Drachma

Drachma (ˈdrækmə; drak-ma) is the large and mostly unknown country due north of Amestris. There have been many conflicts between Amestris and Drachma in the past, however, for the majority of the manga's timeline, the two nations stand on a shaky Pact of Non-Aggression.

In Chapter 78, Drachma formally declares war against Amestris once again, bypassing their treaty. By word of Solf J. Kimblee, Drachman forces are advised to attack the Briggs Fortress and take advantage of General Armstrong's absence. However, the invading Drachman troops are easily obliterated (working to Kimblee's favor), and retreat. What plan of retaliation Amestris decides to take after this event is unknown.

In the 2003 anime series, Drachma makes a brief cameo in the final episodes. A "skirmish with the northern country" forces King Bradley to send some of Central's best once again to war. Roy Mustang uses this confusion to stage his small counterattack against the Fuhrer. It's interesting to note that while the Drachma - Amestris border is iconic in the manga and the 2009 anime for having freezing temperatures and snow, in the 2003 anime it is shown to be a dry, almost desert-like area.

Trivia

 * The name for this country might possibly have been inspired by the "drachma", the famous currency used throughout Greek history.


 * It is likely that Drachma is Fullmetal Alchemist's parallel to Russia, since they have high military power and dress in similar clothing. If Amestris represents fascist Germany, Drachma would be analogous to the socialist Soviet Union; the two nations have shaky relations (presumably due to Amestris' militaristic ideology) and have signed a Pact of Non-Aggression.