Crowned Republic
Flag
Coat of Arms
Motto: "Unitas pax libertas et securitas"
Location
Population: 12,281,000
Density: ~50 persons/km²
Capital: Highton City
Largest City: Alexandria
Official Languages: Mercanti, Aleman
Other Languages: Talansk, Reyterrisch
Demonym:
Hightonian (Mercanti) or
Hightonisch (Aleman)
Government:
- Crowned Prince: Diego II
- President: Alex Calabrese
- Vice President: Alina Ziegler
- President of the Senate: Coco Majmun
- Secretary of Int'l Affairs: Antonio Fernández
Legislature:
-Upper House: Senate
-Lower House: Legislature
Establishment:
Succeeding: Principality of Highton, Kingdom of Aleman
Date: 5th of September, 1831
Land Area: 151,617 miles²
244,004 km²
Elevation
Highest Point: Mt. Aquino (1700 ft above Sea Level)
Lowest Point: Reyterra Basin (4 ft below Sea Level)
GDP (nominal): ?304,742m (662,483m NSD)
GDP per capita: ?24,814.51 (53,944.61 NSD)
Human Development Index (HDI): 85.36 Years
Currency: HBK/Block (?)
Literacy Rate: 99%
Time Zone: MST
Drives on the: Right
Calling code: +237
Internet TLD: .hi
Highton
The Crowned Republic of Highton, commonly known as Highton, is a democratic constitutional monarchy located on the Craviter. Highton covers 244,004 square kilometers and has a population of about 12,280,000. Highton comprises of 7 states, one autonomous district, and one special economic zone.
The first people in Highton emigrated from Gothis and are genetic cousins of the Nihund people. Over the next 500 years or so they formed the Seven Kingdoms, which were warring states for almost 200 years. Eventually, the Pobfénix Empire grew on the coast but fell 40 years later. The four nations, Highton, Aleman, Talansk, and Pobfénix, eventually became just two nations-Highton and Aleman-due to unions of crowns. Prince Thomas of Highton married Princess Eleanor of Trier to unite the crowns of Greater Highton under one flag. Later, nations to the east were annexed after the Eastern Wars. Attempts to overthrow the monarchy around the turn of the twentieth century resulted in the assassination of Princess Emma, but the revolution ultimately failed. During the reign of Princess Gabriele, however, a new constitution was written which stripped most power from the monarchy. Since then, there have been successful presidents such as Philip Bäcker, Ida Schönau, and Felix Columbious and unsuccessful ones such as Jorge Torredo and Spencer Campbell. The current President is Alex Calabrese (C) and the current Prince is Diego II.
Highton operates as a free-market capitalist economy. Laissez-Faire capitalism is a central ideology of Highton and socialism is generally frowned upon. Highton's GDP sits at ?304,742 million (662,483m NSD), or ?24,814.51 (53944.61 NSD) per capita. Annual government spending is 32%, or about ?91,211 million. Recently, Highton was accepted into the Phoenix Union.
Contents
1 Etymology
2 History
3 Geography
4 Demographics
4.1 Population
4.2 Language
4.3 Race
4.4 Largest Cities
5 Government
5.1 Principality
5.2 Executive
5.3 Legislative
5.4 Judicial
5.5 Foreign Relations
6 Economy
7 Culture
7.1 Food
7.2 Sports
7.3 Political Parties
8 Infrastructure
8.1 Railways
8.2 Motorways
8.3 Airports
Etymology
The name Highton originates from the name of the Highton Principality in the 1400s. That Principality's name is probably derived from "High town" as the Principality's capital, what would later become Highton City, was located on top of a hill.
The standard way to refer to a citizen of Highton in Mercanti is as a "Hightonian" or as "Hightonisch" in Aleman.
History
The Seven Kingdoms
The first tribes to live in Highton settled on the Phoenix Coast around the year 450 AD, but slowly moved further east. While the Mercanti-speaking North Hightonians originated from other parts of the Cravinjian continent, the Alemans are actually genetic cousins of the Nihund people from Gothis. By the year 1000, the Seven Kingdoms had appeared and were constantly feuding. Throughout the seven kingdoms period, the seven nations (Ishtagland, Glöckenland, Ein, Victex, Talanskia, Nola, and Lincon) rose and fell, but by the end of this period (1270) Ein had emerged the most powerful. As the Pobfénix Empire, it streched hundred of miles along the coast north and south. The empire fell in 1432 when the kingdom was pushed back to it's original borders.
