Highton

File:File:Highton CoA.png

This article is in work in progress. Any information here may not be final as changes are often made to make way for improvements or expansion of lore-wise information about Highton. Please do not edit anything here without the consent of the article's creator. Please note that the article Goyanes was used as a base, so any incomplete sections of the article may show info about Goyanes. This was all done with Goy's permission.

The Crowned Republic of Highton Die Gekröntesrepublik Hightonisch
Flag Coat of Arms
Motto: "Unitas pax libertas et securitas" "Unity, Peace, Liberty, and Security"
Anthem: "Liebe Highton"
Highton in Craviter
Capital	Highton City, North Highton
Largest largest city	Alexandria, A.C. Alexandria
Official languages	Aleman, Mercanti
Recognised regional languages	Rixion-Mercanti, Reyterrisch
Ethnic groups (2010 Census)	69% Aleman/South Gotic 20% Fenixian 6% Rixion 5% Others
Demonym(s)	Hightonian
Government	Constitutional Congressional Monarchy
• Crowned Prince	Diego II
• President	Alex Calabrese
• Speaker of the Legislature	James Vard
Formation
• Establishment of the Principality	1432 AD
• Union of Highton and Aleman	1831
• Establishment of the Crowned Republic	1951
Area
• Total	244,004 km2 (94,210 sq mi)
Population
• 2010 estimate	12,280,000
• Density	50/km2 (129.5/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)	estimate
• Total	$0.73 trillion (IBU)
• Per capita	$59,487 (IBU)
HDI	.92284 very high
Currency	Block (HBK)
Date format	DD/MM/YYYY AD
Driving side	right
Calling code	+237
Internet TLD	.hi

Highton, officially The Crowned Republic of Highton (Aleman: Die Gekröntesrepublik Hightonisch), is a wp:constitutional monarchy on the continent of Craviter. It includes seven states and one autonomous city, and covers an area of approximately 244,004 km². It has a temperate climate that usually varies between 5 and 25 degrees. With 12.8 million inhabitants, Highton among the least populous nations in the Pan-Gotic Union. The country's largest city is the Autonomous City of Alexandria, which contains approximately two million inhabitants. Other major cities in Goyanes include the capital Highton City, Trier, Glöckenkirchen, and 3City-Victoria.

Around the year 500 AD, a group of South Gotic people originating from the region of Gottia in Gothis, arrived on the Phoenix Coast of Highton. This group, who were called the Aleman, spread out to a few regions of Craviter– some moved east and became the Cimmerians, while others moved south to become the Essalan. Back on the Phoenix Coast, the city-state of Eine experienced a period of massive growth which saw it become the Pobfénix Empire, a major power in the Strait. The Essalan, who had also rapidly expanded, came into direct contact with the Fenixian Empire but were defeated at the Battle of Trier, the deadliest day in Hightonian history. The Empire's fall in 1432 saw the creation of new Kingdoms in the region: Aleman, Highton, Pobfénix, and Talansk.

In the seventeenth century, these four countries became two first when Highton annexed Pobfénix and second when Aleman was unified with Talansk. The Aleman Kingdom would then become a minor colonial power, first taking control of Oclusia (Aleman North Meterra) and later the colony of New Aleman in Kian. 1831 would see the birth of the unified Hightonian nation when Prince Thomas VI of Highton married Princess Eleanor of Trier– Aleman and Highton merged to become the United Principality of Highton-Aleman, which would proceed to annex Peuportîle in 1838. Highton-Aleman won the Eastern Wars and annexed much of the lands of the former Rixion Empire.

Highton played a small role in the Fascists Wars, primarly assisting the Syrixians in the Phoenix Strait against the Malorians. Highton was responsible for the liberation of its former colony, Peuportîle, from Maloria, which resulted in the signing of a free association agreement with the island. After the Allied victory in the Wars, Highton became a constitutional monarchy. Today, it is one of the richest countries per capita on Eras, and remains somewhat influential considering its size. Highton's wealth has come in large part due to mineral riches in the east and automobile exports.

Highton is a member of a few alliances– it is a founding member of the Craviter Economic Association and the Luscova Pact, and is a member of the International Economic Forum and Pan-Gotic Union. The headquarters of the CEA's Infrastructure Community is located in Highton City, which will be the central hub of the continent's proposed interconnected rail network.

Etymology

It is not very clear how the Gojan word Gojannes originated. Some historians speculate that the name may originate from the old word gejahalles, which rougly translates to "howling", which may have referred to the howling sounds of the winds passing through the Eastern Fjordlands on the Næsser sea. Another possible theory is that the name refers to a large collection of tribes, whose names were collectively called geojannen.

History

Goyanes has a rich history spanning over two thousand years. The area known as the modern nation-state of Goyanes was uninhabited by humans before the arrival of the Northern Gots around 2900 years ago. However, there were early primates in the area, most notably the alpine beast, natively known as the alpijnbeest.

Prehistory and the last half of the 1st millennium BCE

The arrival of the gots in the region signaled a large change in the continent. Around 1850 BCE, the Gots had arrived from Xentherida, settling in various sites on the Næsser sea coasts. Archaeological remains can be found in the area, which were carbon dated and confirmed to be of the timeframe that scientists and archaeologists had speculated was the time of the original arrival of the Gots. Starting in the 1600s and 1500s BCE there was already a clear distinction between two factions of Gotic tribal groups. These were the Nords and the Southerners. The Nords had inhabited a large swath of territory ranging from the far eastern reaches of modern Andrenne, to the northwest of Goyanes.

A set of Gotic metal tools found at an archaeological site in Ornan-på-Næsser, Kongsland.

The main event to happen in the 500s BC was the northwards migration of the southerners. They split the nords down the middle, settling down in modern Frisia and Hessunland. The nords residing on the western reaches of Frisia region crossed the Mukak river, and in the 400s BC, established the Sørnen Het, one of the two main pre-unification nation-states in Goyanes. On the northern end of the Goyanean peninsula, the Hysende Het was getting started. They were a powerful kingdom from the start, using longboats and advanced combat tactics to annex different tribes and conquer large swaths of territory.

In the 200s BCE, the Hysende Het failed to conquer the forces of Bjørn Torstein, and the viking clan of Naader. Little did the Hettsett of Hysende know, the Clan of Naader would return 200 years later, stronger and more powerful than ever. Soon after the failed attempt to conquer the Naader clan, the Naader clan went on a path of empire building, unifying all the tribes, clans, and viking principalities in all the lands south of Hysende and north of Sørnen.

