Demographics of the Imperial Federation

The Imperial Federation is the fifth most populous country on Micras. While demographic figures throughout Micras are often-unclear and, even more often, out of date, evidence shows that the Imperial Federation is likely the fifth-most populated. In order, the only countries with a known larger population as of their respective latest published censuses are: the Benacian Union (311.5 million as of 1727 AN), New Alexandria (326.9 million as of 1723) AN, Natopia (872.0 million, as of 1727 AN,Shireroth (1,112.4 million as of 1723 AN, and Cakaristan (1,175.0 million as of 1730 AN).

As of 1730 AN, the Imperial Federation has 256,058,501 registered subjects living within its currently-defined borders, not counting unregistered subjects, aliens, and foreigners both temporarily and permanently resident within its far-flung territories. Due to its lopsided population densities and high rate of urbanization throughout its core territories, conducting a census of alien populations has proven difficult, rendering even the best census an estimate only of those who don't have a reason to hide from its far-reaching central government. Additionally, its rapidly expanding registered population since the 1700's has rendered estimates difficult. It is estimated that, for every 10 registered subjects, there is another 1 unregistered subject. Such persons are most common in the former Bassarid regions, as the integration process is still ongoing. It is also believed that Eternia is soon to join the Imperial Federation, representing another potential boost in population.

Between 1706 AN and 1725 AN, population growth was explosive, thanks mostly through territorial expansion, a booming economy, and exceptionally high fertility rates. While the rate of growth slowed to between 5.1% and 7.3% in the 1710's and 1720's due to drops in fertility following the long-term aftershocks of the previous decades' upheaval, fertility picked up again after 1730 AN thanks to policies passed by Anarion and the rest of the central government, encouraging rapid population growth and movement to the fertile, sparsely built up frontier regions in a bid to solidify long-term control of the empire's peripheries. Population growth is expected to exceed 10% in the coming years thanks to these, and more, favorable factors.

A census is conducted approximately every 10 Norton years to determine tax allocations, gauge economic data, define places in need of new infrastructure, and exert more comprehensive central control over the vast frontiers of the Imperial Federation, especially near those regions bordering The Green, which is densely populated in the Keltian interior. The population estimates are also used every 5 years to allocate representatives for regional governments, and determine representation for the National Assemblies located in Glacier City, which act as a lower house. More infrequently, this is used to determine how Senate seats are apportioned to the various constituent countries and provinces of the empire.

Population developments

Up to 1675 AN

The country was added to the MCS map in recognition of its achievements in 1665 AN.

1675 AN to 1685 AN

After the conclusion of the Great Swamp War, the country saw a period of growth and expansion. It saw the addition of the first territories of Adrestia, which itself saw rapid expansion in the following years.

1685 AN to 1706 AN

The period began with the general Crisis of 1685, characterized by the Ralgon Civil War, the Cibolan Reconquista, and the Ralgon Reconquista, which collectively broke the back of the central government and resulted in an implosion of the country's authority over its peripheries. The years until the end of the active phases of the Ralgon War of Succession were characterized by population loss, economic crisis, and political upheavals that led to a decline in the country's otherwise high fertility rates. With the transition from a government based in old Ralgon to the new Imperial Federation based out of Gondolin, the government finally regained control over the country, albeit in two different centers of power rather than one.

1706 AN to 1715 AN

This decade saw a series of post-war aftershocks. Although great territorial expansion had occurred and added huge numbers to the overall population, fertility had cratered. This trend would continue for two decades to dissipate, partly due to overextension of military resources, a fragile (even if booming) economy, and a protracted series of conflicts between the Imperial Federation and either Valora or elements of The Green outside of sparsely populated frontiers. Its diaspora accelerated during these times, contributing to a lesser net population gain over time. This period of relative strain in the most heavily populated areas ended after the Conquest of Valora in 1715 AN.

leading to the Conquest of Valora

1715 AN - 1727 AN AN

This period marked the Imperial Federation expansion into former Bassarid territory, along with the incorporation of other parts of inland Keltia along the Strait of Haifa, and elsewhere. Economic affairs and population growth in these regions, however, are badly affected by the Wars of the Dispossessed. After a period of accelerated economic and territorial expansion into Keltia, a hard-won peace is slowly restored to these regions. Despite strong expansion into these regions and relatively smooth economic and cultural assimilation into the wider empire, fertility continues to remain low in the most populated areas of Drag'os due to aftereffects from four decades of near-constant crisis. The unregistered population remains very high in Bassarid regions of the empire and in the Glacier City metropolis due to prior refugee migrations during past crises.

However, fertility begins to climb in subsequent years, and the population growth sees an uptick as the Regency government finally assumes firm control over the frontiers, with the Great Swamp and the former Bassarid peripheries of Imperial Haifa under positive control, preventing large-scale incursions of hostile fauna or people into Imperial-demarcated territory.

1727 AN - 1730's

Period of relative peace, beginning with the ascension of Emperor Anarion. Stronger census estimates, higher fertility, and impending incorporation of Eternia.

Censuses

A census is held every 10 Norton years.

Year	Population	Development
1665 AN [1]	124,254,005	Added to MCS map
1675 AN [2]	159,255,163	▲ 28.2%
1680 AN [3]	164,000,000	▲ 2.97%
1685 AN [4]	150,144,543	▼ 8.47%
1705 AN [5]	204,174,665	▲ 35.9%
1710 AN [6]	209,279,031	▲ 2.50%
1715 AN [6]	213,673,890	▲ 4.65%
1717 AN [7]	216,494,000	▲ 1.32%
1717 AN [7]	232,569,000	▲ 7.42%
1723 AN [8]	242,197,356	▲ 4.14%
1730 AN [8]	256,058,501	▲ 5.72%

[1] The year Ralgon was added to the MCS map
[2] The year Ralgon expanded to Adrestia. Taken shortly after the end of the Great Swamp War's second phase in 1675 AN.
[3] Rapid expansion at the time, as well as a large diaspora made census estimates difficult that year.
[4] The census could not be held due to the 1685 crises, among these the Ralgon Civil War and subsequent implosion of its empire for the next 15 years. It is estimated that at least 12% of the population died or fled abroad. Includes those living in formerly held areas in the end of that year.
[5] The actual census was meant to be taken in 1739 AN but saw delays due to political upheaval. Coincided with the Ralgon War of Succession and the re-assimilation of most of the territories lost between 1685 AN and 1695 AN, plus major expansions elsewhere. [6] Marked a return to official census estimates post-crisis. [7] Taken immediately before and after the Conquest of Valora, the latter to establish accurate figures after the first result was criticized for discrepancies and lower-than-expected response rates from registered subjects.
[8] These marked a gradual return to semi-regular population assessments.