Meisaan

Meisaan, officially the Republic of Meisaan (: 國民山美; Meisaan Mangwok) is a sovereign nation in eastern Sinju, situated between the Sea of Fusen and Dadei Mountains. It borders Jeongmi to the north, Longzhou to the west, Mincang to the southeast and Sansiao and Bagok to the southwest.

Archaeological evidence indicates that Meisaan has been inhabited by for the past three million years. Sedentary agriculture emerged during the Waidai Civilization in c. 8,500 BCE, and by the 7th century BCE, Northern Meisaan was split between competing city-states. Many of these city states were conquered and vassalized by Cheonje over the next few centuries, leading to the development of a united Meisaani culture.

Meisaan is a militarily, economically, and culturally, with the second largest economy in the world. The Meisaani language is spoken worldwide, especially in former colonies. Meisaan is a founding member of both the Congress of Nations and Sinju Union. The country is governed as a. Meisaan has one of the highest standards of living in Tiandi, with low income inequality.

Etymology
During the premodern era, Meisaan was divided into rival city states. Only with the rise of Cheonje did the region emerge as a single entity. As a result, Meisaan's name is derived from the traditional Cheonjean province it comprised; labelled 美山 in Cheonjean, with the reading "[m]rəjʔ s-ŋrar" or "Mei saan" in. Under a union with Jeongmi, the two countries were often called 鄭美, or "Zengmei" in modern Meisaani.

Prehistory & Antiquity
The earliest evidence of in Meisaan was found in the remains of a hunter-gatherer village in the Daidei mountain range, dating back approximately three million years ago. Since then, multiple sites have been recovered, mainly in the central highland region. It is estimated that Meisaan was inhabited by Bronze Age humans starting in 10,800 BCE. The first agricultural communities can be traced to 8,000 BCE, originally producing rice and other grains in the southern river deltas.

The first known civilization in Meisaan was the Waidai, centered around the Pearl River and dominated by the. "Daaihoging" 京河大, Meisaan's first metropolis, was constructed by the Waidai in the 7th century BCE. Silk textiles discovered in the area indicate that the Waidai were the first to domesticate silk worms in Tiandi.

Classical Meisaan


By 780 BCE, eastern Meisaan was divided into thousands of rival city-states. This period was known as the First Era. The richest of the city-states was centered in the port of Minghoi, where silk and rice were exported throughout Eastern Tiandi. In return, Minghoi served as the entry port for salt and other amenities coming in from Jeongmi and the budding mega-empire of Cheonje. Beginning with the Jumin War in 698 BCE, Minghoi began annexing and vassalizing its neighbors through a combination of wars, diplomacy, and economic pressure. The city rapidly evolved into a cultural center on the level of Danyang. During this period became the most widely used method of writing throughout Minghoi and other major Meisaani city-states.

Minghoi reached the height of its power in 511 BCE, where it ruled the entire Caangho River Valley, along with other small holdings on the northern Meisaani coastline. However, the city saw its fortunes decline after it was embargoed by several states in what is now Jeongmi, severely weakening its traditional hegemony over salt imports into the rest of Meisaan. Eventually, Minghoi was defeated in a series of conquests by Cheonje.

Medieval Meisaan




The "Middle Era" 期中 began after the Fall of Cheonje and the Raze of Danyang in 876 CE, creating a power vacuum that resulted in several civil wars fought between resurgent city states controlled by powerful merchants and warlords. In 921 Meisaan was united into state under Ga bou, the leader of a peasant rebellion in Minghoi.

In 1054 CE, a permanent capital was established in Minghoi. A large cross-section of the nobility and scholar gentry followed the Imperial Family, settling in the city. Many historians agree that this move ushered in the Golden Age of Meisaani literature and culture, laying the foundation for a strongly independent Meisaani culture.

By 1092, the Yue had established control over the western frontier. Subsequent emperors established a series of roadways and canals connecting the northern and southern cities, along with the mountainous interior. Steady economic growth during this period led to a more commercialized society.

Following the of Emperor Gwang Ji in 1211 CE, the Kim Dynasty of Jeongmi declared sovereignty over the Meisaani throne, and on 28 Owol 1212 CE,  the  garrison surrendered to Jeongmian forces. Following Meisaan's surrender, Kim Dynasty established the Meisaani-Jeongmian Union.

