Emerstari

Federated Kingdom of Emerstari Foderelsk Kuingerike Emerige
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Ervigner Hønnera åg Frihedt" "Eternal Honor and Liberty"
Anthem: "Ervigner Rike" Royal anthem: "Der Kuingssång"
Location of Emerstari (dark green) – in Arda en' Estel (green & dark grey) – in the Emerstarian Empire (green)
States of Emerstari and capital district
Capital	Coronet and Rensulier
Largest	Yoerk
Official languages	Emerstarian
Recognised regional languages	Canarian, Coelanish, Nordspreck
Religion	Lutheranism
Demonym(s)	Emerstarian
Government	Federal Semi-parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
• Monarch of Emerstari	Erik XII Georg
• President of Emerstari	Erik Gjord Jakobssen
• Vice President of Emerstari	Eugen Mikael Allenssen
• Chief Justice of Emerstari	Johann Nathanael Theorissen
Legislature	Foderelskkongress
• Upper house	Herrers Hus, Foderelsksammråd
• Lower house	Folks Hus
History
• Emerstarian Confederation established	AD 19
• Emerstarian Confederation collapsed	AD 422
• Kingdom of Emerstari established	AD 1047
• Eurevian Rebirth begins in Emerstari	AD 1444
• Federated Kingdom of Emerstari etablished	AD 1756
Area
•	644,050 km2 (248,670 sq mi)
Population
• 2019 estimate	57,406,218
• 2015 census	56,021,495
• Density	89.13/km2 (230.8/sq mi)
HDI (2018)	0.948 very high
Currency	Shilling (S) (ESK)
Time zone	Western Scanian Time
• Summer (DST)	Western Scanian Summer Time
Date format	AD dd-mm-yyyy
Driving side	right
Internet TLD	.em

Emerstari (Emerstarian: Emerige, pronounced [ˈɛmərjɛ]), officially the Federated Kingdom of Emertari, is a sovereign state and Scanian country in the Eurevian region of Arda en' Estel. Emerstari proper consists of its mainland and 416 named islands, with the largest beign Haller and Långeholt. The westernmost and northernmost of the Scanian nations, Emerstari lies north of Canaria and Roele and west of Coelans. The nation is generally mild due to its maritime influence and is characterized by flat to hilly arable land in the south and the west, by forested and mountainous land in the north, and by vast coastlines and lakes in the west. Emerstari has a total area of 644,049.75 km² (248,669 sq mi) and land area of -- km² (-- sq mi).

Scanian peoples have inhabited Emerstari since 16,000 BC, emerging into history as Emerstarians (Emerstarian: Emersk). A united Emerstarian state was founded in the early first century AD. After the fall of the Emerstarian Confederation in the 5th century AD, the nation divided itself into fourteen petty kingdoms in a period known as the Polyarchy. By the 10th century, all of these kingdoms had been Christianized, and in the mid-11th century, a reunited Emerstari reappeared. The Great Mortality in the late 14th century halved the Emerstarian population and indirectly caused extensive social and political changes and the War of Emerstarian Succession. The Kingdom of Emerstari consequently emerged as a major power and entered the Euervian Rebirth. During and after this period, an expansion of Emerstarian territories began and the Emerstarian Empire was formed. By the late-17th century, Emerstari was a dominant land and naval power, but in the mid-18th century, a new constitution was written resulting in the establishment of the Federated Kingdom of Emerstari. In the late-18th century, participated in the Wars of the Coalitions, entering first into the Fourth Oldraite Rebellion on the side of the Protestants. Emerstari shortly thereafter reached its territory height and entered into the Emerstarian Golden Age which lasted throughout the 19th century. The nation entered the 10 Years' War in 1911 a part of the Veidmaar League. After the war, an economic depression began that ended in the 1930s.

Today, Emerstari has close relations to its neighbors, culturally and linguistically as well as politically. It is a federal constitutional semi-parliamentary monarchy wherein executive power is vested in a Monarch. Legislative power is vested in the tricameral Foderelskkongress. Emerstari has seventeen states and two capitals, Coronet and Rensulier. Its national language is Emerstarian.

Etymology

The name Emerstari was loaned from the Marseilian word Emersterre in the 17th century. Before this, English used Emerland. While the Emerstarian name Emerige literally means "realm of the Emers," it is debated whether this word derives from Emer and rike (which is the more common interpretation), or if it derives from Emer and ige, an Emerstarian derivation of ia.

Variations of the name Emerstari are used in most languages, with exceptions of Coelanish, Jermanskan, and Svergian using Emerige, Halleran Emersland, and Øarnslandic Emíriki. Other notable exceptions include some of the Kolgrik languages where Eruortsi (Soumian) and Eruorški (Bohymish) are used. In the Elbaichish languages, Kualainn is used.

History

Middle Ages

Late Middle Ages

In 1291, the Duchy of Polszcyznie declared war on the Holy Scanian Empire (a confederation of duchies in Central Scania that lasted from 821 until 1827); the current Royal House of Emerstari had had a dynastic alliance with the current Emperor of the Holy Scanian Empire and therefore was requested to help them defend the westernmost duchies from Polszcyznie. In 1293, the war ended with the Treaty of Lodz; there were no notable gains on either side during the war.

Circa 1355, a plague broke out in Nuova Toscana via returning merchants; by 1357, the disease had spread all across Emerstari. Estimates from the University of Rensulier determine that nearly 50% of the Emerstarian population, or 3,700,000 people died during the plague. It lasted until a blizzard in 1359 where the cold killed off many of the bugs and rodents that were spreading it.

Roughly forty-years after the plague, in the 1390s, due to historical marriages between each nation’s royal families, the Kingdom Coelansk and the Kingdom of Sverig – along with its vassal, the Duchy of Soumland – entered into a person union with Emerstari. In 1421, however, the personal union between Emerstari, Coelansk, and Sverig ended when Emerstari’s Royal House, the House of Caans, was replaced by the short-lived House of Aldburg. Unprepared for a war, King Wilhelm II did not attempt to force Coelansk and Sverig to remain in the union and thus contributed to his unpopularity.

Early Modern Era

Eurevian Rebirth

Georg I in Ynnesborg, 1440

Enlightenment and Golden Age

Carolinian Wars

Karl IV Lorens in 1701

In 1690, Karl IV Lorens ascended to the throne of Emerstari and upon this, he began to reform the Royal Emerstarian Military, and he created the Emerstarian allotment system. Aiming to take advantage of the 20-year-old king's inexperience, however, Saurland declared war on Emerstar in 1692 and invaded Emerstarian Soumeland. Karl IV Lorens proved himself to be one of Emerstari's best military minds, and in 1693, he forced Saurland into a personal union with Emerstari that would last until 1718.

