Tinza

Tinzan Eternal Realm དཝ་གྯེ་པ་མྠ་བྲེལཁུལ dawa gze pa mtha brel khul
Royal Emblem
Motto:  རྣལ་བྗེདྰྦ་གརྰྦ rnal bjed-ba gar-ba "Tranquility from Strength"
Anthem:  གླུ་དཝ glu dawa (Tinzan) "Melody of the Moon"
Location of Tinza in Borea
Error creating thumbnail: File with dimensions greater than 12.5 MP Map of the administrative divisions of Tinza
Capital and largest city	Ladumra
Official languages	Tinzan
Recognised national languages	Literary Tuthinan
Recognised regional languages	Xiaodongese, Duljunese
Demonym(s)	Tinzan
Government	de jure: Imperial meritocratic absolute monarchy de facto: Kleptocratic civilian dictatorship
• Everqueen	Kya II
• State Preceptor	Drogon Tsering
Legislature	Royal Court
Establishment
• First Everqueen	918 BCE
• Norzin's Empire	511 CE
• Usurpation	1321 CE
• Modernisation	1939 CE
• Drogon's rise	1967 CE
Area
• Total	1,809,200 km2 (698,500 sq mi)
Population
• 2014 census	82,791,283
GDP (PPP)	2014 estimate
• Total	$1.335 trillion
• Per capita	$16,129
GDP (nominal)	2014 estimate
• Total	$1.058 trillion
• Per capita	$12,782
Gini (2014)	52.6 high
HDI (2014)	0.691 medium
Currency	Tinzan dnul (TID)
Date format	yyyy-mm-dd
Driving side	left
ISO 3166 code	TIN
Internet TLD	.ti

Tinza (Tinzan: དཝ་གྯེ, tr. dawa gze), officially the Tinzan Eternal Realm (Tinzan: དཝ་གྯེ་པ་མྠ་བྲེལཁུལ, tr. dawa gze pa mtha brel khul) is a sovereign state in Borea, bordering Xiaodong to the south, Tava to the north and Volghar to the west, with the Tuthinan Sea providing it's eastern boundary. It is a relatively large country with an area of 1,809,200 square kilometres (698,536 square miles), harbouring a population of 82.7 million. A large percentage of the population reside in cities and other urban areas, the largest of which is Ladumra; a bustling metropolis which acts as the administrative centre of the country and the seat of the government.

According to the Mandate of Amadawa, the doctrinal tradition which the country nominally follows, Tinza is an imperial meritocratic absolute monarchy under the divine rule of Everqueen Kya II, however in practice the country is effectively led by State Preceptor Drogon Tsering and the bureaucracy at his command; as such the country has been described as a civilian dictatorship and a kleptocracy. The country has been described as a developmental state in economic terms. Electronics, agriculture and fishing are key industries, with the manufacturing sector remaining the largest contributor to gross national product.

Tinzan oral spiritual tradition maintains that the Eternal Realm was founded under the First Everqueen Tselha in 918 BCE, when she was given the Mandate of Amadawa by the moon goddess, and united the Tinzan people under her enlightened rule. Tradition asserts that Tselha then founded the royal dynasty which has held the throne to this day. In truth, numerous dynasties have sat upon the White Throne, but all pay tribute to Tselha as their ancestor. Starting in 511 CE, Norzin the Conqueror would earn his epithet, almost doubling the size of Tinzan-controlled territory. Through his conquests, the Eternal Realm would come to span much of the eastern Borea; Duljun, much of Xiaodong, northern Min and portions of Qaradalai all came under Tinzan control. After his death, his empire entered a slow decline. His rapid conquests left the realm difficult to manage, and with each succession, the empire lost territory. By the 1300s, the empire was a shadow of it's former self, and a peasant rebellion would lead to a cadet branch of the ruling dynasty taking the throne. In the late 1800s, Xiaodong would occupy the disputed Lhogrong territory, and while it would be retaken by the realm in the 1930s, ethnic cleansing and Xiaodongese migration had drastically changed the ethnic make-up of the province. Rapid state-led industrialisation occurred from the 1940s onwards, leading to rising economic growth alongside growing income inequality. During this period, the current State Preceptor cemented his position.

Tinza is considered a Monic nation and is predominantly inhabited by Monic peoples. Tinzans are largest and most favoured ethnic group in the country, but the country is by no means homogeneous, as it also harbours Xiaodongese, Volghari and Duljunese minorities. The Tinzan government clashes frequently with it's neighbours, particularly Xiaodong, on numerous issues, and is regarded poorly by many of them. Tinza has been ranked poorly on records of human rights, living conditions and economic equality. It is a member of the Monic Union.

