Valkea

Republic of Valkea Valkean Tasavalta
Flag Coat of Arms
Motto: "Ikuisesti Valkea!" (Valkean) Forever Valkea! (English)
Location of  Valkea  (dark green) – in Lorecia  (light green & dark grey) – in the Lorecian Community  (light green)
Capital and largest city	Källälivi
Official languages	Valkean
Recognised regional languages	Nynorsk, Velgi
Demonym(s)	Valkean
Government	Semi-presidential parliamentary republic
• President	Afanasi Koski
• Prime Minister	Iris Sirkka
Legislature	Eduskunta
Formation
• Kingdom of Valkea	1016
• Christianization of Valkea	1134
• Republic established	1923
• Current Constitution	1976
Population
• 2020 estimate	44,324,563
GDP (PPP)	2020 estimate
• Total	$3.178 trillion
• Per capita	$71,693
GDP (nominal)	2020 estimate
• Total	$2.65 trillion
• Per capita	$59,785
Gini (2019)	0.28 low
HDI (2019)	0.934 very high
Currency	Valkean kruunu (VKK)
Date format	dd-mm-yyyy
Driving side	right
Calling code	+91
ISO 3166 code	VK
Internet TLD	.vk

The Republic of Valkea (Valkean: Valkean Tasavalta), more commonly known as Valkea, is a sovereign country in Northern Lorecia, in the region of Astyria. It is located in the western portion of Vinstria, bordered by Ostrothia to the southwest, Caledonia to the south and east, and Nynorsk Ostlijord to the northeast. It shares a maritime boundary with Romberg to the northwest. Valkea has a population of over 44 million people, and over 70% of the population living in the southernmost third of the country. Its capital and largest city is Källälivi.

Valkea was inhabited soon after the end of the last Ice Age at approximately 5000 BC. Pottery was introduced in 4000 BC, followed by agriculture in 2000 BC. The Bronze and Iron Ages were characterized by contact with other cultures in Northern Lorecia as well as the slow introduction of sedentary communities. Between 700 BC and 500 BC, Valkenic peoples migrated from what is now Varddi and Caledonia, organizing into several tribes and clans.

Beginning from the 9th century, the Vikings arrived in what is now Valkea and began exploring and settling the area, establishing small kingdoms and duchies. These quickly unified into the Kingdom of Valkea, which continued for more than a millennium. The monarchy was replaced with a republic in 1923 after a civil war in the late 1910s and early 1920s. It established a policy of neutrality since the 1940s, though it has made many close partnerships with countries from different blocs.

Valkea was a relative latecomer to industrialization, remaining largely agrarian until the 1930s. The country rapidly developed an advanced economy while also building an extensive welfare state, which has resulted in widespread prosperity and one of the highest per capita incomes in Astyria. It has been a top performer in many metrics such as education, economic competitiveness, civil liberties, quality of life, human development, and standard of living. Valkea is a member of international organizations such as the Lorecian Community and the Vinstrian Union.

Etymology

The name Valkea has uncertain origins, but a possible source could be attributed to the Old Valkean word valke, meaning "white", used to describe the appearance of the region during winter. Originally the name referred to the southernmost regions of the country, with other regions such as Tasamaa and Löysimaa sometimes excluded until later. Another similar source could be from the name valkemaa—the earliest known mention of this word can be found in a travel document dating from the 14th century.

History

Main article: History of Valkea

Prehistory

Iron Age swords discovered in Valkea, dated from the 4th century AD

The first settlements in Valkea date back to 9000 BC, shortly after the last Ice Age. The earliest people were hunter-gatherers that used stone tools. Archeological findings throughout Valkea discovered artifacts the settlers left behind that share characteristics with other artifacts found in other parts of Northern Lorecia.

Pottery first appeared in 5000 BC, while agriculture was introduced between 3000 and 2500 BC in southern Valkea. Permanant year-round cultivation and animal husbandry came about in 2000 BC, however hunting and fishing remained the main subsistence goods in early cultures. Bronze was later introduced in 1500 BC.

Between 700 and 500 BC, waves of Valkenic peoples migrated from what is now Varddi and settled in Western Vinstria. These people brought the first iron artifacts to the region, as well as the proto-Valkenic languages. Domestic production of iron began in 300 BC.

In the 1st century AD, the Iron Age population began to grow, and contact with other cultures around Northern Lorecia became more frequent. The Valkean region exported furs and timber to cultures in Central Lorecia, while it imported fabrics, jewelry, and glass.

Viking Age

From the 9th century to the 11th century AD, Viking peoples arrived in Astyria, raiding, pillaging, and settling all over Lorecia and Northern Teudallum. Some of these Vikings started settling the coastal and riverine areas of Northern Lorecia, founding settlements such as Dagsmark, Osterlund, Korsholm, Helgeboda, and Brantevik.

The native inhabitants of Valkea referred to these new peoples as "Vikalki". These independent Vikalki settlements grew thanks to extensive trade between each other and with other cities throughout Northern Lorecia, as well as from raids conducted elsewhere, which made them rich and powerful. They intermingled with the Valki over several decades, eventually forming the basis of the modern Valkean ethnicity.

It is not know how exactly Valkea was unified, but Valkean tradition states that Haakon the Stout united the Vikalki chieftains at the Battle of Nolvik, becoming the first king of a united Valkea in 1016. The sagas further add that Haakon was a just and fair ruler who ruled with a strong hand. However, Valkea was still a loosely united kingdom, and struggled to maintain its territorial integrity—particularly against raiding groups originating from Vaardi that plundered southern Valkea in the first half of the 12th century.

Beginning in the 11th century AD, Christianity was introduced to Valkea, especially through the efforts of St. Bodo. However, the new religion did not fully displace paganism as the majority religion until the 12th century. From 1134 onwards, Valkea was counted as a Christian kingdom.