In the year 1 AD, King Konstantin I marched into the city of Hosen Sæg, the capital of the Hysende Het. After a quick battle and decisive victory, Konstantin publicly slaughtered the Hettsett of Hysende in front of a large crowd, distributing pieces of his body to the city residents in an effort to taunt and intimidate the former loyalists of Hysende. With the fall of Hysende, the newly established Nyhett became the counterpart to Sørnen, completing the rise to power of the pre-unification states.

The First Millenium, Unification, Expansion, and Messianism

After the conquest of King Konstantin I, and the growth of Nyhett as the predominant northern Goyanean power, there was a long and tranquil peace in the north. Nyhett, despite the peace, was engaging in a series of military campaigns to keep order around its domains. Run by the Vikings, they would run trade routes, and occasionally raid unruly villages and settlements. The tactic proved effective, and it was successful in repelling uprisings and rebellions around Nyhett.

In the south, The Sørnen Het, in an effort to expand and capitalize on the abundance of its domains, expanded southward into modern day Gotmark. Led by Magnusson Odal, they explored southward into the thick forests of Gotmark, constructing primitive roads, and building trade outposts at fairly regular intervals. Eventually they reached the southwestern cape of the continent, and their mission was complete. The Odal trail now stretched from the center of the city of Hirendag all the way to the southern cape. The Sørnen Het government decided that the region was of low risk for any uprisings, and as such, they appointed a prince of the ruling Norga dynasty to preside over the new provinces.

In the 600s AD, a large group of Western Gotic peoples, known as the Hastfrads, were discontent with living conditions in the southern regions of modern-day Hessunland and Frisia. As such, they began migrating away to find a better home. They travelled westward, eventually arriving on the southwestern coast of Goyanes, where they boarded their longboats, and began their long, arduous journey towards the Southern Isles, where they would eventually found several nation-states, including Esplandia and Alstenbek.

About two hundred and thirty years after the Hastfradic departure from the Northwest, the political situation in Goyanes had reached a new level of cooperation and friendship. Nyhett and Sørnen shared many laws, a similar currency, the same language, and a nearly identical culture. The ruling family of Nyhett, the Tages dynasty, headed by King Haakon I, decided it was in the best interest of the peoples of Nyhett, and of Sørnen, for that matter, to be in a unified state. As such, Haakon attempted to court the Hettsett of Sørnen, Elisa II, to no avail. Haakon was desperate. He was already 50, and had not yet had children. If he did not successfully court the 30 year old Elisa, a power vacuum would most likely be left behind over who got to rule Nyhett.

Haakon devised a plan to secure his marriage with Elisa. He sent forth a group of 5 extremely wealthy Nyhettan men to bargain their money for Elisa to marry Haakon. One of the men, Kriss Jorgenson, successfully managed to give her enough money to accept the terms of marriage, and in the year 847, the Norga dynasty was merged into the Tages dynasty, creating a massive, unified nation-state spanning the entire length of the western coast.

Early stave church built in eastern Laggen province around 922 AD.

In the 870s, a group of traders from a far off land known as Ceretis arrived in the small port town of Igenass. The traders did not just bring products with them, but a new religion, which quickly captivated the villagers of the town. This religion was Messianism, and its newfangled presence in Goyanes would change the course of its history forever. Messianism quickly spread clandestinely through the more southern regions of Goyanes. Goyanes at the time had strict rules about the practice of the state religion, Gojan Paganism, which restricted the ease of flow of Messianism around the nation. Inevitably, word of this new religion reached the Imperial Courts in Naderfjord. Ingolfr the Great, the reigning Grand Emperor at the time, was actually intrigued by the new religion. Especially after a series of natural disasters in the northeastern parts of the nation, confidence in Odin and his gang of gods and deities was lower. As a result, Ingolfr officially converted, being baptized in 889 AD at a public ceremony in Naderfjord.

The 900s was marked by a series of inquisitions targeted at those who remained practicing the old ways of Gojan Paganism. Several tens of thousands died in the 8th century as a result, but the products of the Goyanean government's inquisition programs were fairly effective, as the old Pagan systems were expelled in favor of a more modern and stable Messianic system.

Early Imperial Ventures

The first overseas colonies of the Goyanean realm was Nærøy. Nærøy is a small island that is about 320 sq. km in area. The first explorations to the island were chartered by the Grand Emperor Johannes III in 1107. He sent out a group of 10 viking longships to sail around after hearing rumors in the Imperial Court of an uninhabited island off the coast of Igenass. In 1109, the viking explorers landed on Nærøy, establishing a colonial outpost there. The Goyaneans started settling families on the island, which had a warm climate and good lands for growing food.

Høystein Fort off the coast of Nærøy, built in 1277

In the 1400s, Grand Emperor Konstantin VI chartered the creation of a trading colony on the northern coast of Meterra for the purposes of competition with the Ilian Maritime Republics. Prince Konghuset, Konstantin VI's brother established the colony directly south of the Ilian claims. This colony became known as Jalkan, or how it is known today, Yalkan. This would be a vital location for the jumpstart of more distant colonial ventures. Later on in the 1400s and early 1500s, the Ilian Civil War was rampant, and the Goyanean Imperial Army came to the aid of the anti-monarchist forces. The Goyanean Imperial Court saw this as an opportunity to gain ground and influence in Ilia. After the war ended, the new Ilian Government gifted the rest of their north Meterran colony to Goyanes, completing the modern boundaries of Yalkan.

Distant Colonialism and the UKAG

The late 1500s found the Goyaneans arriving and establishing colonies on the Northern Coast of Demescia. The fertile lands provided an adequate place to relocate the increasingly crowded Goyanean Peninsula. The locals also did not put up much resistance, as the Goyanean colonial officials were quite benevolent. This new base in Demescia provided the key location to jump across the Meterran Sea and found new colonies in southern Iteria.

In the early 1600s, Goyanean explorers started taking trading concessions from the Empire of Dazhou (modern-day Ascalon). When Dazhou collapsed, forming tiny little states, Goyanean colonial administrators arrived and took advantage of the power vacuum, and implanted themselves as leaders of Ascalon after getting fealty pledges from over half of the post-Dazhou states.

Union Flag of the UKAG, which combined the flags of Goyanes and Andrenne.

In the mid 1600s, the Grand Emperor at the time, Johannes IIX, married Grand Queen Elisa I of Andrenne. This marriage sent Goyanes and Andrenne into a real union, known as the United Kingdoms of Andrenne and Goyanes, or the UKAG. The UKAG was a powerful new entity, as two of the main Gothis powers were now united into a megastate. The colonial administration was also techincally joined together, and Goyanes and Andrenne became a major colonial superpower, with established colonies in Ascalon, Skanda, Demescia, and Prydania. This was the beginning of a series of radical changes which would transform Goyanes into it's near modern form.