Etymology

The name Tinza, the English name for the country, is derived from Tenzin, the name of an ancient Everking of the country who reigned over an expanding realm which established an increasing number of diplomatic relations. His name became associated with the realm, and eventually the lands of Tenzin devolved into Tinza. The native Tinzan name for the country, dawa gze (དཝ་གྯེ) can be translated as home of the moon, and is likely derived from the country's mythical origin story and spirituality, both of which are heavily connected to lunar events.

History

Main article: History of Tinza

Prehistory

• First hominids between 1.5 million and 300,000 years ago
• Narmadi-esque predecessors/first people
• First proto-Tinzan writing around 8000 BCE
• Great Monic Migration around 4th-2nd millennium BCE
• Mons mixed with Narmadi-esque predecessors

Foundation and early history

• Everqueen Tselha founds the eternal realm with the blessing of Amadawa in 918 BCE
• Founds the Tinzan dynasty

Norzin's conquests

• Norzin ascends to throne, 502 CE
• Conquests begin around 511 CE
• Rise of aristocracy based on military service
• Succession crisis on death
• Slow decline of Norzin's empire

Usurper period

• Empire scarcely standing by 1300s
• Peasant rebellion led to cadet branch taking the throne
• Rinse and repeat a few times
• Civil war period

Early modern era

• Late 1800s, Xiaodong occupies Lhogrong
• Internal strife

Modern age

• 1893-1899 great borean war; fights Xiaodong, loses territory
• 1900s Crisis of the New Millenium
• 1930s the Eternal Realm retakes Lhogrong
• Rapid state-led industrialisation from the 1940s onwards
• Rise of the state preceptor begins from 1967

Geography

Main article: Geography of Tinza

Terraced farms dot the district of Lungpakangri; the region's topography led to the technique.

A vast country, Tinza is home to an interesting geography. Across the country's interior and eastern coast is an expansive lowland, containing within it the major Moon River and it's delta, in addition to vast agricultural lands. In the southeastern portion of the country, comprising much of Tinzan Duljun, is the Huashan mountain range, within it containing the Mount of the Moon, which at 5,583 metres above sea level, constitutes Tinza's highest point. Throughout the country's far west, the Great Borean steppe stretches. Considered to be arid and desert terrain, it's unique topography is well-known both in the country and abroad.

Rapid state-led industrialisation and the resultant deforestation has had a recognisable impact on the geography of the country. Having previously been covered in forested areas, the contemporary lowlands are now only 24% forested; combined with the sparsely forested other regions of the country, only 11% of the country is forested. The lowlands are now besmeared with farmland; ranging from traditional lowland farms to terraced ones. Industrialisation efforts have led to a rapid increase in urban sprawl, primarily surrounding the capital of Ladumra, and an increase in the number of mines across the countryside. This, combined with increased industrial output and the resultant pollution, has had a particularly adverse effect on the country's environment. Environmental protection, despite being an issue, is generally ignored by the government.

Climate

Main article: Climate of Tinza

Despite being a vast country, in general Tinza is home to a humid subtropical and dry-winter subtropical climate. This climate is most prevalent in the country's interior lowlands and long eastern coastline, while the eastern regions of the country sport cooler mountainous, desert and semi-arid climates. Due to intense deforestation, while the country's lowlands were previously covered in vast forested areas, in the modern days close to 76% of the lowlands are deforested, mostly utilised for agriculture. Additionally, in the mountainous and steppe regions, forested areas are far less common. The country's lowlands hosts the deltas of one of Borea's major rivers, the Moon River, which has a major impact on the local climate. The northern portion of the Huashan mountain range, which resides in the country's southwestern districts, similarly has a major impact on the climate of the region.

Much of the country enjoys a full 4-season year, however there are many regions which lack this temperate biome and instead are dominated by dry seasons and wet monsoons, leading to pronounced temperature differences between winter and summer. In the winter, southwestern winds coming from high-latitude areas are cold and dry; in summer, eastern winds from coastal areas at lower latitudes are warm and moist. The relatively complex topography of the region has led to a vast number of climates existing at different locations within the country. Tinza is also plagued with numerous climate-related environmental issues, including; deforestation, water quality, erosion, and pollution control.

Biodiversity and environment

Main articles: Biodiversity of Tinza and Environment of Tinza

Foxes, known as ཝ་དྨར wa dmar, play an important role in Tinzan folklore.

