Elkler Empire

The Elkler Empire is a monarchial nation located in East Kezara. It's government is the single longest running governing body on Erta, originating at the dawn of the Second Age and continuing to this day. Boasting the world's largest population, an industrialized and robust economy, and technological prowess far surpassing that of other nations, the Elkler Empire is a geopolitical powerhouse. However, it rarely takes advantage of its far-reaching influence due to the isolationist nature of the Elkler.

Geography
The Elkler Empire has grown much throughout its history, expanding its borders over time. Currently the empire consists of all of Elkler Bluffs, the region in South-East Kezara between the Zaruan mountain range and the sea (including the nearby islands). The empire also holds claim to the Wastelands, the great desert of Kezara, which, while unpopulated, serves as passage for north-bound trade routes. The Elkler Empire has also previously occupied and made claims on some of the plains and wetlands west of the Zaruan range, although most regard its stake in that region as unofficial, which has been a source of controversy between the Elkler Empire, the local Troll tribes, and occasionally the people of the Crossing.

The empire consists of hundreds of thousands of individual cities, villages, and towns. The four largest are (by order of decreasing population):

1) Kanva

2) Oken

3) Saygal

4) Zaru

Elkler Bluffs is made up of mostly crag and highlands. The river that flows though Elkler Bluffs, and on which many Elken cities developed, is known as the Golara river.

Demographics
The Elkler Empire houses the largest population of any nation in the world, currently estimated at just under a billion. Yet despite of its immense international influence, the population of the Elkler Empire is amongst the most homogenous in the world (91% Elkler 9% other).

The empire also houses a notably large minority of Tieflings, predominantly based in the 'Little-Salmir' district of Kanva.

Elken, the original Elkler language, is the official language of the Elkler Empire. The Common-Tounge (Pigeon) is the second best known language in the empire. However the Elkler Empire displays an abnormally low Pigeon literacy rate (especially amongst more developed nations) with only 73% capable of speaking it and only 52% who are fluent.

The official religion of the Elkler Empire is the 'Order of Isirah'. Since no direct law prevents it, some minorities do practice other faiths, although the general population looks down at such practice.