Qym

Qym Ⱒⰺⰿ (Qymish)
Flag Coat of arms of Qym Coat of arms
Motto: Follow the King
Anthem: "National Anthem of Qym" File:Qymish national anthem.mp3 Royal anthem: "Royal Anthem of Qym" File:Royal Anthem of Qym.mp3
Location of Qym on Basis Location of Qym on Basis
Capital and largest city	Zhol
Official languages	Qymish
Recognised regional languages	Emadinian Litagẽyan Qarhõnian Rumykian Sunamese
Ethnic groups	83.7% Qymish 3.4% Rumykians 2.7% Sunamese 2.2% Emadinians 1.4% Tamodians 0.9% Gosarians 0.8% PAHARIAN GROUP 1 0.7% Holarians 0.7% PAHARIAN GROUP 2 0.6% Riudish 0.5% Zandomians 0.4% Qarhõnians 0.4% VISALIAN GROUP 0.3% Litagẽyans 1.3% others
Demonym	Qymish
Government	Absolute monarchy
• King	Qodzar
Legislature	Royal Consultative Assembly
History
• Byrak	1445 BCE
• Ottelian conquest	425 BCE
• Sukats Kingdom	296 CE
• Duchy	1100 CE
• Principality	1453 CE
• Kingdom	1918 CE
• Fundamental Law	2193 CE
Area
• Total	1 km2 (0.39 sq mi)
Population
• 2440 estimate	162,359,580
• 2440 census	162,359,580
• Density	1/km2 (2.6/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)	2440 estimate
• Total	$9.5406 trillion
• Per capita	$58,762
GDP (nominal)	2440 estimate
• Total	$8.1256 trillion
• Per capita	$50,047
Gini (2440)	38.4 medium inequality (??th)
HDI (2440)	.914 very high (??th)
Currency	Lach (Ⱎ) (QYL)
Time zone	UTC-1 (UCT-1)
Date format	dd.mm.yyyy CE
Calling code	+44
ISO 3166 code	QY
Internet TLD	.qy

Qym (IPA: /qɪːm/) is a country in the continent of Meran on the planet Basis. It borders Afarut, Holaria, Nykal and Tamodia to the west, Gosaria and Imendia to the east, and Prugundy and Thyon to the south.

At AREA km² and a population over 162 million inhabitants, Qym is the largest and most populous country in Meran. The capital and largest city is Zhol, and other major urban centers include Nagur, Patsalys, Byvichek and Teurek.

During the Iron Age, the territory of present-day Qym was inhabited by the Byrakans before falling under Ottelian rule in 425 BCE following the Byrakan Wars. The Sukats settled there in the early 3rd century and founded the Sukats Kingdom in 296 CE. Their empire collapsed and was partitioned in 1100, and Northern Sukatia became the Duchy of Qym, subordinate to the Eastern Sukatian Empire. By 1453, the Duchy of Qym became the Principality of Qym, part of the Gosarian Empire, with increasing importance in the region. In 1918, the Kingdom of Qym was established by Bacha I and has been a major power in Meran ever since. In 2193, the Fundamental Law of Qym was adopted by King Bacha XII, greatly modernizing the country but remaining an absolute monarchy under the rule of the House of Zhifol. By the end of the 23rd century, Qym had become a leading industrial power and was one of the principal belligerents in the Boreal War and the subsequent Austral War, winning the former but losing the latter.

In 2334, Qym played a key role in the establishment of the Basis Forum. It is also a member of the Meranian Diplomatic League, the Basis Development Bank and the Basis Climatic Organization, and hosts the headquarters of several international organizations, including the International Trade Federation, the Boreal Cooperation Council, and the Organization of Sukatic Nations. Qym is a developed country with one of the largest economies on Basis. It is a global leader in the automotive, aerospace, nuclear and pharmaceutical industries, in addition to making significant contributions to science and technology. Qym is a nuclear-weapon state with the 6th-largest standing army by military personnel on Basis and the largest defense budget. It wields considerable political, economic, military, diplomatic, and cultural influence in Meran and the rest of Basis, making it a great power.

Etymology

The etymological origin of the name Qym is uncertain. One plausible explanation is the Byrakan cognate Qy-im, meaning "Land of squirrels".

There is also the claim that Qym derives from the Proto-Sukatic word Khiim, meaning "WTVR".

History

Main article: History of Qym

BRIEF SUMMARY TO WRITE LATER

Geography

Climate

The climate of Qym varies from oceanic (Cfb) in the south to continental (Dfb) for most of the country. Subarctic climate (Dfc) is found at the very north and tundra (ET) in the MOUNTAINS.

Hydrology

The Foldava is the main river. The Mizhpy is its most significant tributary and meets the Foldava in the capital city of Zhol.

Topography

TO BE DETERMINED BASED ON THE WILLEM MAP

Fauna and flora

The vegetation transitions from temperate broadleaf and mixed forests in the south and central regions, and gradually decreases towards the north, passing from boreal forest to tundra and finally to the arid soils of the Far North, devoid of vegetation. Alpine areas, such as in the March of Qarhõ in the south, also feature mountainous vegetation and alpine tundra.

