Ysthia, officially the Ysthian Federation is a authoritarian federal republic. Considered as a regional power. The Federation is located in the Western Reaches on the Coalition Stratocracy's Galactic-Western border, and , is bordered by the Intersystem Alliance to the Galactic-North. The Federation is considered one of the most powerful and developed industrialized nations on account of its strong economy and a large trade surplus. This is thanks in part to its decentralized political organization. Because of this economic achievement, the Federation enjoys a high standard of living. The Federation has stood for over nine centuries as a strong regional power with a rich culture, reliable economy, impressive military, and powerful political influence. However, it has declined over the last few centuries though it is working to regain its status amongst the other regional powers.
Table of Contents
Cartography
Located in the Western reaches, the Ysthian Federation is a medium star nation with four sphere of influence. It is bordered by the Intersystem Alliance to its north, the People’s Coalition at the east and the Altaari Union at south. Within its four sphere of influence, the Federation encompasses twenty-one inhabited star systems in various stages of development. Highly industrialized , most of the star systems of the Federation enjoy a excellent standard of living and a well-developped public infrastructure. For note, the Federation has initiated in the last decades some new colonization programs.
Ysthia
Surrounded by the InterSystem Alliance and the People’s Coalition , the sphere of influence of Ysthia was the first to be discovered and settled. Second most populous sphere, it encompass seven inhabited planets spread over six system. Considered as the political core and the cultural heart of the Federation, it is widely recognized too for its way of life as well as for its architecture and gastronomy. Many of the worlds that make up the Ysthian sphere of influence are considered as luxurious, with the population enjoying an extremely high standard of living.
Ker Ys, its termini system is the seat of power of the Federal Government. It has for centuries been a commercial centre, and the capital city is one of the most important banking city of the Western Reaches. Many Ysthian and international corporations have business or service centers in the termini system. For several centuries, Astria has been recognized as a major center of business founders. It is also known as a major Western Reaches science, research, and education hub, with several renowned universities and institutes. It is home to some concert hall, museums, entertainment venues, and sporting events.
Temasek
Located at the south of Arhes and above Thule and Anshan, Temasek host eight inhabited planets spread over six systems. It is the most populous sphere of influence and the industrial heart of the Federation. Rich in mineral ressources, Temasek is the manufacturing hub for some of the largest industries in the Federation.
It has therefor developed a significant heavy industry and more especially steel industry, machinery industry, defense industry and an extensive aerospace industry. Thanks to the wealth of its mineral ressources and their large-scale industrial exploitation, Temasek leads all Ysthian sphere of influence with an export rate of approximately 45%. The federal government is also a major economic force in Temasek with many important federal facilities.
Mysore, its termini system is one of the most industrialized of the galaxy. Counting two inhabited planets as well as many space stations it is also the most populated system of the Federation. The system also houses the main military installations of the Federation.
Thule
Surrounded by the People’s coalition and the Altaari Union to its south, the sphere of influence of Thule encompass five inhabited systems. Since the 3380’s, Thule is the fastest-developing sphere of influence in the Federation, and is among one of the wealthiest and most economically developed regions in the Western Reaches. With strong investments in higher education, Thule developed a diversified economy and is notable for its concentration of scientific research and high-technology industries. Thule has thus emerged as the Bertaeyn leader in the field of biotechnology, bioengineering, nanotechnology, electronic and IT. It attracts more foreign direct investments than any other sphere of influence in the federation.
The termini system of Branderion is widely seen as a global node of creativity, entrepreneurship, social tolerance, and a trendsetter in innovation. Several major corporations operate science and technology research centres in the termini system. As it is the gateway into the People’s Coalition, Thule is since several centuries the major trade hub of the Federation.
