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{{Region_icon_Ajax}}
{{WIP}}
{{Infobox country
{{Infobox country
|native_name                = {{resize|11pt|''Imperium Lihnidosi'' ([[Sorrentian Latin language|Latin]])<br> Λιχνίδου Αυτοκρατορία ([[Hellenic language|Hellenic]])}}
|native_name                = {{resize|11pt|Λιχνίδου Αυτοκρατορία ([[Hellenic language|Hellenic]])}}
|conventional_long_name      = Empire of Lihnidos
|conventional_long_name      = Empire of Lihnidos
|common_name                = Lihnidos
|common_name                = Lihnidos
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|other_symbol                =
|other_symbol                =
|image_map                  = Lihnidos_on_Belisaria.png
|image_map                  = Lihnidos_on_Belisaria.png
|map_width                  = 275px
|alt_map                    =
|alt_map                    =
|map_caption                = Location of '''Lihnidos''' (dark green)<br>– in Belisaria (dark grey)<br>– in the [[Belisarian Community]] (light green)
|map_caption                = Location of '''Lihnidos''' (dark green)<br>– in Belisaria (dark grey)<br>– in the [[Belisarian Community]] (light green)
|image_map2                  = LihnidosMap.png
|image_map2                  = LihnidosMap.png
|map2_width                  = 275px
|alt_map2                    =
|alt_map2                    =
|map_caption2                =
|map_caption2                =
|capital                    = Arcadia
|capital                    = [[Arcadia (Lihnidos)|Arcadia]]
|latd=
|latd=
|longd=
|longd=
|largest_city                = Ikaria
|largest_city                = [[Ikaria (Lihnidos)|Ikaria]]
|largest_settlement          =
|largest_settlement          =
|largest_settlement_type    =
|largest_settlement_type    =
|official_languages          = [[Hellenic language|Hellenic]]<br>[[Sorrentian Latin language|Latin]]
|official_languages          = [[Hellenic language|Hellenic]]
|national_languages          =
|national_languages          =
|regional_languages          =  
|regional_languages          =  
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|languages2                  =
|languages2                  =
|languages2_sub              =
|languages2_sub              =
|ethnic_groups              = 77.5% Lihnidosi<br> 16.4% Latin<br>6.1% Other
|ethnic_groups              = 87.3% Lihnidosi<br>12.7% Other
|ethnic_groups_year          =
|ethnic_groups_year          =
|demonym                    = Lihnidosi
|demonym                    = Lihnidosi
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|sovereignty_type            = Formation
|sovereignty_type            = Formation
|sovereignty_note            =
|sovereignty_note            =
|established_event1          = Founding of Xanthi City-State
|established_event1          = Founding of Xanthi City-States
|established_date1          = 710 BC
|established_date1          = 900 BC
|established_event2          = Confederation of City-States
|established_event2          = Confederation of City-States
|established_date2          = 356 BC
|established_date2          = 356 BC
| established_event3       = Kingdom of Xanthi
| established_event3         = Kingdom of Xanthi
| established_date3         = 154 BC
| established_date3         = 154 BC
| established_event4       = Latin Invasions
| established_event4         =  
| established_date4     = 413-457 CE
| established_date4         =  
| established_event5   = Integration into [[Latium|Latin Empire]]
| established_event5         = [[Latium|Latin Empire]]
| established_date5     = 457 CE
| established_date5         = 70 AD
| established_event6         = Independence from [[Latium|Latin Empire]]
| established_event6         = Independence from [[Latium|Latin Empire]]
| established_date6           = 1054 CE
| established_date6         = 565
|established_event7     = Lihnidosi Empire Proclaimed
|established_event7         = Hellenic Empire
|established_date7       = 1675 CE
|established_date7           = 1713
|established_event8     = Civil War
|established_event8         = Lihnidosi Empire
|established_date8     = 1752 – 1753 CE
|established_date8           = 1827
|established_event9   = Second Lihnidosi Empire Proclaimed
|established_event9         =  
|established_date9     =1753 CE
|established_date9           =  
|area_rank                  =  
|area_rank                  =  
|area_magnitude              =  
|area_magnitude              =  
|area                        =
|area                        =
|area_km2                    = 299,580
|area_km2                    = 484,224
|area_sq_mi            = 115,668
|area_sq_mi            = 186,959
|area_footnote              =
|area_footnote              =
|percent_water              =
|percent_water              =
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|population_census          =  71,394,929
|population_census          =  71,394,929
|population_census_year      = 2014
|population_census_year      = 2014
|population_density_km2      = 241.74
|population_density_km2      = 147.44
|population_density_sq_mi    = 626.11
|population_density_sq_mi    = 381.88
|population_density_rank    =
|population_density_rank    =
|GDP_PPP                    = $3.091 trillion
|GDP_PPP                    = $2.977 trillion
|GDP_PPP_rank                =  
|GDP_PPP_rank                =  
|GDP_PPP_year                = 2016
|GDP_PPP_year                = 2017
|GDP_PPP_per_capita          = $42,684
|GDP_PPP_per_capita          = $41,109
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank    =
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank    =
|GDP_nominal                =  
|GDP_nominal                =  
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|GDP_nominal_per_capita      =  
|GDP_nominal_per_capita      =  
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank =
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank =
|Gini                        =
|Gini                        = 38.9
|Gini_rank                  =
|Gini_rank                  =
|Gini_year                  =
|Gini_year                  =
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|HDI_rank                    =
|HDI_rank                    =
|HDI_year                    =
|HDI_year                    =
|HDI_category                =<span style="color:#090;">high</span>
|HDI_category                =
|currency                    = Denarius
|currency                    = Denarius
|currency_code              = ''X̶''
|currency_code              = ''{{strikethrough|X}}''
|time_zone                  =
|time_zone                  =
|utc_offset                  =
|utc_offset                  =
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|footnote7                  =
|footnote7                  =
}}
}}
'''Lihnidos''', officially the '''Empire of Lihnidos''', is a {{wpl|sovereign country}} located in southern [[Ajax|Belisaria]]. Lihnidos is an island nation in the Periclean Sea. It shares maritime borders to the north with [[Garima]] and to the west with [[Vannois]]. Southern and eastern Lihnidos is surrounded by the Periclean Sea. With an area of 484,224 square kilometers and an estimated population of approximately 72.5 million inhabitants, Lihnidos is the eighteenth most populous country in [[Ajax]] yet also one of the smaller nations in land area.


==Etymology==
Lihnidos is a {{wpl|unitary state|unitary}} {{wpl|parliamentary democracy}} and a {{wpl|constitutional monarchy}}. The current and ninth [[Monarchy of Lihnidos|monarch]] is [[Stella II of Lihnidos|Stella II]], who has reigned since late 2007. The current and twenty-sixth [[Prime Minister of Lihnidos|prime minister]] is [[Fotis Raptis]] who leads the [[Conservative-National Alliance (Lihnidos)|Conservative-National]] government in the [[National Assembly of Lihnidos|National Assembly]] and who has been in office since early 2010. Lihnidos's capital is the city of [[Arcadia (Lihnidos)|Arcadia]] and the largest city is [[Ikaria (Lihnidos)|Ikaria]]. Other major population centers include the cities of [[Xanthi (Lihnidos|Xanthi]] and [[Cephalonia (Lihnidos)|Cephalonia]].
==History==
===City-states and Unification===
The first recorded date of a modern civilization for the time was in 710 BC. The settlement, founded as Xanthi, took the form as many settlements at the time did as an independent city-state. The small city-state was the first of many of its kind throughout present day Lihnidos, most notably along the coast of southern and eastern Lihnidos. While records indicate that city-states also existed in the Lihnidosi interior, most were situated along or near the coast. Historic records indicate that the majority of the city-states were ruled by a single individual as an autocracy, with some being early versions of military dictatorships. Xanthi is believed to have been unique in the way that it was governed. Rather than having power concentrated in one individual, Xanthi was ruled by a council of individuals, a number of which were elected by the populace. Xanthi society, varying from its counterparts, put it at a disadvantage in matters of war and there are several instances where it is believed that Xanthi was almost captured by hostile powers.


The frequent clashes between city-states led to a breaking point around 360 BC when several of the city-states were suffering due to constant fighting. The constant and ongoing disputes at the time prompted the leaders of Xanthi to call for an assembly of the leaders of the most prominent and powerful city-states of the time in an attempt to cease the hostilities. The proposal did not gain traction until three years later in 357 BC when several smaller city-states that had not been previously considered proposed the assembly of leaders once again. The increased interest from smaller city-states and Xanthi, which at the time, despite its non-military culture, was one of the more powerful military powers in the region, prompted remaining holdouts who were against such a meeting to accept. The assembly took place in 356 BC in Xanthi. The assembly of the leaders of the city-states brought many concerns, as many of the militaristic city-states believed the assembly to be a ploy by the smaller city-states to eliminate the leadership of the city-states that threatened them. Because of this belief, four different city-states brought military contingents that camped outside of the walls of Xanthi for the duration of the assembly. While the exact number of troops camped outside the city was not recorded, writings from people in the city point to a total troop count in the tens of thousands.
{{wpl|Modern humans}} first arrived in Lihnidos around 35,000 years ago from [[Ajax|Scipia]]. Several tribes made settlements in coastal regions that later led to the development of Hellenic cultures in southern Lihnidos. Settlements consolidated under centralized rule in the form of city-states and later duchies and kingdoms until the region came under [[Latium|Latin]] rule around 70 AD. After the fall of the Latin Empire in Lihnidos around 600 AD, numerous kingdoms formed and later joined as the United Kingdoms of Lihnidos in 1675.


The assembly is believed to have lasted for two weeks as leaders from the city-states debated and negotiated peace that would be beneficial to them. The result of the assembly led to the creation of a confederacy of city-states that would promote mutual defense and resource sharing. The fragile attempt to stop the wars appeared to succeed until 156 BC when the city-state of Hyeligeneia accused another city-state leader of an attempted assassination on the Hyeligeneian leader. The two were quickly drawn into war as Hyeligeneia marched on the city of Aigane. The war drew other city-states into the fighting and despite the best efforts of some members of the confederacy it collapsed shortly after. The fighting led to Hyeligeneia conquering a number of city-states in the surrounding lands and eventually the leadership turned its wrath to Xanthi. In 154 BC Xanthi fell to the Hyeligeneian military. By the time that Xanthi had been conquered, a majority of the land in southern Lihnidos was under its control. Following Xanthi's conquering, the leader of Hyeligeneia proclaimed himself king, using the name of the most recently conquered city-state as his kingdom. The Kingdom of Xanthi under Anastasius I quickly took control of much of what is today the province of Boeotia, Serres, Kilkis, and parts of Thasos.
In 1713 the United Kingdoms of Lihnidos and the [[Tarsas|Tarsan]] Empire fell under the same rule and formed the [[Hellenic Empire (Ajax)|Hellenic Empire]]. This wide-spanning empire that included lands in Belisaria and Scipia lasted for roughly one hundred years before fracturing into smaller empires and kingdoms. Following Lihnidosi independence from the Hellenic Empire in 1827 the Lihnidosi Empire was declared as the successor state of the Hellenic Empire. The fall of the Hellenic Empire caused instability in parts of Lihnidos and Scipia which lasted in Lihnidos until roughly the mid-1850s.


===Latin Invasions===
Presently, Lihnidos is a {{wpl|developed country|developed}} and {{wpl|high income country}} with the world's 9th largest economy by nominal GDP. The country is a member of the [[Belisarian Community]], [[Forum of Nations]], and [[Joint Space Agency]].
The Kingdom of Xanthi expanded from its creation in 154 BC until 413 AD. By this time much of present day south and central Lihnidos was under the control of the kingdom. The expansion was halted in 413 AD when the Latin Empire became attacking and seizing Xanthi holdings in its western lands. The Latin invasions, which pushed eastward, lasted from 413 to 457 AD when all of Xanthi fell under its control. The forty-four year span of invasions was a result of careful integration of the conquered people into Latin society. It is widely acknowledged that the Latin legions at the time were far superior to that of Xanthi and their military capabilities would have allowed the Latins to conquer the Xanthi lands much quicker than had occurred. By the time the final holdouts in southern Xanthi had been taken by the Latins and incorporated into the Latin Empire, much of the lands previously held by Xanthi had already been incorporated and the people assimilated into the Latin culture.