U/C

Government and politics

Bacha XVIII
King of Qym
2409 to 2440

Bacha XIX
King of Qym
2440 to 2441

Bacha XX
King of Qym
2441 to 2443

Qodzar
King of Qym
since 2443

Main article: Politics of Qym

Monarchy and royal family

Main article: House of Zhifol

Qym is an absolute monarchy controlled by the House of Zhifol, led by the King of Qym, currently Qodzar since 2443. The Fundamental Law of Qym is a constitution-like charter defining the responsibilities and duties of government institutions. It was adopted by King Bacha XII in 2123 to modernize the country during the Twelfth Era Reforms.

Government

Main article: Government of Qym

The King appoints the Royal Ministers, who form the government. Royal Ministers must be members of the royal family. They are political appointees and administratively operate their ministries. They are executives with full administrative control over their respective ministries. Under Qym's political system, the terms government and Government of Qym refer specifically to the King and the Royal Ministers, but typically also includes the national public service, and ministries and agencies when used elsewhere. It excludes regional and municipal governments who are referred by their respective administrative names, even though most of them are also directly appointed by the King. Ministers each have their own staff, called a ministerial cabinet. Each cabinet consists of around ten to twenty members, who are political appointees. Cabinet members assist the minister in running a ministry. Members of ministerial cabinets are powerful figures within the government and work in both the political and administrative spheres. The hierarchy in each ministerial cabinet is determined by the minister. Working groups consisting of representatives from several ministries are commonplace. It is the duty of the King to oversee these inter-ministry meetings and to ensure that government work is done effectively and efficiently. All ministerial cabinet decisions must be co-signed by the King.

Legislature

Main article: Royal Consultative Assembly

Qym's unicameral legislature is the Royal Consultative Assembly. It is a deliberative assembly that advises the King on issues that are important to the kingdom. It has the power to propose laws to the King of Qym and his cabinet to approve and pass. It has 100 members, all appointed by the king and dismissible if he chooses to. Since 2374, the Assembly requires a 40 percent minimum quota for women by royal decree. It also comprises ten specialized commissions with ten members each. The Assembly has the power to draft bills for the cabinet or the King, propose revisions and amendments, and request audiences with ministers who are not members of the royal family. The Assembly is authorized to propose bills and transmit them to the King, but only he has the power to approve and enforce them. It conducts collegial studies of the annual reports prepared by ministries and official bodies. Its advice is transmitted to the King to help him decide on policy decisions, international treaties, and economic plans. Finally, it can examine the annual budgets and request information from the various ministries.

Law

Main articles: Law of Qym and Law enforcement in Qym

Qym uses a hybrid civil law system based on the Fundamental Law of Qym, adopted by King Bacha XII in 2123, which acts as a de facto constitution. The Fundamental Law places restrictions on preceding and subsequent royal decrees to comply to it. The Fundamental Law states that "provisions that contradict those of higher rank are invalid." This means that there is a hierarchy of norms that distinguishes between lower-ranking and higher-ranking norms. However, the relationship between norms is not limited to a question of hierarchy but also involves a question of jurisdiction. The hierarchy of norms in Qymish law is as follows:

• The Fundamental Law of 2123,
• Public international law (treaties, conventions, and agreements),
• law (in the strict sense): organic laws, ordinary laws, and regulatory norms having the rank of law (royal decree-law and royal legislative decree),
• norms emanating from the executive branch within the hierarchy of the bodies that promulgate them: royal decrees, ministerial decrees and orders, etc.

The judiciary comprises the Council of the Judiciary, the administrative and supervisory body for judges and magistrates, as well as personnel exercising legal authority in Qym; and the Supreme Court, which oversees the Qymish legal system, including upholding the Fundamental Law, and acts as the court of last resort for crimes and offenses, and as the court of first instance for certain serious crimes and offenses. A unique feature of the Qymish legal system is the Royal Court, a tribunal that tries Qymish citizens and foreigners for crimes and offenses of an international nature or for specific issues that may involve third-party states, as well as current events such as terrorist acts, and attacks against the Crown and its representatives, in other words the royal family.

The jurisprudence of the Supreme Court is a complementary source for the interpretation and application of the law. The Supreme Court decides on the legality of a decision but also verifies whether the decisions of lower courts are consistent with jurisprudence. Due to the principle of royal immunity, present in the Fundamental Law, members of the royal family are exempt from ordinary courts and are tried only before the Supreme Court. Only the King retains sovereign immunity, as all laws and decisions are made in his name, meaning that he has absolute immunity from criminal prosecution. There is no legal pathway for abdication in Qymish law besides the age requirement of a reigning monarch to be between 30 and 75 years of age. In practice, this means a monarch must minimally be 30 years old to be crowned and automatically abdicates the crown upon turning 75, as it passes on to the king's successor.

Administrative divisions

Qym is divided into 5 duchies (Qymish: Ⰲⱖⱝⱁⰳⰾⰺⰽ, Vühoglyk), 10 counties (Qymish: Ⰳⰰⱇⰺⱄⱅⱁ, Gafysto), and 5 marches (Qymish: Ⱂⰰⰽⱃⰰⱋ, Pakrash). These first-level administrative divisions are headed by a duke or duchess, a count or countess, or a marquess or marchioness, respectively, who are all appointed by the King of Qym and act as his local representatives. While their titles are different in name and prestige, in practice they all have equal powers over their respective administrative division. These divisions are further divided into baronies (Qymish: Ⰿⰰⱜⰵⱋ, Majesh), which are headed by a baron or baroness, usually appointed by the king's representatives.

