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{{Infobox country
{{Infobox country
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|other_symbol_type =  <!--Use if a further symbol exists, e.g. hymn-->
|other_symbol =
|other_symbol =
|image_map =          <!--e.g. LocationCountry.svg-->
|image_map =          [[file:Ost in Lor.png|250px]]
|loctext =           <!--text description of location of country-->
|loctext =          
|alt_map =            <!--alt text for map-->
|alt_map =            <!--alt text for map-->
|map_caption =       <!--Caption to place below map-->
|map_caption =         {{map caption |location_color=dark green |country= Ostrothia|region=[[Lorecia]] |region_color=dark grey |subregion= the [[Lorecian Community]] |subregion_color=green}}
|image_map2 =        <!--Another map, if required-->
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|government_type =    Unitary Parliamentary Republic
|government_type =    Unitary Parliamentary Republic
|leader_title1 =      President
|leader_title1 =      President
|leader_name1 =      Leana Aarma
|leader_name1 =      Artur Jõeäär
|leader_title2 =      Prime Minister
|leader_title2 =      Prime Minister
|leader_name2 =      Artur Jõeäär
|leader_name2 =      Leana Aarma
|leader_title14 =      <!--(up to 14 distinct leaders may be included)-->
|leader_title14 =      <!--(up to 14 distinct leaders may be included)-->
|leader_name14 =  
|leader_name14 =  
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|upper_house =        <!--Name of governing body's upper house, if given (e.g. "Senate")-->
|upper_house =        <!--Name of governing body's upper house, if given (e.g. "Senate")-->
|lower_house =        <!--Name of governing body's lower house, if given (e.g. "Chamber of Deputies")-->
|lower_house =        <!--Name of governing body's lower house, if given (e.g. "Chamber of Deputies")-->
|sovereignty_type =  <!--Brief description of country/territory's status ("Independence [from...]", "Autonomous province [of...]", etc)-->
|sovereignty_type =  Independence from  [[Valkea|Republic of Valkea]]
|sovereignty_note =  
|sovereignty_note =  
|established_event1 = <!--First key event in history of country/territory's status or formation-->
|established_event1 = Tribal Era
|established_date1 =  <!--Date of first key event-->
|established_date1 =  1st Century AD
|established_event2 = <!--Second key event-->
|established_event2 = First Crusades
|established_date2 =  <!--Date of second key event-->
|established_date2 =  1217
|established_event13 = <!--(up to 13 distinct events may be included)-->
|established_event3 = Duchy of Ostrothia
|established_date13 =
|established_date3 = 1350
|established_event4 = Reformation
|established_date4= 1509
|established_event5 = National Awakening
|established_date5 = 1867
|established_event6 = 1905 Revolution
|established_date6 = 1905
|established_event7 = Valkean Assimilation
|established_date7 = 1906-1917
|established_event8 = War of Independence
|established_date8 = 1917
|established_event9 = Republic of Ostrothia
|established_date9 = 1923
|area_rank =  
|area_rank =  
|area =              <!--Major area size (in [[Template:convert]] either km2 or sqmi first)-->
|area =              <!--Major area size (in [[Template:convert]] either km2 or sqmi first)-->
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}}
}}


'''Ostrothia''' (Ostrothian: Ostrii), officially the Republic of Ostrothia (Ostrothian: Ostrii Vabariik), is a country in Astyria. Ostrothia covers a total area of 63,400 km2 (24,478 sq mi), and is influenced by a humid continental climate. Rõlva, the capital of Ostrothia, and Laadu are the largest cities and urban areas in the country. Other notable cities include Haku, Novessaare, Jõhku and Soulu. The official language of the country, Ostrothian, is a Finnic language.
'''Ostrothia''' (Ostrothian: ''Ostrii''), officially the '''Republic of Ostrothia''' (Ostrothian: ''Ostrii Vabariik''), is a country in [[Astyria]]. It shares land borders with [[Valkea]] to the north, [[Caledonia]] to the northeast, [[Varddi]] to the south, and the [[Aurora Confederacy]] to the southwest. Ostrothia covers a total area of 63,400 km2 (24,478 sq mi), and is influenced by a humid continental climate. Ostrothia is a member of the [[Lorecian Community]]. Rõlva, the capital of Ostrothia and Laadu are the largest cities and urban areas in the country. Other notable cities include Haku, Novessaare, Jõhku and Soulu. The official language of the country, Ostrothian, is a [[Valkenic peoples|Valkenic]] language.
 