The Polsnian Empire, aligning itself with the exiled King of Saurland declared war on Emerstari in 1695 and again, Soumeland was invaded. Throughout his Kuista and Erngia campaigns, Karl's army reached a total of 32,000 troops, — a number which would be surpassed during his 1700–1704 campaign. Polsny surrendered in 1697, handing over Kuistia, which was integrated into Emerstarian Soumeland, and Erngia which became an Emerstarian territory in its own right.

After three years, a coalition of several Scanian states led by Polsny declared war on Emerstari. Emerstari, allied with Coelans and supported by Marseile, forced Yermansk into signing the Treaty of Svalhavn within several months of the war's start. In the treaty, they had to break their alliance with Polsny. Thereafter, Emerstari simultaneous defended Soumeland from Polsny and Hessenland from Estenland. By 1701, the Polsnians had been forced out of Soumeland, and they retreated southward to defend Siesland. Karl, uniting his force with a Coelanish force, pursued them, and for three days near the village of Ruuken, the Emerstarian-Coelanish force fought the Polsnian force resulting in a combined total of 43,000 casualties.

Karl's army successfully took the northern half of Siesland and in 1702, Emerstari, Polsny, Coelans, and Estenland met to sign the Treaty of Solnatz. In which, Estenland was forced to break its treaty with Polsny and a two-year-long ceasefire was agreed to.

In 1704, the ceasefire ended and an Emerstarian army encountered a Polsnian force near the village of Kääjoki, resulting in the Battle of Kääjoki whereat, Karl IV Lorens was killed. The war continued on for several months after his death, and in the Peace of Poiy, the Polsnian Empire was forced to hand over Siesland which remained in a personal union with Emerstari until 1718.

Enlightenment

Karl was succeeded by his sister, Annette I Maria, who ruled for four years until her son, Ervin III Karl had reached of age, and she was asked by the Riksråd to abdicate. Ervin III Karl ruled from 1708 until his premature death in 1718, during which time, Emerstari remained at peace. He was a proponent of Emerstarian culture and the arts, and he ordered the construction of numerous cathedrals, palaces, and universities including the Emerstarian Academy which today is part of the Emerstarian Språkkeråd that regulates Emerstarian.

Olaf III of Emerstari

The Duke of Whentii, Eirik Finn Felikssen–Leijonhuvud, led the Emerstarian Army in the Wars of the Coalitions

Ervin and his wife, Anaïs Magali de Donat, had one daughter who died in 1715 from pneumonia, and amidst the succession crisis that followed, Ervin III Karl was the target of an assassination carried out by Saurlandish rebels. The throne returned to the House of Eirikr, but the territories of Saurland and Siesland were lost.

Erik VIII Olaf who had served under Karl IV Lorens and held considerable territories in the Scanian Imperium ascended to the throne. He ruled from 1718 until 1744 and is known as the "Father of Scania", for he had eleven children and most Scanian monarchs today are related to him.

Excluding several minor colonial wars and a brief conflict with Kaltura in Markion, Erik VIII Olaf's reign was peaceful, seeing the expansion of the Emerstarian Empire and dominance of the Royal Emerstaran Navy. Erik IX Johann, grandson of Erik VIII Olaf, ascended to the throne following his father's death.

In 1749, talks of a new Emerstarian constitution began, and a draft was submitted to the Riksråd in 1755, and after a year of debate and revision, the Føreningpapper was approved by Erik IX Johann in 1756. A sizeable group of nobles, however, were concerned that the new constitution would limit their power. The new constitution also established seventeen states and reformed the Riksråg into the Foderelskkongress.

In Emerstarian Canaria in 1763, two years after the end of the Euteni War between Emerstari and Marseile, delegates from both nations signed the Voendenvelt Accords, establishing an alliance between the two nations as it was figured that it would be more beneficial to keep the current balance of power than to weaken one another.

Erik IX Johann died of stomach cancer in 1778, but as his eldest son and heir was visiting Gyldenskkost at the time, Erik's brother, Olaf III Aleksender, who had served as Emerstari's first president, ascended to the throne until 1780.

Erik's son, Karl V Erik, ascended to the throne in 1780. In 1782, pro-Sjovenians in the Emerstarian colony of Baveskjien declared their independence from Emerstari. From 1782 until 1790, they fought with Sjovenia against Emerstari. Ultimately, Emerstari ceded the colony in the Treaty of Kopmandsburg, and Johann Anderssen, the Head of Emerstarian Intelligence for the war, was hanged for treason. Karl V Erik had a day of national mourning for his death, having him put to rest in Tred Kronor Cathedral.

Modern Era

20th century

The Royal Emerstarian Navy was believed to be one of the best in the world during the 10 Years' War

Emerstari fought as a part of the Veidmaar League in the 10 Years' War. Its forces engaged primarily in southern Scania near Estenland, along the coast of Ienkelland, and briefly south of Soumeland. This was the last war wherein the Emerstarian Home Guard was called to war via the allotment system.

After the war, Emerstari, like Marseile and Ienkelland, began to decolonize; although before the war, the real union with Canaria and [[Soumeland] ended in 1849 and 1904 respectively, and the colony of Fyrland had been given to the Green Union in exchange for the Tryndal Islands in 1871. New Retermi was one of the first colonies to leave after the war, in 1931.

Emerstari became one of the first countries in Scania to develop a nuclear arsenal (with its first atomic bomb test in 1957), in response to the development thereof by Socialist Renochesvia. In 1967, the Venson Union Defence Council voted to aid the Slovyan rebels in the First Slovyan Insurgency. Emerstari, Rolech, and Canaria sent ground forces to Slovya in 1968. After several large losses, Emerstari pulled its forces out in 1970 but continued sending supplies until the Renochesvian victory in 1971.

21st century

In the national elections in November 2010, voters ended twelve years of Vernon rule, returning the Monarchic-Republican Party to power by electing Erik XII Georg to the presidency. Erik XII Georg refused to run for a second term, and in 2014, Erik Gjord Jakobssen was elected, running as a Federalist. He was elected on promises of tax cuts, more spending on the Riksvag, and to be tougher on socialist Renochesvia.

Geography

Karlssonsberg is the tallest point in Emerstari

Situated in Northwestern Scania, Emerstari lies west of the Estelian Sea and south of the Gray Sea, providing a long coastline, and forms the northeastern part of Scania. To the west is the White Topped Mountains, a range that separates Emerstari from Coelans as well as the Akerselva and Fywris Rivers. Canaria and Roele are located to its south.

