Official Factbook of the Empire of Mephras

[Mephras]

Official Factbook of the Empire of Mephras

The Empire of Mephras is a semi-constitutional monarchy situated in the central area of the region of Nova. While the most recent Empire was established only 7 years ago, in 2002, after a 50 year period of communist rule, Mephras has an over 1000 year long history of monarchical rule, a tradition being tapped into by the current Empress. A developed country with trade and diplomatic ties throughout the region, Mephras is perhaps best known as a cultural powerhouse, whose visual art, music, and literary minds, cultivated at the glittering Imperial Court are renowned throughout the region. A nation culturally linked RL East Asia, particularly China, one could correctly characterize Mephras as a nation firmly stuck between modernity and tradition. Another way to summarize the nation would be to take the social situation of mid to late 18th century ancien regime France, make the people and some of the culture that of Tang China, and move it into the modern age. Of course, this is a gross oversimplification and open to change.

Basic Information

Official Name: The Empire of Mephras (大美孚国)
Short Form: Mephras
Demonym(s): Mephran, Mephrasian
Government Type: Semi-Constitutional Monarchy
Head of State: Mei Mian, (Courtesy Name: Eternal Dawn)
Capital City: Shengxing (formerly Euphova)
Largest City: Dagang (formerly Avedon)
Official Language: Mandarin
Important Minority Languages: Atrean, English
National Bird: Peafowl
National Flower: Orchid
National Tree: Juniper
Area (total): 21,070,000 km²
Area (excluding colonies): 9,976,000 km²
Population (December 2009 est.): 6,640,000,000

Etymology

The name Mephras is actually a name that resulted from the corruption of an earlier Chinese name for the people. Upon arrival in the Nova region and the Atrean sphere of influence, the Mephran people referred to themselves, now without a homeland, as Meifuren (美孚人). The was understood by the Atreans as "Mephran," and so the name Mephras was given to the lands they were to inhabit. This name is found on Atrean maps of the region beginning about 1300, and appears on several official documents of this period.

History

Mephrasians trace their history back to at least 3000 BC, when tribes began to inhabit the coastal and island areas of modern day southeast China and Taiwan. A system of clans was developed in this period, with the leader of the most powerful tribe effectively serving as the head or king of the entire group. While independence was nearly continually maintained until the 13th century, the Mephrasians continually felt the influence of their massive Chinese neighbor, with which they often entered into tributary relations.

By the Han Dynasty, the Mephrasian clans had reorganized their state into a Chinese style kingdom, a testament to the widespread absorption of that country’s cultural impact. However, the clan system and nobility remained a powerful force against the Chinese style bureaucracy. A stable farming and fishing economy with a thriving trade community developed in the country, prospering under wise leaders and declining under weak ones. A continual dynasty ruled the nation during this period, however it was not unheard of for the King to adopt an heir he found particularly suited to the throne. It was during this Asian period that Daoism and to a lesser extent, Buddhism reached the peak of their influence on Mephrasian culture.

The Asian period continued till the 13th century, when the Mongol Invasions forced the collapse of the Southern Song, viewed in that era as the protector of the Mephrasian people. It was this series of events that led the sitting King, Benevolent Wind, to set sail with a fleet containing nearly 4,000 citizens, hoping to find refuge from the Mongol barbarians. It is now regarded as fate by Mephrasian history that in 3 months time, after nearly 1,000 deaths, the ships would land in the region of Nova, at the site of the current homeland. Even more fortunate for the fleet was the fact that the ancient Atrean Empire was in the process of attempting to populate and civilize the lands upon which they landed. This lead to the establishment of a new Mephrasian state, an autonomous principality over which the Atrean Empire was suzerain. Benevolent Wind and his ancestors would from then on be officially Princes of the Atrean Empire, although the new state largely maintained the culture it cultivated in the Asian period.

The Principality Era, lasting over 600 years, was characterized by relative peace and stability under the Atrean Empire. A general tendency towards non-intervention and isolation bred cultural refinement and booming internal system of trade. In this era, trade centers began to grow into large cities where a new urban society and ideal rose to compliment the traditional agrarian aristocratic culture. However, by the early 19th century, this internal strength had turned into stagnation. As other nations began to seek new technologies and new lands through colonization, Mephras lagged, a fact that became even more apparent as regional neighbors moved ahead with technological and military developments.

While links with the Atreans had provided a degree of protection from external influence, by the early 20th century, the situation was becoming dire. A general failure to keep pace with global change that was affecting the lives of everyday people by the general aloof upper classes led to increased corruption and anarchy throughout the country, with foreign influence entering many of the nation's coastal areas. This culminated in the national tragedy of Nova War I, in which foreign conflicts were fought on Mephran soil, leading to death, disease, and starvation throughout the country.

