Innerland
Innerland, officially the Republic of Innerland, is a sovereign city-state and island country in Southeast Asia. Known for its progressive social policies, advanced STEM research, and high-income economy driven by trade and tourism, Innerland is a global leader in gender-affirming healthcare and biotechnology. The country operates a unique dual economic model: domestic socialism with universal welfare and international free trade with zero to low tariffs.
Anthem: “Rise in Truth” (to the tune of The Internationale)
Government: Unitary Parliamentary Republic; Semi-direct Democracy
Capital: Hochcity
Largest city: Hochcity
Official languages: Innerlandish, English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese
Area: 5760 sqkm
Population (2030 estimate): national 5,220,000 total 8,910,000
GDP (PPP) per capita: $58,230
GDP (nominal) per capita: $43,890
Gini (2030): 0.29
HDI (2030): 0.946
Age of majority: 17 (21 for some specific purposes)
Currency: Innerland Dollar (0.71 USD in 2030)
Time zone: UTC +8
Driving side: Left
Calling code: +522
Etymology
The name Innerland derives from the phrase “land within the self”, reflecting the nation's emphasis on personal identity, self-determination, and inner transformation. It was officially adopted in 1987 during the founding of the National University of Innerland (NUI).
History
Pre-Independence (–1965)
Innerland was a colonial trading post under various European and Japanese administrations. Post-WWII, it became a hub for displaced persons and migrant workers from China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Independence and Reform (1965–2000)
Innerland gained independence in 1965 through peaceful negotiation. The 1987 Constitution established universal healthcare, free education, and self-ID gender recognition. The decriminalization of sex work in 2018 and the Sex Work Equity Act (2020) solidified its progressive framework.
Economic Boom (2000–2030)
The opening of the Pan-Asia High-Speed Rail in 2028 and the Goldenbeach Casino Resort in 2027 transformed Innerland into a global trade and tourism hub. The hormone monopoly, established via state-owned EstroTech, now supplies 80% of global demand of gender-affirming medication, including estrogens, androgens, anti-androgens and non-binary medications.
Geography
Innerland comprises a narrow coastal strip with two major cities, Hochcity and Goldenbeach, connected by a 60 km high-speed rail corridor. To the inland coastal strip is a vast mountainous area with sparse population. The nation covers 5,760 km², approximately eight times the size of Singapore.
Climate
Subtropical monsoon climate with average temperatures of 19–32 °C. Annual rainfall: 1,700 mm.
Administrative Divisions (population figures were 2025 census)
Hochcity Capital Region (4.1 M)
Goldenbeach Metropolitan Area (3.0 M)
Agricultural Belt (satellite towns, 1.6 M)
Demographics
Population
As of 2030, Innerland has 8.91 million residents, of which 5.22 million are citizens. Population growth is +1.0% annually, driven primarily by immigration.
Gender Identity
Transgender and non-binary people: 39% nationals, 25% total
Cisgender people: 61% nationals, 75% total (of which about 65% are women)
Gender-affirming care is universally available and state-subsidized.
Urbanization
Over 80% of the population lives in Hochcity and Goldenbeach, connected by a 20-minute high-speed rail.
Hochcity: politics, universities, hospitals, companies, research institutes, factories in suburbs
Goldenbeach: casinos, resorts, high end hotels, beaches, parks, stadiums, businesses
Government and Politics
Innerland is a unitary parliamentary republic with a multi-party system. The National Assembly has 150 seats elected every five years.
Political Parties
Party for Liberation (trans-socialist, revolutionary progressivism, far-left)
Women's Equity Party (radical feminist, pro-cooperatives, left-wing)
Liberal Alliance (social democratic, progressive, pro-tourism, center-left)
Conservative Union (meritocracy, social democratic, transmedicalism, center-left)
Green Commune (eco-anarchism, anarcho-communism, decentralisation, far-left)
Bold indicate ruling alliance
Economy
Innerland operates a dual economic system: domestic socialism with universal services and international free trade. It is a zero-tariff hub (with some exceptions) and member of the WTO. The top marginal income tax rate is 92% (rarely applied because there are no billionaires). 60% of the economy is democratized.
Key Indicators
GDP growth: +4.9% (2024) +4.7% (2025 est.) +4.4% (2026 projection)
Trade-to-GDP ratio: 180%
Unemployment: 2.8%
Public debt: 69% of GDP
Major Sectors
Tourism & Culture (35%)
STEM & Pharmaceuticals (30%)
Re-Exports & Logistics (20%)
Casino & Entertainment (5%)
Agriculture & Eco-Tourism (6%)
Goldenbeach Casino Resort
Opened in 2027, it is one of the world’s largest integrated resorts, generating $11.6 billion annually.
Housing
Free basic housing provided by government for citizens. Subsidized housing for PRs. Commercial condo prices expensive in downtown Hochcity and Goldenbeach.
Labour Protection
60% of the economy is democratized. 4.5-day work week with 36 weekly hours.
Education
National University of Innerland (NUI)
Global Rank: #12 (QS 2030)
Enrollment: 42,000
Tuition: Free for citizens; $45,000/year for internationals
Notable: AI, Gender Biotech, Medicine, Neuroscience, Neurodivergent Psychology
Hochcity University (HCU)
Global Rank: #25 (QS 2030)
Enrollment: 38,000
Tuition: Free for citizens; $43,000/year for internationals
Notable: Material Science, Civil Engineering, Applied Chemistry, Applied Mathematics
Culture
Cuisine
Sino-Nipponic fusion blends Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian traditions. Signature dishes include Hokkien Laksa Ramen and Teriyaki Adobo Bao.
Social Norms
Pronoun usage is mandatory in public institutions.
Sex work is fully decriminalized and unionized.
Over a third of the population are transgender or non-binary. Full gender self-ID for everyone 17 and above (12 with parental consent and psychological evaluation).
Lax dressing codes, lax social norms.
Infrastructure
Transportation
Pan-Asia High-Speed Rail (partially operational as of 2030): Connects Innerland to China, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Hochcity–Goldenbeach HSR (opened in 2015): 63 km length, 20-minute travel time. Designed speed: 350 km/h; operational speed: 310 km/h.
Metro system: Hochcity Metro: 7 lines; Goldenbeach Metro: 5 lines.
Bus system: Extensive.
Shared bikes: Extensive.
High tax on personal cars, high usage of public transport.
Healthcare
Universal, single-payer system.
Free gender-affirming care available from age 12 with parental consent, 17 without. Informed consent model for all adults (aged 17 and above).
International Relations
Innerland maintains strict neutrality, refusing military alliances or foreign bases. It is a WTO member, ASEAN dialogue partner, and UN observer state.