Anshan
Located at the west south of the Federation, Anshan is the least densely populated (four inhabited systems) and least industrialized sphere of influence of the Federation and contributes with a minor percentage in the national GDP. Since few centuries, Anshan has lagged far behind other Ystyhian sphere of influence in terms of social and economic development. While it is rich in mineral resources, it had few significant industries. It’s economy was essentially based on agriculture ,cattle breeding and extractive industries. Anshan was during several decade a lawless region heavily dominated by piracy groups, unscrupulous corporate activities, and secessionist movement. The violence and insecurity have long limited Anshan’s economic development, because it had to commit its scarce resources on law, order, and security. The local government has made in the last decade significant strides in developing the sphere of influence. Improved governance has led to a steady economic growth through increased investment in infrastructure, better health care facilities, greater emphasis on education, and a reduction in crime and corruption. However, while the inner system are quite well developped, some outer systems are still considered under developped for bertaeyn standard.
The termini system of An Oriant house one habitable world. Covered in 65 % water, it’s climate is dry and warm while its gravity is high. Ian Oriant is thought the most populous system in the sphere of influence. It also host some Coalition military outpost.
Aran industrial sector
Rich in raw materials, this sector was relatively untapped for several centuries. He has known for about twenty years a phase of rapid industrialisation.
History
Colonial era
The history of the Ysthian Federation begins with the colonization of its capital world Ker Ys as part of a cooperative endeavor between the Human Continuity Project (HCP) and the Eole Corporation of Old Terra. The programme was called Le Projet Stivell or The Stivell Project. By the summer of 2511, the project was fully underway and, in just under three years, Eole’s Brittany-class colony ship was constructed and crewed. In the spring of 2514, the Bretagne was launched as part of the second wave of the Deep Seed Project. Two years later, the colony ship made landfall on the garden world of Ker Ys. Nearly a year after planetfall, the colony received a transmission from a planet called Tregon. In 2543, after only twenty-six years, Ker Ys and Tregon founded the original Ysthian Federation.
Golden age of Ysthia
As the decades passed, Federation explorers made contact with more than a dozen worlds. The Federation enjoyed economic stability and growth, and established trade with all the worlds in the sector. Over the following centuries, trade flourished and Federation trading partners prospered. This attracted a number of worlds to join the Federation, which in turn strengthened both the economies and the defense forces of member worlds. Expansion of the Federation continued, to the Temasek Sector and the Thule Sector; another century on, the Federation also encompassed the Anshan and Harmattan Sectors. Trade was further expanded into the Coalition of Independent Systems, enriching Ysthian yet more. The achievement of high standards of education and healthcare, as well as the advanced civil liberties, economic competitiveness, and human development, marked the Federation as one of the most stable, prosperous, and peaceful star nations in the galaxy – a shining gem in humanity’s colonial crown.
Decline and depression
For more than six centuries, the Ysthian Federation maintained its place at the pinnacle of human prosperity. As the Federation population swelled, however, the burden of increasing social progamme demands slowly began to overtake the government’s ability to support them. By 3112, social spending in three grew from about 57% to nearly 73%, causing massive cutbacks to other areas such as agriculture, industry, and transportation. The defense forces were underfunded and suffered declines in repair and maintenance. As a consequence merchant fleets also experienced an increase in predation from pirates. The gap between upper and middle classes widened dramatically over a period spanning more than a hundred years, from the late 3100s to 3309, when the Ysthian Civil War finally erupted.
Ysthian civil war
As the 34th Century approached, the decline of the Federation’s relative wealth and social utopia had culminated in a general state of discontent among the populous. Decades of attempts to affect change through legislative and administrative means made very little impact and Ysthians began to lose all hope. Cynicism took hold and local uprisings ranging from riots to insurrection increased the strain on Federation’s defense forces already stretched thin across the borders. Reserve units were activated to supplement those already in the field – an unpopular policy that only made clashes with civilians more volatile than they already were. A concerted last-ditch effort at negotiations between government and social institutions resulted in increasing frustration and hostility. More extreme elements took the opportunity to sow discord, using ever more violent methods to advance agendas. In response, the Federation forces put down all insurrectionist activity ever more ruthlessly.