At the same time, the Principality government tottered, nearing complete collapse. No longer being able to effectively rule the nation, a new group rose to fill the power vacuum. Influenced by Western ideas, Communists seized power throughout the nation, deposing the last Prince in early 1943, and gaining complete control of the nation by mid-1944. The People's Republic of Mephras was proclaimed in August, and the government immediately set out to modernize and centralize the now massive nation. Huge state run enterprises were established throughout the country while agriculture was finally mechanized. While social reform was continually part of the new state agenda, there was never a phase where traditional ways were destroyed. Rather, secularism and modernity were strongly encouraged, allowing traditional ways to continue, if in a diminished state. As often occurs with such regimes, stagnation eventually began to set in, along with a general increase in repression. Tipped off by an economic crisis at the beginning of the third millennium AD, the nation was again facing revolution.

This time, revolution would come in the form of an extremely popular 24 year old pop idol, Mei Mian. Mixing entertainment and politics, the current Empress began to curry favor with unsatisfied factions within the armed forces while seeding discontent through song within the greater populace. In early 2002, the coup was finally orchestrated, which aside from the execution of the former Command Council, was relatively bloodless. NOT FINISHED

Government

Mephras is a semi-constitutional empire, with Empress Mei Mian, (Courtesy Name: Eternal Dawn) as the head of State, as well as officially the head of government. Rising to power in a revolution only three years ago, Mei seeks to restore the grandeur of her nation last seen under the Principality government. At times when the Empress is away from the country or otherwise detained, the position of head of state is filled by a representative of the Empress. In daily affairs, the Empress is aided by the Privy Council and the Imperial Household Ministry, each wielding significant power at the national executive level. Early into the foundation of the Empire, the Empress granted a constitution providing a fairly broad range of social and political freedoms, however the constitution has recently been amended to grant a greater share of power to religious and noble groups within the nation.

The main legislative body of the nation is the Imperial Council, a body that consists of 206 members who collectively cast 210 votes, with the Empress casting five votes. Besides the Empress or her appointed representative, the council grants 55 seats to the Great Clans, one for each of the highest noble houses of the Empire. 10 Seats will be reserved for representatives of the ten major religious temples, with five additional seats allotted on a rotating basis to representatives of the minor temples. Five further seats will be kept for representatives of key minority religions in the Empire. To represent academic interests in the Empire, five seats each are given to both the Imperial Academy of Sciences and the Imperial Academy of Arts. To ensure the voices of important economic sectors are heard, five seats each are also given to the representatives of the Merchant and Agricultural Unions. The remaining 110 seats shall be directly elected by universal suffrage above the age of 20 in districts of roughly 50,000,000 people each. Legislation can be proposed by both the Council and the Empress, but all laws must be approved by the Council. However, all Council proposed legislation can be vetoed by the Empress, an act only possible to overturn by a 3/4ths vote of approval by the assembly.

Plans are currently in the works to create a lower house assembly, elected by universal suffrage and given limited legislative powers. Exactly how such an assembly would be constructed largely depends on the popularity of the monarchy at the time of implementation, but it would likely include the elected seats from the Imperial Council.

At the provincial level the Empire is organized into 100 provinces, which have a degree of autonomy. In governmental structure they partially mirror the national government, with the head of each great clan as hereditary governor. He or she is supplemented by a twenty person advisory council directly elected by the populace that can by 3/4ths support override provincial decisions.

At the municipal level, administration is divided between urban and rural districts, with mayors presiding over towns and cities and magistrates ruling county districts. Imperially appointed heads shall are met by a ten member elected council, who with a 2/3rds majority can override the mayor. All levels of government bureaucracy are staffed by people of skill without regard to background, selected through a blind examination procedure followed by Imperial Household interview.

[Mephras]

Geography and Climate

Mephras is situated on the western side of a continent in western Nova. It is bordered on the West by the Delosian Sea, the south by the Sea of Mephras, the north by the Principality of Damirez and the Empire of Atrea, and to the east by the Economic Union of New Manth. The coastal areas are largely filled by fertile plains, on which a large portion of the nations food supply is grown. A portion of this area, which extends into the center, is forested, although at a significantly lower rate than pre-settlement times. The central areas are generally rolling hills, which turn into medium elevation mountains in the far east of the country. There is also a small mountain range to the west of the capital, although generally of low elevation.

