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{{Infobox country
{{Infobox country
|conventional_long_name      = The United Republic of Azurlavai
|conventional_long_name      = The United Republic of Æþurheim
|native_name                = ''Forente Republikk av Æsthurlavaj''
|native_name                = ''Forente Republikken Æþurheim''
|common_name                = Azurlavai
|common_name                = Æþurheim
|image_flag                  = AzzieFlag.png
|image_flag                  = Amerazzieflag v3.png
|alt_flag                    = Flag of the URA
|alt_flag                    = Flag of the URA
|image_coat                  = <!--e.g. Coat of arms of country.svg-->
|image_coat                  = <!--e.g. Coat of arms of country.svg-->
Line 13: Line 13:
|other_symbol_type          = <!--Use if a further symbol exists, e.g. hymn-->
|other_symbol_type          = <!--Use if a further symbol exists, e.g. hymn-->
|other_symbol                =  
|other_symbol                =  
|image_map                  = Https---i.imgur.com-BaXQKAG.jpg
|image_map                  = ÆsthurlavajMap.jpg
|alt_map                    = ~
|alt_map                    = ~
|map_caption                = Realm of Æsthurlavaj
|map_caption                = Realm of Æþurheim
|image_map2                  = <!--Another map, if required-->
|image_map2                  = <!--Another map, if required-->
|alt_map2                    = <!--alt text for second map-->
|alt_map2                    = <!--alt text for second map-->
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|capital                    = [[Lowellsburg (city)|Lowellsburg]]
|capital                    = [[Lowellsburg (city)|Lowellsburg]]
|largest_city                = [[Tritonsberg (city)|Tritonsberg]]
|largest_city                = [[Tritonsberg (city)|Tritonsberg]]
|official_languages          = {{wp|Norwegian language|Æsthurlav Nordic}}
|official_languages          = {{wp|Norwegian language|Æþurheim Norse}}
|national_languages          = <!--Country/territory-wide languages recognised but not necessarily in country/territory-wide law, etc-->
|national_languages          = <!--Country/territory-wide languages recognised but not necessarily in country/territory-wide law, etc-->
|regional_languages          = {{wp|Irish language|Ossorian}}, {{wp|Danish language|Delkoran Nordic}}, {{wp|Swedish language|Nordlandisch}}, {{wp|German language|Shalumite Acrean}}, {{wp|Slovak language|Svinian}}, {{wp|Galician language|Ærickean}}
|regional_languages          = {{wp|Irish language|Ossorian}}, {{wp|Danish language|Delkoran Nordic}}, {{wp|Swedish language|Nordlandisch}}, {{wp|German language|Shalumite Acrean}}, {{wp|Slovak language|Svinian}}, {{wp|Galician language|Ærickean}}
|ethnic_groups              = 86.9% Æsthurlav<br>4.1% Shalumite<br>2.4% Ærickean<br>1.4% Svinian<br>5.2% Other
|ethnic_groups              = 85.6% Æþurian<br>4.1% Shalumite<br>2.4% Ærickean<br>1.4% Svinian<br>1.3% Gylian<br>5.2% Other
|ethnic_groups_year          = 2014
|ethnic_groups_year          = 2017
|demonym                    = Æsthurlav, Azzie (common parlance)
|demonym                    = Æþurian, Azzie (common parlance)
|government_type            = {{wp|Representative democracy|Representative Republic}} {{wp|Dictatorship|Elective Dictatorship}}
|government_type            = {{wp|Representative democracy|Representative Republic}} {{wp|Dictatorship|Elective Dictatorship}}
|leader_title1              = [[Supreme Chancellor]]
|leader_title1              = [[Supreme Chancellor]]
Line 34: Line 34:
|leader_title3              = [[Supreme Commander of the Republikk]]
|leader_title3              = [[Supreme Commander of the Republikk]]
|leader_name3                = Axel Rappe
|leader_name3                = Axel Rappe
|legislature                = [[Republikk Kongress]]
|legislature                = [[Republikanske Kongress]]
|upper_house                = [[High Council]]
|upper_house                = [[Æþurian High Council|High Council]]
|lower_house                = [[Assembly of Commons]]
|lower_house                = [[Assembly of Commons]]
|sovereignty_type            =  
|sovereignty_type            =  
Line 41: Line 41:
|established_event1          = Nordic Settlement
|established_event1          = Nordic Settlement
|established_date1          = 6th June 744 CE
|established_date1          = 6th June 744 CE
|established_event2          = Viking Coalition
|established_event2          = Iron Unification
|established_date2          = 12th February 925 CE
|established_date2          = 12th February 1086 CE
|established_event3          = Iron Unification
|established_event3          = Restoration of the Republikk
|established_date3          = 14 October 1066 CE
|established_date3          = 16 May 1992 CE
|area_rank                  =  
|area_rank                  =  
|area_magnitude              =  
|area_magnitude              =  
Line 59: Line 59:
|population_estimate_year    =  
|population_estimate_year    =  
|population_census          = 144,630,081
|population_census          = 144,630,081
|population_census_year      = 2016
|population_census_year      = 2018
|population_density_km2      = ~
|population_density_km2      = ~
|population_density_sq_mi    =  
|population_density_sq_mi    =  
Line 81: Line 81:
|HDI_rank                    =  
|HDI_rank                    =  
|HDI_year                    = 2015
|HDI_year                    = 2015
|currency                    = Æsthurlav Centra (''Sentra'') (sR)
|currency                    = Æþurian Merke (mR) and Penngingar
|currency_code              = ASR
|currency_code              = ATM
|time_zone                  = <!--e.g. GMT, PST, AST, etc, etc (wikilinked if possible)-->
|time_zone                  = <!--e.g. GMT, PST, AST, etc, etc (wikilinked if possible)-->
|utc_offset                  = <!--in the form "+N", where N is number of hours offset-->
|utc_offset                  = <!--in the form "+N", where N is number of hours offset-->
Line 101: Line 101:
}}
}}


