Gyunghwa

Gyunghwa, officially the United Republics of Gyunghwa or the United Republics (: 경화 연합민국; : 景和 聯合民國; Gyunghwa Yonhap Minguk), is a in Valeya. Gyunghwa borders Anglia to the north, Achtotlan and Cartageña to its west, and Gran Altiplano to the south. The United Republics is a federal presidential constitutional republic. The country boosts a population of 87,258,890, the nth largest in the world. The capital is in Ansi, and the most populous city is in Mijeon, with a population of 9,134,567.

Gyunghwa is a new world nation that is primarily Escaric with colonization started from Yeongseonese explorers. Despite its Yeongseonese colonial origin, the United Republics is a multi-ethnic nation due to centuries of mass immigration from around the world. Gyunghwa is a highly developed country with with the xxth largest economy in the world. Its economy is largely post-industrial, dominated by service and knowledge based industries although mining and manufacturing still make up for a significant portion of the nation's economy. It also ranks highly among economic freedom, government transparency, quality of life, education, and civil liberties. It's a major nation in agriculture, advanced armaments, mining, finance, and energy.

Etymology
The name "Gyunghwa" was used by Yeongseonese explorer Kim Geun as a comment to the natural beauty of the region he discovered in southeastern Valeya, writing the region as "景和" or "bright and harmonious," in the map. The thirteen colonies formed throughout the centuries were informally named as the "Thirteen Commanderies of Gyunghwa" which later became the basis for the country's name when delegates formed the Gyunghwan Confederation in 1867.

Prehistoric and Ancient Gyunghwa
Natives lived here.

Discovery and Colonization
The territory which became to be known as Gyunghwa was claimed for the Kingdom of Yeongseon on 1626 in eastern Valeya, with the arrival of the Yeongseon fleet commanded by Yeong explorer Kim Geun. The explorers encountered various warring tribes of indigenous people and taking advantage of their divisiveness (and their lack of immunity to Old World diseases), Kim Geun conquered vast swath of lands for Yeongseon and received governorship over the Mansan Commandery, the first Yeong colony in Valeya. Permanent settlements followed and over the next 200 years, Yeongseon expanded westward, establishing the Gyerim Commandery, the Punggang Commandery, the Ahngok Commandery, the Dolseong Commandery, the Daegyeong Commandery, and the Geonnang Commandery by the late 18th century, and the Busang Commandery, Gobuk Commandery, the Hongjeon Commandery, the Jinhae Commandery, the Daenamdo Commandery, and the Umhapdo Commandery by the early 19th century.

Due to fertile land and and friendly climate, the colonies were a profitable asset to Yeongseon and the colonists see themselves as proud and patriotic Yeong citizens, ensuring that their trade, industrialization, and agriculture were a factor in their parent country's growing economy. The Yeongseon Royal government promoted the Thirteen Commanderies of Gyunghwa as a place of opportunity where folks can begin again. The colonies attracted many migrants from Escar, setting up the foundation for a modern Gyunghwa.

Independence
In 1817, Yeongseon was hit by a major political crisis and the colonial authorities on the Thirteen Commanderies were left alone to fend for themselves as the Yeongseon government focused inward and abandoned the colonies. The Gyunghwan colonies eventually became independent states in 1819 with minimal bloodshed and established diplomatic relations with neighbors and colonial powers. The Republic of Busang and the Mansan Repubic emerged as the most dominant powers among the Gyunghwan states due to their control of the coasts and access to natural resources. Immigration to Gyunghwa continued as folks from Western and Eastern Escar found new homes in Gyunghwa. Conflicts were common in Gyunghwa, although they were mostly between settler entities and aboriginal Balhaeyan tribes. Wars between Gyunghwan states were not uncommon but were mostly solved diplomatically.

Gyunghwan Confederation


Since independence, there was a growing movement of individuals who favor unification between the Gyunghwan states, fearing domination by a foreign power if the Gyunghwan states remain separated. Calling themselves the Unionists, they push for Gyunghwan centered trade blocks, customs unions, and military alliances against potential threats. In 1867, the 16 states eventually formed the Gyunghwan Confederation in Ansi, Busang. The Gyunghwan Confederation, while a step towards unification, was nationally weak. The Confederation does not have a national leader nor could it set domestic and foreign policies. It was lead by the unicameral Confederate Congress and the President of the Confederate Congress was a figurehead. States set their own policies and by detractors, it was a glorified customs union dominated by Busang and Mansan. However, the Confederation was a step towards unification.