In 1703, information to the general public had arisen of corruption within the House of Lords. Angry mobs assembled in Gojannesstad demanding that the people gain control of the government. The Grand Emperor of the UKAG at the time, Oslo III, capitulated, and signed the July 21st Treaty, which established the Supreme Law as the consititution of the Goyanean realm, and established a new, bicameral legislature, which included the Stortinget and the Riksdag, which continue to this very day. Madam Amalie Kronnek was appointed as the first Prime Minister by decree of the Grand Emperor, and modern Goyanean politics was born.

The Imperial Wars

The First Imperial War started in October and December 1748, when the Syrixian Empire invaded and conquered UKAG Demescia fearing the growing influence of the UKAG. After recieving word that Syrixia had invaded Demescian Holdings, the Grand Emperor of the UKAG sends a fleet to attempt to retake the colonies. The two fleets met in December of 1748, and a large naval battle ensues. The Syrixians leave victorious, and the UKAG looses its Demescian holdings, except for the Jaanun raion of Goyanean Demescia, which was successfully defended from invasion.

In January of 1749, the Syrixians invade Nærøy to further gain colonial holdings and to place a chokehold on the UKAG by having such a close projection base. Thousands of families are evicted from the island or imprisoned by the Syrixians. An unsuccessful repulsion by the weakened UKAG forces does not manage to retake the island. Assorted skirmishes and battles take place in various locations around Eras until in early 1751, the Syrixians invade Skanda via Iraelian colonial holdings. The Syrixians also occupy parts of Northern Andrenne, merely tens of miles from Mitta. In December 1751, the UKAG and Syrixia convene and sign the Christmas Treaty in Mitta, Andrenne, terminiating the 1st Imperial War, and forbidding the UKAG and Syrixia from going to war for ten years. A compromise was also made for the Syrixians to free Skanda, albeit with the ability to pillage the nation for 5 days beforehand.

Admiral Ragnar Fannin (bottom right), the commander of Goyanean naval forces during the 2nd Imperial War is depicted inspecting his ships before sailing off for Demescia in this 1877 painting by Magnus Henmeyer.

Between the wars, Goyanes and Andrenne were poor, bankrupt, and looking for a way out. Several Malorian banking groups and families helped bail out the bankrupt UKAG and post-UKAG Andrenne and Goyanes, most notably the Halberts, Severyns, and Valmonts. Without this bail-out the UKAG and Nordic Coalition would not have the funding necessary to engage in the 2nd Imperial War.

Less than a century later, in 1818, the Crown Prince and Princess, Johannes IX and Isabella I, who were twins, ascend to the throne. They split the two realms amongst themselves, therefore dissolving the UKAG. Johannes XII took Goyanes, and Isabella I took Andrenne. While the UKAG may have split, the amiable and close relations continued further. In May 1825, Johannes and Isabella declare a joint demand to the Syrixian Empire, which required the Syrixian Imperial Government to return all nordic lands in Demescia, as well as returning Nærøy. Naturally, the Syrixian Empire refused the demands of the twins, and war was subsequently declared. In June 1825 the Nordic Coalition slips a fleet past oblivious Syrixian naval defenses in the Sastenic Straits and successfully establishes a surprise beachhead. The invasion of Nordic Demescia begins. In July of 1825, more coalition troops land in Demescia and in Nærøy, overwhelming the overconfident Syrixian troops. A series of intense battles, both on land and on sea begin, and the coalition starts to regain territory. In March 1826, Nærøy is avenged, and the Goyaneans recapture the island successfully. Meanwhile, the Andrennians begin a cruel offensive to drive the Syrixians out of Gothis.

Johannes IX
of Goyanes

Isabella I
of Andrenne

In February of 1827, all of Nordic Demescia has been avenged, and the Syrixians suffered a crippling defeat. The Gojannesstad Accords, signed that same month in Gojannesstad, officially ends the 2nd Imperial War, gives back the colonies to the coalition, but split along the old UKAG administration lines, and forces the Syrixian forces to leave Gothis for the foreseeable future. As a result of this however, the Syrixian Empire plunges into a massive debt that sets it up for failure and the loss of Esplandian territories later on in the 19th century.

The Interwar Century

The Interwar Century, or the period between the conclusion of the 2nd Imperial War and the beginning of the Fascist Wars, was the prime golden age in Goyanean history. The Industrial Revolution was in full swing, the economy was booming, and overall, life in Goyanes was comfortable and relaxed. Notable advances were being made in technology, such as the advent of canals, modern roads, and the railway. This revolution in transportation technology helped shape Goyanes' modern cities, and as a result, products, ideas, and people were moving around the country like never before.

The Halberg Canal near Miksnaby, Hysende.

Goyanes' first railway line, the Capital and Northern Railway opened up in 1833, transporting passengers from Åkulastrasse Station, now known as Stortoghass, along the banks of the Nyhettfjord all the way to Naderfjord. This connection helped spur the development of railway lines all over Goyanes. Canals also were being constructed in important locations around the country. The Halsberg Canal bridged the 20 mile gap between the Nyhettfjord's last navigable point and the Hysendefjord's last navigable point, creating an inland route all the way from Jægerstrom, through Gojannesstad and Naderfjord, all the way to Hosen Sæg.

Capital & Northern's first locomotive, the Kong Konstantin

Roads were also coming about, with the first maintained horse and wagon trails, as well as turnpikes, connecting the big cities, and the small towns and villages in between. A notable example id the Mydfjordbaner, which opened as a small turnpike, costing only 1/10 dram to travel on, and connected Gojannesstad with it's northern suburbs that were situated on the Mydfjord. The development of these roads also encouraged major developments of cities. More and more people were moving out of the countryside and emigrating to big cities for work. This is mainly due to the new types of agricultural technology that was being invented as well, which made one farmer much more productive, reducing the need for so many farmers.

A mid 1800s postcard of the Mydfjordbaner turnpike.

As more and more people moved to the cities, urban sprawl started to take hold, and by the late 1800s, Gojannesstad already had it's first underground railway, and other big cities, like Naderfjord, and Jægerstrom were following suit. The popularization of electricity also helped with this, as deep underground tunnels could be built with electric trains, removing the need for frequent ventilation shafts. Life was also becoming more and more modern, the lightbulb was appearing more and more, and the automobile was making its first strides in Goyanes as well, appearing in an 1898 exposition in Jægerstrom.