As a vast country encompassing numerous ecosystems and bioregions, Tinza is home to a many species, a large number of which - such as the Macaca fuscata - are considered endemic to the region. Natural geographic features such as the Huashan mountain range in the country's southeast, the Great Borean steppe in the east and the country's extensive eastern coastline create numerous unique habitats for diverse species to flourish; which in turn has allowed for great biodiversity within the country's borders. Among the diverse set of flora and fauna which resides within the country is the Leo Boreatica, Camelus Duljunnus, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, Vulpes vulpes, Elephas maximus, Grus Tinzonensis, Lilium bulbiferum, Prunus serrulata, Chrysanthemum and Pinus parviflora. Water habitats within the borders of the country are similarly diverse; the Tinzan coast is host to Periophthalmodon schlosseri, Amphiprion percula, Calotomus Tinzonicus and Chlamydoselachus anguineus, while it's freshwater habitats spawned Cyprinus rubrofuscus, a species which has been bred into the popular modern Koi fish.

This great biodiversity is considered under threat due to rapid industrialisation, little to no governmental environmental policy and a general lack of conservation efforts in the country. Environmental experts have theorised that unless Tinza adopts a conservationist environmental policy and creates an environmental agency similar to the Min Ministry of Serenity - or undertakes similarly drastic measures - close to 25% of the country's flora and fauna could be critically endangered by 2030, seriously damaging the country's vast biodiversity. As of 2017, the government has yet to enforce an environmental policy or create an empowered environmental agency.

Government and politics

Main articles: Government of Tinza and Politics of Tinza

Everqueen Kya II

State Preceptor Drogon Tsering

Ultimately, since it's foundation close to three thousand years ago, the government of Tinza has been - at least nominally - an absolute monarchy. Tinzan tradition and spirituality teaches that the monarch represents the moon goddess Amadawa, and rules in her stead according to her wishes as laid out in the Mandate of Amadawa. In the modern day, Tinza has been described as a imperial meritocratic absolute monarchy in name, and a kelptocratic civilian dictatorship in truth. Nominally, absolute authority is vested in the Everqueen (currently Kya II), who appoints a State Preceptor (currently Drogon Tsering) to aid their rule, by commanding the large bureaucracy and putting their word to action. In truth, however, the current State Preceptor effectively rules the country in all but name. The Everqueen is kept under his control, unable to leave her palace, and he commands the country in her name. Despite his de jure control over the bureaucracy, in reality the majority of it opposes his rule, and a power struggle has played out between Tsering and the high ranking members of the bureaucracy for much of his tenure.

The country's current situation of tenuous power struggle and ambiguous control began during the reign of Everking Tsultrim II when, in the August of 1967, he appointed Drogon Tsering - a trusted palace servant - as his State Preceptor after the untimely death of the previous holder of the position. From this time on, the State Preceptor accumulated power and began the power struggle with the bureaucracy. With time, the Everking was rendered incapable, leading to all the power in his position being effectively held by the State Preceptor. After his death, Drogon continued to rule through his successor, Everking Gyatso IV, before his untimely death in 2001, when Everqueen Kya ascended to the throne under the State Preceptor's effective control.

Monarchy and aristocracy

Main article: Monarchy of Tinza

Tinza has been a monarchy since it's foundation under it's first monarch, Tselha. The Tinzan monarch is known as the Everqueen (གྱེལྰྨོ་མྠ་བྲེལ, gyel-mo mtha brel) if female or the Everking (གྱེལྰྤོ་མྟྷ་བྲེལ​, gyel-po mtha brel) if male. Often, the monarch and the institution of the monarchy itself are referred to as the White Throne (དྐར་གྡན​​, dkar gdan), the official name of the throne of the Everqueen which is also considered an embodiment of the institution. According to the Mandate of Amadawa - from which the monarchy draws it's right to rule - the power of the monarch is absolute, for they are the living embodiment of the will of the moon goddess Amadawa. While this may have been true in the past, in the modern day the powers held by the Everqueen are minimal if any exist at all, for the State Preceptor wields all of them in her name. Theoretically, the Everqueen still maintains the power to select a new State Preceptor; but in truth this power also lies in the hands of the current State Preceptor.

Generally accepted to have arisen during the reign of Norzin the Conqueror, Tinza is also home to a vast aristocratic class; traditionally they place themselves between the ruling royal household and the state bureaucracy. Since the 1940s, their influence has waned significantly; no longer do they hold vast sway over government nor do they hold people in feudal-esque bondage. Although many continue to hold property across the nation, they do not govern any territory since that role increasingly falls to the bureaucracy. Many also instead to reside in the capital in order to curry favour with traditionally the Everqueen or bureaucracy and increasingly the State Preceptor himself. Most nobles belong to a lineage; the term for Tinzan aristocratic houses. Many lineages consist of large noble families, which once held great martial power and in the modern day great political sway. One notable noble lineage is the Line of Su, a lineage descended from the infamous Lazin bastard Su the Clever.

The Palace of Amadawa, one of the residences of the Everqueen and State Preceptor.