United Republics and Era of Fortune


A new constitutional convention was held to formally transition the Gyunghwan Confederation to the more federal United Republics of Gyunghwa. In 1916, the first Presidential election was held. The liberal Democratic Party nominated Hongjeon Governor Roh Jung-su, the conservative Federalist Party promoted Councillor Yu Song-ho, while the progressive Popular Party casted support for labor activist Kwak Hyun-oo in the ballot. Roh Jung-su was elected as the first President of Gyunghwa in May 3rd, 1916 and his inauguration in August 15th, 1916. Roh Jung-su’s administration was marked by spurring economic growths and the binding of relations between Yorcke and the Republic, with Gyunghwa sending troops in support of Yorcke during the Anglian War. His administration lasted three terms until 1926 and was nicknamed as the “Era of Fortune.”

Government Scandal and Economic Depression
Roh Jung-su was succeeded by Democratic Councillor Yi Jin-hee of Busang as the second President in the 1926 election. Although President Yi Jin-hee oversaw continual economic growth, a major scandal rocked members of his cabinet and public confidence in the government has fallen. He was unable to restore confidence in the government due to his ailing health at the time and died of a heart attack in 1929. He was succeeded by Vice-President Baek Kyung-sam as part of the official Presidential succession. Baek Kyung-sam’s Presidency was focused on bringing the parties involved in the scandal to justice and to mend relations between the federal government and the general public. He did not stand for election during the 1931 Presidential Election.

The 1931 Presidential election was won by Democrat candidate Choe Dong-wook from East Geonnang, who ran on reining in on government corruption and a return to normalcy. His administration started off with a strong start with his commitment against government corruption and he was one of the most popular president at the time and he was poised to run for a second term. However, the 1932 Market Crash had flushed down his popularity and both he and Congress struggled to pass any relief efforts to the country’s economy. The subsequent 1936 Presidential election saw the Federalist candidate Yi Gwang defeat Choe Dong-wook handily with the Democrats losing majority seats in Congress to the Federalists.

The Yi Kwang Administration focused on economic recovery, presenting austerity plans to Congress with spending cuts, moderate tax raises on the top earners, tariffs, and social programs. The Yi administration oversaw a slow but steady recovery to the nation's economy. However, pre-Depression output wouldn't be achieve until the start of the Valeyan War.

The Valeyan War
The United Republics of Gyunghwa was a major player in the Valeyan War. Although President Yi Kwang was initially hesitant in sending soldiers to Anglia due to continual economic recovery, he nonetheless approved plans for Gyunghwan entry into the war. Congress officially declared war on the Donlands, Achtotlan, and Catamarca in 1943. A total strength of 132,512 men were deployed to Northern Valeya from 1943 to 1947.

Post-War Recovery
Normalcy was soon to return to the country after over a decade of war. With Yi Kwang retiring from the office of the Presidency in 1946, he was succeeded by Federalist Councillor Go Ji-hyun as the next President of the Republic. Go Ji-hyun’s administration focused on economic and political reforms, continuing efforts to rebuild war torn areas in the western states and to officially stamp out any lingering extremist sentiments in the area. Go had originally promoted research into the country’s nuclear weapons program but had abandoned research and instead supported efforts for civilian usage, interested in the massive energy potential the new science can provide. His nuclear policy set the stage for future government's anti-nuclear weapon stance. He easily won re-election in the 1951 Presidential election and made political reforms a major priority; passing a comprehensive list of civil rights protection for Balhaeyans and reforming the Special Intelligence Agency by curtailing much of its secret police activities, although communist activities were still suppressed. Go Ji-hyun supported annd passed constitutional reforms that limit Presidents to two consecutive term which was later ratified by 3/4 of the states in 1954. the 1956 Presidential election was held between Daenamdo Governor Nam Il-kwon of the Democratic Party, Busang Delegate Gwak Seong-gi of the Federalist Party, and Mansan Councillor Somun Jae-ho of the Popular Party, which ended with a Nam Il-kwon victory.