In the winter of 3313, more than a dozen world governments across four sectors declared independence from the Federation all at once. Martial law was immediately declared. The Federation government quickly hit back hard at the rebel worlds; the conflict was bloody and brutal. In an effort to quell the civil war, the Intersystem Alliance unilaterally decided to intervene. In the Harmattan Sector, the ISA was decidedly in support of the rebels, leading to the eventual full independence of the sector. The ISA’s intervention managed to bring parties to the table in negotiation. Many desperate local governments accepted ISA-mediated armistices. In the end, the Federation was left ragged and torn with an entire sector lost and a nearly depleted treasury. Most Federation worlds were forced to accept ISA “advisors” and peacekeeping garrisons. In the spring of 3320, the civil war ended.
An uneasy republic
In the middle part of 3320, the reorganized Ysthian Republic held its first legislative assembly. The era of the Republic has been described as one of continual anarchy, government corruption, rioting and pillage, assassinations, arbitrary imprisonment and economic persecution. With the military rebuilding, the ISA ostensibly assisted with both civilian transport and merchant escort – however, Alliance ships enforced a de facto embargo in systems where ISA companies were in direct competition with Ysthian ones. Republic worlds with insurrectionist activity were slapped with Alliance sanctions in the form of economic penalties. By 3368, many blamed the government and considered ISA interference to spread all the way to the federal legislature. A distinct lack of trust in leadership, that large portions of the populous believed were puppets of the ISA, grew resentful and angry.
Rise of the new federation
Ysthian’s public finances and the economy in general entered a critical phase and, in the waning months of 3374, a military coup led by Grand Marshal Benedane Turcotte overthrew the sitting government. His first act as President was to appoint a committee of senior Defense Force officers and task them with selecting a suitable president. The committee chose Olivier Arjamish, a promising young politician and one of the few who was not considered corrupted or influenced by the ISA. He set about making immediate changes to the government. Arjamish declared the end of the Republic and the re-establishment of the Federation. He ruthlessly rooted out and eliminated all patronage positions, and established most of the government himself. The result was an illiberal democracy, but a technocratic one. Within ten years, Arjamish and the Ysthian government had stabilized the economy, restored many social programmes, and began a marked and steady process of leading a revitalized Federation back into prosperity. Strongly distrustful of the Alliance, trade initially suffered, but expansion of trade into the Coalition mitigated much of the lost revenue from exports to Alliance worlds. In 3385, the Ysthian Federation offered its support to the regime that changed the Coalition of Independent Systems into the People’s Coalition.
The cold war
The relationship between the Ysthian Federation and the People’s Coalition is multifarious. Trade is quite extensive and has been since before the rise of the Adler regime, but political and even military cooperation has developed between the two star nations – though the national agendas are quite disparate. As tensions have continued to rise with the Intersystem Alliance and its allies, Ysthia has been bracing for conflict.
Military
Main Title – Military of the Ysthian Federation [COMING SOON]
The Ysthian Federation Defence Force ( YFDF ) , is the military arm of the Ysthian Federation. It is charged with the defense of it’s systems and the protection of it’s National interests both internally and abroad. While a relatively small force, the YFDF is well equipped and well trained and can rely upon a formidable logistical base and powerful industry. The main task of YFDF is to train , organize and deploy the military assets of the Federation both near and abroad , while maintaining the long-term ability to defend the entire federation in case of conflict.
The Ysthian Defence Forces are divived into four distinct branches :
Federal army
Main Article – YsthianFederation Army [COMING SOON]
The Ysthian Federation Army is the main atmospheric warfare arm of the Ysthian Federation Defense Force. It is the most important branch in terms of numbers. Relatively small compared to its potential opponents, the Ysthian Army is nevertheless well trained and equipped in quantities of weapons systems and modern, sophisticated and well maintained equipment. With a high degree of availability for a force whose conscription remains one of the pillars, the Federal Army also benefits from the support of a well equipped and extended Home guard. Robust in constitution, the Ysthian soldier benefits from gene therapies. The army, through sports clubs or associations (cadets…) is also very involved in civil society and encourages physical culture. In peacetime, most of the military needs being handled (provided by the Space Forces and the Marine Corps), the Army’s strength is greatly reduced. Its activity is then mainly focused on training.
