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


Ostrothia has been settled since 10,000 BC. In the first century AD counties known as Maakond were formed which were frequently raided by Vikings who founded the modern Ostrothian capital of [[Rõlva]]. Valkean crusades brought christianity to Ostrothia and by the 14th cemtury most of Ostrothia was under Valkean rule in the form of The Duchy of Ostrothia which was established in 1350. In the early 1500's the rerformation brought lutheranism to Ostrothia. In the 1860's the National Awakening saw the reemergence of the Ostrothian language and Ostrothian culture. This culminated in the 1905 revolution in which Ostrothian nationalists attempted to create an Ostrothian Republic. The revolution ended in 1906 as Valkea assimilated Ostrothia into Valkea proper. The Ostrothian language and national symbols such as the Ostrothian triband were banned. This caused Ostrothian nationalism to rise. In 1916 as Valkea fell into civil war Ostrothian nationalists claimed independence. The Valkean army invaded in early 1917 and the Ostrothian war of Independence insued. It lasted until August of that year as the Valkean armed forces was forced to focus on the civil war in Valkea. Ostrothia became a de facto independent state not gaining full recognition from the Valkean government as independent until 1923. Ostrothia joined the [[Lorecian Community]] in 1997.
Ostrothia has been settled since 10,000 BC. In the first century AD counties known as Maakond were formed which were frequently raided by Vikings who founded the modern Ostrothian capital of [[Rõlva]]. Valkean crusades brought christianity to Ostrothia and by the 14th cemtury most of Ostrothia was under Valkean rule in the form of The Duchy of Ostrothia which was established in 1350. In the early 1500's the rerformation brought lutheranism to Ostrothia. In the 1860's the National Awakening saw the reemergence of the Ostrothian language and Ostrothian culture. This culminated in the 1905 revolution in which Ostrothian nationalists attempted to create an Ostrothian Republic. The revolution ended in 1906 as Valkea assimilated Ostrothia into Valkea proper. The Ostrothian language and national symbols such as the Ostrothian triband were banned. This caused Ostrothian nationalism to rise.  
 
In 1916 as Valkea fell into civil war Ostrothian nationalists claimed independence. The Valkean army invaded in early 1917 and the Ostrothian war of Independence insued. It lasted until August of that year as the Valkean armed forces was forced to focus on the civil war in Valkea. Ostrothia became an independent state in 1923 when it was recognized by other Astyrian nations, although the Valkean government would not resume formal relations until 1936. Ostrothia joined the [[Lorecian Community]] in 1997.


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


===Prehistory===
[[File:MapOstriiVabariik.jpeg|thumb|left|250px|A topographic map of Ostrithia showing Railway lines, Cities and towns, A and B roads and county boundaries]]
 
The earliest traces of human settlement in Ostrothia date back to 10,000 BC. The earliest settlements in Ostrothia include the mesolithic Rälti settlement is located by the Rõlva River. Bone and stone artifacts similar to those found at the Rälti settlement have been found all over Ostrothia. Among minerals, flint and quartz were used the most for making cutting tools.
 
During the Bronze Age the first fortified settlements, Lauju and Haku, began to be built. The development of shipbuilding facilitated the spread of bronze. .
 
The Iron Age began in Ostrothia about 500 BC and lasted until the middle of the 1st century AD. The oldest iron items seem to have been imported. Settlement sites were located mostly in places that offered natural protection. Fortresses began to be built. 
 
===Tribal Era===
 
In the 1st centuries AD political and administrative subdivisions began to emerge in Ostrothia. Subdivisions appeared known as the county (maakond). The counties were  headed by an elder. By the 13th century the following major counties had developed in Ostrothia: Lauju, Haku, Soulu, Lääpe, Varõi, Jotsaküla and Novasaare.
 