Latin rule over Xanthi territory lasted for almost six hundred years from 457 AD when all of Xanthi had officially been conquered to 1040 AD. During this time Latin culture began to overcome that of Xanthi culture. Despite the acceptance of Latin culture and relative happiness under Latin rule, there were holdouts that sought independence and who maintained their Xanthi culture and language.
==History==
===Prehistory===
[[File:Reproduction cave of Altamira 02.jpg|220px|right|thumb|A reproduction of Bylyyn cave paintings]]
The first evidence of the presence of modern humans in Lihnidos was found in the Bylyyn caves outside the town of Nauros in southern Boeotia. The best known artifacts from this time period are cave paintings and fossilized remains that were created between 35,900 to 21,200 BC. Genetic evidence suggests that the first humans in Lihnidos arrived from the southern continent of Scipia and made their way north into Belisaria.


===Independence from the Latin Empire===
Lihnidos is home to some of the first advanced civilizations in Belisaria. Many of these civilizations were began by well-established settlements that had been founded as early as 3500 BC. The Hellenes inhabited the southern and eastern coastal areas of Lihnidos before moving further north and west. These civilizations began with the Gythacan civilization on the eastern coast of Lihnidos in Messenia around 3000 BC, the Cyrelean civilization around 2700 BC in Kilkis, and the Iolcippian civilization in the Samos Islands around 1900 BC. These civilizations remained largely independent of one another with limited conflict until around 1000 BC when the Gythacans began a time of regional upheaval by attempting to conquer surrounding civilizations.  
As the Latin Empire began to enter a decline in the early to mid eleventh century, the far eastern lands in the Latin Empire that had previously been controlled by the Kingdom of Xanthi began to experience discontent with Latin leadership. Due to the decline of power exercised by the Latins in the eastern parts of their empire, several ambitious nobles in the south-eastern regions of present-day Lihnidos began to speak of rebellion and independence from the failing empire. In 1042, Count Eneas of Dosse declared himself as the new King of Xanthi as Baste I. His initial attempts at rallying support for his cause were not successful until another powerful noble in the region, Count Gyuri of Pavleira, pledged his forces to the newly declared king. Reaction from the Latin Emperor was swift as he declared the attempt at independence treasonous. The Latin forces in the newly independent lands attempted to squash the rebellion, but were defeated at the Battle of Lame. The defeat at Lame required further Latin forces to march from the north if any attempt at putting down the rebellion was to succeed. During the time Latin forces required to arrive in the south, much of the southern nobility, who still descended from previous Xanthi nobles, had declared their support to the newly declared king. In February of 1043, Latin and Xanthi forces clashed once again at the Battle of Caleira, only for the Latin forces to once again be defeated by the Xanthi forces that outnumbered that of the Latins. Four months later in June, the Latin Emperor refused to send further troops south, effectively ceding control to the new King of Xanthi.


Following the successful bid for independence in the lands to the south, Lord Paramount Teodors of Ithaca began planning his own exit from the Latin Empire. The defeat of Latin forces at the [[Battle of Saint-Nazaire]], a major setback for the empire, bolstered hopes that independence from the Latin Empire would be a simple event. Making contact with the Emperor of the Holy Audonian Empire, [[Emperor of Audonia|Emperor]] Adalbet I, Teodors began discussions of pledging fealty to the emperor of the rivaling empire. By 1050, Teodors had garnered enough support from his advisors and other nobles in the region to formally declare his independence from the Latin Empire and intention to join the Holy Audonian Empire. Teodors quickly declared himself Teodors I of Ithaca before swearing fealty to the Audonian Emperor. The Latin Emperor, having recently suffered a massive defeat at the hands of the Audonians, relinquished control of the large part of his empire without any attempts to take it back by force.
===City-states and unification===
The end of the regional conflicts and transition into a more stable society happened around 900 BC with the creation of numerous city-states across southern Lihnidos. Hellenic city-states stretched as far west as the Latin peninsula and as far east as Tarsas. Many of these city-states were prosperous centers where the arts and sciences were allowed to flourish.
[[File:Taormina BW 2012-10-05 16-05-05.jpg|220px|right|thumb|A Hellenic theater in Xanthi]]
The most successful city-state in Lihnidos was the city-state of Xanthi that was located on the western coast of Boeotia. Xanthi was the first city-state in Lihnidos to adopt a democratic form of government while many others were ruled as aristocracies or some form of military dictatorship. Xanthi society, varying from its counterparts, put it at a disadvantage in matters of war and there are several instances where it is believed that Xanthi was almost captured by hostile powers.


The last of present-day Lihnidos to break away from the Latin Empire and gain its independence was the Kingdom of Messenia in western Lihnidos. At the time, Messenia was the farthest point east for the Latin Empire in Belisaria. The significant decline of the Latin Empire militarily and recent loses in territory created a perception of weakness that prompted further discontent and insurrections in the east. Within the span of the first six months of 1054 several nobles in Messenia declared their independence from the Latin Empire. By the end of the year, the rebellious nobles collectively submitted to Asklepios I of Messenia, forming the Kingdom of Messenia and taking a large section of the eastern region of the Latin Empire.
By 450 BC war was common between varying city-states due to no unifying ideology or goal. During this period there was a significant decrease in the development of sciences and arts as many city-states began to suffer from constant war. The ongoing disputes led to a breaking point around 360 BC when the leaders of Xanthi called for an assembly of leaders from the most prominent and powerful city-states at the time in an attempt to cease the hostilities. The proposal did not gain traction until three years later in 357 BC when several smaller city-states that had not been previously considered proposed the assembly of leaders once again. The increased interest from smaller city-states and Xanthi, which at the time, despite its non-military culture, was one of the more powerful military powers in the region, prompted remaining holdouts who were against such a meeting to accept. The assembly took place in 356 BC in Xanthi. The assembly of city-state leaders brought many concerns, as many of the militaristic city-states believed the assembly to be a ploy by the smaller city-states to eliminate their leadership. Because of this belief, four different city-states brought military contingents that camped outside of the walls of Xanthi for the duration of the assembly. While the exact number of troops camped outside the city was not recorded, writings from people in the city point to a total troop count in the tens of thousands.
[[File:Alexander and Bucephalus - Battle of Issus mosaic - Museo Archeologico Nazionale - Naples BW.jpg|220px|left|thumb|Hyeligeneian leader Anastasius, whose conquest resulted in the formation of the Kingdom of Xanthi]]
The assembly is believed to have lasted for two weeks as leaders from the city-states debated and negotiated peace. The result of the assembly led to the creation of a confederacy of city-states that would promote mutual defense and resource sharing. The fragile attempt to stop the wars appeared to succeed until 156 BC when the city-state of Hyeligeneia accused the city-state of Aigane of planing war against them. The two were quickly drawn into war as Hyeligeneia marched on the city of Aigane. The war drew other city-states into the fighting and, despite the best efforts of some members of the confederacy, it collapsed shortly after. The fighting led to Hyeligeneia conquering a number of city-states in central Lihnidos and eventually the leadership turned its wrath to Xanthi. In 154 BC Xanthi fell to the Hyeligeneian military. By the time Xanthi had been conquered, a majority of the land in southern Lihnidos was under Hyeligeneian control. Following Xanthi's conquering, the leader of Hyeligeneia proclaimed himself king, using the name of the most recently conquered city-state as his kingdom. The Kingdom of Xanthi under Anastasius I quickly took control of much of what is today the provinces of Boeotia, Serres, Kilkis, Thasos, Pieria, Evros, and Chania.


===First Lihnidosi Empire===
===Latin Empire and independence===
The First Lihnidosi Empire was declared in Empress Theodora I in 1675 in the capital city of Xanthi. The declaration followed the conquering of the Kingdom of Ithaca by Theodora I, who prior to declaring herself Empress had been the Queen of Thasos (formerly the Kingdom of Xanthi.) The Kingdom of Ithaca had broken away from the Holy Audonian Empire in 1641 under Yorgos II of Ithaca following [insert event/reason here]. The Ithacan Kingdom remained independent for thirty years before Theodora II of Thasos declared war on Oceanus I of Ithaca in 1671. Ithaca had undergone a dynasty change in 1644 when [[House of Vasiliou|House Vasiliou]] usurped the throne from House Pagonis. Due to this, several of the vassals of Oceanus I were discontent and still acclimating to the new leadership. Despite being the larger and arguably the militaryily superior kingdom, the Ithacan capital in Cephalonia was captured in 1674 by Thasan forces. Oceanus I's capitulation followed suit and Theodora II claimed the Kingdom of Ithaca for herself. She held the two titles for a short time until March of 1675 when she declared the first empire and restored Oceanus I to his position as King of Ithaca as a vassal king.
The Kingdom of Xanthi continued to expand further east until around 60 AD when it had conquered much of present day western and central Lihnidos. Expansion was halted between 59 and 62 AD when the Latin Empire to the west began to expand further east, encroaching on Xanthi territory. The Latins launched their first invasion into Xanthi territory around 64 AD and quickly moved east, easily defeating the inferior Xanthi military forces. Xanthi military forces attempted several times to halt the Latin move east, but failed to do so on almost all occasions. Xanthi, also the name for the capital of the kingdom, fell in 67 AD and saw the death of the reigning monarch at the time, Anastasius II. Anastasius' death left the kingdom without clear leadership for the remaining years of the invasions as his immediate heirs also died during the war.


Much changed in the first ten years of the empire. In 1677 Empress Theodora I unilaterally changed all inheritance law throughout the empire to only allow females to inherit titles. All male vassals, including King Oceanus I of Ithaca, were forced to abdicate to a female family member or relinquish their title to the crown. Inheritance to the throne of the empire was changed from strict primogeniture to a system that allowed the Empress to select her heir. The change was followed by several small revolts in which male vassals refused to abdicate or relinquish their titles. The rebels were quickly put down by Theodora I's forces and all former vassals were executed and their titles revoked from those who would have inherited them after their death. Seven years later in 1684, Theodora moved the capital of the Empire from Xanthi to Arcadia, where she had ordered the construction of a new palace years prior.
The Latin military had defeated the last pockets of resistance in the east by 70 AD. Historical records suggest that Latin military strength was far superior to that of the Kingdom of Xanthi. The ten year time frame of the invasions was significantly longer than historical evidence suggests it could have been. The lengthy period was likely a result of the Latin Empire's attempt to incorporate and assimilate those from Xanthi into their culture, with the Latins taking several several-month-long breaks between periods of expansion into Xanthi.


In 1688, King Cronus IV of Messenia, under threat of invasion, willingly entered the Empire as a vassal kingdom. He immediately abdicated, allowing his first daughter to ascend to the throne as Andromeda I of Messenia. The expansion of the Empire further west completed the conquest of the former Latin territories that had gained their independence from 1043-1054. Messenia's entrance into the Empire occurred two years after Theodora I had died at the age of eighty. Empress Hyacinthe I, sixty-one at the time of Messenia's entrance, continued to reign for another twenty-five years before passing at the age of eighty-six. Following the death of Hyacinthe I, her second daughter ascended to the throne as Maria I. Maria I, not burdened by the desire for further expansion of the Empire, oversaw a time of prosperity in the Empire as the quality of life of the average subject in the Empire increased. Economic expansion and increased relations with the empires surrounding Lihnidos allowed for the military to participate in public works projects that improved the lives of many.
Latin rule over Xanthi territory lasted for approximately 500 years from 70 to 565 AD. During this time Latin culture and language was widely accepted as the norm and present throughout much of what had been the Kingdom of Xanthi. Despite this there were still holdouts among the Xanthi nobility that sought independence and held on to old traditions and language.


===Lihnidosi Civil War===
===Hellenic Empire===
Following the death of Empress Maria I in 1725, her first daughter ascended the throne as Maria II. Unlike her mother, her time as Empress was not a time of prosperity. Twenty-three years into her reign there were several consecutive years of bad harvests throughout the empire. Increased trade with foreign empires for foodstuffs required less funding to be allocated to public works and the military was increasingly used to keep peace throughout the Empire as several areas began to see increasing unrest. Many laid the blame on the Empress at the time, causing her popularity among the common people and the nobility to decrease.


The unrest in the Empire continued until its breaking point in 1752. On 15 July 1752, Empress Maria II and her husband Emperor Consort Andre were assassinated in the throne room of the Imperial Palace in Arcadia. The assassinations were carried out by a contingent of imperial guardsmen who entered the throne room during a session of court and barred the doors. While guardsmen loyal to the Empress attempted to enter the throne room, the rebelling guardsmen assassinated Maria II and her husband along with all of the attending courtiers. Shortly after the assassinations were carried out, guardsmen loyal to the Empress managed to enter the throne room and killed the perpetrators. Throughout the palace other rebelling guardsmen also killed the children of Maria II, leaving no clear heir to the throne. As the Empress and her designated heir were both dead, the throne sat vacant.