At 1,872,819.35 km² (1,163,715.99 mi²), Emerstari is one of the largest nations in Arda en' Estel. The lowest elevation in Emerstari is in the bay of Lake Stensjon, near Kristianstad, at −2.41 m (−7.91 ft) below sea level. The highest point is Karlssonsberg 2,111 m (6,926 ft) above sea level.

The White Topped Mountains, or Vittoppaberger

Emerstari has 17 states or statter. These states' borders were drawn in 1756 shortly after the establishment of the Federal Republic of Emerstari and were generally based upon culture, geography, and history. In addition to their governmental and administrative purposes, they play an important role in people's self-identity.

Lake Gjende in central Emerstari

About 15% of Enerstari lies north of the Arctic Circle. Emerstari's south is predominantly agricultural and blanketed with rivers, with increasing forest coverage northward. Around 47% of Emerstari's total land area is covered with forests. The highest population density is in the Yoerk region in eastern Emerstari, along the Olkta River up to the Bay of Yoerk. Haller and Fågeløn are Emerstari's largest islands; Gjende and Øyeren are its largest lakes. Combined with the Coronetian, Mjøsa rivers as well as Lake Stensjon, these bodies of water take up a significant part of central Emerstari. Emerstari's extensive waterway availability throughout its center was exploited with the building of the Jonssen Canal in the 19th century, shortening the potential distance between Rensulier Lake and the Estelian Sea.

Climate

Most of Emerstari has a temperate climate, despite its northern latitude, with largely four distinct seasons and mild temperatures throughout the year. The winter in the far south is usually weak and is only manifested through some shorter periods with snow and sub-zero temperatures. The country can be divided into three types of climate: the southernmost part has an oceanic climate, the central part has a humid continental climate and the northernmost part has a subarctic climate.

Because of its high latitude, the length of daylight varies greatly. North of the Arctic Circle, the sun never sets for part of each summer, and it never rises for part of each winter. In the capital district, Amerien District, daylight lasts for more than 18 hours in late June but only around 6 hours in late December. Emerstari receives between 1,100 and 1,900 hours of sunshine annually. During July there is not much difference in temperature between the north and south of the country.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Emerstari was 44 °C (112 °F) in Lillahoj in 1947, while the coldest temperature ever recorded was −52.6 °C (−62.7 °F) in Stjørdalshalsen in 1966. Even though temperature patterns differ between north and south, the summer climate is surprisingly similar all through the entire country in spite of the large latitudinal differences. This is due to the south being surrounded by a greater mass of water, with the wider Northerly Sea and the Scanian air passing over lowland areas from the south-west.

An aerial view of Rensulier in Winter 1978

Apart from the ice-free Estelian Sea bringing marine air into Emerstari tempering winters, the mildness is further explained by prevailing low-pressure systems postponing winter, with the long nights often staying above freezing in the south of the country due to the abundant cloud cover. By the time winter finally breaks through, daylight hours rise quickly, ensuring that daytime temperatures soar quickly in spring. With the greater number of clear nights, frosts remain commonplace quite far south as late as April. The cold winters occur when low-pressure systems are weaker. An example is that the coldest ever month (January 1988) in Rensulier was also the sunniest January month on record.

The relative strength of low and high-pressure systems of marine and continental air also define the highly variable summers. When hot continental air hits the country, the long days and short nights frequently bring temperatures up to 30 °C (86 °F) or above even in coastal areas. Nights normally remain cool, especially in inland areas. Coastal areas can see so-called tropical nights above 20 °C (68 °F) occur due to the moderating sea influence during warmer summers. Summers can be cool, especially in the north of the country.

On average, most of Emerstari receives between 500 and 800 mm (20 and 31 in) of precipitation each year. The southern part of the country receives more precipitation, between 1,000 and 1,200 mm (39 and 47 in), and some mountain areas in the north are estimated to receive up to 2,000 mm (79 in). Despite northerly locations, southern and central Emerstari may have almost no snow in some winters. Most of western Emerstari is located in the rain shadow of the White Topped Mountains. The blocking of cool and wet air in summer, as well as the greater landmass, leads to warm and dry summers far north in the country, with quite warm summers at Haller, which is unheard of elsewhere in the world at such northerly coastlines.

Climate data for Emerstari (1874-2018)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	12.5 (54.5)	12.8 (55.0)	17.0 (62.6)	21.8 (71.2)	27.7 (81.9)	32.2 (90.0)	30.5 (86.9)	34.2 (93.6)	24.9 (76.8)	21.0 (69.8)	14.4 (57.9)	12.4 (54.3)	34.2 (93.6)
Average high °C (°F)	−1.8 (28.8)	−0.9 (30.4)	3.5 (38.3)	9.1 (48.4)	15.8 (60.4)	20.4 (68.7)	21.5 (70.7)	20.1 (68.2)	15.1 (59.2)	9.3 (48.7)	3.2 (37.8)	−0.5 (31.1)	9.6 (49.2)
Daily mean °C (°F)	−4.3 (24.3)	−4.0 (24.8)	−0.2 (31.6)	4.5 (40.1)	10.8 (51.4)	15.2 (59.4)	16.4 (61.5)	15.2 (59.4)	10.8 (51.4)	6.3 (43.3)	0.7 (33.3)	−3.1 (26.4)	5.7 (42.2)
Average low °C (°F)	−6.8 (19.8)	−6.8 (19.8)	−3.3 (26.1)	0.8 (33.4)	6.5 (43.7)	10.6 (51.1)	12.2 (54.0)	11.3 (52.3)	7.5 (45.5)	3.8 (38.8)	−1.5 (29.3)	−5.6 (21.9)	2.4 (36.3)
Record low °C (°F)	−24.3 (−11.7)	−24.9 (−12.8)	−20.2 (−4.4)	−9.8 (14.4)	−2.7 (27.1)	1.4 (34.5)	5.0 (41.0)	3.7 (38.7)	−2 (28)	−7.4 (18.7)	−16 (3)	−20.8 (−5.4)	−24.9 (−12.8)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	49 (1.9)	36 (1.4)	47 (1.9)	41 (1.6)	53 (2.1)	65 (2.6)	81 (3.2)	89 (3.5)	90 (3.5)	84 (3.3)	73 (2.9)	55 (2.2)	763 (30.1)
Average precipitation days	6	4	6	5	5	7	7	8	7	8	8	6	77
Mean monthly sunshine hours	40	76	126	178	220	250	246	216	144	86	51	35	1,668
Source: Emerstarian Meteorological Institute

Ecology

Flora

The highest part of the country is part of the Emerstarian montane birch forest and grasslands ecoregion. At the highest altitude is high alpine tundra with very modest vegetation and bare rock, skree, snowfields and glaciers. At lower altitude is low alpine tundra with continuous plant cover; dwarf birch and willows up to 1 m (3 ft) tall and grasslands, as well as numerous lakes and bogs. At still lower altitude is the adjacent montane birch zone with small (2 to 5 m (7 to 16 ft)) mountain downy birch (Betula pubescens) above the conifer tree line; some stunted spruce and pine also occur here.

