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{{Region_icon_Ajax}}
{{Region_icon_Ajax}}
{{Infobox country
{{Infobox country
|conventional_long_name      = Federated Commonwealth of Walzenia
|conventional_long_name      = Federated Commonwealths of Walzenia
|native_name                = {{collapsible list
|native_name                = {{collapsible list
  |titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:center;line-height:normal;font-size:84%;
  |titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:center;line-height:normal;font-size:84%;
  |title = 6 other official names <sup>a</sup>
  |title = 6 other official names <sup>a</sup>
  | {{Infobox|subbox=yes|bodystyle=font-size:77%;font-weight:normal;
  | {{Infobox|subbox=yes|bodystyle=font-size:77%;font-weight:normal;
   | rowclass1 = mergedrow | label1 = {{wp|Luxembourgish language|Waltch}}:
   | rowclass1 = mergedrow | label1 = {{wp|Lower Franconian languages|Waltch}}:
   | data1 = ''Federéierte Communbeschte Valzenja''
   | data1 = ''Federéierte Communbeschten Valzenja''
   | rowclass2 = mergedrow | label2 = {{wp|Ojibwe language|Oniegamémowin}}:
   | rowclass2 = mergedrow | label2 = {{wp|Ojibwe language|Oniegamémowin}}:
   | data2 = ᒥᑭᓈᒃ-ᒥᓂᓯᣖ ᒥᔥᑯᑌᐧᓇᓐ<br>''Mikinaak-minising Mishkodewinan''
   | data2 = ᒥᑭᓈᒃ-ᒥᓂᓯᣖ ᒥᔥᑯᑌᐧᓇᓐ<br>''Mikinaak-minising Mishkodewinan''
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|largest_city                = [[Lenzneuve]]
|largest_city                = [[Lenzneuve]]
|official_languages          = none at the federal level<br></br>
|official_languages          = none at the federal level<br></br>
|national_languages          = {{hlist | {{wp|Luxembourgish language|Waltch}} | {{wp|Ojibwe language|Oniegamémowin}} | {{wp|Menominee language|Masenomaweq}} | {{wp|Winnebago language|Hitenacąch}} | {{wp|Oneida language|Otoléiajoka}} | {{wp|Wiyot language|Wasjosin}} | {{wp|East Cree|Nipiwask}}}}
|national_languages          = {{hlist | {{wp|Lower Franconia|Waltch}} | {{wp|Ojibwe language|Oniegamémowin}} | {{wp|Menominee language|Masenomaweq}} | {{wp|Winnebago language|Hitenacąch}} | {{wp|Oneida language|Otoléiajoka}} | {{wp|Wiyot language|Wasjosin}} | {{wp|East Cree|Nipiwask}}}}
|regional_languages          = {{collapsible list
|regional_languages          = {{collapsible list
  |titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:left;font-weight:normal;font-size:100%;
  |titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:left;font-weight:normal;font-size:100%;
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|image_map3                  =
|image_map3                  =
|alt_map3                    =
|alt_map3                    =
|footnotes                  = a: Languages that hold official status at [[States of Walzenia|state]] level.<br>b: Languages that hold official status in at least one [[Commune (Walzenia)|commune]].<br>c: Mixed Belisarian-Indigenous individuals historically self-report as Belisarian, potentially over-representing those of solely Belisarian ancestry.
|footnotes                  = a: Languages that hold official status at [[Commonwealths of Walzenia|state]] level.<br>b: Languages that hold official status in at least one [[Commune (Walzenia)|commune]].<br>c: Mixed individuals (''mëschtes'') typically self-report as one group or another, potentially under-representing certain groups and those of mixed race.
}}
}}


'''Walzenia''' ({{IPAc-en|w|ɔː|l|'|z|ɛ|n|ˌ|i|ə}} {{respell|wal|ZEN|ee|ə}}, {{respell|-|ZEN|yuh}}) , officially the '''Federated Commonwealth of Walzenia''', is a country in northeastern [[Ajax#Norumbia|Norumbia]]. Its [[States of Walzenia|27 states]] cover an area of approximately 2,375,744 square kilometers (917,218 square miles), situated between the [[Sea of Dakmoor]] in the north and northeast, [[North Thalassian Ocean]] in the southeast, [[Habbakuk Bay]] in the west, and bordering [[Placeholderland]] in the south. The capital of Walzenia is [[Moienrout]], and its population of 47,703,216 people live mostly in the region surrounding the lake [[Kitchigami]] and the [[Saint Anne River]], with its largest city, [[Lenzenueve]], forming the core of a {{wp|megalopolis}}, the [[Saint Anne Megalopolis]] whose other notable cities include [[Jubeugon]], Moienrout, [[Hannes]], and [[Minouche]]. Walzenia is a highly multicultural country, with approximately 30% of Walzenia's population being of [[Indigenous people in Walzenia|indigenous]] ancestry and another 20% being of non-Belisarian descent.  
'''Walzenia''' ({{IPAc-en|w|ɔː|l|'|z|ɛ|n|ˌ|i|ə}} {{respell|wal|ZEN|ee|ə}}, {{respell|-|ZEN|yuh}}) , officially the '''Federated Commonwealths of Walzenia''', is a country in northeastern [[Ajax#Norumbia|Norumbia]]. Its [[Commonwealths of Walzenia|27 commonwealths]] cover an area of approximately 2,375,744 square kilometers (917,218 square miles), situated between the [[Sea of Dakmoor]] in the north and northeast, [[North Thalassian Ocean]] in the southeast, [[Winivere Bay]] in the west, and bordering [[Placeholderland]] in the south. The capital of Walzenia is [[Moienrout]], and its population of 47,703,216 people live mostly in the region surrounding the lake [[Kitchigami]] and the [[Saint Anne River]], with its largest city, [[Lenzenueve]], forming the core of a {{wp|megalopolis}}, the [[Saint Anne Megalopolis]] whose other notable cities include [[Jubeugon]], Moienrout, [[Hannes]], and [[Minouche]]. Walzenia is a highly multicultural country, with approximately 30% of Walzenia's population being of [[Indigenous people in Walzenia|indigenous]] ancestry and another 20% being of non-Belisarian descent.  


Various indigenous peoples inhabited what is now Walzenia for thousands of years before Belisarian colonization. Four major indigenous polities, the [[Niiwo-odachiimikaan (Walzenia)|Odachiimikaan]], ruled the region and repelled [[Walzenia#Ottonian colonization|Ottonian]] incursions as early as the 12th century, with {{wp|wiigwaasabak|records}} of their formation dating back to at least the 9th century. Following the [[Great Lake War]] in the late 16th century, the Odachiimikaans' weakened state allowed the Ottonians to gain a foothold along the eastern coast and populate it with persecuted [[Low Franconian languages|Niederaulish]] minorities. Walzenia was formed when this colony gained its [[First Waltch Revolution|independence]] in 1721, at which point it began gradually absorbing the remaining indigenous polities in the region through both diplomacy and warfare, reaching its modern borders by 1873. The [[Walzenia#Waltzing Coups|Waltzing Coups]] dominated Waltch politics for most of the 19th century, causing significant political turmoil and popular unrest. Beginning in the 1880s, the country saw a series of {{wp|socialism|socialist}} reforms which ultimately culminated in the [[Second Waltch Revolution]] and [[Waltch Civil War]] from 1919-1924. Afterwards, Walzenia experienced a series of smaller revolutionary waves and coups before finally galvanizing into the contemporary political structure in 1953. Significant reforms in pursuit of {{wp|decolonization}} took place in the 1970s.
Various indigenous peoples inhabited what is now Walzenia for thousands of years before Belisarian colonization. Four major indigenous polities, the [[Niiwo-odachiimikaan (Walzenia)|Odachiimikaan]], ruled the region and repelled [[Walzenia#Ottonian colonization|Ottonian]] incursions as early as the 12th century, with {{wp|wiigwaasabak|records}} of their formation dating back to at least the 9th century. Following the [[Great Lake War]] in the late 16th century, the Odachiimikaans' weakened state allowed the Ottonians to gain a foothold along the eastern coast and populate it with persecuted [[Low Franconian languages|Niederaulish]] minorities. Walzenia was formed when this colony gained its [[First Waltch Revolution|independence]] in 1721, at which point it began gradually absorbing the remaining indigenous polities in the region through both diplomacy and warfare, reaching its modern borders by 1873. The [[Walzenia#Waltzing Coups|Waltzing Coups]] dominated Waltch politics for most of the 19th century, causing significant political turmoil and popular unrest. Beginning in the 1880s, the country saw a series of {{wp|socialism|socialist}} reforms which ultimately culminated in the [[Second Waltch Revolution]] and [[Waltch Civil War]] from 1919-1924. Afterwards, Walzenia experienced a series of smaller revolutionary waves and coups before finally galvanizing into the contemporary political structure in 1953. Significant reforms in pursuit of {{wp|decolonization}} took place in the 1970s.
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== Etymology ==
== Etymology ==


The origins of the name Walzenia are historically obscure. Its {{wp|Luxembourgish language|Waltch}} translation, ''Valzenjia'', entered into common usage as an informal name for the eastern coast of the modern country in the early 17th century and was adopted as the official name of the of the [[Walzenia#Avalerian Republic|country]] upon independence in 1721.
The origins of the name Walzenia are historically obscure. Its {{wp|Low Franconian languages|Waltch}} translation, ''Valzenjia'', entered into common usage as an informal name for the eastern coast of the modern country in the early 17th century and was adopted as the official name of the of the [[Walzenia#Avalerian Republic|country]] upon independence in 1721.