Contemporary Gyunghwa
The ten years of the Nam Il-kwon Presidency focused on pro-labor economic reforms as part of the Progressive Coalition between the Democrats and the Popular Party, including successful updates on employee safety and business regulations. The Progressive Coalition didn't last long though as an attempt at passing a nationalized healthcare service was defeated by the shared opposition of the Federalist Party and more conservative members of the Democratic Party. He was succeeded by North Hongjeon Councillor Roh Young-ja of the Federalist Party in the 1969 election. President Roh Young-ja stewarded the country from 1969 to 1979 with a focus on promoting social conservative policies such as a national campaign against drug use. The Roh Young-ja administration was also involved during the many revolutions going on in modern day Gran Altiplano, sending weapons and troops to anti-communist elements in Puerto Sierra in 1975. He was succeeded by Federalist Congressman Kim Min-jun of Dolseong who continued aggressive actions against the communists down south. However, with Puerto Sierra falling to the revolutionaries, the country has experienced a national level red scare as the general public worried about another communist uprising brought by the Altiplano revolutionaries. Hostilities between the two nations had increased during the Red Scare of 1980.

President Kim Min-jun did not stood for re-election and was succeeded by Mansan Governor Rhee Jin-ho of the Federalist Party, who promised a return to normalcy and aggressive support for free market economics, tax cuts, and cuts to spending. His administration lasted from June 14th, 1984 to 1994 and was credited for a large economic boom that blessed the country. President Rhee Jin-ho was succeeded by his Vice-President Chun Yo-han who ran on continuing the economic growth of the Rhee Jin-ho administration and opposing any additional federal taxes. However, his administration hit unpopularity when, ironically, his administration had to raise federal income taxes to cover spending limits during the budget negotiations. He was subsequently defeated by East Punggaang Governor Pak Seung-won of the Democratic Party in the 1999 presidential election. President Pak Seung-won made drastic spending cuts and was the first President in decades to present a balanced budget to Congress, which was heartily passed by the Federalist controlled legislature. His administration also played a role for normalizing relations and establishing trade agreements between Gyunghwa and Gran Altiplano, a welcoming sight for companies eager to expand their markets. Pak Seung-won was able to win a second term and focused on dealing with the housing crash and the economic bubble was able to enact a slow but stable recovery plan for the economy. He was succeeded by Democrat Councillor of Jinhae Kim Min-gyu in the 2009 election, who advocated for ambitious reforms to the country’s healthcare and welfare programs and greater governmental actions in dealing with climate change. His administration oversaw challenges from the Federalist Party who regained control of Congress in the 2012 midterm election and expanded its majority in the 2016 election. He is succeeded by Federalist House Majority Leader Rhee Yo-han of Umhapdo in the 2019 Presidential election. Rhee Yo-han's electoral victory makes him the first Balhaeyan to hold the office of the Presidency in Gyunghwa. During the race, Rhee promoted a much stronger Gyunghwa as his vision, including efforts for the country to pursue nuclear weapons and expanding the UR Navy and space program. He is the incumbent President of the United Republics.

Climate
Tropical climate, like that of Brazil.

Government and Politics
Gyunghwa is a federal presidential constitutional republic. There are four major parties that contest both federal and state elections, the conservative Federalist Party (연방당, Yeonbangdang), the liberal Democratic Party (민주당, Minjudang) the progressive Popular Party (인민당, Inmindang), and the libertarian Reform Party (개혁당, Gyehyeokdang). Federal and state elections are done through instant run-off elections since 1953, largely in part to prevent spoiler campaigns. The bicameral United Republics Congress is made up of the Council of States and the House of Representatives. The House of Representatives has 611 voting members, each representing a congressional district for a two-year term for the maximum of four terms. The House of Representatives is lead by the Chancellor, who holds considerable power in national politics despite leading the lower house of Congress. In contrast to the House of Representatives, the States' Council has 70 voting members, each members appointed by their respective state legislatures for a 6-year term for the maximum of two terms. The Council is considered to be a more prestigious position in Congress and ambitious Councillors usually have a better shot at the Presidency than a Representative. The States' Council is lead by the Speaker of the Council, who simply presides over the Council of States. Real power in the Council, on the other hand, is lead by the Council Majority Leader who normally sets agendas and the bills up for discussion in the Council. The United Republics Congress is composed as follows:

The President is the head of state of Gyunghwa's federal government, who is up for election every five years. The President directs the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander in chief of the United Republics Armed Forces. The President is the most powerful figure in Gyunghwa due to many executive power it holds and is seen as the representative of the Gyunghwan people. The Vice-President is the second highest office of the executive branch and ranks first in presidential line of succession. The Vice-President also serves as the President of the States' Council although their powers are limited solely for breaking tie votes.

The judicial branch of the United Republics has the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, whose judges are appointed by the President with the approval of the Council. The Supreme Court interpret laws and overturn those they find unconstitutional. Justices of the Supreme Court generally rules for life or until they resign.