Federal space forces
Main Article – Ysthian Federation Space Forces [COMING SOON]
The Ysthian Space Forces are the space warfare arm of the Ysthian Federation Defense Force. Having risen again to a second tier navy in recent decades, the Navy has been equipped with recent, fast and often heavily armed starships. The Ysthian Space Forces is also one of the most modern in the galaxy. It compensates for its relative small size by having technical operational availability and a high standard of training for its crews. Its budget is at the forefront of the BFDF. However, its ranks are second only in terms of manpower behind the Federal Army. Although practically autonomous, the Marine Corps is administratively dependent on the Federal Navy. In wartime, the forces of the Space Gendarmerie reporting the Federal Ministry of the Interior are under the command of the Federal Navy.
Federal marine corps
Main Article – Ysthian Federation Marine Corps [COMING SOON]
W.I.P.
Federal gendarmerie
Main Article – Ysthian Federation Gendarmerie [COMING SOON]
W.I.P.
Economy
After the Ysthian Civil War, during which the Federation suffered heavy human and material losses its economy was virtually reduced to nothing. The economic modernization was then implemented by the finance minister, Edouard Eto’o, considered as the father of economic reforms and one of the main architects of the profound transformation of the Federation. The plan – know as the “shock reform” – eventually helped to subdue the hyperinflation that ruined the economy of the Federation and to accelerate the process of economic recovery. This generated a dramatic phase of growth and industrial reconstruction for almost 60 years making of the Federation one of the major economic powers of the Galaxy.
Today, the Ysthian Federation is among the wealthiest and most developed economies of the Galaxy. It is mainly based on services yet industry still represents a very significant share of its GDP. The Federations economic power relies mainly on the strength of its exports, therefore it has an important trade balance (both goods and services) surplus. The economic organization of the Federation presents some specific features.
Highly skilled labor force (based on an excellent education system and the promotion of professional degrees).
Strong cooperation between the State and private companies.
Close linking of manufacturers with distributors and subcontractors within organized conglomerates.
Employers and syndicates operate in co-management (joint management).
The import of raw materials and technology are favored at the expense of consumer goods.
Production is orientated towards external markets.
Mastering of advanced technologies due to heavy investment in research and development.
The Ysthian Federation as a reputation for the good quality of their products in general which participates in the success of its economy. The Ysthian companies don’t rely on the low prices of their products for export, but much more on high quality or specificity. Therefore their products are bought not because they are cheap but because they are particularly efficient or because their clients need a product that only the Federation can make. It goes without saying that the Federation produces mainly high value-added goods.
Economic sectors
Primary
Highly automated, the primary sector represents only a very small percentage of assets (2%) and the production of national wealth (1.7%). Agriculture in particular depends heavily on subsidies. Wishing to ensure its self-sufficiency in raw materials in the long term, the federal government has launched reforms over the last fifteen years and a vast investment plan supported by a credit policy.
Secondary
Dominant sector of the Federation’s economy, the industry employs around 27.9% of the active population and accounts for nearly 24.3 % of GDP. The main sectors in terms of turnover are electronics, robotics, space engineering followed by biotechnology and nanotechnology. The huge groups (Llyr Corporations, Don Heavy industries …) place the Federation among the major industrial nations. SMEs / SMIs are distinguished for their particular dynamism. Many of them are even market leaders in their respective fields. By heavily focusing on niches they sometimes dominate with market shares exceeding 70 %. Particularly numerous in the Federation, they are the backbone of the economy and explain both its export capacity and its resilience to economic crises. Thanks to their good returns, some companies manage to cover the financial requirements on their own without having to resort to external investment. Yet companies can rely on tax regulations and laws encouraging financial institutions to invest in companies rather than to speculate.