One prominent origin theory, arising in the 19th century but now not typically accepted among historians, is that the name is derived from the House of Avaler, a [[Brasbourg|Brasbourger]] noble family that played a significant part in Belisarian colonization and creation of the first independent Waltch republic. However, evidence of a highly similar name, ''Valzia'', also used in reference to the east coast, can be found as early as 1512, nearly a century before [[Luther Avaler]] first traveled to Norumbia, and was used in the maps as early as 1563.  
One prominent origin theory, arising in the 19th century but now not typically accepted among historians, is that the name is derived from the House of Avaler, a [[Brasbourg|Brasbourger]] noble family that played a significant part in Belisarian colonization and creation of the first independent Waltch republic. However, evidence of a highly similar name, ''Valzia'', also used in reference to the east coast, can be found as early as 1512, nearly a century before [[Luther Avaler]] first traveled to Norumbia, and was used in the maps as early as 1563.  
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Proposed alternatives to Walzenia include Maschinaw, Kitchigami, and North Norumbia. A bill that would officially change the country's name to Kitchigami (Waltch: ''Kischigamie'') was considered several times by Congress in the 1970s, but ultimately not passed. No significant efforts to rename the country have received federal consideration since.
Proposed alternatives to Walzenia include Maschinaw, Kitchigami, and North Norumbia. A bill that would officially change the country's name to Kitchigami (Waltch: ''Kischigamie'') was considered several times by Congress in the 1970s, but ultimately not passed. No significant efforts to rename the country have received federal consideration since.
The country is colloquially referred to by many different titles than its official one, including: the Federation (''de Federatioun''), the Commonwealth(s) (''de Communbeschten''), the Confederation (''de Confederatioun''), and the Union (''de Unioune''). The term "the Republic" is occasionally used, but is somewhat taboo in some circles due to the association of the term with the failed Waltch Socialist Republic. The current state is sometimes historiographically referred to as the Fifth Republic.




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}}
}}


Walzenia comprises the northeastern corner of Norumbia, occupying approximately 2,375,744 square kilometers (917,218 square miles) lying approximately between latitudes 48° and 72°N and longitudes 76° and 103°W. Despite its position and cool climate, no part of mainland Walzenia lies above the {{wp|Arctic Circle}} - the only part Waltch territory extending so far north are the islands of [[St. Joseph Land]] and [[Kuuganajuk]] in the state of [[States of Walzenia#Zanirach|Zanirach]]. Although Walzenia is a {{wp|peninsula|peninsular}} country, surrounded by [[Habbakuk Bay]] in the west, the [[Sea of Dakmoor]] in the north, and the [[Thalassan Ocean|North Thalassan Ocean]] in the east, it is rarely conceived of as such in economic and political contexts. It shares a border with [[Placeholderland]] in the south, and a maritime border with [[Ghant]] in the northeast.
Walzenia comprises the northeastern corner of Norumbia, occupying approximately 2,375,744 square kilometers (917,218 square miles) lying approximately between latitudes 48° and 72°N and longitudes 76° and 103°W. Despite its position and cool climate, no part of mainland Walzenia lies above the {{wp|Arctic Circle}} - the only part Waltch territory extending so far north are the islands of [[St. Joseph Land]] and [[Kuuganajuk]] in the state of [[Commonwealths of Walzenia#Zanirach|Zanirach]]. Although Walzenia is a {{wp|peninsula|peninsular}} country, surrounded by [[Winivere Bay]] in the west, the [[Sea of Dakmoor]] in the north, and the [[Thalassan Ocean|North Thalassan Ocean]] in the east, it is rarely conceived of as such in economic and political contexts. It shares a border with [[Placeholderland]] in the south, and a maritime border with [[Ghant]] in the northeast.


The geography of Walzenia is dominated by the [[Kitchigami basin]]. [[Kitchigami]], also called [[Kitchigami naming controversy|Lake Sovereign]], is the fourth largest {{wp|freshwater lake}} in the world and one of the deepest, with a surface area of approximately 64,352 square kilometers (24,846 square miles) and a maximum depth of 706 meters (2,316 feet). Its {{wp|watershed}} encompasses the majority of mainland Walzenia, with thousands of rivers feeding into the lake; the longest of these is the [[Mineschoosch River]], which flows over 1,133 kilometers (704 miles) from northern Zanirach to the [[Opal Bay]] of southern Kitchigami, near the city of [[Endijon]]. The basin is a {{wp|breadbasket}} and home to over 30 million people. Kitchigami flows out to the east into the [[Saint Anne River]], which, standing 40 kilometers (25 miles) at its widest point, is one of the widest rivers in the world. The Saint Anne flows in a northeasterly direction out into the [[Annesienne Gulf]], which is the largest estuary in the world; not including the estuary, it is approximately 252 kilometers (157 miles) long.  
The geography of Walzenia is dominated by the [[Kitchigami basin]]. [[Kitchigami]], also called [[Kitchigami naming controversy|Lake Sovereign]], is the fourth largest {{wp|freshwater lake}} in the world and one of the deepest, with a surface area of approximately 64,352 square kilometers (24,846 square miles) and a maximum depth of 706 meters (2,316 feet). Its {{wp|watershed}} encompasses the majority of mainland Walzenia, with thousands of rivers feeding into the lake; the longest of these is the [[Mineschoosch River]], which flows over 1,133 kilometers (704 miles) from northern Zanirach to the [[Opal Bay]] of southern Kitchigami, near the city of [[Endijon]]. The basin is a {{wp|breadbasket}} and home to over 30 million people. Kitchigami flows out to the east into the [[Saint Anne River]], which, standing 40 kilometers (25 miles) at its widest point, is one of the widest rivers in the world. The Saint Anne flows in a northeasterly direction out into the [[Annesienne Gulf]], which is the largest estuary in the world; not including the estuary, it is approximately 252 kilometers (157 miles) long.  


Areas of Walzenia that are not part of the Kitchigami basin are typically separated from it by highlands and mountains, which form the bowl which allows the basin to exist. The [[Adéron Mountains]], whose highest peak is [[Martinshéich]] at 1533 meters (5029 feet), run all along the east coast from [[States of Walzenia#Versiere|Versiere]] in the north to [[States of Walzenia#Starmera|Starmera]] in the south. They are separated from the larger and more rugged [[Osawanon Mountains]] by the [[Matagamon Valley]]. The Osawanons, whose highest peak is [[Mont Nacheu]] at 2,037 meters (6683 feet), run south to southwest, primarily along the southern border, from [[States of Walzenia#Jenasie|Jenasie]] in the north to [[States of Walzenia#Wireia|Wireia]] in the southwest. The third major mountain range in the country, and the tallest, are the [[Chiboschan Mountains]], whose highest peak is the ''[[Donnerbierg]]'' at 2,694 meters (8,839 feet); this is also the highest point in Walzenia. The Chiboschans run all along the west coast, from the north coast to the southern border.  
Areas of Walzenia that are not part of the Kitchigami basin are typically separated from it by highlands and mountains, which form the bowl which allows the basin to exist. The [[Adéron Mountains]], whose highest peak is [[Martinshéich]] at 1533 meters (5029 feet), run all along the east coast from [[Commonwealths of Walzenia#Versiere|Versiere]] in the north to [[Commonwealths of Walzenia#Starmera|Starmera]] in the south. They are separated from the larger and more rugged [[Osawanon Mountains]] by the [[Matagamon Valley]]. The Osawanons, whose highest peak is [[Mont Nacheu]] at 2,037 meters (6683 feet), run south to southwest, primarily along the southern border, from [[Commonwealths of Walzenia#Jenasie|Jenasie]] in the north to [[Commonwealths of Walzenia#Wireia|Wireia]] in the southwest. The third major mountain range in the country, and the tallest, are the [[Chiboschan Mountains]], whose highest peak is the ''[[Donnerbierg]]'' at 2,694 meters (8,839 feet); this is also the highest point in Walzenia. The Chiboschans run all along the west coast, from the north coast to the southern border.  


The northern half of the country is mostly comprised of {{wp|prairie|prairies}}, {{wp|tundra}}, and {{wp|bogs}}.  
The northern half of the country is mostly comprised of {{wp|prairie|prairies}}, {{wp|tundra}}, and {{wp|bogs}}.  
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[[File:Climate map of Walzenia.png|right|thumb|250px|{{wp|Köppen climate classification|Köppen climate types}} of Walzenia.]]
[[File:Climate map of Walzenia.png|right|thumb|250px|{{wp|Köppen climate classification|Köppen climate types}} of Walzenia.]]