State Preceptor

Main article: State Preceptor of Tinza

Officially the chief adviser to the Everqueen and the commander of the bureaucracy, in the modern day the State Preceptor (མྑན་ཁམྶ​, mkhan khams) has become the de facto ruler of Tinza. Ruling in the name of the Everqueen, the State Preceptor is the true power in the country. The current State Preceptor, who has held the title since 1967, is Drogon Tsering. The State Preceptor effectively wields the powers that traditionally are held by the Everqueen, by ruling in her name. In this way he holds a form of executive power. In truth, he has to compromise and struggle for power with the bureaucracy, and so his power is not entirely absolute.

Royal Court

Main article: Royal Court of Tinza

Since the age of Norzin the Conqueror and the rise of the lineages, they have gathered in the Tinzan capital in order to influence the actions of the reigning Everking. Overtime, this evolved into the Royal Court (བྟུ་ཁམྶ, btu khams) which became both an advisory body for the Everkings and a check to their power. Although the court was traditionally dominated by aristocrats, there have been exceptions to this rule, and many high-level bureaucrats became trusted ears in the court. Ultimately, the court was a place of intrigue. In the modern day, however, the power and influence of the court has been neutered heavily, and all power that once resided in it has essentially been split between the bureaucracy, aristocracy and State Preceptor.

Bureaucracy

Traditionally, the bureaucracy has been led and commanded by the State Preceptor in the name of the monarch; in the modern day, however, loyalties in the bureaucracy are conflicted, and in actuality it forms the main bulwark against Drogon Tsering's power. While some bureaucrats, estimated to be approximately a fourth, are loyal to the State Preceptor - many of them having been appointed by him - the remainder are loyal to the bureaucracy itself and the high-ranking members who effectively lead it. The bureaucracy has been traditionally responsible for the day-to-day running of the realm; ensuring that the country runs smoothly and that minor issues are dealt with so that the monarchs can deal with greater problems. In the modern day, the feuding with the State Preceptor has led to a slight fall in the bureaucracy's power; in the past days of state-led industrialisation before Tsering, they ran many industries. Now, however, those industries are instead led by cronies loyal to the State Preceptor. Despite all this, the bureaucracy remains an important cog in the machine that is the Tinzan government, and without it the state would struggle to maintain power.

Underground opposition

According to official state sources, opposition to the regime is funded entirely by 'subversive foreign elements'. In reality, there are a number of home-grown opposition groups, all of which are underground due to the 'no-tolerance policy' on groups that the state labels as subversive. The largest opposition group is the Revolutionary Labour Movement, a big tent political party predominantly comprised of syndicalist revolutionaries. Repression of the party has been severe, and roughly half of it's leadership is currently in exile. Despite this, this party continues to operate underground, although has been unable to combat the state effectively. Other opposition groups include the Duljunese tribes who sometimes challenge the authority of the government in Tinzan Duljun, more militant members of the bureaucracy and numerous liberal youth movements. Other, unorganized acts of resistance are also somewhat common, but they are heavily covered up and rarely last long.

Administrative divisions

The Tinzan Eternal Realm is an imperial, sometimes referred to as unitary, state divided into 12 districts (མྡོ, mdo). The districts have little in the way of self-governance, and are mostly for administrative purposes. Only one district, Lhogrong, represents any kind of historical area. Although there is nominal protection for minorities in certain districts, such as the Xiaodongese in Lhogrong, these are rarely held up in reality, and Tinzan is considered the official language in every district. The 12 districts are subdivided into sub-districts (མ་མྡོ, ma mdo), which are then subdivided into municipalities (རྡུནྒ​, rdung), of which there are metropolitan and rural variants.

Districts of Tinza

Error creating thumbnail: File with dimensions greater than 12.5 MP	Name and emblem	Capital	Largest settlement
	Ladumra	Ladumra	Ladumra
	Ralgriringba	Pesolagpa	Gtsanpogrong
	Lungpanya	Gwarka	Cholarabs
	Lhogrong	Gsinchal	Gsinchal
	Sprakhams	Motigzol	Motigzol
	Lungpakangri	Drukegompa	Skjinkol
	Resgze	Mthon	Mthon
	Chenrta	Nammkha	Kenzahrag
	Lhamoging	Akhosgrong	Dorsags
	Shinpabra	Brnogsra	Brnogsra
	Gansbjang	Agjelbazol	Changbkab
	Nubkoy	Bskjang	Bskjang

Foreign relations and military

Main article: Foreign relations of Tinza

Tinza has been considered a major power and a regional power in eastern Borea. The country harbours a strong rivalry with Xiaodong, displayed through the intense antagonism which the two countries share. For the most part, the poor relations are linked to the historical - generally hostile - interactions between the two regional rivals. Norzin's conquest of much of Xiaodong during the Four Kingdoms period, the subsequent wars between the two countries over territory, and the recapture of Lhogrong during the Tinzan-Xiaodongese War of the 1930s all serve as examples of the historical enmity between the countries. To this day, both countries claim suzerainty over the disputed Lhogrong region, which serves to further sour relations. Alongside the Min-Xiaodong Border far to the south, the Tinza-Xiaodong Border remains one of the most fortified and patrolled borders in the reigon. Following a worsening of tensions in 2017, both countries further reinforced their borders.

