Social: Ariana

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Ariana enjoys an ancient heritage and rich culture. Ariana possesses a well-documented reputation as the center of knowledge, art, poetry, and mathematics in the region that dates back thousands of years. Most Arianians are proud of their nation and consider themselves Arianians, consistent with the country's dominant ethnic group.

Over the last few years, radical Arianian powerbrokers with extremist world views have provided sanctuary to international terrorists. Ariana also sponsored the extra-regional proxy wars of the Shia Internationalist Brigades and the Martyr’s Army, as well as training and/or supplying Arianian Shia insurgent groups such as local Shia Internationalist Brigades. Ariana continues to threaten Israel, the US, and their allies with its domestically popular and successful nuclear weapons program.

Since President Ahmad Moudin took power eight years ago, his continual references to the 12th Imam’s imminent return and the establishment of an Islamic Caliphate stir the Shia faithful to action. The rhetoric also diverts increasing social discontent to a common foreign enemy—the US and its infidel allies, such as the UK and Israel. As long as religious zealots control the government, it remains likely that Ariana and the US will never become allies in the Caucasus region.

Social discontent and civil unrest continue to rise in Ariana. Tens of thousands of people protested the last election (two years ago), in which Moudin received the most votes in what many observers perceived as a rigged election. The perception by many Arianian citizens of deeply ingrained government corruption, skewed wealth distribution, high inflation, and high unemployment rates continue to drive this discontent and unrest. Protests, to include student organized protests, persist even to date in Tehran.

Regardless of these problems, the Arianian populace still enjoys a higher living standard than many regional neighbors. Ariana is not a poor nation. The Arianian poor generally earn more than $2 per day, the United Nations (UN) poverty standard. The government, however, states that only 18% of its citizens live below the poverty line. The Arianian people’s discontent may eventually lead to minor governmental changes but likely will not result in any fundamental changes to the Arianian political situation.

Most citizens enjoy clean water and electricity, most attend primary and secondary schools, and most urban citizens have access to phone services. Literacy rates in Ariana are high (77%), though significantly lower than those of the other Caucasus countries, and over 80% of Arianians complete high school. Each year, over one million high school graduates apply for entrance into Arianian universities. The more educated the Arianian public becomes, however, the more likely that they will speak out against the theocracy.

Social Statistics

Measure	Data			Rank
Age distribution (%)	0-14 years: 21.7	15-64 years: 72.9	65 years and over: 5.4
Median age	Total: 26.3	Male: 26	Female: 26.5
Life Expectancy	Total: 71.14	Male: 69.65	Female: 72.72	152
Literacy Rate (older than 15)	Total:77.0	Male: 83.5	Female: 70.4
Population	77,891, 220
Population Growth Rate (%)	1.248			94
Birth rate per 1,000	17.17			120
Death rate per 1,000	5.72			171
Net Migration rate per 1,000	-2.62			141
Urban population (%)	68
Annual Urbanization Rate	2.1
Fertility rate (per woman)	1.70			171
Infant mortality rate (per 1,000)	35.78			71
Ethnic groups (%)	Arianian (51.0); Atropian (24.0); Gilak or Mazandarani (8.0); Kurd (7.0); Arab (3.0); Baluch (2.0); Lur (2.0); Assyrian (1.0); Limarian (1.0); Other ( 1.0)
Religions in OE (%)	Shia Muslim (89.0); Sunni Muslim (9.0); Other (2.0)
Languages	Arianian Dialects (58.0); Atropian Dialects (26.0); Kurdish (9.0); Luri (2.0); Arabic (1.0); Baluchi (1.0); Limarian (1.0); Other (2.0)
Major diseases in the OE	Diarrheal diseases; Hepatitis; Malaria; Crimean-Congo; Hemorrhagic Fever; Cutaneous Leishmaniasis; Leptospirosis; Schistosomiasis; Tuberculosis; Q Fever

Population Movement (Migration/IDPs/Refugees)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stated that Ariana “hosts one of the largest and longest-staying refugee populations in the world.” Some 70% of its refugees have resided in Ariana for 25-30 years. Half of them were born and educated in the country, and half the refugee population is female. Last year, the Arianian Bureau of Immigrant Affairs (ABIA) possessed a registry of some 976,500 refugees. The UN provides no official numbers on Arianian IDPs. Due to their residence in Ariana for nearly 30 years, this generation of refugees born in the camps probably does not think of themselves as belonging to its ethnic group in another country, but as a persecuted minority group inside Ariana.