In 1881, the Syrixian Empire was in such bad debt, it needed a major solution to it's impending crisis. An envoy approached Grand Emperor Danneg V with an offer of cancellation of all debt and 50 million drams in exchange for the south Iterian colony of Yukkira. This was to be the last colonial acquisition made by Goyanes ever again.

A Gojannesstad U-Baner train speeds by in southwestern Gojannesstad. (c.1912)

As the turn of the century rolled around, the Goyanes we know today started to shape up. Grand Emperor Natan II took power, and his successive parliaments introduced progressive, modern legislature, setting Goyanes apart as a modern nation one could look up to. However, a political faction was arising in it's Nordic sister nation, the Fascist movement. Little did those at the time know, the Fascist movement would cause incredible amounts of death, pain, and suffering in the years to come.

The Fascist Wars and the 20th Century

Before the Fascist Wars, the end of the Nordic Golden Age was a peaceful and prosperous time. The people basked in the riches of the previous century, and train tracks were being laid almost everywhere. Domestic life was also comfortable, with electricity coming to homes and businesses alike.

With the rise of Nystrom in Andrenne following the Andrennian Royal Massacre in 1932 tensions on Gothis were quite high- This was only more apparent with the Andrennian invasion of Granze in 1936, in which they swiftly moved through the small nation and annexed them shortly after. Granze was followed by Gottia, though Andrenne and Gottia at war was not uncommon, but the situation on Gothis grew dire as the Imperyk invaded their other neighbor, Cojedes, who had been a neutral nation up until that point. Goyanes subsequently declared war on Andrenne a few years later and the Northwest Theater kicked off in full. Goyanes and the other Allied Powers, as well as the Andrennian Liberation Front lead by Prince Heinrik "Henry" Kjellner, managed to push the Imperyk back to their capital of Mitta, where they finished the war and signed the Treaty of Mitta, in which Goyanes played the leading role.

Goyanes did not leave the war unscathed however, they had been at war for nearly a decade and millions of lives were lost. In addition to this they had been the target of Andrennian air raids in the early and mid-war phases, the most famous of which damaged the residential wing of Tageskiele Palace and resulted in the death of Grand Emperor Natan II, resulting in his famous last words, "Køttse". This only proved to further the Goyanean resolve to destroy the Imperyk and it's values, although it should be noted that Andrenne claims Tageskiele Palace was an accidental target- This is disputed. Goyanes (and Cojedes) were critical to the destruction of the Imperyk's surface fleet, and Goyanes alone is sometimes considered the main factor of Andrenne's defeat, though this is another disputed point. They provided millions of men, weapons, and vehicles to the allied cause and even managed to halt the Andrennian invasions of Gottia and Cojedes when they seemed to nearly have won the war in both regions.

After the war, a great period of rebuilding and reconstruction took hold, and Goyanes became the economic power it once was before the war. A program known as the Vanderkrieg Plan funneled trillions of Drams into Goyanes and its allies, as well as Andrenne, to help rebuild as quickly as possible.

The Modern Age

After the 1970s, Goyanes began an age of immense economic growth. Finally completely back on it's feet after the Fascist Wars, Goyanes began an economic skyrocketing that tossed it into the power that it is today. Production was at an all-time high, consumer confidence was up, and the people were happy, for the most part. Goyanes was maintaining its status as a great power on the Erasian stage. The Government funded the military, and new research and technology led to a more powerful and capable military than ever before. This translated to success that has lasted even until now.

In October 1987, Gottia invaded the northern forests of Gotmark, preventing immediate Goyanean and Andrennian intervention due to the onset of winter causing logistical issues. In the time between a proper allied invasion, Gottia pressed about halfway into Gotmark. Andrenne began to apply pressure in northern Ninhundland to divert some of the Gottian army into the north, and the Goyaneans decimated the Gottian Air Force and any SAM capabilities they had through an extensive aerial campaign that lasted into early 1988. When winter began to thaw, the allied forces began a large ground campaign which involved an outflanking of the Gottian army in Gotmark, and the Andrennian encirclement of Granzestad.

Bystanders watch as Goyanean armored units prepare to make a river crossing in Ogleberg, Vasterfriese.

The Gottians in Gotmark were trapped, and virtually massacred by the onslaught of Goyanean troops. As the Gottian army faced severe losses in Gotmark, the Goyanean army pressed forwards, quickly making gains. This culminated in the Goyanean and Andrennian armies taking the Gottian capital, Frankthorf, in April 1988. The result was the Treaty of Frankthorf, which partitioned Gottia into several sections. In the west, Goyanes and Gotmark acquired territorial gains that encompassed the entire province of West Frisia. In the east, Andrenne secured the entire province of Granze. The remaining portions of the country were divided into two rump states, Frisia in the west, and Hessunland in the east.

Meanwhile, war raged amongst Valamo, Andrenne, and the Duchrijekans, who sought and independent state. In 1988, the Treaty of Gojannesstad was signed amongst all three parties, and established an independent Duchrijekan state. This signing, along with the events of the Gotmark War, cemented Goyanes further as the main power on Gothis.

In the mid 1990s, Grand Emperor Natan III started suffering chronic heart problems related to his heart disease. In 1999 he went into open heart surgery, but did not make it out alive. His son, Anthony, succeeded the throne, and has commanded the office of Grand Emperor since. In 2002, he paved the way for the Iterian Decolonization Effort, which saw the handover of Goyanean South Iteria (part of Nyhett) to form two new nation-states, Yukkira and Ascalon.

The Norberg Years

Prime Minister Jon Norberg, elected to his first term in 2011, piggybacked and capitalized on the success of his predecessor, former NUP boss Natan Krømejer. Norberg lowered taxes, brought businesses back, strengthened the military, and reduced corruption in the ministries. His approval rates are very high, and he has paved Goyanes a new road into the future, one of power and success. In 2016, he won a second term, and secured a supermajority in the Stortinget and Riksdag. Later on, in late 2017, Norberg and Anthony collaborated with Prydanian leadership on a recovery plan, which also included help from Mouxordian and Thenacan counterparts. Norberg is rumored to run for a third term in 2021, but it is still too early and unclear.

Geography

Goyanes is in northwestern Gothis, with Frisia (rump state of Gottia) bordering to the East, and Gotmark bordering towards the southeast. In a maritime sense, Goyanes is bordered by the Araethi Ocean to the north, the Næsser Sea to the east, and the Nordstrom to the West. Goyanean territory covers 568,872 sq. km of land. It is the second largest country on Gothis, behind Miedzymorse. Elevation ranges from the Kongsland Range (highest point: Fjerg Seirsen at 5411.7m or 17,754 feet) in the North to the shores of the coastal regions.