Azurlavai ({{wp|Norwegian Language|Æsthurlav}}: formally '''''Forente Republikk av Æsthurlavaj''''', literally "[the] United Republic of Azurlavai"), is a nation on the northwestern portion of the continent of Eracura in [[Tyran]]. Located in the Northern hemisphere, it lies to the southwest of [[Shalum]], northwest of [[Svinia]] and southeast of [[Ossoria]], bordered by the Sanguine Sea and Malian Sea.
'''Æþurheim''' ({{wp|Norwegian Language|Æþurian}}: ''Æþurheim''), officially '''The United Republic of Æþurheim''' (''Forente Republikken Æþurheim''), is a nation on the northwestern portion of the continent of Eracura in [[Tyran]]. Located in the Northern hemisphere, it lies to the southwest of [[Shalum]], northwest of [[Svinia]] and southeast of [[Ossoria]], bordered by the Sanguine Sea and Malian Sea.


A contiguous landmass, Æsthurlavaj is divided up into fifteen states, some of them representing old kingdoms and cultural boundaries and others existing as little more than administrative zones.  The capital of Lowellsburg is in Radik state (also referred to as 'kapital state') itself formerly the center of a previous old kingdom while one of its former territories of Dhuria has been broken off into a largely rural state to keep focus in the kapital on Lowellsburg.
A contiguous landmass, Æþurheim is divided up into fifteen states, some of them representing old kingdoms and cultural boundaries and others existing as little more than administrative zones.  The capital of Lowellsburg is in Radik state (also referred to as 'kapital state') itself formerly the center of a previous old kingdom while one of its former territories of Dhuria has been broken off into a largely rural state to keep focus in the kapital on Lowellsburg.