Middle Ages

Beginning in the 13th century, the Valkean kings strived to expand their domain northward to the Tasankunta region. This led them into contact with the Koivunen Confederation, a loose alliance of central and northern Valkenic tribes that refused to submit to Valkean sovereignty. A series of wars followed from 1216 to 1246, which resulted in the annexation of their territories by Olof II.

At the same time, numerous crusades were conducted against the central Valks and the Lumika to convert them to Christianity, and colonization efforts of the Pikkimaa coast were initiated. This effort intensified in the 14th century, and the western and northern coasts were predominantly inhabited by Valkeans.

Due to their relative isolation from the rest of Lorecia, feudalism never developed in Valkea as it did elsewhere. Most of the peasantry were largely freemen, and serfdom was quite uncommon. Slavery existed in tiny pockets of Valkea, which were slowly driven out of existence thanks to the spread of Christianity. Eventually it was banned altogether by a decree of Knut the Tall in 1318. In spite of this, Valkea remained an economically backward country compared to the rest of Lorecia, and much of their economy relied on trade with the outside world.

The death of Knut the Tall in 1338 caused a brief succession crisis, and Dalmar the Valk ascended to the throne. Dalmar was the son of Tove, Knut's sister, and Nicolas, Duke of Mannerheim. Dalmar was crowned king by the Archbishop of Kiesimä in 1342 and reigned in Osterlund, establishing the Mannerheim Dynasty on the throne. The royal court eventually moved to Källälivi in 1447.

In the 1400s and 1500s, Valkea launched another wave of colonization and expansion, adding Lumimaa, Vorland, and parts of the Velgi region to its territory. Following this territorial expansion was a second round of Crusades aimed at the pagan populations. Beginning in 1465, these Crusades extended to Nynorsk, which soured relations between the two formerly related states. The Nynorsk War raged from 1481 to 1496, resulting in a Nynorsk victory.

Reformation

Portrait of Pekka I, 1544

The Protestant Reformation arrived in Valkea in 1528 through Lutheran missionaries from other Lorecian kingdoms. In 1536, Pekka I declared his rejection of Catholicism and founded the Church of Valkea. Soon after, he nationalized the church's assets, which created tensions between the remaining Catholics and the growing Protestant communities. When it was clear that a growing religious crisis threatened to tear Valkea apart, Pekka I's son and successor, Pekka II, returned many of his father's previous acquisitions to the Church. He also convened a Synod in Källälivi, which formally established the Church of Valkea as a Lutheran church. From then on, Valkea was regarded as a Protestant and Lutheran state.

Hostilities were renewed between Valkea and Nynorsk over the territory of the Velgi region, which both countries sought to control. As such, many border wars were fought between Valkean and Nynorsk forces and militias from 1592 to 1627, most of which were inconclusive.

In 1635, Alvar III died in his sleep, beginning the War of Valkean Sucession. Rivals were quick to fill the power vacuum left by the king's death, claiming succession to the childless Alvar. The war was mainly fought between the supporters of his nephew Tatu, Duke of Osterlund, and those of his brother, Jari-Pekka, Duke of Korsholm. The civil war lasted for twelve years until Jari-Pekka was assassinated by two of his household guards, paving the way for Tatu to become king in 1647. Crowned Tatu I, he was the first of the kings of the House of Somerkoski, which ruled Valkea until the end of the monarchy in 1921.

Rise and fall as a Great Power

Tatu's first years of his reign were devoted to repelling Nynorsk invaders, who had taken advantage of the weakness of Valkea to make territorial gains in the north while the kingdom was still reeling from its civil war. The Valkean nobles, previously divided in the succession crisis, were united against a common enemy, and the Valkeans defeated the Nynorsk in a decisive victory in the Battle of Rudanmaa.

Valkea's victory over the Nynorsk cemented the northerly kingdom as a great power in Lorecia. Before this, Valkea was an impoverished and backwards country at the edge of Lorecian civilization. However, it rose to prominence under Tatu, who was honored posthumously as Tatu the Great. After the Northern War concluded in 1657, Tatu made sweeping reforms in the Valkean economy, encouraged trade with other nations, and proliferated Protestantism throughout the kingdom.

1st Valko-Caledonian War, 1674-1679

The remaining portion of the 17th century saw Valkea fight numerous wars against its neighbors, particularly against the Western Tundra from 1662 to 1664, Caledonia from 1674 to 1679, and Rávdnár tribes from the Empire of Exponent from 1700 to 1706. It was in 1680 that Valkea reached its territorial zenith having wrested large amounts of territory from Caledonia in the Treaty of Osterlund. However, these territorial acquisitions led to a second war with Caledonia from 1711 to 1714, and a third war with Caledonia from 1750 to 1761, both of which left the Valkean state's coffers drained and the economy deteriorated. This was further compounded by a famine that swept through Valkea in 1757, which allowed the Caledonians to regain all the land that they lost in previous wars, as well as annex certain Valkean border territories. Valkea was forced to sign a humiliating treaty in 1761, recognizing Caledonia's gains, and thus lost its primacy in Northern Lorecia.

19th century

Between 1800 and 1850, the population of Valkea doubled, and trade once again flourished. However, Valkea remained a poor nation, remaining a largely agrarian state even as the rest of Lorecia made begun to industrialize. Despite this, Valkea began to industrialize beginning in the 1860s through various economic and political reforms. Furthermore, it was able to make enormous changes in the agrarian economy through the introduction of more modern farming techniques, aggressive exploitation of agricultural lands, and new crops such as potatoes.