Relations with Volghar, the country's largest neighbour, tend to be cold. Minorities on both side of the border are generally treated with suspicion, due to real or perceived support for anti-state elements. Generally, however, relations have never been cold enough to warrant a serious threat of military or economic action from either side, though despite this the borders between the countries remain heavily guarded by military personnel on both sides.

Despite it's generally poor reputation in Borea, Drogon's regime has managed to secure good relations with both Akai and Tava. In terms of the former, the strong personal relations between Drogon Tsering and Jieke Lazin have allowed for a strong alliance between the two countries, even after the disappearance of the latter. For Tava, Tinza served a crucial role in the success of their 2006-7 revolution, and as such is viewed favourably by the pro-Tinzan government which had been installed there.

Min, Senria, Tuthina and other members of the Commonwealth of Sovereign States share tenuous - sometimes warm, other times cold - relations with Tinza. Min and Senria in particular have been outspoken in their opposition and criticism of the Tinzan government; the Min Queen Kwan-im went so far as to publicly call out the Tinzan State Preceptor after the announcement of his birthday celebration before its cancellation. Tuthinan interaction with Tinza has been limited, only intervening when tensions between Tinza and Xiaodong flare particularly out of control. Tinza openly opposes the Commonwealth of Sovereign States, and views the organisation as nothing more than a 'Tuthnian playground'.

Tinza is a member of the the Monic Union.

Armed forces and military

Main article: Tinzan State Security Forces

Soldiers of the RTNA during a 2015 military parade in Ladumra.

The Tinzan State Security Forces (དཝ་གྯེ་ཁམྶ་དྨག་གཱབྰྤ, dawa gze khams dmag agab-pa, literally "Tinzan State Army of Security") is the standing armed forces of Tinza. Officially, the Everqueen acts as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, but in truth this responsibility and power falls to the State Preceptor. The forces are divided into five distinct divisions, all of which are responsible for defending the Everqueen, the realm and the interests of both. The main divisions are the Righteous Tinzan National Army and the Tinzan Naval Forces (both of which utilise integrated air-forces), while the Eternal Realm Royal Guard, the Five Banners of Duljun and the Tinzan Armed Military Police act as less important divisions of the forces. During the late 1960s, widespread military reforms led to the ancient system of aristocrat-led noble armies being replaced by a centralised officer cadre and a stringent conscription policy in. Currently, the TSSF is comprised of 926,000 active troops in addition to 291,000 in reserves. Roughly 3.6% of the national budget is allocated to the military.

In contrast to the other divisions, the Eternal Realm Royal Guard and the Five Banners of Duljun are largely ceremonial in nature; although in legal terms, both still hold a requirement to defend the nation. Despite this, neither force has been deployed in any military engagement since the Tinzan-Xiaodong War. The Royal Guard are still tasked with the protection of the Everqueen, however they are usually supplemented by police forces. The Five Banners have not been called upon since 1934, and are barely a functioning fighting force, instead acting essentially as reserves stationed in the Duljun region. The Armed Military Police take on roles considered too dangerous or important for the civilian police forces; they, for example, played a key role in the capture of Lhakpa Nyima in September 2017. The conscription policy, introduced in 1967, is enforced for all male citizens aged of 18-21 for a period of 36 months. Since 1967, women have not been eligible for conscription or service in the armed forces. The exception is the ceremonial bu-mo regiment of the Royal Guard.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Tinza

A polluting factory in Ladumra district. Industry continues to form the backbone of the modern Tinzan economy.

According to the Borean Economic Report, in 2014 Tinza maintained a nominal GDP per capita of $12,782, totaling for nominal total GDP of $1.058 trillion, with a slightly higher PPP-adjusted GDP of $1.335 trillion. This makes it one of the largest economies in Borea, on par with it's Xiaodongese and Tuthinan rivals. Although the economy experienced significant, fast-paced growth in the past during the rapid state-led industrialisation of the 1940s, in modern times economic growth has slowed significantly, dropping from highs of 6% to around 2% growth. This is argued to largely be due to Drogon Tsering's attempts to maintain Tinzan self-sufficiency, in addition to the inefficiency and poor skills of his kleptocratic allies within the Tinzan government. The country has been described as a developmental and Newly industrialised country.