Ostrothia has been settled since 10,000 BC. In the first century AD counties known as Maakond were formed which were frequently raided by Vikings who founded the modern Ostrothian capital of [[Rõlva]]. Valkean crusades brought christianity to Ostrothia and by the 14th cemtury most of Ostrothia was under Valkean rule in the form of The Duchy of Ostrothia which was established in 1350. In the early 1500's the rerformation brought lutheranism to Ostrothia. In the 1860's the National Awakening saw the reemergence of the Ostrothian language and Ostrothian culture. This culminated in the 1905 revolution in which Ostrothian nationalists attempted to create an Ostrothian Republic. The revolution ended in 1906 as Valkea assimilated Ostrothia into Valkea proper. The Ostrothian language and national symbols such as the Ostrothian triband were banned. This caused Ostrothian nationalism to rise.
 
In 1916 as Valkea fell into civil war Ostrothian nationalists claimed independence. The Valkean army invaded in early 1917 and the Ostrothian war of Independence insued. It lasted until August of that year as the Valkean armed forces was forced to focus on the civil war in Valkea. Ostrothia became an independent state in 1923 when it was recognized by other Astyrian nations, although the Valkean government would not resume formal relations until 1936. Ostrothia joined the [[Lorecian Community]] in 1997.


Ostrothia is a developed country, with a high-income advanced economy. Ostrothia is a democratic unitary parliamentary republic divided into sixteen counties. It has a population of 2.8 million. Ostrothia has consistently ranked highly in international rankings for quality of life, education, digitalization of public services and the prevalence of technology companies.
==History==
==History==
==Geography==
Ostrothia’s total territory spans 63,400 square kilometres. It’s boundaries have shifted over the centuries as the idea of Ostrothian territory has changed. It’s modern borders were created after independence in 1923. Ostrothia borders [[Valkea]] to the north, the [[Aurorum Confederation]] to the south [[Caledonia]] to the north west and [[Western Tundra]] to the west. On its west Ostrothia has an extensive coastline dotted with islands where major cities such as the Ostrothian capital [[Rõlva]] can be found as well as other port cities such as Huia and Haku.


==Geography==
[[File:MapOstriiVabariik.jpeg|thumb|left|250px|A topographic map of Ostrithia showing Railway lines, Cities and towns, A and B roads and county boundaries]]


Ostrothia is a relatively low lying nation with an abundance of lakes, bogs and forests. Average elevation reaches only 50 metres (164 ft) and the country's highest point is Lõuna mägi in the south at 350 metres. There is 5,600 kilometres of coastline marked by numerous bays, straits, and inlets.  
Ostrothian land is generally flat with the land occasionally rising into uplands that reach no more than 322 metres above sea level. Dotted across the centre of Ostrothia is a wide chain of lakes that spread from the west coast to the eastern interior. These lakes are known as the Ahelik lakes. However Ostrothia’s largest lake is lake Haigur in the south of the country which spans nearly 2,000 square kilometres which is an important source of peat. A resource found in abundance along its shore. Generally thanks to the Ahelik lakes running through its centre Ostrothia has a flat expance at its centre.  


[[File:Estonia Endla Nature Reserve 05.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The Suur Põhja nature reserve in the Northwest]]
Ostrothia has a coastline spanning 501 kilometres from north to south. It’s coast is low lying and the most densely populated portion of the country being home to 3 of its 5 official cities. The Ostrothian coast is low lying and is dotted with dunes and wind farms which are a significant source of energy. The three largest islands along the coast going from north to south are Ölva, Ruuna and Kelsa which are accessible by ferry from cities such as [[Rõlva]] and Huia. Ostrothia has a vast network of rivers. The country’s longest are the Rõlva and Laadu. Numerous smaller rivers punctuate the land and add to the country’s unique character.


Ostrothia has a number of islands dotted around its coast. Ostrothia has over 2,000 lakes. Most are very small, with the largest, Lake Võit, being 2,150 km2. There are many rivers in the country. The longest of them are the Rõva, Rõlva which the capital of Ostrothia takes its name and Pätsemaa. Ostrothia has numerous fens and bogs. Forest land covers 48% of Ostrothia. The most common tree species are pine, spruce and birch.
There are few Ostrothian uplands but those few uplands are as naturally serene as the rest of the republic. In the very south the Lääpe upland forms a portion of the border with the Aurora Confederacy. With the Juure upland stretching just north of lake Haigur. The Haku and Laaduan uplands are the tallest in the country although tall in the case of Ostrothia amounts only to around 322 metres at most. The so called Ostrothian arm made up of the county of Novesaare is the least populated part of Ostrothia and is on average the country’s most hilly. The arm of Ostrothia is a quiet and is often accused of being neglected by the government in Rõlva.