== History ==
== History ==
{{main|History of Æsthurlavaj}}
{{main|History of Æþurheim}}
== Geography ==
== Geography ==
{{main|Geography of Æsthurlavaj}}
{{main|Geography of Æþurheim}}
== Politics ==
== Politics ==
{{main|Politics of Æsthurlavaj}}
{{main|Politics of Æþurheim}}
=== The Supreme Chancellor ===
=== The Supreme Chancellor ===
{{main|Leader of Æsthurlavaj}}
{{main|Leader of Æþurheim}}
A new title, there have only been three Supreme Chancellors of the URA since the establishment of the new government structure in 1991.  Since that time, the role of the Chancellor has stayed constant; a position elected by the members of the High Council, the military High Kommand and some elements of the Assembly of Commons, the Supreme Chancellor is granted ultimate power and authority to act as they see fit with no official barriers to their actions.  They are the ultimate authority in legislation, the supreme commander of the armed forces and the head of foreign affairs, steering the country according to their will.  However, both the military and Kongress have soft power over the Supreme Chancellor, for while no position can refuse to follow their orders, the Chancellor relies on a lot of cooperation and subservience to complete their vision and keep the massive task of running the nation and chains of command in working order.  A proviso does exist to remove the Supreme Chancellor by a majority vote from Kongress and High Kommand, though so far this has been unnecessary.  The first Supreme Chancellor died in office, the second resigned after a significant military and diplomatic disaster brought shame to the nation.  The current Supreme Chancellor is Monika Schefer, formerly the Council Deacon.
A new title, there have only been three Supreme Chancellors of the URA since the establishment of the new government structure in 1991.  Since that time, the role of the Chancellor has stayed constant; a position elected by the members of the High Council, the military High Kommand and some elements of the Assembly of Commons, the Supreme Chancellor is granted ultimate power and authority to act as they see fit with no official barriers to their actions.  They are the ultimate authority in legislation, the supreme commander of the armed forces and the head of foreign affairs, steering the country according to their will.  However, both the military and Kongress have soft power over the Supreme Chancellor, for while no position can refuse to follow their orders, the Chancellor relies on a lot of cooperation and subservience to complete their vision and keep the massive task of running the nation and chains of command in working order.  A proviso does exist to remove the Supreme Chancellor by a majority vote from Kongress and High Kommand, though so far this has been unnecessary.  The first Supreme Chancellor died in office, the second resigned after a significant military and diplomatic disaster brought shame to the nation.  The current Supreme Chancellor is Monika Schefer, formerly the Council Deacon.
=== The Kongress ===
=== The Kongress ===
{{main|Republikkan Kongress of Æsthurlavaj}}
{{main|Republikkan Kongress of Æþurheim}}
The '''Republikkan Kongress''' is made up of three organizations; the [[Æsthurlav Assembly of Commons|Assembly of Commons]], the [[Æsthurlav High Council|High Council]] and the [[URA Military High Kommand|HIGHKOM]].
The '''Republikk Kongress''' is made up of three organizations; the [[Æþurian Assembly of Commons|Assembly of Commons]], the [[Æþurian High Council|High Council]] and the [[URA Military High Kommand|HIGHKOM]].
=== Assembly of Commons ===
=== Assembly of Commons ===
{{main|Assembly of Commons}}
{{main|Assembly of Commons}}
Democracy in Æsthurlavaj does not work the same way as other republics or democracies. As a representative republic, the URA uses representatives from states, political parties and other similar groups to make up the Assembly, a collection of politicians elected by state or party to give their voice in the Rad Hus. The Assembly is also unique in that it also has no set amount of seats, preferring to stay flexible to future needs for greater representation.  The Assembly as a body is led by the Council Deacon, who sits at the High Council as the Assembly's voice in higher politics.  Issues of national debate are discussed among the Assembly, and those measures that requires higher oversight are pushed to the Council.  Proposals for new legislation are also formulated in the Assembly, which is also pushed to the Council for approval.  The Assembly also holds the right to veto, allowing the entire group one single vote to stop a measure they view as harmful if proposed by the Supreme Chancellor or High Council.
Democracy in Æþurheim does not work the same way as other republics or democracies. As a representative republic, the URA uses representatives from states, political parties and other similar groups to make up the Assembly, a collection of politicians elected by state or party to give their voice in the Rad Hus. The Assembly is also unique in that it also has no set amount of seats, preferring to stay flexible to future needs for greater representation.  The Assembly as a body is led by the Council Deacon, who sits at the High Council as the Assembly's voice in higher politics.  Issues of national debate are discussed among the Assembly, and those measures that requires higher oversight are pushed to the Council.  Proposals for new legislation are also formulated in the Assembly, which is also pushed to the Council for approval.  The Assembly also holds the right to veto, allowing the entire group one single vote to stop a measure they view as harmful if proposed by the Supreme Chancellor or High Council.
=== The High Council ===
=== The High Council ===
{{main|High Council of Æsthurlavaj}}
{{main|High Council of Æþurheim}}




