Nivesia

Nivesian Federation
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Harmonia et Progressu" Latin "Wówačhaŋtognake na Iyápi" Siouan "Awîhikon awâshtîhîwin" Cree
Anthem: "Hail Nivesia"
Capital	Edmonton
Largest city	Calgary Edmonton Winnipeg Saskatoon Boise
Official languages	None
Recognised national languages	English
Ethnic groups	68.6% European 13.7% Native 9.6% African 6.0% two or more races 2.4% Other
Religion	55% Christianity 30% Folk beliefs 21% Judaism 11% Unaffiliated
Demonym(s)	Nivesian
Government	Federal Presidential Constitutional Republic
• President	Alfred Truman
• Vice President	Jon Brandt
• House Speaker	Adam Kent
• Chief Justice	Harold Williams
Legislature	Congress
• Upper house	Senate
• Lower house	House of Representatives
Establishment
• Independence from England	August 4, 1774
• Great Divide	October 12, 2038
• Republic Established	September 15, 2044
Area
• Total	1,302,069.925 km2 (502,732.009 sq mi)
Population
• 2060 estimate	183,265,200
• Density	197/km2 (510.2/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)	2059 estimate
• Total	$14.72 trillion
• Per capita	$80,412
HDI (2058)	0.912 very high
Currency	Nivesian Dollar ($)
Time zone	UTC-6 to -8 (CST,MST)
Driving side	right
Calling code	+16
Internet TLD	.nv

The Federal Republic of Nivesia or commonly known as Nivesia, is an intercontinental country primarily located in North America. It is a federation of 13 states, a federal capital district (Austin) and 12 indigenous reservations. Outside the union of states, it asserts sovereignty over two major unincorporated island territories and various uninhabited islands. The country has the world's largest land area and exclusive economic zone. Nivesia is bordered by Cascadea to the west, Aztlan to the south, Amrasia to the north and Atlantia to the east.

The land of what today is Nivesia had a rich history that dates back to over 1,000 years ago. Paleo-Indians migrated from the Bering sea and established multiple civilizations throughout the North American territory, which, centuries later, would face colonization by the British, Spanish and French immigrants. The North American land faced sequence of conflicts and wars that led to the independence in 1774 as the United States of America, which lasted until the Grand Divide in 2038.

The Grand Divide that engulfed the entire globe resulted in the division of Earth geography, both natural and political. The tragedy divided lands and oceans, which subsequently divided countries into multiple parts. Nivesia is the direct result of the event, where the {{w[|United States}} broke up into four parts, all divided by an invisible wall.

Years after the tragedy, Nivesia has grown into a regional superpower, massing a large territory primarily in the midwestern part of North American continent. Nivesia operates as a presidential constitutional republic and liberal democracy with three distinct branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. Its legislature consists of two chambers - the House of Representatives, which is population-based, and the Senate, which provides equal representation for each state. The nation prioritizes individual liberties, equality before the law, individualism, and limited government, allowing considerable autonomy to its states and territories.

Nivesia has held the position of the world's tenth largest nominal GDP since approximately 2048, having quickly recovered from the tragedy. Additionally, it holds membership in key international organizations such as the World Bank, IMF, NATO, and the UN Security Council.

Etymology

The earliest known use of the name "Nivesia" dates back to January 20, 2044 during the Operation Gaia near Edmonton when Metal Knight Petr Karlsson misheard a native Cree saying "Nipêwan" as "Nivean". The word itself has the meaning of "middle" or "between". It was used to call the Natives' hideouts that were sandwitched between the frontline and the Drakonian base.

Later, the world would be heard again when the declaration of independence was written by Carline Evalia in Wade Gilkeson's estate. It was unknown if the word itself was inspired from "Nipêwan" or from Latin word "Niveus" meaning snowy.

History

Indigenous peoples

Cliff Palace, built by Ancestral Puebloans between c. 1200 and 1275

The earliest inhabitants of North America migrated from Siberia through the Bering land bridge over 14,000 years ago, establishing settlements like Old Crow Flats and Bluefish Caves in Canada. These Paleo-Indian cultures, such as the Clovis culture in the southern regions, developed agriculture, settlements, and societal structures. Indigenous societies like the Algonquian peoples, Ancestral Puebloans, and the Iroquois formed diverse communities, with estimates of their pre-European population ranging from 200,000 to two million individuals.