Over 40% of Ostrothia is covered in forest which has stayed this way due to strict government control over the felling and use of trees. Much of Ostrothia is forest which has over centuries contributed in many ways to the nation’s culture as the forests have provided food and shelter to Ostrothians for centuries.
===Climate===
===Climate===
Ostrothia is a northerly nation. The climate is more continental in the eastern part of the country and more maritime in the western part. Ostrothia has four seasons of near-equal length. Average temperatures range from 17.8 °C (64.0 °F)  inland in July, the warmest month, and from −1.4 °C (29.5 °F) inland in February, the coldest month. The average annual temperature in Ostrothia is 6.4 °C (43.5 °F). Annual average precipitation is 662 mm. The average for the year is 1829.6 hours of sunshine. The duration of sunshine is highest in coastal areas and lowest inland in northern Ostrothia.
===Enviroment===
Ostrothia agreed to cut carbon emissions by at least 20% of 1990 levels by the year 2020 and by at least 40% by the year 2030. Also, by 2020 at least 20% (27% by 2030) of the country's total energy consumption should be from the renewable energy sources. In 2016, Ostrothia introduced especially effective container deposit legislation, which resulted in collecting 92% of all packagings in 2017.
Ostrothia does not have high mountains and its landscape is dominated by blooming meadows, dense forests and fertile fields of cereals. However it stands out by the abundance of hillforts. Ostrothia is a particularly watered region with more than 2,000 lakes, mostly in the northwest. The country is also drained by numerous rivers.
Forest has long been one of the most important natural resources in Ostrothia. Forests occupy half of the country's territory and timber-related industrial production accounts for almost 11% industrial production in the country.
Ostrothia has five national parks, 18 municipal parks, 500 nature reserves, 1,668 state-protected natural heritage objects.
===Biodiversity===
Ostrothian ecosystems include natural and semi-natural (forests, bogs, wetlands and meadows), and anthropogenic (agrarian and urban) ecosystems. Among natural ecosystems, forests are particularly important to Ostrithia, covering 48% of the country's territory. Wetlands (raised bogs, fens) cover 7% of the country, with 52% of wetlands having been lost due to drainage and peat extraction between 1952 and 1983. Changes in wetland plant communities resulted in the replacement of moss and grass communities by trees and shrubs, and fens not directly affected by land reclamation have become drier as a result of a drop in the water table. There are 23,000 rivers with a total length of 59,000 km in Ostrothia.
Agricultural land comprises 32% of Ostrothia's territory (roughly 70% of that is arable land and 30% meadows and pastures), approximately 400,000 ha of agricultural land is not farmed, and acts as an ecological niche for weeds and invasive plant species. Habitat deterioration is occurring in regions with very productive and expensive lands as crop areas are expanded.
[[File:Eurasian wolf 2.jpg|thumb|250px|left|An Ostrothian wolf in the forests of the northwest]]
The wildlife populations have rebounded as the hunting became more restricted and urbanization allowed replanting forests (forests already tripled in size since their lows). Currently, Ostrothia has approximately 250,000 larger wild animals or 5 per each square kilometer. The most prolific large wild animal in every part of Ostrothia is the deer, with 200,000 of them. They are followed by boars (48,000) and the largest one: moose (~12,000). Among the Ostrothian predators, wolves are the most common (~29,000). The large animals mentioned above exclude the rabbit, ~280,000 of which may live in the Ostrothian forests.


==Politics==
==Politics==
 
{| class="wikitable floatright"
Ostrothia is a unitary parliamentary republic. The unicameral parliament Rahvakogu serves as the legislative and the government as the executive.
|-
 
| style="text-align:left;"| [[File:Official portrait of Mike Wood MP crop 2.jpg|150px]] || style="text-align:left;" | [[File:Rapti, Sylvana-2188.jpg|135px]]
Ostrothian parliament is elected by citizens over 18 years of age for a four-year term by proportional representation, and has 200 members. Rahvakogu's responsibilities include approval and preservation of the national government, passing legal acts, passing the state budget, and conducting parliamentary supervision. On proposal of the president  appoints the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the chairman of the board of the Bank of Ostrothia, the Auditor General, the Legal Chancellor, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces.
|-
 