Ariana continues to forcibly deport large numbers of refugees, even after the government publically pledged to stop such action. Ariana will likely continue to push to return refugees to their home countries to reduce the camps’ drain on Ariana’s treasury.

Ariana leads other developing nations in the number of professionals who emigrate. This “brain drain” prevents Ariana from taking advantage of its “best and brightest.” Primary and secondary schools, college and university academic standards, and education quality also suffer as the most qualified teachers leave the country. As long as Ariana continues a policy that limits free thought,  the smartest Arianians will probably continue to flee the country if they can find the opportunity.

Population Distribution

Ariana now is predominantly an urban society. Since 1970, one in four Arianians have moved from rural homes to urban areas in search of higher-paying jobs and a better life. In 1970, only 42% of the population lived in urban areas. At present, 68% live in cities and this percentage increases at a rate of 2.1% per year. Analysts project the current urbanization rates to continue. The concentration of urban dwellers allows the Arianian government to easily send messages to the population, but it also concentrates more people in one area who could potentially threaten public order if they become disenchanted with the government.

Most major Arianian cities are growing rapidly—in some instances even more rapidly than Tehran. Key urban centers include Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Karaj, and Tabriz. This continued urbanization will allow for better quality of life if jobs remain available and resources are not overloaded. Conversely, this migration could result in increased poverty for those who do not have the necessary job skills and, as a result, are not able to provide for their families.

Demographic Mix

Approximately 40.1 million Arianian citizens are of military age (16–49 years old)—20,763,890 males and 20,157,570 females, or about 62% of the total population. Of these, about 35 million meet the fitness standards for military service. Over 1.2 million Arianian males and females reach military age annually. The maximum Arianian military male capacity is about 6.6 million soldiers, sailors, and airmen. Ariana’s population reveals a youthful demographic, with half of its citizens at or below the age of 26.3, compared to the US with a median age of 36.7 years; Ariana’s Caucasus neighbors are also older in comparison. The average Arianian female outlives her male counterpart by about three years. This relatively young population provides significant human resources for both military and civilian jobs.

Social Volatility

Ariana currently demonstrates high social volatility with open civil unrest, the rise of a political reform movement, and changes to its basic social fabric, such as the role of women in society. Political unrest after the presidential election two years ago sparked demonstrations across Ariana and drew international attention. These massive street protests highlighted Arianians' disapproval of their ruling regime and desire for a more transparent and inclusive political system. Protests continued into the subsequent Arianian holidays. Current observations demonstrate that Ariana's opposition movement remains active and Tehran’s grip on power may exhibit some vulnerability. Though the Arianian military recently publicly expressed some dissatisfaction with the current president, the theocracy will remain in control as long as it maintains the military’s support.

Long-simmering tensions continue between ethnic and religious groups, including tensions between the Shia and the non-Shia groups such as Ariana’s Sunni Arabs, Baluchis, and Kurds. Reportedly, Shia morality police and government police targeted Baha’is, Christians, and Assyrians nationwide, as well as Tehran’s Jewish population. The Arianian government likely will not take action to eliminate the discrimination against the country’s minority and Christian sects.

Several foreign anti-Ariana insurgent groups operate with sporadic violence and have attacked current government entities and key leaders. The largest group is located in southeast Ariana and has been opposing Ariana for two decades through a low-level pseudo-insurgency. The group God’s Helpers Brigade foments violent opposition by the populace to state taxation policies; unreliable electric, sewage, and potable water services; substandard preventive medical services; and a state judicial system that illegally favors the political party currently in control of the government’s executive and legislative branches. The God’s Helpers Brigade will ambush any government representative or small group if it is isolated and the attackers feel they can escape without being caught.