A forest in Marlanda

At lower altitudes in the northern and central parts of the country, coniferous forests occur. These are dominated by Emerstarian pine (in drier locations), often with an understory of common juniper, spruce and a significant admixture of downy birch and silver birch. Aspen and birch occur throughout this region, and Coelanian larch is characteristic of the eastern part of the ecoregion. In the southeast, there are scattered broad-leafed trees such as elm, ash and lime, but no oak.

In the south of the country, there is a southern coniferous forest region, demarcated by the northerly limit of the oak and the southern limit of the natural regeneration of spruce. Mixed with the spruce and pine in these forests are deciduous trees including the pioneering species such as birch, alder and aspen, and the long-lived oak, elm and lime.

In the extreme south is the southern deciduous forest region, a vegetation cover shared by Canaria. The dominant trees here is the beech, but oak can also form smaller forests. Elm at one time formed forests but has been much reduced by Canarian elm disease. Other important trees and shrubs in this zone include hornbeam, elder, hazel, fly honeysuckle, linden (lime), spindle, yew, alder buckthorn, blackthorn, aspen, rowan, whitebeam, juniper, holly, ivy, dogwood, goat willow, larch, bird cherry, wild cherry, maple, ash, alder along creeks, and in sandy soil birch compete with pine.

Fauna

The national animal of Emerstari, the White-tailed deer

Terrestrial mammals occurring in Emerstari include the hedgehog, the European mole, six species of shrews and eighteen of bats. The Eurevian rabbit, the Eurevian hare and the mountain hare all live here as do the Eurevian beaver, the red squirrel and the brown rat as well as about fourteen species of smaller rodent. Of the ungulates, the wild boar, the fallow deer, the red deer, the elk, the roe deer, and the reindeer are found in the country. Terrestrial carnivores include the brown bear, black bear, the Eurasian wolf, the red fox, and the Arctic fox, as well as the Eurevian lynx, the Eurevian badger, the Eurevian otter, the stoat, the least weasel, the Eurevian polecat, the European pine marten, and the wolverine. The coast is visited by three species of seal, and around thirteen species of whale, dolphin, and porpoise. Critically endangered mammals include the Bechstein's bat, the common pipistrelle and the Arctic fox, the barbastelle, the serotine bat, the pond bat, the lesser noctule, and the wolf. Listed as vulnerable are the Eurevian otter, the wolverine, the harbour seal, the harbour porpoise and the Natterer's bat.

According to the University of Rensulier, 535 species of bird have been recorded in Emerstari. Many of these are migratory birds, making their way between Arctic breeding grounds and overwintering quarters further south in Europe and Africa. The lakes, wetlands and coasts provide nesting opportunities for water birds and seabirds and the upland regions are home to willow ptarmigan, black grouse, western capercaillie, owls, and birds of prey.

The only endemic fish in Emerstari is the critically endangered freshwater Coregonus trybomi, still surviving in a single lake. Amphibians found in Emerstari include eleven species of frogs and toads and two species of newt, while reptiles include four species of snake and three of lizard.

Emerstari has an estimated 108 species of butterfly, 60 species of dragonfly, and 40 species of wood boring beetle.

Government and politics

Eric J. Jaems
President
since
Jan. 15, 2014

Eric XII Georg
Monarch
since
July 7, 1994

The Hojestretsol, or Supreme Court, Building

Emerstari is a federal crowned republic with a president. Emerstari is a representative democracy and citizens are typically subject to three levels of government: federal, state, and local. Local government's duties are usually split between county and munincipal government. In nearly all cases, executive and legislative officials are elected by a plurality vote of citizens by district. There is no proportional representation at the federal level, and it is rare at lower levels.

The federal government of Emerstari is comprised of three branches:

• Legislative: The tricameral legislature is made up of the Foderal Samdet, the Foderal Hus av Folk, and the Hus av Herrer. It makes laws, declares war, approves treaties, power of purse, and has the power of impeachment. In addition, the Hus av Herrer also can forcefully make the monarch abdicate, can select an heir to the Emerstarian throne, and regulates the Church of Emerstari.
• Executive: The President is Chief Executive and Commander-in-Chief of Emerstari. S/he can veto legislative bills before they become law (subject to congressional override) and appoint members to the executive cabinet (subject to Samdet approval) and other officials. The Monarch of Emerstari is Lesser Executive and Commander-in-Chief alongside the President. S/he can appoint the Bishop of Rensulier, appoint officers to the royal cabinet, and heads the Church of Emerstari, Kingdom of Emerstari, and Emerstarian Empire.
• Judicial: The Hogsdomstol, the highest court in Emerstari, and lower federal courts are appointed by the President with Samdet approval. They interpret laws and overturn those that are deemed unconstitutional.

The Foderal Hus av Folk has 437 voting members, each representing a district for a term of two years. Hus av Folk seats are apportioned among the states by population every tenth year.

Laggivningsmæssigbygningett, Emerstari's legislative building

The Foderal Samdet has 60 members, each state has three Samdetors, each elected to six-year terms by the legislatures of the respective territories; one-third of Samdet seats are up for election every other year. The Amerien District and Emerstari's territories have one Samdetor. The President serves a four-year term and may be elected to the office no more than thrice. The President is not elected by direct vote, but by an indirect electoral college system in which the determining votes are apportioned to the states and Interior Territories. The Hogsdomstol, led by the Chief Justice, has seven members, who serve for life.

The state governments are structured in a similar fashion; however, Almapien has a unicameral legislature. The governor (chief executive) of each state is directly elected. Some state judges and officials are appointed by the governors of the respective states, while others are elected by popular vote.

The constitution of Emerstari establishes the structure and responsibilities of the Emerstarian federal government and its relationship with the individual states. The constitution has been amended seven times; the first ten articles of the Rigteshandlingar av der Rikenvånere åg der Stat form the central basis of Emerstarians' individual rights.