Tertiary
The tertiary sector accounts for over two-thirds of the workforce of the Federation and accounts for about three quarters of its GDP.
Foreign trade
Consistently with its choice of an economic model oriented towards exports the Federation has recently diversified its business partnerships after having long focused on the People’s Coalition market. Recent free trade treaties are already in force or awaiting promulgation and should help maintain relatively high growth in the long term. The Federation has however taken protectionist measures to protect public procurements and avoid purchasing manufactured goods produced from outside its borders.Even though it has decreased in recent decades, the Federations still boasts a high budgetary surplus. Most of it is then reinvested in sovereign wealth funds.
Science and Technology
In the aftermath of the Ysthian Civil War, the Federation accused a significant delay in some leading sectors compared to other nations. This was partly compensated by resorting to technology transfers and reverse engineering. The high level of education, the business environment, the quality of infrastructure as well as the tax and legal environment established during the “shock reforms” have subsequently played in favor of developing advanced technologies. The Federation is now amongst the most advanced Nations of the Galaxy as it spends nearly 4.8% of its GDP on R&D. Research funding mainly comes from the private sector, however, the public sector is also quite active in the field of fundamental research. Scientific contributions of the Federation are significant in the fields of electronics, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, information technology and space engineering.
Demographics
Thriving and having excellent civilian infrastructure, the Federation has a very high standard of living (HDI). It ranks among the most developed nations in the Galaxy.
Demography
The Ysthian Federation has about 624 billion inhabitants with an annual population growth that is currently estimated at 1.5%. The growth is mainly made up of positive net migration followed by a slight increase of birth rate in certain sectors. Multiculturalist, the Federation has a voluntary immigration program which has been started in order to raise the current low birth rate. The Federation has also put in place a natalist policy based on a system of highly developed nurseries, parental leave, financial aid and support. The density of settlements, colonies and other manned facilities is higher in the sectors of Arhès and Temasek. The sectors of Anshan and Thule are characterized by higher population growth. To note, a relatively high number of Bertaeyns citizens live abroad.
Ethnic groups
The ethnic diversity of the Ysthian population is among the highest compared to other nations and considered by its government as a benefit for the Federation. The inhabitants of the Federation are 42.3% of Asian ethnic origin (mainly Indians, Chinese, Koreans, Vietnamese …); The Caucasians make up 29.8%, the Iranians 15.2% and the rest are from various ethnic groups including Africans (12.7%). The Federation maintains this high ethnic diversity thanks to a voluntary immigration policy. Nearly 1.4% of the population is of foreign origin.
Language
The constitution of the Ysthian Federation recognizes 23 official languages, including Mandarin, Indian, Persian, Tamil … However, French is considered as the de facto national language used in the Bertaeyn Federation. Many of its citizens are also fluent in English, this language being considered important for use in trade, administration, the defense forces and the police.
Religion
Secular since its creation, the Federation has no state religion. Its Constitution guarantees freedom of religion as well as the separation of church and state. Therefore the state does not recognize, pay or subsidize any religious organization or ideology. According to the last census, nearly 34.3% of the population declared themselves agnostic, atheist or without religion, 21.1% were Buddhists, 14.5% Hindus, 13.8% Christian, 9% Muslim and 1.2% Judaism.
Education
The Ysthian education system is fully decentralized. Education is considered one of the fundamental rights of all citizens (residents and non residents) of the Bertaeyn Federation. Accordingly, it is free of charge. The educational system must give the same opportunities to everyone, no matter their social, political or financial backgrounds. It is also distinguished by a holistic conception of education. Beyond the simple transmission of knowledge and skills, the school promotes responsibility, self-discipline, showing initiative, hygiene (students clean their classes) and loyalty … Wearing a uniform is compulsory. Being a teacher in the Federation is being considered to be one of high standing and as such they are respected highly by society. Most teachers have a minimal educational level similar to doctors, managers and lawyers in their respective fields. Education facilities are considered very rigorous and use selective recruitment for its teaching staff (All teachers need to have a minimum level of higher education). With a focus on guiding students, students with learning disabilities can benefit from the help of specialized teachers. Teachers either guide them during class or work with them separately. The education system is divided into three levels :
Elementary school
Each child must grow and develop according to its personal skills and at his or her own pace. At the end of elementary school, children must be able to live in a community and be of benefit for this community. In basic education the pedagogical orientation of the pupil is also integrated and, if necessary, additional supportive teaching is provided.
