Eïkangärd
The State of Eïkangärd エイカンガルドの状態 | |
|---|---|
 Flag | |
| Motto: Oberoende, stark och fri | |
| Capital | Ykangäd |
| Largest city | Vâstergäd |
| Official languages | Eikan, Japanese |
| Recognised national languages | Eikan, Japanese |
| Demonym(s) | Eikan |
| Government | Unitary Meritocratic Stratocracy |
• Greater Marshal of the Nation | Sancha Groenbärd |
| Legislature | Central High Command |
| Establishment | 1242 |
| Population | |
• Census | 33,456,183 |
| GDP (nominal) | estimate |
• Total | 1.428 Trillion |
• Per capita | 42,690 |
| HDI | 0.856 very high |
| Currency | Skein |
| Calling code | +99 |
Eïkangärd, (JP:エイカンガルド) formally The State of Eïkangärd (JP: エイカンガルドの状態), is northern country located in the International Democratic Union.
The Eikan people are the result of immigration from Viking settlers in the 11th century, and intermingling with native groups of the region. A united Eikan identity appeared around the 12th century, with a blending of religious and social tenets of both preceding cultures. The Hrarldom of Eïkangärd was proclaimed on January 5th, 1242, and is considered by modern anthropologists to be the first unified state of Eïkangärd. While numerous civil conflicts and conflicts between the Hrarldom would continue until 1602, with the invasion of Hokikage Hideyoshi, which would precipitate the Japanese Occupation Period, or the Zaishoku Kikan (在職期間). This would end in 1662 with Queen Karva's Rebellion, which would remove the Hikokage family from rule and reestablish the Hrarldom of Eïkangärd. The nation would utilize new ship construction techniques imported from the Japanese, combined with their own traditions, to build a large, ocean-going trade fleet, connecting Eïkangärd with far-flung regions. The Hrarldom would be superseded by the Kingdom of Eïkangärd in 1742, and would remain so until the Revolution of 1974 which would establish the modern State of Eïkangärd.
Described by foreign observers as an "army with a country attached", Eïkangärd is notable for it's compulsory military service, wherein all citizens are considered part of the military apparatus, whether employed by the state or not. Citizen service requires a minimum two years of service upon reaching the age of 18 for both men and women.
Government[edit | edit source]
Eïkangärd is a Unitary Meritocratic Stratocracy, with a citizen ranking system allowing for advancement within the national hierarchy. The ranking system holds a total of 25 ranks, ranging from Civilian - which is typically used for children and foreign immigrants who have not yet gone through boot-camp - and the Greater Marshal of the Nation, of which only one may be active at any given time and acts as head of state. In contrast to many other military systems, promotion is based on peer recommendation, rather than promotion solely by a higher ranking member of the state, excepting the ranks of Civilian and Recruit. Peers may put forth a recommendation to have a citizen promoted, which is confirmed by a vote of their prospective peers. Demotion functions in a similar manner. This allows for some degree of democratic process within the state apparatus, despite voting rights being non-existent within the state.
True citizenship is only conferred to a citizen upon the completion of boot-camp and attaining the rank of Private. Until this time, a citizen may not apply for any government assistance programs. As such, intake into the armed forces is high. Exceptions are made for citizens with preexisting medical and psychological conditions which preclude military service to the state. A citizens rank is utilized to determine public works rights, travel, and housing rights, and jobs to which they can apply to within the state apparatus. A citizen holds a rank for life, and are promoted and demoted as seen necessary.
Foreign Relations and Military[edit | edit source]
Eïkangärd holds very warm relations with Xiomera, having recently signed a treaty of mutual cooperation and assistance with the Caxcanan state. Relations with other nations, however, remain tense.
The Eïkan military is one of the largest in the world, with a proportionally large budget to match. This has lead to Eïkangärd being labelled as an "army with a country attached" by some commentators abroad. The current active duty force numbers 1.5 million troops, with a further 7.5 million reserve and paramilitary forces. Regular forces are split between the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Border Guards. In terms of active duty size, the Army holds the bulk of troops. Military spending in 2021 totalled 145.66 billion, or 10.2% of GDP.