The sunset upon the western face of Fjerg Seirsen.

The forested uplands of Goyanes and the lowlands of the Central Regions (lowest point: Kenningsberg, Sørnen at 10.1 metres or 33.1 feet below sea level) are traversed by major rivers and fjords. Significant natural resources include iron ore, coal, potash, timber, lignite, uranium, thorium, plutonium, copper, natural gas, petroleum, salt, nickel, tungsten, arable land, and water.

Climate

Most of Goyanes has a temperate seasonal climate dominated by humid winds, with notable exceptions in the Northern regions, which have a subarctic climate. Goyanes gets an average of 789 mm (31 in) of precipitation per year; there is no consistent dry season. Winters are very cold (with lows almost always below freezing in the thick of winter) and summers tend to be warm: temperatures can sometimes exceed 30 °C (86 °F).

The Alpine regions in the extreme north and, to a lesser degree, some areas of the North Goyanean Uplands have a mountain climate, with lower temperatures and more precipitation, as well as permafrost in certain areas.

Biodiversity

Beeches, oaks, and other deciduous trees constitute one-third of the forests; while conifers dominate the rest. Spruce and fir trees predominate in the upper mountains, while pine and larch are found in sandy soil. There are many species of ferns, flowers, fungi, and mosses prevalent in certain areas. Wild animals include deer, wild boar, wild sheep, fox, badger, hare, beaver, and black, brown, and grizzly bears.

The brown bear (left) and the snowy owl (right), the two national animals of Goyanes.

Goyanes has more than 20 national parks around the nation, where visitors can enjoy the natural wonders of Goyanes free of charge. There are also about 400 zoos in Goyanes, with the Gojannesstad Zoological Park having the most comprehensive collection in the nation. In addition, there are multitudes of constituent parks, and there are also "Dark Sky" parks, where there is a certified extremely low light pollution amount, making viewing the galaxy a charm.

Urbanization

Goyanes has been continually urbanizing since the industrial revolution, with more and more people leaving the farms, and coming to live and work in ever growing cities. Goyanes has a number of large cities, with 7 having a population over 1 million within the city proper.

Politics and Government

Anthony I
Grand Emperor

Jon Norberg
Prime Minister

Goyanes is a federal state under a constitutional monarchy. Grand Emperor Anthony I is the monarch and head of state of Goyanes, as well as the Emperor of the Ascalonian Dominion. The monarch has guaranteed powers codified in the Supreme Law. The Goyanean political system operates under a framework laid out in the 1703 constitutional document known as the Storrektlov (Supreme Law), which establishes the foundation of each branch of government to originate within the power of the monarch. Amendments generally require a two-thirds majority of both chambers of the Landesdag; the fundamental principles of the constitution, as expressed in the articles guaranteeing citizens' rights, the separation of powers, the federal structure, the powers of the monarch, and the rule of law are valid in perpetuity.

The Prime Minister of Goyanes is the head of government. He or she is usually the leader of the party with the plurality of seats in the Stortinget. The leader of the party with the second-most seats usually becomes the Leader of His Majesty's Opposition and is part of an adversarial parliamentary system intended to keep the government in check. Each of the 338 members of parliament in the Stortinget is elected by simple plurality in a constituency. General elections must be called by the Grand Emperor, either on the advice of the prime minister, privy council, or on their own, or if the government loses a confidence vote in the Stortinget. Constitutionally, an election may be held no more than five years after the preceding election. The 118 members of the Riksdag are elected by the members of their constituent kingdom assemblies to fill the seats allocated to the constituent kingdoms in the Riksdag.

The Landesdag Building in Goyanes' capital city, Gojannesstad.

Goyanes' federal structure, laid out in the Supreme Law, divides government responsibilities between the federal government and the thirteen constituent kingdoms. Constituent legislatures are unicameral and operate in parliamentary fashion similar to the Stortinget.

The Gojan Riksbank is the central bank of Goyanes. In addition, the Minister of Finance and Minister of the Workforce utilize the Imperial Goyanean Census Agency for financial planning and economic policy development. The Gojan Riksbank is the sole authority authorized to issue currency in the form of Goyanean bank notes. The bank does not issue Goyanean coins; they are issued by the Imperial Foundry and Mint.

Law

The Supreme Law, as is implied by the name, is the supreme law of the Imperial Goyanean Federation. The Supreme Law, signed in 1703, affirms governance based on parliamentary precedent and divides powers between the federal and constituent kingdom governments. The Supreme Law also guarantees basic rights and freedoms that cannot be over-ridden by any government within the Goyanean realm.

The Supreme Court Building in Gojannesstad.

Goyanes' judiciary plays an important role in interpreting laws and has the power to strike down Acts of Parliament that violate the constitution. The Supreme Court of Goyanes is the highest court in the realm, and is the final arbiter in all cases. It has been led since 2005 by Chief Justice Alfred Kinnings. It consists of fourteen members, one from each constituent kingdom, and a chief justice. Its thirteen members are appointed by the Grand Emperor on the advice of the prime minister, privy council, and minister of justice. All judges at the superior and appellate level imperial courts are appointed after consultation with the Ministry of Justice. The appointment of justices to superior courts in the constituent jurisdictions is the responsibility of the Grand Emperor, after consultation with the Minister-President of the constituent kingdom in question.

Common law prevails everywhere in Goyanes, with elements of Nordic Traditional Law in certain areas. Criminal law is solely a federal responsibility and is uniform throughout Goyanes. Federal statues are codified in the Imperial Goyanean Legal Code. The judiciary process is a constituent kingdom responsibility, conducted by constituent and raion courts.

Law enforcement is delegated to two main bodies in Goyanes. First, The Gojan Nasjonal Polizei (GNP; Goyanean National Police) are responsible for the policing of large towns and cities, and in that context it conducts security operations (patrols, traffic police, identity checks), in addition, under the orders and supervision of the raion courts, it conducts criminal inquiries, serves search warrants, etc.

Second is the Kæsernet Rikspolizei (KR; Imperial Gendarmerie), which is a paramilitary force under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior. The KR has various missions ranging from traffic police to military police. Firstly, the KR is responsible for general police functions in small towns, rural areas, countrysides, rivers/fjords, coastal areas, and at sea. This "general policing" mission involves upholding public order, safety and traffic checks, assistance to people in imminent danger, protection duties, and other normal police roles. Their jurisdiction over all of Goyanes' maritime areas gives the KR the distinct responsibility of being Goyanes' Coast Guard. The KR is also responsible for security at transportation centers, such as train stations, airports and seaports. They conduct security checks on passengers at all Goyanean airports. The KR, as a national gendarmerie, is responsible for the execution of search warrants and investigations as requested by federal and constituent magistrates. In addition, the KR is responsible for high-level security, including Military Police, and security at high-risk events and locations, such as nuclear power plants and government buildings.