Shortly after the news of the deaths of the Imperial Family spread through the Empire, Queen Konstantina III of Ithaca declared her intention to claim the throne. Several vassals who had remained loyal to the deceased Empress and her house contested the claim, asserting that Konstantina had no right the throne. Following Konstantina's claim, Queen Honna II of Messenia declared her support for Konstantina's claim. Those still contesting Konstantina's claim attempted to prevent Konstantina from claiming the throne, plunging the Empire into a civil war that lasted for less than a year. Konstantina's Ithacan forces, backed by forces from Messenia, were able to quickly dispatch the dissenters and install Konstantina as the new Empress of Lihnidos as Konstantina I of Lihnidos.
===Lihnidosi Empire===


During the war and after, several who had been close to Maria II insisted that Konstantina and Honna were behind the assassinations and that the imperial guardsmen who had carried out the attack were operation on orders from the two queens. The accusations were never proven.


===Second Lihnidosi Empire===
===Recent history===
Konstantina I of Lihnidos declared the creation of the Second Lihnidosi Empire in 1753 after ascending to the throne. Konstantina claimed the title Queen of Thasos which had also been held by Maria II, and shortly after becoming Empress revoked the title Queen of Messenia from Honna II. Despite her support for Konstantina and her claim, Honna was unable to keep her title and was instead created the Grand Duchess of Messenia. All kingdom level titles were absorbed into the crown, and Konstantina announced by imperial decree that the highest level vassal title under her rule would be grand duchess. Konstantina's rule only lasted another two years until her death in 1755. Her first daughter ascended to the throne after her death and took the name Athanasia I of Lihnidos.


Reforms began under Empress Selene I who was the first Empress to institute a system of representation for the populace in for form of an elected  council of advisors in 1785 who would assist her in decision making on domestic policy. The creation of the council led to the creation of the National Assembly in 1839 following the dissolution of the previously named High Commoner Council. The National Assembly began overseeing matters of law and government funding under the newly created position of Prime Minister. Following the abolition of the High Commoner Council, Konstantina ordered the formation of the [[Matriarch Council of Lihnidos|Matriarch Council]] to act as a body of advisors. The Council was comprised of the heads of the remaining noble families of Lihnidos who still held a title of Duchess or higher. While holding no true government role, the Council still holds sway in the formation of government policy due to its role in advising the monarch.
==Geography==
[[File:Mytikas.jpg|220px|right|thumb|Mount Elenae features the highest point in Lihnidos]]
Lihnidos is located in southern Belisaria. Lihnidos is an island nation, meaning that it shares no land borders. However, Lihnidos shares maritime borders with Garima to the north and Vannois to the west. The Periclean Sea surrounds Lihnidos from the south-west to the north-east, with the Zarelis Strait running between Lihnidos and Garima and Vannois. Lihnidos covers roughly 484,300 km2, or roughly 187,000 square miles. Of the total area, approximately three percent is water in the form of lakes and rivers. Lihnidos is comprised of sixty-six islands, including the main island, and hundreds is islets.


The Second Lihnidosi Empire continues to the present day under House Vasiliou. The current Empress, Stella II is the eleventh Vasiliou Empress and the fifteenth Empress of Lihnidos.
Terrain in Lihnidos varies from the shores of the islands to the northwestern Pelea Mountains. The highest point in Lihnidos is Mount Elenae at 2,813 meters, or 9,229 feet. There are extensive plains in the eastern regions of the country that comprise much of the country's arable land. Many of the small islands in southern Lihnidos have hilly or even mountainous terrain.


===Recent History===
===Climate===
==Geography==
[[File:Ionian_sea_islands,_pic6.JPG|220px|right|thumb|Mainland Lihnidos and several small islands]]
Lihnidos is located on the southern part of the continent of Belisaria. Lihnidos borders [[Latium]] to the west, [[Fabria-Poveglia]] to the south-west, [[Vannois]] and [[Lyncanestria]] to the north, and shares a maritime border with [[Eagleland]] to the east. The western half of the nation is primarily hills and mountains, with a large mountain range spanning part of the border between Lihnidos and Lyncanestria. The eastern half of the nation, while also having hilly regions, is primarily flat, especially along the coast. The flat eastern part of the country has a large coastline with the Perliclean Sea, with the southern half of the coast opening directly into the sea and the northern half of the coast opening into a strait between Lihnidos and Eagleland. Lihnidos holds control over the four Samos Islands off the southern coast of Boeotia. In the center of the country lies a large freshwater lake that is larger than the individual provinces of Pieria, Evros, and Serres.
The primary climate of Lihnidos is the Mediterranian climate, more specifically the hot-summer Mediterranean climate. This type of climate typically features hot summers and mild, wet winters. It is possible for some regions within this climate to experience chilly winters and snowfall, however that is rare in Lihnidos. The hot-summer Mediterranean climate occurs at all southern islands and all southern coastal locations in Lihnidos. Some northeastern regions of Lihnidos are classified as having a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, which experience warm and dry summers with wet and mild to chilly winters.


<gallery mode=packed heights=100 style="font-size:88%;line-height:120%">
The mountainous regions of Lihnidos in the northwest feature a temperate climate and, in some areas, an alpine climate. The temerate climate experiences hot and dry summers with cold and wet winters. The alpine climate can experience heavy snowfall in the winter months. These regions are primarily within and around the Pelea Mountains in the provinces of Lasithi, Chania, and Piraeus.
File:Shipwreck Beach - Western coast of Zakynthos, Greece (12).jpg|A small bay on the Kilkis coast.
File:Stymfalia-north 2006.jpg|Much of the eastern part of the country have lands good for farming.
File:Vai R05.jpg|Coast of Ialara, one of the Samos Islands.
File:Lake Superior North Shore(v2).jpg|Cliffs near Arta on Lake Poseidia.
File:Mont Blanc oct 2004.JPG|Mount Boraros, the highest mountain in the Álpeis, from the Lihnidos side.
File:Vatheia Mani 01.JPG|Small houses along the southern coast of the Boeotia peninsula.
</gallery>
===Climate===
There are a number of climate zones in Lihnidos when using the Köppen climate classification system. The southern coastal regions of Lihnidos are characterized as having a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild, wet winters. The conditions in the center and western half of the country can be characterized as halving an oceanic climate with warm summers and cool winters. The mountainous region on the border of Lihnidos and Lyncanestria can be characterized as a subarctic or tundra climate, especially in the higher elevations on the mountains. Snowfall is common along the border of Lyncanestria in the mountainous regions in the fall and winter months, while less common in the other parts of the country. Snowfall is less common but still typical in the central parts of the country while less common in the southern regions where rain is the norm.


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
===Population===
===Population===
According to the 2014 census conducted by the Ministry of Local and Regional Governance, the population of Lihnidos at the time was 71,394,929. With continued immigration, emigration, and new births, it is estimated that the current population is roughly 72,420,744, only an increase of slightly over one million. Lihnidos's estimated population of over seventy-two million makes it the fourth largest nation on Belisaria by population, only behind [[Vannois]], [[Arthurista]], and the [[Allamunnic States]]. According to the 2014 census, a vast majority of the population identify themselves as Lihnidosi nationals, with 77.5% doing so. The second largest group of individuals are those who identify themselves as [[Latium|Latin]], which account for 16.4% of the population. The majority of the remaining 6.1% come from other Belisarian countries including Vannois, [[Lyncanestria]], and [[Eagleland]], while some others come from non-Belisarian countries such as [[Sydalon]], [[Belfras]], and [[Ghant]]. The racial makeup of the population is homogeneous in the aspect that 96.2% of the population identify as Caucasian. The other primary racial groups in Lihnidos are Scipian at 1.9%, Oxidental at 1.5%, and Ochran at 0.4%.
According to the 2014 census conducted by the Ministry of Local and Regional Governance, the population of Lihnidos at the time was 71,394,929. With continued immigration, emigration, deaths, and new births, it is estimated that the current population is roughly 72.5 million, only an increase of slightly over one million. Lihnidos's estimated population of over seventy-two million makes it the fifth largest nation on Belisaria by population, behind [[Liothidia]], [[Arthurista]], [[Latium]], and [[Ottonia]]. According to the 2014 census, a vast majority of the population identify as Lihnidosi, with 87.3% doing so. The second largest group of individuals are those who identify as Vannoisian, which account for roughly five percent of the population. The majority of the remaining eight percent come from other Belisarian countries including [[Garima]], [[Lyncanestria]], and [[Latium]], while some others come from non-Belisarian countries such as [[Sydalon]], [[Belfras]], and [[Tarsas]]. The racial makeup of the population is homogeneous in the aspect that 96.2% of the population identify as Caucasian. The other primary racial groups in Lihnidos are Scipian at 1.9%, Oxidental at 1.5%, and Ochran at 0.4%.


====Largest Cities====
====Largest Cities====
A majority of the population live in rural areas opposed to urban areas like large towns and cities. Only three cities in Lihnidos have populations over one million: [[Ikaria]], [[Arcadia (city)|Arcadia]], and [[Xanthi]] All three cities have deep historical significance and hold a special role in the nation. Ikaria, often considered the financial capital of Lihnidos, has served as home to the headquarters of many of Lihnidos's largest businesses, both domestic and foreign. Arcadia, the capital of Lihnidos, has served as the seat of the government since 1753. Xanthi, the original capital of the empire served as the capital of the Xanthi Confederation of City-States, the Kingdom of Xanthi, and the First Empire of Lihnidos until 1753. Due to its historic role, it is often deemed the cultural capital of the nation. Close behind the top three cities is [[Cephalonia]], which ranks fourth with a population only slightly under one million. After Cephalonia the populations of the largest cities begins to drop significantly.
A majority of the population live in rural areas opposed to urban areas like large towns and cities. Only three cities in Lihnidos have populations over one million: [[Ikaria (Lihnidos)|Ikaria]], [[Arcadia (Lihnidos)|Arcadia]], and [[Xanthi (Lihnidos)|Xanthi]]. All three cities have deep historical significance and hold a special role in the nation. Ikaria, often considered the financial capital of Lihnidos, has served as home to the headquarters of many of Lihnidos's largest businesses, both domestic and foreign. Arcadia, the capital of Lihnidos, serves as the seat of the government. Xanthi, the original capital of the empire, served as the capital of the Xanthi Confederation of City-States, the Kingdom of Xanthi, and the early Empire of Lihnidos. Due to its historic role, it is often deemed the cultural capital of the nation. Close behind the top three cities is [[Cephalonia (Lihnidos)|Cephalonia]], which ranks fourth with a population only slightly under one million. After Cephalonia the populations of the largest cities begins to drop significantly.
{{Template:Largest Cities in Lihnidos}}
{{Template:Largest Cities in Lihnidos}}


====Provinces====
====Provinces====
Lihnidos is divided into twenty provinces, each of a different size and population. The borders of each province are partially based on the borders of the historic duchies that comprised the three kingdoms of Lihnidos in its medieval history. Serres is the largest province by population, but the second smallest by land area. With over eight million people, it holds over eleven percent of the population of the nation, over a fourth of which live in the capital city of the province, Ikaria. Many of the provinces are close in terms of population, with half having a population of between three and four million.
Lihnidos is divided into twenty provinces, each of a different size and population. The borders of each province are partially based on the borders of the historic duchies that comprised the three kingdoms of Lihnidos in its medieval history. Serres is the largest province by population, but one of the smallest by land area. With over eight million people, it holds over eleven percent of the population of the nation, over a fourth of which live in the capital city of the province, Ikaria. Many of the provinces are close in terms of population, with half having a population of between three and four million.
{{Template:Lihnidosi Provinces}}
{{Template:Lihnidosi Provinces}}


===Religion===
===Religion===
[[File:ArcadiaCathedral.jpg|200px|left|thumb|The Cathedral of Saint John is the largest cathedral in Lihnidos.]]
[[File:ArcadiaCathedral.jpg|200px|left|thumb|The Cathedral of Saint John is the largest cathedral in Lihnidos.]]
Religion is held sacrosanct in Lihnidos and the intermingling of church and state is often criticized by those who believe that religion should not be present in government. The majority of individuals in Lihnidos describe themselves as adherents of {{wp|Roman Catholic Church|Fabrian Catholicism}}. While Lihnidos does not have a state religion, a number of prominent government officials and nobility are followers of the faith and therefore occasionally may make decisions that follow the teachings of the church. Over forty-four million individuals in Lihnidos identify as Fabrian Catholic, accounting for almost sixty-two percent of the population.
Religion is held sacrosanct in Lihnidos and the intermingling of church and state is often criticized by those who believe that religion should not be present in government. The majority of individuals in Lihnidos describe themselves as adherents of {{wp|Roman Catholic Church|Fabrian Catholicism}}. While Lihnidos does not have a state religion, a number of prominent government officials and nobility are followers of the faith and therefore occasionally may make decisions that follow the teachings of the church. Over thirty-six million individuals in Lihnidos identify as Fabrian Catholic, accounting for almost fifty-two percent of the population.


