Anahuaco

Imperio Anahuacano
Flag Coat of Arms
Motto: Independencia, Religión, Unión
Anthem: Anahuacanos, al grito de guerra
Map versions	N/A Reservation only
Capital	Ciudad de Anahuaco
Largest city	Ciudad de Anahuaco
Official language(s)	Martino, Britannic Istvanistani
Official religion(s)	Nazarene
Demonym	Anahuacano/Anahuacana
- Adjective	Anahuacano/Anahuacana
Government	Constitutional Monarchy
- Emperador:	José Joaquín I
- Primer ministro:	Fermin Mendoza Ruiz
- Legislature	Congreso Honorable del Imperio
Establishment	1706 AN
Area	182.052 km²
Population	66,992,418
Currency	Peso Anahuacano
Calendar
Time zone(s)	CMT+7, CMT+8
Mains electricity
Driving side	Right
Track gauge
National website	N/A
National forum	N/A
National animal	Golden Eagle
National food	Maize
National drink	Mezcal
National tree	Pachycereus pringlei
Abbreviation	ANA

The Anahuaco Empire (Martino: Imperio Anahuacano), is a country in the eastern part of Keltia. It is bordered to the north by The Green, to the east by Calbion and Taylor Bay, to the west by a river known locally as Rio Rojo, and to the south by the Great Eastern Ocean.

Covering an area of approximately 182.052 km² and with a population of nearly 67 million, Anahuaco has the largest Martino-speaking population of any country on Micras. Ciudad de Anahuaco is the largest city in the nation, with a population of just under 12 million. Other large cities include Hidalgo, San Miguel el Grande, and Agustin.

The empire is constituted as a federation of five states: Estado de Anahuaco, Vicario, Matamoros, Granaditas,and Pavón. Despite this the central government, led by Emperor José Joaquín, retains a large degree of power.

During the pre-Aanahuaco era, the territory that now makes up the empire was part of The Green, with various factions fighting for control of land and resources. The majority of the current population, around 55%, emigrated to the empire from established nations to govern and populate the region after the proclamation of the empire in 1706. While the émigré population prides itself on having bought stability to the territory, many pre-Aanahuaco groups claim to have faced discrimination, and a strict class system still persists in some rural areas.

Aanahuaco's history, and present-day, are marred by in-fighting between various groups attempting to enforce their preferred style of government. While the empire is relatively stable in the present era, an insurgency persists in the Granaditas and Pavón states, with republican dissidents regularly moving back and forth across the border with The Green to attack government infrastructure and Imperial forces.

Etymology

The name Aanahuaco is derived from a place name used one group of pre-Aanahuaco inhabitants to refer to part of the current territory of the empire. The name translated roughly as "close to water", referring to the seas and river that form the borders of the present-day empire on three sides. While the name may not have originally been intended to refer to the whole of the territory,the name was in widespread usage during the settlement era and was therefore adapted as the official name for the new nation.

History

Pre-Aanahuaco

Prior to 1706, the lands that make up the modern-day territory of the empire were occupied (at least partially) by a significant and shifting variety of groups. With residual populations from the dissolution of Nova England and Gran Verionia, refugees from the Warring Islands and Xang Muang and others all vying for control of agricultural land and resources.

While these groups originated from established states, several generations lived and died in The Green, and over time unique cultures developed. These included numerous unwritten languages, folklore and unique religious practices.

Although this era is largely remembered as a time of anarchy, long periods of peace did occur, with alliance systems between various groups helping to stabilise certain areas. During these times of peace, agriculture and some forms of industry did develop, with a fledgling city forming in the centre of the territory, at the confluence of several important trade routes.

La Gran Migración

In years immediately prior to 1700, a large number of émigrés began to arrive and settle in the territory, drawn by (largely unfounded) rumours of abundant natural resources and ample agricultural land. While these new arrivals were initially a small minority all but ignored by the existing inhabitants, over time increased population density elsewhere on Micras led to a notable increase in the rate of migration to the territory.

A family of Verionian migrants from Zacatecoluca on their way to the North

The largest part of these immigrants originated from Gran Verionia. In what became known as La Gran Migración, a large numer of residents of mainly Guano heritage escaped what they perceived to be the imposition of a foreign power (New Alexandria) in their homeland. Encouraged by the migration from the Green, the Guano organised themselves under the leadership of Ignacio Sanchèz Herado and migrated in two main waves across the river to what is now Anahuaco. Verionian migrants originated mainly from the Northern, and the Guano dominated states of Aracataca, Cobán, Cuzcatán, Río de Mayo and Zacatecoluca.