Other groups and affiliates located throughout Ariana are sympathetic to pro-Western economic initiatives and social-political concepts. (See the Ariana Military variable for more information.)

Education Level

Education remains widely accessible, as most Arianians attend primary and secondary schools. Seventy-seven percent of adults possess basic literacy skills while over 80% complete high school. Annually, over one million high school graduates apply for entrance into the nation’s universities.

The Arianian primary school system consists of five years of school that most students begin at age six. Middle school is three years and high school, four years. High school academics include science, mathematics, and vocational or technical skills. High school graduates must score well on a mandatory university entrance exam to attend any public Arianian university.

After the Council of Guardians Revolution, the primary and secondary educational system emphasized the Koran and selected religious studies. Although government clerics attempted to infuse Islamic teachings into the primary through secondary curricula, some intellectuals resisted these efforts at the university level. To counter this opposition, the government’s clerical leadership rewards supporters with university teaching appointments and denies appointments to those with suspect ideological convictions. Two years ago, clerics reportedly redoubled their efforts to root out “Western influences” from their education system. That year, to quell student protests, the government announced the possibility of the placement of clerics in every school. Local seminaries also expanded their influence over the curriculum of nearby schools. The Arianian government’s education policies will continue to drive those who want an open education from the field and, if given the chance, many will leave the country to teach elsewhere.

Ethnic Diversity

The Arianian ethnic group dominates Arianian culture, society, and government. Atropians comprise the country’s largest minority group. Ariana’s diverse ethnic mix also includes Gilak, Mazandarani, Kurd, Arab, Baluch, Lur, and other smaller groups. Despite the ethnic diversity, there remains a strong sense of Arianian national identity. The Arianian-run government has successfully maintained the peace between its ethnic minorities, but at times did so with a firm hand. Demonstrations by Arianian Sunni Arab (most Arianian Arabs are Shia) and Sunni Kurd opposition groups have grown violent in the past, which forced the Arianian government to respond in kind. At times, overlapping identities within Ariana have posed political challenges to the regime, but none currently show signs that they will directly challenge the government’s authority.

Religious Diversity

In contrast to its level of ethnic diversity, Ariana is relatively homogenous in terms of religion. The religious diversity that does exist is highly correlated with ethnicity: Ariana’s largest non-Shia bloc—Sunni Muslims—is mainly drawn from Ariana’s ethnic minorities. The majority of the population is Muslim (98%); of this group 89% are Shia and 9% are Sunni (mostly Arabs, Baluchis, Kurds, and Khuzistani Arabs). Non-Muslims account for 2% of the population. There are no official statistics available on the size of the Sufi Muslim population; however, some reports estimate 2.5–6.4% of the Arianian population practice Sufism. Regardless, Ariana’s stringent imposition of religious ideals and education on society does not allow for much diversity or any degree of separation of religion from other aspects of society.

Common Languages

Ariana’s principal language is Arianian, which is the primary language for about 58% of the population. Arianians view the ability to communicate in their native tongue—also the country’s official language—as a standard of civility and social distinction, separating the lower classes from the elites. In the remaining population, 26% speak Atropian, 9% Kurdish, 2% Luri, 1% Arabic, 1% Baluchi, 1% Limarian, and 2% speak other languages. For US personnel to communicate with the Arianian populace, they will need to speak Arianian or use local interpreters.

Criminal Activity

Many years ago, the US State Department issued a warning to US persons against travel to Ariana that remains in effect due to high criminal activity present throughout the entire country. The Department’s website states: “US citizens who travel to Ariana despite the Travel Warning should exercise caution throughout the country, but especially in the southeastern region where Westerners have been victims of criminal gangs often involved in the smuggling of drugs and other contraband.”

