Terranihil

For other uses, see Terranihil (disambiguation).

Republic of Terranihil Repuvlikila Teranǐl
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Samet čertis prokresaı" "Steadfast towards progress"
Anthem: Đizamıa Ǎšantis
Capital and largest city	Minaltar
Official languages	Vaktrian
Ethnic groups (2021)	65.6% Vaktrians   19.0% Arameans 7.9% Kavardans 2.5% Haythamites 2.2% Acillians 1.2% Druz 1.0% Jews 0.5% Arabs 0.1% Other
Religion (2021)	50.2% Atheism, irreligion or Astrianism   25.3% Christianity   19.3% Islam   5.2% Other
Government	Unitary dominant-party semi-presidential republic
• President	Draıčren Armǎk
• Prime Minister	Demrina Ŧeira
Legislature	Havrtarsh
History
• Terranilian Civil War	1864
• 1928 Terranilian Coup d'état	1928
• Restoration Revolution	1937
• Young Officers' Coup	1952
• Corrective Movement	1974
Area
• Total	5,156,000 km2 (1,991,000 sq mi) (6th)
• Water (%)	2
Population
• 2021 estimate	108.3 million (8th)
• Density	21/km2 (54.4/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)	2021 estimate
• Total	₵1.39 trillion đ87.95 trillion (8th)
• Per capita	₵12,849 đ812,000
Gini (2021)	38 medium
HDI (2021)	0.744 high
Currency	dinar (TND)
Time zone	AMT-1, -2, -3, -4 (Terranilian Timezones)
Driving side	right
Calling code	+62
Internet TLD	.tn

Terranihil, (Vaktrian: Teranǐl), officially the Republic of Terranihil (Vaktrian: Repuvlikila Teranǐl), is a country in southern Ecros, spanning from the Anduluzian Sea to the Caelean Sea. Occupying 5,156,000 square kilometers (1,991,000 sq mi), it is mostly a dry and mountainous nation with large deserts and mountains inland and Anduluzian climate on the coasts. Minaltar is the capital and largest city. The population is about 108.3 million. Terranihil is ethnically and religiously diverse. Vaktrians are the majority ethnicity, and Aramean and Kavardan are the second and third largest populations respectively. About half the nation identifies as atheist, irreligious, or Astrian, while most of the rest are Christian or Muslim.

Terranihil is a unitary republic consisting of 12 governorates.

Etymology

The word Terranihil was originally an exonym used by the Romanyan Empire. It is a combination of the Romanyan Iberic words terra, meaning "land", and nihil, meaning "nothing". Together they mean "land of nothing" to the convey the meaning of a barren landscape. The Romanyans used this name for the desert and mountain regions to its north which consist of the Sadical Mountains and the Terranilian Desert. The Vaktrian word Teranǐl is a corruption of the Romanyan version, which the Vaktrians living in the Terranilian High Desert (also described as part of terranihil) adopted.

History

Ancient history

Evidence of human civilization in Terranihil dates back to the 7th millenium BCE during the time of multiple neolithic cultures. The history of Terranihill prior to its unification is often split into three sections that developed separately but converged over time: Alaia in the east, Kavarda along with the further inland regions of Terranihil, and Vaktria in the west.

Alaia and Kavarda

Also see: Alaia and Kavarda

The historical region of Alaia is an area located west of the Caelean Sea in Eastern Ecros. This historical zone is part of the broader Ancient Caelean Coast, in which some of the earliest known civilizations existed.

Alaia highlighted

Sumeria is the earliest known civilization in the two regions, emerging in the mid 5th millenium BCE along the valley of the Alaius and its tributaries. Sumerian cuneiform to inscribe the Sumerian language dates back before 3000 BCE. They constructed ziggurats as temples, some of which stand to this day. Sumerian land had poor land irrigation which led to increased soil salinity. This reduced agricultural yield and upset the balance of powe, weakening Sumerian-speaking regions and strengthening Akadian-speaking ones. Henceforth, Sumerian would remain only a literary and liturgical language. Sumeria came under Murtan rule until they were later conquered by Akadia in 2300 BC.

Akadia was centered in the city of Akad. The empire united Akadian and Sumerian speakers under one rule. During the 3rd millennium BC, a cultural symbiosis developed between Sumerians and Akadians, which included widespread bilingualism. Akadian, a Semitic language, gradually replaced Sumerian as the spoken language between the end of the 3rd and the early 2nd millennia BC. The Akadian Empire reached its political peak between the 24th and 22nd centuries BC, following the conquests by its founder Sargon of Akad.

The Ayreoshubic Empire originated in the Caelean Coast and conquered as far north as modern day southern Quebecshire and as far south as Judea. At its height between 2100 to 1950 BCE, it also controled inland regions including Alaia after the Ayreoshubics defeated the Akadians. The empire collapsed in 1900 BCE due to internal conflicts and famine. The Ayreoshubic alphabet also spread and developed into Greek, which later developed into the Iberic script.

Symbol of Babylon, the Lion of Babylon

After the Ayreoshubic Empire conquered Akadia, the people of Alaia coalesced into two major Akadian-speaking regions: Babylonia in the west and Assoria in the east. Assoria existed as early as the 25th century BCE (in the form of the city-state of Assur). From 600 BCE following the fall of the Neo-Assorian Empire to the 4th century CE, Assoria survived as a geopolitical entity dominated by foreign powers, including Babylonia and the Romanyan Empire. Babylonia existed from 1950 BCE as the city-state of Babylon until its fall in 500 BCE. The Neo-Babylonian Empire conquered Assoria in 600 BCE. Arameans began migrating into Babylonia in the Middle Period, and Aramaic grew to significant prominence while Babylonia was under Neo-Assorian rule.

