Lakau

Lakau, officially the State of Lakau, is a in western Tiridinia. It is a unitary parliamentary republic consisting of 81 prefectures, often grouped into five regions, covering approximately 1.8 million square kilometers, and bordered by the Locufaric Ocean to the west, !NorthernNeighbor to the north, !SouthernNeighbor to the south, and the !TiridinianRanges to the east. Most of the land consists of rolling hills and plains, with low lying mountains only in the northwest, southwest, and east. The capital and largest city, ‘Āina Lā, is at the mouth of the Nohea River, along which many of the nation's largest population centers lie. The country is a modern hub for finance, education, and energy in Tiridinia. With a population of just over 190 million, Lakau is the third most populous country and second largest economy in the world.

The lands that are now Lakau were first settled some 20,000 years ago by sailors from Osamia. Agriculture and permanent settlements arose circa 5000 BCE, primarily along the Nohea river and in coastal regions. As society and trade developed, these settlements became more integrated with one another. The nation first united under King Keahilani 'Aukai circa 970-930 BCE. The nation would experience growth and contraction over the following centuries, with its territorial peak occurring during the Alana Dynasty from 1150 CE - 1230 CE. Following the Alana Dynasty and the collapse of the dynastic system in 1297, the nation experienced mass instability under feudal lords.

The nation was reunited in 1511, roughly 100 years before first contact with Salian traders looking to establish trade routes to Tiridinia and Vidina. The following centuries would see increasing trade between Alutra and Lakau, the spreading of Ayekist faith in Lakau, and immigration of Alutrans (primarily Salians) into Lakauan port cities. Ayekist practices were outlawed in Lakau in 1817 by King Haku Alana, though this was met with growing resentment and a covert Salian campaign to realign Lakau with Salian interests primarily by supporting the Kūʻokoʻa revolutionaries. This eventually boiled over to a revolution in 1851 in which the royal family was deposed and a republic was established. This new government would go on to support Salia throughout all three world wars, though the democratic institutions were dismantled in 1922 under Koa Mahi'ai o ‘Āina Lā.

Koa Mahi'ai would go on to lead a genocidal campaign against political dissidents and residents of conquered territories, along with those non-Alutran and non-Mākou within Lakau's terriroty. This genocide, known as the Ma'ema'e, was one of the bloodiest in history, and continues to be a scar on the nation to this day. Following a defeat in World War III, conquered territories were relinquished and the government dismantled. An emergency government led by the Concert of Nations powers was put in place in 1957. In 1958, the second republic was established and approved by the Concert powers. The World Forum's founding coincided with this new government, with Lakau being brought in as a founding member. The following years were focused on rebuilding in Alutra and Tiridinia, with Riyata investing heavily into Lakau's financial sector and Alutran nations investing into various other Lakauan sectors, such as energy and transportation. Occupation ended in 1972.

In the modern day, Lakau is a fully globalized nation with a high standard of living. Residents enjoy access to public healthcare, tuition free education, and robust social programs. The nation's economy and population continue to grow, though growth has slowed in recent years. Most economic growth in Lakau is in the energy and research/education sectors. The growth of green energy solutions, especially solar, has been a boon to Lakau's economy due to natural resources and manufacturing and technology capabilities. Lakau faces issues with corruption, both corporate and political, especially in its historically dominant party, the Free Trade Party. For the first time, in 2022, this party was not included in the governing coalition, with a coalition forming between the Labor Party, Ecological Party, and New Urbanist Party. The nation has only recently begun to attempt to reckon with the social consequences of the Ma'ema'e, with this new coalition considering the issue of special concern. Lakau continues to be a regional power and a prominent nation on the world stage, being the location of multiple major global corporations and institutions such as Kalena Solar, Hanohano Inc, and the University of Lakau.

Etymology
The name "Lakau" is an endonym describing the temperate lands between the !North Tiridian Desert and forested lands to its south, which primarily consists of coastal chaparral and woodland. The full name, Moku’āina o Lakau, translates literally to "State of Lakau". The name "Mākou", used to describe the natives of Lakau that migrated from Osamia and settled along the Nohea River, translates approximately to "Us" or "We", and does not share a root with the name of the nation.

Prehistory (before 10th century BCE)
Archeological evidence suggests that the lands that now make up the nation of Lakau were first settled by Osamian sailors approximately 20,000 years ago. Not much is known of the extent of continued exchange between these early settlers and their homeland, but it is known that many of these original settlers continued further beyond and would eventually colonize most of Tiridinia as well as Vidinia. The first evidence of agriculture and permanent settlement appeared along the Nohea River in the current day city of Kikowaena. Other notable settlements from this time period appear to have existed in ‘Āina Lā, 'Ike Maika'i, and ʻŌpuʻu Nui, with various smaller settlements appearing along the Nohea, the coast, and further inland.

The settlements along the Nohea appear to have existed in relative peace with one another for extended periods of time - most discovered weapons appear to be primarily for hunting and fishing, and there is evidence of substantial trade between settlements. Most warfare conducted between individual settlements occurred between settlements along the Nohea and smaller individual settlements on its periphery. Coastal and inland communities were incorporated into the increasingly complex web of trade relationships over the centuries, though civilization remained largely centered along the Nohea.

