Post by Revarazzi on Jan 3, 2010 3:36:59 GMT -5
Amestris
Amestris is the State that serves as the principal setting ofFullmetal Alchemist.
Amestris is a unitary State, with a Parlamentary Republic type of Government. The Head of State is the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, titled as "Führer", who concentrates the ranks of President and Prime-Minister of the country. He also controls the Parlament.
It seems as if the country is composed by several nations, quite diverse in culture and religion amongst themselves. The administrative regions of the country seem to reflect those differences. The country being divided in 5 provinces: South Area, West Area, North Area, East Area and Central Area.
The East Area is the most diverse one, sheltering a nation of a different etnia called Ishvalan. The province of Ishval is ethnically and culturally different of the rest of country: the people there are very religious, and most of them are against alchemy, which has brought many conflicts with the Central Government in the past and has culminated in the Ishval Civil War.
History
It's unknown when Amestris was found, but it's certain it would never acquire the amount of influence and power in the world's scenario if it wasn't for its Alchemy. It is told that a "Man from the East" came to the country more than 200 years ago and taught the Renkinjustu, bringing not only power and growth to the country, but also battles with the neighboring countries and the gaining of territory. Always fulled by violent behavior.
The basis of the country's political and economic stability became strongly connected to war, which boosted the Military to the highest ranks and prestige positions of the government.
By around the year 1894, the prominent soldier King Bradley (consider to be a War Hero) was appointed as "Commander-in-Chief" of the country. Then on, the powers given to the Führer started to broaden to a dictatorship, making the entire government divisions work under military command.
There has been conflicts in all areas of the country since then, resulting in many massacres and heavy civil battles, always under the command of the Central's Army. The control of the provinces has always been held by influence and manipulation of the Central Government and through the menace of the Army, which turned the public's opinion against the military.
Geography
The geography of Amestris is quite diverse, varying from desert areas in the East to an icy mountain range in the North and plains to the West and South. It doesn't have a sea coast and, apparently, no access to the sea whatsoever, being surrounded by neighboring countries from all sides.
It seems to be a quite extensive country with a large countryside population and low urban concentration.
The biggest city is the capital, Central City, that also has the largest buildings and busiest urban life. Each province has its own capital as their main city. The population seems to concentrate itself in the east, south and central areas, being the north quite isolated and the west with very sparse cities.
The climate is also highly diverse and can vary from a typical Mediterranean climate near the southern border to near glacial in the region of Briggs. But most of the country varies between a temperate and a subtropical climate.
Military
Ever since King Bradley was elected Führer of Amestris he has made the military his primary focus. It's most well known battle is the Ishval Civil War which ultimately decimated the Ishval race. The Amestrian military also conducts border skirmishes against the neighboring countries Creta and Aerugo.
National Flag
The official flag of Amestris is green with the symbol of a white dragon. Also, the cover of the pocket watches carried by the State Alchemists, used as an identification, has beast symbol with a hexagram on its face. The charge is used as a badge on military uniforms as well.
Thanks to FMA Wikia for descriptions.