The second largest religion in Lihnidos is [[Alban Christianity]], which while far behind Fabrian Catholicism, has a significant following in Lihnidos. Almost seventeen million individuals identify as Alban Christian, which accounts for another twenty-three percent of the population. Other religious groups are not as prominent in the nation, with almost seven percent of the population describing themselves as Christians that do not follow either Alban Christianity or Fabrian Catholicism. Those who have no faith or who do not describe themselves as Christians comprise slightly more than eight percent of the population.
The second largest religion in Lihnidos is [[Alban Christianity]], which while far behind Fabrian Catholicism, has a significant following in Lihnidos. Almost seventeen million individuals identify as Alban Christian, which accounts for another twenty-three percent of the population. Other religious groups are not as prominent in the nation, with almost seven percent of the population describing themselves as Christians that do not follow either Alban Christianity or Fabrian Catholicism. Those who have no faith or who do not describe themselves as Christians comprise almost nineteen percent of the population.
{{Pie chart
{{Pie chart
| thumb = right
| thumb = right
Line 207: Line 204:
| other =  
| other =  
| label1 ={{wp|Roman Catholic Church|Fabrian Catholic}}
| label1 ={{wp|Roman Catholic Church|Fabrian Catholic}}
| value1 =61.9
| value1 =51.3
| color1 =gold
| color1 =gold
| label2 =[[Alban Christianity|Alban Christian]]
| label2 =[[Alban Christianity|Alban Christian]]
Line 216: Line 213:
| color3 =navy
| color3 =navy
| label4 =Other religions or no faith
| label4 =Other religions or no faith
| value4 =8.3
| value4 =18.9
| color4 =grey
| color4 =grey
}}
}}
Prior to Fabrian Catholicism and Alban Christianity being the predominant faiths in Lihnidos, a large number of Lihnidosi practiced a form of polytheistic paganism. This paganism varied in several parts of what is now Lihnidos, but many of the different sects had enough similarities that they could collectively be referred to as one religion. The ancient religion was present in every part of an individuals life and had an extensive mythology that caused followers to see works of the gods in almost everything. Alban Christianity began to take hold in Lihnidos in the 2nd century as it became the dominant faith in the neighboring Latin Empire. Spreading from west to east, the teachings of the Albian church attracted several who were dissatisfied with the teachings of the dominant pagan religion at the time. By the early fourth century Albian Christianity had a substantial following across the Kingdom of Xanthi. In 413 AD the Latin Empire began invasions into the western areas of the Kingdom of Xanthi and by 457 AD had integrated almost all of what had been the Kingdom of Xanthi into the Latin Empire. During and following the invasions Alban Christianity was the state faith of the Latin Empire, which resulted in a push by the Latin leadership to convert to Alban Christianity. Following independence and the creation of Fabrian Catholicism after its split from the Albran church, Fabrian Catholicism slowly rose to become the dominant religion in the empire
Prior to Fabrian Catholicism and Alban Christianity being the predominant faiths in Lihnidos, a large portion of Lihnidosi practiced a form of polytheistic paganism. This paganism varied in several parts of what is now Lihnidos, but many of the different sects had enough similarities that they could collectively be referred to as one religion. The ancient religion was present in every part of an individuals life and had an extensive mythology that caused followers to see works of the gods in almost everything. Alban Christianity began to take hold in Lihnidos in the 2nd century as it became the dominant faith in the neighboring Latin Empire. Spreading from west to east, the teachings of the Albian church attracted several who were dissatisfied with the teachings of the dominant pagan religion at the time. By the early fourth century Albian Christianity had a substantial following across the Kingdom of Xanthi. Under the reign of Latin Emperor Iovinus, Alban Christianity was made the state faith of the Latin Empire. Paganism was banned, and a renewed effort was put into converting nonbelievers. Later, during the reign of Constantine I, Fabrian Catholicism began to overtake Alban Christianity, eventually becoming the majority religion.


The amount of those who identify as not following any religion has risen slightly over the years. In 2004 the percentage of individuals who identified as atheist or agnostic was 3.8%. Ten years later in 2014 the percentage had risen to 5.2%. The rise in those who do not identify with any religion has been accompanied by a decrease in church attendance rates in the nation. A survey conducted in 2016 showed that, out of those who consider themselves religion, only 58% attended mass regularly, while 30% only attended on holidays and 12% had not attended a church service in the last year. Church attendance rates have been a concern of clergy members in every religion in the nation, and the Fabrian Archbishop of Arcadia acknowledged in 2017 that people were less likely to attend mass currently due to a shift in the culture of the nation and attitude towards religion in general.
The amount of those who identify as not following any religion has risen slightly over the years. In 2004 the percentage of individuals who identified as atheist or agnostic was approximately seven percent. Ten years later in 2014 the percentage had risen to over ten percent. The rise in those who do not identify with any religion has been accompanied by a decrease in church attendance rates in the nation. A survey conducted in 2016 showed that, out of those who consider themselves religion, only 58% attended mass regularly, while 30% only attended on holidays and 12% had not attended a church service in the last year. Church attendance rates have been a concern of clergy members in every religion in the nation, and the Fabrian Archbishop of Arcadia acknowledged in 2017 that people were less likely to attend mass currently due to a shift in the culture of the nation and attitude towards religion in general.


===Ethnic Groups===
===Ethnic Groups===
Lihnidosi is the majoirity ethnic group in Lihnidos, with 77.5% of the population identifying as such on the 2014 census. Alongside the Lihnidosi, Latins are the largest minority group, making up 16.4% of the population. Those who identify as Latin primarily reside in the western parts of the nation, with the largest percentages living in the provinces of Messenia and Corinthia. Messenia boasts the highest percentage of Latins living in the nation due to its position as the only province bordering the [[Latin Empire]]. The large percentage of those who identify as Latin is often contributed to the almost six centuries that present-day Lihnidos was under the control of the Latin Empire from 457 AD to 1054 AD. While the entirety of the country was at one point under Latin rule and therefore exposed to Latin culture, the majority of the areas that are still accustomed to the Latin traditions and cultures are in the west while the traditional Hellenic customs are customary in the eastern part of the nation.
Lihnidosi is the majoirity ethnic group in Lihnidos, with 87.3% of the population identifying as such on the 2014 census. Alongside the Lihnidosi, Vannoisians are the largest minority group, making up roughly five percent of the population. Those who identify as Vannoisian primarily reside in the western parts of the nation, with the largest percentages living in the provinces of Evrytania and Lasithi. Lasithi boasts the highest percentage of Vannoisians living in the nation. Another large ethnic group living in Lihnidos are Latins. The large percentage of those who identify as Latin is often contributed to the almost six centuries that present-day Lihnidos was under the control of the Latin Empire. While the entirety of the country was at one point under Latin rule and therefore exposed to Latin culture, the majority of the areas that are still accustomed to the Latin traditions and cultures are in the east.


There is an additional 6.1% of the population that do not identify as either Lihnidosi or Latin. This percentage is primarily comprised of individuals who identify as [[Vannois|Vannosian]], [[Lyncanestria|Lyncanestrian]], or [[Eagleland|Eaglelander]]. Due to Lihnidos's membership in the [[Belisarian Community]] and involvement in the Laennes Area, it has been easy for individuals from the neighboring nations to enter the country and establish permanent residence or achieve citizenship. Of the 6.1%, 1.8% identify as ethnic Vannosian, 1.3% as ethnic Lyncanestiran, and 0.8% as ethnic Eaglelander. The remaining 2.2% are primarily comprised of ethnic [[Sydalon|Sydalene]], [[Belfras|Belfrasian]], and [[Ghant|Ghantish]].
There is an additional five percent of the population that do not identify as either Lihnidosi, Vannoisian, or Latin. This percentage is primarily comprised of individuals who identify as [[Garima|Gariman]], [[Lyncanestria|Lyncanestrian]], or [[Tarsas|Tarsan]]. Due to Lihnidos's membership in the [[Belisarian Community]] and involvement in the Laennes Area, it has been easy for individuals from the neighboring nations to enter the country and establish permanent residence or achieve citizenship.


===Languages===
===Languages===
The two dominant languages in Lihnidos are [[Hellenic language|Hellenic]] and [[Sorrentian Latin language|Latin]]. Both are official languages of the nation, although Hellenic is more widely spoken. Hellenic is the first language of approximately 80% of the nation while Latin falls behind at approximately 17%. The language of the government is primarily Hellenic, although all documents are translated to Latin. Latin is spoken mostly in the western half of the nation, although many in the east are able to speak fluent Latin. Latin is the primary secondary language taught in primary and secondary education, and a survey taken in 2012 indicates that over half of university-level students are "confident in their ability to understand and converse in Latin." Other languages that are somewhat prominent at the university level are Audonais, a language spoken in both Lyncanestria and Vannois, as well as English.
The two dominant languages in Lihnidos are [[Hellenic language|Hellenic]] and [[Standard Latin language|Latin]]. Hellenic is the only official language of the nation. Hellenic is the first language of approximately 80% of the nation while Latin falls behind at approximately 27%. The language of the government is primarily Hellenic, although all documents are translated to Latin. Latin is the primary secondary language taught in primary and secondary education, and a survey taken in 2012 indicates that over half of university-level students are "confident in their ability to understand and converse in Latin." Another language that is somewhat prominent at the university level is Audonais, a language spoken in both Lyncanestria and Vannois.
 
==Government and Politics==
===Monarch===
{{Main|Monarchy of Lihnidos}}
As an executive constitutional monarchy, the head of state of Lihnidos is the Empress of Lihnidos. The Empress retains a significant amount of political and executive power in the Constitution of Lihnidos. As the head of the executive branch of the government, the Empress has the ability to appoint and dismiss individuals in the executive branch. She also has the ability to write Imperial Directives that, while not laws, can direct specific actions of the government, most commonly in the executive branch. The Empress also has the authority to appoint a Prime Minister after a candidate has been nominated by the National Assembly. If the candidate does not receive the approval of the monarch, the National Assembly would be forced to nominate another individual for the position. This power is granted to her due to her position as the Imperatoria Vilicus, or the Imperial Overseer, of the National Assembly. That position also allows her to effectively veto legislation by refusing imperial assent and to dissolve the National Assembly after consultation with the Prime Minister. As the head of state, the monarch also has the authority over foreign affairs and is the only individuals to represent Lihnidos abroad unless another is given her permission, which is granted following an appointment to certain positions in the Foreign Ministry or an ambassadorship.
[[File:StellaVasiliou.jpg|150px|right|thumb|The current Empress, [[Stella II of Lihnidos|Stella II]], who has reigned since 27 November 2007.]]
Currently, following a change to the succession laws by Empress Theodora I in 1677, only females are eligible to inherit titles. All males have been deemed ineligible and are unable to hold or be granted a title other than that of a consort. The Empress has the ability to change succession law at her discretion.
 
The monarchy traces back to the early Empresses of the First Lihnidosi Empire that was founded in 1675 AD by Empress Theodora I of House Laskaris. Prior to founding the First Empire, Theodora ruled as the Queen of Thasos during the time of the three kingdoms. At the time, the Kingdom of Thasos, Kingdom of Ithaca, and Kingdom of Messenia were independently ruled kingdoms that formed following their independence from the Latin Empire. The formation of the First Empire followed the invasion of the Kingdom of Ithaca by the armies of the Kingdom of Thasos. The war lasted for roughly three years before the capitulation of King Oceanus I. Following his capitulation, Theodora formed the Empire and permitted Ithaca to remain as a vassal kingdom rather than taking the title for herself. The First Empire lasted for seventy-eight years before the founding of the Second Empire of Lihnidos. The collapse of the First Empire was a result of poor leadership and declining popularity in the Empress at the time, Maria II. In 1752, Empress Maria II was assassinated in the Imperial Palace in Arcadia alongside her husband and a number of courtiers by a contingent of rouge Imperial Guardsmen. The empty throne, a result of the death of the Empress and her heirs, was quickly claimed by the Queen of Ithaca, Konstantina III of Ithaca. After a civil war that lasted for less than a year, Konstantina was crowned the Empress of Lihnidos as Konstantina I.
 
The current Empress, [[Stella II of Lihnidos|Stella II]], is still of the same house as that of Konstantina I. [[House of Vasiliou|House Vasiliou]] has held the throne since the beginning of the reign of Konstantina I in 1753. The popularity of the monarchy has remained high among the citizenry, with most monarchs having steady approval ratings in the high fifties to mid sixties. The only monarch to have a lower approval rating than the norm was Teresa I, who earned an approval rating that averaged in the mid forties due to her outspoken nature in regards to her political beliefs. Despite their significant political power, most Empresses opt to remain out of political affairs as much as possible.