Dynastic period (10th century BCE to 990 CE)
The first true predecessor to the modern nation of Lakau began circa 970 BCE under the 'Aukai Dynasty. Keahilani 'Aukai began as the heir apparent of the throne of ʻO Nā Lau, which at the time was a small kingdom roughly comprising of the lands of the modern day Moku of the same name. ʻO Nā Lau, despite its relatively small size, was wealthy and well sheltered. Upon 'Aukai's ascension, he began a political campaign of unification of the Nohean cities. ʻAukai scored a major political victory with the incorporation of ‘Āina Lā into the dynasty, which despite its wealth and power, fell under 'Aukai rule seemingly overnight. The details of the incorporation of this event are scarce, though it is generally accepted that any warfare that may have occurred was relatively brief. The leaders of ‘Āina Lā at the time wrote about the event, stating that they believed the unification of ʻO Nā Lau and ‘Āina Lā would be mutually beneficial. It is likely that a power sharing agreement was reached to avoid conflict between the prosperous cities, potentially owing to shared family history between the rulers of the cities, though this was publicly framed as an 'Aukai victory.

Following a victory at ‘Āina Lā, 'Aukai turned inland to expand control. Several battles ensued in the following years, with the Nohean civilizations gradually capitulating and joining forces to create a unified state under the 'Aukai Dynasty by approximately 930 BCE. The Mākouan people as a concept was born during this time, a unified identity of the Nohean river civilizations and near coastal communities. The 'Aukai Dynasty would last until approximately 490 BCE, when it was replaced by the Kama Dynasty. The Dynastic period consisted of eight unique dynasties (not including the Alana Dynasty, which is generally considered a distinct period of Lakauan history), during which Lakau's borders would expand and contract many times. The civilization's cultural and militaristic reach extended north into the !North Tiridian Desert and the shores of Loko Nui, east to the !Central Tiridian Mountains, south to the dense woodlands, and west to the ocean. Skirmishes with powerful young nations on the edges of Lakau occurred from time to time, but geographic and economic constraints kept Lakau from exerting influence much further than the modern borders.

Alana Dynasty (990-1297)
In 990, Lakau was in a state of disorder. The Mahelona Dynasty had begun only 32 years prior, but was already showing weakness. Revolts were common and often unsuccessfully addressed, and the Mahelona armies were seemingly incapable of regaining territory lost upon the fall of the previous dynasty. The government appeared incompetent to even those loyal to it - a scholar from Pukalani at the time wrote that "[Mahelona's government] could not plan further than a camel could throw" in a correspondence regarding that year's grain allocation.

The Alana family was wealthy and well connected in ‘Āina Lā, the largest city in Lakau even at that time, holding various positions of power throughout the city as well as in those surrounding it. The ‘Āina Lā city council election to select a head of council occurred in 990, in which the young Noa Alana was chosen. Alana immediately set about undermining Mahelona rule, establishing the council of ‘Āina Lā as the sole ruling body over the city. Alana was successful in convincing several surrounding cities to revolt in cooperation to establish a new ruling structure that reflected the councils of ‘Āina Lā. The following years would see several battles between the Alana government and Mahelona forces, ultimately resulting in the removal of Mahelona from power and the establishment of the Alana Dynasty.

With power secured along the Nohea from ‘Āina Lā to Wai Nani, Alana turned his gaze inward. Alana was a charismatic leader that promoted a positive vision of the future of the nation, a welcome respite from the decades of decline that most Mākou had come to accept. Public works projects brought work, resources, and wealth to the civilians that had not previously been seen in the region. These projects included aqueducts, roads, housing, levees, and various other infrastructural benefits that allowed the citizenry to collaborate and communicate with security and speed. Lakau entered an age of military prowess, scientific advancement, and spiritual growth - this time period is when the first teachings of Iokahi, a religious philosophy of interconnectedness and self-dissolution, began spreading among the populace.

Following Noa Alana's death in 1032, the dynasty began to engage in expansionary warfare more frequently with surrounding cities and nations. During the same time, the Tubica'i on the eastern side of the !Central Tiridian Mountains were experiencing a period of enlightenment. The two nations had previously engaged with each other only at the fringes, but they began to communicate more frequently during this time. The nations traded goods and ideas with one another, with scholarly communication being especially frequent. It is unknown if the establishment of the Royal University of ‘Āina Lā in 1067, Lakau's first higher institution of public education, was spurred by this contact, though it is suggested by Lakauan historians that this may have been the case.

By the early 13th century, resources had once again begun to be stretched thin. Quality of life had begun to decline, and following a major defeat in 1254 against !southern neighbor, the Alana Dynasty lost substantial credibility and authority. The dynasty continued to hold power for several decades while breakaway regions began successfully vying for independence. Unrest in the nation culminated with the collapse of the dynastic system when the royal family was killed in a revolt in ‘Āina Lā in 1297.