Velgi family, 1904

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the Valkean government embarked on a policy of forced assimilation of the indigenous people of northern Valkea. Many indigenous groups such as the Velgi and Lumika were forced to attend Valkean schools, learn the Valkean language, and adhere to Valkean customs and traditions. In addition, thousands of Velgi women underwent forced sterilization, and Valkeans were encouraged to settle in the north through economic incentives from the government. This policy intensified at the turn of the 20th century and continued until 1977.

Eager to reclaim the lands that Valkea ceded to Caledonia in the 3rd Valko-Caledonian War, Otto II declared war on Caledonia in 1861. The border between the two went back and forth until a compromise was reached at Tuuvalo in 1867. The Treaty of Tuuvalo demarcated the official border between Valkea and Caledonia that still remains to this day.

Beginning in the 1890s, the Valkean government greatly increased public spending on business and public services, which proceeded to drain the treasury's reserves and bankrupt the country. Public opinion was turned against the government, and fell further after the Miners' Strike of 1909 was brutally quelled. With the resignation of Prime Minister Auvo Häkkinen in 1915, snap elections were called to placate the growing republican and socialist factions within the government. Many major cities were won by these factions, and once it was clear that the monarchists weren't going to accept the result of the elections, protests across the country ensued.

Modern Era

Valkean Civil War

Resentment against the government mounted when bad harvests occurred in 1912 and 1916. These two events sent the Valkean economy into freefall, and there was increasing social unrest throughout the country. Uprisings in Dagsmark, Vuornaa, and Novika were crushed by government forces in October 1916, commencing the Valkean Civil War.

The war lasted for four years and involved two main factions: the Monarchists, who intended to preserve the status quo; and the Republicans, who wanted to overthrow the monarchy and establish a republic. The latter faction was mainly spearheaded by the Valkean National Movement - led by Hannu Sibelius - which espoused a government system governed by syndicalism. A third faction, the Ostrothian nationalists, declared the independence of Ostrothia in 1917, commencing the Ostrothian War of Independence.

The Republicans were initially the smallest out of the three, only controlling portions of the Valkean coast at the start of the war, but they quickly gained territory, taking over much of central Valkea in 1918. Gustav VI and select members of the royal family fled to Aswick on 23 October 1921, and he would remain there in exile until his death in 1951. Despite this, Royalist forces continued fighting and the last of them were defeated at the Battle of Utraslahti in 1922, allowing the Republicans and the National Movement to take the victory.

Kansallist Era

Main article: Kansallist Valkea

On 21 January 1923, the Republic of Valkea was formally declared, with a written constitution ratified in 1924. The National Movement reorganized as the National People's Party (Kansallinen Kansanpoulue), known more commonly as the Kansallists, and Sibelius was designated as president. In 1924, the first General Labor Congress was assembled in Källälivi, and in 1925, the Kansallists were declared to be the sole legally-sanctioned political party in all of Valkea. Thus, while the newly-formed Republic of Valkea was a republic in name, in reality it was a one-party state under Sibelius.

Depiction of the Valkean famine of 1927-1928

There were several crises that characterized the first few years of Kansallist rule, including slow economic recovery, a failed war with Romberg, numerous restrictions on freedom of speech and religion, and the mismangement of the Famine of 1927-1928, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people from starvation and disease. Further turmoil ensued after Sibellius was assassinated on 4 February 1928 by a far-left radical. Chairman of the General Labor Congress Markku Vuotola was named as Acting President that same year and conducted a sweeping investigation, resulting in the execution of several high-ranking Kansallist party members accused of orchestrating the assassination, as well as a purge of the party that resulted in several thousand deaths.

Under Vuotola's leadership, the Kansallists bolstered public education, expanded women's rights, created a robust welfare system, and rapidly transitioned Valkea to become an industrialized economy. The goverment also escalated their attempts to forcefully assimilate the Velgi, with an expanded program of Valkean settlement, more widespread forced sterilization, and a scorched earth policy that left thousands of Velgi without food. The Kansallist government continued to deny their involvement in the cultural genocide of the Velgi throughout the remainder of their years in power.

The Kansallists maintained Valkea's policy of neutrality during the 2nd Great Astyrian War. This allowed the Valkean government able to forge stronger relationships with countries from various military and economic blocs. The establishment of greater trade with the outside world, along with a series of government policies, caused Valkea to develop rapidly, successfully completing the nation's transition to an industrialized economy. In 1950, 52% of Valkean workers were employed in the agricultural sector and a quarter of the population lived in urban areas. By 1975, the number of agricultural workers dropped to 28%. Over the years new jobs in manufacturing, services, and trade drew more people to these urban areas.

However, failed macroeconomic decisions and global economic turmoil led to the Valkean Recession of 1971. The unemployment rate reached an all-time high of 23.2% the following year. Even though the Kansallists reversed the economic crisis by 1974, civil unrest grew significantly in Valkea's major cities, culminating in the Grand March of January 1975. Frustrated Valkeans demanded that the Kansallist Party relinquish its monopoly on power and the decentralization of the economy. The government reluctantly held a snap election in October that same year, and the Democratic Centrist Party won majority seats. The new president, Paavo Itkonen, took his inauguration the following year, and a new constitution was ratified.

Democratic Era

Under Itkonen's administration, the Valkean government began enacting sweeping reforms over the remainder of the 1970s, as well as the early 1980s. The economy was decentralized in 1977 and many state enterprises were privatized in 1982. There were also many economic regulations that were loosened and modest tax cuts enacted. In the 1980s and 1990s, the economy began seeing record growth for the first time since the 1971 Recession, fueled by the success of private companies such as car manufacturers Sidus and Sorsa, among others, along with rising electronic giants such as Valkean Electric and Architect.