Administrative divisions of Qym

Emblem	Division	Qymish	Population (2440 census)	Area in km2	Density	Seat	Head
	Duchy of Avachim	Ⰲⱖⱝⱁⰳⰾⰺⰽ ⰹⱋ Ⰰⰲⰰⱍⰹⰿ Vühoglyk ish Avachim	20,528,432	NUM	NUM/km2	Byvichek	Duke PERSON
	Duchy of Narval	Ⰲⱖⱝⱁⰳⰾⰺⰽ ⰹⱋ Ⱀⰰⱃⰲⰰⰾ Vühoglyk ish Narval	22,222,368	NUM	NUM/km2	Patsalys	Duke PERSON
	Duchy of Sunam	Ⰲⱖⱝⱁⰳⰾⰺⰽ ⰹⱋ Ⱄⱆⱀⰰⰿ Vühoglyk ish Sunam	11,057,356	NUM	NUM/km2	Smijoca	Duke PERSON
	Duchy of Tulim	Ⰲⱖⱝⱁⰳⰾⰺⰽ ⰹⱋ Ⱅⱆⰾⰹⰿ Vühoglyk ish Tulim	10,310,489	NUM	NUM/km2	Tulim	Duke PERSON
	Duchy of Zhol	Ⰲⱖⱝⱁⰳⰾⰺⰽ ⰹⱋ Ⰶⱁⰾ Vühoglyk ish Zhol	34,195,278	NUM	NUM/km2	Zhol	Duke PERSON
	County of Balc	Ⰳⰰⱇⰺⱄⱅⱁ ⰹⱋ Ⰱⰰⰾⱚ Gafysto ish Balc	4,441,799	NUM	NUM/km2	Balc	Count PERSON
	County of Bavoz	Ⰳⰰⱇⰺⱄⱅⱁ ⰹⱋ Ⰱⰰⰲⱁⰸ Gafysto ish Bavoz	2,390,396	NUM	NUM/km2	Bavozkin	Count PERSON
	County of Chelisom	Ⰳⰰⱇⰺⱄⱅⱁ ⰹⱋ Ⱍⰵⰾⰹⱄⱁⰿ Gafysto ish Chelisom	3,204,452	NUM	NUM/km2	Chelis	Count PERSON
	County of Garzhalis	Ⰳⰰⱇⰺⱄⱅⱁ ⰹⱋ Ⰳⰰⱃⰶⰰⰾⰹⱄ Gafysto ish Garzhalis	5,342,807	NUM	NUM/km2	Leramy	Count PERSON
	County of Kushat	Ⰳⰰⱇⰺⱄⱅⱁ ⰹⱋ Ⰽⱆⱋⰰⱅ Gafysto ish Kushat	3,867,533	NUM	NUM/km2	Narylce	Count PERSON
	County of Nagur	Ⰳⰰⱇⰺⱄⱅⱁ ⰹⱋ Ⱀⰰⰳⱆⱃ Gafysto ish Nagur	12,373,924	NUM	NUM/km2	Nagur	Count PERSON
	County of Prasty	Ⰳⰰⱇⰺⱄⱅⱁ ⰹⱋ Ⱂⱃⰰⱄⱅⰺ Gafysto ish Prasty	1,652,079	NUM	NUM/km2	Prasty	Count PERSON
	County of Riopen	Ⰳⰰⱇⰺⱄⱅⱁ ⰹⱋ Ⱃⰹⱁⱂⰵⱀ Gafysto ish Riopen	3,275,755	NUM	NUM/km2	Kuknyq	Count PERSON
	County of Tirel	Ⰳⰰⱇⰺⱄⱅⱁ ⰹⱋ Ⱅⰹⱃⰵⰾ Gafysto ish Tirel	3,293,918	NUM	NUM/km2	Tirelja	Count PERSON
	County of Usufym	Ⰳⰰⱇⰺⱄⱅⱁ ⰹⱋ Ⱆⱄⱆⱇⰺⰿ Gafysto ish Usufym	3,412,156	NUM	NUM/km2	Usuf	Count PERSON
	March of Dovjon	Ⱂⰰⰽⱃⰰⱋ ⰹⱋ Ⰴⱁⰲⱜⱁⱀ Pakrash ish Dovjon	3,538,741	NUM	NUM/km2	Zamnola	Marquess PERSON
	March of Emadin	Ⱂⰰⰽⱃⰰⱋ ⰹⱋ Ⰵⰿⰰⰴⰹⱀ Pakrash ish Emadin	7,012,061	NUM	NUM/km2	Krosnica	Marquess PERSON
	March of Litagẽ	Ⱂⰰⰽⱃⰰⱋ ⰹⱋ Ⰾⰹⱅⰰⰳⰷ Pakrash ish Litagẽ	1,458,208	NUM	NUM/km2	Vatuk	Marquess PERSON
	March of Qarhõ	Ⱂⰰⰽⱃⰰⱋ ⰹⱋ Ⱒⰰⱃⱝⱑ Pakrash ish Qarhõ	1,668,916	NUM	NUM/km2	Tarnovek	Marquess PERSON
	March of Rumyk	Ⱂⰰⰽⱃⰰⱋ ⰹⱋ Ⱃⱆⰿⰺⰽ Pakrash ish Rumyk	7,112,912	NUM	NUM/km2	Teurek	Marquess PERSON