The Tundren Empire, based in the region of Kavarda, was founded by Tundre the Great in 515 BCE. Tundre arose and defeated neighboring civilizations, including the Neo-Babylonian Empire, after which he officially established the Tundren Empire. The Tundren empire collapsed after the Romanyan Empire conquered the Caelean Coast, along with the Tundren Empire's provinces in the 1st century BCE.

Vaktria

Main article: Vaktria

Map of the Kingdom of Vaktria in 45 BCE

Vaktria is the homeland of the Vaktrians, an ethnolinguistic group that speaks Vaktrian. Proto-Vaktrian city-states existed along the Maplas and Kher rivers and the Andaluzian coast since the 2nd millenium BCE. The Chernastid dynasty ruled over the city-state of Dastivus since c. 900 BCE. Chernastum I, whom his dynasty is named for, conquered all of the Vaktrian speaking cities along the Maplas and southward by the beginning of the 8th century BCE. Chernastum declared himself Ultvar or king of Vaktria with Dastivus as the capital.

The Kingdom of Vaktria expanded northward, capturing several more cities, until it had conquered most Vaktrian-speaking people in 45 BCE. The ancient Vaktrians practiced Astrianism, based on the prophet Astera's teachings, which remains the majority religion of the Vaktrian people. The Romanyan Empire conquered and annexed Vaktria as a province in 130 CE.

Romanyan rule

See also: Romanyan Empire

The Romanyan Empire had Alaia under its rule from 60 BCE to 600 CE as a province. During this time, Christianty spread throughout the region and became especially common among speakers of the Pytabian dialect of Aramaic. The Pytabian Church of the West officially organized itself in 410 in Mestaga, Kagoria. The Church of the West shared communion with the Romanyan Church until the Council of Ephesus in 431. The Church of the West sided with Nestorius and broke away from the Romanyan Church. The Nestorian churches were persecuted and many followers fled to Kagoria. Most Kagorians practiced the native Kavardan religion of Habzism, while the ruling class practiced Judaism. Kagoria tolerated minority religious groups and the Kagorian Christian community grew. In 451, the Miaphysite Orthodox Churches, one of which was the Pytabian Orthodox Church of the Eastern Pytabian rite, rejected the verdict of the Council of Chalcedon. By the end of the 7th cenury, most Alaians had converted to Christianity.

Map of the Romanyan Empire in 300 CE

Romanyan Vaktria was a province of the Romanyan Empire beginning in 130 CE. Christianity reached Vaktria around the late 3rd century. Christianity would only firmly establish itself in Dastivia in the late 4th century. Vaktria remained under Romanyan rule until 325, when the Vaktrian revolt in the north led to the fracturing of the province into the Septarban Kingdom and the Romanyan province of Dastivia. Romanyan Dastivia saw the rapid spread of Vaktrian Christianity and separation of the Vaktrian Orthodox Church from the Great Church in 451. Dastivia itself broke away from the Empire 190 years after to form the Ragasan Kingdom.

Middle Ages

Kagoria was a Kavardan empire in western Terranihil established by the semi-nomadic Kagor tribe in the 4th century CE. The ruling elite of the Kagorians had converted to Judaism in the 6th century. The empire conquered surrounding regions including Alaia from the Romanyans in 600. Soon after however, the Mutadinun Caliphate conquered Alaia and Kagoria shrunk to only control Kavarda.

The Ragasan Kingdom was ruled by the Ragasan dynasty, founded by Ragas. Ragas led the revolt against the Romanyan Empire and the secession of northern Romanyan Dastivia in 515. The Kingdom was one of the earliest Christian nations, but had a major Astrian population. It engaged in multiple wars with its northern neighbor, the Septarban Kingdom. The Sagasan Kingdom was conquered by the Zuhraid Caliphate in 760.

The Septarban Kingdom was ruled by the Septarban dynasty, founded by Septarbus after revolting against the Romanyan Empire in 325. The kingdom officially practiced Astrianism and attempted to suppress the spread of Christianity. It was the rival of Romanyan Dastivia and then the Christian Ragasan Kingdom. The Septarban Kingdom was conquered by the Zuhraid Caliphate in 780.

Islamic period

The Zuhraid Caliphate expanded its borders through military conquest to become the largest caliphate and one of the largest empires in history. Alaia was transfered into Zuhraid control as it was already part of the Mutadinun Caliphate. It conquered Kagoria in 709 and then Vaktria by 780. The Caliphate facilitated the spread of Islam to the Kavardans and Vaktrians. Sunni Islam became prominent with the former, while Imranism, a Shiya branch was most common with the latter. Arabs also settled in some parts of Alaia and Vaktria. The Second Shia Revolution began in 870. Several Shia factions declared war against the Zuhraids. The Haltemids, an Imranist Vaktrian dynasty that had ruled Vaktria since 825, joined the fitnah. However, as the war progressed, they decided to form an independent caliphate instead. In 876, the Zuhraid Caliphate fractured into several smaller nations.

Map of 13th century Vaktria

Following the collapse, the Haltemid Caliphate had a period of peace until the rebellion and secession of the Vaktrian Christian Mikailan Kingdom in 973. The Caliphate defended against crusades from the Mikailans. The Terranilian Empire took much of the northern lands of the Caliphate in 991. The Druz Emirate of Araz won independence from the Haltemids in 1200, and the Haythamite Nasrid Emirate seceded in 1206. After several wars over more than two centuries, the Terranilian Empire completely conquered the Caliphate in 1253.

The Emirate of Mestaga was a Kavardan emirate in Kavarda with its capital in Mestaga. It was established following the collapse of the Zuhraid Caliphate. The Emirate of Mestaga was ruled by several dynasties, all of whom were Sunni Muslim. Aramea was a kingdom during was founded in 876 during the Zuhraid collapse. In 1272, Aramea launched the First Aramean Crusade against the Emirate, with the intention of capturing the city of Mestaga. Mestaga was significant for Pytabian Christians, as it is the place of establishment of the Pytabian Church of the West. Though the Church's headquarters moved to Valeriana, Mestaga still had a large Christian population. The crusaders were able to capture some territories to their west but failed to take Mestaga. The Terranilian Empire conquered both countries by the 15th century.