=== High Kommand ===
=== High Kommand ===
{{main|Æsthurlav HIGHKOM}}
{{main|Æþurian HIGHKOM}}
The military, holding much cultural significance and power in the nation, has a voice in politics as well.  A panel of senior officers from each branch is chosen to sit in on the High Council, lending their voice and overall representation to government.  It is important to note that these officers are not in overall command of their respective branches, but their superiors hold much political power as well.  In economic, foreign and domestic affairs HIGHKOM works with the senior commmanders of each branch to ensure equal representation in affairs, as well as make sure no law is unfairly passed to affect the branch in question.
The military, holding much cultural significance and power in the nation, has a voice in politics as well.  A panel of senior officers from each branch is chosen to sit in on the High Council, lending their voice and overall representation to government.  It is important to note that these officers are not in overall command of their respective branches, but their superiors hold much political power as well.  In economic, foreign and domestic affairs HIGHKOM works with the senior commmanders of each branch to ensure equal representation in affairs, as well as make sure no law is unfairly passed to affect the branch in question.
== Military ==
== Military ==
{{main|Æsthurlav Armed Forces}}
{{main|Æþurian Armed Forces}}
 
== Foreign Relations ==
== Foreign Relations ==
{{main|Foreign Relations of Æsthurlavaj}}
{{main|Foreign Relations of Æþurheim}}
== Economy ==
== Economy ==
{{main|Economy of Æsthurlavaj}}
{{main|Economy of Æþurheim}}
=== Energy ===
=== Energy ===
Æsthurlavaj's primary source of energy comes from coal and hydroelectric power planets, though measures are being put in place to research more sustainable sources of energy generation.  Given the failure of atomic theory, the use of hydroelectric dams has so far been seen as the most cost-effective means of large-scale energy production by use of the nation’s large number of fjords and major rivers, but the staggering cost of these dams and the limited availability of suitable locations has led to extreme dependence on coal power plants, lending a major contribution to the nation's pollution issues.
Æþurheim's primary source of energy comes from coal and hydroelectric power planets, though measures are being put in place to research more sustainable sources of energy generation.  Given the failure of atomic theory, the use of hydroelectric dams has so far been seen as the most cost-effective means of large-scale energy production by use of the nation’s large number of fjords and major rivers, but the staggering cost of these dams and the limited availability of suitable locations has led to extreme dependence on coal power plants, lending a major contribution to the nation's pollution issues.


Æsthurlavaj is also a minor oil producer, with drilling platforms in the Malian Sea. Owing to their focus on self-sufficiency, however, the focus is on domestic supply. While this keeps Æsthurlav fuel prices low and has given to the prominence of diesel systems, this has also not made trade relations favorable and has hamstring efforts at hybrid vehicle development.
Æþurheim is also a minor oil producer, with drilling platforms in the Malian Sea. Owing to their focus on self-sufficiency, however, the focus is on domestic supply. While this keeps Æþurheim fuel prices low and has given to the prominence of diesel systems, this has also not made trade relations favorable and has hamstring efforts at hybrid vehicle development.


