The Western IslesBoard

Contents
- Overview
- History
- Government
- Geography
- Economy
- Culture

Overview

Altera is a nation located in Southern Argus, bordering the Mesder Sea and the South Mesder Sea. It covers an area of 359,100 square kilometers and has a population of 26,965,032 people, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. The United Commonwealths is a Parliamentary Democracy of government, with elected representatives of each state - as well as nominated heads of governmental departments - representing the government within the Cabinet. The head of state is the Prime Minister, current Keith Ryansan, who assumed leadership of the government following the Griffon Godfrey bombings in November 2018. The United Commonwealths of Altera is a member of the League, the Western Isles Democratic Alliance and the Western Isles Trade Organization.

The United Commonwealths has a highly developed economy with a gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.375 trillion dollars as of 2022. It ranks among the top countries in the world in terms of human development index (HDI), quality of life, education, health care, social security, environmental protection, and innovation. Altera's economy is based on a mixed market system that combines private enterprise with extensive public ownership and welfare programs. The main sectors of the economy are services, industry, and agriculture. Altera is a major exporter of petroleum, natural gas, fish, timber, machinery, and hydropower.

Altera has a diverse and rich culture that reflects its history and geography. It is influenced by the Alteran and Staedian traditions as well as by immigration from other parts of Argus and the world. The United Commonwealths has a strong literary tradition that includes laureates such as Magnus Walsh, Cane Owle and Lora Karran. Altera is also known for its music, art, architecture, design, cuisine, sports, and folklore. Altera's official languages is Alteran and is spoken, but there are also several minority languages spoken by different ethnic groups such as the Shewellian and cultures.

Detailed Map

History

The United Commonwealths of Altera, more commonly known as Alteran, consists eight Commonwealths; themselves a product of the archipelago's rich and diverse history. The history of Altera is the history of its peoples, who have been influenced by various cultural, political and economic factors throughout the centuries.

One of the earliest traces of human presence in Altera dates back to the Upper Paleolithic period, when hunter-gatherers followed the retreating ice after the last glacial maximum. The Stone Age cultures of Altera developed into the Alteran/Argusian Bronze Age and the Iron Age, which saw the emergence of complex societies and trade networks with other regions. This era would see the beginnings of the first proto-civilisations that would go on to spread and inhabit the region.

The Cairbe Age (8th-11th centuries) was a period of expansion and exploration for the Altera, who raided, traded and settled across the Alteran archipelago, Southern Argus and the Mesder region. They also established kingdoms and principalities in Altera and beyond, such as Aytiar, Carselm and Fernyia. The Cairbe Age also witnessed the gradual spread of Earendelism in Altera, which brought it closer to the rest of monotheist nations of the Western Isles.

The Middle Ages (12th-16th centuries) were characterized by political and religious turmoil in Altera, as well as cultural and economic exchanges with other countries. The Altairian Union united Aytiar and Staedia under a single monarch from 1397 to 1523, but it was plagued by internal conflicts and external threats. The Reformation introduced Earendelism to Altera, which led to wars and divisions among the kingdoms.

An era of conflict and strife would plague the 17th century, which saw the rise of the Altairian Union as a major Argus power, as it expanded its territory and influence through wars and alliances, most notably with its neighbours. However, its dominance was challenged by the Chah-Chajd and other rivals in the Great Argus-Chah-Chajd War (1653 - 1661), which resulted in the Altairian Union claiming vast territories to the east. This era would also commence a dark chapter in Alteran history; as successive rulers and laws orchestrated the "Westernisation" of the peoples of the newly conquered eastern territories; now know as Carneath - but at the time was known as Shewellia. Inhabitants of the Shewellian territories was "Westernised"; those who stayed were 're-educated' to Altairian standards - taught to read and write (albeit in Altairan) and to live and work in accordance to "Western" standards. Whilst controversial in its efforts to eradicate their former culture; there were many positives and incentives for the Shewellians to assimilate into the Altairan culture: greater access to work, education and healthcare - as well as a massive improvement to life expectancy. Over a course of a century, life expectancy jumped from 35 years to 60 years, whilst infant mortality decreased from 2 in 5 to 1 in 500.

The 18th century was marked by enlightenment in Altera. The Altairian Union - now spelt Alteran - maintained its dominance region - though became to reform the nation with more democratic ideals. The Union would join with its Atollan and Aukney territories and establish a single nation - a union of nations sharing a 'common wealth' of culture and history. The newly established Commonwealth of Commonwealths - later the United Commonwealths - would experience social and cultural changes due to the influence of enlightenment ideas and movements.

The 19th century was a time of nationalism and industrialization in the United Commonwealths. The Alteran Civil War (1803-1815) reshaped the political map of Altera, as former Chah-Chajd territories rebelled against their cultural oppression at Alteran hands. Shewellian families were often said to be "forcing brother to fight brother", as families were divided as to whom to support - a restoration of the 'traditional culture', or to embrace the modern world. Backed by foreign aggitators and sympathetic Alterans, the Shewellian forces won early victories against a poorly maintained garrison. However, reinforcements from Altera would put the rebellion down, forcing the Shewellians to begin a long guerrilla campaign. A truce would be signed in 1815; recognising the injustices of the past and redoubled Alteran efforts to integrate the territories in a 'more open-minded and well-meaning manner'.

Shewellia would soon be renamed to Carneath. The Industrial Revolution transformed the economy and society of Altera, as well as stimulated emigration to the 'newly civilised' lands of Carneath. Vast coal deposits discovered in Aeckland would fuel this industrial transformation.