However, this growth was halted with the bursting of a real estate bubble, causing the Recession of 1990. The Valkean government responded with spending cuts, further deregulation of the economy, and reducing the welfare state. Several industries throughout the country were restructured, particularly shipbuilding, steel, and other heavy industries. One of the most notable casualties of this was former state-owned corporation Valteo, which filed for bankruptcy in 1992 and was broken up into several smaller companies. The economy recovered by 1995 but returned to a brief recession due to rising oil prices, a byproduct of the collapse of the Empire of Exponent.

Valkea became one of the founding members of the Vinstrian Union in 1986, an intergovernmental body setting the framework for Vinstrian cooperation. It also joined the Lorecian Community in 1997 alongside Ostrothia and Nynorsk Ostlijord.

In 2013, Valkea became the first nation in Astyria to institute a universal basic income (UBI) system. The system was widely applauded by proponents for reducing inequality, while critics pointed out its effect on rising government spending and tax rates.

Geography

Valkea has over 184,000 lakes within its territory, many of which are located in the Lakelands.

Valkea is located on the northwestern coast of Northern Lorecia, surrounded by water in the north and west and sharing land borders with the Aurora Confederacy to the southwest, Caledonia to the south and east, and Nynorsk Ostlijord to the northeast. To the north is the Actlpacinarcticadian Ocean and Rombergian Sea and to the west is the White Sea, the Bay of Valkea, and the Auroran Sea. It shares a maritime border with Romberg. Valkea is one of the northernmost countries in Astyria, lying approximately between 59.5° and 79.5° N. It also includes the northernmost point in mainland Lorecia. From its southernmost to its northernmost point, Valkea spans 2,200 km (1,367 mi).

Much of Valkea's land is flat as a result of the Ice Age. Glaciers persisted in Northern Lorecia far longer than the rest of the continent, which has resulted in a landscape with few hills. Nevertheless, Valkea has two major mountain ranges within its territory. To the east is the Suurvuoret, a mountain range separating Valkea from its border with western Caledonia. This range includes the tallest peak in Valkea, Korkenvuori, which stands at 3,276 meters above sea level. On its western coast is the Vorland Range, which flank the western seaboard. The mountains drop precipitously on their western slopes, forming fjords along the coast, which serve as natural harbors. A third notable topographical feature is the Pohjoisselkä, a ridge system formed by morainic deposits extending from Pikkala to Kaunisto. The ridges separate the southern flatlands of Valkea from the interior.

Valkea has about 184,000 lakes and 200,000 islands within its territory. A large concentration of these lakes can be found in the Lakelands, which covers Järvimaa and parts of Valkea Proper and Vikkland, and it is where many of the country's major cities can be found. Among these lakes are Tattora, the largest lake in Valkea, as well as Karhujärvi, the deepest freshwater lake.

Aurora borealis in Rudanmaa Province. Auroras are common in Valkea's higher latitudes.

Southern Valkea contains most of the country's arable land, and consequently is predominantly agricultural. Forested areas begin to dominate the landscape as one goes northwards. 71% of its land is covered with forests, with taiga forests and conifer forests covering much of the central and northern provinces, birch forests in highland regions, and deciduous forests in the south.

Valkea is home to a variety of attractive natural features, and has been consistently ranked by tourists as one of Astyria's most scenic countries. The fjords along the western coast, as well as its many glaciers, lakes, and islands, are some of Lorecia's major tourist attractions. It also experiences natural phenomena such as the midnight sun and the aurora borealis. Much of Valkea's nature has been under the protection of the Valkean government through their national parks system.

Climate

Despite its extreme northern latitudes, southern and western Valkea experience a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons throughout the year. This is because the Occidental Current brings warm westerly ocean currents to the coast, moderating winter temperatures and preventing the formation of sea ice. The flatlands of southern Valkea, as well as the coasts around the Bay of Valkea and the White Sea, experience more precipitation and have milder winters than the central, eastern, and northern parts of the country. Places east of the Vorland Range are placed in a rain shadow, and so consequently experience less rain and snow than those on the western side. The sunniest weather in the country can be found in the south.

On the other hand, much of the Valkean interior experiences a humid continental climate, with cooler summers and harsher winters. In the north, the climate changes to that of a predominantly subarctic climate, with the mountain ranges experiencing tundra or alpine climates. Alpine climates can also be found along the Suurvuoret and the fringes of the Caledonian Plateau.

Except for mountainous areas, Valkea's average temperature varies from 15°C to 17°C in the summer while in the winter it can vary from freezing point up to -15°C. However, temperatures can fall below -30°C during the harshest winter nights (although such temperatures are rare in the south), and the warmest summers can see temperatures climb above 35°C. The highest temperature ever recorded was 38.6°C in Kirkonkylä on 3 August 1962, while the lowest was -51.9°C in Luupujoki on 24 January 1949.

Because of Valkea's high latitude, there are enormous variations in daylight. A significant part of the country is located north of the Arctic Circle, and so the sun never sets for a part of each summer. Conversely, the sun never rises during the winter in these areas. In the rest of Valkea, sunlight can last from 6 hours per day in late December to 20 hours in late June.

Government and Politics

Main article: Politics of Valkea

Valkea is a unitary semi-presidential republic with a representative democracy. The head of state is the President, currently Afanasi Koski, while the head of government is the Prime Minister, currently Iris Sirkka.

Legislature

Eduskunta building in Källälivi, the seat of Valkea's legislature.

Legislative power is vested in the Parliament of Valkea (Valkean: Eduskunta), a unicameral legislature with 250 members. It may amend the constitution and ordinary laws, dismiss the executive cabinet, and override presidential vetoes. Since 2000, members of the Parliament are elected every five years using the single transferrable voting system. Experts provide an advisory role for the Parliament's various committees in aid of legislation.

Since the 1990s, the three largest parties represented are the Democratic Centrist Party, the Social Democratic Party, and the Green Party. On average, these three have a combined vote of 60-70% of all votes. Other parties with seats in Parliament include the Left Alliance, the Moderate Party, and the True Valkeans Party. Historically, the Kansallist Party has ruled Valkea as a one-party state from 1925 to 1975 before they quickly faded into insignificance.