Vocationnal and general path
The orientation after the elementary school leads to two paths: a professional or a general path. At the end of the professional path, students can directly join the workforce. Those who have chosen the general path are called upon to join a higher education. However, there are links between these two channels.
Higher education
The Federation has several highly respected and renown universities. Higher education comprises two types of institutions: universities and polytechnic institutes. While universities are essentially preparing its students for research and providing more theoretical instruction; the polytechnic institutes, on the contrary, emphasize practical teaching and put more emphasis on practical applications. Successful admissions are compulsory to enter. Nearly 10% of Bertaeyn higher education students are foreign.
Continuing professional development
The dual education system of Professional development is seen as one of the main vectors of Bertaeyn economy’s competitiveness. Beyond basic initial training, continuing professional development is also strongly encouraged by some companies.
Healthcare
Well financed in terms of GDP, the Bertaeyn health system provides universal coverage of health care for all its citizens of the Federation, regardless of wealth, age or social status. Considered effective, the health system consists of a fully integrated network of public and private services. Health spending is covered for 70% by the government. These are financed in part by compulsory health contributions levied on all wages and paid by employers, employees and the self-employed. Mutual coverage may be taken out.
At the forefront of gene therapy, the Federation is however suspicious about transhumanism and its excesses.
Military and civil service
Serving in the defense forces or in a civil security unit is a mark of prestige both on a social and on a professional level in society. It is even a sine qua non condition to achieve some functions or positions in private enterprises or in public service.
Culture
The culture of the Ysthian Federation is an Occidental culture mixed with several other cultures from different ethnic groups: Chinese, Indians, Iranians… Multi-culturalist, the Federation encourages each ethnic group to maintain its traditions, while embracing a modern and conformist way of life. The influence of Western culture, however, remained strong. The main worlds of the Ysthian Federation are today very cosmopolitan. The Ysthian culture remains strongly influenced by the popular culture of the People’s Coalition because of the proximity and importance of trade. Egalitarian, the Federation ranks very well from the point of view of economic freedom, civil liberties and political rights.
Gastronomy
Extremely varied, the Ysthian cuisine is characterized by the variety and quality of the products used (wines, cheeses …). It consists essentially of regional specialties. The “Ysthian gastronomy”, however, is essentially based on the Mediterranean diet, which is characterized by the consumption in abundance of fresh produce; Fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, aromatic herbs and olive oil, moderate consumption of dairy, eggs and wine, limited consumption of fish and low consumption of meat. This being the cheese and delicatessen are also very much appreciated.
Architecture and urbanism
As with other aspects of Ysthian culture Architecture Ysthian borrowed from many sources: European, Chinese, Arabic and Indian, while developing its own genius. Very diversified, it reflects the multiculturalism of Ysthia. The public buildings of the Federation are strongly influenced by the neo-classical style and more particularly by Palladianism and the Greek Revival. Often referred to as pedestrian cities or Garden cities, the Ysthian cities are distinguished by a very high concentration of green spaces.
Sport
Sport is a popular and widespread activity encouraged at an early age. Approximately half of the Federation’s population participates in sports activities while nearly 20% of the population are members of a sports club. Throughout the Federation, there is a wide variety of sports such as running, swimming, cycling, golf, tennis, fighting sports… Water sports and more generally outdoor sports are particularly appreciated. By tradition, Rugby is the Federation’s most popular team sport. The educational system and, in particular, universities play an important role in the promotion of sport through numerous competitions.