Walzenia is dominated by a {{wp|humid continental climate}}, of the warm-summer variety on the east coast and the hot-summer variety in much of the interior. Cold air flows in from the Habbakuk Bay and {{wp|the Arctic}} while warm air arrives from the warm {{wp|Gulf Stream|Kayamuca stream}} in the Thalassan Ocean, producing dynamic and frequently extreme weather patterns. Kitchigami produces a strong moderating effect on much of its watershed, but heavy and frequent {{wp|lake-effect snow}} is common in the winters, where snow can remain on the ground for as long as six months. Summers are typically warm and mild, although heatwaves are not uncommon. This zone is home to the famous {{wp|Laurentian Mixed Forest Province|Annesienne Northwoods}} and {{wp|Carolinian forest|Lotharian forests}}, and features exceptional agricultural conditions. The west coast has a primarily mild, rainy {{wp|oceanic climate}} that sees little variation throughout the year, and is dominated by {{wp|temperate rainforests}} and {{wp|Montane ecosystems#Montane forests|montane forests}}.
Walzenia is dominated by a {{wp|humid continental climate}}, of the warm-summer variety on the east coast and the hot-summer variety in much of the interior. Cold air flows in from the Winivere Bay and {{wp|the Arctic}} while warm air arrives from the warm {{wp|Gulf Stream|Kayamuca stream}} in the Thalassan Ocean, producing dynamic and frequently extreme weather patterns. Kitchigami produces a strong moderating effect on much of its watershed, but heavy and frequent {{wp|lake-effect snow}} is common in the winters, where snow can remain on the ground for as long as six months. Summers are typically warm and mild, although heatwaves are not uncommon. This zone is home to the famous {{wp|Laurentian Mixed Forest Province|Annesienne Northwoods}} and {{wp|Carolinian forest|Lotharian forests}}, and features exceptional agricultural conditions. The west coast has a primarily mild, rainy {{wp|oceanic climate}} that sees little variation throughout the year, and is dominated by {{wp|temperate rainforests}} and {{wp|Montane ecosystems#Montane forests|montane forests}}.


The rest of the country experiences much harsher conditions:
The rest of the country experiences much harsher conditions:
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The northern half of the country, north of Kitchigami, almost exclusively has a {{wp|subarctic climate|boreal}} climate, with a {{wp|Köppen climate classification#ET: Tundra_climate|tundra}} zone along the north coast and arctic islands. {{wp|Taiga}} forests and cold {{wp|swamps}} host Walzenia's most iconic megafauna, the {{wp|mastodon|pygmy forest mastodon}} and {{wp|hodag|greater hodag}}.  
The northern half of the country, north of Kitchigami, almost exclusively has a {{wp|subarctic climate|boreal}} climate, with a {{wp|Köppen climate classification#ET: Tundra_climate|tundra}} zone along the north coast and arctic islands. {{wp|Taiga}} forests and cold {{wp|swamps}} host Walzenia's most iconic megafauna, the {{wp|mastodon|pygmy forest mastodon}} and {{wp|hodag|greater hodag}}.  


The Prairies occupy much of the area between Kitchigami and the Chiboschan Mountains. This region is exceedingly flat, frequently arid, and features very cold and harsh winters and very hot and humid summers. Wind speeds are often very high, especially in winter. The coldest temperature in Waltch history was recorded on the Prairie in Reding, [[States of Walzenia#Hachiwara|Hachiwara]] on February 9th, 1991, at -63°C (-81.4°F), and the record hottest temperature was recorded 200 kilometers away in Gieltgras, [[States of Walzenia#Wattland|Wattland]], measuring 45°C (113 °F) on August 22nd, 2015.
The Prairies occupy much of the area between Kitchigami and the Chiboschan Mountains. This region is exceedingly flat, frequently arid, and features very cold and harsh winters and very hot and humid summers. Wind speeds are often very high, especially in winter. The coldest temperature in Waltch history was recorded on the Prairie in Reding, [[Commonwealths of Walzenia#Hachiwara|Hachiwara]] on February 9th, 1991, at -63°C (-81.4°F), and the record hottest temperature was recorded 200 kilometers away in Gieltgras, [[Commonwealths of Walzenia#Wattland|Wattland]], measuring 45°C (113 °F) on August 22nd, 2015.


The last major climate zone is the Chiboschan mountain range, which consists primarily of {{wp|Carpathian montane conifer forests|montane conifer forests}}, and {{wp|Desert climate#Cold desert climates|cold desert}} and boreal/hemiboreal {{wp|microclimates}}.
The last major climate zone is the Chiboschan mountain range, which consists primarily of {{wp|Carpathian montane conifer forests|montane conifer forests}}, and {{wp|Desert climate#Cold desert climates|cold desert}} and boreal/hemiboreal {{wp|microclimates}}.
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}}
}}


Evidence of human habitation in what is now Walzenia dates back to at least 11,000 BCE. Archaeological records suggest that trade networks spanning the Kitchigami basin and coast of Habbakuk Bay were common as early as 1000 BCE, with evidence of {{wp|copper}} mined from northern [[States of Walzenia#Maschoda|Maschoda]] being found as far away as the [[Enyama|Enyaman]] coast in artifacts dated to approximately that period. Historically, these groups lived in complex, settled societies which utilized both agriculture and hunting-gathering. The first organized polities to rose to prominence in the region in the early 9th century, organically growing and shrinking as part of a system of {{wp|patronage}} and ritualism. This period saw the rise of what historians call the {{wp|Mound Builders|Mound Builder culture}}, a people which are believed to have spoken a {{wp|Siouan languages|Šahaijan language}} and been related to the {{wp|Ho-Chunk people|Hitena people}}. The Mound Builders, also sometimes called the Mošógrans (after their largest known city) ruled a large polity centered in modern [[States of Walzenia#Kuschona]] which is believed to have featured dense urban centers with complex manufacturing economies, public works projects, and a ruling class of priests. Their largest city, {{wp|Cahokia|Mošógra}}, is believed to have been home to as many as 40,000 people at its zenith in the 12th century. Among the most notable achievements of this polity were its extensive {{wp|Earthworks (archaeology)|earthworks}} and eponymous {{wp|Mound#North_American_archaeology|mounds}}, the latter of which were used for religious, ceremonial, burial, and elite residential purposes. The largest of these mounds, the Great Mound of Mošógra, is believed to have been upwards of 70 meters tall before it began to {{wp|slumping|slump}} due to lack of maintenance. By the mid-13th century, most of the Mound Builders' urban centers had been abandoned for unknown reasons - historians theorize that a particularly severe season of flooding or droughts, or a severe plague, may have caused widespread famine and forced the inhabitants out into the countryside where they integrated with other tribes. Most of what is known about their culture has been learned through {{wp|archaeology}} and {{wp|folk history}}.
Evidence of human habitation in what is now Walzenia dates back to at least 11,000 BCE. Archaeological records suggest that trade networks spanning the Kitchigami basin and coast of Winivere Bay were common as early as 1000 BCE, with evidence of {{wp|copper}} mined from northern [[Commonwealths of Walzenia#Maschoda|Maschoda]] being found as far away as the [[Enyama|Enyaman]] coast in artifacts dated to approximately that period. Historically, these groups lived in complex, settled societies which utilized both agriculture and hunting-gathering. The first organized polities to rose to prominence in the region in the early 9th century, organically growing and shrinking as part of a system of {{wp|patronage}} and ritualism. This period saw the rise of what historians call the {{wp|Mound Builders|Mound Builder culture}}, a people which are believed to have spoken a {{wp|Siouan languages|Šahaijan language}} and been related to the {{wp|Ho-Chunk people|Hitena people}}. The Mound Builders, also sometimes called the Mošógrans (after their largest known city) ruled a large polity centered in modern [[Commonwealths of Walzenia#Kuschona]] which is believed to have featured dense urban centers with complex manufacturing economies, public works projects, and a ruling class of priests. Their largest city, {{wp|Cahokia|Mošógra}}, is believed to have been home to as many as 40,000 people at its zenith in the 12th century. Among the most notable achievements of this polity were its extensive {{wp|Earthworks (archaeology)|earthworks}} and eponymous {{wp|Mound#North_American_archaeology|mounds}}, the latter of which were used for religious, ceremonial, burial, and elite residential purposes. The largest of these mounds, the Great Mound of Mošógra, is believed to have been upwards of 70 meters tall before it began to {{wp|slumping|slump}} due to lack of maintenance. By the mid-13th century, most of the Mound Builders' urban centers had been abandoned for unknown reasons - historians theorize that a particularly severe season of flooding or droughts, or a severe plague, may have caused widespread famine and forced the inhabitants out into the countryside where they integrated with other tribes. Most of what is known about their culture has been learned through {{wp|archaeology}} and {{wp|folk history}}.


Other peoples attained significant degrees of organization in the vacuum left by the Mound Builders, and the status and power of these emerging stateoids was solidified by the late  14th century as they proved successful in defending against Ottonian and [[Mutul|Mutulese]] incursions. The introduction of firearms by Mutulese and Belisarian traders led to an increased period of centralization and {{wp|endemic warfare|ritual warfare}}.
Other peoples attained significant degrees of organization in the vacuum left by the Mound Builders, and the status and power of these emerging stateoids was solidified by the late  14th century as they proved successful in defending against Ottonian and [[Mutul|Mutulese]] incursions. The introduction of firearms by Mutulese and Belisarian traders led to an increased period of centralization and {{wp|endemic warfare|ritual warfare}}.
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This period resulted in the rise of the ''Niiwo-odachiimikaan'' (singular: ''odachiimikaa''). This is an {{wp|Ojibwe language|Oniegamé}} term invented in the mid-18th century, vaguely translating to "the Four Big Lands/Countries"; their contemporaneous names varied considerably from source to source, but typically espoused the concept of an {{wp|alliance}} or {{wp|confederation}} more so than the {{wp|kingdoms}} that Belisarian colonizers thought of them as. The Odachiimikaan were powerful quasi-states organized mostly along {{wp|Dialect continuum|linguistic}} lines, and were dominated by what are today the most numerous indigenous peoples in Walzenia: the {{wp|Menominee|Masenatau}}, {{wp|Ojibwe people|Oniegamé}}, {{wp|Oneida people|Otoléia}}, and {{wp|Ho-Chunk|Hitena}}. These stateoids were typically formed towards the ends of {{wp|monopolizing}} the control of {{wp|furs}}, {{wp|silver}}, and fluvial {{wp|fishery|fisheries}}, the former of which were used to purchase firearms and other manufactured goods from Belisarians.
This period resulted in the rise of the ''Niiwo-odachiimikaan'' (singular: ''odachiimikaa''). This is an {{wp|Ojibwe language|Oniegamé}} term invented in the mid-18th century, vaguely translating to "the Four Big Lands/Countries"; their contemporaneous names varied considerably from source to source, but typically espoused the concept of an {{wp|alliance}} or {{wp|confederation}} more so than the {{wp|kingdoms}} that Belisarian colonizers thought of them as. The Odachiimikaan were powerful quasi-states organized mostly along {{wp|Dialect continuum|linguistic}} lines, and were dominated by what are today the most numerous indigenous peoples in Walzenia: the {{wp|Menominee|Masenatau}}, {{wp|Ojibwe people|Oniegamé}}, {{wp|Oneida people|Otoléia}}, and {{wp|Ho-Chunk|Hitena}}. These stateoids were typically formed towards the ends of {{wp|monopolizing}} the control of {{wp|furs}}, {{wp|silver}}, and fluvial {{wp|fishery|fisheries}}, the former of which were used to purchase firearms and other manufactured goods from Belisarians.