Terranilian Empire

Main article: Terranilian Empire

The Terranilian High Desert and the Upa Forest was populated by Astrian Vaktrians for centuries. They had not been ruled by any foreign nations such as the Romanyan Empire or Zuhraid Caliphate. They began to transition from nomadic tribes and small villages into larger nations in the 6th century. In 934, Hetarvis founded a dynasty that would become a dominant nation in the High Desert. It was located at the edge of the Upa Forest in northern Terranihil. Ultvar Navaktan I of the Hetarvian dynasty conquered the Terranilian Confederation in 972, which marks the beginning of the Terranilian Empire.

Expansions

The Terranilians always wanted to recapture Vaktria, as it is the ancestral homeland of the Vaktrians and Astrians. Documented Terranilian folklore tells about a future return to Vaktria and restoration of the previous Vaktrian Astrian nations: the Kingdom of Vaktria and the Septarban Kingdom. Astrians had been persecuted by the Zuhraids, Haltemids, Ragasans, and Mikailans. Thus Terranilian writings often wished for an Astrian revival, its return to prominence in Vaktria, and vengeance upon Christians and Muslims.

Terranilian siege of Minaltar

In 991, the Terranilian Empire conquered northern parts of the Haltemid Caliphate, but was unable to expand further. Terranihil dealt with many difficulties in the 11th and 12th centuries preventing expansion, including Acillian invasions and famine. In 1197, the Haltemid Caliphate failed to retake its northern lands, which led to instability in the Caliphate and the secession of the Emirate of Araz and Nasrid Emirate. The Terranilian Empire invaded and defeated the Emirate of Araz and the Haltemid Caliphate by 1253. In 1344, the Empire conquered the Nasrids, and then conquered the Mikailans in 1356. Terranihil had thus conquered the entirity of Vaktria. Under the Empire, Muslims and Christians faced persecution. Astrians repopulated major cities that had been converted to Islam and Christianity.

The Trans-Terranilian trade route was established in the 3rd century CE by the Romanyan Empire. All routes crossing the Terranilian desert passed through the Terranilian Empire. The Empire took advantage of this and restricted the Vaktrian states's access to the route during war. In 1369, the Empire began planning for eastward expansion. The Terranilian Empire sent several armies east. It spent about three years fighting Acillians. The Terranilian Empire then began constructing military outposts near major trade routes. The Emirate of Mestaga became weary of the Empire's expansions. Additionally, many Acillians had fled to the Emirate to escape the violence. The Emirate began preparing for a potential war. As the Terranilian Empire continued to move east, the Emirate of Mestaga began to fortify its western border.

In 1395, the Terranilian and Mestagan border was formed. The two nations' armies first met at in the battlefield in 1398, at the Battle of Ankarishako, in which the Terrranilian army sieged and won Ankarishako Fort, the Emirate of Mestaga's furthest west fort. The Empire first captured Fort Tundre in Psydo in January of 1402. The Emirate of Mestaga recaptured it, then Terranihil retook it for the final time in 1404. Then the Empire under the Ilsamian dynasty resumed expansions in 1426 and slowly moved towards Mestaga. The Empire won the Battle of Mestaga in 1428.

In 1440, Terranihil invaded Aramea and took some parts of southern Alaia. Then in 1449, Aramea launched the Second Aramean Crusade to retake its lost lands, which was successful. Then Terranihil once again invaded Aramea and conquered the whole of Alaia by 1459.

Middle period

The middle period in Terranilian history is one of relative peace within Terranihil. It is an era of mostly diplomatic and economic expansion rather than territorial expansion. The Empire had acquired access to both sides of Ecros and thus a new group of nations of interest.

In 1461, the Quebecshirite Empire leased a coastal territory called Sainte-Delphine from the Terranilian Empire. Terranihil provided material support to the Monarchist Coalition for the Reunification in the Quebecshirite Civil War in 1607. Then in 1610, Terranihil sent its military to assist the monarchy until the stalemate. In 1621, Quebecshire relinquished Sainte-Delphine after defaulting on its lease payments.

Naval battle between Reykani pirates and the Terranilian navy

In the 16th and 17th century, the Terranilian Empire came into conflict with Reykani pirates. In March of 1656, Terranilian slavers abducted several hundred Reykanies from Cape Nátfari in an incident that became known as the Terranilian Abductions.

18th and 19th century politics in Terranihil came to be dominated by two factions: the Neortens, who supported an increase in legislative power, and the Ultvarans, who supported absolute monarchy. Discontent grew under King Astera VII of the Palern dynasty, who began ruling in 1788. Astera suspended the Terranilian Parliament in 1798 and ruled by personal decree. The tensions escalated, and Astera was overthrown in September of 1801 and replaced by Princess Cecilia in the Revolution of 1801.

Civil war

Uvran of the Tasrčera dynasty, uncle of the young king Ragas and highest ranking general, took de facto control of Terranihil in 1859. Uvran not only refused to acknowledge or implement Parliamentary legislation, he threated to completely abolish the Parliament and arrest its members on multiple occasions. Treatment of religious and ethnic minorities significantly deteriorated under his rule.

In 1862, he tried to centralized and institutionalize the Astrian religion by establishing the shortlived National Astrian Temple. In 1863, Uvran made Paitestanism the official denomination of the National Astrian Temple and excommunicated Thanists and Hadrianists, alienating many Astrians. In March of 1864, three Members of Parliament proposed a bill to abolish the National Astrian Temple. Uvran then issued arrest warrants for those MPs. Two were arrested while a third went into hiding. The Parliament demanded their release and for Uvran to step down. He refused to do so and arrested another MP for treason. The Parliament proceeded with the vote on the abolition of the National Astrian Temple and passed the law.