Foreign Relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Qym

Qym belongs to several international organizations, including the Basis Forum, as a founding member during the Boreal War. It is also a founding member and permanent host of the Boreal Cooperation Council, which was established following that war. Among other prominent international organizations, Qym is a member of the Basis Development Bank and the Basis Climatic Organization. It also hosts the headquarters of the International Trade Federation and the Organization of Sukatic Nations. At the continental level, Qym is part of the Meranian Diplomatic League, the primary intergovernmental organization in Meran.

Qymish foreign policy after the Boreal War has been primarily shaped by the expiration of the Nagur Pact and geopolitical tension with former ally Astamon despite deep trade ties. On the other hand, Qym retained close ties with Thyon and developed closer ties with former adversaries Holaria and Prugundy, both economically and militarily. Since 2340, Qym has been one of the main proponents of political multilateralism, economic globalization and free trade. It is party to the most free trade agreements of any country on Basis and is currently negotiating several more agreements as of 2440.

Qym has diplomatic and consular offices in over ### locations in approximately ### foreign countries. Qym also hosts over ### diplomatic missions, including ### embassies in Zhol's Embassy Quarter. NEIGHBOR is the country with the most diplomatic missions in Qym, having one embassy and # consulates.

Military

A RAFQ Ramiq R-20 fighter jet.

Main article: Qymish Armed Forces

The Royal Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force are collectively known as the Qymish Armed Forces. All three branches are administered by the Royal Ministry of Defense, while the Commander-in-Chief is the King of Qym, to whom members of the forces swear an oath of allegiance. With 561,434 active personnel, Qym maintains one of the largest armed forces on Basis. It is also part of two defense pacts, the Sukatic Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance and the Qymo–Thyonese Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.

As of 2440, total defense expenditure represents $251.9 billion or 3.1% of GDP in nominal terms, the ?th largest on Basis. However, on a purchasing power parity basis, Qym's 2440 military budget was the equivalent of $295.8 billion. The Qymish military-industrial sector is significant, with major state-owned companies Ramiq and Vajdila having a leading role in the aerospace sector in particular. The country has produced high quality military equipment such as the Ramiq R-26 and Vajdila V-33 fighters, the BQ missile, the Vezhpaqa main battle tank, and the King Bacha-class aircraft carrier, among others, resulting in considerable arms exports, although Ramiq products are prohibited from being exported.

Human rights

Main article: Human rights in Qym

The Fundamental Law states that fundamental rights of citizens include freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to a fair trial, freedom of religion, and the right to property. However, in practice, the law does not provide meaningful protection against criminal prosecution by the state, particularly through the Royal Court. Censorship of political speech and information is often used to silence criticism of the government and the royal family. Security forces allegedly commit human rights abuses such as torture, and the judiciary does not always prosecute or investigate them. Unauthorized street demonstrations or protests, even peaceful ones, are generally repressed. Press activity is regulated by the Professional Code of Qym and overseen by the Qymish Order of Journalists, the professional order for journalists. In 2440, Qym ranked ###th out of ### countries in Journalistic Liberty Organization's Basis Press Freedom Index.

Long-standing human rights issues include the absence of political representation and responsible government, the treatment of ethnic and religious minorities, immigrants, police brutality and ethnic profiling, and discrimination and violence against LGBTQ people. Other contemporary issues include mass surveillance, infringements on the right to privacy, digital rights and the right to repair, and copyright issues pertaining to generative AI and piracy.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Qym

Qym has a highly developed dirigist mixed economy which has also been described as state capitalism or as "one big national zaibatsu or chaebol" by economist FOREIGNER. It has a labor force of roughly 90 million, which is the second largest on Basis.

Major economic sectors of competitive strength include public utilities, energy generation, manufacturing, aerospace, automobiles, rail, steel, minerals, environmental services, banking, insurance, pharmaceuticals, IT services, telecommunications, e-commerce, and real estate. Most of these sectors are dominated by Qym's numerous crown corporations, many of which being global leaders and enjoying a domestic monopoly.

In terms of international trade, Qym is both the largest exporter and largest importer on Basis as of 2440. Thyon is its largest trading partner, accounting for 13.49% of the total trade. Other large trading partners include Prugundy, Astamon, Gosaria, Imendia, and Holaria. Qym's main exports are automobiles, machinery, pharmaceuticals, aircraft, minerals, electricity, professional services, and electronics. Meanwhile, its main imports are machinery, electronics, oil and gas, minerals, automobiles, agricultural products, tourism, and textiles and clothing.

Energy

A nuclear power station in Qym. The country produces around 42.6% of its electricity from nuclear power.