The Union had a profound cultural and linguistic impact on both Meisaan and Jeongmi for the following millenium.

Imperial Meisaan
A devastating famine in 1465, coupled with dissatisfaction among elites resulted in a rebellion led by the charismatic scholar Leung Daiming. As the cause gained popularity throughout Meisaan, the Kim Dynasty attempted to subdue the rebels through a naval invasion of Chuisung, a port town twenty kilometers north of Minghoi. However, they were defeated by Meisaan forces in the Battle of Wanhui, and withdrew shortly after.



On August 17th, 1471, the rebels, led by Leung Daiming, founded the Yue Dynasty, initiating a near three centuries of absolute rule. The Imperial Court was established in the newly built Gungting palace, located in central Minghoi.

Under the Yue, Meisaan saw significant advances in exploration, science and culture. In 1541, Emperor Gik founded the Imperial Chancellery, a bureaucratic institution that oversaw Meisaan's meritocratic Imperial Exams, the first of its kind in Sinju. During this period, the government facilitated exploration around the World, allowing for an unprecedented expansion in global trade. Of particular interest was the trade route leading into Barujaya which was mapped by explorer Lin Wu. Modern historians have described this as a turning point in Meisaani history, ushering in the beginnings of commercialization.

In 1667, the Imperial Acquisition Exams were revised to allow commoners low-level government positions in the Leung Imperial Court. However, the reforms were met by huge controversy and near rebellion by conservative factions in the royal. Eventually, the law was abandoned by Empress Mi in 1712 after a revolt in central Minghoi.



In 1776, dispute over trading rights and colonial territory with Jeongmi escalated into a conflict that would last sporadically until the early 19th century. Warfare occurred in almost all corners of the world, involving many other world powers. Eventually, Meisaan would crumble to Jeongmi's superior military might and lose many of its colonies in Yeongju, Miju, and South Yoju.

By the late 18th century century the Yue Dynasty had begun to stagnate under a cycle of ineffective rulers. Spiraling inflation and endless colonial wars exacerbated the tax burden upon the merchant "shang" and peasant "nong" classes, resulting in several rebellions around the capital. Disillusioned with the corruption and vice of the meritocracy, a group of advisors, composing the Imperial Chancellery, conspired to replace the weak and ineffective Emperor Wu as a figurehead. By eliminating opposition and consolidating their power, the Chancellery managed to completely control all aspects of the bureaucracy by 1795. Later that year, following intense pressure and threat of rebellion, the Emperor formally relinquished his role as an involved statesman and became a ceremonial monarch.

Later Imperial era and Industrialization
The Imperial Chancellery introduced reforms that radically restructured Meisaani politics and society. In 1803, following the example of Jeongmi, the Chancellery extended voting acquisition exams to townships and other tongs allowing for the election of local governments. However, upper courts were still stratified as the Chancellery held complete power over every aspect of the central court. Political reform continued for much of the early 19th century but corruption within the bureaucracy often limited the scope of the reforms.



Throughout the infant stages of Meisaan's Industrial Revolution many were copied from Jeongmi, with the state playing a key role in attracting Jeongmian entrepreneurs to set up shop in Meisaan. Later on, tariffs, especially on Jeongmian imports, were instrumental in protecting vulnerable and growing Meisaani industries. In 1841 the steam engine was adopted by many textile factories, transforming the face of overall industry in Meisaan. Almost all remaining cottage industries were eradicated, and output exploded, while industrialization spread to the engineering, mining and chemical industries, as well as new and pioneering road, rail and water networks to facilitate their expansion and development. Thousands of workers emigrated from the countryside into cities, especially Minghoi and Taisung. Roads in Minghoi were widened along with other expansions to the sewers and residential areas, as municipal planners grappled with increasing population. In 1857 Meisaan's first permanent steam locomotive-hauled passenger railway—the Dunglou line, opened between Minghoi and Haamun.

Industrial growth, coupled with an unprecedented increase in consumption and the middle class, rapidly changed the political landscape of Meisaan, with growing upper and middle bourgeoisie classes demanding the right for political representation. Following tradition, the Imperial Chancellery ruled through singular "legislature", the Soengjyun, that acted as an advisory body to the ministers of the Emperor. After several major strikes in 1857, the Chancellery was forced to extend membership of the Soengjyun to any Meisaani male citizen who could pass a series of civil-service exams.