Battle of Talmyra

Many in the Neortan faction were Republicans, who wanted the complete abolition of the monarchy. This part of the faction had significantly grown since the Revolution of 1801 and then after Uvran took power. In November of 1864, several Republican MPs, governors, and other high officials declared that Uvran must renounce his title of king and release the arrested MPs and that the Parliament must deliberate on the restructuring of the nation's government, and that military action would be taken if Uvran refused to comply. Uvran condemned his opponents and began preparing for war.

Six of the twelve governors immediately declared their support for the Republicansin the Terranilian Civil War. They were led by Vutanin Siftira, governor of Dastivia. Three other governors joined the Republicans by 1866, while three remained loyal to Uvran. The war lasted until 28 January 1868. It is the most deadly conflict in Terranilian history, killing 150,000-220,000 people. The Republicans defeated the Loyalists, and King Uvran went into exile.

Modern history

Early republic

The Republican victors of the Civil War held a constitutional convention in February of 1868, in which parliament, with the guidance of the governors and other officials, discussed the restructuring of the government and the writing of a new foundational document. In 9 February, the new Terranilian Constitution was ratified, marking the establishment of the Republic of Terranihil. The reforms included the abolition of the monarchy, an increase in the size of parliament, formalization of the position of prime minister as head of government, and establishment of the office of the president as a mostly ceremonial head of state.

Vutanin Siftira was elected as the first president. The Reform Party was establshed in 1892, which aimed to increase presidential power and increase centralization of the governorates. The Republican Party was officially established in 1892 as well, which had its roots in the earlier Republican movement. It dominated Terranilian politics, holding a majority in parliament, until 1908. The Republicans advocated for the primary role of parliament in governing.

In 1898, parliamented voted to add 120 more seats that were not related to a constituency. Voters would vote for a party rather than candidates and seats would be allocated proportionally to each party. This policy was pushed mainly by the Reform Party and several smaller parties hoping to gain increased representation.

Rise of the Liberal Democrats

The Republican Party began to fall out of favor in the early 1900s as the nation entered a period of economic depression and due to Republican leaders' inability to suppress the Cepezans Movement, a Kavardan separatist insurgency. In 1900, the Liberal Democratic Party (PĐL) split from the Republican Party with a platform of economic liberalization. In 1898, Hetarvus Frapem, a Reformist, was elected as president, the first non-Republican to hold the office. In 1900, he was assassinated by a Kavardan alleged to be part of the Cepezans Movement.

In 1908, the Republican Party lost its majority hold over parliament for the first time. It still had the plurality, but other parties had increased in size, particularly the PĐL. In 1912, the PĐL won a plurality, overtaking the Republicans as the largest party. The PĐL facilitated the formation of the Quebecshirite-Terranilian Petroleum Company (QTCO). Oil was discovered in 1916. Quebecshire owned 80% of the shares in the company, while Terranihil owned the rest. It first began producing oil in 1916 and quickly became one of the world's most profitable oil companies. In 1914, Liberal Democrat Razǎnem Mažel won the presidency, and then in 1916, the PĐL gained a majority in parliament. The PĐL continued to open up Terranihil to foreign investment. It also passed multiple laws strengthening the role of the president. The PĐL received criticism from the opposition for agreeing to such a low stake of Terranilian ownership in QTCO.

The Terranilian Communist Party (PKT) was also quickly growing. Founded in 1907, it became the second largest party in parliament in 1924. The PKT and Republican party formed the People's Coalition with its main points of agreement being the nationalization of QTCO, increased regulations on corporate power, and maintaining political power with parliament.

The PĐL became worried of a potential communist take over of parliament in the following elections. Much of the wealthy class of the nation urged president Tǎzma and prime minister Umar Šam to take action to ensure parliament would maintain a majority in the 1928 parliamentary election. The PĐL began planning methods of suppressing Republican and Communist voters. Quebecshirite officials also feared that QTCO would be nationalized.

Arrested communists being escorted by police in Minaltar

During the election in June, PĐL supporters and bribed police harassed and intimidated people at ballots into voting for the PĐL. Quebecshirite intelligence hired several Terranilian gangsters to instigate mass protests against the PĐL and to harass non-PĐL voters. However, the election results on August 1 showed that the People's Coalition was still able to win a majority in parliament by five seats. The PĐL contested the results, accusing the Communist and Republican parties of rigging the election.

Šam and other PĐL MPs refused to elect a prime minister until an investigation was conducted into the alleged election fraud. On August 4, president Amen Tǎzma instructed the Department of Domestic Security to arrest the MPs involed in election fraud. The next day, parliament held an election for prime minister with 31 MPs from the People's Coalition absent. They reelected Šam in what is considered the 1928 Terranilian coup d'état

There was very little legal opposition to the PĐL. The People's Coalition was unable to form a strong opposition. President Tǎzma had high support as leader by many within the PĐL. The PĐL's earlier reforms that strengthened the role of the president allowed the president to issue decrees that went into effect immediately, unless overturned by parliament with a majority vote. To the public, Tǎzma and Šam appeared to have a cooperative relationship following the 1928 election with each respecting the bounds of their roles, but a power struggle between the two quickly ensued. On 1 June 1929, parliament held a vote of no confidence. Šam was voted out with 329 in favor.

In the following years, parliament further increased the power of the president, allowing Tǎzma to veto parliamentary decisions and increasing the presidential term limit from two to four. Communist and republican political opposition continued its attempts to regain power. Tǎzma continued to use tactics to suppress the opposition and maintain his position and a PĐL majority in parliament. In 1936, despite the PĐL's efforts, lost its majority in parliament.