Tinza is a key competitor to Xiaodong in terms of manufactured goods, and the manufacturing sector remains the largest contributor to GDP. Electronics, agriculture and fishing also remain key industries, while the mining industry has also been on the rise following the discovery of new mineral deposits and veins of iron and coal across the country. Prior to industrialisation, livestock-related and agricultural products remained Tinza's primary export; these industries continue to be among the largest sectors in the Tinzan economy, but have become significantly less profitable in comparison to industrial pursuits.

International observers debate how to define the Tinzan economy. Many suggest it employs corporatist economics, however others note that the central government makes no real attempt to control the economy beyond self-gain, instead describing the system as a kleptocratic one. There is no minimum wage in Tinza, and labour rights are considered 'decades behind'.

Wealth inequality and income disparity remain a serious issue in Tinza, though the Drogon administration denies this and as such has taken no measures to overcome the problem. The country's Gini rating of 52.6, considered 'high', exemplifies the severity of the problem. Widespread abject poverty remains a massive issue, as international observers have recorded that, in 2016, close to 57% of the Tinzan population lived below the poverty line of $1 per day. There are an estimated 4 million migrant workers in Tinza, who experience a severe level of poverty despite their employment status. Wealth is concentrated in three groups, whom combined make up scarcely 5% of the population. These are the nobility, the bureaucrats and allies of Drogon. It is expected that this group controls between them between 40-55% of the nation's total wealth.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Tinza

Map showing population density by district in 2014

In 2014, the census by the Bureau for Population Management recorded the population of the Eternal Realm at approximately 82,791,283, with an estimated population growth rate of 1.72%. According to the census, an estimated 17.09% of the country was aged 18 or younger, 38.29% aged between 18 and 29, 21.18% aged between 30 and 39, 12.52% aged between 40 and 59, and 10.92% aged 60 or older.

Close to 78% of the population lives on the country's eastern coast or in the fertile interior valleys with the western steppe and mountain ranges being far more sparsely populated. Roughly 51% of the country are estimated to live in urban areas, the largest cities being the capital city of Ladumra with over 16 million people and the second city of Gsinchal with close to 5 million people.

Tinza suffers from widespread abject poverty. International observers recorded that, in 2016, close to 57% of the Tinzan population lives below the poverty line of $1 per day. Urban and rural areas are both areas of poverty; but higher proportions of urban dwellers are liable to exit poverty than those from rural areas. Conversely, those from rural areas are likely to be of better health than those who live in Tinza's densely packed, unsanitary cities. In 2014, the urban unemployment rate of the country was about 8.2%; the rural unemployment rate has proven difficult to estimate.

A minor imbalance in the sex ratio at birth has been recorded, with the 2014 census recording 107 girls for every 100 boys. The 2014 census found that females accounted for 51.37 percent of the total population. This can be attributed to the country's matrilineal system of inheritance, in which it is through the female line that descent is recorded. Unemployment among the urban poor remains a key issue, with an urban unemployment rate of 8.2%.

Ethnicity

Main article: Ethnic groups in Tinza

The Tinzan people constitute the largest ethnic group in Tinza.

Tinza has been home to a number of different ethnic groups since it's foundation; the largest and most prominent of these has been the Tinzans. The Tinzan people, though considered a Monic people, also maintain significantly important cultural, linguistic and genetic links to Narmadi ethnic groups. Although being considered a single ethnic group, outside observers have noted that there is a significant divide in the Tinzan ethnicity between groups with more Monic influences and groups with more Narmadi influences; sometimes these groups are instead described separately as 'White Tinzan' and 'Black Tinzan', with the former being more Monic influenced and the latter more Narmadi influenced. Most people considered to be ethnically Tinzan speak one of the many regional dialects of the Tinzan language.

After the Tinzan ethnicity, the second largest ethnic group in the country is Xiaodongese, which is concentrated largely in the Lhogrong district. The situation of the Xiaodongese in Lhogrong is complicated by the complex political history surrounding the region. While there have been Xiaodongese in the region since time immemorial, they had been a minority before the late 1800s, when the Xiaodongese Heavenly Empire came into possession of the region and began a massive campaign of ethnic cleansing and redistribution. By the 1930s, when the region had been recaptured by Tinza, the ethnic composition of the region was closer a plurality. Despite attempts from the Drogon government to resettle the region with ethnic Tinzans, the area has remained split between Tinzans and Xiaodongese.

The third largest ethnic group in the country is that of Duljun. The Duljunese people inhabit what is known as 'Tinzan Duljun', and are a largely pastoral nomadic people; though also maintain a presence in the cities of the region. Historically the Duljunese tribes were known as the Banners of Duljun, and were sworn directly to the Everking. Despite this lasting service, they have been subject to discrimination. Other significant ethnic groups in the country include the Evroseian minorities in Nubkoy, the Sjealandic Norcist minority in the large trading ports, and smaller immigrant communities. Historically, and continuing into the modern day, the Tinzan ethnic group has been placed above all others in the country, and other groups have been discriminated against. Despite the legal presence of Xiaodongese and Duljunese as regional languages, in practice the use of these is discouraged and Tinzan is the sole official language.