===Prime Minister===
==Politics==
{{Main|Prime Minister of Lihnidos}}
{{main|Politics of Lihnidos}}
[[File:Fotis Raptis2.png|150px|left|thumb|The current Prime Minister of Lihnidos, His Excellency [[Fotis Raptis]].]]
===Government===
The Prime Minister is the head of government and the second most prominent and influential member of the Lihnidosi government behind the Empress. While a constitutional monarchy, the Crown retains special abilities when it comes to the appointment of the Prime Minister and other government officials. Following a general election, the newly sworn in National Assembly will take a public vote in which each member is able to cast a ballot for who they wish to be Prime Minister. Typically, individual parties will select a person who they wish to act as the leader of the party, and that individual is who each party will vote for for the position of Prime Minister. After one person receives a majority of the votes in the National Assembly, the candidate for Prime Minister will attend an audience with the Empress in which she will either appoint the person to the position of Prime Minister or decline their appointment. If the Empress declines to appoint the National Assembly's nominee for Prime Minister, the National Assembly will have to vote another time to appoint another person,
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; float:right; margin-right:9px; margin-left:2px;"
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[File:StellaVasiliou.jpg|140px]] || style="text-align:left;" | [[File:Fotis Raptis2.png|170px]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Stella II of Lihnidos|Stella II]]<br /><small>[[Monarchy of Lihnidos|Empress]] since 2007</small>
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Fotis Raptis]]<br /><small>[[Prime Minister of Lihnidos|Prime Minister]] since 2010</small>
|}
Lihnidos is a {{wpl|Unitary state|unitary}}, {{wpl|Parliamentary system|parliamentary}}, {{wpl|constitutional monarchy}}. The Lihnidosi political system is laid out in the 1877 constitution approved by the monarch at the time, [[Stella I of Lihnidos|Stella I]], that later underwent reforms in 1946. Further amendments to the constitution require a two-thirds majority in the [[National Assembly of Lihnidos|National Assembly]], as well as the approval of the monarch. The 1946 reforms strengthened the principle of separation of powers by increasing the powers of the legislature and lessening executive authority held by the monarch.


Following the appointment of a Prime Minister, the individual will recommend qualified individuals to be appointed to the [[Cabinet of Lihnidos|Cabinet of Ministers]] whom the Empress must also approve of. The Cabinet is currently comprised of eighteen secretaries of state, the Prime Minister, and eight other individuals who are officials in the ruling party or representatives of the monarch. While the Prime Minister is the head of government, the members of the Cabinet are tasked with carrying out the day to day operations of the ministries that they oversee. Cabinet secretaries and the Prime Minister will ordinarily answer questions during sessions of the National Assembly on their job performance.
The executive branch is led by the monarch, currently [[Monarchy of Lihnidos|Empress]] [[Stella II of Lihnidos|Stella II]]. The monarch is the {{wpl|head of state}} and exercises their executive power through the Office of the Emperor (or Empress), also known as the Imperial Offices. The monarch has representative responsibilities and powers and takes a significant role in establishing foreign policy. Each monarch begins their reign following the death of their predecessor. The monarch is considered to be the highest official in the Lihnidosi government.


Powers of the Prime Minister include recommending individuals for appointment to executive offices and advising the Empress on matters of state and government. The Prime Minister is also allowed to initiate the process of dissolving the National Assembly. By recommending the dissolution to the Empress, she is then able to make the final decision, and if approves, the National Assembly will be dissolved and a general election held.
The second-highest official in the Lihnidosi government is the [[Prime Minister of Lihnidos|Prime Minister]]. The current Prime Minister is [[Fotis Raptis]], who has led the government in the National Assembly since 2010. The Prime Minister is the official {{wpl|head of government}} and the legislative branch. Alongside their legislative duties, the Prime Minister exercises some executive power through their [[Cabinet of Lihnidos|Cabinet]]. The Prime Minister and Cabinet exercise executive power in conjunction with the monarch.
[[File:Lihnidos_National_Assembly_Building.jpg|300px|thumb|left|The National Assembly is the unicameral legislature of Lihnidos.]]
Legislative power is exercised by the [[National Assembly of Lihnidos|National Assembly]]. The National Assembly is elected through {{wpl|direct elections}} by {{wpl|first-past-the-post voting}}. Elections for the National Assembly are held a minimum of every four years. Representation for each province is determined by the province's population.


Prime Ministers will normally stay in office either until resignation or when their party loses the majority. If the National Assembly passes a Motion of No Confidence against the government the Prime Minister and entire Cabinet will be removed from office. It is uncommon for a Prime Minister to be forced out by their own party and almost unheard of for the Empress to force the resignation of a Prime Minister.
The current government is a minority government led by the [[Conservative-National Alliance (Lihnidos)|Conservative-National Alliance]] with the [[Populist People's Party (Lihnidos)|Populist People's Party]] in a {{wpl|confidence and supply}} agreement. Together, the Conservative-National Alliance and Populist People's Party hold a slim majority in the National Assembly. Since the creation of the National Assembly under the constitution in 1877 the Conservative-National Alliance has been one of the two major political parties that have dominated elected politics. The other major political party in Lihnidos is the [[Democratic Coalition (Lihnidos)|Democratic Coalition]]. Since the creation of the National Assembly, every Prime Minister has been a member of either the Conservative-National Alliance or Democratic Coalition.


===National Assembly===
===Law===
{{Main|National Assembly of Lihnidos}}
{{main|Judiciary of Lihnidos|Law of Lihnidos|Law enforcement in Lihnidos}}
The National Assembly has acted as the unicameral legislature in Lihnidos since its creation by constitutional amendment in 1803. Prior to its creation there was no legislature that represented the citizenry of the nation. Instead, there was a small, elected council that advised the Empress in matters of domestic policy named the "High Commoner Council." The council was first created in 1785 by Empress Hyacinthe II and slowly grew in power. The Council took part in drafting the first version of the Constitution of Lihnidos which solidified their power as a part of the government. In 1803 under Empress Selene I the Council submitted a draft amendment to the Constitution that created an additional part of the government, an elected legislature of one hundred individuals who would propose laws for the Council and Empress's approval. The Empress approved of the amendment and the first version of the National Assembly was created. The name National Assembly did not come into use until 1839 when the Empress abolished the High Commoner Council and transferred the duties that the Council previously fulfilled to the legislative body and increased its powers.
[[File:Consultation_room_1_of_the_Austrian_Constitutional_Court_01.jpg|275px|thumb|right|Justices of the Lihnidosi Constitutional Court deliberating]]
[[File:Lihnidos_National_Assembly_Building.jpg|250px|right|thumb|The National Assembly meets in Eleutherios Hall on Parliament Hill.]]
Lihnidosi law is based on {{wpl|Civil law (legal system)|civil law}}. The civil law system is based on codified principles that serve as a primary source for legal decisions. In Lihnidos, these principles are codified in the Lihnidosi Civil Code and the Lihnidosi Penal Code, which were adopted in 1877 under the first constitution of the empire. The Lihnidosi Civil Code was largely based off of the Athanasian Royal Laws established by [[Athanasios I of Lihnidos|Athanasios I]].
Today, the Empress holds the title Imperatoria Vilicusm, or Imperial Overseer, of the National Assembly and has a number of powers that can be exercised over the body. The de facto leader of the National Assembly is the Prime Minister, who is a man or woman who is chosen by the legislature and approved by the Empress. The 350 members of the National Assembly are representatives of individual constituencies, each with an average approximate population of 207,000. As a multiparty system, each National Assemblyperson is a member of one of the multiple national parties or an independent.  


The National Assembly holds authority over a number of functions of the government. The largest power of the National Assembly is its ability to decide upon the budget and other financial matters. All government spending must be approved by the National Assembly at the beginning of every year, and the allocated money must be used for what it was pledged to in the budget bill. The National Assembly may also pass other laws that it determines are adequately written and that do not violate the Constitution. Once bills are passed by the National Assembly they are sent to the Empress who must give imperial assent by signing the bills in order for them to become law. If the Empress refuses to sign the bill, thereby withholding imperial assent, the bill is effectively vetoed and does not become law. This power granted to the Empress makes her personal political views a factor in the drafting of legislation, and the government will typically ask for input from the Imperial Offices before submitting a draft bill for review by the National Assembly.
Law in Lihnidos is primarily divided into two areas: {{wpl|public law}} and {{wpl|private law}}. Public law includes several aspects of the relationship between the government and individuals, comprising {{wpl|constitutional law}}, {{wpl|administrative law}}, {{wpl|tax law}}, and others. Private law primarily deals with the relationship between individuals. The Lihnidosi judiciary is divided into two different courts to deal with these issues. The general courts deal with criminal and civil trials, while the courts of public law deal with administrative and constitutional law.


The National Assembly is divided into twenty different committees that will review and debate bills before they are sent to the full National Assembly for a vote. Each committee specializes in a specific topic and are able to exercise a number of roles. Before bills are voted on by the committee, amendments are permitted to be added by the committee and revisions are able to be made. A simple majority on the committee will send it to the full National Assembly for a vote. Committees are also able to begin inquiries into actions taken by the government. This may include subpoenaing evidence or calling witnesses to testify before the committee. Each committee has a varying number of members of the National Assembly led by a chairman or chairwoman.
The government of Lihnidos recognizes no religion as a state religion and promotes {{wpl|freedom of religion}} and {{wpl|freedom of speech}}. Despite this, the clear religious majority in Lihnidos has resulted in numerous laws that are aimed at upholding {{wpl|public decency}} and that are based off of {{wpl|religious law}}. These laws have been widely used to limit the freedoms of LGBT individuals and other minority groups and place limits on speech.


===Elections===
===Administrative divisions===
Elections in Lihnidos take place on the second Friday in October. During this day, citizens have the ability, if registered, to travel to their designated polling locations and cast a ballot for a number of elected offices. The most notable elections in Lihnidos are elections for the National Assembly, during which the entire 350 seats of the legislature are up for reelection. Elections for the National Assembly happen every four years, although on rare occasions that the National Assembly is dissolved and a general election called an election could be held sooner. Also, if a majority of the National Assembly are unable to nominate a candidate for Prime Minister, a general election could be held again shortly after one was already held. Voters have a choice to elect candidates from one of several official national parties that are permitted to run candidates during the election or could opt to vote for an independent candidate.
{{main|Administrative divisions of Lihnidos}}
Lihnidos is divided into stwenty provinces. These provinces are further divided into counties and municipalities. Provinces are also divided into constituencies, which are used to elect the members of the National Assembly. Constituency boundaries typically do not follow the boundaries set by counties.


Prior to running in the general election, parties are able to select candidates to run in constituencies in ways that the party deems fit. Several parties choose to have primaries in the constituencies in order to select a candidate that is popular among the party's voters, while some have opted to hand pick candidates to run. The deadline for parties to submit the name of their candidate for every constituency in the general election is the second Friday in August and typically begins on the second Monday in July after the National Assembly is officially dissolved the Friday before. After elections in October, the newly election members of the National Assembly are sworn in on the third Friday in October and the state opening of the National Assembly takes place the following week. Members are elected through a first-past-the-post system where the candidate with the most votes is the winner.
Due to the unitary state of Lihnidos, provincial governments are given little power. Provinces are governed by a provincial council comprised of seven elected members. Provincial councils are given the authority to determine how to spend funds awarded by the national government, and are tasked with representing the province on the national level. The counties and municipalities are all governed by localized assemblies and executives. Each county is governed by a county commission composed of three county commissioners. County commissioners will work with other county officials to govern the county and manage local taxes and spending. Municipalities are typically governed by a mayor and small municipal council, however there is no set format for municipal governance.


Voters are also able to elect representatives to represent them on provincial councils. Provincial councils have no authority to write and pass laws for their province, but are rather representatives for the province as a whole on the national level outside of the National Assembly. The powers that the councils do have are the discretion on how the tax money that the national government gives each province is spent.
Due to the differing size and population, the number of counties and municipalities differs by province. Each provincial government is given the authority to draw internal administrative division boundaries, as well as National Assembly constituency boundaries.


One final type of election that is held in Lihnidos are elections for the [[Belisarian Parliament]]. Belisarian Parliament elections, which traditionally have low turnout, are held between January and June every four years. In Lihnidos, seats in the Belisarian Parliament are divided into constituencies under the first-past-the-post system much like the National Assembly.
===Foreign relations===
{{main|Foreign relations of Lihnidos}}
[[File:Palácio_Queluz_March_2018-2.jpg|275px|thumb|right|Sarái Palace is the headquarters for the [[Belisarian Commission]] in Lihnidos.]]
Lihnidos is a founding member of the [[Belisarian Community]] and the [[Forum of Nations]].