Executive

President's Palace, official residence of the President of Valkea.

The executive branch has two executive offices: the president and the prime minister. The President of Valkea is the head of state, and holds certain executive powers such as appointing and discharging cabinet ministers, approving or vetoing bills (the latter of which is subject to parliamentary override), directing foreign policy, and authorizing emergency powers. The president is directly elected for a maximum of two five-year terms. The Prime Minister of Valkea is the head of government, and is responsible for the Valkean Government. As with their fellow ministers, they are appointed by the President and approved by the Parliament thru an absolute majority vote.

The Valkean Government is comprised of the Prime Minister and the cabinet ministers. It exercises most executive powers and is the originator of bills that the parliament then debates and votes on. Each minister heads his or her ministry, or, in some cases, has responsibility for a subset of a ministry's policy. Ministers are appointed by the president or prime minister and approved by the Parliament through an absolute majority vote. However, it is the Parliament who has the power to dissolve the cabinet altogether through a vote of no-confidence.

Law

Palace of Justice, seat of the Supreme Court of Valkea.

Valkea's judicial system is a civil law system divided between civil courts, which have jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, and administrative courts, which have jurisdiction over administrative cases. The court system for civil and criminal jurisdiction consists of local courts, regional appellate courts, and the Supreme Court; while the administrative branch of justice consists of administrative courts and the Supreme Administrative Court.

Valkea has successfully fought against government corruption in the 1970s and 1980s, which was historically common during the Kansallist era. Today, Valkea is one of the least corrupt countries in Lorecia.

The overall crime rate of Valkea has been historically low. Incarceration rates are also very low, with a rate of 51 per 100,000 people.

Social Security

Valkea boasts one of the most extensive welfare systems in Astyria, covering all resident populations including Valkeans and non-citizens. In 2008, it became the first Astyrian nation to enact universal basic income.

According to some social historians, the Valkean welfare system is rooted in the traditional belief that the state has a role in ensuring the well-being of its citizens, and that it may intervene benevolently on their behalf to ensure this. They point to Valkea's history of a free and independent peasantry as the basis for this belief. However, contemporary political analysts say that the current welfare system began in the mid-to-late 1970s, when political exiles returned from Nidwalden and rose to leadership positions in Valkea's political parties, transforming their respective parties to adopt Ludwigist principles.

Foreign Relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Valkea

Valkean foreign policy was historically centered on a policy of non-alignment. The country sought to distance itself from wider regional politics, avoiding joining major political or military blocs that would lead to entanglements in foreign wars. As such, Valkea avoided joining both Great Astyrian Wars and maintained friendly relations with members of the Astyrian Treaty Organization and the East Astyrian Treaty Alliance.

Beginning in the 1980s, Valkea pursued a more active role in its foreign affairs. It was a member of various intergovernmental organizations such as the Vinstrian Union, E10, T5, and the Lorecian Community. It also played a significant role in multinational peace efforts as well as provided considerable aid to developing countries throughout Astyria.

Military

Valkean Aerospace V-71, a Valkean-made multirole fighter used by the Valkean Air Force.

The Valkean Armed Forces is comprised of the army, navy, and air force, all of which are under the command of the Ministry of Defence. The border guard and coast guard is under the command of the Ministry of the Interior but can be placed under the Ministry of Defence in times of war. The president serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

The country's military doctrine relies on a highly mobile field army backed up by local defense units. Its military strategy employs the use of the country's mountainous terrain and forested geography to wear down any invading force, instead of attempting to hold the attacking army on the frontier.

Its peacetime strength numbers at approximately 203,600 personnel in uniform (520,000 in wartime). Valkea employs universal male conscription, under which all male Valkean citizens above 18 years of age serve for 12 to 24 months of armed service or 24 months of non-combatant service. However, both men and women can choose to voluntarily serve in the military.

Economy

Valkea is a highly-developed, export-oriented mixed economy, featuring a combination of capitalist and socialist principles. It boasts one of the most vibrant economies in Astyria, with a per capita output comparable to other developed Astyrian economies. Its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020 was $2.65 trillion ($3.18 trillion in PPP). Valkea's standard of living is among the highest in Astyria. The Valkean economy is widely known for its extensive welfare system, egalitarian policies, and ease of doing business.

The service sector contributes up to 61% of Valkea's GDP, with manufacturing at 38% and agriculture at less than 1%. Manufacturing makes up a key economic sector in terms of foreign trade. Valkea's industrial output is one of the highest in Astyria and in the Lorecian Community. Its major industries include electronics, automobiles, machinery, metal-based products, oil and natural gas, chemicals, forestry, and pharmaceuticals.

Valkea boasts one of Astyria's most competitive automotive industries, and is one of the region's largest vehicle producers. Major automotive brands such as Juhola, Sidus, Sorsa, Hedlund, Aaltonen, Eloranta, and Ukko have significantly increased their presence in foreign markets throughout the 1980s, and have grown to be some of the largest in Astyria. It is a major player in the proliferation of electric vehicles, thanks to a combination of government incentives and private commitments.

Architect Corporation's headquarters in Vuornaa. The company is one of Astyria's largest consumer electronics brands.

Valkea also has a large electronics industry. Consumer electronics giants such as Architect and Valkean Electric have grown to be some of the largest in terms of market capitalization. While in recent years they have been facing competition domestically from foreign brands, the Valkean electronics industry still maintains a strong reputation abroad.

The country has plentiful mineral and aquatic resources, as well as timber. Forests play a key role in Valkea's economy, making it one of Astyria's largest wood producers. The government has long played a role in the forestry industry, regulating tree cutting, sponsoring technical improvements, and ensuring that the country's forests continue to provide raw materials for wood-processing industries.