Administrative Divisions

State	Capital	Population
Almapien	Koburg	9,231,760
Cojarnien	Aronsburg	11,082,547
Corji	Haraldstad	13,014,781
Corjoi	Bregneeng	4,092,754
Erevien	Vanby	13,082,761
Erii	Gronhojd	9,062,851
Inepolien	Midtenburg	18,039,754
Marlanda	Fjordstad	16,978,410
Nij Corji	Willemsstad	2,396,712
North Whentii	Norrburg	5,012,373
Ontarji	Hansodla	12,037,834
Otopien	Larrsby	14,787,642
South Whentii	Bjornhjem	14,028,971
Valparaiso	Chestersburg	7,219,054
Verni	Charlesstad	17,025,981
West Verni	Norrfaalt	11,054,871
Yoerk	Sjokoppen	24,901,675

Emerstari is a federal republic of 17 states, a federal district, and copious other territories. The states and territories are the principal administrative districts in the country. These are further divided into counties and independent cities. The Amerien District is a federal district that contains Emerstari's dual capital cities: Coronet and Rensulier.

Overseas Territories and Colonies

Emerstari holds a large number of overseas territories that are divided into Interior Territories, Exterior Territories, and colonies. Further, there are crown territories and federal territories. Although most of these territories were acquired between 1450 and the late nineteenth century, in 2016, Emerstari gained Emerstarian Nivijegdna after the Three Years' War.

Foreign Relations

While historically Emerstari's foreign policy was based upon expansionism, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, Emerstari's foreign policy began to change, and the Emerstarian government strove to maintain the balance of power within Eurevia.

Emerstari is a permanent member as well as a founding member of the Venson Union. It is a member of the Estelian Council, the Coalition Defence Union, the Scanian Mutual Defence Pact, and the EECT. Most nations have embassies in Coronet and many have consulates around the country. Likewise, many nations host Emerstarian diplomatic missions.

Emerstari has a special relationship with Soumiland and strong ties with Coelans, Canaria, Sverig, Rolech, Marseile, Saexia, and New Retermi. It works closely with fellow CDU nations such as Arcadia and fellow VU nations in military and aid operations.

Military

Emerstarian personnel in a training excercise

Naval patrol in the Gulf of Coelans

The President and Monarch of Emerstari hold the title of commander-in-chief of the nation's armed forces and appoint its leaders such as the Lieutenant of the Royal Military. The President alone appoints the Secretary of Defence. The Department of Defence administers the armed forces, including the Army, Marines, Navy, and Navy. The Coast Guard, National Guard, and the National Reserve are administered by the Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, there are a number of militias that work closely with the Department of Defence.

Military service is voluntary; however, conscription may occur in wartime if a bill, started in the Hus av Folk, passes in all three chambers of the Foderal Kongress and is approved by the dual commanders-in-chiefs (subject to congressional override). Emerstarian forces can be rapidly deployed by the Royal Air Force's large fleet of transport aircraft, the Royal Navy's 23 aircraft carriers, and Marine expeditionary units at sea with various of the Royal Navy's fleets. The military operates 587 bases and facilities abroad and maintains deployments greater than 100 active duty personnel in 26 foreign countries.

In 2015, the military budget of Emerstari was about $670 billion. The proposed budget for 2018 added an additional $30 billion — a total of $700 billion, about 4.5% of its GDP — for military campaigns in Nivijegdna and Slovya. Currently, there are 4,310 service members in Nivijegdna and 2,012 in Slovya.

Emerstari has a nuclear weapon stockpile of 4,001; it is the second largest stockpile in Arda en' Estel. In addition, it maintains a large fleet of ballistic missile submarines and a strategic bomber force. Its tank force and air force are among the largest while its navy is composed of 1,019 vessels.

Law Enforcement

Emerstarian police at a rally in 2014

Law enforcement in Emerstari is primarily the responsibility of local police departments and sheriff's offices, with state police providing broader services. Federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Emerstarian Marshals Service have specialized duties, including protecting civil rights and national security and enforcing federal courts' rulings and federal laws. State courts conduct most criminal trials; federal courts handle certain designated crimes as well as certain appeals from the state criminal courts. At the federal level and in almost every state, a legal system operates on a common law.

In 2018, there were 4,301 murders, a decrease from 4,859 in 2017. The murder rate in 2018 was 2.3 per 100,000 people.

Capital punishment is sanctioned in Emerstari for certain federal and military crimes, and also at the state level in 10 states. No execution took place from 1964 to 1980, though. This is due to the Emerstarian supreme court ruling to strike down arbitrary imposition of the death penalty. In 1980, the court ruled that, under appropriate circumstances, capital punishment may be constitutionally imposed. Since then, there have been more than 700 executions.

Economy

Economic indicators
Nominal GDP	$15,541 trillion (Q3 2018)
Real GDP growth	3.5% (Q3 2018)
	2.1% (2017)
CPI inflation	1.8% (November 2018)
Employment-to-population ratio	60.6% (November 2018)
Unemployment	3.7% (November 2018)
Labor force participation rate	62.9% (November 2018)
Total public debt	$6,060 trillion (November 2018)

Emerstari has a capitalist economy which is fueled by abundant natural resources and high productivity. The nominal GDP of Emerstari is estimated to be $15,541 trillion as of 2017. The nominal GDP per capita is $76,509.54, which is comparable to its neighboring nations and is the fourth largest in the Venson Union. The nation's currency is the Shilling.

Emerstari is one of the largest importers and exporters in Eurevia. Soumland, Coelans, Marseile, Canaria, Rolech, and Arcadia are its top trading partners. In 2014, clothing and consumer goods were its largest imports. In the same year, petroleum, machinery, fish, and wood were its largest exports.

Consumer spending comprised 68% of the Emerstarian economy in 2015. In 2013, the Emerstarian labor force consisted of 121,800,000 people. Around 70% of its workers are unionized. Emerstari does not guarantee its workers paid vacation, paid family leave, or sick leave; however, many businesses still provide these due to historic pressure from unions. 80% of full-time American workers get paid sick leave, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Among its fellow VU nations, Emerstari ranks third in productivity per hour.

Agriculture accounts for just above 2% of Emerstari's GDP yet Emerstari is one of the region's largest producer of corn, wheat, and barley. The National Agricultural Statistics Service maintains agricultural statistics for products that include peanuts, oats, rye, wheat, barley, corn, hay, apples, and pears.

Transportation

Personal transportation in Emerstari is dominated by automobiles which operate on a network of 6.4 million kilometers (4 million miles) of roads, including one of Scania's largest highway systems in length and known for its lack of a general speed limit. It is the VU's second largest automobile market and has one of the highest rates of per-capita vehicle ownership in the region. The average Emerstarain adult spends 55 minutes driving every day.