This culminated in the [[Great Lake War]], also called the Great Kitchigami War, from 1558 to 1571, which saw unprecedented mobilization and bloodshed between a coalition of the Oniegamé and Masenatau and a coalition of the Otoléia and Hitena. Although the conflict began over {{wp|beaver}}-hunting grounds in modern [[States of Walzenia#Sangwenae|Sangwenae]], it quickly escalated into a coordinated campaign throughout the Kitchigami basin. The Otoléia were defeated and forced to vacate all territory east of the Osawanon Mountains and north of the Saint Anne River, while the Hitena were largely absorbed by the Masenatau or else driven westward into the prairies, marking the beginning of the Hitena [[Gokekjaneną]] and dissolving their odachiimikaa.
This culminated in the [[Great Lake War]], also called the Great Kitchigami War, from 1558 to 1571, which saw unprecedented mobilization and bloodshed between a coalition of the Oniegamé and Masenatau and a coalition of the Otoléia and Hitena. Although the conflict began over {{wp|beaver}}-hunting grounds in modern [[Commonwealths of Walzenia#Sangwenae|Sangwenae]], it quickly escalated into a coordinated campaign throughout the Kitchigami basin. The Otoléia were defeated and forced to vacate all territory east of the Osawanon Mountains and north of the Saint Anne River, while the Hitena were largely absorbed by the Masenatau or else driven westward into the prairies, marking the beginning of the Hitena [[Gokekjaneną]] and dissolving their odachiimikaa.
   
   
=== Ottonian colonization ===
=== Ottonian colonization ===
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The Great Lake War vastly weakened all parties, even the victors. High-end estimates indicate that as much as 20% of the total population of the Kitchigami basin may have perished in this period due to fighting, {{wp|ethnic cleansing}}, and {{wp|famine}}. The resulting economic downturn allowed [[Tyrrsland|Tyrrslander]] merchants and prospectors, who had been limited to small trading outposts along the coast since the 1500s, to seize territory from the drastically weakened Otoléia in the [[Aderon Wars]] from 1609 to 1634, ensuring a powerful, permanent position in the region. The colonies introduced a policy of {{wp|population transfer|resettlement}}, in which the Otoléia and other indigenous peoples in the region were forcibly relocated away from arable land and navigable rivers, making room for Belisarian settlers.  
The Great Lake War vastly weakened all parties, even the victors. High-end estimates indicate that as much as 20% of the total population of the Kitchigami basin may have perished in this period due to fighting, {{wp|ethnic cleansing}}, and {{wp|famine}}. The resulting economic downturn allowed [[Tyrrsland|Tyrrslander]] merchants and prospectors, who had been limited to small trading outposts along the coast since the 1500s, to seize territory from the drastically weakened Otoléia in the [[Aderon Wars]] from 1609 to 1634, ensuring a powerful, permanent position in the region. The colonies introduced a policy of {{wp|population transfer|resettlement}}, in which the Otoléia and other indigenous peoples in the region were forcibly relocated away from arable land and navigable rivers, making room for Belisarian settlers.  


These settlers were primarily [[Brasbourg|Brasbourgish]] refugees from [[Staalmark]], fleeing due to religious and linguistic persecution, who were welcomed by the Tyrrslandic crown and promptly sent to Norumbia in large numbers as laborers and {{wp|courier de bois|leefer vum bësch}} in exchange for land and {{wp|Salutary neglect|nominal self-governance}}. Many Brasbourgers adopted the idea of the ''virbestëmmt rjochten'' (destined rights), believing that, as they and many other {{{{wp|Moselle#History|Niederaulish}} people were historically blocked from self-rule in Belisaria, their expulsion from Staalmark was a way of God rewarding them with a new, autonomous {{wp|nation-state|homeland}} in Norumbia. This idea spread among other groups back in Norumbia and encouraged an early, significant exodus of Nideraulish groups from Belisaria to the Norumbian colonie. These colonists formed the basis of what would develop into the [[Belisarian Walzers]], and the modern {{wp|Luxembourgish language|Waltch}} language is primarily descended from the many {{wp|Central Franconian languages|Middle Niederaulish}} dialects spoken by them. By the beginning of the 17th century, these colonies began to consolidate all throughout the east coast and [[Annesienne Gulf]] and became colloquially known as the Ten Colonies (''Zéng Kolonien'') or Sovereign Colonies (''Souverän Kolonien''), the latter in reference to Lake Sovereign but officially discouraged by the Tyrrslandic crown due to its implications of independence.  
These settlers were primarily [[Brasbourg|Brasbourgish]] refugees from [[Staalmark]], fleeing due to religious and linguistic persecution, who were welcomed by the Tyrrslandic crown and promptly sent to Norumbia in large numbers as laborers and {{wp|courier de bois|leefer vum bësch}} in exchange for land and {{wp|Salutary neglect|nominal self-governance}}. Many Brasbourgers adopted the idea of the ''virbestëmmt rjochten'' (destined rights), believing that, as they and many other {{wp|Low Countries|Niederaulish}} people were historically blocked from self-rule in Belisaria, their expulsion from Staalmark was a way of God rewarding them with a new, autonomous {{wp|nation-state|homeland}} in Norumbia. This idea spread among other groups back in Norumbia and encouraged an early, significant exodus of Nideraulish groups from Belisaria to the Norumbian colonie. These colonists formed the basis of what would develop into the [[Belisarian Walzers]], and the modern {{wp|Low Franconian languages|Waltch}} language is primarily descended from the many {{wp|Low Franconian languages|Middle Niederaulish}} dialects spoken by them. By the beginning of the 17th century, these colonies began to consolidate all throughout the east coast and [[Annesienne Gulf]] and became colloquially known as the Ten Colonies (''Zéng Kolonien'') or Sovereign Colonies (''Souverän Kolonien''), the latter in reference to Lake Sovereign but officially discouraged by the Tyrrslandic crown due to its implications of independence.  


[[File:Iroq.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Indigenous fortifications became commonplace after the Annesienne War and were effective in preventing Ottonian expansion.]]
[[File:Iroq.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Indigenous fortifications became commonplace after the Annesienne War and were effective in preventing Ottonian expansion.]]
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From 1621-27, the Colonies waged the [[Annesienne War]] against a coalition of the Otoléia and Oniegamé, securing both sides of the Saint Anne River and signing the [[Treaty of Moienrout]], which guaranteed the rights of Tyrrslandic traders throughout the Kitchigami basin and opened up most of the Osawanon Mountains east of Kitchigami to settlement.  
From 1621-27, the Colonies waged the [[Annesienne War]] against a coalition of the Otoléia and Oniegamé, securing both sides of the Saint Anne River and signing the [[Treaty of Moienrout]], which guaranteed the rights of Tyrrslandic traders throughout the Kitchigami basin and opened up most of the Osawanon Mountains east of Kitchigami to settlement.  


Following this defeat for the indigenous peoples, the odachiimikaan began finding ways to adapt to their new situation. The Otoléia, finding most of their traditional lands under Tyrrslandic sovereignty, began adopting many Ottonian practices, such as private property, centralized government, and Christianity in an attempt dissuade the settlers from forcibly removing them. This would eventually culminate in the formation of the [[Taigon Republic]] in 1715. The Oniegamé Odachiimikaa, fearing a similar fate, reorganized around the concept of a prolonged war in the hills and forests north of Kitchigami, forming ''gichiwininiwag'' ("great bands") - confederated bands larger than traditional tribal units, capable of amassing the manpower and resources necessary to wage war against the colonizers, while remaining decentralized and independent of leaders. Most Oniegamé tribes, occupying much of what is now northern Walzenia, would remain functionally independent for over two more centuries, only beginning to federate into Walzenia following the beginning of major socialist reforms in the late 1800. The Hitena remained largely removed from the politics and conflicts of the Kitchigami basin, with no organized governments arising among the diaspora until the middle of the 18th century.  
Following this defeat for the indigenous peoples, the odachiimikaan began finding ways to adapt to their new situation. The Otoléia, finding most of their traditional lands under Tyrrslandic sovereignty, began adopting many Ottonian practices, such as private property, centralized government, and Christianity in an attempt dissuade the settlers from forcibly removing them. This would eventually culminate in the formation of the [[Taigon Republic]] in 1715. The Oniegamé Odachiimikaa, fearing a similar fate, reorganized around the concept of a prolonged war in the hills and forests north of Kitchigami, forming ''gichiwininiwag'' ("great bands") - confederated bands larger than traditional tribal units, capable of amassing the manpower and resources necessary to wage war against the colonizers, while remaining decentralized and independent of leaders. Most Oniegamé tribes, occupying much of what is now northern Walzenia, would remain functionally independent for over two more centuries, only beginning to federate into Walzenia following the beginning of major socialist reforms in the late 1800. The Hitena remained largely removed from the politics and conflicts of the Kitchigami basin, with no organized governments arising among the diaspora until the middle of the 19th century.  