Main article: Energy in Qym

In 2440, Qym was the largest consumer of energy on Basis. It was also the largest producer of electricity that same year. Apshvjespa, a crown corporation, is tasked with producing and distributing electricity and is one of the largest electric utility company on Basis. The country consumed 2,510 TWh of electricity in 2440 (15.46 MWh per capita) and produced 2,808 TWh. As of 2440, 1,069.26 TWh (42.6%) of electricity in Qym is produced from nuclear, 479.41 TWh (19.1%) from hydropower, 318.77 TWh (12.7%) from wind, 288.65 TWh (11.5%) from natural gas, 208.33 TWh (8.3%) from solar and 145.58 TWh (5.8%) from biomass and waste, among other sources. King Bacha XVIII has committed to phase out its natural gas plants by the end of the existing plants' lifetime.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Qym

Qym has a large road network, with a total length of ###,### km in 2440, with most of it paved. Driving is done on the right. The Qymish highway system is extensive and connects all major cities, combining for a total of NUM expressways, all of which are tolled and numbered with even numbers for north-south routes and odd ones for east-west routes. Ring road expressways are an exception to this rule, as they feature a zero (0) in front of their number to indicate it is a circling route. Toll fares are collected electronically nationwide since 2392. Speed limits on highways are fixed at 300 km/h in rural areas and 250 km/h in urban areas. On rural roads, the speed limit is 150 km/h, while on city roads such as boulevards, avenues, or streets, the speed limit is 100 km/h. In school zones, the speed limit is reduced to 70 km/h.

A Tarez plant in Chelis.

In 2440, there were 83,615,184 registered motor vehicles, making Qym the third largest automotive market on Basis. It is also the second largest producer of motor vehicles at around 7 million units per year, with Cajech, Marnyj and Tarez being its main automakers. Those three also produce a large number of vehicles outside of Qym, with many factories around Basis. Since 2430, 100% of new car sales are fully electric vehicles, being one of the first countries to reach a full EV market share. Internal combustion engine vehicles remain available through the resale market, but new cars must be EVs per Qymish law. King Bacha XVIII promulgated several new automotive regulations to increase safety during his reign, notably GPS-activated speed limiters and manufacturing visibility standards to mitigate vehicular blind spots. In 2442, King Bacha XX introduced a decree mandating manufacturing changes to newer car models, requiring them to have physical switches or buttons for primary driving components, such as engine start/shut, door handles, door locks, gear selection, turn signals, and hazard lights. Restrictions on in-car entertainment systems have also been put in place to temper distracted driving.

A high-speed train from Qymaja Gelis.

Rail transport in Qym, operated by Qymaja Gelis (QG), a crown corporation, is among the busiest on Basis for both passengers and freight. As of 2440, the country had ###,### km of railways, the ?th-longest network globally. International passenger rail flows through four recognized stations of entry where passengers need to get off and go through customs before entering or leaving the country. These are TBD to the west, TBD to the east, TBD to the southwest or southeast, and Teurek to the southwest or southeast. Additional stations of entry are planned based on new high-speed rail lines.

As of 2440, 7 Qymish metropolitan areas have high-capacity metro systems, namely Zhol, Nagur, Patsalys, Byvichek, Teurek, Leramy and Kalnuj. A further 18 cities have medium-capacity metro systems or semi-metro systems with full grade separation. Rail systems without grade separation have been illegal in Qymish urban areas since the country dismantled its tramway networks and replaced them by buses in the 1950s during the reign of King Bacha XVI. State-owned ShMÃ (ⰛⰏⰫ) is one of the big 4 global rolling stock manufacturers and provides trains for most of the country's systems.

There are 955 airports in Qym, of which 661 are paved and 294 are unpaved. King Bacha XV International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the country, handling the vast majority of popular and commercial traffic and connecting Zhol with virtually all major cities across the world. QMR is the national carrier airline and legally the sole domestic provider, although numerous private airline companies provide international travel services.

The port of Nagur is by far the busiest port in the country and on Basis, handling around 45% of all incoming and outgoing maritime trade to Qym.

Science and technology

Main article: Science and technology in Qym

The Umach spacesport before a launch.

Representing 4.63% of its GDP in 2440, Qym is one of the biggest spender in research and development globally. Most of that research is in fields which Qymish crown corporations excel in, namely aerospace, energy, pharmaceuticals and information technology.

Space

Main article: Qymish space program

The Qymish space program started in 2348. Qym launched its first satellite, Tygaj, on DAY MONTH 2358, aboard a Dalica-1 rocket, making it the ?th country to place a satellite in orbit. With space launch capability provided by the Dalica rocket family and two spaceports (Tajmus and Umach), Qym conducts the ?th highest number of orbital launches each year.

Telecommunications

Main article: Telecommunications in Qym

Qym is one of the largest telecom market on Basis and currently has the ?th-largest number of active cellphones of any country, with over 220 million subscribers, as of 2440. Tatiqym, a crown corporation, has a monopoly on providing telecommunication services, including fixed line, mobile telephony, internet services, and digital television. Considered a public service, telecommunication is affordable and widespread in Qym, although human rights groups have expressed concerns over government surveillance and censorship.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Qym

Historical population

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
2200	28,718,732	—
2210	29,839,956	+0.38%
2220	30,555,234	+0.24%
2230	31,470,220	+0.30%
2240	32,305,490	+0.26%
2250	33,914,127	+0.49%
2260	35,878,606	+0.56%
2270	37,674,236	+0.49%
2280	40,637,857	+0.76%
2290	44,767,280	+0.97%
2300	50,092,775	+1.13%
2310	57,023,136	+1.30%
2320	64,303,469	+1.21%
2330	71,621,250	+1.08%
2340	72,812,918	+0.17%
2350	85,520,068	+1.62%
2360	100,413,024	+1.62%
2370	110,257,218	+0.94%
2380	116,649,680	+0.57%
2390	121,745,858	+0.43%
2400	129,065,085	+0.59%
2410	136,617,902	+0.57%
2420	144,496,952	+0.56%
2430	153,398,671	+0.60%
2440	162,359,580	+0.57%

Qym has a population of 162.36 million as of the 2440 census, making it the ?th most populous country on Basis. The population grew at a stable annual rate of 0.575391% between 2400 and 2440.