In the 11th century raiders known as Viikngid are recorded as frequently raiding the Ostrothian coast. Among their most notable actions was the founding of the city of Rõlva the modern capital of Ostrothia. The rise of Christianity brought from the northern Valkea lands eventually led to crusades. The Ostrothian tribes were overwhelmed which led to baptism and military occupation.
 
===Crusades===
 
The Northern Crusades from Valkea established the city of Rõlva (the capital of modern Ostrothia) to be the new centre of christian Ostrothia. Ostrothian tribes fiercely resisted the attacks from Rõlva and found themselves sacked and their territories controlled by the crusaders. Battles persued in 1217 abd 1219 also known as the period of the ancient Ostrothian fight for independence.
 
In 1229 Valkenic raiders conquered the indigenous stronghold at Haku. After the conquest, all the remaining local pagans of Ostrothia were ostensibly Christianized.  The conquerors exercised control through a network of strategically located castles.
 
Despite local rebellions and frequent invasions from other Ostrothian tribes, the local the Valkenic upper class continued to rule most of Coastal Ostrothia bar the  Lauju Maakond.
 
===Under The Kingdom of Valkea===
 
In the mid 14th century the Valkenic upper class soon spread their influence from the coast to cover all of what is now known as Ostrothia. Ostrothia at this time was made a satellite state of The Kingdom of Valkea under the form of The Duchy of Ostrothia. Nonetheless, the legal system, Lutheran church, local and town governments, and education remained mostly Ostrothian.
 
By 1401 the majority of Ostrothia accepted  the rule of the Valkean King (Under the title of Duke of Ostrothia). Valkean forces gradually conquered the majority of Novasaare, there were minor rebellions throught the 15th and 16th centuries in Novesaare and Lauju counties.
 
Through the centuries Ostrothia was to be the battleground of many wars fought between the powers that surrounded it.
 
The Valkean era lasted from the 1350s to the Ostrothian Republic. Unrest and rebellion was uncommon. The Valkeans were Lutherans, and so were the vast majority of the Ostrothian population so there was little religious greivance. Universities were opened in Rõlva and Laadu.
 
===The Reformation===
 
The Reformation in Ostrothia was inspired and organized by local and Valkenic secular and religious authorities Lutheranism spread literacy among the young. However, the peasants were traditionalists and were firmly Catholic. After 1590,  Lutheranism began to dominate. The Valkenic elite promoted Lutheranism, and language, education, religion and politics were greatly transformed. The Ostrothian Church was founded at this time. Church services were now given in the local vernacular, instead of Latin, and the first book was printed in Ostrothian.
 
===Ostrothian National Awakening===
 
A cultural movement was pushed by student orginisations which saw many adopt the use of Ostrothian as the language of instruction in schools and a national literature in Ostrothian developed. Ostrothian folklore and songs were popularised. With this national awakening cane the emergence of Ostrothian nationalism. Many started to belive in the fact that an an independent Ostrothian Republic was possible. There were brief protests in 1861 and 1863 which were subdued by local authourities. As the Valkean Revolution of 1905 was in full swing, the Ostrothians at the time called for more national autonomy as many came to understand the extent to which Valkea controlled its government and foreign policy. Ostrothian protesters took to the streets of Rõlva and Laadu.
 
===The 1905 Revolution===
 
During the 1905 Revolution many Ostrothian nationalists took to the streets to advocate for Ostrothian independence. Many paramilitary resistance groups were established but none could take control of all of the Ostrothian lands and by 1906 Ostrothia had been fully reclaimed by Valkea. Unlike before Ostrothia no longer had the pretence of being autonomous and was fully subjected to the Republic of Valkea. In opposition to this further marches for independence or increased autonomy were subdued by police and by 1907 they largely died out. To halt the spread of nationalism symbols like the Ostrothian triband were banned. Throughout the period from 1905-1917 civil disobedience was practised by many Ostrothians and symbols of Valkean rule were frequently vandalised. Frequent skermishes between nationalist groups and Valkean authourities led to many Ostrothians increasingly seeing the Valkean state as their enemy.
 