Constituent Kingdoms

Goyanes is a federation composed of fourteen constituent kingdoms and one grand duchy (Kongsland). The constituent kingdoms and the grand duchy (collectively known as constituents) have responsibility for social programs such as health care, education, and welfare. Together, the constituents collect more revenue than the federal government, an almost unique structure among federations. Using its spending powers, the federal government can initiate national policies in provincial areas, such as the National Health Act of 1985; the constituent kingdoms can opt out of these, but rarely do so in practice. Equalization payments are made by the federal government to ensure that reasonably uniform standards of services and taxation are kept between the richer and poorer constituents. The newest constituent is the Kingdom of Vasterfriesen, which was annexed from Gottia after the Gotmark War in 1988.

The term Constituent Kingdom and Grand Duchy refers to the fact that they are small constitutional monarchies within themselves, with the Grand Emperor being the head of state of each constituent kingdom, and the Minister-President being the head of government. It should be noted that Kongsland is a grand duchy "belonging" to Nyhett. Nyhett itself exerts no control over its internal functions, but simply is a remainder of a bygone era, in which some constituents shared their monarch with Nyhett. Each constituent kingdom government is chartered in a Constituent Supreme Law. Constituents are subdivided into raions, which are between the municipal and constituent levels in Goyanes' federal system. Some large cities comprise the entire raion. Goyanes has a total of 433 raions.

Foreign Relations

Goyanes is recognized as a great power for its role in international affairs with a tendency to pursue multilateral solutions. Goyanes' foreign policy based on international peacekeeping and security is carried out through leading coalitions and international organizations, and through the work of numerous federal institutions. Goyanes' peacekeeping role during the 20th century has played a major role in its global image, as well as it's role as being a major victor in the Fascist War.

Foreign Minister Ken Lorge speaking at an international conference in 2017.

Goyanes was a founding member of the Pan-Gotic Union and Iterian League (currently an observer), and is also an observer member to the Trillium Compact. The Imperial Goyanean Federation is also a member of the Eras Health Council, and multiple other multilateral associations. Goyanes also maintains a relatively positive relationship with its former colonies and a good reputation with South Iterian nations for its role as a peacekeeping force in the region. Goyanes is also party to multiple free trade agreements, the most recent being the Goyanes-Valamo FTA, signed on January 1, 2019.

Military

Several HMS Bædurfjord-class destroyers on patrol in the Næsser Sea.

Goyanes' military, the Forsvarsmakt, is organised into the Haren (Army and Jaktallkader special forces), Seeharen (Navy), Flygstyrke (Air Force), and Ridderkår (Knights' Corps) branches. For FY2018, military spending is at ∆4,462,048,800,000 ($446 billion IBU), about 6.0% of the country's GDP.

As of 2017 the Armed Forces and Ministry of the Interior employed roughly 1,139,071 service members. This number comprises of 716,960 regulars, 231,111 reservists, and 191,000 paramilitary troops. Compared to the total population, 0.8% of the population comprises the total number of servicemen and women, while when only accounting for active, this number drops to 0.5%. Reservists are available to the Armed Forces and participate in defense exercises and deployments abroad. Since 2016 women may serve in all functions of service without restriction, except the draft, which while inactive, is only open to men. Men between the ages of 17 and 26 must still register for the draft, or face fines, despite the draft being inactive. In peacetime, the Forsvarsmakt is commanded by the Minister of Defence, with input from the Grand Emperor and Prime Minister. In state of defense, the Prime Minister and Grand Emperor would become joint commanders-in-chief of the Forvarsmakt.

In 1987-1988 the Goyanean military was involved in the Gotmark War. The Goyanean air force and navy were extremely successful at crippling the Gottian air force and navy, as well as much infrastructure. The war resulted in the partition of Gottia and the annexing of West Frisia. From 2008-2011, the Goyanean government assisted the Andrennian and Skandan Governments in the Bari Intervention in combating Maru terrorist efforts in the region. The Goyanean government was able to battle-test new tactics and technologies on the battlefield for the first time, and they proved very effective. In late 2016 and early 2017, the Goyanean Military was involved in PACA, the Pact Against Cimmerian Aggression, which was involved in deterring the aggressive acts against Cogoria committed by Cimmeria in the Crown Conflict. In 2017 and 2018, The Goyanean Armed Forces were involved in the rebuilding efforts following the Prydanian Civil War. This operation, titled "Red Sunset," also involved numerous skirmishes with Syndicalist remnants.

Economy

Gojannesstad is a leading economic center on Gothis and the largest single municipality on the continent.

Goyanes has a free market economy with a highly skilled labour force, a large capital stock, a low level of corruption, and a high level of innovation. It is one of the world's largest exporters of goods, and has one of the largest national economies on both Gothis and the world.

The engineering desks at the VAV factory in Lisden, Dåren, with the assembly line visible in the background. Goyanes has one of the largest automobile industries on Eras, exporting hundreds of thousands of cars every year.

The service sector contributes approximately 71% of the total GDP (including information technology), industry 28%, and agriculture 1%. The unemployment rate published by the Ministry of the Workforce amounts to 3.4% in January 2018. According to some private research institutes, Goyanes has one of the highest labor productivity rates in the world.

Goyanes is part of the International Economic Forum, the PGU, and observes the Iterian League and Trillium Compact, giving it more global access to consumers and economies. Goyanes uses the Imperial Dram, which is also used by Ascalon and Yalkan. Monetary Policy is set at the Ministry of Finance-Imperial Bank headquarters in Gojannesstad, one of the financial capitals of the world.

Being one of the earlier inventors of the car, the automotive industry in Goyanes is regarded as one of the most competitive and innovative in the world, and is one of the largest by production. The top 10 exports of Goyanes are motor vehicles, computerized machinery, general electronics, precision apparatus (medical, optical, technical, etc), heavy industry (Ships, oil rigs, etc.), basic metals, chemical goods, pharmaceuticals, aircraft, and transportation equipment (trains and trams).

Companies

Many of the world's major companies are headquartered in Goyanes. Well-known international brands include VAV, Polykor, Gojan Teknikgruppe, R.M. Veisstein & Odinsson, Gojan Jårnbaner, KreditNyhett, Luftreederei, Hysende Linje, Sons of Nordika, Rynoven-Radisson, General Aerospace, and Standard Resources.