Following the death of Prime Minister Guang Suyen, a succession crises in the Imperial Chancellery pitted the reformist Jun faction led by Man Waifong against the traditional scholar gentry. In 1869 the first peaceful transfer of power from opposing political groups in Meisaani history occurred with a vote in the Upper Gungting bringing the Jun faction into power.

Man Waifong instituted revolutionary reforms that transformed Meisaan into the republic it is today. Man's party empowered the traditionally defunct commoners court, the Jijyun into a modern legislative body. The Imperial Constitution, or Jiwiu Doctrine was ratified in 1870. It provided the basis for a modern government, labeling checks and balances within the legislature and introduced the right to vote for all men over the age of 20. Universal suffrage was guaranteed under an Imperial Decree in 1905.

Continuing Meisaan's rapid economic growth, Man's party remained extremely popular and led the country from 1851 to 1875. Generally recognized as the father of the modern Meisaani state, Man is remembered as a national hero and is an important figure in Meisaan's democratic tradition.

Meisaan continued expanding its overseas colonial empire throughout the 19th century.

Meisaan fought several wars with the rising power of Mincang in the late 19th and early 20th century, mainly centered in Sansiao.

Contemporary Meisaan
By the turn of the century, Meisaan was the second most powerful nation in Sinju. Following the Dosan Talks in 1904, Meisaan aligned itself with fellow liberal democracy Jeongmi.



Women gained. and other forms of mass communication, such as the saw increasing use during the 1920s and 1930s.

The Great Depression, which began in August of 1925, severely impacted Meisaan, resulting in massive levels of unemployment throughout the country. The Labour Party took power in the resulting elections, and implemented policies to alleviate the worst effects of the Depression.

Meisaan was involved in the devastating Eulhae War, where it fought Fusen and Mincang with its ally Jeongmi. The country suffered a series of catastrophic military defeats at the hand of Mincang and capitulated early on into the war.

Several Jeongmian bombing campaigns around Saigong and Tindaai during the Mincangan Occupation incurred horrific casualties on both Meisaani civilians and cultural centers, with total estimates placing casualties at around 70,000 civilian dead.

Throughout the rest of the 1940s and early 1950s, Meisaan's economy grew rapidly following investment from Namju and a rising Sinju Union, which Meisaan helped found. Immigration laws were loosened in the 1980s, facilitating a growing population of non-Meisaani minorities, especially from former colonies

Geography
With an area of 1,920,000 km^2, Meisaan is the second largest nation in Sinju. Meisaan's borders stretch from the Sea of Fusen to the Dai Lo mountain range in the west, enveloping multiple different ecosystems and biomes such as, and.

Meisaan is renowned for its natural beauty, with thousands of kilometers of forestland and mountains. Approximately 56% of Meisaan is covered in temperate and alpine forest, a large proportion compared to its neighbors. Multiple rivers traverse the country, including the Pearl and Caangho rivers. Many of these rivers are fed by large in the Meisaan Range and Central Highlands.

Meisaan's four major urban centers are centered around the Pearl and Caangho river valleys, along with the Haamun Coastal Plain. As most land is either mountainous or forested, these areas are densely populated. The northeast corner of Meisaan, one of the largest metropolitan areas on earth, is hemmed in by the Mai Lo mountains to the north and the Daidei mountains to the west. Thin coastal plains run from the northern suburbs of Minghoi to Haamun. Contrastingly, the southeast interior and coastline of Meisaan is predominantly flat, with the Pearl River watershed encompassing the cities of Ho'ngon and Saigong. The western interior is largely mountainous.

Multiple different estuaries and deep-harbor bays are found on the Meisaani coast, enriching the nation with seafood and natural beauty. The largest estuary in Meisaan is the Caangho River Mouth, where the capital, Minghoi, is located. Several major north-south traverse the coast of Meisaan, making the country susceptible to major.

Climate
Meisaan has a variety of climates. A prevails throughout much of the country's eastern coastline and is generally present between the sea and high mountain ranges. Major cities like Haamun and Tindaai fall within this climatic zone. An dominates much of the central and western areas of the country. However, along the many river valleys is present a, with deciduous and mixed forestland - especially in the inland city of Ho'ngon. In other highland regions of Meisaan a is quite common, which often consists of.