European colonization had a significant impact on the Indigenous population, resulting in a decline of forty to eighty percent due to factors like disease, resource conflicts, and displacement. Despite initially peaceful interactions, relations evolved as European powers expanded their territories. Indigenous peoples, including First Nations and Métis, played crucial roles in early European settlements, notably during the North American fur trade, but faced dispossession of their lands through treaties and forced assimilation.

From the late 18th century, European Canadians implemented assimilation policies, including state-funded boarding schools and healthcare segregation. Similar trajectories unfolded in what would become the United States, leading to conflicts, displacement, and land loss for Indigenous populations. However, recent decades have seen reconciliation efforts gain momentum, exemplified by the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in 2008. This initiative aims to address past injustices, settle grievances, and tackle systemic issues like the plight of missing and murdered Indigenous women, signaling a commitment to acknowledging and rectifying historical injustices.

European Colonization

Map of territorial claims in North America by 1750. Possessions of British America (pink), New France (blue), and New Spain (orange)

European exploration of North America began with Norse explorer Leif Erikson's documented exploration of the east coast of Canada around 1000 AD, where a short-lived Norse encampment was established at L'Anse aux Meadows. However, further European exploration didn't occur until 1497, when John Cabot claimed Canada's Atlantic coast for England. French explorer Jacques Cartier explored the Gulf of Saint Lawrence in 1534 and established New France. Throughout the early 16th century, European mariners, influenced by Basque and Portuguese navigational techniques, established seasonal whaling and fishing outposts along the Atlantic coast.

In 1583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert founded St. John's, Newfoundland as the first English seasonal camp in North America. French explorer Samuel de Champlain established permanent settlements at Port Royal in 1605 and Quebec City in 1608. This period also saw the emergence of European settlements in the Thirteen Colonies, beginning with the Virginia Colony in 1607 and the Plymouth Colony in 1620.

As European settlers expanded into North America, they encountered conflicts with Native Americans, engaged in trade, and established policies aimed at assimilating Native Americans into European lifestyles. The colonies' distance from Europe fostered the development of self-governance, while religious movements like the First Great Awakening promoted religious liberty. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, colonial North America saw a series of wars and treaties, ultimately leading to British dominance over much of the continent after the Seven Years' War in 1763.

American Revolution and British North America

A portrait by John Trumbull depicting the Committee of Five presenting the draft of the Declaration to the Continental Congress on June 28, 1776

After the French and Indian War, Britain tightened its grip on colonial affairs, sparking resistance. Grievances included the denial of colonial rights, prompting the First Continental Congress' colonial boycott in 1774. The ensuing Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775 ignited the American Revolutionary War. The Second Continental Congress appointed George Washington commander-in-chief and drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, embodying values of liberty and sovereignty inspired by ancient and Enlightenment ideals.

The Royal Proclamation of 1763 established rights for First Nations and expanded Quebec's territory through the Quebec Act of 1774, preserving French language and law. However, these measures failed to pacify tensions and fueled anti-British sentiment, contributing to the outbreak of the American Revolution. The war concluded with the 1783 Treaty of Paris, recognizing the independence of the United States and triggering a significant out-migration of Loyalists to Canada, altering demographics significantly.

The Constitutional Act of 1791 divided Canada into French-speaking Lower Canada (later Quebec) and English-speaking Upper Canada (later Ontario), setting the stage for political reforms. The War of 1812 saw the Canadas as the main battleground, ending in 1815 with no boundary changes. Immigration surged, shaped by treaties like the Oregon Treaty in 1846. Meanwhile, the mid-19th century marked territorial expansion, immigration waves, and border negotiations, shaping North America's geopolitical landscape.

Expansions

Laura Secord warning British commander James FitzGibbon of an impending American attack

In the late 18th century, American settlers embraced westward expansion, driven by manifest destiny. The 1803 Louisiana Purchase doubled the United States' territory, while tensions with Britain erupted into the War of 1812, ending in a stalemate. Spain ceded Florida in 1819, and the Missouri Compromise of 1820 attempted to address slavery disputes. The federal government's policies of Indian removal or assimilation culminated in the tragic Trail of Tears. Annexations followed, including the Republic of Texas in 1845 and the Mexican Cession after the Mexican–American War in 1848. The California Gold Rush of 1848–1849 triggered a migration surge to the Pacific coast, accompanied by conflicts with Native populations.