===Administrative Divisions===
Lihnidos has maintained diplomatic relations with almost all nations around the [[Ajax|globe]] and hosts embassies and consulates in many nations. The embassies of most countries in Lihnidos are located in the capital of Arcadia with consulates across the country.
{{Main|Administrative divisions of Lihnidos}}
Until 1827 administrative divisions in Lihnidos were still following historic borders for noble lands. Kingdoms, duchies, and counties were the three divisions typically used, each of which could be headed by a queen, duchess, or countess. While these divisions were rarely used due to total governmental control being exercised in the capital, several of the divisions had a countess or duchess that oversaw the workings of the county or duchy. Following an amendment to the Constitution in 1827, a separate, non-monarchical system was created to divide Lihnidos into manageable divisions. The largest division currently is the province, of which there are twenty. Each province is led collectively by a provincial council. Each council is headed by a provincial chancellor. Provinces have no authority to write or pass laws due to the unitary nature of the Lihnidosi government. Instead provincial councils are able to decide how funds given to the province by the national government are able to be spent. The council can also represent the province on a national level.


Under provinces are counties which are headed by county commissioners. Counties have local authority and are able to set local taxes that are then used as the county government deems fit. Alongside the county commissioners are county commissions which assist the commissioner in his or her duty in overseeing the county and its services. Counties are further divided into townships, which are able to have mayors, town or city councils, and other representatives.
Lihnidosi foreign policy is primarily directed by the [[Monarchy of Lihnidos|monarch]], however the [[Prime Minister of Lihnidos|Prime Minister]] also has considerable influence. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Belisarian Affairs manages the day-to-day workings of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is the chief foreign affairs adviser to the Prime Minister and monarch. Lihnidos is represented abroad by the monarch, however the monarch may appoint others to represent the nation in their place, typically the Prime Minister or Secretary of State for Foreign and Belisarian Affairs.


While not having any local legal status, constituencies are also a level of administrative division used to determine the area that members of the National Assembly represent. The borders of constituencies do not usually follow a prescribed format and often are drawn in order to encompass a certain population. Constituency borders are drawn by provincial councils.
Following the constitutional reforms in 1946, which gave the legislative branch of government increased influence over national and foreign policy, the foreign policy of Lihnidos has shifted towards international cooperation and coordination. Since 1977 Lihnidosi foreign policy has largely been shaped by its membership in the Belisarian Community, of which it is one of the founding members.


===Military===
===Military===
{{Main|Lihnidosi Armed Forces}}
{{main|Lihnidosi Armed Forces}}
[[File:LihnidosiMilitary1.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Young members of the Lihnidosi Army during the final days of basic training.]]
[[File:LihnidosiMilitary1.jpg|275px|thumb|right|Young members of the Lihnidosi Army during the final days of basic training]]
The Lihnidosi Armed Forces are divided into three branches: the Army, Air Force, and Navy. The Lihnidosi Armed Forces are led by the commander-in-chief, a position that is occupied by the Empress of Lihnidos. Lihnidos has no mandatory service requirement and entrance to the military is restricted to individuals who can meet certain standards set out by the Ministry of Defense. If an individual wishes to join the Lihnidosi Armed Forces, they must first choose a branch that they wish to enter. Each branch of the military has a separate basic training with different requirements. Any individual who does not meet the requirements during basic training can be removed from the service. As of 2018, the Lihnidosi Armed Forces had an approximate total 187,000 personnel on active duty with another 41,000 in the reserves. Per the 2018 budget, the government allocated a total of 36.94 billion for defense spending, approximately 1.2% of GDP.
The Lihnidosi Armed Forces are comprised of the Lihnidosi Army, Air Force, Navy, and Spatharioi. The Armed Forces are ultimately led by the {{wpl|commander-in-chief}}, a position held of the [[Monarchy of Lihnidos|monarch of Lihnidos]].


Controversy surrounds the Imperial Guard, as it is not officially recognized as a branch of the armed forces. In theory, the Imperial Guard is a contingent of troops that are directed by the Empress and are not overseen by the elected government. The lack of oversight has led many governments to criticize the Guard and question its legitimacy as a lawful entity. Several administrations have attempted to limit the effectiveness of the Imperial Guard by cutting its budget, but subsequent administrations more favorable to the Empress have refunded the Guard at the levels requested by the Imperial Offices. Recruitment for the Imperial Guard is not an open process, as individuals cannot apply to join or enlist in the Guard. Rather, recruits going through basic training for the three branches of the military who show exceptional skill are selected and offered a position in the Guard. The current official number of Imperial Guardsmen are 12,541 as of 2018.
As of 2018, the Armed Forces employed roughly 170,000 service members, 12,000 members of the Spatharioi, and 41,000 reservists. The Army represents over half of the active duty personnel in the Armed Forces with approximately 105,000 service members. This is followed by the Navy with approximately 35,000 members and the Air Force with approximately 30,000 members. The 41,000 reservists are available to the Armed Forces and can be called upon in times of war. Reservists will regularly participate in training exercises. To be eligible to join the Armed Forces, you must be a citizen of Lihnidos, at least eighteen years of age, and meet fitness, health, and education requirements.


===Foreign Relations===
Lihnidos spends roughly two percent of its GDP on defense annually, or approximately {{strikethrough|X}}60 billion.
{{Main|Foreign relations of Lihnidos}}
As the Head of State, the [[Monarchy of Lihnidos|Empress of Lihnidos]] directs the foreign policy of Lihnidos. The Empress has the sole power to appoint ambassadors and other foreign envoys after recommendations by the [[Prime Minister of Lihnidos|Prime Minister]] and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Due to it's membership in the [[Belisarian Community]], Lihnidosi foreign policy is largely formed by the collective member states in the community. Despite this, Lihnidos maintains diplomatic relations with almost all governments in the region through embassies and consulates.


==Economy==
==Economy==
===Agriculture===
===Agriculture===
===Energy===
===Energy===
[[File:Nuclear_Power_Plant_Cattenom.jpg|200px|right|thumb|A nuclear power plant located in the province of Phthiotis.]]
[[File:Nuclear_Power_Plant_Cattenom.jpg|200px|right|thumb|A nuclear power plant located in the province of Phthiotis]]
Lihnidos has largely been energy independent since the late 19th century following the discovery of large reserves of natural gas in the western regions of the country near the Latin, Lyncanestrian, and Fabrian borders. Following the discovery fracking became essential in the Lihnidosi energy sector and private industry quickly placed bids for government contracts to set up fracking operations on government land. In 1943 an incident at a fracking site in Messenia resulted in the contamination of large amounts of drinking water for surrounding towns. The incident was addressed by the Democratic Coalition government at the time in the form of increased regulations. The increase in regulation and regulatory power in the Ministry of the Environment and Agriculture was described as "strangling" the fracking industry by politicians in many areas where fracking was a large part of the economy. The decrease in the fracking industry at the time was followed by an increase in green, renewable energy in the form of hydroelectric, solar, and nuclear power.
Lihnidos has largely been energy independent since the late 19th century following the discovery of large reserves of natural gas in the western regions of the country. Following the discovery, fracking became an essential part of the Lihnidosi energy sector, and private industry quickly placed bids for government contracts to set up fracking operations on government land. In 1943, an incident at a fracking site in Piraeus resulted in the contamination of large amounts of drinking water for surrounding towns. The incident was addressed by the Democratic Coalition government at the time in the form of increased regulations. The increase in regulation and regulatory power in the Ministry of the Environment and Agriculture was described as "strangling" the fracking industry by politicians in many areas where fracking was a large part of the economy. The decrease in fracking at the time was followed by an increase in green or renewable energy in the form of hydroelectric, solar, and nuclear power.


Currently energy from natural gas accounts for 46% of energy produced in Lihnidos. Regulation on fracking have been scaled back slightly since 1943 to allow the industry to once again grow. Nuclear energy is the second biggest energy source for the nation, with nuclear energy being credited as 44% of the energy production in Lihnidos. The prominence of nuclear energy came after the increased regulations on fracking and the desire by left-wing governments to secure a method of energy creation that was less polluting than natural gas. While being nonrenewable and characterized by opponents as dangerous, it quickly became a large part of the energy sector. Following behind natural gas and nuclear are the forms of renewable, green energy. Hydroelectric power produces roughly 5% of the energy in Lihnidos with solar producing 3% and wind producing 2%.
Currently, energy from natural gas accounts for 46% of energy produced in Lihnidos. Regulation on fracking have been scaled back slightly since 1943 to allow the industry to once again grow. Nuclear energy is the second biggest energy source for the nation, with nuclear energy being credited as 44% of the energy production in Lihnidos. The prominence of nuclear energy came after the increased regulations on fracking and the desire by left-wing governments to secure a method of energy creation that was less polluting than natural gas. While being nonrenewable and characterized by opponents as dangerous, it quickly became a large part of the energy sector. Following behind natural gas and nuclear are the forms of renewable, green energy. Hydroelectric power produces roughly 5% of the energy in Lihnidos with solar producing 3% and wind producing 2%.


Subsidies had been available for renewable energy projects and producers, but following the Conservative-National Alliance regaining a majority in the National Assembly in 2006 subsidies were cut. The current government's seeming lack of interest in promoting renewable energy has led to a decrease in its use.
Subsidies had been available for renewable energy projects and producers, but following the Conservative-National Alliance regaining a majority in the National Assembly in 2006, subsidies were cut. The current government's lack of interest in promoting renewable energy has led to a decrease in its use.


===Industry===
===Industry===
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Latest revision as of 21:14, 21 January 2020

Empire of Lihnidos
Λιχνίδου Αυτοκρατορία (Hellenic)
Flag of Lihnidos
Flag
Coat of Arms of Lihnidos
Coat of Arms
Motto: Πάντα να υπερέχει
("Ever to Excel")
Location of Lihnidos (dark green) – in Belisaria (dark grey) – in the Belisarian Community (light green)
Location of Lihnidos (dark green)
– in Belisaria (dark grey)
– in the Belisarian Community (light green)
LihnidosMap.png
CapitalArcadia
LargestIkaria
Official languagesHellenic
Ethnic groups
87.3% Lihnidosi
12.7% Other
Demonym(s)Lihnidosi
GovernmentUnitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
• Empress
Stella II
Fotis Raptis
LegislatureNational Assembly
Formation
• Founding of Xanthi City-States
900 BC
• Confederation of City-States
356 BC
• Kingdom of Xanthi
154 BC
70 AD
• Independence from Latin Empire
565
• Hellenic Empire
1713
• Lihnidosi Empire
1827
Area
• 
484,224 km2 (186,960 sq mi)
Population
• 2017 estimate
72,420,744
• 2014 census
71,394,929
• Density
147.44/km2 (381.9/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)2017 estimate
• Total
$2.977 trillion
• Per capita
$41,109
Gini38.9
medium
HDI.870
very high
CurrencyDenarius (X)
Date formatdd.mm.yyyy
Driving sideright
Calling code+57
ISO 3166 codeLS
Internet TLD.lnd

Lihnidos, officially the Empire of Lihnidos, is a sovereign country located in southern Belisaria. Lihnidos is an island nation in the Periclean Sea. It shares maritime borders to the north with Garima and to the west with Vannois. Southern and eastern Lihnidos is surrounded by the Periclean Sea. With an area of 484,224 square kilometers and an estimated population of approximately 72.5 million inhabitants, Lihnidos is the eighteenth most populous country in Ajax yet also one of the smaller nations in land area.

Lihnidos is a unitary parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The current and ninth monarch is Stella II, who has reigned since late 2007. The current and twenty-sixth prime minister is Fotis Raptis who leads the Conservative-National government in the National Assembly and who has been in office since early 2010. Lihnidos's capital is the city of Arcadia and the largest city is Ikaria. Other major population centers include the cities of Xanthi and Cephalonia.

Modern humans first arrived in Lihnidos around 35,000 years ago from Scipia. Several tribes made settlements in coastal regions that later led to the development of Hellenic cultures in southern Lihnidos. Settlements consolidated under centralized rule in the form of city-states and later duchies and kingdoms until the region came under Latin rule around 70 AD. After the fall of the Latin Empire in Lihnidos around 600 AD, numerous kingdoms formed and later joined as the United Kingdoms of Lihnidos in 1675.