{{multiple image
{{multiple image
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==== Dancing Coups period ====
==== Waltzing Coups period ====


=== Waltch Socialist Republic ===
=== Waltch Socialist Republic ===


=== Union of Walzenia ===
=== Democratic Federation ===


=== Commonwealth ===
=== Federated Commonwealths ===


== Government and politics ==
== Government and politics ==
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Since the 1970s, Waltch politics has been characterized by three large parties - called the Big Three, or Fire (due to their identifying colors), Parties: the {{wp|Marxism|Warnerist}} [[All-Socialist Front]] (ASF); the libertarian-{{wp|Warnerist}}/{{wp|council communism|councilist}} [[Councils for Unity and Democracy]] (RED); and the {{wp|market socialist}} [[Social Alliance]] (SAZ). The Big Three are {{wp|big tent}} parties with significant ideological overlap, but nonetheless are dedicated to specific Leftist tendencies. They have historically governed together in {{wp|grand coalition|grand coalitions}}, although other coalitions are not unheard of. There are four other parties represented at a federal level: [[Debenindizo]] (IND), an {{wp|indigenous rights}} party; [[Black Block]] (ZWB), an anarchist organization pushing for greater decentralization; [[Ecological Consensus]] (EKO), an {{wp|environmentalist}} party advocating {{wp|social ecology (Bookchin)|social ecology}}, and [[Geocrats for Development and Independence]] (GEO), a {{wp|geolibertarianism|geolibertarian}} party. The current government is formed by a coalition of the ASF and RED, headed by Chancellor Theodosia Wolff and Stettholder Minegan Kovarich.
Since the 1970s, Waltch politics has been characterized by three large parties - called the Big Three, or Fire (due to their identifying colors), Parties: the {{wp|Marxism|Warnerist}} [[All-Socialist Front]] (ASF); the libertarian-{{wp|Warnerist}}/{{wp|council communism|councilist}} [[Councils for Unity and Democracy]] (RED); and the {{wp|market socialist}} [[Social Alliance]] (SAZ). The Big Three are {{wp|big tent}} parties with significant ideological overlap, but nonetheless are dedicated to specific Leftist tendencies. They have historically governed together in {{wp|grand coalition|grand coalitions}}, although other coalitions are not unheard of. There are four other parties represented at a federal level: [[Debenindizo]] (IND), an {{wp|indigenous rights}} party; [[Black Block]] (ZWB), an anarchist organization pushing for greater decentralization; [[Ecological Consensus]] (EKO), an {{wp|environmentalist}} party advocating {{wp|social ecology (Bookchin)|social ecology}}, and [[Geocrats for Development and Independence]] (GEO), a {{wp|geolibertarianism|geolibertarian}} party. The current government is formed by a coalition of the ASF and RED, headed by Chancellor Theodosia Wolff and Stettholder Minegan Kovarich.


Walzenia's federal structure is flexible and has historically drifted between levels of centralization. Some consider Walzenia to currently be a ''de facto'' {{wp|confederation}} due to the amount of autonomy enjoyed by individual states. Each level of government enjoys considerable legal sovereignty from one another, building power from the bottom up, so long as they adhere to constitutionally-defined protections of {{wp|human rights}}; the refusal or inability to provide for the dignity and rights of all inhabitants is the primary reason why the federal government may intervene in the affairs of a lower level of government. Otherwise, each individual subdivision exercises considerable freedom in their individual political and economic laws, although, in general, governments typically mirror the model of the federal government, particularly its  unicameral, directorial nature.  
Walzenia's federal structure is flexible and has historically drifted between levels of centralization. Some consider Walzenia to currently be a ''de facto'' {{wp|confederation}} due to the amount of autonomy enjoyed by individual commonwealths. Each level of government enjoys considerable legal sovereignty from one another, building power from the bottom up, so long as they adhere to constitutionally-defined protections of {{wp|human rights}}; the refusal or inability to provide for the dignity and rights of all inhabitants is the primary reason why the federal government may intervene in the affairs of a lower level of government. Otherwise, each individual subdivision exercises considerable freedom in their individual political and economic laws, although, in general, governments typically mirror the model of the federal government, particularly its  unicameral, directorial nature.  


In addition to the delegative mandate, many Waltch constituencies strive to attain a degree of {{wp|liquid democracy}}, in which individual citizens can offer direct feedback on policy issues and directly vote on legislation and implementation.  
In addition to the delegative mandate, many Waltch constituencies strive to attain a degree of {{wp|liquid democracy}}, in which individual citizens can offer direct feedback on policy issues and directly vote on legislation and implementation.  
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=== Constituencies ===
=== Constituencies ===


The most fundamental governmental subdivision of Walzenia is the {{wp|neighborhood}}, a conglomeration of households typically ranging from 20 to 200 people. These neighborhoods come together to form {{wp|municipalities}}, a catch-all term referring to various rural and urban population centers which consider themselves one {{wp|municipal corporation|corporate unit}}. Municipalities, in turn, organize themselves into {{wp|County (United States)|communes}}, of which there are 1,732. The commune is considered the most ubiquitous and relevant level of government, far-reaching enough to allow multiple municipalities to pool significant resources and interact with higher levels, but localized enough to allow for speedy communication between citizens and representatives and direct involvement by citizens in legislation and implementation of policy. Communes then organize themselves into {{wp|cantons}}. Cantons are expected to encompass a population of roughly 100,000 people, and are the level at which representatives to the [[Commonwealth Congress]] are elected; thus, there are currently 500 cantons, including approximately two dozen with less than 100,000 people, and cantons are routinely rearranged, created, or dissolved every ten years following the national {{wp|census}} to better reflect new population statistics. The cantons form the {{wp|federated states}}, of which there are 27. States are the highest-level subdivision in Walzenia.
The most fundamental political subdivision of Walzenia is the {{wp|neighborhood}}, a conglomeration of households typically ranging from 20 to 200 people. These neighborhoods come together to form {{wp|municipalities}}, a catch-all term referring to various rural and urban population centers which consider themselves one {{wp|municipal corporation|corporate unit}}. Municipalities, in turn, organize themselves into {{wp|County (United States)|communes}}, of which there are 1,732. The commune is considered the most ubiquitous and relevant level of government, far-reaching enough to allow multiple municipalities to pool significant resources and interact with higher levels, but localized enough to allow for speedy communication between citizens and representatives and direct involvement by citizens in legislation and implementation of policy. Communes then organize themselves into {{wp|cantons}}. Cantons are expected to encompass a population of roughly 100,000 people, and are the level at which representatives to the [[Commonwealth Congress]] are elected; thus, there are currently 500 cantons, including approximately two dozen with less than 100,000 people, and cantons are routinely rearranged, created, or dissolved every ten years following the national {{wp|census}} to better reflect new population statistics. The cantons form the {{wp|federated states|federated commonwealths}}, of which there are 27. Commonwealths are the highest-level subdivision in Walzenia.


{| style="background:none;" cellspacing="2px"
{| style="background:none;" cellspacing="2px"
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{| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:left; font-size:85%;"
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:left; font-size:85%;"
|- style="font-size:100%; text-align:right;"
|- style="font-size:100%; text-align:right;"
! style="width:160px;"| [[States of Walzenia|State]] !! style="width:85px;"| Capital !! style="width:75px;"| Area <br />(km<sup>2</sup>)!! style="width:70px;" | Population !! style="width:100px;"| Nominal GDP billions !! style="width:100px;"| Nominal GDP per capita
! style="width:160px;"| [[Commonwealths of Walzenia|State]] !! style="width:85px;"| Capital !! style="width:75px;"| Area <br />(km<sup>2</sup>)!! style="width:70px;" | Population !! style="width:100px;"| Nominal GDP billions !! style="width:100px;"| Nominal GDP per capita
|-
|-
| [[Aderona]] || [[Antonia]] || style="text-align:right"|000 || style="text-align:right"|000 || style="text-align:right"|000 || style="text-align:right"|000  
| [[Aderona]] || [[Antonia]] || style="text-align:right"|000 || style="text-align:right"|000 || style="text-align:right"|000 || style="text-align:right"|000  
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Since 1920s, Mr. and Mrs. (Mnr. [''maneer''] and  Mfr. [''mafrou'']) have fallen out of common usage in Waltch society. Formal, official settings typically use the gender-neutral terms comrade (''kameraad'', Kmr.) or, more often, since the 1970s, ''naschet'' (Nas.). The term ''naschet'' was coined by indigenous socialist groups in the late 19th century, created from the Masenatau words ''nētekaeh'' and ''neqat'', gendered terms referring to a friend or companion.  
Since 1920s, Mr. and Mrs. (Mnr. [''maneer''] and  Mfr. [''mafrou'']) have fallen out of common usage in Waltch society. Formal, official settings typically use the gender-neutral terms comrade (''kameraad'', Kmr.) or, more often, since the 1970s, ''naschet'' (Nas.). The term ''naschet'' was coined by indigenous socialist groups in the late 19th century, created from the Masenatau words ''nētekaeh'' and ''neqat'', gendered terms referring to a friend or companion.  


