Zwali



Zwali is a nation in western Zebrica.

Its population is primarily made up of Zebras.

History
See also Timeline.

The fall of Ponicia saw the rise of city states on western Zebrica as new centers of trade between Marabia and Equestria.

With the growth in trade, new industries began to appear to support the new commercial activity (such as shipbuilding) and old industries grew to support the growth of the population and the newly found presence of local goods in international trade.

Many industries began organizing themselves around guilds to protect their interests, which caused an increase in productivity as information was shared and the teaching of trades was made easier.

However, as industry and wealth grew, the region became a valuable target for invaders and piracy.

As piracy started growing, new guilds of mercenaries and privateers were founded, protecting guilds and trade ships respectively.

During the Equestrian-Farasian war, Zwali fought on Farasi's side, sending privateers to hinder sea invasions and attempt to blockade Colthage.

Politics
While typically seen as a united country, Zwali would be better described as a loose confederacy of nations united to protect each other's trading rights and independence.

It has no capital, but member nations vote to elect a leader.

Member nations are monarchies on paper, but in practice they are more similar to plutocracies where monarchs are subservient to guild leaders and the guilds can easily raise mercenary armies to depose an unfavorable monarch.

Members
Zwali has 5 member states: Zeebuktu, Zilwa, Zenne, Zinzibar and Zimbwe.

Zeebuktu is the most important and national leadership is often granted to a member of Zeebuktuan society.

Flag
The flag has 5 stripes: the red one represents Zilwa, the yellow one represents Zeebuktu, the green one represents Zenne, the blue one represents Zinzibar and the black one represents Zimbwe.

Economy
Zwali is largely a trading economy and the port of Zeebuktu is one of the busiest in Equus.

Zwali is also known for its local production of jewelry and pottery.

Society
Guilds are important institutions across Zwali and labor and society are often organized around them.

Zwalian society is often considered to be stratified. Highest in the social pyramid there's the merchants (members of any of the trade guilds), below them there's the artisans (members of any of the manufacturing guilds), then the worker class (citizens who aren't part of a guild) and at the bottom there's the non-citizens.

Alternatively, the social pyramid can be considered to start in the grandmasters of the guilds, then the masters, then the apprentices, then workers and non-citizens.

Zwalians practice shamanism.