In addition to the Verionian migrants who arrived in the South, a large number of former Nova English migrants entered the area from the North. The division between the largely Republican Verionians, and the staunchly monarchist Nova Englanders created the foundation for internal divisions in the young nation, which became apparent in later years.

Ciudad Grande

Fearing the sudden influx of émigrés could lead to them being displaced, the existing inhabitants of the territory signed a treaty establishing a loose form of central government, with their largest settlement being designated as the seat of government power. This treaty referred to the capital simply as Ciudad Grande.

In order to preserve the natural resources of the territory, which they perceived were being pilfered by émigré export businesses, the government of Ciudad Grande introduced an export tax, set at 50% of the declared value of any goods to be exported.

The Constantine Incident

The émigré community reacted angrily to the imposition of the export tax by Ciudad Grande, and a number of violent altercations occurred between émigrés and the tax collectors stationed and ports to collect the levy. During this period, the émigrés began to feel victimised by the new tax, and some traders began to important weaponry to protect their economic interests.

In a particularly notorious incident in 1704, the émigré ship S.S. Constantine was impounded by the authorities from Ciudad Grande after the owner declared the value of the 300 cattle being exported as less than the price of a bag of apples. After an evening of drinking in a bar adjacent to the pier, the Constantine's owner (an émigré called Carlos Ortiz) enlisted the help of other traders and, using weapons stored nearby, killed the four customs officers stationed nearby.

Rebellion

News of the murder of the customs officers spread quickly and, fuelled by the sense of grievance provoked by the imposition of the export tax, émigrés across the territory began attacks on officials from Ciudad Grande. The fledgling authorities struggled to respond to the unfolding crisis, with no national police force or army to call upon, and a support base that was still spread widely across the territory.

Less than 3 weeks after the impounding of the Constantine, 2000 heavily armed émigrés encircled Ciudad Grande, demanding the surrender of the authorities. With little hope of coordinating an armed defence, and to avoid inflicting casualties on the civilians of the city, the authorities capitulated on June 17th 1704.

Declaration of a nation

Seizing upon the momentum their rebellion had built up, the émigrés in Ciudad Grande quickly declared the birth of a new nation, but immediately fell into disagreement over what form of governance should be used, and where the boundaries of the new country should be drawn. Two key groups quickly emerged, which were later labelled as Imperialistas and Republicanos. Each side called on their supporters to converge on Ciudad Grande with the aim of gaining the upper hand by sheer weight of numbers.

Buoyed by an influx of inherently monarchist émigrés from the former territories of Nova England, the Imperialistas quickly amassed a significant amount of firepower around the city.

Polticial division

With little progress forming a cohesive constitution for the new nation, and fearing the arrival of more and more Imperialistas, the Republicanos fled Ciudad Grande on New Year's Day 1705, along with their leader Roberto Sanchez. Arriving in the settlement that would later become the city of Guerrero, Sanchez declared the creation of the Republica Anahuacano, using the name used by the prior inhabitants of the area.

When the news reached Ciudad Grande two days later, the Imperialistas were infuriated and immediately declared the Imperio Anahuacano, and called on supporters from the whole of Micras to rally to their cause. Sachez and his supporters were found guilty of treason in absentia at a hastily assembled trial.

Civil war

Main Article: Anahuacano Civil War

The police force sent to arrest Sanchez was, in reality, a hastily assembled army of Imperialistas, who arrived to find the city of Guerrero largely fortified against them. The local population, most of whom were not émigrés themselves, had fled into the barren landscape around the city to avoid the fighting.

While the Republicanos in Guerrero successfully fought off the first Imperialista infantry assault, their opponents had access to heavy weaponry that the defenders themselves lacked. After a week of heavy bombardment, with the city all but encircled and with supplies running short, Sanchez and a large part of his forces slipped out of the city during the night of February 12th 1705, and Guerrero surrendered to the Imperialistas the following day.