Comrade or naschet may still be used as forms of address in informal or casual settings, but other terms are generally more common. Neighbor (''nobuur' / ''buur'') is frequently used for acquaintances and colleagues, while brother/sister/sibling (''broder''/ ''suster''/ ''zibbe'') are often used for close friends. The word friend (''frënd'') is an intermediate, flexible term.
Comrade or naschet may still be used as forms of address in informal or casual settings, but other terms are generally more common. Neighbor (''nobuur'' \ ''buur'') is frequently used for acquaintances and colleagues, while brother/sister/sibling (''broder''\ ''suster''\ ''zibbe'') are often used for close friends. The word friend (''frënd'') is an intermediate, flexible term.





Revision as of 21:57, 16 December 2020

Federated Commonwealths of Walzenia
6 other official names a
  • Waltch:Federéierte Communbeschten Valzenja
    Oniegamémowin:ᒥᑭᓈᒃ-ᒥᓂᓯᣖ ᒥᔥᑯᑌᐧᓇᓐ
    Mikinaak-minising Mishkodewinan
    Masenomaweq:Machkacnāh-menaes Nātamatowak
    Hitenacąch:ᑫᐦᒐᓐᑲɹᐞ ᐦᔕᑭɹᒃᔥ
    K’ečáñgara Hižąkirakį
    Otoléiajoka:Hahnunah Rotinonshóni
    Wasjosin:Tu'moniehl Eschewoupie
    Nipiwask:Kîwêtinôtâhk Mâmawêyas
Motto: "Ënnert de trëttoir, de strand."
"Beneath the pavement, the beach."
Anthem: Dës Land Es Jour Land
"This Land Is Your Land"
MediaPlayer.png
Walzenia in Ajax.png
Location of Walzenia on Earth
Political Map of Walzenia
Political Map of Walzenia
CapitalMoienrout
Largest cityLenzneuve
Official languagesnone at the federal level

Recognised national languages
Recognised regional languages
Ethnic groups
List of ethnicities
Religion
List of religions
Demonym(s)Walzer (noun)
Waltch (adjective)
GovernmentLibertarian socialist federated semi-direct democracy
• Chancellor
Theodosia Wolff
• Stettholder
Minegan Kovarich
LegislatureCommonwealth Congress
General Committee
Commonwealth Congress
Independence 
from Ottonia
July 6th, 1711
August 18th, 1724
June 18th, 1924
July 8th, 1953
Area
• Total area
2,375,744 km2 (917,280 sq mi)
• Water (%)
11
Population
• 2020 census
47,703,216
• Density
20.08/km2 (52.0/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)2020 estimate
• Total
$1,403,905,646,880
• Per capita
$29,430
Gini (2015)Positive decrease 12.7
low
HDI (2015)Increase 0.816
very high
CurrencyWaltch guilder (Wƒ) (WZG)
Time zoneUTC -4 to -5
Date formatdd/mm/yyyy
Driving sideright
Calling code+48
Internet TLD.wz
a: Languages that hold official status at state level.
b: Languages that hold official status in at least one commune.
c: Mixed individuals (mëschtes) typically self-report as one group or another, potentially under-representing certain groups and those of mixed race.

Walzenia (/wɔːlˈzɛnˌiə/ wal-ZEN-ee-ə, -⁠ZEN-yuh) , officially the Federated Commonwealths of Walzenia, is a country in northeastern Norumbia. Its 27 commonwealths cover an area of approximately 2,375,744 square kilometers (917,218 square miles), situated between the Sea of Dakmoor in the north and northeast, North Thalassian Ocean in the southeast, Winivere Bay in the west, and bordering Placeholderland in the south. The capital of Walzenia is Moienrout, and its population of 47,703,216 people live mostly in the region surrounding the lake Kitchigami and the Saint Anne River, with its largest city, Lenzenueve, forming the core of a megalopolis, the Saint Anne Megalopolis whose other notable cities include Jubeugon, Moienrout, Hannes, and Minouche. Walzenia is a highly multicultural country, with approximately 30% of Walzenia's population being of indigenous ancestry and another 20% being of non-Belisarian descent.

Various indigenous peoples inhabited what is now Walzenia for thousands of years before Belisarian colonization. Four major indigenous polities, the Odachiimikaan, ruled the region and repelled Ottonian incursions as early as the 12th century, with records of their formation dating back to at least the 9th century. Following the Great Lake War in the late 16th century, the Odachiimikaans' weakened state allowed the Ottonians to gain a foothold along the eastern coast and populate it with persecuted Niederaulish minorities. Walzenia was formed when this colony gained its independence in 1721, at which point it began gradually absorbing the remaining indigenous polities in the region through both diplomacy and warfare, reaching its modern borders by 1873. The Waltzing Coups dominated Waltch politics for most of the 19th century, causing significant political turmoil and popular unrest. Beginning in the 1880s, the country saw a series of socialist reforms which ultimately culminated in the Second Waltch Revolution and Waltch Civil War from 1919-1924. Afterwards, Walzenia experienced a series of smaller revolutionary waves and coups before finally galvanizing into the contemporary political structure in 1953. Significant reforms in pursuit of decolonization took place in the 1970s.

Walzenia is a libertarian socialist federation in the communalist tendency, with a unicameral legislature which elects a steering committee to carry out executive functions, as part of a system of council democracy. It possesses an advanced manufacturing-service economy revolving around foodstuffs, wood and paper products, telecommunications, and tourism. Walzenia ranks highly international measurements of civil liberties, government transparency, economic freedom, education, and quality of life. It is a regional power and a member of several international organizations and alliances, including the Forum of Nations, Joint Space Agency, and Kiso Pact.


Etymology

The origins of the name Walzenia are historically obscure. Its Waltch translation, Valzenjia, entered into common usage as an informal name for the eastern coast of the modern country in the early 17th century and was adopted as the official name of the of the country upon independence in 1721.

One prominent origin theory, arising in the 19th century but now not typically accepted among historians, is that the name is derived from the House of Avaler, a Brasbourger noble family that played a significant part in Belisarian colonization and creation of the first independent Waltch republic. However, evidence of a highly similar name, Valzia, also used in reference to the east coast, can be found as early as 1512, nearly a century before Luther Avaler first traveled to Norumbia, and was used in the maps as early as 1563.

As a result, the theory most agreed upon by historians is that the name comes from that of 15th century explorer Dietrich Valza, who was notable for his northerly and inland expeditions in Norumbia. The name entered into common usage among Niederaulish colonists in the decades following Valza's voyages, eventually evolving into Valzenjia, which was then first anglicized into Walzenia in the appendix of Armand Weber's popular 1601 atlas. The demonym of "Waltch" is thus believed to derive from the word Valzisch, which was used by Niederaulish settlers to differentiate themselves from Ottonians as early as 1620.

This name is historically contentious but remains in both official and colloquial use in most places. Some groups claim that the word Waltch as a nationwide demonym marginalizes some minority groups, especially the indigenous First Nations, who did not willingly adopt the Waltch language, or who feel that the name Waltch describes historical white Belisarian colonizers and not other minority groups. Most indigenous-language names for Walzenia use the word for Kitchigami or the entire continent of Norumbia.

Proposed alternatives to Walzenia include Maschinaw, Kitchigami, and North Norumbia. A bill that would officially change the country's name to Kitchigami (Waltch: Kischigamie) was considered several times by Congress in the 1970s, but ultimately not passed. No significant efforts to rename the country have received federal consideration since.

The country is colloquially referred to by many different titles than its official one, including: the Federation (de Federatioun), the Commonwealth(s) (de Communbeschten), the Confederation (de Confederatioun), and the Union (de Unioune). The term "the Republic" is occasionally used, but is somewhat taboo in some circles due to the association of the term with the failed Waltch Socialist Republic. The current state is sometimes historiographically referred to as the Fifth Republic.


Geography

Relief map of Walzenia.
Satellite view of a weather system moving across central and eastern Walzenia.

Walzenia comprises the northeastern corner of Norumbia, occupying approximately 2,375,744 square kilometers (917,218 square miles) lying approximately between latitudes 48° and 72°N and longitudes 76° and 103°W. Despite its position and cool climate, no part of mainland Walzenia lies above the Arctic Circle - the only part Waltch territory extending so far north are the islands of St. Joseph Land and Kuuganajuk in the state of Zanirach. Although Walzenia is a peninsular country, surrounded by Winivere Bay in the west, the Sea of Dakmoor in the north, and the North Thalassan Ocean in the east, it is rarely conceived of as such in economic and political contexts. It shares a border with Placeholderland in the south, and a maritime border with Ghant in the northeast.

The geography of Walzenia is dominated by the Kitchigami basin. Kitchigami, also called Lake Sovereign, is the fourth largest freshwater lake in the world and one of the deepest, with a surface area of approximately 64,352 square kilometers (24,846 square miles) and a maximum depth of 706 meters (2,316 feet). Its watershed encompasses the majority of mainland Walzenia, with thousands of rivers feeding into the lake; the longest of these is the Mineschoosch River, which flows over 1,133 kilometers (704 miles) from northern Zanirach to the Opal Bay of southern Kitchigami, near the city of Endijon. The basin is a breadbasket and home to over 30 million people. Kitchigami flows out to the east into the Saint Anne River, which, standing 40 kilometers (25 miles) at its widest point, is one of the widest rivers in the world. The Saint Anne flows in a northeasterly direction out into the Annesienne Gulf, which is the largest estuary in the world; not including the estuary, it is approximately 252 kilometers (157 miles) long.