On local levels, Gyunghwa elects mayors, city council members, state legislatures, and governors. Governors are elected on a four year term with a maximum of two terms while other elected local positions vary on terms and limits and depend on local and state lines.

Military


The United Republics Armed Forces are the military forces of Gyunghwa. The UR Army is the main ground force of Gyunghwa with the Army Reserve Corps serving as a volunteer reserve force. The UR Navy serves as the naval and naval aviation forces with the United Republics Marine Corps being an independent military force since the country's foundation. The United Republics Air Force is the nation’s formal air and cyber warfare corps. The Coast Guards is the maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement service branch of the United States Armed Forces. The newest branch of the United Republics Armed Forces, the United Republics Space Corps conducts military operations in outer space and space warfare, having been independent in 2021 from the United Republics Air Force. Gyunghwa spends nearly 2.38% of its GDP on military spending.

The United Republics Armed Forces currently employs 228,421 in active personnel with around 72,000 in reserve. The URAF produces most of their own equipment and vehicles and enjoys a well-funded and equipped fighting force for defensive and offensive capabilities. The United Republics Armed Forces has allegedly developed a robust biological and chemical weapons program, although the allegations are officially neither denied nor confirmed by the government.

Although Gyunghwa does not possess nor develop nuclear weapons, the United Republics is a nuclear-capable state, having the know-how and the infrastructure to produce nuclear weapons at will due to the country's use of nuclear energy. Successive administrations have avoided building nuclear weapons since the 1950s, instead focused on missile defense systems as countermeasures to nuclear missiles. However, since the late 2010s, there has been greater calls by the general public and even proposals by politicians and political candidates for the country to develop its own nuclear weapons program. The Rhee Yo-han administration has advocated for developing nuclear weapons, but faces challenges from Congress over the authorization of nuclear weapon build-up.

Foreign relations
Gyunghwa enjoys cordial relations with Yeongseon and Anglia, the former sharing close cultural ties and the latter being a reliable ally throughout its history, both countries enjoy strong military and economic partnership with the Gyunghwa. Gyunghwa is a member of the Ordic League and the Yeongseongin Community. Gyunghwa enjoys mixed to friendly relations with other nations in the world. Friendly relations outside of with Anglia and Yeongseon largely placed among member-states of HECO and the Amphian Compact. Mixed relations being with Gran Altiplano and Achtotlan. Relations with members of CODEX outside of Gran Altiplano, however, remain poor.

Administrative divisions
The major administrative divisions in Gyunghwa are thirtyfive states with 30 states in the mainland and five island states. The states are (in order by number):

1. Mansan

2. Gyerim

3. Bukahngok

4. Namahngok

5. Seopunggaang

6. Dongpunggaang

7. Dolseong

8. Daegyeong

9. Geonnang

10. Busang

11. Gobuk

12. Bukhongjeon

13. Namhongjeon

14. Jinhae

15. Daenamdo

16. Umhapdo

17. Geryo

18. Haeseon

19. Taegun

20. Arthdal

21. Andeok

22. Bongnae

23. Hanta

24. Taehwa

25. Nakrang

26. Hobuk

27. Jin

28. Daegukgyeong

29. Balgyeongdo

30. Baekdo

31. Yeongnam

32. Yeongseo

33. Sosamdong

34. Daebukdo

35. Myeongun

Energy
Nuclear power is the Republic's main source of energy, with 73% of electricity produced by Gyunghwa is from the 60 nuclear power plants. This has lead to Gyunghwa being one of the smaller emitters of carbon emissions among the developed nations. Gyunghwa does make use of other forms of energy and had constructed hydroelectric dams to produce energy and experimented with emerging renewable energy such as solar, wind, and wave, although renewable energy have some difficulty taking off. The Federal Energy Commission is the main regulatory agency in the country regarding energy in interstate commerce while most states have their own form of regulatory agencies. The United Republics is also a major exporter of uranium, petroleum, and natural gas.

Ethnicity
According to the 2018 census, the racial makeup of Gyunghwa is 73.4% Escaric, 9.3% Balhaeyan, 7.1% Amphian, 4.3% Antaric, 2.8 Osovan, and 4.1% Other/Multiracial.