===Valkean Assimilation===
 
After the revolution, The assimilation of Ostrothia into Valkea proper began, as the central government initiated various administrative and cultural measures to tie Ostrothia into the new Valkean Republic.  The Valkean language was used throughout the education system and many Ostrothian social and cultural activities were suppressed. In this period, there was a new surge of Ostrothian nationalism and many rebel groups were formed to oppose Valkean rule.
 
===War of Independence===
 
In 1916, the Republic of Valkea fell into civil war. Ostrothian nationalists quickly seized the opportunity to achieve independence from Valkea. Unlike 1905, where Ostrothian nationalist elements could not take control of the whole country, by 1917, Ostrothian nationalism and national identity had become a popular ideal due to Valkean policies in years past that were enacted to assimilate Ostrothia as a part of Valkea. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets to advocate for independence and when Valkean authorities attempted to subdue the protests they turned violent. The National Assembly of Ostrothia was established and the committee declared the independence of Ostrothia on 29 March 1917, forming the Ostrothian Provisional Government.
 
In response to this, Valkea sent troops to restore order in April 1917, starting the Ostrothian War of Independence. The Valkean forces took the north but were stopped before they reached Laadu as a counter offensive pushed them back to Varõi Maakond. They were pushed out of Ostrothia within a few months as the Valkean army refocused its efforts on containing monarchist and syndicalist revolutionaries. Renewed offensives by the Valkeans continued until August 1917 but failed to achieve a breakthrough. With the Valkean civil war in full force by 1918, the Valkean government gave up interest in invading Ostrothia, and de facto independence was secured. In 1923 the new Valkean government under Tatu Sibelius pledged to recognize Ostrothia as an independent nation and relinquished Valkea's claims over the territory.
 
===The Ostrothian Republic===


An Ostrothian national assembly was convened. In October 1918, the Ostrothian National Assembly was elected. The National Assembly passed a sweeping land reform expropriating large estates, and adopted a new highly liberal constitution establishing Ostrothia as a parliamentary democracy. Nationalist movements won the 1918 election and many ethnic Valkeans were forcibly removed from counties like Rõlva and Varõi.
Ostrothian land is generally flat with the land occasionally rising into uplands that reach no more than 322 metres above sea level. Dotted across the centre of Ostrothia is a wide chain of lakes that spread from the west coast to the eastern interior. These lakes are known as the Ahelik lakes. However Ostrothia’s largest lake is lake Haigur in the south of the country which spans nearly 2,000 square kilometres which is an important source of peat. A resource found in abundance along its shore. Generally thanks to the Ahelik lakes running through its centre Ostrothia has a flat expance at its centre.  


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


Ostrothia is a relatively low lying nation with an abundance of lakes, bogs and forests. Average elevation reaches only 50 metres (164 ft) and the country's highest point is Lõuna mägi in the south at 350 metres. There is 5,600 kilometres of coastline marked by numerous bays, straits, and inlets.
There are few Ostrothian uplands but those few uplands are as naturally serene as the rest of the republic. In the very south the Lääpe upland forms a portion of the border with the Aurora Confederacy. With the Juure upland stretching just north of lake Haigur. The Haku and Laaduan uplands are the tallest in the country although tall in the case of Ostrothia amounts only to around 322 metres at most. The so called Ostrothian arm made up of the county of Novesaare is the least populated part of Ostrothia and is on average the country’s most hilly. The arm of Ostrothia is a quiet and is often accused of being neglected by the government in Rõlva.
 
[[File:Estonia Endla Nature Reserve 05.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The Suur Põhja nature reserve in the Northwest]]
 
Ostrothia has a number of islands dotted around its coast. Ostrothia has over 2,000 lakes. Most are very small, with the largest, Lake Võit, being 2,150 km2. There are many rivers in the country. The longest of them are the Rõva, Rõlva which the capital of Ostrothia takes its name and Pätsemaa. Ostrothia has numerous fens and bogs. Forest land covers 48% of Ostrothia. The most common tree species are pine, spruce and birch.