Several militant groups were active during Tǎzma's presidency. The Cepezans Movement in Kavarda had been mostly suppressed, though its thought was developing into what would be known as Hezenism, an Islamic socialist ideology. The Astrian Vaktrian nationalist ideology Sentanism was articulated and developed by several thinkers.

21st century

Foreign relations

Chairman Armǎk significantly increased Terranihil's influence in world affairs. He worked with Stëphaän Bolduc, the Prime Minister of Willdavie to established the Terraconserva Economic Union (TEU). Armǎk also became allies with Grand Admiral Alyosha Karamazov, the leader of Morova; Morova was admitted into the TEU but was ejected only twenty seven days later for its internal conflict with Zion and Joshua Graham. Terranihil still maintains friendly relations with the nation; however they have been strained by recent events regarding the Sinking of The Lady Kieva and weapons embargoes on Morova. Armǎk established alliances with Quebecshire and Rakeo, all of which are TEU members, as well as with Karimun and New Gandor, a member of Aurebeshia. Terranihil actively supports the Rally for Lyoan Democracy in the Second Lyoan Civil War.

Kavardan ethnic cleansing and continued conflicts

Main article: Kavardan ethnic cleansing

File:Kavardans aha.jpg

Kavardans detained at the Soislaan facility

The Troubles continued into the twenty first century. The most significant attack was the February Seven Attack on Minaltar in 2020, in which the Free Christian Army killed 169 people and injured more than 700 others. Several of the FCA operatives were Kavardan, and Terranihil had already accused Kavarda of funding the FCA. This triggered a drastic response from the Terranilian government, specifically the Department of Internal Security.

The so called Stability Order was issued on February 9, 2020, which ordered the establishment of the Department for the Re-education of the Religiously and Politically Disturbed (DRRPD), ordered the construction of several facilities to hold the "religiously and politically disturbed", and ordered the relocation of all people of Kavardan heritage within Terranihil to these facilities.

Currently 150,000 Kavardans have been removed from the their homes and sent to one of the eight facilities. Brutal killings during the removal process have been reported by refugees; however it is unclear what occurs within the facilities. The DRRPD stated that the Kavardans were not being exterminated; propaganda issued by the department depicted the facilities as safe, peaceful camps to reeducate Kavardans and others. The phrase "Kavardan Vacation" has spread throughout Terranihil to describe the campaign.

Geography

Topography

Ecoregions

Terranihil has an area of 1,449,894 sq mi (3,755,210 sq km). It lies between latitudes 5° and 20°. It is bordered to the north by Kavarda, to the south by Greater Sacramento, to the west by the Andaluzian Sea, and the west by the Caelean Sea. Terranihil consistts of the Terranilian Plateu, except for the coasts and Andaluzian Mountains. It is one of the most mountainous countries in the world. The tallest volcano in the world, Mount Živaž, is part of this mountain range.

The eastern coast and north western coast are covered in forest. The south is dominated by Merfát mountains. Northern and central Terranihil is mostly semi-arid desert, except for the Terranilian Plains and small patches of forest north of the mountains. There are two main low lying deserts, the Sossosa Desert in the west and the Pirás Desert in the north.

Climate

Terranihil has a diverse climate, ranging from arid to semi-arid to subtropical. The eastern and north western coasts have temperate yearly temperatures and recieve an average of about 1800 mm per year. The semi-arid inland experiences hot summers and severe winters with some parts recieving snowfall. Temperatures can shift more than 20 °C (36 °F) from day to night in the semi-arid regions. The arid deserts are hot year round with scarce rainfall. Temperatures in the deserts can reach up to 46 °C (115 °F), and precipitation averages about 50 mm per year. Water scarcity is a major problem in the inland regions of Terranihil. The southern mountains are alpine tundra; they have severe winters and dryness, as well as snowfall.

• Photo gallery
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  Mount Živaž

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  Sossosa Desert

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  Forest in Nordsámgen

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  Western Terranilian Basin

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  Andaluzian Mountains

Fauna

The wildlife of Terranihil is composed of several species, inculding lynxes, bears, cheetahs, wolves, foxes, panthers, gazelles, pigs, camels, hawks and falcons. Terranihil has one of the largest leopard species in the world. The Andaluzian Tiger, which was the national animal of Terranihil before the Progressive Revolution, is beleived to be extinct; populations began dwindling in the late 19th century and early 20th century. The last sighting of an Andaluzian Tiger was in 1996. Terranihil has over 120 endangered species. Poaching of leapords, wolves, panthers and other large animals is common. The Terranilian government has implemented regulations to prevent the destruction of ecosystems and wildlife species. Poaching may be punishable by death.

• Photo gallery
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  Caelean lynx, national animal of Terranihil

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  Northern camel

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  Long-legged buzzard

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  Blue whale

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  Golden hamster

Demographics

Historical population
year				Pop. ±%/yr
1938			9,600,000 –––––
1948			12,690,000 +3.18%
1958			16,280,000 +2.85%
1968			21,340,000 +3.11%
1978			27,150,000 +2.72%
1988			35,320,000 +3.01%
1998			42,240,000 +1.96%
2008			48,090,000 +1.62%
2018			54,980,000 +1.20%

Terranihil's population is about 54.98 million. The nation's population has been growing since the late 20th century because of a high birth rate; however, mass emmigration has slowed down the growth. The growth rate of 2018 was 1.20%. The estimated population in 2050 is 75 million.

Terranihil is one of the largest sources of refugees in the world. About 1.6 million Terranilians (mostly Muslim) have left Terranihil since 1940, 90% of which entered Greater Sacramento. The Terranilian government has deported about 220,000 Kavardans, mostly to Kavarda, since February in the Kavardan ethnic cleansing.

The Terranilian government stated it does not consider the emmigration of Muslim and Christian Terranilians to be a loss.