In 1713 the United Kingdoms of Lihnidos and the Tarsan Empire fell under the same rule and formed the Hellenic Empire. This wide-spanning empire that included lands in Belisaria and Scipia lasted for roughly one hundred years before fracturing into smaller empires and kingdoms. Following Lihnidosi independence from the Hellenic Empire in 1827 the Lihnidosi Empire was declared as the successor state of the Hellenic Empire. The fall of the Hellenic Empire caused instability in parts of Lihnidos and Scipia which lasted in Lihnidos until roughly the mid-1850s.

Presently, Lihnidos is a developed and high income country with the world's 9th largest economy by nominal GDP. The country is a member of the Belisarian Community, Forum of Nations, and Joint Space Agency.

History

Prehistory

A reproduction of Bylyyn cave paintings

The first evidence of the presence of modern humans in Lihnidos was found in the Bylyyn caves outside the town of Nauros in southern Boeotia. The best known artifacts from this time period are cave paintings and fossilized remains that were created between 35,900 to 21,200 BC. Genetic evidence suggests that the first humans in Lihnidos arrived from the southern continent of Scipia and made their way north into Belisaria.

Lihnidos is home to some of the first advanced civilizations in Belisaria. Many of these civilizations were began by well-established settlements that had been founded as early as 3500 BC. The Hellenes inhabited the southern and eastern coastal areas of Lihnidos before moving further north and west. These civilizations began with the Gythacan civilization on the eastern coast of Lihnidos in Messenia around 3000 BC, the Cyrelean civilization around 2700 BC in Kilkis, and the Iolcippian civilization in the Samos Islands around 1900 BC. These civilizations remained largely independent of one another with limited conflict until around 1000 BC when the Gythacans began a time of regional upheaval by attempting to conquer surrounding civilizations.

City-states and unification

The end of the regional conflicts and transition into a more stable society happened around 900 BC with the creation of numerous city-states across southern Lihnidos. Hellenic city-states stretched as far west as the Latin peninsula and as far east as Tarsas. Many of these city-states were prosperous centers where the arts and sciences were allowed to flourish.

A Hellenic theater in Xanthi

The most successful city-state in Lihnidos was the city-state of Xanthi that was located on the western coast of Boeotia. Xanthi was the first city-state in Lihnidos to adopt a democratic form of government while many others were ruled as aristocracies or some form of military dictatorship. Xanthi society, varying from its counterparts, put it at a disadvantage in matters of war and there are several instances where it is believed that Xanthi was almost captured by hostile powers.

By 450 BC war was common between varying city-states due to no unifying ideology or goal. During this period there was a significant decrease in the development of sciences and arts as many city-states began to suffer from constant war. The ongoing disputes led to a breaking point around 360 BC when the leaders of Xanthi called for an assembly of leaders from the most prominent and powerful city-states at the time in an attempt to cease the hostilities. The proposal did not gain traction until three years later in 357 BC when several smaller city-states that had not been previously considered proposed the assembly of leaders once again. The increased interest from smaller city-states and Xanthi, which at the time, despite its non-military culture, was one of the more powerful military powers in the region, prompted remaining holdouts who were against such a meeting to accept. The assembly took place in 356 BC in Xanthi. The assembly of city-state leaders brought many concerns, as many of the militaristic city-states believed the assembly to be a ploy by the smaller city-states to eliminate their leadership. Because of this belief, four different city-states brought military contingents that camped outside of the walls of Xanthi for the duration of the assembly. While the exact number of troops camped outside the city was not recorded, writings from people in the city point to a total troop count in the tens of thousands.

Hyeligeneian leader Anastasius, whose conquest resulted in the formation of the Kingdom of Xanthi

The assembly is believed to have lasted for two weeks as leaders from the city-states debated and negotiated peace. The result of the assembly led to the creation of a confederacy of city-states that would promote mutual defense and resource sharing. The fragile attempt to stop the wars appeared to succeed until 156 BC when the city-state of Hyeligeneia accused the city-state of Aigane of planing war against them. The two were quickly drawn into war as Hyeligeneia marched on the city of Aigane. The war drew other city-states into the fighting and, despite the best efforts of some members of the confederacy, it collapsed shortly after. The fighting led to Hyeligeneia conquering a number of city-states in central Lihnidos and eventually the leadership turned its wrath to Xanthi. In 154 BC Xanthi fell to the Hyeligeneian military. By the time Xanthi had been conquered, a majority of the land in southern Lihnidos was under Hyeligeneian control. Following Xanthi's conquering, the leader of Hyeligeneia proclaimed himself king, using the name of the most recently conquered city-state as his kingdom. The Kingdom of Xanthi under Anastasius I quickly took control of much of what is today the provinces of Boeotia, Serres, Kilkis, Thasos, Pieria, Evros, and Chania.

Latin Empire and independence

The Kingdom of Xanthi continued to expand further east until around 60 AD when it had conquered much of present day western and central Lihnidos. Expansion was halted between 59 and 62 AD when the Latin Empire to the west began to expand further east, encroaching on Xanthi territory. The Latins launched their first invasion into Xanthi territory around 64 AD and quickly moved east, easily defeating the inferior Xanthi military forces. Xanthi military forces attempted several times to halt the Latin move east, but failed to do so on almost all occasions. Xanthi, also the name for the capital of the kingdom, fell in 67 AD and saw the death of the reigning monarch at the time, Anastasius II. Anastasius' death left the kingdom without clear leadership for the remaining years of the invasions as his immediate heirs also died during the war.

The Latin military had defeated the last pockets of resistance in the east by 70 AD. Historical records suggest that Latin military strength was far superior to that of the Kingdom of Xanthi. The ten year time frame of the invasions was significantly longer than historical evidence suggests it could have been. The lengthy period was likely a result of the Latin Empire's attempt to incorporate and assimilate those from Xanthi into their culture, with the Latins taking several several-month-long breaks between periods of expansion into Xanthi.

Latin rule over Xanthi territory lasted for approximately 500 years from 70 to 565 AD. During this time Latin culture and language was widely accepted as the norm and present throughout much of what had been the Kingdom of Xanthi. Despite this there were still holdouts among the Xanthi nobility that sought independence and held on to old traditions and language.

Hellenic Empire

Lihnidosi Empire

Recent history

Geography

Mount Elenae features the highest point in Lihnidos

Lihnidos is located in southern Belisaria. Lihnidos is an island nation, meaning that it shares no land borders. However, Lihnidos shares maritime borders with Garima to the north and Vannois to the west. The Periclean Sea surrounds Lihnidos from the south-west to the north-east, with the Zarelis Strait running between Lihnidos and Garima and Vannois. Lihnidos covers roughly 484,300 km2, or roughly 187,000 square miles. Of the total area, approximately three percent is water in the form of lakes and rivers. Lihnidos is comprised of sixty-six islands, including the main island, and hundreds is islets.

Terrain in Lihnidos varies from the shores of the islands to the northwestern Pelea Mountains. The highest point in Lihnidos is Mount Elenae at 2,813 meters, or 9,229 feet. There are extensive plains in the eastern regions of the country that comprise much of the country's arable land. Many of the small islands in southern Lihnidos have hilly or even mountainous terrain.

Climate

Mainland Lihnidos and several small islands

The primary climate of Lihnidos is the Mediterranian climate, more specifically the hot-summer Mediterranean climate. This type of climate typically features hot summers and mild, wet winters. It is possible for some regions within this climate to experience chilly winters and snowfall, however that is rare in Lihnidos. The hot-summer Mediterranean climate occurs at all southern islands and all southern coastal locations in Lihnidos. Some northeastern regions of Lihnidos are classified as having a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, which experience warm and dry summers with wet and mild to chilly winters.

The mountainous regions of Lihnidos in the northwest feature a temperate climate and, in some areas, an alpine climate. The temerate climate experiences hot and dry summers with cold and wet winters. The alpine climate can experience heavy snowfall in the winter months. These regions are primarily within and around the Pelea Mountains in the provinces of Lasithi, Chania, and Piraeus.

Demographics

Population

According to the 2014 census conducted by the Ministry of Local and Regional Governance, the population of Lihnidos at the time was 71,394,929. With continued immigration, emigration, deaths, and new births, it is estimated that the current population is roughly 72.5 million, only an increase of slightly over one million. Lihnidos's estimated population of over seventy-two million makes it the fifth largest nation on Belisaria by population, behind Liothidia, Arthurista, Latium, and Ottonia. According to the 2014 census, a vast majority of the population identify as Lihnidosi, with 87.3% doing so. The second largest group of individuals are those who identify as Vannoisian, which account for roughly five percent of the population. The majority of the remaining eight percent come from other Belisarian countries including Garima, Lyncanestria, and Latium, while some others come from non-Belisarian countries such as Sydalon, Belfras, and Tarsas. The racial makeup of the population is homogeneous in the aspect that 96.2% of the population identify as Caucasian. The other primary racial groups in Lihnidos are Scipian at 1.9%, Oxidental at 1.5%, and Ochran at 0.4%.

Largest Cities

A majority of the population live in rural areas opposed to urban areas like large towns and cities. Only three cities in Lihnidos have populations over one million: Ikaria, Arcadia, and Xanthi. All three cities have deep historical significance and hold a special role in the nation. Ikaria, often considered the financial capital of Lihnidos, has served as home to the headquarters of many of Lihnidos's largest businesses, both domestic and foreign. Arcadia, the capital of Lihnidos, serves as the seat of the government. Xanthi, the original capital of the empire, served as the capital of the Xanthi Confederation of City-States, the Kingdom of Xanthi, and the early Empire of Lihnidos. Due to its historic role, it is often deemed the cultural capital of the nation. Close behind the top three cities is Cephalonia, which ranks fourth with a population only slightly under one million. After Cephalonia the populations of the largest cities begins to drop significantly.

 
Largest cities or towns in Lihnidos
Ministry of Local and Regional Governance estimates for 2014
Rank Province Pop.
Ikaria
Ikaria
Arcadia
Arcadia 		1 Ikaria Serres 2,761,569 Xanthi
Xanthi
Cephalonia
Cephalonia
2 Arcadia Pieria 1,518,631
3 Xanthi Boeotia 1,422,754
4 Cephalonia Ithaca 949,562
5 Phliita Thasos 732,110
6 Rethymno Lasithi 600,364
7 Hion Kilkis 359,615
8 Sozillai Messenia 202,164
9 Thesprotia Preveza 191,949
10 Arta Rhodope 189,457

Provinces

Lihnidos is divided into twenty provinces, each of a different size and population. The borders of each province are partially based on the borders of the historic duchies that comprised the three kingdoms of Lihnidos in its medieval history. Serres is the largest province by population, but one of the smallest by land area. With over eight million people, it holds over eleven percent of the population of the nation, over a fourth of which live in the capital city of the province, Ikaria. Many of the provinces are close in terms of population, with half having a population of between three and four million.

Provinces in Lihnidos
Province Abbr. Provincial Council Control Capital Largest city Population Estimate
as of 2018 		Seats in the National Assembly
Serres
SRS
Democratic Coalition
Ikaria
Ikaria
7,775,636
36
Boeotia
BOA
Conservative-National Alliance
Xanthi
Xanthi
6,121,921
30
Pieria
PIA
Conservative-National Alliance
Arcadia
Arcadia
5,629,485
27
Ithaca
IAC
Conservative-National Alliance
Cephalonia
Cephalonia
5,265,946
25
Thasos
TOS
Conservative-National Alliance
Kavala
Phliita
4,718,147
23
Phthiotis
PTS
Conservative-National Alliance
Phocis
Phocis
3,720,195
18
Lasithi
LAS
Democratic Coalition
Rethymno
Epekion
3,419,542
17
Evrytania
EVA
Conservative-National Alliance
Varadinum
Varadinum
3,332,674
16
Chania
CHN
Conservative-National Alliance
Heraklion
Heraklion
3,295,314
16
Rhodope
RHD
Conservative-National Alliance
Arta
Arta
3,195,442
15
Messenia
MES
Conservative-National Alliance
Andros
Sozillai
3,194,349
15
Evros
EVS
Democratic Coalition
Euboea
Euboea
3,161,784
15
Piraeus
PAE
Conservative-National Alliance
Volos
Volos
3,025,102
15
Kilkis
KIL
Democratic Coalition
Imathia
Hion
3,008,978
15
Kalymnos
KAL
Conservative-National Alliance
Karpathos
Karpathos
3,002,938
15
Thefkada
TFA
Conservative-National Alliance
Zakynthos
Zakynthos
2,842,694
14
Chios
CIS
No Overall Control
Chalkidiki
Chalkidiki
2,642,895
13
Corinthia
COR
Democratic Coalition
Laconia
Laconia
2,357,418
11
Preveza
PEZ
Conservative-National Alliance
Thesprotia
Thesprotia
2,000,751
10
Samos
SMS
Conservative-National Alliance
Lesbos
Lesbos
727,533
4

Religion

The Cathedral of Saint John is the largest cathedral in Lihnidos.