Religion
Gyunghwa is religiously diverse, encompassing a wide range of beliefs and customs. As of the Republic Constitution, Gyunghwa has no established religion, and the government is committed to the protection of the free exercise of religion. According to the 2016 Gyunghwan Census, 48.7% of the population identify as Sindo. Fojiaoans account for 16.1% of the population, making up the second largest religion in thee country. Messianism is the third largest religious affiliation in Gyunghwa, with 12.6% of Gyunghwans identify as Messians. Of the Messian sects, Horizon Rites and Anglicanism are the two largest with Horizon Rites making up 17.2% while Anglicanism accounts for 4.8%. Other Messianite sects such as the Gyunghwan Vordic Church or the Nestorian Faith make up around 0.6%.. 8% of Gyunghwans identify as Taoist, 1.8% are associated with the Jindo faith, and 1.1% are grouped in with other, from native folk religion, Michi, etc.

11.7% of Gyunghwans identify as being nonreligious, agnostic, or atheists. Gyunghwans under 30 are more likely to make up the irreligious population.

Culture
Aside from the ative Valeyans, nearly all Gyunghwans and their ancestors settled or immigrated within the past five centuries since discovery of Valeya. The United Republics is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups however primary culture is very Western Escaric due to the traditions of Western Escaric immigrants, with a core Gyunghwan base being influenced by Yeongseon. More recent immigration from Amphia and the Hyspanic Southern Valeya had add to the multi-ethnic mix of Gyunghwa. Although most immigrants do retain a bit of their cultural identity, they have been encouraged to be assimilated within Gyunghwan culture, to observe Gyunghwan holidays and traditions, and to speak the Yeongseongeo language.

Entertainment


Gyunghwa enjoys a thriving entertainment industry in animations, dramas, films, video games, and music have played a major role in Gyunghwa's economy. Films and shows produced by Gyunghwan media companies see international success, especially with the success of the dark-fantasy action movie The Stone Monster in 1985. Animation and TV dramas are also part of Gyunghwa's major entertainment industries with the success of homegrown animated shows and live action dramas, animation companies making up a major percentage of the entertainment industry.

Gyunghwan popular music, called G-Pop, sets off to make themselves more unique from the much larger Y-pop. In contrast to the growth of idol groups in West Escar, Gyunghwan popular music had embraced solo artists and bands that specialize in rock and jazz as the primary musical symbols of Gyunghwa. Internationally acclaimed artists and rock bands include Jo Jong-yeol, The World, Supreme Cars, Red Sovereign, and Great Lee. Despite this, Gyunghwan idol groups such as Great Gonk and Lady Friends do see domestic success and Western Escaric idol groups from Chisei and Yeongseon regularly see hits in Gyunghwan musical billboards.

Video gaming is one of the fastest growing entertainment industries in the country, with the average Gyunghwan household owning at least one dedicated gaming console, PC, or smartphone, and a reported 63% of Gyunghwans play video games. Gyunghwa is home to many video game developing companies such as Action Labs, Hwasun Studio, and Ohsung Gaming.

Cuisine


Mainstream Gyunghwan cuisine takes its influence from Western Escar. Rice is the primary grain consumed in Gyunghwa and many dishes use ingredients native to Valeya such as potatoes, turkey, alligators, venison, corn, sweet potatoes, corn, peppers, squash, maple syrup, and tomatoes. These native foods, having been consumed by native Balhaeyans and Escaric settlers alike, have since then became a part of a shared menu and are usually seen during feasts in harvest and religious holidays such as Gyunghwan Thanksgiving and Christmas. Many popular Gyunghwan dishes such as fried chicken, char siu, meat buns, curry, lamb skewers, mapo tofu, apple fritters, pizza, churros, and ramyeon derive from recipes of various immigrants with some changes to fit the Gyunghwan environment and palate. Tea is widely consumed, especially with the popularity of green tea and matcha hailing from Yamatai.

The Gyunghwan diet has been described as being very meat heavy in comparison to much of the world. The vast lands and wildlife made wild game hunting and raising cattle and poultry much easier than in Yeongseon and it had played a role in shaping modern Gyunghwan diets and culture.

Fast foods are one of the popular source of nutrients in modern Gyunghwa ever since the 1950s as more Gyunghwans go to work and quick service restaurants were boosted to accommodate a working man's time. Homegrown fast food chains such as Seobu Dak and Bao Hwangje as well as international chains are widely visited in the nation and are profitable ventures. However, with the rise of health conscious eating as well as mass campaigns by health agencies warning about obesity and heart diseases, efforts were made for the Gyunghwan diet to be healthier and a rise of healthy fast casual chains had become popular among the newer generations.