United Federation of Aroco
| CAPITAL: | Wildsmith |
|---|---|
| LARGEST CITY: | wip |
| OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: | Mercish |
| ETHNIC GROUPS: | wip |
| RELIGIONS: | Messianity (57%) Karamism (9%) Other (8%) No Religion (26%) |
| DENONYM: | Arocan |
| GOVERNMENT: | Federal Presidential Republic |
| PRESIDENT: | Richard Sanderson |
| VICE-PRESIDENT: | Aaron Burke |
| AREA: | 13 Million km² |
| POPULATION: | 214 Million (1100) |
| GDP: | $10 Trillion (1100) |
| CURRENCY: | Arocan Dollar ($) |
| TIME ZONE: | UTC +4 to +12 |
| CALLING CODE: | +1 |
| INTERNET TLD: | .ar |
Overview
United Federation of Aroco, also known as just Aroco, is a country located on the continent of Aroco. It is a federal republic made up of 61 states, 4 unincorporated territories and 1 federal district.
History
United Federation of Aroco traces its origins to the Eleven Colonies under the Merco-Renish Empire which lasted from the 8th century to 887 when the Arocan Revolution overthrew Merco-Renish rule and established a republic based on the principles of liberty and democracy. Despite that systemic oppression of the native population continued through slavery and displacement.
The need for arable land used to sustain the growing population of the United Federation in the 19th century pushed settlers further Eastwards which paved the way for further expansion. With expansion came division between Eastern and Western states which stemmed from the conflict regarding slavery, until it eventually culminated with the Rebellion of 949, which sought to abolish slavery. The rebellion was defeated in 950 and slavery continued until 969 when it was finally abolished after years of public pressure. Expansion was done also through conquest as is the case with the War of 930 when the Northern Territory became part of the UFA.
Following decades saw UFA emerge as an economic powerhouse with industrial growth powered by an influx of immigration from abroad and further territorial expansion. By the 11th century Aroco had become a major contender on its hemishphere. This growth came at the price of instability which became apparent with the stock crashes of 1016 and 1020 as they paralysed Arocan economy for the following years in what became known as the Great Recession. UFA eventually recovered by 1030 and once again entered the world stage which was proven by its contribution to the victory over Saxenland in the Great War.
Following the Great War Aroco emerged as one of the three superpowers alongside the Potentate of Eikai and Socialist Union of Aurora. UFA positioned itself as the leader of the East Bloc in opposition to both Auroran Socialism and Eikaian Imperialism with one of the most focal points being the Conflict in San Mar. At home, inequality grew with the economy and eventually public protests and pressure over disenfranchisement led to the adoption of laws more equal for minorities.
However as Aurora expanded its oil production Aroco had found itself increasingly reliant on it, which was proven by the 1079 Oil Crisis. Douglas Raymond, a Federalist Party candidate, utilized that opportunity and campaigned on a platform promising a pro-business stance to rebuild the economy and curbing reliance on Auroran oil in the 1081 presidential elections.
The presidency of Douglas Raymond in the 1080's brougt more pro-business reforms and hightened Cold War tension between UFA and SUA as Raymond commited to containing the perceived threat of Socialism and combatting Arocan reliance on Auroran oil. On top of that, recent advances in information technology offer new opportunities, but also dangers as the Internet is becoming more widely aviable.
As of late 11th century Aroco still holds the position of the largest economy in the world championing its liberty and freedom, however internal issues over the questions of rising economic inequaliy and persisting social issues remain.
Douglas Raymond
Geography
With a combined area of 13 million square kilometers United Federation of Aroco is the second largest country on Terra right behind the Socialist Aurora. It is made up of 61 states, 4 unicorporated territories, and 1 federal district stretching across 9 time zones.
Economy
Aroco is a massive, developed, free market economy with a GDP of 10 trillion dollars making it the largest economy in the world. It is driven by consumption, innovation, and competition. The largest sectors include mining (oil), manufacturing (consumer goods), and services (entertainment and research). Aroco has the highest avarage household and employee income in the world, however it also has a large wealth gap with wealth being highly concentrated in the top 10% of the Arocan society owning around 60% of it. The currency of Aroco, the UFD ($) is the main global reserve currency and the de facto world trade currency.
The UFA remains as the leading force on the world entertainment market with Aroco expanding its soft power through culture exports, particularily through music, films, and literature. Technological research and innovation also play a big role in the Arocan economy with the country being a powerhouse of innovation being driven by private incentive and competetiveness. This is reflected by the recent trends of the rise of information technology and the increasing popularity of the Internet.
Despite Aroco's economic prosperity recent trends indicate falling wages relative to employee productivity and rising number of those living below the poverty line, mainly due to the wealth concentration and weak employees' collective bargaining, but also because of UF's lack of a social state. UFA is the only developed country to not guarantee paid vacation and family leave. Aroco also has a higher than avarage percentage of low-income workers compared to other developed nations.
Arocan car assembly line (1080)
Culture
Aroco is made up of many ethnic groups, traditions, and customs, however a mainstream set of values and ideals specific to Aroco can be outlined and is most often cited as the Arocan culture. Arocan society is described to have strong values of individualism and competitiveness. Freedom of speech, property rights, self-expression, and economic liberty are also considered to be paramout in Arocan culture. Moreover, through soft and hard power UFA has been able to export its culture in forms such as films, music, literature, and more. The idea of an "Arocan dream", a perception of prosperity and social mobility, has also played a crucial role in the cultural development of the country. Whether social mobility exists in contemporary UFA has been subject of debate.
A significant portion of Arocans are descendants of immigrants which has led to establishment of various diasporic communities and cultures unique to the Arocan environment. Many members of said communities still hold pride in their origins despite often being already assimilated into the mainstream Arocan culture.
Despite the perceived social mobility, the economic devide has also shaped the Arocan culture. Different attitudes attributed to specific social classes exist and communities surrounding specific stratas had also formed throughout the history of the country.