(Note: This chapter gives an overview of the world the characters are in. This chapter is purely world building and is not related to the next chapter)
Country Z not only holds the title of 'The fastest growing economy in the world', but is also known for it's 'technologically advanced society'. Yet, the craziest part about this is that Country Z was only established fifty years ago.
Back then, the land of Country Z was considered as sparse territory. Though the island was large, it was surrounded by sea in all directions and the natural resources were scarce. Thus, even though, the island was equally near to many of the big league countries, none of the leaders dared to try expanding towards that area.
It was only in the year 2050, when a group of ambitious youth adults ventured into the unknown, and decided between themselves that they should set up new ground here. The earth was covered with many of these types of islands. Only when a country decides to colonize it, will the island be considered their 'land'.
However, not everyone is allowed to simply 'claim' that the island is theirs. Beyond a certain size, like how big Country Z's land was, the country or founder will be given a total of 2 decades to develop the land. If the newly emerged nation was not able to meet the criterias set by the big leaders of the world, such as human population, total gross domestic product, rate of economic growth, etc, they would be forced to give up the land.
As a result, the group of young adults got together and came up with an ingenious plan. A plan that shook the world to it's core. They were the four Founding Fathers of Country Z, Nicholas Wake, Benjamin Ruffls, Tess Rosiah and Peng Zhi Xiang. Using, their family's large wealth and power, the hopeful bunch got to work and started to build up a city from scratch.
Each of the four in the group surprisingly came from different countries. They all met in university where by they came to learn that they all had the same ambition, 'to leave a legacy behind'. This ambition stuck with the 3 boys and 1 girl, all the way until they completed their PhDs at age 25. Each of them studied a different course with respect to their interests.
Nicholas Wake studied Political Science and had become the first prime minister of Country Z, while Benjamin Ruffs studied Economics becoming the first Chief Head in the Council Of Economic Advisors. Tess Rosiah studied Architecture becoming the first Minister of Urban Development and lastly, Peng Zhi Xiang studied Mechanical Engineering becoming the first Minister of Technological Development.
These four were the pillars that laid down the foundations of today's Country Z. They caused an upheaval in the World's leader group. Within 30 years, they had managed to create a very strong currency, produced countless talented individuals, have the highest economic growth in the world.
However, what came next devastated their newly formed country. A war arose between Country Z and the nation, Country N. Country N was always going head to head with Country Z's economy. Both sides never wanted to let each other get ahead. In the end, a conflict arose between the two leaders and their respective countries.
Country N was infamous for being the nation with one of the strongest Military power. Unlike Country Z, the founding fathers did not go far into Military science research and as a result, they were on a losing end of the trade. Although Nuclear warfare was banned around the world, Country N relied on their strong naval and air force to launch their attacks on Country Z's soil.
The once fast growing country, eventually went into a slump that lasted for five whole years. During that time, Country Z faced strong oppression from Country N. Many of the big powerhouse countries didn't dare to offer aid since it wasn't beneficial to them. And although the four founding fathers came from other countries, it was only one individual, making it not worth the risk.
It was only in the year 2085 when Country Z tried their very best to negotiate terms with Country N. In the end, Country Z was forced to give up 40% of their overall capital for the next ten years in exchange for their safety.
Consequently, began the slow economic growth age of Country Z. The founding fathers of the nation had stepped down from their seats between 2085 to 2090. They welcomed a new age of smart intellectuals that continued to push their economy onwards. It was the start of that period when the Military in Country Z grew exponentially. The country recruited many Military Science experts and well-trained soldiers to improve their country's safety. It slowly gave their citizens the confidence to proceed along without fear again.
Even so, the main thing holding them back was their lack of capital to carry out urban developments. Their country soon came across the issue of Income Inequality. The rich would get richer due to their already abundant financial capital, while the poor stays poor due to the lack of aid from the government. This problem was not tackled for the new heads of the country wanted to solve other more pressing issues that they were currently facing.
Things only started to turn for the better for the poor once their treaty with Country N ended in 2095.
The extra capital allowed the government to invest more into research of technology and help improve the efficiency in industrial processes. It once again jump started the country's technological growth.
In addition, the government's newly injected amount of capital allowed them to slowly repay the poor for their hard work. They developed new pension schemes and built more housing for the homeless and the poor. Yet, even after five years of continuous improvement, the problem of income inequality was still evident in such a technological advanced society.
Nonetheless, the short history of Country Z shows that they have been through a lot, and were still able to hold on till the very end. Only time will tell what the future holds for this young country.