Qym's first census in 2200 recorded a population of 28.72 million, reaching 50 million in 2300, 100 million in 2360, 150 million in 2425, and projections estimate it will grow to 200 million by 2480. In the last 200 years, from 2240 to 2440, the population was multiplied fivefold. Qym saw slow population growth from 2330 to 2440 due to mass casualties during the Boreal War.

High fertility rates persisted until the 2370s, after which they started to decline; the total fertility rate (TFR) reached an all-time low of 1.51 children per woman in 2393, well below the replacement rate of 2.1. In 2440, it stood at 1.56.

Population density is estimated at NUM per square kilometer (NUM/sq mi) in 2440.

Urbanization

Main article: Urbanization in Qym

Wall-to-wall triplexes in Zhol, with characteristic exterior staircases and balconies common in most Qymish cities.

Qym is highly urbanized, with around 75% of the population living in cities. The most densely populated parts of the country are the Foldava and Mizhpy river valleys, who intersect at the capital city of Zhol, near the geographical center of the country. As of the 2440 census, 11 metropolitan areas had more than 1 million residents. The largest of these are Zhol, Nagur and Patsalys — all three located along the Foldava — with 21.1, 8.4, and 6.2 million inhabitants respectively. Nagur is located to the south of Zhol, while Patsalys is located to the northwest. Byvichek, the 4th largest metropolitan area, also has a significant population of 4.6 million inhabitants and is located along the Mizhpy river to the northeast of Zhol. Teurek, the 5th largest with a population 3.1 million, is part of the NAME conurbation with neighboring Qomich, Tamodia and WILLEMGRAD, Thyon, which has a total population of ~10 million. The Zhol metropolitan area accounts for 13% of the total population of Qym, while the Duchy of Zhol accounts for 21%.

Throughout history and even in modern times, Qymish cities have been highly influenced by the ruling king and their personal urbanist preferences. Most kings took into account the expertise of urban planners of their times, while some did not. No city has been more affected by the "whims of kings" than Zhol, the capital and largest city. In the Fourteenth Bachan era under Bacha XIV, Qym experienced a growing rate of urbanization with people moving from rural areas to cities seeking employment. To house these people, often lower class industrial workers, wall-to-wall duplex and triplex dwellings were built at industrial scales by the Royal Housing Commission initially in Zhol and then throughout the country. These working-class neighborhoods were often located near railyards or waterways, such as canals or rivers, in proximity to the workers' workplaces. More of these neighborhoods were built during the Fifteenth Bachan era that immediately followed under Bacha XV. These plexes have become emblematic of Qymish housing and are a feature of any Qymish city.

From the 2340s onward, the Qymish middle class tended to move further away from city centers into suburbs with single-family homes, accelerating the phenomenon of urban sprawl throughout Qym. During the 2390s, many of the old working-class neighborhoods became gentrified as industries relocated further away from the urban core to reduce pollution. Replacing the former industrial areas were larger apartment buildings, often catering to higher income people, while low income people displaced by gentrification moved to working-class suburbs, often comprising pre-fabricated dwellings close to new industrial areas. During the Eighteenth Bachan era under Bacha XVIII, from 2409 to 2440, significant changes were made to urban planning, including environmental regulations and the sustainable development of cities. In most cities, traffic reduction measures were put in place, including bike paths, speed limits and speed bumps, bollards, slow zones, congestion pricing, and the pedestrianization of certain streets or sectors, particularly in commercial zones and historic centers. For instance, the Old City of Zhol became seasonally pedestrian starting in 2415 and pedestrian throughout the year since 2422. Moreover, many highways were transformed into urban boulevards, while parking lots were developed for housing or commercial use.

Around 55% of Qymish people are homeowners, while the remaining 45% are renters. Most renters live in housing units built and maintained by the Royal Housing Commission and are effectively paying rent to the Crown. The homeownership rate is much lower in major cities while it is much higher in rural areas. The Royal Housing Commission also keeps rents stables by establishing benchmarks to private landlords on rent increases. It also has the mission to ensure housing starts are stable and consistent with population growth, as well as demand for specific dwelling-types.