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Artur Jõäär]]<br /><small>[[President of Ostrothia|President]]</small>
[[File:Rahvakogu's.jpeg|thumb|250px|left|Rahvakogu, the Ostrothian unicameral parliament]]
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Leana Aarma]]<br /><small>[[Prime Minister of Ostrothia|Prime Minister]]</small>
 
|}
The Government of Ostrothia is formed by the Prime Minister of Ostrothia at recommendation of the President, and approved by the Rahvakogu. The government, headed by the Prime Minister, represent the political leadership of the country and carry out domestic and foreign policy. Ministers head ministries and represent its interests in the government. Sometimes ministers with no associated ministry are appointed, known as ministers without portfolio. Ostrothia has been ruled by coalition governments because no party has been able to obtain an absolute majority in the parliament.
Since gaining its independence in 1923 Ostrothia has been a {{Wp|Parliamentary state|Parliamemtary}} {{Wp|Unitary state|Unitary}} republic. The Ostrothian head of state is the [[President of Ostrothia|President]]. The Presidency of Ostrothia is a completely ceremonial role and the President has no say in the actual running of the country, the role of the President is simply to represent Ostrothia as a figurehead. The head of the executive government of Ostrothia is the [[Prime Minister of Ostrothia|Prime Minister]] who along with his/her cabinet is charged with drafting legislation to the Ostrothian {{Wp|Unicameralism|Unicameral}} parliament the [[Rahvakogu]]. The Rahvakogu was first formed in 1918 and is made up of 190 members who are responsible for voting for legislation drafted by the executive government. To gain a majority in the [[Rahvakogu]] a party must win 95 seats, the current party in power is [[Solidaarsus ha Isamaa]]. The Rahvakogu is elected by all Ostrothian citizens over the age of 18 by universal suffrage every 5 years. The Rahvakogu has been dominated by centre-left parties for the past 30 years. The judiciary branch of the Ostrothian government is split into high or national courts and then further into municipal courts.  
 
===Administrative divisions===
The head of the state is the President who has primarily representative and ceremonial role. The president is elected by the Rahvakogu. The President proclaims the laws passed in the Rahvakogu , and has right to refuse proclamation and return law in question for a new debate and decision. If Rahvakogu passes the law unamended, then the President has right to propose to the Supreme Court to declare the law unconstitutional. The President also represents the country in international relations.
===Foreign relations===
 
As a member of several international organisations such as the [[Lorecian Community]] and having been one of the founders of the [[Vinstrian Union]] Ostrothia has insured that it, although a small nation, plays a large hand in the geopolitical happenings in the region around it and on the international stage. Ostrothia was a founding member of the [[Vinstrian Union]] in the mid 1980’s along with [[Valkea]], [[Caledonia]] and [[Nynorsk Ostlijord]]. Ostrothia became a member of the [[Lorecian Community]] in 1997. Its membership in the community has been invaluable to the nations influence on the international stage. Although relations were strained historically between [[Valkea]] and Ostrothia the two have bridged the divide that was caused by Ostrothia’s independence from Valkea in 1923.
Ostrothia has pursued the development of the e-government, with 99 percent of the public services being available on the web 24 hours a day. In 2005 Ostrothia became the first country in the world to introduce nationwide binding Internet voting in local elections of 2005. In 2020 parliamentary elections 54% of the total votes were cast over the internet.
 
===Foreign Relations===
 
===law enforcement===
 
Crime in Ostrothia has been declining rapidly. Law enforcement in Ostrothia is primarily the responsibility of local Ostrii Politsei (Ostrothian Police) commissariats. Capital punishment in Ostrothia was suspended in 1986 and fully eliminated in 1989.
 
[[File:Estonian police car.JPG|thumb|250px|right|An Ostrothian Police Vehicle]]


===Military===
===Military===
Being a small country, Ostrothia does not have a particularly large military. The military that Ostrothia does have is mainly used as a peacekeeping force in international incidents. The Ostrothian military is made up of the Air Force, the Land Forces and the Ostrothian Navy. Historically Ostrothia was under the rule of [[Valkea]] and thus was under the control of its armed forces. When Ostrothian independence occurred in 1923 Valkean regiments then stationed in Ostrothia were allowed to remain there insuring that Ostrothia had a force to protect it.


The Ostrothian Armed Forces consist of land forces, navy, and air force. The current national military service is compulsory for healthy men between ages of 18 and 28, with conscripts serving 8 or 11-month tours of duty, depending on their education and position provided by the Armed Forces. The peacetime size of the Ostrothian Defence Forces is about 8,000 persons, with half of those being conscripts. The planned wartime size of the Defence Forces is 72,000 personnel.
Law enforcement in Ostrothia is the job of the [[Ostrothian Police]] who are also in charge of citizenship matters such as Passports and ID cards. The Ostrothian police are a national force split into several smaller forces based on the counties of Ostrothia.
 
===Administrative Divisions===
 
Ostrothia has sixteen counties which are subdivided into 7 municipalities each. Local affairs are managed autonomously by local governments. Since administrative reform in 2018, there are in total 112 local governments. All municipalities have equal legal status and form part of a county, which is a state administrative unit. Representative body of local authorities is municipal council, elected at general direct elections for a four-year term. The council appoints local government, headed by a mayor.