Mass transit accounts for 9% of total U.S. work trips. Transport of goods by rail is extensive and ridership on NJPK, or Nasjonaljærnvagpassengare Kompagne, has grown by almost 37% between 2005 and 2015. Also, light rail development has increased in recent years. Bicycle usage for work commutes is minimal.

The civil airline industry is entirely privately owned and has been largely deregulated since 1978, while most major airports are publicly owned. Of the three largest airlines in Scania by passengers carried, one is based in Emerstari: Nordettsflygkompagne. Of the VU's 25 busiest airports, 6 are in Emerstari.

Energy and infrastructure

Wind Turbines in the eastern Emerstari

The Emerstarian energy market is about 22,000 terawatt hours per year. In 2011, 40% of energy came from petroleum, 27% came from coal gas, and 20% came from natural gas. The remainder is mostly renewable energy, mainly wind and hydroelectric power. Emerstari is one of the largest consumers of petroleum in Eurevia; it is also a large producer of crude oil due to its Gray Sea reserves.

For decades, due to public perception after an accident in 1977, nuclear power has played a limited role in Emerstari's energy market. In 2008, several applications for new plants were filed.

Water supply and sanitation

According to the Department of Urban Development, total water abstraction per day for public water supply in Emerstari was 17,000,000,000 gallons, or about 69,000 megaliters, of water. There are numerous private reginal water and swerage companies in Emerstari that provide services across Emerstari; most people outside of cities have stated to use well systems.

Science and technology

In the eighteenth century, right before the Emerstarian Golden Age, Emerstari's scientific revolution began. In 1632, the Royal Emerstarian Academy of Science was founded, with people such as Karl Pedersson and Anders Selsers as early members. Many of the companies founded by early pioneers still remain major international brands in Eurevia. Gustaf Ynnestad founded AGA and received an Erdal Prize for his sun valve. Albrekt Erdal was an early pioneer in alternating current and insituted Erdal Prizes. Lars Ericssen started the company bearing his name, Ericssen, which is still one of the largest telecommunication companies in Northern Scania. Emerstarian inventors hold 51,021 patents, according to the Emerstarian Patent and Trademark Office.

Combined, the public and the private sector in Emerstari 3.8% of GDP to research and development per year. As a percentage of GDP, the Emerstarian government spends the second most of any nation in the VU on research and development.

Demographics

The Emerstarian Census Bureau estimated that the country's population in 2019 is 203,075,981. Emerstari's population doubled throughout the twentieth century and is the most populous nation within the Venson Union and one of the most populated nations in Arda en' Estel. A 2018 estimate for the birth rate of Emerstari is 11.8 births/1,000 people. In 2018, it is estimated that the average woman had 1.85 children. The largest ethnic groups within Emerstari are Emerstarians and other North Scanians followed by East Scanians.

About 61% of Emerstarians live in urban areas (including suburbs); about half of those reside in cities with populations of over 50,000. Emerstari has numerous clusters of cities known as megaregions, the largest being the East Megalopolis followed by the Central Megalopolis. There are 29 metropolitan areas with populations greater than one million.

Ethnicity in Emerstari (2015)

Group	% of Emerstarian Population
Estelian	98	98
Scanian	89.9	89.9
Emerstarian	82.7	82.7
Canarian	5.1	5.1
Coelanish	2.1	2.1
Clermantic	2.1	2.1
Marseilian	2	2
Roelen	0.1	0.1
Arcatian	1.1	1.1
Other	5.9	5.9

Religious affiliation in Emerstari (2015)

Affiliation	% of Emerstarian Population
Christianity	83.4	83.4
Protestant	79.3	79.3
Lutheran	71.3	71.3
Prysbeterian	6.4	6.4
Other Protestant	6.5	6.5
Catholic	3.1	3.1
Eastern Orthodox	0.5	0.5
Other Christian	0.5	0.5
Judaism	1.9	1.9
Hinduism	0.5	0.5
Buddhism	0.4	0.4
Islam	0.1	0.1
Other faiths	1.8	1.8
Irreligion	12.8	12.8
Nothing in particular	6.2	6.2
Agnostic	3.9	3.9
Atheist	.27	0.27
Don't know or didn't state	0.6	0.6

Ethnic groups

White Emerstarians (mostly of Eurevian ancestry) are the largest racial group; Ionian Emerstarians and black Emerstarians make up the second and third largest racial groups. Northern Scanians and Emerstarians make up the largest ethnic group, composing 82.7% of the population. Scanians as a whole compose 89.9% of the population. Significant groups that are not Scanian include Marseilians (2%) and Arcatians (1.1%)

Historically, Emerstari was a mostly homogeneous country and it did not have a significant non-white population until the middle of the twentieth century during the beginning of the Emerstarian Empire's decline. Many of the non-whites came from the colonies of Emerstari as well as former colonies. This was somewhat due to the establishment of the Emerstarian Commonwealth which made it easier to immigrate to Emerstari from member-states. Also in the twentieth century, many people of Emerstarian descent immigrated to Emerstari. That can be contributed to a law which passed in 1888 and made it easier for people who can prove Emerstarian ancestry to become a citizen.

Language

Emerstarian is the official national language of Emerstari, and it is required in the Emerstarian naturalization process to speak it. In the 2015 census, 92%, or 186,760,000, of Emerstarians spoke only Emerstarian at home. Other languages spoken within Emerstari include Halleran, Norrosprak, Canarian, Coelanish, and Soumi.

The most widely taught foreign languages in Emerstari, in terms of enrollment numbers from kindergarten through university, are: English, Marseillian, Soumi, and Rhenish. 72% of Emerstarians claim to speak English in addition to Emerstarian and 19% of Emerstarians claim to speak at least one language besides Emerstarian or English.

Religion

Forms of Christianity have dominated religious life in what is now Emerstari for roughly 2,000 years. Although immigration and demographic change have contributed to the growth of other faiths, the membership of the Church of Emerstari has been rising; however, Professor Hans Karlsson claims that some Emerstarian atheists, despite a lack of belief in God, commonly question the term atheist, preferring to call themselves Christians, being content with remaining in the Church of Emerstari.

In the 2015 census, 71.3% of all respondents indicated they were members of the Church of Emerstari whilst 83.4% indicated they were some type of Christian. The next largest group, excluding irreligion (12.8%) is Judaism (1.9%).