The British North America Act, 1867 established Canadian Confederation, with initial provinces including Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Further expansions led to the creation of the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, and the inclusion of British Columbia and Prince Edward Island. The late 19th century saw the Klondike Gold Rush and the creation of the Yukon Territory. Canada sponsored the construction of railways, regulated settlement through the Dominion Lands Act, and asserted authority through the North-West Mounted Police. However, this period also witnessed the displacement of Indigenous peoples and the imposition of the Indian Act.

Civil War and Aftermath

Division during the American Civil War: Union states (blue), Confederate states (red)

During the colonial era, slavery persisted in the American colonies, although its moral legitimacy began to be seriously questioned during the American Revolution. Northern states enacted abolition laws, while the institution of slavery gained momentum in the South, particularly with inventions like the cotton gin, which increased its profitability for Southern elites. This sectional divide over slavery ultimately erupted into the American Civil War (1861–1865). Eleven slave states seceded to form the Confederate States of America, leading to armed conflict after the bombardment of Fort Sumter in April 1861. The Union's victory, marked by events like the Emancipation Proclamation and crucial battles such as Vicksburg and Gettysburg, ultimately led to the surrender of the Confederacy in 1865, ushering in the Reconstruction era.

Following the Civil War, a period of unprecedented immigration occurred from 1865 to 1917, with millions arriving in the United States, primarily from Europe. This influx reshaped the demographic landscape, particularly in urban centers like New York City, where large Jewish, Irish, Italian, and Central European communities formed. Concurrently, African Americans participated in the Great Migration, relocating from the rural South to urban areas in the North. The Compromise of 1877 effectively ended Reconstruction, allowing white supremacists to assert control over Southern politics. This period, known as the nadir of American race relations, witnessed heightened racism and the proliferation of discriminatory laws, upheld by Supreme Court decisions like Plessy v. Ferguson. Meanwhile, technological advancements and the exploitation of immigrant labor fueled rapid economic growth, positioning the United States as an industrial powerhouse. However, this era also saw rising economic inequality, social unrest, and the emergence of labor unions as advocates for reform, ultimately setting the stage for the Progressive Era.

Contemporary Era

The Trinity nuclear test in 1945, part of the Manhattan Project and the first detonation of a nuclear weapon

Pro-American elements in Hawaii orchestrated the monarchy's overthrow, leading to the islands' annexation in 1898. Territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines were acquired after the Spanish–American War, while American Samoa was obtained in 1900. The U.S. Virgin Islands were purchased from Denmark in 1917. The United States played a significant role in World War I, aiding the Allies. Domestically, it granted nationwide women's suffrage in 1920 and enacted transformative New Deal policies to counter the impacts of the Wall Street Crash of 1929.

A copy of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

During World War II, the U.S. shifted from neutrality to active participation, developing and deploying the first nuclear weapons. Post-war, it emerged as a global superpower, shaping the Cold War era alongside the Soviet Union. Domestically, economic growth, urbanization, and social changes occurred, with advances in technology like radio and television. The 1990s saw economic expansion and technological advancements but also challenges like the September 11 attacks and the Great Recession.

Meanwhile, Canada transitioned to an independent country in 1982, with a distinct identity marked by bilingualism and multiculturalism. It faced challenges like the Quebec sovereignty movement and crises such as the Air India Flight 182 bombing. Canada engaged in international conflicts and confronted its colonial past, including the discovery of Indigenous residential school gravesites, prompting efforts toward reconciliation and addressing historical injustices.

Grand Divide

Main article: Grand Divide

Sky Wall in Virginia with corpses of Kallath members on the bridge, shortly after Metal Knights' attack in May 2043

The Grand Divide was a global event occured in 2038, resulted in drastic geographical, political and societal change as well as the emergence of Metal Knights and Inhumans (such as Dreads and Dopers). The event was initially trigered by the bombing of Antarctica by a mysterious group named Kallath who released the ancient Drakonian artifact, the Pillars of Hell. The artifact was located beneath the ice sheets of Antarctica, and it was activated by Kallath members to open the gate to their planet. The pillars are capable of creating a wormhole between multiple points, but due to the pillars already tampered by Knights of the Round Table, it created enormous walls instead.

Due to the failure of the artifact, the Kallath members decided to unleash their experiments instead, releasing the forbidden Space Dust, turning people into mindless Drakonians called the Dreads.

Almost ten Metal Knights, along with both the remaining armed forces members from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil were tasked to enact the operation in The Americas. The operation was a failure, with the remaining Dreads still roaming mostly in the western part of the country.

