OVERVIEW 

The Federal Republic of Athyla (FRA), commonly known as Athyla, is a country situated in the north of Alvero. It is a constitutional presidential republic under a unitary system, composed of 46 states, four prefectural regions, three municipalities, and four incorporated oversea territories. The mainland borders Seytsca, Bristonia, Akyra, and Langol to the south, East Slandsia to the east, and shares a maritime border with primarily Serlai and West Slandsia. The country has the world's third-largest land area as well as second-largest population. As of 2020, the population of Athyla was 951 million people. The bodies of water that surround it are the North Segenic Sea, the Strait of Athyla, and the East Sea. Its three largest metropolitan areas are Belvaria, Aujunta, and Levanel, and its three most populous states are Arond, Altynia, and Malbrese. The national capital of Athyla is Belvaria. 

Migrations of people from modern day Blitztopia, during the Paleolithic Era more then 12,000 years ago, towards the modern-day area of Arond, formed the first organized societies and civilizations within the area. The area would see various assorted kingdoms and states rise and fall, most notably, the first Atyvi state. They would establish the kingdom of Antyvia, which would serve as the heartland of the area now known as 'Athyla Proper' in the present day. During the Classical Era, the Elitisen Empire would arise, creating a vast empire that stretched from modern day Arond, across the Slandsian peninsula, and towards the modern day state of Anvalan. Following this, the Elitisen Empire would soon collapse, giving rise to feudalism. During the Middle Ages, Athyla would grow to become a powerful but decentralized feudal kingdom, however, during the 14th and 15th century, would see a stream of bloody conflicts with various neighbors such as the Kingdom of Eldaria, as well as the Serlain Empire. During the 16th-17th century, Athyla would grow to become a powerful state, reconquering kingdoms south and within the east, the Athylian Empire saw a height in Athylian influence and dominance within not only Alvero, but globally, as Athyla sought to expand upon their rampant imperialistic ideals. However, following the First and Second Revolution, in 1850, the Athylian monarchy was abolished, and a constitutional presidential republic was emplaced. During the later half of the 19th century, Athyla would see many of its former states declare independence, including Slandsia, the region once encompassing Eldaria, as well as the Brinen peninsula. Following a series of expeditions and consolidation of control, Athyla would manage to rise once more as a global power by the late 20th century, engaging in global affairs and rapidly modernizing. 

The Athylian federal government is a presidential constitutional federal republic and liberal democracy with three separate branches: legislative, executive and judicial. It has a bicameral national legislature composed of the General Assembly, a lower house based on population, and the Council Chamber, based on equal representation for each level of administrative division. Athyla operates under a unitary system, often considered a byproduct of the measures taken to reconstruct Athyla during the Enclaves Era. 

One of the world's most developed countries, Athyla has maintained its place as the world's second largest economy by nominal GDP since about 2000. Athyla ranks as the world's largest food exporter, a major producer and exporter in textiles, machines, circuits, oil, aircraft, cars, etc. Athyla ranks among the world's highest in economic competitiveness, productivity, human innovation, human rights, ethnic diversity, advancement in the arts, and higher education. It is considered one of the global superpowers, with its hard power and cultural influence having a global reach. Athyla is a permanent member of the CAP Security Council, a founding member of U6, a member of the Bilateral Commission of Cross Strait Trade, Aderna Accords, North Alveran Union, Segenic League, as well as founding member of the Federation of Alveran States. Athyla maintains its place as a centuries-long global center of art, science, and philosophy, maintaining the world's greatest amount of cultural heritage sites out of any state, as well as containing some of Aedirn's largest swathes of protected parklands. 

Vexillology

The current flag of Athyla, also known as 'Bars of Blue and Gold' and 'Laurel of Unity,' dates back to 1809, shortly before the First Revolution in 1811. The flag was originally proposed by the 'People of Liberation,' who aimed to create a flag that defined the freedom movement. The elements and their representation are as follows: the blue represents freedom, the yellow representing hope as well as referring to the use of yellow banners as a sign of protest against the then imperial government, and the laurel represents unity as well as liberty. In addition, the laurel was said to have been taken from the lanorist story of 'Sacraniti's and the Grove.'