The Church of Emerstari is a Lutheran denomination that has been the state church of Emerstari with the monarch as its head since 1444. Acting for the monarch is typically a person appointed the Bishop of Rensulier; the appointment of officials and funding for the Church of Emerstari is dealt with by the Emerstarian monarch (though subject to override by the Hus av Herrer).

Health

Emerstari, in 2017, had a life expectancy of 84.45 years. In 2010, traffic accidents, cardiovascular disease, lung-related diseases, and drinking-related incidents caused the most life lost in Emerstari. Low back pain, depression, musculoskeletal disorders, neck pain, and anxiety caused the most years lost to disability.

Emerstari is a regional leader in medical innovation. Since 1907, 23 Emerstarians have won the Erdal Prize in medicine, and from 1990 to 2002, more money was invested in private biotechnology companies in Emerstari than in the rest of Scania.

Health-care coverage in Emerstari is a combination of public and private efforts and is not universal. Unlike some of its neighbors, the federal government of Emerstari does not provide universal insurance; it is left to the states to decide their own policies. In 1999, Ontarii became the first state to mandate universal health insurance. In 2017, 5.7% of the population did not carry health insurance. The subject of uninsured and underinsured Emerstarians is a major political issue.

Education

Upplanda University is the oldest university in Emerstari (established 1427)

Emerstarian public education is operated by state and local governments. In most states, children are either required to attend school from the age of six until eighteen, or from the age of six until the completion of ninth grade. After completing ninth grade, nearly 90% of students continue with a three-year secondary school, which typically can lead to more job opportunities and/or entrance eligibility to university.

About 25% of children are enrolled in private schools and just over 2% are homeschooled. Emerstari spends about the same on education per student as many of its neighbors, spending more than $11,500 per student in 2011. Some 62% of Emerstarian college students attend public universities.

Emerstari has many competitive private and public institutions of higher education. Many of Scania's top universities are located in Emerstari. There are also community colleges with generally more open admission policies, shorter academic programs, and lower tuition. Of Emerstarians 25-years-old and older, 91.6% graduated high school, 31% earned a bachelor's degree, and 12.9% earned graduate degrees. The basic literacy rate is approximately 100%.

Culture

The culture of Emerstari has been influenced by many factors including the nation's history as a western democracy and a major power as well as being a mostly homogeneous country. As a result of the Emerstarian Empire, Emerstarian influence can be observed in the language, culture, and legal systems of many of its former colonies including the easternmost nation of the Green Union, Arasland and New Retermi.

Tourism

With 62 million foreign tourists in 2015, Emerstari is ranked among the top five most popular tourist destinations in Eurevia. The most popular tourist sites, according to the Estelian Heritage Organization, are: Rensulier Palace, Drodtnings Palace, Rensulier Museum, the White Topped Mountains, and a multitude of other natural parks and historical sites.

Architecture

Djurgårdsbrytt

Prior to the thirteenth century, almost all buildings were made of timber — though, numerous of the governmental buildings during the First Emerstarian Empire were made of stone. After the thirteenth century, there was a shift towards stone. The earliest Emerstarian stone buildings were built around what are today the largest cities and were churches. This would include the Ljund Cathedral and the Upplanda Cathedral. Gothic churches were also built through influences of the Nordsjo League in Yoerk and Fjordsburg.

Among the oldest structures are some significant fortresses and other historical buildings such as the old Rensulier Cathedral, Frederiksholm Castle, Eketorppa Manor, and Oland fortress.

The Upplanda Cathedral

Around 1444, Emerstari was out of the Middle Ages and had entered the Eurevian Rebirth under the rule of King Georg I Eric, who immediately initiated grand mansions, castles, fortresses, and new cathedrals to be built. Some of the more significant include Rensulier Palace and Dalholmen Castle.

For the next two centuries, Emerstari was designated by Baroque architecture and the later rococo. Notable projects from the time include the city Lorensholm and Drodtnings Palace

The Twentieth and Twenty-First Century brought new architectural styles to Emerstari. These include Scanian Neoclassicism, National Romanticism, and Modernism.

Painting and photography

The Emerstarian Golden Age, which commenced in the first half of the nineteenth century, was the result of a new feeling of nationalism and romanticism. The era was characterized by painters such as Wilhelm Anderssen, Christoffer Kopmand, and Georg Frederikssen. Towards the end of the Golden Age, in the 1880s, Emerstarian artists began to turn away from National Romanticism and Post-Post Impressionism established a base of supporters.

A painting of Georg I Eric, depicting his trip to Ynnesborg, by Christoffer Kopmand

In modern-Emerstari, painting continues to be an important form of expression in Emerstarian culture. It is influenced by regional trends in Northern Scania such as modernism as well as a recent resurgence in National Romanticism.

Modern Emerstarain photography developed from interest in it in the beginning of photography in the 1830s. Pioneers such as Hans Pedersen, Frederik Osvaldsson, and Greger Johannssen paved the way for the growing profession in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Currently, Emerstarian photographers shuch as Kirstjen Martensdottir and Donner Karlsburg are influential photographers, taking part in copious exhibitions around the globe.

Literature

The earliest literary text from Emerstari is a treaty between two city-states from 1,000 BC; however, most of the oldest surviving documents date to after the Christianization of Emerstari in the early first century. During the Middle Ages, many Emerstarian monastic writers preferred to use Old Venetian. Therefore, there are only a few manuscripts in Emerstarian from the period. Emerstarian literature finally began to flourish in the sixteenth century when Emerstarian began to become standardized due to a full translation of the Bible into Emerstarian as well as the invention of the printing press.

Emerstarian author Hans Anderssen

In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, several authors developed Emerstarian literature further. Key figures include Georg Jaemsson, Henrik Kyrkar, Karl Standberg, Hans Anderssen, and Valter Lagerkvist.

In recent decades, a handful of Emerstarian writers have established themselves internationally, including the novelist Henrik Larssen and Jans Simonsen. Astrid Lindgren is one of the best selling fiction authors in Scania as of 2015 with her series of novels for young adults.

Music

Historical Emerstarian music mostly used simple string and brass instruments. These include the lur, the lute, the lyre, wooden flutes and drums. Historical re-creations of vikingra music and traditional Emerstarian folk music have been attempted based on these instruments found in various sites. Notable folk music musicians include Mikel Ljundburg and Samuel Underborg.