The Crowns Unite
After the fall of the Pobfénix Empire, four monarchies rose. These four nations would remain present for the following three hundred years. These kingdoms were Highton, Aleman, Talansk, and what remained of Pobfénix. Highton, unlike the others, was a principality. The territories east of these nations were the independent states of Rixionland and Centralia, but these would not have an impact on the other nations until much later. In 1583, King David IX of Aleman married the heir to the Talansk throne, Bianca. A few years later, Talansk was essentially absorbed into Aleman when Bianca was crowned Queen of Aleman, rather than Talansk, to rule alongside each other over both lands. The second union occurred when the Nine Years War took place between 1730 and 1739. It started when Pobfénix invaded part of the Highton Principality and the nations went to war. Highton emerged victorious and annexed Pobfénix. In order to gain the support of the conquered Fénixians, Prince James III married the daughter of the Fénixian King John, Katherine of Einestadt.
A Sole Government
The Highton that exists today began on the 5th of September, 1831. This was the date that Crowned Prince Thomas VI was married to Princess Eleanor of Trier, the heir to the Aleman throne. When Eleanor ascended to the throne, she handed authority over to her husband and the crowns were united. The Principality of Highton ruled over all five of the keystone regions in the west. In 1848, war broke out between the United Central Provinces (formerly Centralia) and Rixionland. This war became known as the East Highton War. As the war raged on, both sides were exhausted and their economies in ruin. Highton separately offered to annex both nations and both reluctantly agreed. U.C.P. was renamed "Cocoland" after the national animal and the cocoa bean, which are both common in the forests of the region, and Rixionland was renamed Hightonia after the nation that it was now joining. Both were loosely populated areas which were first added as territories after the war and then as states in 1894. Other notable monarchs of the nineteenth century include Princess Lucia, who carried the nation through the Eastern Wars, Prince Friedrich, who led to the nation to industrialize, and Princess Sophia II, who brought forth progressive reform and supported rights for women.
The Revolution
Around the turn of the twentieth century, a movement sprung up for a republican revolution to overthrow the monarchy. Princess Sophia II did a very good job at slowing this revolution, but following her death in 1910 the nation erupted into chaos for a brief period. Sophia's successor, Emma, was assassinated in 1911. Her brother Karl took the throne and promptly removed many royal powers and transferred them to a democratically elected diet. Karl died in 1921, and he goes down in history as the one who stopped the overthrow of the monarchy. The next two princes, Federico and Antonio, had short reigns which brought the nation to Crowned Princess Gabriele. For the first twenty years of her reign, Gabriele continued improving the nation and transferred the diet into a parliament. Despite her efforts, talks of a new constitution began once again in the late '40s. Gabriele agreed to give up most of her powers and the monarchy became a symbolic role. The legislature was reformed once again to what we see today and a president, Thomas Bolton, was elected.
The Modern Age
After Bolton's term ended in 1957, his handpicked successor Friedrich Nacïon took the job after winning the election. Both Bolton and Nacïon represented the Republican party, the group which had advocated for the new constitution. However, Nacïon suddenly died in 1960 of unknown causes. It was at this point that the Republican Party collapsed and split into the Liberal and Conservative Parties. Two Liberal presidents followed, before a Royal Party candidate, Phillip Regal, was elected to the surprise of many. Regal restored many pro-monarchy policies before he was voted out of office in 1977. In 1978, Princess Gabriele died after 57 years on the throne. Another Liberal, Steven Hayes, took office, however, he was unpopular and lost to Conservative James Núñez after just one term. After Núñez's successful term, the Bäcker brothers were elected back-to-back. Crowned Princess Sara led programs to expand beyond Highton's borders and across the North Pacific. Liberal Ida Schönau signalled the return of that party in 2001 when she was elected, however she lost re-election to the New Royal Party's Spencer Campbell in 2005. Campbell's term was so unsuccessful he didn't even run again in 2009 and Conservative Felix Columbious won in a landslide. Columbious was a popular president but was forced to resign in January of 2016 due to health concerns. Alex Calabrese took office to complete his term. Then Calabrese ran against the Royal Party's Sophia Issiani and won in a slim victory. In 2017 and 2018, Princesses Isabella and Sophia were born into the Royal Family. The natural successors to Prince Diego II had finally been born, since Diego and his wife could not produce a child.