==Economy==
==Economy==
 
Ostrothia is a {{Wp|high income economy|High income}} market economy. Ostrothia was a relatively small economic power in its area until its membership of the [[Lorecian Community]] which has seen a large growth in the Ostrothian economy. Ostrothia is known for having one of the lowest corporate teaxes in [[Lorecia]] and for the ease of doing business in the country. Due to its relatively low lying landscape the main exports of Ostrothia include many agricultural prosucts such as cereals. As well as this Ostrothia is a known exporter of electronics, fish and is known for its shipbuilding. Ostrothia is reliant on imports of oil and gas for its energy supply. Ostrothia has a high consumption of energy due to its climate which demnands usage gor heating and so on.  
Ostrothia has open and mixed economy that is classified as a high-income economy. According to data from 2019, the three largest sectors in the Ostrothian economy are – services (60% of GDP), industry (30%) and agriculture (3%).  
===Transport===
 
Ostrothia has an extensive road and rail network that traverses nearly the entire country. The roads in Ostrothia are split into three branches, Motorway, A-Road and B-Road. The majority of freight going through Ostrothia is carried by rail. Rail lines are run by the state owmed service OR. Among passenger trains the most used in the Ostrothian Highspeed Coastal Route which connects the Ostrothian capital [[Rõlva]] to [[Valkea]] in the north through Haku and through the city of Varju in the south to the [[Aurora Confederacy]]. Other major lines include the Rõlva-Laadu highspeed line. In urban areas in Ostrothia there are several light rail and tram services that traverse the cities of [[Rõlva]], Laadu, Jõhku and Varju. Ostrothia has several large ports the largest being the Port of Rõlva followed closely by the port of Haku with more than 67% of passenger and commercial traffic filtering through them. Ostrothia has three international airports those being Rõlva International, Laadu and Varju. They serve as a base for the national airline [[Vinstrii]].
Agricultural products and food made 20%, chemical products and plastics – 15%, machinery and appliances – 15%, mineral products – 12.3%, wood and furniture – 12.5% of exports. The Ostrothian GDP experienced very high real growth rates for decade up to 2009, peaking at 12% in 2005. As a result, the country was often termed as an Ostrothian Tiger. However, in 2009 due to a global financial crisis marked experienced a drastic decline – GDP contracted by 14.9% and unemployment rate reached 16% in 2009. After the decline of 2009, Ostrothian annual economic growth has been much slower compared to pre-2009 years. According to data, financial conditions are conducive to growth and financial soundness indicators remain strong.
 
As of 2019, Ostrothian mean wealth per adult is $52,000. Ostrothia has a flat tax rate rather than a progressive scheme. The personal income tax (15%) and corporate tax (15%) rates in Ostrothia are among the lowest in Lorecia. The country has the lowest implicit rate of tax on capital (10%). Corporate tax rate in Ostrothia is 15% and 5% for small businesses. Information technology production is growing in the country, reaching 10.9 billion Marks in 2017.  
===Energy===
===Energy===
 
Ostrothia imports a large quantity of Oil and Gas from neighbouring countries such as [[Caledonia]] although in recent years there has been a large pushback to this as the Ostrothian government attempts to explore enviromentally friendly green options. In 2015 the government announced its new renewable energy programme which saw wind power increase to 7% of the total energy input in Ostrothia. Ostrothia has a {{Wp|Liberalization|liberalised}} its emergy market in 2003. There three nuclear power plants in Ostrothia; Prasilimäe, Votkusaa near Noversaare and Leremaa in Lääpe countyRennovationsare planned to modernise the latter two of these power plants.
Ostrothia is dependent on other countries for energy. In recent years, many local and foreign companies have been investing in renewable energy sources. Wind power has been increasing steadily in Ostrothia.
 
[[File:Iru power plant.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Laadu Power Plant]]
 
Currently, there are plans to renovate some older units of the Laadu Power Plants, establish new power stations, and provide higher efficiency in oil shale-based energy production. The country's main energy supplier is Ostrii Energia.
 
===Transport===
 
Ostrothian Railways' main network consists of 1,920 km  of 1,520 mm  gauge railway of which 188 km are electrified. Ostrothian railway network also has 200 km of standard gauge lines. Half of all inland freight transported in Ostrothia is carried by rail. Ostrothia has an extensive network of motorways. 
 
The Port of  is the only commercial cargo port in Ostrothia. In 2011 56 million tons of cargo were handled. there are ongoing expansion plans to midernise the port.
 
Rõlva International Airport is the largest airport in Ostrothia. It served 4.2 million passengers in 2016. Other international airports include Laadu International Airport, Haku International Airport and , Novessaare International Airport.