In modern Emerstari, country music, rock music, and classical music prevail. In 2007, with over 800 million dollars in revenue, Emerstari was the third-largest music exporter in the Eurevia and surpassed only by Ingleland and Rolech. Udtlandner was one of the first internationally well known music bands from Emerstari. It still ranks among the most prominent bands in Arda en' Estel. Emerstari has had many other successful bands and artists since, such as Willem Johannsen, Jon Jonkopper, and Ørnar, and Osterholmen. In the past, as well, Emerstari has had many prominent composers — mostly during the Golden Age — such as Sir Ludwig Georgssen and Ragnvald Stenhammar.

Emerstari is one of the more successful competing nations in the Horsens Song Contest, with a total of five victories in the contest (1976, 1984, 1992, 2000, 2004, 2016).

Cinema

Actor Karl Donnersson, a pioneer in Emerstarian cinema

Emerstari has had a considerable influence on the history of cinema regionally. Some of the most prominent actors, directors, and motion pictures of all time in Scania and Eurevia have come from Emerstari. These include, for actors and directors, Karl Donnersson, Jaems Ludwigsen, David Valdter, Johann Aldburg, Einar Soumer, Christelin Alfredssen, Astrid Hojstad, Aleksa Kopmand, Signe Lufter, and Karin Filipsdottir.

Large film studios within Emerstari are Norrlanda, Hogberg, and Yoerkien. These film studios have put out some of the highest-grossing films in Eurevia including Stjarnekriger and der Karlssonvisaring. Edvin Studios is the oldest film studio in the nation.

Fashion

Interest in fashion is moderately big in Emerstari and the country is headquartering famous regional brands like Hennes and Johann Lindeburg as well as Nakkna and Filippa V. within its border. These companies, however, are largely composed of buyers who import goods through Arda en' Estel, continuing the trend of multinational economic dependency in Scania.

Headquarters of Nasjonellsendingarkompagne in Donnersburg, Emerstari

Media

Emerstarians as a whole are among the greatest consumers of newspapers in Arda en' Estel and the majority of Emerstarians towns and cities are home to at least a single local newspaper. The country's largest national newspapers include Degskposten, Tidsposten, Rensulierkronike, and the Yoerkskronike. The Niytidning and Nasjonellspapper are two of the biggest evening tabloids.

Private broadcasting companies hold a monopoly on radio and television in Emerstari. Of these broadcasting companies, the Nasjonellsendingarkompagne, Emersksendingarkompagne, Felikssenkorporasjon, and Bjorn Medierkompagne are the most highly regarded. In addition to these companies, there are 12,092 registered radio stations and copious cable television channels that exist in Emerstari.

Private broadcasting companies hold a monopoly on radio and television in the NFRE. Of those private broadcasting companies, there are four main broadcasting companies which include the National Udsendande Kompagne, Emerstarian Udslandande Kompagne, Haarstien Udsendande Korporation, and Bjorn Medier Kompagne. As of 2016, there are 12,092 registered radio stations and hundreds of channels on cable television that fill copious niches. Several studies conducted in 2018 estimate that around 71% of Emerstarians have cable television.

Sports

Sports activities are a national movement in Emerstari with nearly half of the population actively participating in organized sporting activities. The main spectator sports are Emerstarian football, Golf (the national sport of Emerstari), skiing, hockey, tennis, badminton, and horse-based sports. In addition, team sports of baseball, basketball, and soccer also have a presence in Emerstari.

Emerstarian tennis player Bjorn Ericssen in the 2008 Olympiad in Leon, Marseile

Between 1980 and 2015, Emerstari qualified eleven times for the Estelian Golf Championships and were champions four of those eleven times. Notable Emerstarian golfers include Jaems Simonsen, Markus Theodersson, and Eugen Felikssen. The first of those three, Jaems Simonsen, was named best golf player in Arda en' Estel in 1977; Eugen Felikssen was named the best Emerstarian golfer of the 2000s by the National Golf Association in 2007.

Emerstarian Haakon Nilssen was a founding member of the Olympiad de Arda in 1873. Throughout the history of the Olympiad, Emerstari has won a total of 698 medals and hosted seven Olympiad games.

Cuisine

Emerstarian cuisine, like that of the other North Scanian countries (Soumiland, Sverig, and Coelans), was traditionally simple. Fish (particularly herring), meat, potatoes, corn, and dairy products played prominent roles. Spices were sparse. Famous meals include Norrisk meatballs, traditionally served with gravy, boiled potatoes and lingonberry jam; pancakes; låtfisk; and the smørgåsbord. Akvavit is a popular alcoholic distilled beverage, and the drinking of wine is of cultural importance. The traditional flat and dry crisp bread of Emerstari has developed into several contemporary variants. Regionally important foods are the surstrømming (a fermented fish) in northern Emerstari and turkey in southern Emerstari.

Emerstarian traditional dishes, some of which are many hundreds of years old, others are perhaps a century or less, are still a very important part of Emerstarian everyday meals, in spite of the fact that modern-day Emerstarian cuisine adopts many international dishes.

Emerstarian crisp bread, or Knapribrod

A Midsommer bonfire

Open sandwiches on rye bread, known as fiskbrod, which in their basic form are food for lunch, can be considered a national speciality when prepared and decored. Other traditional meals include brodostpej, tomato sauce on bread with cheese, and bakkedtpotattar, or baked potatoes.

In June, during Midsommer, a traditional feast known as fiskfest occurs. During fiskfest, Emerstarians eat large amounts of fish with boiled dill.

Holidays

Apart from traditional Protestant Christian holidays, Emerstari also celebrates unique holidays. Some of these unique holidays are of a pre-Christian tradition whilst others are national holidays. Of the pre-Christian traditions, there are Midsommer, Vintersnicht, and Fiskdeg. During Midsommer, on the summer solstice, many Emerstarians light bonfires and have large feasts with famly. During Vintersnicht, there is a similar tradition celebrating the Winter Solstice. On Fiskdeg, on the first Sunday of Spring, Emerstarians traditionally have a meal consisting of no meat in order to give thanks for the fish which they eat through the rest of the year.

National holidays of Emerstari include Etableringdeg (August 4th), which celebrates Emerstari's founding, Georg I Deg (July 1st), celebrating the birthday of Georg I Eric, Foderalorsdeg (May 24th), which celebrates the establishment of the Federal Republic of Emerstari, Aldkrigerasdeg (October 1st), which acknowledges Emerstari's veterans and servicemen, and Verkorsdeg (April 27th), which acknowledges the laborers of Emerstari.

Traditionally, the Emerstarian Christmas Season typically begins with the Day of St. Nicholas on December 6th and lasts until January 6th on Epiphany. Throughout this season, besides Christmas, Emerstarians celebrate the Day of St. Lucy, the Day of Katarina von Bora, the Day of the Holy Innocents, the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, and numerous other commemorations.