Government and Politics


The Republic of Meisaan is a  with a strong democratic tradition.

The Jiwiu, a bicameral legislature, meets in the Gungting Palace and has two houses: an elected lower house, the Jijyun, and an appointed meritocratic chamber that is purely ceremonial-- the Soengjyun. Jijyun Members (JM) are elected via an  voting system; the number of representatives assigned to each electoral district vary according to the Meisaani census. Meisaan holds national elections for the Jiwiu and President every 5 years.



The popularly elected Meisaani president is the and plays a ceremonial role in Meisaani politics. Meisaan's, or Prime Minister, is the person most likely to command the confidence of the Jijyun; this individual is typically the leader of the political party or coalition of parties that holds the largest number of seats in that chamber. The Prime Minister chooses a cabinet with the President's assent.

The Soengjyun traditionally balanced the executive power of the Jijyun, and was vested with the ability to scrutinize and collectively veto bills (a 4/5 majority was required). Unlike the Jijyun, all members of the Soengjyun are appointed through the civil service exams. The Soengjyun was reformed following the ratification of Meisaan's second constitution in 1943 at the end of the Eulhae War and was stripped of its power to veto legislation.

Meisaan uses a voting acquisition exam for permanent residents (non-citizens) and minors who wish to vote. is guaranteed to all citizens over the age of 20; safeguarded under the Imperial Decree of 1910.

The current Prime Minister of Meisaan is Tong Fung Kuen, who belongs to the centre-left Labour Party. The Labour Party has held a majority in the Jijyun since 2015.

Law
Meisaan uses a judicial system based off Ullyeong Law. Meisaan's highest court, the Dai Faiting, is the final arbiter in legal conflict. It consists of nine judges, appointed by the Soengjyun. Meisaan's violent crime rate is comparatively lower than its counterparts in Tiandi.

Law in Meisaan is enforced by provincial police departments, while large intelligence agencies like the National Intelligence Service are maintained by the central government. was banned nationally in the 1962 constitutional amendments, along with. Before 1962, the dealth penalty was used widely throughout Meisaan.

was legalized nationwide in 1932.

Military


Meisaan's military is a highly modern,. It holds one of the largest forward deployed navies in the World, along with the third largest. It maintains a strong military presence within the Sea of Fusen in order to protect the merchant fleet from pirate attacks, along with the sovereignty of it's easternmost islands, the "Gaidai Chain" 金岛.

Officially, the Meisaan Armed Forces are composed of three branches - the Imperial Navy, Imperial Army, and Imperial Air Force. Approximately 511,019 Meisaani are on active duty, while 730,000 remain in the reserves. Military service is voluntary for women and men over the ages of 21. The Meisaan Armed Forces are heavily involved in humanitarian work. In recent years, the Meisaan Armed Forces have seen deployment in Jeongmi, during the Suwon Typhoon for relief efforts.

Foreign Relations
Meisaan maintains diplomatic ties with over 90 nations across Tiandi. It holds considerable weight over the rest of the World both militarily and economically, and is a cornerstone member of the Meisophone World. It is the largest contributor of in the World. For the past half century, after its victory in the Eulhae War, Meisaan remained firmly aligned with its ally Jeongmi. It is a founding member of the Sinju Union.

Economy
Meisaan is the one of the largest developed economies in Tiandi by and. The Meisaani economy is forecasted by the National Quarterly Survey of Business Sentiment, conducted by the Bank of Meisaan. Meisaan is a founding member of the Sinju Union and the Joint Economic Zone, using the universal Sinju currency.



Meisaan's economy is generally recognized as a cornerstone to the Sinju Joint Economic Zone. It hosts one of Tiandi's largest aerospace and electronics manufacturing sectors, and is often ranked as one of the most innovative countries in Tiandi. Manufacturing is mainly focused in higher tech industries. Meisaan has an important aerospace industry led by Heilau corporation, while leasing its own spaceport in Ngahere Ma, Waimaunga. Around 98% of Meisaani companies are small to medium sized, while almost 60% of the country's corporate wealth is owned by 250 large-scale enterprises.

The Meisaani labor force is highly skilled, with an unemployment rate of roughly 4.8%. It is often classified as a that combines extensive private enterprise with substantial state enterprise and government intervention. The government retains considerable influence and control over key segments of essential sectors, including rail, electricity, aircraft, nuclear power, telecommunications, and healthcare.