Goyanes is known for its large portion of specialized small and medium enterprises, known as the Midelspør Businesses. More than 1,000 of these companies are global market leaders in their segments and are labelled "hidden champions" by some economic analysts. Gojannesstad and Naderfjord developed a thriving, cosmopolitan hub for startup companies and became a leading location for venture capital funded firms in Gothis as of recent years.

Transport

With its focal position on the west end of Gothis, Goyanes is a transport hub for the western side of the continent, being the focus of the "C" shaped trade routes that wind across Gothis. Goyanes' road network is among the densest in the world. The Autobaner network ranks as one of the highest worldwide in length and is known for its lack of a general speed limit.

The Høyhastikettog E/H 5 entering Norstad station, north of Gojannesstad.

Goyanes, starting in the 1960s, has established a polycentric network of high-speed trains. The Høyhastikettog, or HHT network of the Gojan Jårnbaner (GJ) serves major Goyanean cities as well as destinations in Gotmark with speeds up to 400 km/h (250 mph). The Goyanean railways are subsidized by the government, receiving a large amount of funds, but also generating profit that is used to alleviate taxes nominally and improve service.

The largest Goyanean airports are Gojannesstad-St. Olaf Airport and Naderfjord Airport, both hubs of Luftreederei, while LuftNord has hubs at Gojannesstad Kongsberg and Hosen Sæg. Other major airports include Jægerstrom, Hofsvægr, Mukakstad and Dagenfjord/Gorlingstad. The Port of Jægerstrom is one of the top container ports in the world.

Energy and Infrastructure

The Hinsdal Nuclear Power Station near Gorlingstad, Nyhett.

Goyanes is one of Eras' largest consumers of energy. Nordgojan Elektrisk, Sørlands Vasserfall, and Kapital Vasserfall, among others, are the largest producers of electricity in Goyanes. In 2016, they produced over 90% of the nation's electricity, which was derived primarily from nuclear power.

The Krajnafjord Dam in Hysende

Around 72% of the nations electricity is derived from Nuclear power, with the other largest contributors being hydroelectric and wind power. Due to this, Goyanes emits much lower CO2 levels than other nations of comparable size. Nuclear power comes from 114 nuclear power plants around the country. Hydroelectric power comes from dams such as the Krajnafjord Dam and the Vallinger Dam.

Science and Technology

Since the middle ages, Goyanes has been at the forefront of academic and scientific achievement. Research and development efforts form an integral part of the economy. Goyanean higher education institutions also produce more STEM majors than most other nations. Goyanean universities are also some of the oldest and most influential in the world in their fields. Goyanes has also been at the lead of the development of numerous scientific fields, with academics participating in the creation of scientific technologies and practices.

The Rohe Space Station viewed from orbit by an approaching capsule.

Goyanes was one of the first countries to achieve nuclear capability and has possibly the largest nuclear weapons arsenal in the world. It is also a leader in civilian nuclear technology. Goyanes was also one of the first nations to launch its own space satellite and send a man to orbit and even sent a crew to the moon in 1980. In 2018, two missions returned to the moon, with several more planned for the future. Goyanes also actively maintains a manned space station, Rohe. Companies such as Rynoven-Radisson and Gojan Teknikgruppe design and develop civil and military aircraft as well as communications systems, missiles, space rockets, helicopters, satellites, and related systems. Goyanes also hosts major international research instruments such as large hadron colliders and particle accelerators.

Demographics

With an estimated total population of 128 million people as of October 2017, Goyanes is one of the most populous countries in Gothis and on Eras. It is also one of the most populous countries in the Pan-Gotic Union

Goyanes is an outlier among developed countries in general in having a fairly high rate of natural population growth: by birth rates alone with the natural growth rate (excess of births over deaths) rising to 300,000, although in the late 2010s it fell to 200,000. This was the highest rate since the end of the baby boom in 1975, and coincides with the rise of the total fertility rate from a low of 1.7 in 1994 to 2.0 in 2010. As of January 2017 the fertility rate was 1.93. The population growth rate is stagnating though, but is still on the positive side. It is unknown when the growth rate will become negative, and many sources have differing opinions.

Goyanean society is, for the most part, linguistically, ethnically and culturally homogeneous, composed of 93% ethnic Gojan/Nordic, with populations of foreigners and other Gotic peoples. Frisians, Hessunlanders, Cojedans, Valamians, Ascalonians, Demesicans, and Syrixians are among the minority groups in Goyanes. The National Statistics Office compiles data on ethnic ancestry and produces results that corroborate the average Goyanean person's idea of a monocultural society. Former Prime Minister Natan Krømejer described Goyanes as being a nation of "one race, one civilization, one language and one culture", which drew criticism from representatives of ethnic minorities such as the Ascalonians.

Religion

Religions in Goyanes
Courantism			87.58%
Lutherans			7.10%
Other faiths			1.28%
Irreligious			2.41%
Numbers from the National Statistics Office:

In 889 AD, Grand Emperor Ingolfr accepted Messianism, specifically the Ceretian Courantist Church. Since then, Goyanes has been a predominantly Courantist nation, however in the latter half of its history, religious tolerance was an important part of the political culture. Early after the transition, there were many crusades against Pagans and Aed Kaene by the armies of jarls and other local nobles. It was during these years that Goyanes became very homogenous in its religious activities. In the 16th century, a change in the political climate led Grand Emperors to issue and renew edicts allowing for religious tolerance, which allowed sects such as Orthodox and Lutheran Messianists to freely worship in Goyanes. Religious toleration was codified in the Supreme Law in 1703, however it explicitly states that Goyanes will have Courantism as the state religion. Religious education is taught at public schools, however parents may opt students out in favor of an ethics class.

The altar at St. Ingolfr's Cathedral in Gojannesstad, the seat of the Goyanean See.

In 2014, an estimated 87% of the population belonged to the Courantist Church. Though rates of religious observance are lower at 52%, Goyanes remains one of the most religious countries in the Gotic world. Contemporary religious minorities include Goyanean Lutherans and Goyanean Orthodox, Shaddaists, and Ascalonian and Yukkiran Pagans. There are also several thousand Nordic neopagans, some of whom are members of the Nordic Rebirth Church.

Since 2018, Thor Vjullnur has reigned as Supreme Pontiff of the Ceretian Courantist Church, taking the name Pope John IX. He is the first Goyanean pope in the history of the church.