Geography
Highton is located on the Craviter, between Kaschovia, Berkowitzia, and Yuubiia. It stretches from the Phoenix Strait in the west and almost to the Norsian Strait in the east. The Phoenix Coast, which is along the Phoenix Strait, has many beaches and is a relatively dry region. The regions of North Highton, Reyterra, Aleman, and Talanskland are all dry, hilly regions which are more densely populated. Cocoland is a forested region famous for its wildlife and Hightonia is a mountainous region which contains the Rixion Mountains.
States (by population)
Rank[c]State[c]Population (and %)[c]Capital
[c]1[c]Aleman[c]2,947,392 (24%)[c]Trier
[c]2[c]Reyterra[c]2,333,352 (19%)[c]Victoria
[c]-[c]Alexandria[c]1,964,950 (16%)[c]-
[c]3[c]North Highton[c]1,842,120 (15%)[c]Highton City
[c]4[c]Talanskland[c]1,350,888 (11%)[c]Calabria
[c]5[c]Pobfénix[c]1,105,272 (9%)[c]Jefferson
[c]6[c]Cocoland[c]392,965 (3%)[c]Georgetown
[c]7[c]Hightonia[c]343,862 (3%)[c]Rixion
Demographics
Population
The Population of Highton sits at around 12.2 million.
Language
Highton has two national languages- Mercanti and Aleman. Mercanti is spoken in North Highton and the Jeffersonian Districts. Mercanti is also the lingua franca in Cocoland and Hightonia, where various local languages are spoken. Mercanti is also the language used in the Alexandria District. Aleman is a language spoken in the Aleman region and the Wolf Districts, Reyterra, and Talanskland. Aleman is a South Gotic language which was brought over by the Nihund peoples in the 4th century. The national anthem is written in Aleman. Students across the nation usually learn one of Mercanti or Aleman in school.
Religion
In terms of religion, the nation is primarily Couranist. The unofficial national religion is Coutantism, however, the government has made it very clear there is freedom of religion. It is split about 63% Courantist, 16% Protestant, 5% Shaddaist, 4% Native Beliefs, 3% Möchist, 3% Orthodox Messianist, 2% Mehrabist, and 1% other.
Race
Aleman- the Alemans are one of two South Gotic ethnic groups. The closest related ethnic group is the Nihund peoples from Gothis- the Alemans are actually Nihundish settlers on the Craviter who settled in Highton. Today, the states of Aleman, Reyterra, and Talanskland are dominated by Alemans while Pobfénix, Alexandria and North Highton contain a high number of Alemans as well. Traditionally, the group was smaller and more spread out with led to the Fenixians taking most of control in the region. Before Highton was unified, North Highton had a larger military and bigger population. But in the 180 years since, Aleman's population and influence has grown astronomically and now Alemans outnumber Fenixians 7:2.
Fenixian- the Fenixians are a native group to the Craviter. They speak Mercanti but the written language uses the character þ (the -th sound). Original nations in the Highton region were primarily Fenixian. Today, Fenixians live in North Highton, Pobfénix, and Alexandria. The Principality of Highton (ended 1831) was 90% Fenixian however today Fenixians only make up 20% of the population.
Rixion- these are a completely different ethnic group to the others. They were native to the jungles and mountains of Eastern Highton. Despite this, Rixion numbers have never been too high due to their isolation. The language spoken is generally Mercanti because it is used for communication and the once-independent states (such as the historical region of Rixionland) in the east were influenced by the Principality of Highton. Rixions are the oldest surviving ethnic group in Highton but some Rixions remain outside Hightonian borders.
Largest Cities
Rank[c]City[c]Metro area population[c]State
[c]1[c]Alexandria[c]1,964,950[c]Alexandria District
[c]2[c]3City[c]1,423,344[c]Reyterra
[c]3[c]Highton City[c]1,114,213[c]North Highton
[c]4[c]Trier[c]1,007,729[c]Aleman
[c]5[c]Jefferson[c]704,044[c]Pobfénix
[c]6[c]Glöckenkirchen[c]521,119[c]Aleman
[c]7[c]Victoria[c]519,721[c]Reyterra
[c]8[c]Einestadt[c]299,046[c]Aleman
[c]9[c]Lighton[c]290,903[c]North Highton
[c]10[c]Lincoln Park[c]262,557[c]Aleman
[c]11[c]Istago[c]90,760[c]North Highton
[c]12[c]Toledo[c]76,450[c]Reyterra
[c]13[c]Nola[c]52,435[c]Talanskland
[c]14[c]Port Phoenix[c]43,885[c]Pobfénix
[c]15[c]Czyville[c]28,592[c]North Highton
Government
The Crowned Republic Highton is a Constitutional Monarchy with a crowned prince and president. The constitution can be found
here.