Establishment

As the operation ended globally, the United States tried to reunite the reamining humans, but failed due to the existence of the Sky Wall, as well as political unrests against the government, for their inability to defend against the Dreads. Later, North America was split into five territories: Texana, Cascadea, Acadia, Alaska and Lakota. Few territories such as Texana, Alaska, Lakota and Siberia in North Asia decided to unite as a single country, which resulted in the establishment of Nivesia.

Geography

Grand Canyon in Arizona

The geographic features of Nivesia, from the West South Central of North America to the Midwest, exhibit a diverse range of landscapes and climates. Beginning with the West South Central region, comprising states like Texas, Kansas and Missouri, the terrain varies from the flat plains of Texas to the rolling hills of Kansas and the swampy lowlands of Missouri. This region is characterized by its fertile soils, particularly along the Mississippi River delta, supporting extensive agriculture and oil production.

Laurentian prairies in North Dakota

Moving northward into the Midwest, encompassing states like Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, the landscape transitions into vast prairies, punctuated by the Great Lakes. The fertile soils of the Midwest have historically made it the agricultural heartland of the nation, with corn, soybeans, and wheat being major crops.

Continuing from the Midwest into the Laurentian Prairies and northward to the Canadian North, the terrain undergoes further changes. The transition from the Midwest to the prairies is seamless, characterized by expansive grasslands and fertile soils ideal for agriculture. Moving northwest, the landscape becomes more rugged, transitioning into boreal forests and rocky terrain. This region, sparsely populated, boasts vast wilderness areas and abundant natural resources.

Extending into the northern parts bordering Amrasia, this area boasts towering mountain ranges like the Rocky Mountains and coastal fjords such as the Inside Passage. Its diverse ecosystems support a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and salmon, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Hudson Bay, with its vast expanse and unique ecosystem, significantly influences the climate and geography of the region, impacting weather patterns and supporting a diverse marine ecosystem.

Climate

Tornado near Andarko, Oklahoma, in 1999

The climate and weather patterns across Nivesia, stretching from the West South Central to the Midwest, portray a fascinating tapestry of diversity profoundly shaped by the region's geographic features. Starting from the West South Central region, states such as Texas bask in a predominantly subtropical climate, distinguished by scorching summers and mild winters. Here, average temperatures soar to around 90°F (32°C) during the summertime, while winter chills settle in at a more temperate 50°F (10°C). Yet, Texas isn't spared from nature's extremes, as it contends with hurricanes sweeping in from the Gulf Coast and tornadoes dancing across the central and eastern parts of the state.

Venturing northward into the heart of the Midwest, states like Minnesota and Iowa transition into a more balanced temperate climate, boasting the full spectrum of four distinct seasons. Summers unfurl with warmth, their average temperatures hovering between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C), while winters embrace a colder demeanor, with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 30°F (-7°C to -1°C). Precipitation, in this region, maintains a harmonious rhythm throughout the year, though occasional severe thunderstorms and snowstorms punctuate the winter months.

Remote northern community in northeastern Manitoba

As one ventures deeper into the prairies and onwards to the north of Laurentian shield, the climate undergoes a notable transformation. Here, in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, a continental climate takes hold, marked by sweltering summers and biting winters. Summer's warmth blankets the land with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C), while winter's frost settles in, bringing temperatures plunging below freezing, averaging between 5°F and 20°F (-15°C to -6°C). The presence of Hudson Bay, a vast maritime expanse, softens the severity of the seasons along its shores, offering slightly milder winters and cooler summers compared to the hinterlands.

Traversing northward from the Laurentian prairies into the remote Arctic reaches, temperatures plummet further still, plunging the area into the embrace of an extreme polar climate. Here, average temperatures rarely ascend above freezing, even during the fleeting days of summer, while winter's icy grip sends them plummeting below -40°F (-40°C). Such unforgiving conditions render this region one of the coldest habitable zones on Earth, with sparse human settlement and limited vegetation, attesting to the enduring power of nature's forces.

Biodiversity and Conservation

Female prairie chicken

Nivesia is one of 17 megadiverse countries, endowed with a remarkable array of ecosystems and species that underscore its role in global biodiversity conservation efforts.

In the West South Central states, including Texas and Missouri, conservation initiatives are intricately woven into the fabric of the landscape. Here, a mosaic of habitats, from coastal marshes to pine forests and expansive prairies, hosts a wealth of biodiversity. These areas serve as vital sanctuaries for a myriad of plant and animal species, from migratory birds and iconic reptiles like alligators to endangered inhabitants such as the Attwater's prairie chicken. The conservation strategies employed are comprehensive, emphasizing the preservation of habitats, the restoration of ecosystems, and the management of invasive species, all aimed at nurturing and safeguarding biodiversity.