Language

Main articles: Languages of Tinza and Tinzan language

Ancient stone tablets found in Sprakhams, utilising the Tinzan script.

Despite the presence of as many as 98 living languages in Tinza, only one, the Tinzan language, is official. Tinzan is considered a Monic language, and is traditionally written using the Narmadan-influenced abugida now known as the Tinzan script. Around 1618, a romanisation system known as ke dhri-ua was created for the language by Sjealandic merchants of Swastrian descent. There are disputes over whether the Tinzan language is a single language or, in fact, a linguistic group, due to the enormous variation in modern Tinzan dialects. One theory is that Tinzan, as it is currently known, is actually two languages; one 'Black Tinzan' language, characterised by it's Narmadan influences, and one 'White Tinzan' language, characterised by it's Monic influences. Regardless of this, the Tinzan government and language authorities maintain that the dialects are merely derivatives of the common Tinzan language. Under this definition, close to 96% of the total population speak the Tinzan language, with 83% speaking it as their first language.

Next to Tinzan, other prominent Monic languages in the country are Xiaodongese, predominantly the Rongzhuo dialect, and Literary Tuthinan. Xiaodongese is a recognised minority language which is de facto offered legal protection; in truth it is heavily discriminated against. In the modern day it is most widely spoken in the disputed Lhogrong district by the Xiaodongese minority in Tinza, but historically it also has had a presence in the country as a language of commerce and diplomacy. Literary Tuthinan, as a Borean lingua franca, has been spoken in Tinza since the middle ages at the very least. It was not only a language of commerce and diplomacy in the past, but continues to be also be one of the traditional languages of the nobility. It is rarely spoken by common people in the modern day. Despite this, it is often taught in higher education and is readily learnt by the nobility. Other languages spoken in Tinza include Duljunese, which has legal recognition as a regional language but is often discriminated against, and other various minority languages spoken in the border regions.

Religion

Main articles: Religion in Tinza and Khaturvism

Religious affiliation of Tinza (2014 census)

  Orthodox Khaturvism (39.2%)

  Cult of Amadawa (25.4%)

  Folk religion (13.4%)

  Christianity (8.6%)

  Kamism (5.2%)

  Duljunese Shamanism (3.7%)

  Non-religion (2.8%)

  Islam (1.1%)

  Other (0.6%)

Despite being a seemingly religiously diverse country, the sole official religion in Tinza is the Cult of Amadawa (Tinzan: མཱ་དཝ་ཆོའླུག ama dawa chö-lug); a sect of the Khaturva tradition specific to Tinza. The government claims that every ethnic Tinzan is a devout follower of the cult; in truth roughly only 25% of the population adhere solely to the cult. A much larger portion of the population, close to 39%, are actually closer to Orthodox Khaturva thought; though even for these individuals, the goddess Amadawa remains a key aspect of the Khaturva pantheon and a focus of worship due to her place in the national psyche.

Amadawa, considered the national goddess of Tinza, plays a key role in all native religions of the country, and is considered an important part of the national consciousness.

The presence of religious syncretism additionally makes the classification of religious followers difficult; for example, among more rural populations, Khaturva worship is remarkably rare, and the religion practiced in these rural areas is considered closer to folk religion, with the reverence of ancestors playing a key part of worship. It is estimated that roughly 13% of the population should be considered a follower of Tinzan folk religion rather than any Khaturva doctrine.

Amadawa's role as a mother goddess to the nation has meant that, even in non-Khaturva religions, she is often venerated as a spirit, minor goddess or angel of sorts. Due to the fact that the monarchy derives it's right to rule from the Mandate of Amadawa - the idea that the goddess gave Tselha her crown - Amadawa herself has a key role in Tinzan national identity, and as such she is often known as the national goddess of Tinza.

Among the non-syncretic religions present in the country is Christianity, which is the fourth largest religion in the country. First introduced to the country during the 1200s with the arrival of Sjealandic converts and explorers, the religion is most densely concentrated in the country's coastal cities, and is very much an urban religion. Practitioners of the faith have faced heightened persecution in recent years. According to official church records, 8.6% of the Tinzan population adhere to one of the Christian denominations.

The Christian faith in Tinza is divided into its numerous denominations. Among these, the Calvinist Church of Tinza and the Connexion of Ladumra, which follows the Tuthinan tradition, are the largest. Other denominations such as Ecumenicalism, Lutheran Catholicism and Protestantism are also present.