Crime exists in many forms throughout Ariana. According to a report published 11 years ago, the Arianian government reported that Tehran contained up to two million drug addicts, who consumed up to five tons of narcotics daily. Drug use and prostitution are widespread among young Arianians. Petty street crimes—such as robberies by men in unmarked cars and on motorcycles—also commonly occur across Ariana. Some victims have reported robberies by police impersonators in civilian clothing. Terrorist explosions have killed a number of people in Ariana in the past six years. The Arianian government has blamed the US, the UK, their allies, or their alleged proxies for involvement in bombings directed against Arianian military forces.

While Ariana does not publish national crime statistics, the Arianian news media and organizations such as the UN report major incidents of criminal activity and public executions. Last year, the UN reported Ariana executed the most criminals per capita of any nation. Ariana executed 320 persons, including seven juveniles. About 130 juvenile offenders remain on death row. Ariana has executed approximately 90 convicted criminals for capital crimes in the past six months.

Smuggling Tunnel on Arianian and Atropian Border

The Arianian government considers most violent crimes—to include murder, robbery, rape, and drug distribution—as capital offenses punishable by hanging. Judges, however, continue to issue disparate sentences such as stoning and throwing from heights for capital offenses. Arianian judges also regularly order executions for adultery and for premarital sex, despite UN requests to end such practices. Judicial officials often discriminate between the sexes, and sentences of stoning to death for adultery are disproportionately handed down to women.

Narcotics and human trafficking are major criminal enterprises in Ariana. Ariana remains a destination country and a global drug transit point for narcotics. Opium, heroin, morphine, and hashish are trafficked into Arianian border towns from routes originating outside the country. Criminal elements also utilize centuries-old ratlines on the borders to conduct smuggling operations that also include recently developed underground tunnels to negate law enforcement detection. These underground networks range from small and crude to very elaborate with electricity. The exact number of tunnels is unknown at this time; however, US Strategic Command (STRATCOM) estimates that 20–30 tunnels are active within the northern border regions of Ariana. The picture is a recent smuggling tunnel discovered by Atropian border guards. Criminal networks traffic Arianian women to Europe, Central/South Asia, and the Persian Gulf states for labor and sexual exploitation. Ariana remains a significant destination country for boys from the Middle East and Central Asia for labor.

Phony social organizations flourish in Ariana. One notorious example is the Gentlemen’s Purdah Society (GPS). Purdah refers to the proclivity in some Muslim societies to keep women secluded from public observation. Although this group was originally above-board at its inception, over time organized crime infiltrated the GPS to the point where it is now little more than cover for a high-class prostitution ring catering to Ariana’s economically affluent male clientele. Another such organization is H4Ari, which stands for Hacking for Ariana. Ostensibly this is a group of computer-programming enthusiasts that operate strictly within the law. In reality, this organization provides a venue for the freelance hacking of foreign computer systems, in order to put them at the mercy of Ariana’s interlocking network of religious, political, and economic power elites. A third phony social group thriving in Ariana is the NTAT Modelers’ Club. NTAT stands for nontraditional aviation technology. Publicly, its purpose is to provide a venue wherein model builders can pursue their hobby. In reality, it provides a front that allows its members to conduct research and development in their own residences to perfect ways of mounting explosives on unmanned aerial vehicles.

Human Rights

Ariana’s government possesses a spotty human rights record that appears to be deteriorating due to hardline Islamic leadership. If US personnel work in Ariana, they may find themselves advocating for human rights in accordance with values articulated by the UN. Reports over the past few years recount numerous severe abuses. Recently reported human rights violations include:

• Unjust executions after reportedly unfair trials
• Disappearances
• Torture and severe officially-sanctioned punishments such as death by stoning or flogging
• Excessive use of force against student demonstrators
• Poor prison conditions
• Arbitrary arrest and detention
• Lack of judicial independence
• Lack of fair public trials
• Political prisoners and detainees held without charges or held on false charges
• Restrictions of civil liberties, such as speech, press, assembly, association, movement, and privacy
• Severe restrictions on freedom of religion
• Official corruption
• Lack of government transparency
• Violence and legal and societal discrimination against women, minorities, and homosexuals
• Trafficking of persons
• Incitement to anti-Semitism
• Restriction of workers' rights, such as freedom of association, organizing, and collective bargaining
• Child labor, including forced child labor
• Persecution of minorities, including religious minorities

Arianian women continue to face widespread discrimination in law and practice, despite President Moudin's claims that Arianian women are the “freest in the world.” Gender inequality is widespread and sustained by Arianian law. For example, unless her ex-husband is a drug addict or in prison, a divorced woman must surrender to her ex-husband custody of her sons when they reach two years of age, and of her daughters when they reach seven.