Largest metropolitan areas in Qym 2440 Qym census
Rank		Region	Pop.	Rank		Region	Pop.
1	Zhol	Duchy of Zhol	21,078,935	11	Narylce	County of Kushat	1,086,149
2	Nagur	County of Nagur	8,377,109	12	Usuf	County of Usufym	895,426
3	Patsalys	Duchy of Narval	6,169,938	13	Smijoca	Duchy of Sunam	806,674
4	Byvichek	Duchy of Avachim	4,552,007	14	Kuknyq	County of Riopen	745,177
5	Teurek	March of Rumyk	3,109,834	15	Tirelja	County of Tirel	719,680
6	Leramy	County of Garzhalis	2,237,151	16	Zamnola	March of Dovjon	637,859
7	Kalnuj	Duchy of Avachim	1,861,145	17	Bavozkin	County of Bavoz	619,563
8	Balc	County of Balc	1,520,546	18	Chelis	County of Chelisom	543,997
9	Tulim	Duchy of Tulim	1,458,095	19	Vatuk	March of Litagẽ	526,819
10	Krosnica	March of Emadin	1,218,906	20	Tarnovek	March of Qarhõ	525,049

Ethnic groups and immigration

Ethnic groups in Qym (2440)

  Qymish (83.7%)

  Rumykian (3.4%)

  Sunamese (2.7%)

  Emadinian (2.2%)

  Others (8.0%)

Main articles: Ethnic groups of Qym and Immigration to Qym

Qymish people are the largest ethnic group in Qym, at 135,894,969 people or 83.7% of the total population as of the 2440 census. Qym is one of the Meranian countries with the highest number of registered minorities. With a population of 5,520,226 people, Rumykians remain the largest ethnic minority, concentrated predominantly in the March of Rumyk and representing 3.4% of the country's population (57.3% in the March of Rumyk). Sunamese people, numbering 4,383,709 or 2.7% of the total population, are the second largest minority, mainly concentrated in the Duchy of Sunam. Emadinians form the third largest minority at 3,571,911 people or 2.2% of the country's population. They mainly live in the March of Emadin. Other registered minority groups include Tamodians (2,273,034 – 1.4%), Gosarians (1,461,236 – 0.9%), Holarians (1,136,517 – 0.7%), Qarhõnians (649,438 – 0.4%) and Litagẽyans (487,079 – 0.3%). Among the significant non-Meranian immigrant minorities are the PAHARIAN GROUP 1 (1.3 million ~ 0.8%), PAHARIAN GROUP 2 (1.1 million ~ 0.7%), Riudish (1 million ~ 0.6%), Zandomians (800,000 ~ 0.5%) and VISALIAN GROUP (650,000 ~ 0.4%).

Immigration to Qym has historically been from neighboring countries in Meran, particularly other Sukatic peoples or Scildists at large. Starting from the early 2390s, Qym began to attract substantial flows of immigrants from other continents, particularly Pahari and Daroch. In 2440, Qymish citizens were subdivided as follow based on continent-of-birth: Meran (95.6%), Pahari (2.1%), Daroch (1.6%), and Visala (0.7%). As of that same year's census, 8.44 million people or 5.2% of Qymish residents were foreign born. These exclude illegal immigrants, whose numbers are thought to be in the 1–2 million range. The distribution of immigrants is uneven throughout Qym, with major cities hosting the bulk of foreign-born residents.

Language

Main article: Qymish language

The official language of Qym is Qymish, a Sukatic language. It is spoken by 139.8 million people (86.36% of the population) as a native language and 22.07 million (13.64% of the population) as a second language. Outside of Qym, it is also spoken in neighboring countries in Meran and by Qymish diaspora communities throughout Basis. The Royal academy of the Qymish language regulates the use of the language, which comprises 37 recognized dialects. The standard dialect taught in schools throughout Qym is based on the middle and upper class dialect of the Duchy of Zhol, spoken by the royal family and mainly heard on television.

Five regional languages native to Qym are recognized by Qymish law, namely Emadinian, Litagẽyan, Qarhõnian, Rumykian, and Sunamese. All these languages are in official use in administrative divisions (duchies, counties, marches, baronies and municipalities) where the ethnic minority exceeds 25% of the total population, based on the Regional Languages Royal Decree of 2353. Emadinian (official in the March of Emadin) and Sunamese (official in the Duchy of Sunam) are closely related to Qymish, being both North Sukatic languages. While in the same language family, Rumykian (official in the March of Rumyk) is more distantly related, being classified as South Sukatic. Those three minority languages, along with Qymish, are also written using the Sukatic script. Meanwhile, Litagẽyan (official in the March of Litagẽ) and Qarhõnian (official in the March of Qarhõ) are both North Ottelic languages and use the Ottelian script.

Seven extinct Sukatic languages were also native to Qym, namely Avachimian, Dovjonese, Garzhalian, Nagurian, Narvalese, Tirelian and Tulimian. Existing in medieval times, these languages became progressively endangered and eventually critically so following the policies of Qymishification starting in 2116 during the Eighth Bachan era, particularly after the introduction of compulsory education, which was only in Qymish throughout the kingdom. This policy lasted until the Regional Languages Royal Decree was enacted in 2353, resulting in 237 years of forced linguistic assimilation through the schooling system. Attempts to revive the languages were mainly unsuccessful, owing to the royal prestige and preponderance of Qymish in mass communication by the 2350s.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Qym

A young Scildist couple during the Festival of the Dead in 2431.