Consolidation of the empire

While Sanchez and the Republicanos were roundly defeated at Guerrero, they did not surrender, and instead retreated to the northern borderlands where the harsh climate of deserts and mountains made it possible to hide from Imperialista forces. The Republicanos began a campaign of insurgency and guerrilla warfare in the countryside that continues to this day.

Meanwhile, more and more of the émigré community declared themselves for the Imperialista cause, and the previous government of Ciudad Grande encouraged their supporters to do likewise, to avoid further bloodshed. Although the pre-existing population of the territory were still in the majority, they had limited access to modern weaponry and little coordination between the various groups, rending resistance ineffective.

Meanwhile more and émigrés flooded into the territory, and the Imperialistas sought an Emperor to reign over their new empire while consolidating their military control.

Arrival of the Emperor

The culmination of the Imperialista cause occurred on March 21st 1706 when José Joaquín Garcia, a little-known relative of former King Aelfric I of Nova England, arrived in Ciudad Grande. Lured by the Imperialistas with the promise leading a new golden age on Keltia, with riches and splendours to match the glory days of Nova England José Joaquín arrived in Anahuaco with little knowledge of the country, but with the promise that he would be welcomed as the saviour of a tumultuous nation.

Renamed Ciudad de Anahuaco in advance of the Emperor's arrival, the inhabitants of the capital welcomed their new ruler with flag-lined streets, ecstatic crowds and shouts of ¡Viva el Emperador! While the crowds of Imperialistas in the city were genuine in their enthusiasm, the sentiment was not widely shared outside of the capital at this point in time.

The enthronement of José Joaquín as Emperor of Anahuaco on the day of his arrival in Ciudad de Anahuaco is considered the starting point in modern Anahuacan history.

Geography

Anahuaco has a total area of 182.052 km², located entirely on the continent of Keltia. The empire has coastline on the Great Eastern Ocean and Taylor Bay, the southwest of which is referred to locally as Golfo de Anahuaco. To the east, the empire shares an extensive land border with Calbion and a maritime border with Ralgon.

The western border of Anahuaco is the Rio Rojo (red river) which runs the length of the border before entering the Great Eastern Ocean at the southwestern tip of Matamoros State.

The interior of the empire is defined by the Sierra del Sur mountain range, which begins in The Green north of Pavón State, runs west of San Miguel el Grande, before splitting into branches, which pass on either side of Ciudad de Anahuaco. This creates a high mountainous plateau upon which the city sits, with an elevation of 2000m above sea level. The highest peak in the range is El Cerro Del Guaymas, which reaches 3421m.

Climate

Anahuaco's climate varies dramatically depending on the region, but the empire can be roughly divided into tropical, desert, and temperate zones. The coastal states of Matamoros and Vicario, as well as the southern tip of Estado de Anahuaco, form the tropical zone, with significant rainfall, warm year-round temperatures and a significant amount of rainforest.

This contrasts sharply with the arid, desert landscapes that dominate Granaditas and Pavón states, which are blocked from coastal precipitation of the south by the Sierra del Sur mountain range. Summer temperatures in these regions regularly reach 40 °C - 50 °C. The exception in this region is eastern Pavón, which sits to the east of the mountains and therefore experiences a mild coastal climate.

The temperate zone meanwhile occupies the majority of Estado de Anahuaco, as well as western parts of Vicario State. The high elevation in these regions ensures a year-round moderate temperature, with highs in the summer reaching 30 °C, which winter temperatures average around 18 °C. The two branches of the Sierra del Sur mountain range surround the temperate zone, channelling damp coastal air upwards to condense and provide significant rainfall. This makes the temperate zone ideal for growing many staple crops, and the area is also home to the majority of the population of Anahuaco.

Government

The Imperio Anahuacano was constituted in 1706 as a semi-federal federation, with government functions split across two levels: federal government, and state governments. The federal government, centered in Estado de Anahuaco, retains responsibility for defense, imposition of taxes, foreign policy and state security. Responsibility for all other areas of governance is devolved to state governments by an act of the federal congress (Martino: Congreso Honorable del Imperio), which theoretically also retains the right to re-centralize the powers if it is ever deemed necessary.

Each state is required by the constitution to have three branches of government: a Governor (Martino: Gobernador) appointed by the Emperor, a unicameral state congress, and a state supreme court. The Chief Justice of each state supreme court also sits as a judge at the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (Martino: Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación).