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
 
===Cities===
{{bar box
|float=center
|caption=demographics of Ostrothia
|width=200px
|bars=
{{bar percent|Ostrothian|blue|70}}
{{bar percent|Valkean|green|20}}
{{bar percent|Other Lorecian|orange|7}}
{{bar percent|other|grey|3}}
}}
 
Ethnic Ostrothians make up about seventy percent of the country's population. In 2015, the population of Ostrothia stands at 2.8 million, 88% of whom speak Ostrothian, which is the official language of the country. Several sizeable minorities exist, such as Valkeans (20%) and other peoples of the Lorecian continent (7%). Valkeans in Ostrothia are the largest minority, concentrated in the northeast.
 
===Language===
 
The official language is Ostrothian, but in some areas there is a significant presence of minority languages, such as Valkean and other Lorecian languages.  The state laws guarantee education in minority languages and there are numerous publicly funded schools in the areas populated by minorities, with Valkean as the language of instruction being the most widely available.
 
According to the Ostrothian population census of 2017, about 88% of the country's population speak Ostrothian as their native language, 7% are native speakers of Valkean and 5% of other Lorecian languages. About 50% of Ostrothian residents speak Valkean as a foreign language, 20% – Dutch, 10% – German, 4% - French. Most Ostrothian schools teach Valkean as the first foreign language, but students may also study Dutch, or, in some schools, French or Scannonian.
 
===Religion===
===Religion===
{{Pie chart
| radius = 100
| thumb = right
| caption = Religions in Ostrothia (2017)
| other =
| label1 = Protestant (Ostrothian Church)
| value1 =52
| color1 =#000080
| label2 =Other Protestants
| value2 =7
| color2 =#0099FF
| label3 =Roman Catholic Church
| value3 =6
| color3 =#D4AF37
| label4 =Other Christians
| value4 =3
| color4 =#C71585
| label5 =Other
| value5 =0.37
| color5 =#351E10
| label6 =Irreligious
| value6 =31.63
| color6 =#989898
}}
In recent years Ostrothia has become increasingly secular, with an increasing number who identify as religiously "undeclared". The largest majority groups are the various Christian denominations, principally Lutheran and Catholics, with very small numbers of adherents in non-Christian faiths, namely Judaism and Islam. Other polls suggest the country is broadly split between Christians and the non-religious / religiously undeclared. Ostrothia was Christianised by the Catholic  Knights in the 13th century. The Protestant Reformation led to the establishment of the Ostrothian church in 1682. Many Ostrothians profess not to be particularly religious.
Today, Ostrothia's constitution guarantees freedom of religion, separation of church and state, and individual rights to privacy of belief and religion. The historic Lutheran denomination has a large presence.
===Education===
===Education===
Education in Ostrothia is divided into general, vocational, and hobby. The education system is based on four levels: pre-school, basic, secondary, and higher education. A wide network of schools and supporting educational institutions have been established. The Ostrothian education system consists of state, municipal, public, and private institutions. There are currently 920 schools in Ostrothia.
Academic higher education in Ostrothia is divided into three levels: bachelor's, master's, and doctoral studies. In some specialties (basic medical studies, veterinary, pharmacy, dentistry, architect-engineer, and a classroom teacher programme) the bachelor's and master's levels are integrated into one unit. Ostrothian public universities have significantly more autonomy than applied higher education institutions. In addition to organising the academic life of the university, universities can create new curricula, establish admission terms and conditions, approve the budget, approve the development plan, elect the rector, and make restricted decisions in matters concerning assets. Ostrothia has a moderate number of public and private universities. The largest public universities are the University of , Laadu University,  Technological University, Ostrothian University of Sciences, Ostrothian Academy of Arts.
==Culture==
==Culture==


===Arts===
{{Template:Astyria}}
 
{{Template:Lorecian Community}}
===Cuisine===


===Music===
[[Category:Astyria]] [[Category:Ostrothia]] [[Category:Lorecian Community]] [[Category:Countries in Astyria]]

Latest revision as of 14:17, 14 September 2024

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Republic of Ostrothia
Ostrii Vabariik
of Ostrothia
Coat of arms
Motto: Isamaa eest!
For Fatherland!
Ost in Lor.png
Location of  Ostrothia  (dark green)

– in Lorecia  (green & dark grey)
– in the Lorecian Community  (green)

Capital
and
Rõlva
Official languagesOstrothian
Demonym(s)Ostrothian
GovernmentUnitary Parliamentary Republic
• President
Artur Jõeäär
• Prime Minister
Leana Aarma
LegislatureRahvakogu
Independence from Republic of Valkea
• Tribal Era
1st Century AD
• First Crusades
1217
• Duchy of Ostrothia
1350
• Reformation
1509
• National Awakening
1867
• 1905 Revolution
1905
• Valkean Assimilation
1906-1917
• War of Independence
1917
• Republic of Ostrothia
1923
Area
• 
63,400 km2 (24,500 sq mi)
Population
• Estimate
2,890,000
GDP (PPP)2021 estimate
• Per capita
$52,543
GDP (nominal)estimate
• Total
$58.97 billion
• Per capita
$25,752
Gini (2021)38.4
medium
CurrencyOstrothian Mark (OMK)
Date formatyyyy-mm-dd
Driving sideright
Calling code+530