Areas of Walzenia that are not part of the Kitchigami basin are typically separated from it by highlands and mountains, which form the bowl which allows the basin to exist. The Adéron Mountains, whose highest peak is Martinshéich at 1533 meters (5029 feet), run all along the east coast from Versiere in the north to Starmera in the south. They are separated from the larger and more rugged Osawanon Mountains by the Matagamon Valley. The Osawanons, whose highest peak is Mont Nacheu at 2,037 meters (6683 feet), run south to southwest, primarily along the southern border, from Jenasie in the north to Wireia in the southwest. The third major mountain range in the country, and the tallest, are the Chiboschan Mountains, whose highest peak is the Donnerbierg at 2,694 meters (8,839 feet); this is also the highest point in Walzenia. The Chiboschans run all along the west coast, from the north coast to the southern border.

The northern half of the country is mostly comprised of prairies, tundra, and bogs.

Climate and ecology

Walzenia is dominated by a humid continental climate, of the warm-summer variety on the east coast and the hot-summer variety in much of the interior. Cold air flows in from the Winivere Bay and the Arctic while warm air arrives from the warm Kayamuca stream in the Thalassan Ocean, producing dynamic and frequently extreme weather patterns. Kitchigami produces a strong moderating effect on much of its watershed, but heavy and frequent lake-effect snow is common in the winters, where snow can remain on the ground for as long as six months. Summers are typically warm and mild, although heatwaves are not uncommon. This zone is home to the famous Annesienne Northwoods and Lotharian forests, and features exceptional agricultural conditions. The west coast has a primarily mild, rainy oceanic climate that sees little variation throughout the year, and is dominated by temperate rainforests and montane forests.

The rest of the country experiences much harsher conditions:

The northern half of the country, north of Kitchigami, almost exclusively has a boreal climate, with a tundra zone along the north coast and arctic islands. Taiga forests and cold swamps host Walzenia's most iconic megafauna, the pygmy forest mastodon and greater hodag.

The Prairies occupy much of the area between Kitchigami and the Chiboschan Mountains. This region is exceedingly flat, frequently arid, and features very cold and harsh winters and very hot and humid summers. Wind speeds are often very high, especially in winter. The coldest temperature in Waltch history was recorded on the Prairie in Reding, Hachiwara on February 9th, 1991, at -63°C (-81.4°F), and the record hottest temperature was recorded 200 kilometers away in Gieltgras, Wattland, measuring 45°C (113 °F) on August 22nd, 2015.

The last major climate zone is the Chiboschan mountain range, which consists primarily of montane conifer forests, and cold desert and boreal/hemiboreal microclimates.


History

Main article: History of Walzenia

Indigenous peoples

Two Masenatau youths in traditional dress, one with his war-club in hand, the other blowing on his ​‘courting flute.’
Illustration of the ancient city of Mošógra, which is believed to have had upwards of 40,000 inhabitants in the mid-12th century.

Evidence of human habitation in what is now Walzenia dates back to at least 11,000 BCE. Archaeological records suggest that trade networks spanning the Kitchigami basin and coast of Winivere Bay were common as early as 1000 BCE, with evidence of copper mined from northern Maschoda being found as far away as the Enyaman coast in artifacts dated to approximately that period. Historically, these groups lived in complex, settled societies which utilized both agriculture and hunting-gathering. The first organized polities to rose to prominence in the region in the early 9th century, organically growing and shrinking as part of a system of patronage and ritualism. This period saw the rise of what historians call the Mound Builder culture, a people which are believed to have spoken a Šahaijan language and been related to the Hitena people. The Mound Builders, also sometimes called the Mošógrans (after their largest known city) ruled a large polity centered in modern Commonwealths of Walzenia#Kuschona which is believed to have featured dense urban centers with complex manufacturing economies, public works projects, and a ruling class of priests. Their largest city, Mošógra, is believed to have been home to as many as 40,000 people at its zenith in the 12th century. Among the most notable achievements of this polity were its extensive earthworks and eponymous mounds, the latter of which were used for religious, ceremonial, burial, and elite residential purposes. The largest of these mounds, the Great Mound of Mošógra, is believed to have been upwards of 70 meters tall before it began to slump due to lack of maintenance. By the mid-13th century, most of the Mound Builders' urban centers had been abandoned for unknown reasons - historians theorize that a particularly severe season of flooding or droughts, or a severe plague, may have caused widespread famine and forced the inhabitants out into the countryside where they integrated with other tribes. Most of what is known about their culture has been learned through archaeology and folk history.

Other peoples attained significant degrees of organization in the vacuum left by the Mound Builders, and the status and power of these emerging stateoids was solidified by the late 14th century as they proved successful in defending against Ottonian and Mutulese incursions. The introduction of firearms by Mutulese and Belisarian traders led to an increased period of centralization and ritual warfare.

This period resulted in the rise of the Niiwo-odachiimikaan (singular: odachiimikaa). This is an Oniegamé term invented in the mid-18th century, vaguely translating to "the Four Big Lands/Countries"; their contemporaneous names varied considerably from source to source, but typically espoused the concept of an alliance or confederation more so than the kingdoms that Belisarian colonizers thought of them as. The Odachiimikaan were powerful quasi-states organized mostly along linguistic lines, and were dominated by what are today the most numerous indigenous peoples in Walzenia: the Masenatau, Oniegamé, Otoléia, and Hitena. These stateoids were typically formed towards the ends of monopolizing the control of furs, silver, and fluvial fisheries, the former of which were used to purchase firearms and other manufactured goods from Belisarians.

This culminated in the Great Lake War, also called the Great Kitchigami War, from 1558 to 1571, which saw unprecedented mobilization and bloodshed between a coalition of the Oniegamé and Masenatau and a coalition of the Otoléia and Hitena. Although the conflict began over beaver-hunting grounds in modern Sangwenae, it quickly escalated into a coordinated campaign throughout the Kitchigami basin. The Otoléia were defeated and forced to vacate all territory east of the Osawanon Mountains and north of the Saint Anne River, while the Hitena were largely absorbed by the Masenatau or else driven westward into the prairies, marking the beginning of the Hitena Gokekjaneną and dissolving their odachiimikaa.

Ottonian colonization

The Great Lake War vastly weakened all parties, even the victors. High-end estimates indicate that as much as 20% of the total population of the Kitchigami basin may have perished in this period due to fighting, ethnic cleansing, and famine. The resulting economic downturn allowed Tyrrslander merchants and prospectors, who had been limited to small trading outposts along the coast since the 1500s, to seize territory from the drastically weakened Otoléia in the Aderon Wars from 1609 to 1634, ensuring a powerful, permanent position in the region. The colonies introduced a policy of resettlement, in which the Otoléia and other indigenous peoples in the region were forcibly relocated away from arable land and navigable rivers, making room for Belisarian settlers.

These settlers were primarily Brasbourgish refugees from Staalmark, fleeing due to religious and linguistic persecution, who were welcomed by the Tyrrslandic crown and promptly sent to Norumbia in large numbers as laborers and leefer vum bësch in exchange for land and nominal self-governance. Many Brasbourgers adopted the idea of the virbestëmmt rjochten (destined rights), believing that, as they and many other Niederaulish people were historically blocked from self-rule in Belisaria, their expulsion from Staalmark was a way of God rewarding them with a new, autonomous homeland in Norumbia. This idea spread among other groups back in Norumbia and encouraged an early, significant exodus of Nideraulish groups from Belisaria to the Norumbian colonie. These colonists formed the basis of what would develop into the Belisarian Walzers, and the modern Waltch language is primarily descended from the many Middle Niederaulish dialects spoken by them. By the beginning of the 17th century, these colonies began to consolidate all throughout the east coast and Annesienne Gulf and became colloquially known as the Ten Colonies (Zéng Kolonien) or Sovereign Colonies (Souverän Kolonien), the latter in reference to Lake Sovereign but officially discouraged by the Tyrrslandic crown due to its implications of independence.

Indigenous fortifications became commonplace after the Annesienne War and were effective in preventing Ottonian expansion.

From 1621-27, the Colonies waged the Annesienne War against a coalition of the Otoléia and Oniegamé, securing both sides of the Saint Anne River and signing the Treaty of Moienrout, which guaranteed the rights of Tyrrslandic traders throughout the Kitchigami basin and opened up most of the Osawanon Mountains east of Kitchigami to settlement.

Following this defeat for the indigenous peoples, the odachiimikaan began finding ways to adapt to their new situation. The Otoléia, finding most of their traditional lands under Tyrrslandic sovereignty, began adopting many Ottonian practices, such as private property, centralized government, and Christianity in an attempt dissuade the settlers from forcibly removing them. This would eventually culminate in the formation of the Taigon Republic in 1715. The Oniegamé Odachiimikaa, fearing a similar fate, reorganized around the concept of a prolonged war in the hills and forests north of Kitchigami, forming gichiwininiwag ("great bands") - confederated bands larger than traditional tribal units, capable of amassing the manpower and resources necessary to wage war against the colonizers, while remaining decentralized and independent of leaders. Most Oniegamé tribes, occupying much of what is now northern Walzenia, would remain functionally independent for over two more centuries, only beginning to federate into Walzenia following the beginning of major socialist reforms in the late 1800. The Hitena remained largely removed from the politics and conflicts of the Kitchigami basin, with no organized governments arising among the diaspora until the middle of the 19th century.