Financial services, banking and the insurance sector are essential parts of the economy. The Minghoi Gusi (^明) is an important stock exchange and financial center in Tiandi, founded in 1689 under Empress Mi. It is the primary form of investment and acquirement of hard currency for multiple countries outside of Sinju such as the Lower Laai Republic. Meisaan is a major contributor of aid to, second only to Jeongmi.

Agriculture
Agriculture in Meisaan is heavily subsidized by the government. Historically, Meisaan has been a major exporter of crops such as, , , and. Around 3.2% of Meisaan's population is involved with agriculture, with foodstuffs accounting for 7.8% of Meisaan's GDP. However, the sector is experiencing a decline as younger people migrate to the cities, in search of higher pay.

is by far the largest animal breeding industry in Meisaan. ,, , , and are all farmed in Meisaan, with sea-farmers using techniques like artificial insemination and hatcheries (for salmon). Traditionally seafood would be released back into the rivers, however, harvesting often occurs on seaborne farms.

Infrastructure


is common throughout Meisaan. Meisaan cities use state-of-the-art railways, buses, and trams to minimize road traffic. Only around one in five Meisaani people own cars, while the gap is even wider in the cities - one car to every tenth person. Outside of the major population centers a significantly larger amount of vehicles are used, although many of these are transitioning to hybrid fuels and full electricity. In recent years, the Labour party has pushed policies incentivizing the use of electrical cars.

Meisaan's rail system is connected to the rest of Sinju, with high-speed rail extending to cities in Jeongmi like Hapcheon and Dosan. Rail in Meisaan is entirely public, with affordable ticket prices for passengers. Recently, attempts have been made to decrease reliance on and increase density in the urban core of southern cities like Ho'ngon and Saigong.

Meisaan uses a complex system of and  to move passengers and cargo, nationally and internationally. Minghoi is a major transportation hub in Jungju, holding the title for Tiandi's second largest airport.

Meisaan is the 3rd largest in Tiandi, in terms of total use. Of this energy, around 19.6% comes from renewable sources. The largest by far is nuclear power, with around six nuclear power plants across Meisaan. Through and other government programs, solar panel farms are becoming popular in certain regions.

Tourism
Meisaan is the second most popular tourist destination in Tiandi, with approximately 37.8 million visitors in 2013. Tourism accounts for about 4% of the country's income. Meisaan's tourist season lasts from late winter to early fall, when temperatures in the north are mild and warm. Most people visit the Minghoi-Chuisung Metropolitan Corridor, where most of Meisaan's cultural interest is found. However, the southern beaches and resorts are often popular with elderly people. Meisaan's vast western wilderness attracts many mountain climbers, hikers, and cyclists. Some popular hiking destinations include Mt. Tamgak just south of Minghoi, and Daisaan National Park.

With one of the most modern and efficient infrastructure systems in Tiandi, almost the entire country is accessible by air and rail. Minghoi International Airport is the second busiest in the World, with multiple destinations throughout the Sinju Union and the world. It also serves as a stop-over for many flights, with connections all over Jeongmi and Meisaan.

Demographics
With over 79 million people, Meisaan is the fifth largest nation by population in the world. Of these people, about 69% live in urban settlements. Censuses occur every 20 years, with the most recent count taken in 2015. Approximately 48.7% of the population is female, while 52.3% are male.

Meisaan experienced a major  between the years of 1890 and 1978 during the latter stages of the industrial revolution, as infant mortality rates plummeted. In 1907 the population numbered roughly 24 million, while in 1980 it nearly tripled to around 63 million people.

The majority of Meisaan's traditional population centers are located in the northeast, coincidentally, the majority of economic and cultural activity takes place there. These cities include the capital, Minghoi, along with the major port of Haamun. Recently, many Meisaani are relocating to the rapidly developing areas of southern Saigong and Ho'ngon, where real estate is relatively inexpensive.

Suicide rates have risen by 7.6% in the years of 2014-2015. Of those whom died in 2014, about 78% were male - a disproportionate amount. Meisaan is facing the issue of an, with fertility rates below for the current population. In response, the government has loosened immigration laws, which have remedied the situation slightly. The current child rate for an average female in Meisaan is 1.67.