Principality
The Royal Family of Highton dates back centuries to when Highton, Aleman, Talanskia, and Pobfénix were all different kingdoms and principalities. Over time, the families intermarried and the crowns eventually merged into just two- Highton and Aleman. In 1823 Crowned Prince Thomas VI married Aleman's next in line to the throne, Princess Eleanor of Trier. When Eleanor ascended to the throne the nations merged because she handed authority over to her husband. Thomas VI became Thomas I of the "new" principality of Highton. Today, the role of the prince is limited almost entirely to symbolism, however, monarchs have traditionally played an important role in diplomacy. The current prince is Diego II and the next in line is Princess Isabella, newborn daughter of Diego II's cousin Charlotte.
Order[c]Monarch's Name[c] Reigned
[c]1[c]Thomas I[c]1831-1836
[c]2[c]Thomas II[c]1836-1846
[c]3[c]Lucia[c]1846-1863
[c]4[c]Thomas III[c]1863-1867
[c]5[c]Sophia I[c]1867-1874
[c]6[c]Friedrich[c]1874-1896
[c]7[c]Sophia II[c]1896-1910
[c]8[c]Emma[c]1910-1911
[c]9[c]Karl[c]1911-1921
[c]10[c]Federico[c]1921-1923
[c]11[c]Antonio[c]1923-1931
[c]12[c]Gabriele[c]1931-1978
[c]13[c]Tim[c]1978-1981
[c]14[c]Diego I[c]1981-1987
[c]15[c]Sara[c]1987-2010
[c]16[c]Diego II[c]2010-present
Executive
The President of Highton is elected by the people every four years. The president can veto bills and issue executive orders. Multiple other minor offices fall under the executive branch.
The first president was Thomas Bolton, who was elected in 1952 following the new constitution. Popular president Felix Columbious resigned in 2016 due to health concerns, which led to Alex Calabrese taking the reigns. Current President Alex Calabrese then had to face an election in December. The Conservative Party candidate faced Royal Party candidate, Sophia Issiani, and won a close election.
Years Served[c]President's Name[c]Party[c]Home State
[c]1952-1957[c]Thomas Bolton[c]Republican[c]North Highton
[c]1957-1960[c]Freidrich Nacïon[c]Republican[c]North Highton
[c]1960-1961[c]Jorge Torredo[c]Republican[c]Talanskland
[c]1961-1965[c]Nicholas Martin[c]Liberal[c]Pobfénix
[c]1965-1969[c]Andrew West[c]Liberal[c]Pobfénix (now Alexandria)
[c]1969-1977[c]Phillip Regal[c]Royal[c]Reyterra
[c]1977-1981[c]Steven Hayes[c]Liberal[c]North Highton
[c]1981-1989[c]James Núñez[c]Conservative[c]Reyterra
[c]1989-1997[c]Philip Bäcker[c]Conservative[c]Aleman
[c]1997-2001[c]Roman Bäcker[c]Conservative[c]Aleman
[c]2001-2005[c]Ida Schönau[c]Liberal[c]Alexandria
[c]2005-2009[c]Spencer Campbell[c]Royal[c]Reyterra
[c]2009-2016[c]Felix Columbious[c]Conservative[c]Hightonia
[c]2016-[c]Alex Calabrese[c]Conservative[c]Aleman
Legislative
The Legislature is split into two houses: The Senate and the Legislature. The Senate acts as the upper house. Methods for selecting Senators are complex and outlined in the constitution but about half of them are elected from states. The Legislature has 112 members, 100 of which are representatives of legislative districts. The other 12 are representatives of the party from a national ballot. The role of speaker is given to a representative from the 12 national seats, usually from the party or coalition in power.
Judicial
The National Court in Highton is located at the Midway Building in the Highton City Federal District. There is one regional court for every four representative zones, there being 25 of these courts. It has 9 members, who serve for life or retirement.
Foreign Relations
Highton generally has good relations with most nations. There are Hightonian embassies across Eras and ambassadors who are part of Highton's International Affairs Department. Secretary Antonio Fernández is the head of this and has been a leader in establishing bilateral diplomatic relations with many nations. The embassy program was revitalized by President Alex Calabrese after President Campbell had shrunk the program in 2007.