Ethnic groups

Terranihil consists almost entirely of ethnic Terranilians, who make up 94.16% of the population. Terranilians are descendent from the ancient Ayreoshubes. They dominate the nation's politics and military. About 900,000 Terranilians have immigrated to Greater Sacramento since 1940.

Ethnic minorities in Terranihil (3.61% of total population)

  Póniepans (80.82%)

  Kavardans (14.03%)

  Shazaqanites (4.97%)

  Other (1.78%)

Póniepans are the second largest ethnic group in Terranihil, making up about 4.55% of the population. The population of 2.5 million Póniepans is concentrated in the semi-autonomous governorate of Póniepa. Póniepans are closely related to Terranilians and experience much less discrimination than other minority ethnicities. Póniepans are allowed full rights as citizens and members of the National Progressive Party. Póniepans and Terranilians originated from a common ancestral group called ancient Terranilians. Póniepans evolved a similar but distinct langauge and maintained the pagan religion and tradition of the ancients.

In 2018, about 440,000 Kavardans lived in Terranihil, making up about about 0.79% of the population; however, because of the ethnic cleasing, the current number is estimated to be about 200,000. The population was concentrated in Kristgen. Ethnic Kavardans in Terranihil likely originated from immigrants to the Second Kingdom of Greater Minaltar in the 19th century who established communities in Kristgen and Hégeis. They became a target of discrimination after the rise of the PPF in 1940.

154,000 Shazaqanites live in Terranihil, mostly in Áten, making up about 0.83% of the population and the fourth largest ethnic group. An estimated 6,000 people of other ethnic backgrounds live in Terranihil, most of which are Willdavieans.

Languages

Terranilian is the official and dominant language of Terranihil. Póniepan is a recognized language and is the dominant language of Póniepa; Póniepan is taught as a second language in some Terranilian schools. Kavardan and Shazaqanic are spoken by Kavardans and Shazaqanites, respectively; however, schools are not allowed to instruct in any language other than Terranilian.

Religion

Religious map

Terranihil is officially an atheist state. Atheists make up almost 70% of the population and completely dominate the nation's politics. Although religion is legal, the PPF places heavy restrictions on religious practice and persecutes Muslims and Christians. Schools often teach about the falsity of religion. Muslims and Christians are de facto barred from politics.

Atrienism, a pagan religion, was once the dominant religion of Terranihil; however, the Age of Knowledge in the 15th and 16th centuries led to the loss of faith of many pagans. Although Terranilians kept the values of their pagan ancestors, most pagans became atheists by the 20th century. Póniepans have retained their pagan faith and are the last remaining practitioners of Atrienism. Atriens are generally not persecuted by the PPF and are allowed safe practice by the semi-autonomous Póniepan government.

Religion in Terranihil
Atheism			69.19%
Alhaz Islam			17.22%
Minaltari Christianity			7.12%
Atrienism			4.45%
Ayyad Islam			0.83%
Kavardan Christianity			0.79%

Alhaz Muslims are the largest religious group in Terranihil, making up about 17% of the population. Most Alhazis live in western Terranihil, where the religion first spread in the 7th century. The Shazaqanites in Terranihil mainly practice Ayyad Islam. Muslims in Terranihil face heavy discrimination from atheists and the government.

Minaltari Christianity is the second largest religious group with about 3.9 million practitioners, about 7% of the population. They mostly live in eastern Terranihil in Melkek and Kristgen. Despite the name, most Minaltari Christians do not live in Minaltar; the denomination originated in Minaltar, but the de-Christianization of Minaltar in the 14th century pushed the denomination out of the city. Kavardans in Terranihil still practice Kavardan Christianity, the dominant religion of Kavarda. Christians also face discrimination and persecution.

Government and politics

The Terranilian government is based on the 1890 Constitution; the popularly elected president and their cabinet acts as the executive, while the bicameral parliament is the legislative. This system was upheld from its establishment in 1890 until the Progressive Revolution in 1941. After the revolution, the National Progressive Party gained complete control of the nation, and the chairman of the party was given unregulated authority over the government. The constitution has been amended several times to suit the demands of the party and chairman.

Terranilian government structure

Chairman

The Chairman of the National Progressive Party is also the President of Terranihil. Although the office of president was kept in check by the legislative and judicial branches before 1941, after the revolution, the president and chairman was allowed unregulated authority. The chairman's word is considered law. Those who defy or question the chairman are often removed from office, imprisoned, exiled or executed. The constitution originally dictated that the president could serve a maximum of two terms of four years each; however, the parliament under Žapre Virǎt amended the constitution to abolish term limits. Succession for the chairman position is not clearly outlined by any document. Generally, when the chairman dies, a power struggle ensues in which the party member with the most influence and support rises to the position. Usually the new chairman is the previous deputy chairman, but that is not the rule. The successions are usually accompanied by purges of government officials by the new ruling administration.

Political parties

Main article: Political parties in Terranihil

There were multiple political parties before 1941. Several parties, such as the Republican Party or the Póniepan Solidarity Party, were formed during the constitutional monarchy of the Kingdom of Terranihil and continued into the republic after the Terranilian Civil War. Many new parties formed after the war, including the Conservative Party and Secularist Party. After the Progressive Revolution, all parties other than the PPF were strictly banned. The PPF remains the singular legal party in Terranihil, and today has a membership of over five million. Anyone who wishes to serve in the government must be a party member.

Legislature

House of Deputies chambers within the Parliament building

The Parliament serves as the legislature of Terranihil. It has two houses: the upper House of Deputies and the lower House of Representatives. Each popularly elected governor of a governorate chooses two deputies for the upper house, while the representatives are elected directly by the populace. The Parliament is supposed to keep the president and judiciary in check, having the power of impeachment of both the president and judges.

However, the Progressive Revolution effectively made the parliament a rubber stamp for the decisions of the chairman. Since 1941, parliament has convened an average of twice a year and passed an average of one law a year. Because of its unanimous support for all decisions made by the chairman, it has been mockingly referred to as "the most expensive singing club in Terranihil" due to the frequent singing of the national anthem during meetings.