Petroleum is another rich resource that the nation benefits from, having first been discovered in 1926. Since then, export revenues from oil and natural gas have been a significant contribution to the country's GDP. The Valkean government has funneled its petroleum profits towards the Valkean Sovereign Fund (VSF) to provide the Valkean economy with a cushion against volatile oil prices and expenses that are associated with increasing unemployment and ageing.

More than a third of the Valkean workforce has completed tertiary education. In 2016, more than 63% of its workforce are employed by small and medium enterprises and contributed up to 45% of national GDP growth. Valkean workers enjoy immense social benefits such as free public healthcare, paid paternal leave for 48 weeks, and universal basic income. Average hourly wages in Valkea, as well as average productivity levels, are among the highest in Astyria.

Valkea has had historically low unemployment rates. However, with the rise of automation in the country, unemployment has steadily increased over the decades. In 2010 the unemployment rate was recorded at 2.7%, while in 2020 this rose to 4.1%. Youth unemployment has experienced a more dramatic upturn, rising from 5.7% in 2015 to 9.8% in 2020. Economic analysts predict that this trend may continue through the next decade, even as Valkea continues to shift its labor force towards service-oriented jobs to make up for the decline in manufacturing jobs.

Energy

Onkisalmi Nuclear Power Plant, one of many nuclear power plants supplying most of Valkea's electricity.

The state-owned Valtion Sähköyhtiö (VSY) is the main electricity generator and distributor in the nation. Valkea has one of the lowest carbon dioxide emissions from electricity production in the Lorecian Community due to its heavy investment in nuclear energy. Nuclear power plants generate 79% of the country's electricity.

Aside from nuclear energy, Valkea has been increasingly investing in other renewable energy sources. Hydroelectric power plants contribute to 13% of electricity production, while other renewables such as wind, solar, and tidal energy only contribute up to 6%. Much of this is expected to rise through local government initiatives as well as through private ventures. Power plants that are powered by fossil fuels, which currently produce less than 2% of Valkea's electricity, are expected to be phased out by 2025.

Transport

Because of its low population density and climate, Valkea's public transport is less developed than in many other Lorecian nations, especially in sparsely populated areas. Despite this, the country boasts an estimated 1,124,000 km of roads, including 6,590 km of motorways, as well as 18,621 km of railways as of 2020. The Valkean Ministry of Transport has invested heavily in road, rail, and air transport infrastructure through a number of subsidiaries.

A Valkean Railways Group SNR-5 at Nuutilanjoki Station in Harjattula, the latest generation of SNR high-speed trains. These trains regularly operate at speeds of over 330 km/h (205 mph).

Valkea's domestic rail network is mainly operated by the state-owned Valkean Railways Group, while several private companies operate freight trains. The Valkean High-Speed Rail (SNR) was opened in 1986 and regularly transports millions of people between the country's major cities every day at speeds of over 330 km/h. Intra-urban rapid transit systems also exist in major cities.

Valkea's motorway network is notably famous for having no national speed limit for certain classes of vehicles. However, there are limits enforced in urbanized and accident-prone areas, as well as sections of motorways that are under construction.

The country's largest and busiest airport is Källälivi Vuotola Airport, located within the vicinity of the Greater Källälivi area. It serves as the major gateway for Valkea and connects the capital with other major cities across Astyria. Valkea Airlines is the country's national carrier, although other airline companies operate domestic and international flights.

Most international cargo arrives in Valkea by sea. The Port of Källälivi is the largest in Valkea and one of the largest in Northern Lorecia, with a capacity of 31.4 million metric tons.

Sovereign wealth fund

The Valkean Sovereign Fund (VSF) is a sovereign wealth fund that is fully-owned by the Valkean government through the Valkean Sovereign Fund Corporation (VSFC). It was established in 1992 to invest an enormous portion of its surplus revenue generated from the petroleum industry. It currently has investments in a number of international markets. It is currently one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in Astyria, with its assets valued at $1.68 trillion.

The VSF's investment choices are directed based on a series of ethical guidelines. As such, it does not invest in companies with a record of contributing to human rights violations, environmental damage, or the proliferation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

Demographics

Valkea has a population of 44,324,563 as of 2020. The country has a fertility rate of 1.7 children born per woman, which is one of the lowest in Astyria. As such, it has one of the region's oldest populations, with an average age of 41.0 years. The average life expectancy was 82.7 years in 2018, which is one of the highest in the region.

Historically, Valkea has one of the lowest population densities of any Lorecian nation. Its population has been significantly higher in the south than in the north, a phenomenon that has become more pronounced with urbanization. 83% of its inhabitants live in urban areas. Källälivi, the capital, is the largest city, with a population of 1,243,825 residents. Together with Vuornaa and Sorvisto, the 2nd and 6th largest cities in Valkea respectively, they form the Källälivi metropolitan area, an urban agglomeration home to over 4 million people. Other large cities that have grown in population in recent years include Rintalinna, Dagsmark, Novika, Osterlund, and Tuuvalo.

Valkea is one of the most ethnically homogenous societies in Astyria, with 94% of the population identifying as ethnic Valkeans. Indigenous minority groups include the Velgi and Ostli peoples, most of which are concentrated towards the northeast of the country, as well as the Pikka and Lumika of central Valkea. In recent years, the immigrant population of Valkea has been growing rapidly. 5% of the population identifies as foreign-born, with the largest groups originating from Ostrothia, Aurora Confederacy, Caledonia, Nynorsk Ostlijord, Blackhelm Confederacy, Aswick, and Romberg. In turn, a significant number of Valkeans have emigrated to other member-states in the Lorecian Community.