Languages

Gojan is the official and predominant language in Goyanes. Gojan is a Nord Gotic language and is most closely related to Andrennian and Prydanian Makari. It is more distantly related to other languages such as Gottian and Hastfradic, and to an even lesser extent the Gotic language spoken on Ajovulka. It is one of the working languages of the Pan-Gotic Union, and is one of the most widely learned languages in the world behind Mercanti, with over 250 million people speaking it as a first, second, or third language. The Sons of Nordika organization works to promote the language, as well as Andrennian, on an international level.

Various dialects of Gojan are spoken, however due to globalization and media culture, have mostly faded. These include Nordgojan, Sørgojan, Jalkan Gojan, Gotmark Gojan, Prydanian Gojan, and Demescian (Jaanun) Gojan. All public schools require students to take Gojan and at least one or two other languages, which are usually Andrennian, Ascalonian, Yukkiran, or Mercanti.

Education

Education in Goyanes has a rich history, with private education institutions dating to the ancient times, and publicly mandated schools dating to 1763. Nowadays, children are legally mandated to attend school until the age of 18, and public schooling is offered by the various constituent kingdoms of Goyanes. In 1763, the Grand Emperor of the UKAG, Kristian III, assented a decree written by Naderfjord University scholar Anthony van Athelstein. This changed the way public education happened in Goyanes, and laid the foundations for modern Goyanean schools.

Preschool in Goyanes is known as Kinderskøle. Children between the ages of 2 and 6 attend Kinderskøle, which are not part of the mandatory schooling years. They are often run by municipal or raion authorities, churches, or registered societies and charities. Attending a Kinderskøle is neither mandatory nor free of charge, but the cost can be partly or wholly refunded, depending on the local authority and the income of the parents.

Primary school is the start of mandatory education in Goyanes (ages 5 or 6). State schools do not charge tuition fees. The majority of students attend state schools in their neighborhood. Schools in affluent areas tend to be better than those in lower-class areas. Once children reach school age, many middle-class and working-class families move away from lower-class areas to try and get a better education for their children.

After children complete their primary education at 11 years of age (grade 5), children will proceed into the two stages of secondary education.

Mittelskøle is the first stage, and serves as a preparation for Oversteskøle, which is a college-preparatory school. Students attend Mittelskøle from grades 6 to 8, or from ages 12 to 14. At Mittelskøle, students learn valuable skills for Oversteskøle, as well as more advanced mathematics, sciences, and humanities from Kleineskøle. Faculty in both Mittelskøle and Oversteskøle are separated into departments based on teaching subject, that operate fairly independent from one another. Students in Mittelskøle will begin diverging into advanced and regular tracks, which will specialize their education further in preparation for Oversteskøle.

Oversteskøle is the final level of mandatory education in Goyanes. Students attend from ages 15 to 18, or from grades 9 to 12. Oversteskøle is organized fairly similarly to Mittelskøle, including both advanced and regular tracks for students. In the last two years of Oversteskøle (grades 11 and 12), students begin selecting courses more suited towards their personal preferences, such as an emphasis on science or the humanities, as they work towards entering university.

Goyanes’ universities are internationally recognized, and among the best in the world. Some Goyanean universities are public, meaning low tuition costs, and even with the ones that are not, there is a zero-interest government-sponsored loan program that helps pay for tuition. Universities and Colleges in Goyanes grant 2- and 4-year degrees, known as Assosierad and Kandidat, respectively, for a wide variety of majors. In addition, most colleges offer doctorate and master’s programs for continued education.

Admissions into Goyanean universities are based mainly on the student’s performance on the Modenhet examinations. Most university programs have a prerequisite score on the Modenhet to enroll. Students apply to one or more colleges or universities by submitting an application which each college evaluates using its own criteria. Goyanes uses a common application system that simplifies making multiple applications. The college then decides whether or not to extend an offer of admission (and possibly financial aid) to the student. The majority of colleges admit students to the college as a whole, and not to a particular academic major, although this may not be the case in some specialized programs such as engineering and architecture, and maybe more impacted in certain majors. The system is decentralized, and each college has its own criteria for admission, even when using a common application form.

Health

Goyanes has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world, at 82.1 years for those born between 2010 and 2015. In 2010, the principal cause of death was cardiovascular disease, at 41%, followed by malignant tumors, at 26%. In Goyanes, cigarette smoking is the largest preventable cause of death and disease, responsible for 7.8% of the total mortality and disease. Ranked second in preventable causes is hypertension at 7.6%, with obesity third at 7.5%.

Total expenditure on health (including private sector spending) is around 9.8% of GDP. Goyanes introduced universal health care in 1912. Known as Medicare, it is now nominally funded by an income tax surcharge known as the Medicare levy, currently set at 2%. The constituent kingdoms manage hospitals and attached outpatient services, while the Imperial Government funds the Pharmaceutical Benefits Program (subsidizing the costs of medicines) and general practice.

Culture

A traditional Christmas market Jøgsby, Osanhalt.

Culture in Goyanes has been shaped by major intellectual and popular currents in the Umbrial-Gotic world, both secular and religious. Goyanes is well known for such folk festival traditions as Oktoberfest and Christmas customs, which include Advent wreaths, Christmas pageants, Christmas trees, fruitcakes, and other practices. Many properties are also listed as National Heritage Sites, and are treasures of architecture. There are a number of public holidays in Goyanes, including Christmas, Military Day, and National Day.

Music

Goyanean classical music includes works by some of the world's most well-known composers. Freidrik Vilhelmsberg composed oratorios for organ, which influenced the later work of Johann Ransom and Ole Kiersson; these men were influential composers of the Baroque period. During his tenure as violinist and teacher at the St. Madeline cathedral, Gorlingstad-born composer Thor Demørdby composed some of the most popular classical compositions. Anders Viergarten and Felix Sålkvist were important in the early Romantic period. Maria Elbertsson and Johannes Vasterås composed in the Romantic idiom. Kristoff Elmherst was known for his operas. Samuel Strauss was a leading composer of the late Romantic and early modern eras. Karlheinz Ovenstein and Hans Aldemar are important composers of the 20th and early 21st centuries.

Karlheinz Ovenstein, arguably the most famous 20th Century Goyanean composer.

In addition the jazz style is very popular, and much development was made in Goyanes in the 20th century. There are disicntive styles within jazz, and there is fusion with traditional styles from around the Goyanean empire such as Ascalonian and Demesican-Lithonian fusion. Famous jazz combos such as the Vildebrant 5 and the Mosnar Sedalgreve Combo are some of the most famous, having sold millions of records, CDs, and MP3s.

Goyanes is one of the largest music markets on Eras, with tens of millions of tracks sold and streamed every year. The domestic music market is also very colorful and vibrant, with new and up and coming artists featured in publications and music charts.