Economy
Economic Indicators
Currency: Block (?)
Fiscal Year: 1 May-30 April
GDP (nominal): ?304,742 million (662,483m NSD)
GDP (nominal) per capita: ?24,814.51 (53944.61 NSD)
Government Spending: ?91,211 million
Estimated Labor Force: 7,000,000
Unemployment: 4%
The powerhouse Hightonian economy operates under a free market, laissez-faire capitalist system. Highton's largest exports are information technology, automobiles and aircraft, cocoa, and nickel. Highton's GDP sits at ?304,742 million (662,483m NSD), or ?24,814.51 (53,944.61 NSD) per capita. Annual government spending is 32%, or about ?91,211 million.
Culture
Highton's culture is that of a society which balances policy, religion, the environment, and trade without conflict. Fitness and reverence are held in a high regard. Throughout its history, intellectuals have risen to the top in Highton and all of its citizens, regardless of ethnicity, have had a fair shot at a life at the top.
Food
Highton's national dish is Rotkartofsteak, a meat plate which involves rump steak, potatoes, and onions. Other popular dishes include Hightonian Blue Snapper and Aleman Sausage dishes. The banana can be found in the forests of Cocoland. What can also be found in the forests is Hightonian Cocoa, a species of cacao which creates what is said to be the finest chocolate in Eras.
Sports
Highton has a sport-loving culture. By far and away the most popular sport is football (soccer), and the HFA Premier League is regular viewing for Hightonians. Highton City FC has won the most Premier League titles, followed by Athletic Lighton, FC Trier, and New Club. Highton City forward Alexís was dubbed a "national treasure" by President Columbious and proudly wears the number 11 jersey for the popular Hightonian National team, which plays at Coco's Park. Highton's National Hockey team often gathers a large crowd. Other popular sports include Basketball, Lithonian Football, and Handball.
Political Parties
Highton has three major parties and four other notable parties. The Conservative Party was four seats short of a majority in the legislature, so the Right Coalition was formed with the Recht and Libertarian Parties.
Former Parties include the Republican Party, a party founded to push for a new constitution in the mid-twentieth century and establish the executive branch. The Republican Party was dissolved in 1961 after the short-lived presidency of Jorge Torredo and the party split into Conservative and Liberal Factions. These factions became the parties we see today. The original Royal party was set up around the same time. It supported the monarchy and was meant to oppose the Republicans. In the mid-1960s the party transitioned into the left-wing party we see today.
Political Parties
Conservative Party
Leaders- Alex Calabrese (President), James Vard (Speaker)
Description- Center Right Libertarian
Status- In power (Right Coalition)
Royal Party
Leaders- Sophia Issiana (Opposition Leader), Karl Berge (National Seat)
Description- Center Left Authoritarian
Status- Minority
Liberal Party
Leaders- Bernard Franch (National Seat), Ivan Switch (Regional Leader, Pobfénix)
Description- Center Left Libertarian
Status- Minority
Recht Party
Leaders- Otto Heidl (Representative)
Description- Far Right Authoritarian
Status- Right Coalition
Green Party
Leaders- Adama Plant (Representative)
Description- Left Authoritarian
Status- Minority
Libertarian Party
Leaders- Gari Jones (Senator)
Description- Center Libertarian
Status- Right Coalition
Socialist Party
Leaders- Bertie Trounce (Activist)
Description- Far Left Authoritarian
Status- No Seats[/box]
Infrastructure
Trains
Highton Bahn is a privately owned rail network which traverses the entire nation. It is the most efficient transportation used in Highton. The trains themselves are ICE 3 trains and the rails are Standard Gauge.
Motorways
Less efficient but more convenient for shorter distance travel, the Highton Motorway System connects the nation's cities by automobile. There are 10 main roads. The most used road is the Northwest Ring Road, officially the M2, which circles between all the major cities in the northwest such as Highton City, Alexandria, and Jefferson.
Airports
Highton has five main airports, two of which are considered "mega airports". These mega airports are:
-Sophia II International Airport (HCI), Highton City
-Alexandria International Airport (AXI), Alexandria
The three other major airports are as follows:
-Aleman International Airport (GLK), Glöckenkirchen
-Jefferson International Airport (JEF), Jefferson
-Nola Regional Airport (NLA), Nola
There are other minor airports and military bases scattered throughout the nation as well.