The climate of Mephras is as diverse as one would expect for a nation of its size. The northern coastal areas generally have a Mediterranean climate, which turns to a humid subtropical climate as one moves inland. Many of the northern islands would be classified humid tropical. The climate becomes more temperate as one moves southerly, although the climate is generally warmer in coastal areas and on the islands. Cooler climates area experienced in the mountainous east, and at generally higher elevations. Rainfall is generally plentiful, although it is generally more dry and sunny in the Mediterranean areas.

Recently, due to the growing population of the Empire, urban areas have expanded rapidly, encroaching on both wilderness and vital farming areas. While recent policies have attempted to increase the density of already developed areas of the country, it has been estimated that around 20% of the metropole's area is filled with urban areas as of now, and without significant density or territorial expansion, that percent is expected to rise. While there is some concern among certain members of society as to this fact, most just see it as an inevitable result of growth and progress.

Colonial Lands

After emerging from isolation, through various exploratory expeditions and deals, the Empire was able to acquire colonies on four continents. These lands are diverse and numerous. Home to over 1.380 billion subjects of the Empire, ethnicities vary from native colonial to metropolitan stock. There also exist an extreme diversity of climates and resources, allowing each of these realms to provide a key service to the greater whole of the Empire. The main colonial lands are Zambeziland, Mephrasian Arabia, Siam and the Malay, and Terre du Sud in South America which coexist with smaller island colonies such as Bahrain, Singapore, and Grenada. The colonies of New Avedon and New Slazengara compose the other half of the colonial empire, the former being of temperate climate, while the latter is somewhat cooler and harsh. Nevertheless, both are quite populous and productive.

Society and Culture

Mephran society can be basically separated into two main groups, the nobility and the commoners. While the nobility only composes about 0.5% of the population, its great wealth gives it a wide degree of visibility, and indeed its culture is that most associated with the nation internationally. The commoners generally lead a humble existence, which consists of trying to stay fed and housed while enjoying available entertainments. While there is a large degree of stratification between these two groups, it is possible for one to rise and fall. The nobility is a fairly open class, with titles both conferred by the Empress and available for purchase, leading the upper bourgeoisie to merge with the nobility. Beyond these official classifications, a growing merchant class takes a prosperous existence from serving the nobility and participating in business ventures, which has fostered an expanding middle class. At the bottom lies a significant underclass which lives a precarious position exacerbated by the generally abysmal social safety net.

The government estimates the nation to be 75% Mephran-Chinese, 20% native minority, and 5% expatriate minority. In recent years, a small but important population of foreign expatriates have established themselves as a key segment within Mephran society. Largely centered in the port cities and the capital, their ties to business and trade within the nation have brought them disproportionate influence within society. In the colonies, various minority populations tend to predominate. While there are no official barriers in regard to race, and several mixed race and foreigners have achieved high standing in the nation, minorities generally are less prosperous than the Mephran-Chinese majority.

Mephran society in notoriously harsh, considered by some to espouse a Social-Darwinist philosophy. Social programs are extremely limited, although they have expanded basically in order to keep the lower classes from revolting. This harshness, however, is coupled with a general social liberality that is generally fairly accepting if one is successful in the social and economic fields.

[Mephras]

Economy

GDP (PPP) Total: 288.35 trillion NSD (Dec 2009 est)
GDP (PPP) Per Capita: 43,400 NSD (Dec 2009 est)

The Mephran economy is largely characterized as a free-market, although minor aspects make it technically a mixed economy. Further, the concentration of wealth in the hands of the controllling noble classes leads the economy to be termed by critics as "crony capitalism." Lax regulation and privatization under the current regime have lead to high economic growth, although at the expense of the environment and social and income equality. There is no minimum wage and unions are outlawed. This situation has allowed for a persistence of manufacturing and lower wage industries unseen in nations of a comparable economic level.

Agriculture
While only accounting for 2.5% of overall value in the Mephran economy, past social ideals as well as current food needs make this sector one of continued importance to the nation. Blessed with 39% of the nation's area being arable, this has been further added to as the nation's density increased through irrigation. These factors, along with the sizable colonial holdings and technologies increasing the yield per acre, have allowed Mephras to achieve near self-sufficiency in food. However, the steps needed to achieve this, including high pesticide use and genetic and radiation based engineering have led to fears regarding the safety of Mephran food abroad, as well as environmental degradation.

