also home to modern architectural marvels, as the Seobhagunnang has promised extensive support to those designers who bring innovative ideas to their cities.

Culture

Pharitaya's cultural traditions are rich and varied due to the nation's ethnic diversity. While customs, crafts, and rites relating to Sasna Thaya traditions are the most common and are typically representative of Pharitaya on an international stage, Islamic influences have merged with them to varying degrees to create a wide range of regional traditions and cultures. Haean and Opthelian influence is also heavily felt in Pharitayan culture as a legacy of the nation's colonization. Weaving and textile work, especially with silk, are the most well-known Pharitayan handicrafts, but pottery glazing and mirror-crafting also have centuries-old traditions in the nation. While classical fine arts and literature are typically allowed, Pharitaya has seen a lack of modern media production as a result of the government's strict censorship regime.

Fine Arts

The Puri National Opera House, constructed in 2021, hosts opera troupes and orchestras from across the IDU.

Traditional handicrafts remain the most common form of visual art in Pharitaya, notably in silk textiles, where the nation is renowned for its vivid dying and elaborate weaving processes. Ceramic glazing is another common art form which was brought by Nerian Muslim cultures to Pharitaya, and some mosques like the Thatawthihy Grand Mosque have used these colorful geometric tiles to dramatic architectural effect. Mirror handiwork has also flourished in the nation, especially during the Opthelian colonial period, where the particularly lustrous finish of Pharitayan amalgam was highly sought after. Traditional Liberalian-style drawing, painting, and sculpture work was taught at aristocratic academies during much of the 19th and 20th centuries, but it has never been accessible to the broader public, and painted art is subject to government screening if put on display.

Performing art typically falls into three categories, traditional drama and dance, multi-media court-performances drawing from Haean tradition, and Opthelian classical styles of which opera is the most common. Traditional theater and dance stems directly from Sansa Thaya customs, and typically involves vibrant costumes and intricate, ritualized choreography. Court-performances typically are serene music and dance productions often performed in conjunction with an afternoon tea and are typically reserved for elite aristocrats. Opthelian opera is still performed and widely consumed by the public as performances are heavily subsidized by the government, although due to censorship concerns typically only classical or pre-screened works are performed. The Puri National Opera House, constructed in 2021, has already become one of the most iconic locations for opera and classical music in the IDU, and regularly hosts visiting troupes and orchestras.

Cuisine

Fangcha, as served at a boutique cafe in Seriwon.

Rice is the staple grain in Pharitaya, and most dishes in the nation utilize it in some form. Nasi tepi laut is the national dish: rice stir-fried with soy and fish sauces, chilies, and green onion, traditionally with pieces of salted fish. Fish is the most common protein consumed in Pharitaya, followed by beef and shellfish. Pork consumption is minimal, due to the nation's large Muslim population. Upper-class dishes in Pharitaya typically borrow heavily from Mizu and Haean culture. Typically, the number of ingredients is minimized, and there is a strict emphasis on making the flavors work in concert. Coconut, while historically too scarce to be affordable for the masses, has long been a favorite ingredient of the aristocracy, and is common not just as an ingredient in curries and savory dishes, but in many desserts and pastries as well. Dicincang, a delicate cake made of shredded coconut, is the nation's national dessert.

Tea has had an outsized influence in Pharitayan culture, as teahouses have long been the social hubs of both urban and rural communities. The so-called Teahouse Rules—showing hospitality, being open and welcoming towards others, and having a patient and intentional mindset—have been informally adopted as a national credo. Fangcha, black tea mixed with ice and evaporated milk and shaken until frothy, is the national beverage, and tea is the most consumed beverage in the nation. Kiosk-order establishments selling fangcha, tapioca bubble tea, and coffee-based drinks are abundant in urban areas, and some like Honeybee Teashoppe have many branches in nations like Haesan, Misumi, Laeral, and the Slokais Islands.

Media

Pharitayan media is nearly entirely state-controlled, both in broadcast and in print. The state broadcaster, RadioTV Pharitaya (RTP) is directly owned by the Ok family of the Seobhagunnang, and only broadcasts programs approved by the government. As such, Pharitayan blacklisting of foreign media is a regular occurrence. Most programs and films aired in the nation either are produced by the state, or are typically lighthearted dramas predominantly from Haesan, but also often from Misumi and Slokais. Print media is similarly regulated, and the nation's three major publishing houses all are run by members of the Seven Houses. Music is the source of the greatest cultural diversity, as songs are allowed to be recorded in native languages along with English and Haean, and some Pharitayan singers have gained renown internationally, especially those like Ami (Lamai Kayotna) who have gone on to join Hae-pop groups or publish primarily abroad.

Sport

Cricket is the most popular sport in Pharitaya; home fans root for the Jarantasiri Royals in the Pharitaya Premier League

Cricket and association football are the most popular sports in Pharitaya. Pharitaya's national cricket team, the Golden Lions, is consistently rated as one of the top teams in the IDU, and maintains a fierce rivalry with Opthelia. The Pharitaya Premier League is one of the best national cricket leagues in the world, with its high player salaries driven in part by government expenditure on the league. Association football is also popular, but less so given that the nation has not typically excelled in the sport. Occasionally, as in the 2024–25 UHFA Elite Championship, a Pharitayan team will qualify for the group stage of an international competition, but such occurrences are rare. Pharitayan football is also recovering from the reputational damages of the Sibu Stadium Disaster in 2014, in which 104 lives were lost after Sibu Stadium collapsed during a Continental Cup qualifying match. That disaster led the government to start the "Sporting Hub Pharitaya" initiative, in which the government would sponsor the construction of elaborate, modern sports stadiums and facilities across the nation.

Water sports, such as swimming, sailing, and rowing are also popular in Pharitaya. An annual sailing regatta between Sibu and Rimbawan Harbor is one of the oldest recorded boat race competitions in history. Boxing is also popular, due to legendary fighters like Thanakon Kanchana and Syed "The Viper" Abdullah, who brought attention to the sport in their home country. To this day, top-flight boxing matches consistently bring in high TV ratings from Pharitaya.

While historically, the nation has been unable to compete in major international competitions, it is expected to compete in the 2025 Olympiad. Pharitaya competed in the 2024 IDU Baseball Classic, in which it finished without a win. It was also the host nation of the 2024 IDU Universiade, which was held in Jarantasiri.