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
{{main|Demographics of Æsthurlavaj}}
{{main|Demographics of Æþurheim}}
== Culture ==
== Culture ==
{{main|Æsthurlav Culture and Customs}}
{{main|Æþurian Culture and Customs}}


=== Religion ===
=== Religion ===
{{main|Æsthurlav Seiðrism}}
{{main|Æþurian Æsitropå}}
=== Sports ===
=== Sports ===
{{main|Æsthurlav Baseball}}
{{main|Æþurian Sporting League}}
Baseball is the nation's national sport, owing to its simple nature and low-cost operations.  It needs no extreme equipment nor even the huge diamond fields that dot the nation.  Several major cities have professional teams they sponsor, though the average wage of a baseball player in the URA is much lower than that of another nation which has resulted to an unfortunate 'brain drain' as star players transfer abroad to other countries for greater salaries.  Regardless, baseball is played by soldiers, factory shifts, children in schoolyards and small towns across the nation, one of the few truly unifying aspects of Æsthurlavaj preserved by all.  It is also a source of major strife, as fans of one team will often quarrel with fans from another, sometimes resulting in violence.
Baseball is the nation's national sport, owing to its simple nature and low-cost operations.  It needs no extreme equipment nor even the huge diamond fields that dot the nation.  Several major cities have professional teams they sponsor, though the average wage of a baseball player in the URA is much lower than that of another nation which has resulted to an unfortunate 'brain drain' as star players transfer abroad to other countries for greater salaries.  Regardless, baseball is played by soldiers, factory shifts, children in schoolyards and small towns across the nation, one of the few truly unifying aspects of Æþurheim preserved by all.  It is also a source of major strife, as fans of one team will often quarrel with fans from another, sometimes resulting in violence.
=== Universal Armament and Gun Culture in Æsthurlavaj ===
 
Given its background and military prominence in society, combative sports like boxing, MMA, wrestling, competitive paintball and competitive shooting are also prominent. Semi-violent sports such as rugby, hockey and football are also represented, and are popular schoolyard sports.
 
The URA also has a national car circuit, the Nasjonal Liga av Aksjeløp (NSLA) which specializes in stock car races, as well as a circuit for off-road racing and another for what is affectionate referred to as ‘demolition’ derby.
 
=== Universal Armament and Gun Culture in Æþurheim ===
{{main|Guns in the URA}}
{{main|Guns in the URA}}
Due to much of its history of conflict, revolution, counterrevolution, foreign invasion and a pervading sense of need for self-defense, firearms laws in Æsthurlavaj are not only lax, but the ownership of firearms is often encouraged.  Whether for home defense, hunting or to serve as part of a militia force, it is not an inaccurate statement to say that every Æsthurlav household has at least one firearm somewhere in it.  Given the amount of nationalist propaganda and the political influence of the military this is hardly surprising, but has also led many to question such a policy.  While true that much firearm violence in the nation is dissuaded or stopped by universal armament, this has also led to Æsthurlav criminal groups being more heavily armed than those from other nations.  This has led to high casualties amongst civilians and law enforcement during crimes, as well as a huge outflow of smuggled arms to the criminals of other nations, as well as the higher ratio of armed dissidents in the country that can potentially become a huge threat in the future.  While military heavy weapons such as machine guns and explosives are still illegal, many point to the number of weapons that are legal and easy to acquire, and the fact that automatic rifles and submachine guns are obtainable with a simple background check and a short licensing process.
Due to much of its history of conflict, revolution, counterrevolution, foreign invasion and a pervading sense of need for self-defense, firearms laws in Æþurheim are not only lax, but the ownership of firearms is often encouraged.  Whether for home defense, hunting or to serve as part of a militia force, it is not an inaccurate statement to say that every Æþurian household has at least one firearm somewhere in it.  Given the amount of nationalist propaganda and the political influence of the military this is hardly surprising, but has also led many to question such a policy.  While true that much firearm violence in the nation is dissuaded or stopped by universal armament, this has also led to Æþurian criminal groups being more heavily armed than those from other nations.  This has led to high casualties amongst civilians and law enforcement during crimes, as well as a huge outflow of smuggled arms to the criminals of other nations, as well as the higher ratio of armed dissidents in the country that can potentially become a huge threat in the future.  While military heavy weapons such as machine guns and explosives are still illegal, many point to the number of weapons that are legal and easy to acquire, and the fact that automatic rifles and submachine guns are obtainable with a simple background check and a short licensing process.
 