Manufacturing
Currently the largest sector of the economy, manufacturing in Mephras is undertaken by several large and small firms, and covers various products and industries. Low wages and a lack of environmental regulation have led many high polluting, low tech firms to establish themselves in the country. Textiles and steel production are two of the leading types of production currently in the country. Recently, a few high tech firms have sprung up in the wealthier cities, although it is too earlier to see how this will impact the overall economy. Another trend in manufacturing involves the shifting of low-tech industries to the colonies, where wages are lower. In general, this is viewed as beneficial to the country, but it has caused some discontent among mainlanders who have found themselves unemployed.

Services
The fastest growing sector in the economy, service industries have risen rapidly in recent years, particularly in the port of Avedon and the capital. Bolstered by the nation's newfound wealth, particularly the sponsorship and consumption of the court, magazine and book publishing, banking and casino gambling have begun to employ a large portion of the populace. Unlike the grimy mass production of the secondary sector, these operations are generally smaller and cater to an upper class clientele.

Important Figures

Mei Mian, Empress of Mephras
One part Faye Wong, one part Imelda Marcos, and one part Marie Antoinette, the 34 year old Empress of Mephras is the generally unquestioned ruler of the nation. First rising to fame as a teenage Pop Star, Mei became the most famous woman in the nation expanding into film and television before seizing control of the nation from the former crumbling government. Her liberal policies have set the nation on the path to high economic growth, however she herself has also benefited enormously from this, racking up a fortune estimated by some to be over 100 billion dollars. Much of this money has been earned through her record label turned conglomerate, Mian Corp, which now has a hand in many of the nation's rising industries. This money, however, doesn't simply sit in the bank, as she is well known and often criticized for her outrageous spending and partying habits, including a rumored cocaine habit. Married to Alex Rayne, an influential Damiran, the relationship appears quite strong, even as their busy schedules force them to spend most of their lives apart. Even as she has many detractors, she is still held in high regard by most Mephrans.

Lihong Mian, Prince of Yan
The 32 year old younger brother of the Empress, also the current heir to the Mephran throne. Known in his earlier years as an irresponsible playboy, he has recently shaped up after being appointed governor of the South American colonies where he proved an efficient administrator. He now holds a position as Colonial Liaison at the court in Euphova, closer to the seat of power and his sister. Still retaining some of his libertine ways, the Prince has a reputation as somewhat of a sex addict, with a preference for male lovers. Current net worth is estimated around 20 billion dollars, largely from South American holdings. While many suspect he has designs on the Mephran throne for himself, he has stated on many occasions that he has no interest in such responsibilities. Whether he is to be believed or not is another matter.

Lu Zhang, Marquis of Ai
The 26 year old Imperial Secretary and the titular Marquis of Ai, Lu Zhang in charge of all of the Empress's communications and serves as the 1st personal assistant to her. Arguably the closest confidant for the Empress, even above her husband. Rising from a humble beginning in a working class Avedon neighborhood, he distinguished himself when graduating 1st in his class at the Imperial University. He first worked as an underling in the Foreign Ministry before being hand selected for his current position by Mei after meeting him at a court ball. Articulate and witty, many aristocrats resent the position of favor he holds with the Empress, claiming that he has exploited their relationship in order to enrich himself. Indeed, the Empress showers him with gifts and money constantly, allowing him to acquire a multi-million dollar fortune in only four years. Many rumors suggest that he and the Empress are lovers, though it is unclear whether this are simply made up and malicious. Somewhat of an eccentric, his love of fashion has led many to term him a dandy.

Daiyu Long, Duchess of Kun
The chief lady in waiting to the Empress and scion of one of the wealthiest and well regarded families in the Empire. She came to serve the Empress one year ago at the age of 22, and quickly became one of her most trusted friends. Considered one of the nation's greatest beauties, Daiyu is of a shy and gentle temperament. Her willingness to listen, wisdom beyond her years, and unquestioned loyalty to her friends has won her many admirers. An accomplished pianist, singer, and equestrian, and master of six languages, her upbringing allowed her access to the finest tutors in the nation. An increasing rarity at Court, Long is devoutly religious and considered the prude of her group of associates. Despite her personal religiosity, she is generally nonjudgmental towards her friends.

[Mephras]

Military

Number of Active Troops: approximately 16.5 million
Active troops as percentage of total population: 0.25%
Total Annual Military Budget: approximately 5.7 trillion USD
Annual Military Budget as Percentage of GDP: 2.0%

The Mephran military is split into three main sections, the army, navy/coast guard, and air force. Most resources are focused towards the proper defense of the nation, leaving the nation with minimal power projection capabilities. While the troops are both well funded and well equipped, The military is often plagued by poor leadership. This stems from politically, rather than merit based appointments of commanders at nearly every level of leadership. Current operations include securing colonial acquisitions and putting down anti-regime activities in the nation.