Ostrothia (Ostrothian: Ostrii), officially the Republic of Ostrothia (Ostrothian: Ostrii Vabariik), is a country in Astyria. It shares land borders with Valkea to the north, Caledonia to the northeast, Varddi to the south, and the Aurora Confederacy to the southwest. Ostrothia covers a total area of 63,400 km2 (24,478 sq mi), and is influenced by a humid continental climate. Ostrothia is a member of the Lorecian Community. Rõlva, the capital of Ostrothia and Laadu are the largest cities and urban areas in the country. Other notable cities include Haku, Novessaare, Jõhku and Soulu. The official language of the country, Ostrothian, is a Valkenic language.

Ostrothia has been settled since 10,000 BC. In the first century AD counties known as Maakond were formed which were frequently raided by Vikings who founded the modern Ostrothian capital of Rõlva. Valkean crusades brought christianity to Ostrothia and by the 14th cemtury most of Ostrothia was under Valkean rule in the form of The Duchy of Ostrothia which was established in 1350. In the early 1500's the rerformation brought lutheranism to Ostrothia. In the 1860's the National Awakening saw the reemergence of the Ostrothian language and Ostrothian culture. This culminated in the 1905 revolution in which Ostrothian nationalists attempted to create an Ostrothian Republic. The revolution ended in 1906 as Valkea assimilated Ostrothia into Valkea proper. The Ostrothian language and national symbols such as the Ostrothian triband were banned. This caused Ostrothian nationalism to rise.

In 1916 as Valkea fell into civil war Ostrothian nationalists claimed independence. The Valkean army invaded in early 1917 and the Ostrothian war of Independence insued. It lasted until August of that year as the Valkean armed forces was forced to focus on the civil war in Valkea. Ostrothia became an independent state in 1923 when it was recognized by other Astyrian nations, although the Valkean government would not resume formal relations until 1936. Ostrothia joined the Lorecian Community in 1997.

History

Geography

Ostrothia’s total territory spans 63,400 square kilometres. It’s boundaries have shifted over the centuries as the idea of Ostrothian territory has changed. It’s modern borders were created after independence in 1923. Ostrothia borders Valkea to the north, the Aurorum Confederation to the south Caledonia to the north west and Western Tundra to the west. On its west Ostrothia has an extensive coastline dotted with islands where major cities such as the Ostrothian capital Rõlva can be found as well as other port cities such as Huia and Haku.

A topographic map of Ostrithia showing Railway lines, Cities and towns, A and B roads and county boundaries

Ostrothian land is generally flat with the land occasionally rising into uplands that reach no more than 322 metres above sea level. Dotted across the centre of Ostrothia is a wide chain of lakes that spread from the west coast to the eastern interior. These lakes are known as the Ahelik lakes. However Ostrothia’s largest lake is lake Haigur in the south of the country which spans nearly 2,000 square kilometres which is an important source of peat. A resource found in abundance along its shore. Generally thanks to the Ahelik lakes running through its centre Ostrothia has a flat expance at its centre.

Ostrothia has a coastline spanning 501 kilometres from north to south. It’s coast is low lying and the most densely populated portion of the country being home to 3 of its 5 official cities. The Ostrothian coast is low lying and is dotted with dunes and wind farms which are a significant source of energy. The three largest islands along the coast going from north to south are Ölva, Ruuna and Kelsa which are accessible by ferry from cities such as Rõlva and Huia. Ostrothia has a vast network of rivers. The country’s longest are the Rõlva and Laadu. Numerous smaller rivers punctuate the land and add to the country’s unique character.

There are few Ostrothian uplands but those few uplands are as naturally serene as the rest of the republic. In the very south the Lääpe upland forms a portion of the border with the Aurora Confederacy. With the Juure upland stretching just north of lake Haigur. The Haku and Laaduan uplands are the tallest in the country although tall in the case of Ostrothia amounts only to around 322 metres at most. The so called Ostrothian arm made up of the county of Novesaare is the least populated part of Ostrothia and is on average the country’s most hilly. The arm of Ostrothia is a quiet and is often accused of being neglected by the government in Rõlva.

Over 40% of Ostrothia is covered in forest which has stayed this way due to strict government control over the felling and use of trees. Much of Ostrothia is forest which has over centuries contributed in many ways to the nation’s culture as the forests have provided food and shelter to Ostrothians for centuries.