[[Category:Æþurheim]]

Latest revision as of 21:44, 9 May 2021

The United Republic of Æþurheim
Forente Republikken Æþurheim
Flag of the URA
Flag
Motto: "Gjennom motgang, styrke. Gjennom styrke, ære."
"Through hardship, strength. Through strength, glory"
Anthem: "The Path to Valhalla"
~
Realm of Æþurheim
CapitalLowellsburg
Largest cityTritonsberg
Official languagesÆþurheim Norse
Recognised regional languagesOssorian, Delkoran Nordic, Nordlandisch, Shalumite Acrean, Svinian, Ærickean
Ethnic groups
(2017)
85.6% Æþurian
4.1% Shalumite
2.4% Ærickean
1.4% Svinian
1.3% Gylian
5.2% Other
Demonym(s)Æþurian, Azzie (common parlance)
GovernmentRepresentative Republic Elective Dictatorship
Monika Schefer
• Council Deacon
Jorge Radmann
Axel Rappe
LegislatureRepublikanske Kongress
High Council
Assembly of Commons
Establishment
• Nordic Settlement
6th June 744 CE
• Iron Unification
12th February 1086 CE
• Restoration of the Republikk
16 May 1992 CE
Area
• 
640,679 km2 (247,368 sq mi)
• Water (%)
~
Population
• 2018 census
144,630,081
• Density
[convert: invalid number]
GDP (nominal)2018 estimate
• Total
$1,570,311,299,771
• Per capita
$10,902
Gini (~)~
Error: Invalid Gini value
HDI (2015)~
Error: Invalid HDI value
CurrencyÆþurian Merke (mR) and Penngingar (ATM)
Date formatdd-mm-yyyy CE
Driving sideright
Calling code+47
Internet TLD.nra

Æþurheim (Æþurian: Æþurheim), officially The United Republic of Æþurheim (Forente Republikken Æþurheim), is a nation on the northwestern portion of the continent of Eracura in Tyran. Located in the Northern hemisphere, it lies to the southwest of Shalum, northwest of Svinia and southeast of Ossoria, bordered by the Sanguine Sea and Malian Sea.

A contiguous landmass, Æþurheim is divided up into fifteen states, some of them representing old kingdoms and cultural boundaries and others existing as little more than administrative zones. The capital of Lowellsburg is in Radik state (also referred to as 'kapital state') itself formerly the center of a previous old kingdom while one of its former territories of Dhuria has been broken off into a largely rural state to keep focus in the kapital on Lowellsburg.

History

Geography

Politics

The Supreme Chancellor

A new title, there have only been three Supreme Chancellors of the URA since the establishment of the new government structure in 1991. Since that time, the role of the Chancellor has stayed constant; a position elected by the members of the High Council, the military High Kommand and some elements of the Assembly of Commons, the Supreme Chancellor is granted ultimate power and authority to act as they see fit with no official barriers to their actions. They are the ultimate authority in legislation, the supreme commander of the armed forces and the head of foreign affairs, steering the country according to their will. However, both the military and Kongress have soft power over the Supreme Chancellor, for while no position can refuse to follow their orders, the Chancellor relies on a lot of cooperation and subservience to complete their vision and keep the massive task of running the nation and chains of command in working order. A proviso does exist to remove the Supreme Chancellor by a majority vote from Kongress and High Kommand, though so far this has been unnecessary. The first Supreme Chancellor died in office, the second resigned after a significant military and diplomatic disaster brought shame to the nation. The current Supreme Chancellor is Monika Schefer, formerly the Council Deacon.

The Kongress

The Republikk Kongress is made up of three organizations; the Assembly of Commons, the High Council and the HIGHKOM.