Largest cities

Largest cities in Valkea Valkean Statistics Bureau
	Rank		Province	Pop.	Rank		Province	Pop.
Källälivi Vuornaa	1	Källälivi	Löysimaa	1,243,825	11	Brantevik	Vikkland	325,048	Novika Dagsmark
	2	Vuornaa	Löysimaa	728,334	12	Aittala	Löysimaa	292,756
	3	Novika	Tasamaa	623,528	13	Limapaa	Valkea Proper	286,315
	4	Dagsmark	Vikkland	581,652	14	Helgeboda	Järvimaa	269,465
	5	Rintalinna	Suojaamaa	544,205	15	Mustakivi	Itämaa	253,026
	6	Sorvisto	Löysimaa	507,376	16	Vintala	Valkea Proper	236,330
	7	Osterlund	Järvimaa	473,558	17	Skeppsholm	Vikkland	218,572
	8	Tuuvalo	Valkea Proper	426,924	18	Hopsu	Löysimaa	193,764
	9	Kiesimä	Vikkland	387,105	19	Leposija	Itämaa	177,441
	10	Ervasti	Järvimaa	363,637	20	Pikkala	Pikkamaa	172,369

Language

The official language of Valkea is Valkean, and it is the predominant language spoken in the country. The dialects that are spoken in the southwest of Valkea have linguistic influences taken from extinct Vikalki and Valkenic dialects. In the northeast, Nynorsk and Velgi are recognized as official minority languages - the latter of which holds official language status in the province of Velgi.

English is a compulsory subject beginning in the first grade and ending in lower secondary school. As such, most Valkeans can understand and speak in English, especially after the 2nd Great Astyrian War. Most students also study additional languages such as Noordenstaater, Nidwaldeser, Scanonian, and Fyngarian beginning from fourth grade.

Religion

Religions in Valkea (2019)

  Church of Valkea (57.94%)

  Other Protestants (5.31%)

  Roman Catholic Church (3.74%)

  Other Christians (2.77%)

  Other religions (0.56%)

  Unaffiliated (29.68%)

Kiesimä Cathedral, seat of the Archbishop of the Church of Valkea.

The Church of Valkea is the largest religious body in Valkea and one of the largest Lutheran churches in Astyria, with a membership of over 25 million members (or 57.9% of its population) as of 2019. This number has been decreasing over the decades at an average of 0.63% per year. The Church of Valkea was disestablished in 1923, although it still maintains a special relationship with the state. The second largest group are comprised of those who have no religious affiliation, which account for 29.6% of its population. A small minority belong to other Christian bodies such as the Roman Catholic Church and various Protestant denominations.

The largest non-Christian religion in the country is Islam, with 426,858 registered members as of 2018. Many of these adherents come from Maqtajeri and Hindia Belandan immigrant communities. Judaism has an estimated 24,600 adherents, most of which live in the Källälivi metropolitan area, while Esoteric Shi'ism has a significant presence in Novika.

In 2018, 65% of Valkean children were baptized into the Church of Valkea and 84% were confirmed as members. However, church attendance has been historically low since the 1990s, with an estimated 2.3% of its members regularly attending weekly church services. Most members generally attend church for special occasions such as Christmas and Easter ceremonies, weddings, and funerals.

According to a Sitä Airut poll conducted in 2015, 31% of Valkean citizens responded that "they believe there is a god", 43% responded that "they believe there is a sort of spirit or life force", and 26% responded that "they do not believe in any sort of god, spirit, or life force". In another poll, 9% consider themselves "highly religious", 24% as "moderately religious", 36% as "agnostic", and 31% as "non-religious". Despite this, religion still plays an important role in Valkean culture, and a majority of Valkean adults continue to remain as members of the Church of Valkea.

Health

Valkea has a universal public healthcare system that is mainly funded through taxes that are levied at the local level. Private healthcare is also offered to its residents, although they have to work with municipal and provincial councils to offer their services. Elderly care is managed through the public healthcare system. Healthcare in Valkea is comparable to other developed nations in Astyria, and Valkeans are satisfied with the quality of service.

In 2016, the infant mortality rate was 2.2 per 1,000 live births among children under the age of 5, ranking it among the lowest in the region. Valkean citizens have some of the lowest obesity rates in Lorecia thanks to an aggressive campaign of disease prevention and health promotion. Despite this, more than half a million Valkeans suffer from non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and dementia. Mental disorders such as depression have also become a growing issue, however treatment for such has improved drastically in recent decades.

Valkea has consistently ranked among Astyria's happiest countries, ranking 1st in 2013 and 2017 and consistently ranking in the top 5 since 2008.

Education

Aerial view of the University of Rintalinna campus

The Valkean education system is considered by many surveys to be one of the best in Astyria. Primary and secondary education is arranged at the municipal level. Most students in Valkea are enrolled in public schools—the remaining 5% are enrolled in private schools (mostly specialist language and international schools). Early childhood education is voluntary, although a significant number of Valkeans enroll their children in pre-school. Formal education is usually started at the age of 7, and is mandatory between the ages of 7 and 16.

Primary school lasts for six years and lower secondary school three years. After lower secondary school, graduates may either enter the workforce directly or continue to pursue further education by applying to a trade school or gymnasium (upper secondary school). Trade schools offer a vocational education while gymnasiums are more oriented towards the academics. Graduation from either formally qualifies for tertiary education.

Valkeans have two options for choosing their tertiary education: polytechnics, which specialize in vocational courses and professions, and universities, which are more academically-oriented. Students benefit from free education and financial aid from the government to cover their living expenses. 41% of all Valkeans have a tertiary degree, which is similar to other Lorecian Community nations and more than many other developed nations in Astyria. A third of tertiary graduates are in science-related fields such as biotechnology, materials research, environmental sciences, and telecommunications. Adult education is also prevalent among its workforce, with over 8 million Valkeans receiving some form of learning each year.