Women suffer discrimination under property law as well. For example, when a father dies and leaves an inheritance, the daughter only receives half of what her brother receives. These aspects of Arianian society are unlikely to change as they are based on widely held religious beliefs.

Centers of Social Power

The family (immediate and extended) is a basic foundation of Ariana’s social structure. This family focus shapes people’s identity, stature, and ambition. Arianians place dedication to their family above other social priorities, to include business endeavors and personal relationships. Arianians condone favoritism or bias based on family relationships, and this remains a culturally accepted norm. Multiple family members often work within the same organization; Arianians rationalize the nepotism, portraying it as a means to employ reliable and trustworthy individuals. They rely heavily on the family unit for emotional support. Arianians demonstrate intimacy in their relationships with their extended family and tend to care for elderly relatives at home. The immediate family in Ariana averages less than two children per household.

Factors such as an individual’s age, origin, education level, wealth, and gender contribute to an Arianian’s social rank. Social class and family background determine status more than an individual’s character or achievement. Arianian culture exhibits a hierarchy in its structure. Elaborate rituals of courtesy and respect permeate Arianian culture and affect a wide variety of social norms. These customs determine where a person sits at a table and even how individuals  greet each other.

Individuals deemed inferior within particular relationships must act subservient and respectful in their interactions with their social superiors. The superior remunerates the subordinate’s gestures with acts of charity and generosity. Although Arianian society accepts such interaction as necessary, it amounts to little more than a farce in many cases. In reality, both parties typically distrust each other and may be suspicions of the other’s motives. This veneer operates across most Arianian social institutions, including the military.

Tribal System

• Sheikhs can (but may not always be) influential and powerful.
• A Sheikh can have family members (and therefore influence) spread over large geographic areas, and may not have any real power or influence in his immediate area.
• Tribal organization is as follows:
  • Tribal Confederation
  • Tribe
  • Subtribe
  • Clan
  • Branch
  • Family

Honor and Shame

• Honor in Arianian culture defines an individual’s reputation and worth.
• A family’s male head of household is responsible for protecting the family’s honor.
• When someone’s honor is compromised, Arianians seek revenge for themselves, their family, or their group.

Basic Cultural Norms and Values

Over the last 26 centuries, the people who inhabited present-day Ariana have shown a long history  of conflict. From the ancient Persian dynasties to the Islamic expansion and the conflicts of the 20th Century, war has been a part of most of Ariana’s history. From its founding in 610, Islam expanded quite often by conquest, and it was no different in Ariana.

After World War II until the Council of Guardians Revolution, the US provided much military support to Ariana and made it the best military force in the region. After the Council of Guardians Revolution, Western-supplied equipment often fell into disrepair due to a lack of maintenance and spare parts. Due to a firm belief in the righteousness of their religion, young Arianian males will continue to participate enthusiastically in the military despite any leadership deficiencies.

