Estradia

The United Federative Republic of Estradia (Zikar: Valadras Peqösekelhe Muutelhe Es’ne-i-Chada), also known as the UFRE, or simply Estradia, is a Federal Republic located in Central Dihara. Estradia borders nth to its west, nth to its northeast, and the Gulf of Kalibar to the south. It is the nth largest country in Dihara by area after nth, and nth largest country overall. The country consists of 31 provinces and one Governmental Capital Region, where the capital, Mbara is located. As of 2015, With a population of approximately 83 million, Estradia's inhabited 51% by Zikari, with the other 49% being other native groups and Aurorans. Estradia's main economic industries are resource extraction, and. Additionally, Estradia has recently become host to a growing.

For millenia, the lands within and surrounding Estradia were ruled by various kingdoms and tribal states. The Zikari Tribe saw the most successful and lasting reign, ruling from the Estrad River Basin between the 15th and 19th century. The contemporary state of Estradia began with Achysian colonization of the region in 1843. Through direct rule, the Achysian government created administrative and legislative insitutions whilst working to assimilate the natives, a process referred to as Achysiation. This often-traumatic practice resulted in growing regional tensions, Austeria facing several periods of unrest. Estradia gained official independence as the Republic of Estradia in 1946, a condition of Achysia's surrender at the end of the 2nd Auroran War. This new nation would be lead by many of the same colonial figures of Austeria, natives often having little political power. Propped up through Pro-Auroran relations, the republican government would continue the policies of forced-assimilation and ostracization of those who opposed its rule. This antagonistic relationship with native Estradians brought further unrest to the region. These flaring tensions eventually culminated in a period of heighted violence and un rest called the Bleeding Sands, a period approximately from 1563 AC to 1574 AD. A major gifure of native resistance during this period wasAlpada Zaboodoo, through whose leadership ENRA forces would see the installment of the nation's current administration. Alpada would go on to lead the country up to the present day.

In the present day, Estradia is seen as a nation on the rise. Over the past few decades Estradia has seen significant increases to both its population and economy, its GDP being around $500 Billion. Estradia has also seen steady improvements in its literacy rates, infant mortality rates, and poverty rates. Civil rights have also been expanded to many citizens. However, political control is tightly held by Alpada and his administration.

Defense
See: UFRE Defense Force The Estradian Defense Force, formally known as the UFRE-DF, is charged with defending the territorial sovereignty and domestic stability of Estradia. To accomplish this goal, the UFRE-DF is split into 4 separate branches: The Estradian Land Defense Force, Estradian Air Defense Force, Estradian Naval Defense Force, and Estradian Special Actions Force (UFRE-LDF, ADF, NDF, & SAF respectively). Geared toward the suppression of domestic unrest and insurgency, the Land Defense Force is by far the largest branch with a manpower of appropriately 200,000. The Estradian Air Defense Force possess around 200 aircraft of various designations, whilst the Naval Defense Force fields approximately 120 vessels for coastal defense.

Geared toward a doctrine of rapid mobilization and response, Estradia's Land Defense Force is largely comprised of lighter, fast-moving vehicles such as it's locally-produced LAV, the Sandcat. However, the LDF also possesses greater fighting power in the form of and Rhino MBTs, largely reserved for border incursions and severe unrest. The LDF additionally plays a key role in Estradia's various infrastructure & engineering projects, many soldiers being trained in road clearing, bridge building, and disaster relief.

In comparison to the Land Defense Force, Estradias air & naval defense are more conservative. Only more recently have efforts been made by the government to implement a more comprehensive focus on Estradian air and sea defense. This effort has seen the acquisition of such materiel as fighter-jet aircraft, aerial drones, and fast-attack craft. Additionally, the modernization of Estradia's Defense Force has seen Estradia's participation in several multinational military exercises, Exercise Shifting Thunder in 2016 being the most recent.

Since the establishment of the UFRE-DF in the mid 70s, Estradia has been an eager participant in the World Concordat's many humanitarian and peacekeeping missions. As stated by Alpada Zaboodoo, "...it is paramount that Estradia lends a helping hand to wherever there is a hand to receive it." This is not only seen as a matter of national pride, but as a great training opportunity for Estradia's Defense Force. However, incidents occurring at the hands of Estradian peacekeepers and skepticism over Estradia's true humanitarian motives have both created occasional controversy on the global stage.

Rail
Much of Estradia's railways are owned and operated by the state-run EstraRail; however, there have been attempts to privatize some modern sections of track. Remnants from colonial rule, a significant portion of Estradia's railways are in disrepair. Recent investment by the government and third-parties has seen portions of track being modernized and expanded, construction largely being contained to Estradia's urban areas. Plans are in the works to develop the Trans-Dihara Railroad, which will connect Bolisahar & Great Zandile.

Estradi Air
See main article, Estradi Air

Tourism
Tourism in Estradia can largely be broken down into two categories - urban destination tourism, and wilderness adventure tourism. Of the two, by far the largest is adventure, although in recent years developing of coastal cities has lead to an increase in visitation.

Wilderness tours themselves are largely run by individual villages; with transportation between them and the major cities and airports subsidized by EstradiRail and EstradiBus, tourists can easily and affordably make their way to the outskirts of civilization, and experience the wildlands of Dihara for themselves. In recent times, federally-distributed but locally-operated EstradiBus Camel and EstradiBus Gazelle have made travel in even the most remote areas much more accessible, although the ecological impact of vehicles driving through wildlands has raised some concerns.