Other sizable important religions in the country include Kamism which is adhered to mostly by those of Tuthinan or Senrian descent and records 5.2% of the population as adherents, Duljunese Shamanism which is practiced by 3.7% of the Duljunese minority in Tinzan Duljun, and Islam which is followed by a small number of adherents in the larger urban areas where conversion efforts from foreign missionaries have taken place. Other, smaller religions of particular note include Norcism which is practiced by the small Sjealandic minority in the eastern coastal cities, and Taojiao which is followed by a small number of the Xiaodongese minority in Lhogrong.

Irreligion is a relatively new phenomenon in Tinza; though it is a rising trend among the younger population, particularly in urban areas. Atheism and agnosticism are both on the rise, particularly within the Revolutionary Labour Movement and other secular organisations. Generally, those who do not hold a religious view are considered untrustworthy in Tinza. Recently, the government has utilised this mistrust to increase the repression of the group, confiscating property from those who refuse to confirm a religious affiliation in certain situations.

Urbanisation

Main article: List of cities in Tinza

Increasing urbanisation has been a rising trend in Tinza since the late 1800s, in line with the rest of the world. In recent decades, however, the urbanisation process has accelerated at an almost unprecedented pace; the capital city of Ladumra saw it's population rise from 11 million in 2004 to just over 16 million in 2014; recording a population increase of roughly 45.45% over only the span of 10 years. Experts have attributed the rapid rise in the urban population on increasing life expectancy and a rising birth-rate, both brought on by the proliferation of modern medicine within Tinza, combined with a vast increase in the migration of citizens from rural areas to urban areas. Predictably, the rapid increase of citizens has had a detrimental affect on the city and it's denizens. Lax or non-existent property laws and urban planning have led to Tinza's urban areas encompassing masses of urban sprawl, in which large numbers of citizens live in poverty.

Tinza is home to 50 cities with populations greater than 200,000; including the five major cities - Ladumra, Gsinchal, Cholarabs, Motigzol and Gtsanpogrong - which are noted by their populations having exceeded one million. Ladumra is the sole Tinzan metropolitan area classed as a megacity. Among the largest 50 cities are included the Seven Great Trading Cities; seven port-cities of great historical importance to Tinza, generally accepted among the Great Trading Cities are Gsinchal, Cholarabs, Gtsanpogrong, Mkhargyalpo, Throngzuma, Gwarka and Mingzam. Among the urban areas of Tinza it is not uncommon to take note of the vast numbers of migrant workers; it is estimated that there are roughly 4 million migrant workers in Tinza as a whole.

Education

Main article: Education in Tinza

Mthon University; the highest education institute in rural Tinza.

Primary and secondary education are, since the 1990 education reform, compulsory for all Tinzans. In practice, however, a lack of schools, infrastructure, education professionals and general neglect of the education system have meant that only urban children attend to regular schooling. As of 2016, only 61% of the population over age 15 are literate. This an increase from the 1957 level of 22%, but is widely considered inadequate by international education authorities. Such authorities have placed emphasis on the gap in quality from rural to urban areas, and the poor standard of the majority of Tinzan educators, often not professionals, in comparison to that of the rest of the world.

Higher and tertiary education in Tinza are similarly lacking. As a result, the country experiences a general lack of professionals; such a gap is filled by better-educated foreign workers. Professionals from Xiaodong, Min, Tuthina and Nordania are commonplace in modern-day Tinza.

Due to the poor quality of government-mandated education and state-run schools, private educators are common. Primarily, these are organised by either the noble lineages or by the Khaturva faith. Aristocratic children often attain a high quality of education in a form of home schooling, where educators are hired to act as tutors. Other children from wealthy backgrounds will engage in education tourism and take advantage of greater educational opportunities in Nordania and the rest of Borea. For poorer children, often it is only by attending an institution ran by the faith that they will be capable of attaining a good quality education. Tinza ranks highly in measures of education inequality.

Health

Main article: Healthcare in Tinza

Tinza operates a private healthcare program. As their are no state-run hospitals, the Tinzan Ministry of Health is heavily underfunded, and maintains only activities pertaining to public health. Healthcare in Tinza can largely be characterised as one which places an emphasis on traditional medicine. A lack of modern healthcare and medicine in rural regions has meant that there has been consistent outbreaks of disease over the years, and a high infant mortality rate. Tinza suffers from poor sanitation and hygiene, and diseases such as cholera, typhoid and scarlet fever, are rife within the country.

High levels of pollution have become a significant health problem in urban Tinza. Respiratory illnesses caused by widespread air pollution are emerging as a leading cause of premature death. Malnutrition is a continuing problem, which has led to widespread issues with stunting. Although healthcare in the country is generally poor, there are pronounced differences in standards between rural and urban healthcare. Traditional medicine plays a part in both, but in rural areas there are almost no instances of modern medicine to speak of. Poor dental hygiene is also of increasing concern.

Culture

Media

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