Transitioning into the Midwest, which encompasses states like Minnesota and Iowa, including northern states like Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan, the conservation narrative unfolds against a backdrop of agricultural landscapes interspersed with remnants of native prairies and woodlands. Despite the challenges posed by extensive habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, conservation endeavors remain resilient especially for North American waterfowls. Efforts are directed towards the rehabilitation of degraded landscapes and the protection of vital ecosystems.

Government and Politics

Nivesian Congress Building in Austin, housing the legislative branch

National Government

The federal government of Nivesia is composed of three branches, all headquartered in Austin, and operates under a robust system of checks and balances. The legislative branch, known as the Nivesian Congress, consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate, with 100 members, serves six-year terms, while the House of Representatives, with 435 members, serves two-year terms. Together, they enact federal laws, declare war, approve treaties, control the budget, and possess the authority to impeach.

The National House, the residence and workplace of Nivesian president and the offices of presidential staff

The executive branch is led by the Nivesian president, who serves as the commander-in-chief of the military, possesses veto power over legislative bills (subject to congressional override), and appoints Cabinet members and other officials to administer and enforce federal laws and policies. Presidential elections occur every four years, with the president and vice president elected as a ticket through the Electoral College, serving a maximum of two terms.

The judicial branch, headed by the Nivesian Supreme Court, interprets laws and has the authority to overturn those deemed unconstitutional. Comprising nine members appointed for life by the president and confirmed by the Senate, the Supreme Court includes the Chief Justice of Nivesia. The federal judiciary also includes courts of appeals and district courts, ensuring the fair and impartial application of the law.

This three-branch system, known as the presidential system, is distinct from the parliamentary system, where the executive is part of the legislative body.

Political Parties

While the Constitution does not address political parties, they emerged independently shortly after the independence, mostly by the remaining members of Republican Party and Democratic Party of the United States. However, the constitution also stated there must be no less than three parties in the parliament; this is to avoid the bipartisan system that plagued the previous pre-Grand Divide government of United States.

The predominant national parties today are the National Front and the Libertarian Party. Both parties are right-wing parties, although, the National Front typically leans to conservative ideologies and neo-libertarian tendencies. All parties employ primary systems to select their presidential candidates and field candidates for various offices across all states. While smaller parties exist, they lack the widespread influence and reach of the three major parties.

Subdivisions

In the Nivesian federal system, authority is divided between two elected levels of government: the national and state levels. Additionally, individuals within states are represented by local elected governments, which serve as administrative subdivisions of the states. States are further subdivided into counties or similar entities, which are then divided into municipalities. The District of Augusta functions as a federal district housing the nation's capital, Austin. Both territories and the District of Augusta are administrative divisions overseen by the federal government. Federally recognized tribes govern 326 First Nation reservations.

Foreign Relations

Nivesia maintains an established framework for foreign relations after the Grand Divide. It immediately became a member of the United Nations after its independence.

Nivesia has a special relationship with its neighboring countries such as Cascadea, Amrasia, Aztlan and Atlantia. These countries are building a closer relationship, although, differing ideologies and the existence of Sky Wall smugglers are making treaties and discussions deterioriates every day. It has also increasingly conduct strategic cooperations with new world powers such as Bharat and Nusantara.

Military

The Triskelion, the headquarters of the Nivesian Department of Defense in Austin, Texas, is one of the world's largest office building located on top of the Colorado River

The President serves as the commander-in-chief of the Nivesian Armed Forces and is responsible for appointing key leaders within the military, including the secretary of defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Department of Defense, headquartered at the The Triskelion in Austin, Texas, oversees five of the six service branches: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force. During peacetime, the Coast Guard falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security, but it can be transferred to the Department of the Navy during wartime.

Law Enforcement

In Nivesia, there are approximately 9,000 law enforcement agencies spanning from local to national levels. Law enforcement duties are primarily carried out by local police departments and sheriff departments within their municipal or county jurisdictions. State police departments have authority within their respective states, while federal agencies like the Federal Investigations Agency and the Federal Marshals Service possess national jurisdiction and specialize in tasks such as safeguarding civil rights, national security, and enforcing federal court rulings and laws. State courts typically oversee the majority of civil and criminal trials, while federal courts handle specific crimes and appeals of state court decisions.