Freedom of religion is guaranteed under the Fundamental Law of Qym, but Scildism remains the country's official religion. According to the 2440 census, 90.7% of the population of Qym follows Scildism, 3.7% Sunneism or Mōnaïsm, 2.5% Auserism, 1.5% Manigism and 0.7% Ānism (One Orthodox Church). The remaining 0.9% refused to answer. Irreligion and atheism were not an option on the census, and many Scildists consider themselves irreligious, or at the very least antitheist. Most practitioners of non-Scildist religions are immigrants.

Sunneism is well established, with striving communities, and faces very little stigma compared to other religions. Sociologists explain that this is likely due to the fact the two Sunneist gods, Sunne and Mōna, are visible physical entities in the material world. There have been attempts by certain Sunneist converts to syncretize the religion with Scildism, particularly during the 2370s, but their efforts were mainly fruitless.

Auserism is mainly practiced by Holarians and other Meranian minorities. U/C

Manigism has been brought to Qym through immigrants in the last fifty years. Practitioners are usually seen with suspicion and there have been attacks on various Manigist communities in Qym in recent decades. The most serious of these was a mob attack in Nagur, on DAY MONTH 2405 targeting mainly Darochian immigrants. The attack became known as the 2405 Nagur riots and was condemned by King Bacha XVII.

Ānism is tolerated through the One Orthodox Church, which has legal status, but Ānists face significant stigma in everyday life. Due to its association with transhumanism, the One Church of Man is banned, as well as most other unofficial Ānist churches.

Health

A modern red hospital in Zhol.

Main article: Healthcare in Qym

Qym's universal healthcare system is one of the oldest in Basis, dating back to 2210. It has however been modernized and changed numerous times over the last two centuries. Since 2366, Qym has used a two-tier system, where a public network of universal green hospitals accepts all patients, with a guaranteed list of services, while a parallel network of for-profit but also government-owned red hospitals provides services not available in green hospitals or available with extra amenities such as private rooms, shorter waiting lists, personalized care and also cosmetic surgeries. As a baseline, Qym uses a government-funded universal health insurance. Optional additional supplementary insurance is available for purchase for elective coverage, such as for plastic surgery or for extra amenities in hospitals.

Only Qymish citizens or foreign permanent residents can use green hospitals, but during emergencies or when the identity of a patient is unknown, first responders will bring the patient to the nearest hospital, which will often be a green one. In such a case, the patient will be treated as normal, but they will be charged red hospitalization costs and if possible eventually transferred to a red hospital. This system was put in place in the 1960s to deal with increased hospitalizations of foreigners due to an increase in tourism. Eventually, this led to medical tourism as well, due to Qym's high-quality level of medical care and ease of access with the two-tier system. Procedures not available in other countries are also in demand by foreign patients, notably abortions, but also cosmetic interventions. Qym also has a large network of smaller green and red clinics that complement the hospital networks. They are more common in rural areas where hospitals are scarce, and generally offer a lot less services. Healthcare professionals working in either red or green institutions are considered civil servants and their work conditions are similar overall as Qym's "medical private sector" is actually state-owned. Physicians and nurses in green hospitals and clinics are better paid but tend to work longer hours, while those in red institutions have lower salaries, but slightly less hours.

Vaccination in Qym is mandatory for children and adults alike. Under Qymish law, there is no recognition of an individual's right to their body when it comes to public health. Anti-vaccination activism is prohibited and subject to fines and imprisonment as part of the country's misinformation laws, while repeated offenses can lead to internment into mental institutions or life in prison. Knowingly spreading diseases, such as HIV, is deemed equivalent to murder.

Education

A research reactor of the University of Patsalys.

Main article: Education in Qym

Qym has an adult literacy rate of 100%, mainly thanks to its universal compulsory education system. The country has free compulsory education for a duration of 13 years, exclusively for children aged 7 to 20. Like most countries, the Qymish education system is divided into three institutional networks: primary (ages 7 to 13), secondary (ages 14 to 19), and tertiary (ages 20+). At the tertiary level, students must attend a college and graduate before going to university. College education serves as a bridge between compulsory schooling and university education, where they can specialize in a number of different technical or pre-university fields. College typically takes two years to complete for pre-university and three years for most vocational or technical diplomas, and students are usually between 20 and 22. There are royal colleges, which are public institutions fully funded by the government, with only service fees required of students, and there are private colleges, which are more competitive and require substantial tuition fees.

Students typical start university when they are 22. Universities in Qym are all private institutions who receive funds from tuition, private donors and government subsidies. Moreover, the Qymish royal family, corporations, and NGOs provide scholarships to help promising Qymish students of lower income backgrounds to be able to attend university. According to a Basis Forum report in 2440, Qym is the 3rd leading destination for international study. The five top-ranking universities are the University of Zhol, the University of Nagur, Darnak University (Zhol), the University of Patsalys and the University of Vyshir (Zhol).

Students in secondary schools typically learn a regional language other than Qymish for three of the six years, as well as one of ten available foreign languages for the remaining three years. In 2440, the fractions of students studying foreign languages in Qymish schools were: Gosarian – 16.3%, Tamodian – 14.1%, Prugundian – 11.9%, Imendian – 10.3%, Nykalese – 9.6%, Afarutian – 8.7%, Thyonese – 8.2%, Methelorian – 7.6%, Astamonian – 7.2%, and Holarian – 6.1%.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Qym

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