Over 40% of Ostrothia is covered in forest which has stayed this way due to strict government control over the felling and use of trees. Much of Ostrothia is forest which has over centuries contributed in many ways to the nation’s culture as the forests have provided food and shelter to Ostrothians for centuries.
===Climate===
===Climate===
Ostrothia is a northerly nation.  Ostrothia has four seasons of equal length. Average temperatures range drastically from 17°C i  July to -2°C in January, the coldest month. The average annual temperature in Ostrothia is 6°C.
===Enviroment===
Ostrothia has worked hard over the past devade or so to commit to green energy programs and cut the nations reliance on carbon based energy sources completely in 2030. These initiatives include the introduction of a carbon tax coming into place in 2025.
Ostrothia is not a mountainous country and is instesd made up of fertile fields and meadows from which crops like ceresls are grown. Ostrothia is a well waterrd country and stands out with its abundance of lakes and rivers.
Ostrothia's total landmass is dominated by forests which make up 48% of the country in total. Conserving this emvironemt has become the primary concern of the Ostrothian government in recent years. Of the forrested land in Ostrothia 35% of it is protected as ancient woodland as forest has a particular stronghold in Ostrothian culture.
===Biodiversity===
Ostrothian ecosystems are dominated by lakelands, bogs, fens and wetlands. Ostrothia has more than 200 lakes which provide an invaluable habitat for many many species.
[[File:Eurasian wolf 2.jpg|thumb|250px|left|An Ostrothian wolf in the forests of the northwest]]
Ostrothia is known for its abundance of large wild animals whose populations have skyrocketed since hunting was stopped in the 1850's. Currently, Ostrothia has approximately 250,000 larger wild animals or 5 per each square kilometer. The most prolific large wild animal in every part of Ostrothia is the deer, with 200,000 of them. They are followed by boars (48,000) and the largest one: moose (~12,000). Among the Ostrothian predators, wolves are the most common (~29,000). The large animals mentioned above exclude the rabbit, ~280,000 of which may live in the Ostrothian forests.


==Politics==
==Politics==
 
{| class="wikitable floatright"
Ostrothia is a unitary parliamentary republic. The unicameral parliament Rahvakogu serves as the legislative and the government as the executive.
 
The unicameral Ostrothian parliament, the Rahvakogu, has 190 members who are elected to five-year terms. Those members are elected in a nationwide vote by proportional representation. A party must receive at least 5% of the national vote to be eligible for any of the 190 national seats in the Rahvakogu. It is elected by citizens over the age of 18. The Rahvakogu's responsibilities include approval and preservation of the national government, passing legal acts, passing the state budget, and conducting parliamentary supervision. On proposal of the president  appoints the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the chairman of the board of the Bank of Ostrothia and the Chancellor.
 
[[File:Rahvakogu's.jpeg|thumb|250px|left|Rahvakogu, the Ostrothian unicameral parliament]]
 
The Government of Ostrothia is formed by the Prime Minister of Ostrothia at recommendation of the President, and approved by the Rahvakogu. The government, headed by the Prime Minister, represent the political leadership of the country and carry out domestic and foreign policy. Ministers head ministries and represent its interests in the government.
 
The head of the state is the President who has primarily representative and ceremonial role. The president is elected for a five-year term and serving a maximum of two terms. The President proclaims the laws passed in the Rahvakogu , and has right to refuse proclamation and return law in question for a new debate and decision. If Rahvakogu passes the law unamended, then the President has right to propose to the Supreme Court to declare the law unconstitutional. The President also represents the country in international relations. The president oversees foreign affairs and national security, and is the commander-in-chief of the military. The president also appoints the prime minister and, on the latter's nomination, the rest of the cabinet, as well as a number of other top civil servants and the judges for all courts.
 