Executive Power

The head of state of Anahuaco is the Emperor (Martino: Emperador del Imperio Anahuacano). The current Emperor is José Joaquín I. In addition to serving as head of state, the Emperor is also commander in chief of the Anahuacan Imperial Armed Forces, and is responsible for appointing a government cabinet including the Prime Minister.

Legislative Power

The unicameral legislature is the Honourable Congress of the Empire (Martino: Congreso Honorable del Imperio), which is directly elected by all citizens over the age of 16 years, using a system of proportional representation. Representatives of the largest party in the congress are typically appointed to form the government cabinet, although the constitution does not specify that this has to be the case.

Political Parties

Party politics in Anahuaco features a broad variety of parties, with the proportional representation system ensuring that a spectrum of views are represented in the legislature. However, all candidates for election are required to record their willingness to take the oath of office if elected and, as the oath requires the oath-taker to pledge loyalty to the Emperor and Empire, and for that reason there are currently no republican political parties in Anahuaco.

As of 1706, the largest political parties in Anahuaco are:

• Partido del Trabajo (Workers Party)
• Frente Democrático Nacional (National Democratic Party)
• Unión Popular (People's Union)
• Partido Popular (People's Party)
• Partido Regionalista de Estado de Anahuaco (Regional Party of Anahuaco State)
• Partido Regionalista de Vicario (Regional Party of Vicario State)
• Partido Liberal Anahuacano (Anahuacan Liberal Party)
• Partido Conservador Anahuacano (Anahuacan Conservative Party)

A wide variety of smaller parties exist, with varying degrees of representation at federal and state level, but those listed above tend to dominate most government institutions.

Judicial Power

The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (Martino: Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación) consists of 5 judges, each of whom is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of one of the 5 states that make up the empire.

Foreign Policy

The foreign policy of Anahuaco, under the direction of the Emperor and federal government, is based on the principles of neutrality, dialogue and collective defense through participation in international organizations. Openness to dialogue is considered a key principle, and for that reason Anahuaco is open to diplomatic relations with all the nations of Micras, regardless of ideology.

The government of Anahuaco promotes non-interference in internal affairs as a cornerstone of foreign policy. Sceptics claim that this position is based on the desire to keep foreign powers out of the tumultuous internal affairs of the empire.

Policy is primarily orientated towards the other nations of Keltia, with limited resources devoted to issues elsewhere on Micras.

States

The Anahuacan Empire is a federation of 5 states, with a federal government and state governments. Each state directly elects its own legislature while the state governors are appointed by the Emperor to serve 10 year terms. Combined, the 5 state governors form a council that oversees the governance of Ciudad do Anahuaco, as the federal capital.

Unlike in many nations, Anahuaco does not have a division between municipal and state governments, and all local government functions are carried out at state level. The size and population density of some states, particularly Estado de Anahuaco, Vicario and Matamoros, mean that the state governments have authority over a population equivalent to that of a small country.

While the federal government has extensive authority and veto powers over the state governments, in reality the state governments exercise a significant degree of autonomy, within the framework of the federal constitution.

Insurgency

While the majority of Anahuaco is considered safe and stable, an on-going republican insurgency persists in the borderlands of Granaditas and Pavón states. Cities and most major transport links are in government hands, however, the desert and border areas of the states are home to several thousand Republicanos, who frequently engage in attacks against the police, Imperial Armed Forces and other government infrastructure.

Significant federal resources have been invested in attempting to stamp out the insurgency, but the size of the area, inhospitable terrain and some sympathetic locals have made it difficult for the authorities to stamp out the Republicanos entirely. Additionally, federal forces are typically reluctant to venture into The Green, allowing the insurgents to retreat into, and receive supplies from, the areas beyond the border.

Economy

Energy sector

The energy sector is an important part of the economy of Anahuaco, with the empire producing an excess of electrical energy. The electrical grid, which is controlled by the federal government, produces a surplus of power, with the government aiming to create export agreements with neighboring countries.

The climate of the empire makes it suitable for geothermal energy production, while bio-gas reclamation in agriculture, domestic solar panel installation and extensive wind farms in lowland hills meet the rest of the nation's power needs. Homeowners are encouraged to install domestic power banks at home to help meet peaks in demand, but the cost implications have made them impractical for many households. A government subsidy scheme is expected to set up to support power bank installation in 1708.