1733 portrait of Chief Auschaiew.
1725 portrait of Mitchelet Avaler.

The Masenatau Odachiimikaa, which had been neutral during the conflict, began a process of internal reforms, spearheaded by Chief Auschaiew of the Machnachwa band. Auschaiew had become knowledgeable of Ottonian culture early in life, even traveling Belisaria, where he was exposed to the literature, politics, and history of the colonizers. He used this experience to ingratiate himself to colonial officials and adapt Masenatau culture to changing conditions. Auschaiew convinced the odachiimikaa's council to formalize their structure into a written constitution, founding a federal republic - the Masenatau Republic (Masenaehtaenaew-māwacēhnetaw) - in 1707, which federated with the Avalerian Republic in 1743. Auschaiew also arranged, with the help of Ghantish and Tsurushimese interests, for the establishment of the first indigenous foundries and manufactories, allowing the Masenatau to manufacture their own complex goods in large quantities, affording them economic independence from the colonizers. Although it superficially resembled the Belisarian notion of a republic, unlike its contemporary in Taigon, the Masenatau Republic more thoroughly adapted the concept to indigenous culture and ideals, namely: the vast majority of land was still held communally, with ownership based on usufruct; women were granted suffrage from the outset of the republic; and the economy was based in a form of indigenous socialism. This state had a strong influence on the creation of the Avalerian Republic's federal structure, and eventually its socialist movement, and so Auschaiew is well-regarded among most Walzers as a revered founding father.

In the 1670s, the Ten Colonies were a major participant in the Battle of the Thalassian, a prolonged maritime conflict between Tyrrsland and Ghant. While the Colonies incurred only minor losses compared to Tyrrsland, the Norumbian theater saw heavy combat between Ghant-aligned indigenous forces and Waltch colonists. Tyrrsland lost the war and, while it retained hold of its Norumbian colonies, incurred heavy losses. Seeking to recoup its losses and more directly combat Ghantish influence in Norumbia, the Tyrrslandic crown began more aggressively enforcing its polices over the Ten Colonies and increasing its military presence there, causing the colonists to react with ever increasing agitation and indignation. By the mid-17th century, the Colonies had begun forming a distinct national identity based around their Niederaulish language, Protestantism, and general separation from Tyrrsland, and, when faced with an increasingly hands-on stance by the Tyrrlandic crown, began agitating for increased sovereignty and even independence.

Avalerian Republic

Waltzing Coups period

Waltch Socialist Republic

Democratic Federation

Federated Commonwealths

Government and politics

Theodosia Wolff
Chancellor
Minegan Kovarich
Stettholder
  Debenindizo: 36 seats
  RED: 155 seats
  Zwart Block: 17 seats
  Sozial Allianz: 139 seats
  EKO: 23 seats
  GEO : 19 seats

Walzenia is a federal, libertarian socialist council republic. Despite a turbulent history, democratic norms are strong in Waltch politics in society, with human dignity, social consciousness, and individual autonomy enshrined in the constitution.

Federal executive and legislative powers are combined together and vested in the Commonwealth Congress, a unicameral body under a delegate model of representation. Congress vests executive power in a General Committee, empowered to act on Congress's behalf in coordinating Federal Public Services, as well as making decisions when it is not in session or during emergencies. Congressional representatives are elected via popular vote at the cantonal-level every two years, although specific electoral systems vary widely. The Stettholder is the presiding officer of Congress, overseeing debates and votes, and is elected by the membership. The Stettholder also serves on the General Committee as a liaison and watchdog for the legislature.

The secretary-general of the General Committee is considered the de facto Chancellor of Walzenia and the highest-ranking Waltch official, presiding presides over Committee meetings and carrying out certain representative functions that, in other countries, are the business of the head of state. In urgent situations where a Committee decision cannot be made in time, the chancellor is empowered to act on behalf of the whole Committee. Apart from that, though, the chancellor is a first among equals, having no power above and beyond the other members. The General Committee typically consists of 23 members, at minimum, including the Stettholder and the commissioners of the Federal Public Services (of which the the Chancellor is one), with the possibility of additional ad hoc members being approved by Congress. The Committee is appointed by Congress every two years following elections; a Chancellor is appointed at the beginning of every year, with a term limit of five years; Committee members in general are limited to ten years.

Since the 1970s, Waltch politics has been characterized by three large parties - called the Big Three, or Fire (due to their identifying colors), Parties: the Warnerist All-Socialist Front (ASF); the libertarian-Warnerist/councilist Councils for Unity and Democracy (RED); and the market socialist Social Alliance (SAZ). The Big Three are big tent parties with significant ideological overlap, but nonetheless are dedicated to specific Leftist tendencies. They have historically governed together in grand coalitions, although other coalitions are not unheard of. There are four other parties represented at a federal level: Debenindizo (IND), an indigenous rights party; Black Block (ZWB), an anarchist organization pushing for greater decentralization; Ecological Consensus (EKO), an environmentalist party advocating social ecology, and Geocrats for Development and Independence (GEO), a geolibertarian party. The current government is formed by a coalition of the ASF and RED, headed by Chancellor Theodosia Wolff and Stettholder Minegan Kovarich.

Walzenia's federal structure is flexible and has historically drifted between levels of centralization. Some consider Walzenia to currently be a de facto confederation due to the amount of autonomy enjoyed by individual commonwealths. Each level of government enjoys considerable legal sovereignty from one another, building power from the bottom up, so long as they adhere to constitutionally-defined protections of human rights; the refusal or inability to provide for the dignity and rights of all inhabitants is the primary reason why the federal government may intervene in the affairs of a lower level of government. Otherwise, each individual subdivision exercises considerable freedom in their individual political and economic laws, although, in general, governments typically mirror the model of the federal government, particularly its unicameral, directorial nature.

In addition to the delegative mandate, many Waltch constituencies strive to attain a degree of liquid democracy, in which individual citizens can offer direct feedback on policy issues and directly vote on legislation and implementation.

Law

Foreign relations

Military

Constituencies

The most fundamental political subdivision of Walzenia is the neighborhood, a conglomeration of households typically ranging from 20 to 200 people. These neighborhoods come together to form municipalities, a catch-all term referring to various rural and urban population centers which consider themselves one corporate unit. Municipalities, in turn, organize themselves into communes, of which there are 1,732. The commune is considered the most ubiquitous and relevant level of government, far-reaching enough to allow multiple municipalities to pool significant resources and interact with higher levels, but localized enough to allow for speedy communication between citizens and representatives and direct involvement by citizens in legislation and implementation of policy. Communes then organize themselves into cantons. Cantons are expected to encompass a population of roughly 100,000 people, and are the level at which representatives to the Commonwealth Congress are elected; thus, there are currently 500 cantons, including approximately two dozen with less than 100,000 people, and cantons are routinely rearranged, created, or dissolved every ten years following the national census to better reflect new population statistics. The cantons form the federated commonwealths, of which there are 27. Commonwealths are the highest-level subdivision in Walzenia.

State Capital Area
(km2)
Population Nominal GDP billions Nominal GDP per capita
Aderona Antonia 000 000 000 000
Avaler Triumph 000 000 000 000
Blowhiwen Draibierg 000 000 000 000
Hachiwara Wauschara 000 000 000 000
Heibrasil Scarbierg 000 000 000 000
Ischawaya Briechzahn 000 000 000 000
Jenasie Awbichon 000 000 000 000
Kuschona Genoscha 000 000 000 000
Maagdeland Viktoria 000 000 000 000
Machoma Wopaca 000 000 000 000
Maschoda Wierandrie 000 000 000 000
Matagamon Michau 000 000 000 000
Mequan Shaanou 000 000 000 000
Mescousin Wai vum Sei 000 000 000 000
Mossanie Nontonugon 000 000 000 000
New Avaler Lienhart 000 000 000 000
New Stolmark New Brasbourg 000 000 000 000
New Tirsland Donmeir 000 000 000 000
Nova Eona Vigile 000 000 000 000
Rochigera Halarei 000 000 000 000
Saint Elisabeth Island Halliet 000 000 000 000
Sangwenae Zurin 000 000 000 000
Starmera Bronswiek 000 000 000 000
Taigon Tutiache 000 000 000 000
Versiere Havenland (Walzenia) 000 000 000 000
Wattland Mammut 000 000 000 000
Wireia Droenage 000 000 000 000
Zanirach Marxbierg 000 000 000 000
Walzenia Moienrout 2,375,744 47,703,216 1403 29,430

Economy

Culture

Forms of address

Since 1920s, Mr. and Mrs. (Mnr. [maneer] and Mfr. [mafrou]) have fallen out of common usage in Waltch society. Formal, official settings typically use the gender-neutral terms comrade (kameraad, Kmr.) or, more often, since the 1970s, naschet (Nas.). The term naschet was coined by indigenous socialist groups in the late 19th century, created from the Masenatau words nētekaeh and neqat, gendered terms referring to a friend or companion.

Comrade or naschet may still be used as forms of address in informal or casual settings, but other terms are generally more common. Neighbor (nobuur \ buur) is frequently used for acquaintances and colleagues, while brother/sister/sibling (broder\ suster\ zibbe) are often used for close friends. The word friend (frënd) is an intermediate, flexible term.


Demographics