Religion
Meisaan follows a strict policy, with a ban on government infringement in religious affairs and vice versa. The vast majority of Meisaani are irreligious. Although a significant minority practice true, many families still perform ancient traditions for the cultural value.

Buddhism is by far the most widely practiced religion in Meisaan, followed by. It arrived in the western peninsula of Mongdou after the fall of Cheonje, popular with peasants and the middle class. In recent history the number of Buddhists in Meisaan has declined.

is becoming more popular, growing a following among alternative elements in society.

Education
Education is a serious matter in Meisaan and is highly valued as a means to achieve higher a higher socioeconomic status. The educational system in Meisaan is the responsibility of the Ministry of Youth of the Kingdom of Meisaan. Public education is universally required for those from age four to nineteen. Primary and are free; while university costs are standardized with financial aid for low-income families. Meisaan schools have consistently scored in the top ten percent for top-performing students in the Sinju International Educational Survey, ranked similar to Jeongmi.

Early primary education is centered around ; while classics are studied in secondary school. Meisaani curriculum is generally a balance between traditional subjects and liberal arts. A long legacy of art and literature has manifested itself into the educational system, with some liberal arts schools funded by the government. However, recent emphasis has been placed more heavily on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. classes are mandatory for all students.

Cram schools, or Hokjyun, imported from Jeongmi, have become increasingly popular in Meisaan. Many students go to these academies after normal school hours for extra-tutoring and club activities.

Meisaani universities are some of the most prestigious in Tiandi, with Yidoi College of the Arts and Sciences in Minghoi the most famous. However, higher education in Meisaan is notoriously competitive. University tuition is heavily subsidized. The Meisaani government funds housing for university students and also offers significant financial aid and merit scholarships.

Health
is granted free of cost for all residents with either citizenship or permanent residence status. In 2013, Tong Meili's Labour Party introduced a new bill significantly increasing spending into the sector. There around 112 people for every one doctor. Citizens have the option to pay for private healthcare. The Meisaani people are considered some of the most healthy in Tiandi. Meisaani visit a doctor around 14 times a year, 2 times as often as Akitsukunese.

One of the biggest health issues in Meisaan is the prevalence of, which causes around 80,000 deaths each year and is responsible for one in ten deaths. The obesity rate is low, at about 2.1% - contributed to healthy eating and exercise habits. However, as in most developed nations, the number is growing.

The HIV rate at the end of 2010 was less than .01.

Culture


Meisaan is considered one of the most multinational and multiethnic countries in Tiandi, home to almost 1,109 foreign communities. International districts are commonplace in many Meisaani cities. Although vocal conservative elements often oppose this cultural transition, most Meisaani support the broadening of Meisaan's cultural identity. Prominent ethnic groups include the Jeongmian, Londrench, Akitsukunese and Waimaungi.

In 1914 the Society for the Preservation of Traditional Meisaani Culture was formed, with the purpose of protecting artifacts and cultural sites. The group, with government support, has worked to enshrine Meisaan's cultural heritage and make it available to the public. Most national parks and museums are also run by the group.

Most holidays are based around the. The most popular are New Year's, the Lantern Festival, the Blue Dragon Festival, and the Lunar Festival.

Sports
is the national sport of Meisaan and the most popular competitive sport in the country. During the Meisaani Industrial Revolution it evolved into the national phenomenon it is today; with the Sinju International League established in Minghoi. Originating in Meisaan around 2 BCE, Cuju is often regarded as a national relic and source of immense pride for the national psyche. Meisaani martial arts such as and  are also widely practiced and enjoyed by spectators in the country. Meisaan is a major participant in international sporting events, hosting the Tiandi Games twice in Minghoi and Haamun.

has rapidly increased in popularity, with the domestic All Meisaan League formed in 1992. Internationally, Meisaani baseball teams have performed extremely well in international venues, competing against top powerhouses like Jeongmi and Akitsukuni.

Music
Recently, Meisaani has had a large and established influence all throughout Sinju and Tiandi, with a largely "indie" industry. Albums released into the Meisaani market often serve as betas to test consumer preference before being sold in other countries. Major cultural hits produced by Meisaani bands and singers include Minsuk and the Leung by Kat Cheung and Haamun Style by popular entertainment figure ZSB.