Departments

Vazho Kelsath, the Director of Internal Security and leading Terranilian politician.

The departments of the Terranilian government are the principal units of the executive branch. The executive departments are the administrative arms of the President of Terranihil. There are currently twelve departments, and each department has subdepartments. At the head of each Department is a Director. The most prominent department in Terranilian politics is the Department of Interal Security (DIS), which is responsible for public security; the Director of Internal Security is considered third in command after the Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

Administrative divisions

Terranihil is divided into forty governorates, which are led by an elected governor or governess. Governorates have government similar to that of the federal government, with a parliament and court. Minaltar is a special governorate, because it is directly under the federal government's jurisdiction; rather than a governor appointing two deputies for the House of Deputies, the president chooses the so-called presidential deputies. Póniepa is also a special governorate that is allowed extra autonomy; it participates in the parliamentary system just as the other governorates but maintains different laws and a military. The governorates are further divided into 230 counties.

Laws

The Terranilian police and other law enforcement agencies maintain strict law and order in Terranihil. Capital punishment is a common sentence for violent or sexual crimes, such as murder or rape. However, there are many reports of the police carrying out extrajudicial executions. After the Progressive Revolution, the chairman was able to pass laws without the need of parliamentary or judicial approval. Although governorates and counties do pass local laws, federal law is considered supreme.

Controversial laws in Terranihil include: the legality of abortion in most cases; the restriction of firearm ownership to police, military and government officials; the legality of marijuana for recreational although uncommon; the legality of psilocybin mushrooms and their common use; the illegality of wearing religious garb on government property such as schools and courthouses; and the Stability Order.

Crime

Crime in Terranihil does not include the rampant insurgent activity of The Troubles. The Kortan Yem, or Terranilian mafia, is a major concern in Terranihil. It is responsible for drug, weapons, and human trafficking. The Resistance reportedly pays the Kortan Yem to smuggle Kavardans out of Terranihil and into Greater Sacramento. They have also cooperated with Mara Salvatrucha, the Creeperian gang, to traffic cocaine mainly into western Terranihil.

Human rights

Human rights in Terranihil have severly decreased ever since the Progressive Revolution. The Terranilian government has persecuted religious and ethnic minorities on several occasions, targeting Muslims, Christians and Kavardans. Substantial evidence exists accusing the Department of Internal Security of kidnapping political opponents and religious citizens, torture, assassination, and ethnic cleansing. Corruption within the police is common, and the police frequently use exessive force and carry out extrajudicial killings. The Progressive Guard acts as the PPF's secret police and is responsible for executing the party's mandates, such as assassinating political opponents or perpetrating the Kavardan ethnic cleansing. The human rights of Kavardans has rapidly degraded since August of 2019.

Christian civilians killed by the Progressive Guard during the Progressive Revolution

Military

The Terranilian Armed Forces are lead by the president in coordination with the Director of Defense, and are divided into the army, air force and navy. The armed forces consists of about 732,000 active personnel. Several entirely or partially state owned companies, such as Thetázert, Nesterven and Red Kazgarl, produce weapons, vehicles and aircraft for the armed forces. However, much of the military's equipment is imported from allies, including Xusma, New Gandor and Willdavie.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Terranihil

Terranihil is a founding member of the Terraconserva Economic Union. It shares close relations with Willdavie, Quebecshire and Rakeo and has cooperated with New Gandor, and Karimun. Terranihil's relations with Lyoa have deteriorated because of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Terranihil and Terranihil's involvement in the Second Lyoan Civil War. Terranihil also has poor relations with Creeperopolis because of historical and modern political disagreements. Terranihil has mixed relations with the nations of Aurebeshia.

Environment

The Terranilian government states that it values and prioritizes the environment. The Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for protecting the evirontment. Some production has been regulated to preserve ecosystems; however, oil production is often prioritized over the evironment. There are many national parks in Terranihil. The DEP attempts to protect endangered species; Terranihil voted in favor of TCN Resolution 021 and contributes to the Terraconserva Database of Endangered Animal Species.

Economy

Oil platform off the eastern coast.

Terranihil's economy is a mixture of central planning, state ownership of oil and other large enterprises, village agriculture, and some private companies. Production in Terranihil remains highly socialized. In 2018, GDP was ₵1.11 trillion (19th highest in the world), or ₵20,149 per capita. Terranihil is ranked as an upper-middle income economy. Petroleum is the largest contributor to the economy, followed by agriculture, mining, and textile production.

Oil

Main article Energy in Teranihil

Terranihil has many large oil reserves mainly in the east and operates many onshore and offshire drilling sites. Terranihil is one of the world's largest oil exporters, being the main oil supplier of Willdavie and Rakeo. The government owned Terranilian Oil Corporation holds a monoply on Terranilian oil production. The Terranilian reserves are about one-fifth of the world's total conventional oil reserves. Terranihil closely protects data relating to oil production.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Terranihil

Art

The art of Terranihil encompasses several disciplines, including music, literature, painting, architecture and weaving. Terranilian art shows a great deal of variety throughout different time periods and regions. The oldest pieces of art originate from the Ayreoshubic Kingdom; however, Terranilians developed a unique style after the fall of the kingdom and the tribal migration across the continent. Christianity and Islam heavily influenced artists. The east, during its Christian period, produced several famous mosaics and hymns. The west, during the prominence of the Terranilian Emirate, was influenced by the art and caligraphy of Greater Sacramento. The Kingdom of Terranihil saw the rise of musical composition and literature that remains influencial in modern Terranihil.

Music

Main article: Music of Terranihil

Teler Žostavok, the most popular Terranilian composer of the 20th century.