Religion is held sacrosanct in Lihnidos and the intermingling of church and state is often criticized by those who believe that religion should not be present in government. The majority of individuals in Lihnidos describe themselves as adherents of Fabrian Catholicism. While Lihnidos does not have a state religion, a number of prominent government officials and nobility are followers of the faith and therefore occasionally may make decisions that follow the teachings of the church. Over thirty-six million individuals in Lihnidos identify as Fabrian Catholic, accounting for almost fifty-two percent of the population.

The second largest religion in Lihnidos is Alban Christianity, which while far behind Fabrian Catholicism, has a significant following in Lihnidos. Almost seventeen million individuals identify as Alban Christian, which accounts for another twenty-three percent of the population. Other religious groups are not as prominent in the nation, with almost seven percent of the population describing themselves as Christians that do not follow either Alban Christianity or Fabrian Catholicism. Those who have no faith or who do not describe themselves as Christians comprise almost nineteen percent of the population.

Religious Demographics of Lihnidos
  Fabrian Catholic (51.3%)
  Alban Christian (23.1%)
  Other Christians (6.7%)
  Other religions or no faith (18.9%)

Prior to Fabrian Catholicism and Alban Christianity being the predominant faiths in Lihnidos, a large portion of Lihnidosi practiced a form of polytheistic paganism. This paganism varied in several parts of what is now Lihnidos, but many of the different sects had enough similarities that they could collectively be referred to as one religion. The ancient religion was present in every part of an individuals life and had an extensive mythology that caused followers to see works of the gods in almost everything. Alban Christianity began to take hold in Lihnidos in the 2nd century as it became the dominant faith in the neighboring Latin Empire. Spreading from west to east, the teachings of the Albian church attracted several who were dissatisfied with the teachings of the dominant pagan religion at the time. By the early fourth century Albian Christianity had a substantial following across the Kingdom of Xanthi. Under the reign of Latin Emperor Iovinus, Alban Christianity was made the state faith of the Latin Empire. Paganism was banned, and a renewed effort was put into converting nonbelievers. Later, during the reign of Constantine I, Fabrian Catholicism began to overtake Alban Christianity, eventually becoming the majority religion.

The amount of those who identify as not following any religion has risen slightly over the years. In 2004 the percentage of individuals who identified as atheist or agnostic was approximately seven percent. Ten years later in 2014 the percentage had risen to over ten percent. The rise in those who do not identify with any religion has been accompanied by a decrease in church attendance rates in the nation. A survey conducted in 2016 showed that, out of those who consider themselves religion, only 58% attended mass regularly, while 30% only attended on holidays and 12% had not attended a church service in the last year. Church attendance rates have been a concern of clergy members in every religion in the nation, and the Fabrian Archbishop of Arcadia acknowledged in 2017 that people were less likely to attend mass currently due to a shift in the culture of the nation and attitude towards religion in general.

Ethnic Groups

Lihnidosi is the majoirity ethnic group in Lihnidos, with 87.3% of the population identifying as such on the 2014 census. Alongside the Lihnidosi, Vannoisians are the largest minority group, making up roughly five percent of the population. Those who identify as Vannoisian primarily reside in the western parts of the nation, with the largest percentages living in the provinces of Evrytania and Lasithi. Lasithi boasts the highest percentage of Vannoisians living in the nation. Another large ethnic group living in Lihnidos are Latins. The large percentage of those who identify as Latin is often contributed to the almost six centuries that present-day Lihnidos was under the control of the Latin Empire. While the entirety of the country was at one point under Latin rule and therefore exposed to Latin culture, the majority of the areas that are still accustomed to the Latin traditions and cultures are in the east.

There is an additional five percent of the population that do not identify as either Lihnidosi, Vannoisian, or Latin. This percentage is primarily comprised of individuals who identify as Gariman, Lyncanestrian, or Tarsan. Due to Lihnidos's membership in the Belisarian Community and involvement in the Laennes Area, it has been easy for individuals from the neighboring nations to enter the country and establish permanent residence or achieve citizenship.

Languages

The two dominant languages in Lihnidos are Hellenic and Latin. Hellenic is the only official language of the nation. Hellenic is the first language of approximately 80% of the nation while Latin falls behind at approximately 27%. The language of the government is primarily Hellenic, although all documents are translated to Latin. Latin is the primary secondary language taught in primary and secondary education, and a survey taken in 2012 indicates that over half of university-level students are "confident in their ability to understand and converse in Latin." Another language that is somewhat prominent at the university level is Audonais, a language spoken in both Lyncanestria and Vannois.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Lihnidos

Government

StellaVasiliou.jpg Fotis Raptis2.png
Stella II
Empress since 2007 		Fotis Raptis
Prime Minister since 2010

Lihnidos is a unitary, parliamentary, constitutional monarchy. The Lihnidosi political system is laid out in the 1877 constitution approved by the monarch at the time, Stella I, that later underwent reforms in 1946. Further amendments to the constitution require a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, as well as the approval of the monarch. The 1946 reforms strengthened the principle of separation of powers by increasing the powers of the legislature and lessening executive authority held by the monarch.

The executive branch is led by the monarch, currently Empress Stella II. The monarch is the head of state and exercises their executive power through the Office of the Emperor (or Empress), also known as the Imperial Offices. The monarch has representative responsibilities and powers and takes a significant role in establishing foreign policy. Each monarch begins their reign following the death of their predecessor. The monarch is considered to be the highest official in the Lihnidosi government.

The second-highest official in the Lihnidosi government is the Prime Minister. The current Prime Minister is Fotis Raptis, who has led the government in the National Assembly since 2010. The Prime Minister is the official head of government and the legislative branch. Alongside their legislative duties, the Prime Minister exercises some executive power through their Cabinet. The Prime Minister and Cabinet exercise executive power in conjunction with the monarch.

The National Assembly is the unicameral legislature of Lihnidos.

Legislative power is exercised by the National Assembly. The National Assembly is elected through direct elections by first-past-the-post voting. Elections for the National Assembly are held a minimum of every four years. Representation for each province is determined by the province's population.

The current government is a minority government led by the Conservative-National Alliance with the Populist People's Party in a confidence and supply agreement. Together, the Conservative-National Alliance and Populist People's Party hold a slim majority in the National Assembly. Since the creation of the National Assembly under the constitution in 1877 the Conservative-National Alliance has been one of the two major political parties that have dominated elected politics. The other major political party in Lihnidos is the Democratic Coalition. Since the creation of the National Assembly, every Prime Minister has been a member of either the Conservative-National Alliance or Democratic Coalition.

Law

Main articles: Judiciary of Lihnidos, Law of Lihnidos, and Law enforcement in Lihnidos
Justices of the Lihnidosi Constitutional Court deliberating

Lihnidosi law is based on civil law. The civil law system is based on codified principles that serve as a primary source for legal decisions. In Lihnidos, these principles are codified in the Lihnidosi Civil Code and the Lihnidosi Penal Code, which were adopted in 1877 under the first constitution of the empire. The Lihnidosi Civil Code was largely based off of the Athanasian Royal Laws established by Athanasios I.

Law in Lihnidos is primarily divided into two areas: public law and private law. Public law includes several aspects of the relationship between the government and individuals, comprising constitutional law, administrative law, tax law, and others. Private law primarily deals with the relationship between individuals. The Lihnidosi judiciary is divided into two different courts to deal with these issues. The general courts deal with criminal and civil trials, while the courts of public law deal with administrative and constitutional law.

The government of Lihnidos recognizes no religion as a state religion and promotes freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Despite this, the clear religious majority in Lihnidos has resulted in numerous laws that are aimed at upholding public decency and that are based off of religious law. These laws have been widely used to limit the freedoms of LGBT individuals and other minority groups and place limits on speech.

Administrative divisions

Main article: Administrative divisions of Lihnidos

Lihnidos is divided into stwenty provinces. These provinces are further divided into counties and municipalities. Provinces are also divided into constituencies, which are used to elect the members of the National Assembly. Constituency boundaries typically do not follow the boundaries set by counties.

Due to the unitary state of Lihnidos, provincial governments are given little power. Provinces are governed by a provincial council comprised of seven elected members. Provincial councils are given the authority to determine how to spend funds awarded by the national government, and are tasked with representing the province on the national level. The counties and municipalities are all governed by localized assemblies and executives. Each county is governed by a county commission composed of three county commissioners. County commissioners will work with other county officials to govern the county and manage local taxes and spending. Municipalities are typically governed by a mayor and small municipal council, however there is no set format for municipal governance.

Due to the differing size and population, the number of counties and municipalities differs by province. Each provincial government is given the authority to draw internal administrative division boundaries, as well as National Assembly constituency boundaries.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Lihnidos
Sarái Palace is the headquarters for the Belisarian Commission in Lihnidos.

Lihnidos is a founding member of the Belisarian Community and the Forum of Nations.

Lihnidos has maintained diplomatic relations with almost all nations around the globe and hosts embassies and consulates in many nations. The embassies of most countries in Lihnidos are located in the capital of Arcadia with consulates across the country.

Lihnidosi foreign policy is primarily directed by the monarch, however the Prime Minister also has considerable influence. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Belisarian Affairs manages the day-to-day workings of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is the chief foreign affairs adviser to the Prime Minister and monarch. Lihnidos is represented abroad by the monarch, however the monarch may appoint others to represent the nation in their place, typically the Prime Minister or Secretary of State for Foreign and Belisarian Affairs.

Following the constitutional reforms in 1946, which gave the legislative branch of government increased influence over national and foreign policy, the foreign policy of Lihnidos has shifted towards international cooperation and coordination. Since 1977 Lihnidosi foreign policy has largely been shaped by its membership in the Belisarian Community, of which it is one of the founding members.

Military

Main article: Lihnidosi Armed Forces
Young members of the Lihnidosi Army during the final days of basic training

The Lihnidosi Armed Forces are comprised of the Lihnidosi Army, Air Force, Navy, and Spatharioi. The Armed Forces are ultimately led by the commander-in-chief, a position held of the monarch of Lihnidos.

As of 2018, the Armed Forces employed roughly 170,000 service members, 12,000 members of the Spatharioi, and 41,000 reservists. The Army represents over half of the active duty personnel in the Armed Forces with approximately 105,000 service members. This is followed by the Navy with approximately 35,000 members and the Air Force with approximately 30,000 members. The 41,000 reservists are available to the Armed Forces and can be called upon in times of war. Reservists will regularly participate in training exercises. To be eligible to join the Armed Forces, you must be a citizen of Lihnidos, at least eighteen years of age, and meet fitness, health, and education requirements.

Lihnidos spends roughly two percent of its GDP on defense annually, or approximately X60 billion.

Economy

Agriculture

Energy

A nuclear power plant located in the province of Phthiotis

Lihnidos has largely been energy independent since the late 19th century following the discovery of large reserves of natural gas in the western regions of the country. Following the discovery, fracking became an essential part of the Lihnidosi energy sector, and private industry quickly placed bids for government contracts to set up fracking operations on government land. In 1943, an incident at a fracking site in Piraeus resulted in the contamination of large amounts of drinking water for surrounding towns. The incident was addressed by the Democratic Coalition government at the time in the form of increased regulations. The increase in regulation and regulatory power in the Ministry of the Environment and Agriculture was described as "strangling" the fracking industry by politicians in many areas where fracking was a large part of the economy. The decrease in fracking at the time was followed by an increase in green or renewable energy in the form of hydroelectric, solar, and nuclear power.

Currently, energy from natural gas accounts for 46% of energy produced in Lihnidos. Regulation on fracking have been scaled back slightly since 1943 to allow the industry to once again grow. Nuclear energy is the second biggest energy source for the nation, with nuclear energy being credited as 44% of the energy production in Lihnidos. The prominence of nuclear energy came after the increased regulations on fracking and the desire by left-wing governments to secure a method of energy creation that was less polluting than natural gas. While being nonrenewable and characterized by opponents as dangerous, it quickly became a large part of the energy sector. Following behind natural gas and nuclear are the forms of renewable, green energy. Hydroelectric power produces roughly 5% of the energy in Lihnidos with solar producing 3% and wind producing 2%.

Subsidies had been available for renewable energy projects and producers, but following the Conservative-National Alliance regaining a majority in the National Assembly in 2006, subsidies were cut. The current government's lack of interest in promoting renewable energy has led to a decrease in its use.

Industry

Transportation

Technology

Resources

Tourism

Culture

Cuisine

Literature and the Arts

Sports

Architecture

Music

Fashion and Design

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