Meeting & Greeting	The lower-status person issues the first greeting—typically Salam (peace). Men shake hands. Men do not shake hands with a woman unless the woman offers her hand first. Make a slight bow or nod of the head when shaking hands. People of the same gender may kiss on the cheek.
Visiting/ Hospitality	Stand when an older or important person enters or leaves a room. Shaking a child’s hand shows respect for the parents. Due to the lack of other entertainment, family visitation is the most common form of recreation. Honored guests are placed at the head of the table/room and are served first. It is acceptable to decline the honor and pass it on to someone else.
Manners	Use Mr. or Mrs. until well acquainted with the person. If someone displays interest in your meal, offer them a portion of it. It is acceptable to decline the offer of the food from their plate.
Customs and Practices Cultural Dos & Don’ts	No casinos, nightclubs, dance halls, movies with nudity or sexual themes, or music genres such as rap or rock. Men and women dress conservatively, with men wearing Western-style clothing. Women must be covered from head to toe in public. Some women will wear a burqa, covering all but the eyes, while others will wear a head scarf that exposes the face.
Gifts	Be careful about praising a person’s possession as he will likely offer it to you. Bring a small gift when invited to a household. It will not be opened in front of you. People who return from trips are expected to bring gifts for family and friends.
Taboos	No chess or card games allowed. Girls can only play sports in special enclosed areas. Women cannot perform music in public. Do not eat or drink in public from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan. Do not find yourself in a closed room alone with a member of the opposite gender. Do not consume any alcohol. Do not cross your legs or point the soles of your feet at anyone. Do not eat with the left hand. Do not over-praise a child as the parents will think you are putting the “evil eye” on them. Do not stare at others. This is considered rude and is offensive if done to a female by a male.
Personal Space	Much less than that of the US. Arianians will stand very close when speaking to a person.
Displays of Affection	No public displays of affection, even between married people.
Marriage Rituals	Dating is uncommon. Parents choose the bride for their son through the Khastagari or investigation process. A contract is concluded at the second Khastagari, which is when the groom meets the bride for the first time. The groom’s family gives a gift to the bride at the Bale Barun ceremony months later. The two families determine the Majles (dowry), hold a Namzadi where the bride and groom exchange rings, and set the wedding date. In the Khunche, the groom’s family takes gifts to the bride’s house in flat containers carried on their heads. Ceremony takes place at a Sofeye Aghd (Wedding Spread) where the marriage is a contract. The Patakhti (similar to a US wedding shower) takes place after the wedding.
Work Week/ Work Hours	Saturday to Thursday, 44 hours per week with a Friday-only weekend.
Concept Of Time	More relaxed than the West. Arianians want to establish trust before working with a foreigner or stranger.
Dispute Resolution	Often hold grudges and seek revenge.
Birth Rituals	Only close relatives visit the mother in the hospital. Others wait until the baby comes home and then bring a gift when they visit. An older member of the family will speak Arabic into the baby’s ear. Maternal grandmother usually takes care of the mother and child for 10 days. Mothers are expected to breast-feed their babies because of a fear that if they do not, the child will become “remorseless.” Some brides eat a cooked sheep’s neck to give the baby a strong neck. Baby receives a special bath at 10 days old. When the first tooth appears, the mother feeds the baby “tooth soup.” Some Shia males are circumcised on the seventh day after their birth, but all Muslim males are circumcised before puberty. Children from any marriage belong to the father in the event of a divorce.
Death Rituals	Bodies must be buried within 24 hours. Washed nine times (often three now) with sedr, kafoor, and fresh water by the same gender. Body openings plugged with cotton balls. Body wrapped in a kafan (large white cotton cloth), tied on both ends, and placed in the coffin. Sometimes females will not attend male relative’s funeral. Buried individually, but high plot cost means that some Arianians use the same plot. Buried with right side facing Mecca. Burials take place only in daylight hours. Professional readers or recordings recite prayers. Family will dress in black for 40 days while some extend the mourning period to one year. Relatives visit the gravesite on the Hafteh (seventh day), Cheleh (40th day), and Sal (one year) after the person’s death.

Summary

Ariana’s society has continued to evolve, despite the abuses condoned by a theocratic government that is mismanaged by powerful Shia clerics. While Ariana’s citizens enjoy a higher standard of living than some of their regional neighbors, Arianians are frustrated with the persistent high inflation and unemployment rates. Young adults must overcome economic obstacles before marrying and starting a family of their own. The rural poor still do not enjoy the improvements in their standard of living that Arianian leaders promised during the last two national election campaigns. Many professionals leave Ariana to seek better opportunities abroad. All of these issues continue to perplex the religious establishment, which has not developed viable solutions.