G'kar Socialist Republic
Location: Alpha Quadrant, Briar Patch Sector
Cultural Richter Scale: M
Homeworld: G'kar
Status: Friendly, potential Federation member world

Description

G'kar are bisexual, bipedal, oviparous reptiles with dark brown skin and dental plates rather than teeth; males and females are almost indistinguishable from one another to non-G'kar. G'kar are equivalent to Vulcans or Romulans in terms of physical strength and longevity.

Government

Over 3,000 years ago, the Mulluran Empire conquered G'kar, then a Bronze Age culture with no political organization beyond the city-state. Prior to the 24th century, the G'kar homeworld was a protectorate of the Mulluran Empire, with the Mullurans dominating every aspect of G'kar life. The native culture and language was suppressed. In the early 2300's a major uprising prompted the Mullurans to abandon G'kar, the first colony world the Mulluran Empire had ceded in over 3000 years. Social and political upheaval eventually resulted in a system of government similar to that of the ancient Soviet Union on Earth. Political control rests with an eight-member Central Committee, whose members rotate the position of Premier. There are marked differences between the Soviet system and the G'kar system: basic civil liberties are guaranteed, local government is freely elected, and substantially less central control over the economy exists.

Diplomatic Relations

G'kar has entered into a mutual defense treaty with the Federation and has applied for Federation membership. The application is still pending. The Mulluran Empire has never technically signed a peace treaty with the G'kar, although several other minor worlds in the Briar Patch have exchanged diplomats with the G'kar and have trade agreements.

Military Assets

1,200,000 troops under arms; enlistment voluntary but contingent upon full completion of secondary education. The G'kar fleet is hideously understrength, consisting of only twenty outdated Mulluran-built vessels, and the G'kar are dependent upon the Federation for logistical support and rapid transport. Older model Federation vessels are being supplied to the G'kar under terms of the mutual defense treaty, and the G'kar have implemented a massive shipbuilding program. In addition, the G'kar have signed a contract with the Klingon Empire for a squadron of older Vor'cha-class cruisers, with an expected delivery date in late 2385 or early 2386. Despite the hindrance of obsolete equipment and an inability to project power outside the Briar Patch, the G'kar military is exceptionally professional. An estimated 8-9,000 G'kar 'volunteers' are rumored to be receiving Federation support but this has never been substantiated by independent sources.

Economy

Mainly centrally-directed with some free market aspects. Production goals are not set by the central committee but independent corporations are subject to strict government regulation. Principal exports of G'kar include duranium ore and various agricultural products. The G'kar are extremely talented agronomists whose services are in great demand amongst impoverished worlds. The G'kar merchant fleet, though the frequent target of piracy, is becoming dominant in the Briar Patch trade lanes.