===Foreign Relations===
 
===law enforcement===
 
Crime in Ostrothia has been declining rapidly. Law enforcement in Ostrothia is primarily the responsibility of local Ostrii Politsei (Ostrothian Police) commissariats. Capital punishment in Ostrothia was suspended in 1986 and fully eliminated in 1989. 
 
[[File:Estonian police car.JPG|thumb|250px|right|An Ostrothian Police Vehicle]]
 
The Ostrothian Police Service is divided into police departments, which encompass the area of multiple municipalities; municipalities do not have police forces of their own. The function of each police department is to maintain general law and order, prevent crime, investigate crime and other events that threaten public order and safety, to carry out traffic control and surveillance and promote traffic safety, and perform all other duties prescribed by law or otherwise assigned to the police in their area. Local police also processes licenses and permits such as ID cards and passports and enforce immigration laws by the Ostrothian Immigration Service.
 
===Military===
 
The Ostrothian Armed Forces consist of land forces, navy, and air force. The current national military service is compulsory for healthy men between ages of 18 and 28, with conscripts serving 8 or 11-month tours of duty, depending on their education and position provided by the Armed Forces. The peacetime size of the Ostrothian Defence Forces is about 8,000 persons, with half of those being conscripts. The planned wartime size of the Defence Forces is 72,000 personnel. The National Defence Policy aims to guarantee the preservation of the independence and sovereignty of the state, the integrity of its land, territorial waters and airspace, and its constitutional order. The ministry in charge if its upkeep is the ministry of defence.
 
===Administrative Divisions===
 
Ostrothia has sixteen counties which are subdivided into municipalities. Local affairs are managed autonomously by local governments. There are in total 112 local governments. All municipalities have equal legal status and form part of a county, which is a state administrative unit. Representative body of local authorities is municipal council, elected at general direct elections for a five-year term. The council appoints local government, headed by a mayor. In addition to the 16 counties of Ostrothia there are also 4 historic lands; Haku, Rõlva, Lääpe and Novesaare. These lands do not have any political or administrative powers and are simply ceremonial remenants of the early tribes of Ostrothia.
 
