Umikoku

Umikoku, officially the Kingdom of Umikoku, commonly abbreviated as UMK, is a semi-elective monarchy located in the continent of Centalia within Akonanda. The state is focused around the island of Zōjima, with its main population and economic centres located on the territories known as Shinkoku. Both territories are rich in resources and beautiful natural landscapes, with its neighbouring villages including Gloria, Olympus Mons and Dhahab.

Prehistory
Much of the history of Umikoku and its people are unknown, since the language of Umikoku until fairly recently was an oral language, with traditions and stories passed down from generation to generation. However, through extensive research and permission from the Umikoku government, some archaeologists were able to determine that the people of Umikoku were most likely once a nomadic population, moving around several times before finally settling in their current region.

Establishment of Umikoku
Umikoku was established sometime around the 28th of June to the 30th of June (The exact date is unclear, with there being differing accounts). Initially, Zōjima was the only territory controlled by Umikoku. With the discovery of rich Gold and Iron mines below the island, the people of Umikoku decided expansion was not only possible, but necessary for their survival. The people of Umikoku began farming and entered the Umikoku Neolithic Revolution, in which the hunting lifestyle of Umikoku was slowly replaced by large scale agriculture and animal husbandry.

Project Tsuchi
The Kingdom of Umikoku in recent history has begun Project Tsuchi. Project Tsuchi is a massive undertaking by the populace to clear land for further expansion of agriculture and residential housing in Shinkoku. Meanwhile, fortifications have begun construction around Zōjima, to control the river access to Umikoku as well as protect the people living in the region. The Kingdom of Umikoku has also engaged in a successful raid against a Bandit Sanctuary following what seemed to be a battle between the Bandits and other nearby states.

Religion
The Religion of Umikoku is known as Obliterationism. The most important part of this religion is the acceptance of everything being temporary, and at one point in the future, all will be destroyed. However, unlike Nihilism, Obliterationism is not a cynical attitude towards existence and the world, it puts emphasis on the pleasure and enjoyment of the time between creation and ultimate destruction. Due to this, Obliterationism seeks to spread happiness and enjoyment throughout its followers, and there are 3 main gods. The god of Food, the god of Home, and the god of Water. These 3 main gods are what temples in Umikoku are dedicated to.

Government
The Government of Umikoku is a Semi-Elective Monarchy. The people are able to elect their monarch, however, once elected, the Monarch has ultimate power without any checks. Yet Umikoku's governance has significant influence from its religion, and encourages its monarchs to rule in a benevolent manner that benefits its people. The Kingdom of Umikoku is run currently by the Concord of Earth organisation. Its main focus is promoting religious and moral behviour amongst the population with the strict obedience to the monarch, known as the "Chi Tenka Daiō", or The Ruler of Heaven and Earth.