Feudal period (1297-1511)
Power concentrated in small pockets throughout the former nation. There were several unsuccessful attempts to revive the dynasties, but Lakau persisted without a single ruler or ruling family for the following two centuries. While warfare was more common during this time than it had been under during the Dynastic Period, many cities and regions continued to trade, and there were even times of cooperation during hardships (though this was more common in closely affiliated communities, such as those along the north coast).

Economy
Lakau has a developed, high income mixed economy that as of 2022 is the largest in Tiridinia and third largest globally in both nominal and purchasing power parity. It has a skilled labor force and a high level of innovation. The Lakauan economy is highly globalized, with many sectors relying on the international import and export of goods to stay afloat. Lakau has a moderately sized public sector, comprising roughly 19% of employment, and ranks highly for economic competitiveness and freedom. Lakau has a low unemployment rate of around 2.9% and a poverty rate of 1-2% (using the international standard of <Ꝟ5.50 per day).

The currency used in Lakau is the memo ( M or MEM). Following WWIII, the memo was fixed to the Riyatic pound at an exchange rate of 60 MEM to 1 Riyatic pound. Following concert occupation, the memo was decoupled from the Riyatic pound. As of fourth quarter 2022, exchange rates stand at approximately 76 MEM to 1 Vatupic dollar (VAD).

Lakau's largest industries are finance, education, energy, technology, and agriculture. Green energy manufacturing and research has become an integral part of Lakau's modern economy due in part to the country's lack of oil and plentiful resources used in solar manufacturing. This sector continues to grow while other sectors remain largely stagnant. Finance remains the largest sector in Lakau, with ‘Āina Lā being the the economic as well as the political capital.

Education
The basis of the Lakauan public education system dates back to the Alana Dynasty, when King Kianalu Alana founded the Royal University of ‘Āina Lā in 1067. The following decades would see the opening of several more universities under the Royal University system (including, notably, the Royal Universities of Noelani, Pukalani, and Wai Nani). The Royal University system collapsed during the Feudal Period, with the universities operating under various fiefdoms or completely closing doors. Unfortunately, during this time, many of the original structures were destroyed. The Royal University was reestablished during the New Alana Dynasty in 1513. It was renamed to the University of Lakau in 1851 upon the establishment of the First Republic.

Education in Lakau is divided into seven grades, each corresponding to between two and four years of education. The state also sponsors universal child care for new parents and a professional training program in which businesses are given special funding for training new employees. The first three grades are required to be completed by all citizens, and together correspond to twelve years of schooling. These grades are operated by the School of Lakau, founded upon the establishment of the first republic. The fourth grade, called "Specialization", lasts two years and is usually also required of citizens. Exemptions are available to citizens depending on job status with parental consent. The completion of the fourth grade is required to enter the state-sponsored professional training and for entrance into higher education.

Grades five through seven correspond to a four year, six year, and eight year university degree, though these are not as rigidly defined and may differ depending on the individual program. Private institutions must meet state education requirements to continue operating, though most students attend either the University of Lakau (KL) or Lakau National University (LKA). The KL system, which has roots in the Royal University, is generally seen as the more prestigious of the two. It has a focus on international and graduate (grades 6 and 7) education, with most classes being taught in both Interspeech and Mākouan. The top 5% of students graduating from Specialization must be admitted to the KL system, though they may not necessarily be admitted to their location of choice. The KL system, as of 2022, consists of 21 campuses and has 628,822 students enrolled. The LKA system, on the other hand, has a larger focus on undergraduate (grade 5) education of Lakauan residents. Classes are primarily taught in Mākouan. The LKA system has 30 campuses and 924,110 students enrolled across the entire system. Additional public universities exist, though they are not organized under the LKA or KL systems and are instead managed by individual cities (though they must still comply to national standards).

Educational outcomes in Lakau are very good by national standards, with over 90% completing the fourth grade and ~35% completing the fifth grade or higher. These numbers have risen steadily following the end of the Third World War, but began to plateau around the turn of the millennium. One clear trend that has continued is the share of foreign students increasing - this is especially true in the KL system. Providing a good education to all residents continues to be a focus of the national government, with a new LKA campus currently in the process of being constructed in Alapai that will enroll 33,500 students in 2024.

Sports
Lakau is generally accepted as the birthplace of, though historical records suggest that the sport may have actually originated further north in Tiridinia. Kinipopo is by far the most popular sport in Lakau, with many schools, universities, and cities having their own teams that compete in various local, regional, and national leagues. The largest domestic league is the Lakau National Kinipopo Tournament, it is hosted yearly and pits various Lakauan professional Kinipopo clubs against one another. The largest Kinipopo league globally is the International Kinipopo League (IKL), which has hosted six finals in Lakau since its founding in 1962. The competition runs once every other year on even numbered years. Lakau's national team is consistently a high performer in the IKL, having made playoffs (top 8) in all but seven tournament years and winning the tournament a total of four times.

Other popular sports in Lakau include cycling, wrestling, and martial arts. Cycling for sport is especially popular in the eastern half of the country, and a yearly cycling competition is hosted in Po'o Wai in which competitors must cycle over 100 kilometers through intense terrain at high altitude to complete the circuit. International participation is encouraged at this event, though most participants are from Lakau.