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible collapsed autocollapse" style="font-size:90%;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px"
|-
! County
! Coat of Arms
! County Town
! 2-Letter Code
|-
| Haku
| [[File:Coat of Arms of Smiltene.svg|50px]]
| Haku
| HA
|-
| Varõi
| [[File:Coat of Arms of Valka.svg|50px]]
| Varõi
| VI
|-
| Rõlva
| [[File:Coat of Arms of Vrakuňa.svg|50px]]
| [[Rõlva]]
| RL
|-
| Novesaare
| [[File:Coat of Arms of Tornaľa.svg|50px]]
| Novesaare
| NE
|-
| Laadu
| [[File:Coat of Arms of Talsi.svg|50px]]
| Laadu
| LU
|-
| Varju
| [[File:Utzenstorf-coat of arms.svg|50px]]
| Varju
| VJ
|-
| Soulu
| [[File:Coat of Arms of Trnava Region.svg|50px]]
| Prasilimäe
| SL
|-
| Jõhku
| [[File:Coat of Arms of Sobrance.svg|50px]]
| Jõhku
| JK
|-
| Jotsaküla
| [[File:LVA Talsu novads COA.png|50px]]
| Rapavaa
| JA
|-
| Kälta
| [[File:Coat of Arms of Svätý Jur.svg|50px]]
| Kälta
| KA
|-
|-
| Oljala
| style="text-align:left;"| [[File:Official portrait of Mike Wood MP crop 2.jpg|150px]] || style="text-align:left;" | [[File:Rapti, Sylvana-2188.jpg|135px]]
| [[File:Coat of Arms of Turčianske Teplice.svg|50px]]
| Oljala
| OL
|-
| Juure
| [[File:Coat of arms Wendling.svg|50px]]
| Juure
| JE
|-
| Osalu
| [[File:Flüelen-coat of arms.svg|50px]]
| Osalu
| OU
|-
| Põhja-Lääpe
| [[File:Coat of arms Meggenhofen.svg|50px]]
| Prasaval
| PL
|-
| Lääpe
| [[File:Coat of Arms of Lamač.svg|50px]]
| Lääpe
| LE
|-
| Huia
| [[File:Coat of Arms of Jēkabpils.svg|50px]]
| Hauia
| HU
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Artur Jõäär]]<br /><small>[[President of Ostrothia|President]]</small>
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Leana Aarma]]<br /><small>[[Prime Minister of Ostrothia|Prime Minister]]</small>
|}
|}
Since gaining its independence in 1923 Ostrothia has been a {{Wp|Parliamentary state|Parliamemtary}} {{Wp|Unitary state|Unitary}} republic. The Ostrothian head of state is the [[President of Ostrothia|President]]. The Presidency of Ostrothia is a completely ceremonial role and the President has no say in the actual running of the country, the role of the President is simply to represent Ostrothia as a figurehead. The head of the executive government of Ostrothia is the [[Prime Minister of Ostrothia|Prime Minister]] who along with his/her cabinet is charged with drafting legislation to the Ostrothian {{Wp|Unicameralism|Unicameral}} parliament the [[Rahvakogu]]. The Rahvakogu was first formed in 1918 and is made up of 190 members who are responsible for voting for legislation drafted by the executive government. To gain a majority in the [[Rahvakogu]] a party must win 95 seats, the current party in power is [[Solidaarsus ha Isamaa]]. The Rahvakogu is elected by all Ostrothian citizens over the age of 18 by universal suffrage every 5 years. The Rahvakogu has been dominated by centre-left parties for the past 30 years. The judiciary branch of the Ostrothian government is split into high or national courts and then further into municipal courts.
===Administrative divisions===
===Foreign relations===
As a member of several international organisations such as the [[Lorecian Community]] and having been one of the founders of the [[Vinstrian Union]] Ostrothia has insured that it, although a small nation, plays a large hand in the geopolitical happenings in the region around it and on the international stage. Ostrothia was a founding member of the [[Vinstrian Union]] in the mid 1980’s along with [[Valkea]], [[Caledonia]] and [[Nynorsk Ostlijord]]. Ostrothia became a member of the [[Lorecian Community]] in 1997. Its membership in the community has been invaluable to the nations influence on the international stage. Although relations were strained historically between [[Valkea]] and Ostrothia the two have bridged the divide that was caused by Ostrothia’s independence from Valkea in 1923.


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


Ostrothia has open and mixed economy that is classified as a high-income economy. According to data from 2019, the three largest sectors in the Ostrothian economy are – services (60% of GDP), industry (30%) and agriculture (3%).
Law enforcement in Ostrothia is the job of the [[Ostrothian Police]] who are also in charge of citizenship matters such as Passports and ID cards. The Ostrothian police are a national force split into several smaller forces based on the counties of Ostrothia.
 
Forests play a key role in the country's economy, making it one of the world's leading wood producers and providing raw materials at competitive prices for the crucial wood-processing industries. As in agriculture, the government has long played a leading role in forestry, regulating tree cutting, sponsoring technical improvements, and establishing long-term plans to ensure that the country's forests continue to supply the wood-processing industries.
 
The unemployment rate was 5.4% in 2016. As of 2019, Ostrothian mean wealth per adult is $52,000. Ostrothia has a flat tax rate rather than a progressive scheme. The personal income tax (15%) and corporate tax (15%) rates in Ostrothia are among the lowest in Lorecia. The country has the lowest implicit rate of tax on capital (10%). Corporate tax rate in Ostrothia is 15% and 5% for small businesses. Information technology production is growing in the country, reaching 10.9 billion Marks in 2017.  