Assembly of Commons

Democracy in Æþurheim does not work the same way as other republics or democracies. As a representative republic, the URA uses representatives from states, political parties and other similar groups to make up the Assembly, a collection of politicians elected by state or party to give their voice in the Rad Hus. The Assembly is also unique in that it also has no set amount of seats, preferring to stay flexible to future needs for greater representation. The Assembly as a body is led by the Council Deacon, who sits at the High Council as the Assembly's voice in higher politics. Issues of national debate are discussed among the Assembly, and those measures that requires higher oversight are pushed to the Council. Proposals for new legislation are also formulated in the Assembly, which is also pushed to the Council for approval. The Assembly also holds the right to veto, allowing the entire group one single vote to stop a measure they view as harmful if proposed by the Supreme Chancellor or High Council.

The High Council


High Kommand

The military, holding much cultural significance and power in the nation, has a voice in politics as well. A panel of senior officers from each branch is chosen to sit in on the High Council, lending their voice and overall representation to government. It is important to note that these officers are not in overall command of their respective branches, but their superiors hold much political power as well. In economic, foreign and domestic affairs HIGHKOM works with the senior commmanders of each branch to ensure equal representation in affairs, as well as make sure no law is unfairly passed to affect the branch in question.

Military

Foreign Relations

Economy

Energy

Æþurheim's primary source of energy comes from coal and hydroelectric power planets, though measures are being put in place to research more sustainable sources of energy generation. Given the failure of atomic theory, the use of hydroelectric dams has so far been seen as the most cost-effective means of large-scale energy production by use of the nation’s large number of fjords and major rivers, but the staggering cost of these dams and the limited availability of suitable locations has led to extreme dependence on coal power plants, lending a major contribution to the nation's pollution issues.

Æþurheim is also a minor oil producer, with drilling platforms in the Malian Sea. Owing to their focus on self-sufficiency, however, the focus is on domestic supply. While this keeps Æþurheim fuel prices low and has given to the prominence of diesel systems, this has also not made trade relations favorable and has hamstring efforts at hybrid vehicle development.

Demographics

Culture

Religion

Sports

Baseball is the nation's national sport, owing to its simple nature and low-cost operations. It needs no extreme equipment nor even the huge diamond fields that dot the nation. Several major cities have professional teams they sponsor, though the average wage of a baseball player in the URA is much lower than that of another nation which has resulted to an unfortunate 'brain drain' as star players transfer abroad to other countries for greater salaries. Regardless, baseball is played by soldiers, factory shifts, children in schoolyards and small towns across the nation, one of the few truly unifying aspects of Æþurheim preserved by all. It is also a source of major strife, as fans of one team will often quarrel with fans from another, sometimes resulting in violence.

Given its background and military prominence in society, combative sports like boxing, MMA, wrestling, competitive paintball and competitive shooting are also prominent. Semi-violent sports such as rugby, hockey and football are also represented, and are popular schoolyard sports.

The URA also has a national car circuit, the Nasjonal Liga av Aksjeløp (NSLA) which specializes in stock car races, as well as a circuit for off-road racing and another for what is affectionate referred to as ‘demolition’ derby.

Universal Armament and Gun Culture in Æþurheim

Due to much of its history of conflict, revolution, counterrevolution, foreign invasion and a pervading sense of need for self-defense, firearms laws in Æþurheim are not only lax, but the ownership of firearms is often encouraged. Whether for home defense, hunting or to serve as part of a militia force, it is not an inaccurate statement to say that every Æþurian household has at least one firearm somewhere in it. Given the amount of nationalist propaganda and the political influence of the military this is hardly surprising, but has also led many to question such a policy. While true that much firearm violence in the nation is dissuaded or stopped by universal armament, this has also led to Æþurian criminal groups being more heavily armed than those from other nations. This has led to high casualties amongst civilians and law enforcement during crimes, as well as a huge outflow of smuggled arms to the criminals of other nations, as well as the higher ratio of armed dissidents in the country that can potentially become a huge threat in the future. While military heavy weapons such as machine guns and explosives are still illegal, many point to the number of weapons that are legal and easy to acquire, and the fact that automatic rifles and submachine guns are obtainable with a simple background check and a short licensing process.