Climate

Politics

Official portrait of Mike Wood MP crop 2.jpg Rapti, Sylvana-2188.jpg
Artur Jõäär
President
Leana Aarma
Prime Minister

Since gaining its independence in 1923 Ostrothia has been a Parliamemtary Unitary republic. The Ostrothian head of state is the President. The Presidency of Ostrothia is a completely ceremonial role and the President has no say in the actual running of the country, the role of the President is simply to represent Ostrothia as a figurehead. The head of the executive government of Ostrothia is the Prime Minister who along with his/her cabinet is charged with drafting legislation to the Ostrothian Unicameral parliament the Rahvakogu. The Rahvakogu was first formed in 1918 and is made up of 190 members who are responsible for voting for legislation drafted by the executive government. To gain a majority in the Rahvakogu a party must win 95 seats, the current party in power is Solidaarsus ha Isamaa. The Rahvakogu is elected by all Ostrothian citizens over the age of 18 by universal suffrage every 5 years. The Rahvakogu has been dominated by centre-left parties for the past 30 years. The judiciary branch of the Ostrothian government is split into high or national courts and then further into municipal courts.

Administrative divisions

Foreign relations

As a member of several international organisations such as the Lorecian Community and having been one of the founders of the Vinstrian Union Ostrothia has insured that it, although a small nation, plays a large hand in the geopolitical happenings in the region around it and on the international stage. Ostrothia was a founding member of the Vinstrian Union in the mid 1980’s along with Valkea, Caledonia and Nynorsk Ostlijord. Ostrothia became a member of the Lorecian Community in 1997. Its membership in the community has been invaluable to the nations influence on the international stage. Although relations were strained historically between Valkea and Ostrothia the two have bridged the divide that was caused by Ostrothia’s independence from Valkea in 1923.

Military

Being a small country, Ostrothia does not have a particularly large military. The military that Ostrothia does have is mainly used as a peacekeeping force in international incidents. The Ostrothian military is made up of the Air Force, the Land Forces and the Ostrothian Navy. Historically Ostrothia was under the rule of Valkea and thus was under the control of its armed forces. When Ostrothian independence occurred in 1923 Valkean regiments then stationed in Ostrothia were allowed to remain there insuring that Ostrothia had a force to protect it.

Law enforcement in Ostrothia is the job of the Ostrothian Police who are also in charge of citizenship matters such as Passports and ID cards. The Ostrothian police are a national force split into several smaller forces based on the counties of Ostrothia.

Economy

Ostrothia is a High income market economy. Ostrothia was a relatively small economic power in its area until its membership of the Lorecian Community which has seen a large growth in the Ostrothian economy. Ostrothia is known for having one of the lowest corporate teaxes in Lorecia and for the ease of doing business in the country. Due to its relatively low lying landscape the main exports of Ostrothia include many agricultural prosucts such as cereals. As well as this Ostrothia is a known exporter of electronics, fish and is known for its shipbuilding. Ostrothia is reliant on imports of oil and gas for its energy supply. Ostrothia has a high consumption of energy due to its climate which demnands usage gor heating and so on.

Transport

Ostrothia has an extensive road and rail network that traverses nearly the entire country. The roads in Ostrothia are split into three branches, Motorway, A-Road and B-Road. The majority of freight going through Ostrothia is carried by rail. Rail lines are run by the state owmed service OR. Among passenger trains the most used in the Ostrothian Highspeed Coastal Route which connects the Ostrothian capital Rõlva to Valkea in the north through Haku and through the city of Varju in the south to the Aurora Confederacy. Other major lines include the Rõlva-Laadu highspeed line. In urban areas in Ostrothia there are several light rail and tram services that traverse the cities of Rõlva, Laadu, Jõhku and Varju. Ostrothia has several large ports the largest being the Port of Rõlva followed closely by the port of Haku with more than 67% of passenger and commercial traffic filtering through them. Ostrothia has three international airports those being Rõlva International, Laadu and Varju. They serve as a base for the national airline Vinstrii.

Energy

Ostrothia imports a large quantity of Oil and Gas from neighbouring countries such as Caledonia although in recent years there has been a large pushback to this as the Ostrothian government attempts to explore enviromentally friendly green options. In 2015 the government announced its new renewable energy programme which saw wind power increase to 7% of the total energy input in Ostrothia. Ostrothia has a liberalised its emergy market in 2003. There three nuclear power plants in Ostrothia; Prasilimäe, Votkusaa near Noversaare and Leremaa in Lääpe county. Rennovationsare planned to modernise the latter two of these power plants.

Demographics

Cities

Religion

Education

Culture