Knowledge of early Terranilian music has mostly been passed down through tradition. Several harps and drums have been discovered that date back to 800 BC, as well as wind instruments dating back to 600 BC. Other traditional instruments include the qanun, dutar and tompak. Many traditional songs have been preserved. Early Terranilian plays incorporated music and song. After Christianity spread, hymns and chants became popular in Minaltar and the east. Terranilian Alahaz Muslim musicians also created music dedicated to Allah or the prophet Muhammed.

Momta wind instrument dating back to 600 BC.

After the reunification of Terranihil under the pagan Kingdom of Terranihil in 1262, traditional pagan music and song was revived and reformed using many new instruments and musical theories. The common-practice period, which began around 1600 and continued until the 20th century, was when tonality and modern composition and theory were developed. This period is further divided into the baroque, classical and romantic periods. The orchestra and instruments like the piano and violen became widespread. Famous Terranilian composers include Polsien Žobán, Kem List, Dolpo Vagnor, Egath Zhorák, Teler Žostavok and Musme Ravél.

Modern Terranilian music includes pop, rock, jazz and hip hop. Classical music remains popular in mainstream music. Modern composers include Fazil Sai and Ramín Zhawad. The Minaltar Philharmonic, established in 1898, is considered the one of the best orchestras in the world.

Literature

Main article: Literature of Terranihil

Mikse Kamu

The earliest literature in Terranihil originates from the Ayreoshubic Kingdom, in which many famous plays and poems were created. Plays and poetry remained popular with the Terranilian tribes and city-states after the fall of the Ayreoshubic Kingdom. Ugabes is a popular poem that originated from the Republic of Minaltar in 3500 BC. The period from the 1st century to the 12th century is mostly characterized by religious literature after the spread of Christianity and Islam. Literature during the Kingdom of Terranihil was influenced by Ayreoshubic and ancient Terranilian art. Aféz and Verdosi are the two most famous Terranilian poets.

Salman Ruždi

Novels became more popular in Terranihil during early modern period (16th and 17th centuries). 18th century literature was greatly influenced by the Age of Knowledge. Jan Gerte was the most famous Terranilian writer of the 18th century. Romanticism dominated the 19th century. Modernist from 1900 to 1940 and Postmodernist literature from 1940 to 1990 became the main literary movements of the 20th century. Kem Kafek, Avkól Nabók and Mikse Kamu are considered the greatest Terranilian writers of the 1900s.

Political literature, both in support and against the Terranilian government, continues to be popular since late 20th century. Salman Ruždi is the most popular living Terranilian author, though he immigrated to Greater Sacramento and has been publically condemned by the National Progressive Party.

Painting

Main article: Painting in Terranihil

Untitled painting by Brevést Festápana

Similar to music and literature, the earliest paintings in Terranihil originated from the Ayreoshubic Kingdom. Murals and papyrus illustrations of pagan dieties and myths were popular in pre-Christian times. The spread of the gospel caused a major shift in Terranilian art towards depicting biblical stories in painting. Caligraphy from the Andaz Caliphate spread along with Islam to western Terranihil. The rise of the Kingdom of Terranihil led to a revival of Ayreoshubic and pagan paintings. Reza Abasi and Mir Ali are the most famous classical Terranilian painters.

After the Progressive Revolution and the PPF's rise to power, religious art has become highly discouraged. Paintings in the classical pagan style are encouraged. Nationalist painting has grown to prominence in Terranihil; however, underground art movements that deviate from the PPF's standards are also popular in Terranihil and internationally. Brevést Festápana is the most popular modern Terranilian painter, though denounced by the Terranilian government, who immigrated to Greater Sacramento and was murdered in 2005.

Film

Film making in Terranihil first began in the 1940s with silent films. Most early films were PPF propaganda. A private film industry emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, producing several internationally acclaimed movies. The industry continues to thrive in modern Terranihil, with several actors gaining widespread fame. Several Terranilian expatriates to Willdavie have also gained international fame. Terranilians also frequently watch films produced in Willdavie; Diamant Brut is the most popular foreign produced film in Terranihilian history.

Cuisine

Terranilian cuisine is rich and varied in its ingredients. Terranilian cuisine shares similarities with Arabic and Shazaqanic food in Greater Sacramento. The main dishes that form Terranilian cuisine are kibbeh, hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, labneh, shawarma, mujaddara, shanklish, sujuk and baklava. Terranilians often serve selections of appetizers before the main course. Za'atar, minced beef, and cheese manakish are popular hors d'œuvres. The Terranilian flatbread khubz is eaten together with most meals. Drinks in Terranihil vary depending on the time of day and the occasion. Terranilian coffee is the most well-known hot drink, usually prepared in the morning at breakfast or in the evening. It is usually served for guests or after food. Arak, an alcoholic drink, is a well-known beverage, served mostly on special occasions. Other Terranilian beverages include ayran, jallab, white coffee, and a locally manufactured beer called Al Shark.

Falafel and hummus

Holidays

Terranihil has several state recognized holidays, as well as other unrecognized cultural and religious holidays. Republic Day on December 16, which celebrates the founding of the Republic of Terranihil in 1890, Chairman's Day on June 3, which celebrates the Chairman of the PPF and Žapre Virǎt's birthday, and Revolution Day on December 31, which celebrates the Progressive Revolution, are a few of the most popular state recognized holidays.

The significant Muslim population celebrates Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha, as according to the lunar calendar. They also fast during the month of Ramadan. Christians in Terranihil celebrate Christmas and Easter. Religious holidays are not recognized by the state and public celebration is often restricted.

Sports

The most popular sport in Terranihil is football. Terranilian watch the Terranilian National Football League and the Terraconserva Cup. The Terranilian national football team is one of the top competitors in the world and is currently participating in the 2020-2021 Terraconservan Cup. Martial arts, specifically Terranilian wrestling and kickboxing, are also very popular.