In addition to the economic output created by power generation, an extensive industry has grown to meet the demand for parts and support services.

Agriculture

Agriculture forms an important part of the economy of the empire. The industry is heavily focused in Estado de Anahuaco, with smaller agricultural on the coastal plains of Vicario and the parts of Matamoros closest to the Red River. While crops grown varies from region to region, popular crops include beans, tomatoes, potatoes, squashes, wheat and maize.

The agricultural output of Anahuaco primarily serves the domestic market, due to the large population and relatively small amount of usable land. The main staple crops, maize and beans, are almost never exported, while excess produce of other types is often made available on the international market.

Climatic factors mean that agriculture is extremely regionally-specific.

Manufacturing

Various forms of manufacturing form the backbone of the economy of Anahuaco, with a large workforce and low land prices making the empire an attractive location for the production of textiles, automobiles, aircraft and electronics.

Manufacturing industries form a significant part of the economy in the states of Granaditas and Pavón, where government incentives have attracted large corporations. In these states, certain areas of federally owned land have been designated as enterprise zones to encourage economic activity. In these zones, corporate tax breaks are provided, as well as government assistance with building employee housing and social services.

Culture

The diverse geography, climate and population of Anahuaco have given rise to a culture that is similarly diverse. From cuisine to music, art and fashion, huge regional differences exist across the empire.

Art

As the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the empire, Ciudad de Anahuaco is the art capital of Anahuaco. For centuries, art has thrived in the city, with oil painting and sculpture being the preferred artistic forms during the early days of the empire. While these art forms remain popular, modern art has become increasingly popular in decent years.

The capital city is home to a variety of art museums, most notably the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (Contemporary Art Museum) and Museo Nacional de Arte (National Art Museum). In addition to these formalized art galleries, Ciudad de Anahuaco also have a thriving street are scene. While graffiti is closely controlled in the historic center and government districts, elsewhere large public murals and informal art forms are commonplace.

Outside of the capital, the only other nationally renounced art gallery is found in Puerto Dominguez. Museo Indígena (Indigenous Museum) features artworks of various sorts created by the original inhabitants of the territory that would later become Anahuaco. These works consist mainly of wood and stone carvings and sculptures. Additionally, a number of cave paintings are displayed in the gallery, having been transported from around the empire. While the museum's supporters argue that it helps to protect and showcase ancient art forms, others have criticized the project for removing artworks from their original context.

Cuisine

Food plays a very important role in the life and culture of Anahuaco, and a distinct cuisine and food culture has grown across the empire. Tomatoes, onions, and coriander are considered to the "trinity" of Anahuacano cooking and feature prominently in a variety of dishes.

Staple foods include rice, beans, potatoes maize and wheat, with the grains most often consumed in the form of tortillas. A key division within the cuisine of Anahuaco is between areas that consume maize tortillas and those that consume wheat tortillas. While this difference is based largely on the climate of the different regions (with maize being more common in coastal and highland areas, while wheat is better suited to many inland areas) it is nevertheless a matter of intense debate and disagreement.

Additionally, the cuisine of Anahuaco is noted internationally for its use of chili peppers. Despite this, the majority of common Anahuacano dishes are not overly spicy, with only a few exceptions.

Within households dining together is very common and seen as an important social ritual.

Music

Traditional folk music continues to dominate the musical scene in Anahuaco. A traditional band consists of between four and ten musicians, with acoustic guitars, brass instruments, and drums forming the backbone of the musical style. While modern variants of the traditional form do exist, and enjoy considerable popularity, modern variations still adhere to the traditional format, with rap elements and electronic instruments added.

Music and dancing (an important cultural practice in its own right) form an immeasurably important part of cultural and everyday life in Anahuaco. Dance and music classes are included in the school curriculum, with students expected to perform at concerts each year. These traditional dances feature predominantly in the party scene of Anahuaco, with variations created to match more modern styles of music.

Fashion

Anahuaco is home to a thriving modern fashion scene, with Ciudad de Anahuaco considered to be one of the fashion capitals of Keltia. Various modes of traditional dress exist across the empire, with the size of the territory allowing several distinct styles to develop simultaneously. These styles largely reflect the climate and weather of the different regions of the empire.

Despite this, several traditional garments are common across the empire and are still in everyday use. These include wide-brimmed hats and richly embroidered waist coats.