The 20th century witnessed wars and welfare in the United Commonwealths. The hardships of the 19th Century would be recognised by the Commonwealths, as movements and laws to demolish Altera's diverse system of cultures were overturned - in favour of a more open-minded and liberal attitude. They also developed their own models of social democracy and welfare state, which aimed to provide economic security and social justice for their citizens. The Imperial War brought on an era of economic resurgence - as Alterans unified to defence their homeland - no matter their cultural background. After the war, the Alteran Commonwealths joined the League in order to spread their voice of unity and democratic freedoms.

The history of Altera is a rich and diverse one, that reflects the achievements and challenges of its peoples over time. It is also a history that continues to shape the present and future of Altera.

Government

The Alteran government is the national cabinet of the United Commonwealths and the country's executive authority. It consists of the Prime Minister, who is appointed and dismissed by the Speaker of the Assembly of the Commons (the Alteran parliament), and other cabinet ministers, who are appointed and dismissed by the Prime Minister. The government is responsible for its actions to the Assembly of the Commons, which is the foundation for the democratic exercise of power through the cabinet. The Commons is a unicameral parliament elected by the people for four-year terms. It has the power to legislate, approve the budget, oversee the government, and call for referenda on various issues.

The government is based on four fundamental laws: the Commonwealth Charter, the Meritocracy Act, the Freedom of the Press Act, and the Commons Act. The constitution is based on the principles of popular sovereignty, representative democracy, and parliamentarism. The Prime Minister is the elected Head of State - selected by the Cabinet, made up of representatives of the 21 government ministries.

The government has 21 ministries that are responsible for different policy areas. The ministries are small and do not deal with details of administration or implementation of legislation. This is handled by central administrative agencies, whose senior officials are appointed by the government. In the preparation of important measures to be considered by the government, the responsible minister normally calls upon a commission of inquiry to appraise the measure. The commission may include politicians from opposition parties, representatives of labour, and scientists and civil servants. They produce a printed report that is sent to various agencies and organizations for official comments before it is presented as background material to government legislation.

Local government is allocated to the municipalities, each with an elected assembly and the right to levy income taxes and to charge fees for various services. Municipalities have a strong independent position and are responsible for streets, sewerage, water supply, schools, public assistance, child welfare, housing, and care for elderly people. Between the national and municipal government is a regional tier of 21 counties headed by a county governor, appointed by the national government. Each county also has an elected council that has the right to levy income tax and that administers health care, certain educational and vocational training, and regional transport.

Geography

The Alteran Peninsula is a large landmass in Southern Argus. It is the largest peninsula in Southern Argus, with an area of about 350,000 square kilometres. The peninsula is bordered by the Mesder Sea to the north and the Southern Mesder Sea to the south-west. The peninsula is also connected to the Argus continent to the North, East and South - with the majority of its coastline to the west.

A diverse geography and climate is common throughout the peninsula, ranging from tundra and subarctic regions in the north to temperate and maritime zones in the south. The peninsula also has many lakes, rivers, forests and glaciers. The Alteran Peninsula is home to over 21 million people, most of whom belong to the United Commonwealths.

Economy

Members states of the United Commonwealths are among the world's wealthiest and most successful economies. They have a common economic and social model that combines a market-based mixed economy with a comprehensive welfare state and multi-level collective bargaining. The Alteran model is characterized by relatively small wage gaps, high employment, high taxation, accessible education and social security, and strong societal cohesion and sense of community.

The main industrial sectors of the United Commonwealths' economy are services, manufacturing, energy, and agriculture. Services account for the largest share of GDP and employment in all five countries, especially in areas such as finance, trade, transport, health care, education, and public administration. Manufacturing is also a significant contributor to GDP and exports, with industries such as machinery, electronics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, and food processing. Energy is another important sector, especially in western territories, which have abundant natural resources such as oil, gas, hydroelectricity, and geothermal power. Agriculture is a relatively small sector in terms of GDP and employment, but it plays a vital role in ensuring food security and rural development.

The unemployment rate in the United Commonwealths remains steadily low - but can be affected by seasons of extreme weather or economic turmoil. However, it generally remains below the Argus average due to active labour market policies that aim to facilitate job creation and job matching, as well as to provide income support and training for the unemployed. The United Commonwealths also have high labour force participation rates, especially among women and older workers.

The taxation levels in the United Commonwealths countries are among the lowest in the world. They reflect the low overall public spending; but invests heavily in the mechanisms then enable a strong free-market; namely infrastructure, defence and security, and the Universal Basic Income. These systems of economic transfers that aim to reduce poverty and inequality, promote social mobility and inclusion, and enhance human capital and well-being. The UC tax systems are based on the principles of progressivity, efficiency, simplicity, and transparency. They rely mainly on income taxes (both personal and corporate), value-added taxes (VAT), social security contributions, and environmental taxes.

Culture

Alteran culture refers to the shared historical, linguistic, and cultural ties among the eight commonwealths in the United Commonwealths that were once united under the Altairian Union. Alteran culture is characterized by values such as egalitarianism, democracy, social welfare, and environmentalism, as well as a rich and diverse artistic and literary heritage. Some of the most influential figures in Alteran culture include Magnus Walsh, Cane Owle and Lora Karran.

Alteran culture also encompasses traditions such as Midsummer and Yuletide, as well as sports such as football and skiing. Alteran culture has influenced and been influenced by other cultures in Southern Argus and beyond, and continues to evolve and adapt to changing times and circumstances.