==Economy==
Ostrothia is a {{Wp|high income economy|High income}} market economy. Ostrothia was a relatively small economic power in its area until its membership of the [[Lorecian Community]] which has seen a large growth in the Ostrothian economy. Ostrothia is known for having one of the lowest corporate teaxes in [[Lorecia]] and for the ease of doing business in the country. Due to its relatively low lying landscape the main exports of Ostrothia include many agricultural prosucts such as cereals. As well as this Ostrothia is a known exporter of electronics, fish and is known for its shipbuilding. Ostrothia is reliant on imports of oil and gas for its energy supply. Ostrothia has a high consumption of energy due to its climate which demnands usage gor heating and so on.
===Transport===
Ostrothia has an extensive road and rail network that traverses nearly the entire country. The roads in Ostrothia are split into three branches, Motorway, A-Road and B-Road. The majority of freight going through Ostrothia is carried by rail. Rail lines are run by the state owmed service OR. Among passenger trains the most used in the Ostrothian Highspeed Coastal Route which connects the Ostrothian capital [[Rõlva]] to [[Valkea]] in the north through Haku and through the city of Varju in the south to the [[Aurora Confederacy]]. Other major lines include the Rõlva-Laadu highspeed line. In urban areas in Ostrothia there are several light rail and tram services that traverse the cities of [[Rõlva]], Laadu, Jõhku and Varju. Ostrothia has several large ports the largest being the Port of Rõlva followed closely by the port of Haku with more than 67% of passenger and commercial traffic filtering through them. Ostrothia has three international airports those being Rõlva International, Laadu and Varju. They serve as a base for the national airline [[Vinstrii]].
===Energy===
===Energy===
 
Ostrothia imports a large quantity of Oil and Gas from neighbouring countries such as [[Caledonia]] although in recent years there has been a large pushback to this as the Ostrothian government attempts to explore enviromentally friendly green options. In 2015 the government announced its new renewable energy programme which saw wind power increase to 7% of the total energy input in Ostrothia. Ostrothia has a {{Wp|Liberalization|liberalised}} its emergy market in 2003. There three nuclear power plants in Ostrothia; Prasilimäe, Votkusaa near Noversaare and Leremaa in Lääpe county. Rennovationsare planned to modernise the latter two of these power plants.
Ostrothia is dependent on other countries for energy. In recent years, many local and foreign companies have been investing in renewable energy sources. Wind power has been increasing steadily in Ostrothia.
 
[[File:Iru power plant.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Laadu Power Plant]]
 
Currently, there are plans to renovate some older units of the Laadu Power Plants, establish new power stations, and provide higher efficiency in oil shale-based energy production. The country's main energy supplier is Ostrii Energia.
 
===Transport===
 
Ostrothian Railways' main network consists of 1,920 km  of 1,520 mm  gauge railway of which 188 km are electrified. Ostrothian railway network also has 200 km of standard gauge lines. Half of all inland freight transported in Ostrothia is carried by rail. Ostrothia has an extensive network of motorways.  
 
There are many ports dotted around the coastline of Ostrothia with the largest being Rõlva followed by Haku and Jütkalaa. The most travelled ferry routes tend to be from Rõlva to parts of Valkea proper Rõlva International Airport is the largest airport in Ostrothia. It served 4.2 million passengers in 2016. Other international airports include Laadu International Airport, Haku International Airport and  , Novessaare International Airport.


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


{{Template:Astyria}}
{{Template:Astyria}}

Latest revision as of 14:17, 14 September 2024

Icon-Under Construction.png This page or section is in the middle of an expansion or major revamping. You are welcome to assist in its construction by editing it as well. If this article has not been edited in several days, please remove this template.
Republic of Ostrothia
Ostrii Vabariik
of Ostrothia
Coat of arms
Motto: Isamaa eest!
For Fatherland!
Ost in Lor.png
Location of  Ostrothia  (dark green)

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

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

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

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

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

History

Geography

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

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

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

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

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

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

Climate

Politics

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

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

Administrative divisions

Foreign relations

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

Military

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

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

Economy

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

Transport

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

Energy

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

Demographics

Cities

Religion

Education

Culture

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