Its educational institutions are among the most renowned in Astyria. The University of Källälivi ranks 16th in the Astyrian University Rankings as of 2015. Other notable universities include Haavisto University and Vuornaa University in Vuornaa, University of Rintalinna, University of Novika, Sorvisto University of Technology, Osterlund University, University of Dagsmark, University of Kiesimä, and Tuuvalo University. Many of these universities attract thousands of degree and exchange sutdents over the decades, mainly due to the Valkean tertiary education system's exceptional quality and their inclusion of English as a medium of instruction for a number of degree programs.

Valkea is one of the top-performing countries in literacy, ranking 5th in reading, 8th in mathematics, and 2nd in science. It also ranks 4th for most scientific publications per capita.

Culture

Arts

The arts in Valkea was mainly dominated by artists from central and southern Lorecia for several centuries. It wasn't until the 19th century that a distinctly Valkean identity emerged in fine arts. Valkean artists such as Ahvo Juntunen, Mikko Kotka, Ari Niskanen, Eino Saro, and Andreas Talo were influenced by international art trends and became instrumental in the development of painting and sculpture. Juntunen and Kotka in particular became famous for their landscape paintings of places in western Valkea.

The turn of the 20th century brought many new modern movements to the Valkean art scene, most notably cubism, surrealism, and sachlichstil. However, upon the rise of the Kansallist regime, Valkean artists began to fully embrace these new art forms and commence a period of experimentation that lasted throughout the 1920s. However, beginning in 1931, the Kansallist Party began to limit what artists were allowed to make. Art that reflected poorly on Kansallism or critiqued the State or the Party were heavily restricted, while certain art forms such as dadaism and anti-art were prohibited for being counter-revolutionary.

Many of these restrictions were relaxed in the 1940s after Vuotola's death, with some traditional as well as newer art movements reemerging in the 1950s. However, state censorship remained until the fall of the Kansallist regime in 1975.

Architecture and Design

For much of Valkea's history, most buildings were made of timber. However, beginning in the 13th century there was a shift towards stone. These early stone buildings were introduced from central Lorecia and mainly reserved for important structures, such as forts, castles, and cathedrals.

Beginning in 1525, King Pekka I initiated a series of grand construction projects throughout Valkea, some of which include Rotikka Castle, Kiljula Castle, and the reconstruction of Ervasti Cathedral. Baroque and rococo influences were introduced in the 17th century, with its most notable projects from that time including the Royal Palace (now the Old President's Palace), Källälivi Cathedral, and Panelia Palace.

Novika House of Remembrance

However, Valkea's greatest contributions to architecture and design were made in the 20th century. Valkean designers were leading visionaries in handicrafts and industrial design. One of its most important designers was Sakarias Ilves, an architect who introduced functionalism to Valkea and was a major driving force behind Astyrian modernist design. Architects such as Mika Kankkunen, Altti Karlsson, Kristian Pietilä, Manu Savela, Jani Heiskanen, and Mikko Saarinen have also attained international acclaim for their work.

Cuisine

Poronjuusto, cheese made from reindeer milk

Traditional Valkean cuisine, like those of its neighbors, is notable for being simple. Whole grains, fish, meat, berries and dairy products are common ingredients seen in many Valkean dishes. The western part of Valkea uses more fish and meat in their traditional dishes, while the eastern part uses more vegetables and mushrooms. Notable Valkean dishes include verimakkara, a blood sausage originating from Ervasti, and poronjuusto, a regional specialty from Velgi province.

Valkeans have statistically consumed more coffee per capita than anywhere else in Astyria, at an average of 10.65 kg per person. Milk is also widely consumed throughout the country, despite 18% of the population being lactose intolerant.

Music

Shattered Moon in 2015

Valkea's folk music is mainly split into two major musical traditions: Laulutic music and Spelmanic music. Laulutic music is based on traditional Valkean melodies and lyrics, particularly from the Lumika culture as well as national epics such as the Laulut. On the other hand, Spelmanic music originates from Viking folk music brought over by the Vikalki. Valkean folk music has had a roots revival in recent decades.

The Velgi are famous for the luoti, a traditional form of song that shares many characteristics with other shamanistic cultures. They are highly spiritual or personal in nature and are often sung at religious ceremonies, festivals, and at the birth of Velgi persons.

Modern Valkean popular music is drawn from outside influences, and features a wide variety of genres such as dance music, pop, rock, jazz, blues, electronic, and hip-hop. Valkean rock and heavy metal has proven to be very popular outside of Valkea, with bands such as Shattered Moon, Firewater, and Brazen Bull gaining international recognition.

Sports

Valkea's three major spectator sports are football, ice hockey, and motorsports, while other sports such as basketball, volleyball, track and field, floorball, handball, bandy, skiing, and gymnastics have large followings in the country.

Ice hockey is the second most popular sport in Valkea in terms of spectators. The Valkean national ice hockey team is one of the most successful national ice hockey teams in Astyria, having won the Astyrian Ice Hockey Championship ten times.

Valkea is one of Astyria's leading motorsports nations. Various Valkean automotive manufacturers have been successful in various racing disciplines, with numerous titles and race wins in Astyrian Formula One, Astyrian Grand Prix League, Astyrian Endurance Championship, Astyrian Touring Car Championship, Astyrian Rally Championship, and the Astyrian Motorcycle Racing Championship. The country hosts numerous domestic racing series such as the Valkean Touring Car Championship, Valkean GT Championship, and ValkFormula, as well as major races such as the Valkean Grand Prix. Notable Valkean drivers include Henri Koivu, Tomi Lehti, Sami Nurminen, Alvari Siltala, Nico Paavola, Paavo Laakkonen, Pekka Koivu, and Simo Rassinen.