Andalla

Commonwealth of Andalla Samveldet Andalla (Andallan)
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Alt for Gud, for Folk, for Land" "All for God, for People, for Country"
Anthem: Mit Kjere Hjem, Et Lovet Land Audio  "My Dear Home, A Promised Land"
Location of Andalla (dark green)
Capital and largest city	Arkhavn
Official languages	Andallan Anglish
Recognized national languages	Giokton
Recognized regional languages	test
Ethnic groups (2016)	0.0% Andallan 0.0% others / unspecified
Demonym(s)	Andallan Andskan (archaic)
Government	Unitary semi-presidential republic
• President	Klaus Johansen
• Vice President	Ingrid Tansen
• Prime Minister	Verner Klausen
• Speaker of the Landstinget	Benjamin Ngo
• Chief Justice	Mari Sejersen
Legislature	Landstinget
Formation
• Kingdom of Auðir	1038 BCE
• Aundelan Union (Åndeliskríkin)	c. 1240
• Kingdom of Åndelir	1472
• Transitional Government	January 8, 1900
• Commonwealth of Andalla	June 28, 1898
Area
• Total	42,748 km2 (16,505 sq mi)
• Water (%)	1.3
Population
• 2017 estimate	28,036,248
• 2016 census	27,791,688
• Density	656/km2 (1,699.0/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)	2017 estimate
• Total	$959.04 billion
• Per capita	$34,207
GDP (nominal)	2017 estimate
• Total	$642.84 billion
• Per capita	$23,143
Gini (2015)	38.8 medium
HDI (2017)	0.865 very high
Currency	Amla (₳) (ALA)
Time zone	UTCUTC-9 (AST)
Date format	dd/mm/yyyy mm/dd/yyyy (AD)
Driving side	right
Calling code	+63
ISO 3166 code	AL
Internet TLD	.al

Andalla (/ˈændəˌlʌ/ AN-də-luh; Andallan: Andalla /ˈɑːndɑːˌlɑː/), officially the Commonwealth of Andalla (Andallan: Samveldet Andalla), is a sovereign state in Thalassa. An archipelagic nation, it is composed of approximately 1,279 islands, islets, and atolls, centered around Nine Main Islands running in a northwest-southeast direction. The capital city of Arkhavn, located on the island of Sudholm, is also the nation's largest by population with 2.28 million residents. Andalla is bounded by the Andallan Sea to the west and the Tiauhai Sea to the east, both part of the larger Oriental Ocean.

Politically, it does not share maritime borders with any nation; however, its neighbors include the Sunset Sea Islands to the west, Cashar to the northeast, and Giokto & Little Flau to the east. With an estimated population of 28,036,248 in 2017, it is also one of the world's most densely-populated countries at 656 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,700/sq mi). Andalla is an active participant in regional affairs, and a founding member of ATARA. The country ranks 91.25 or "Highly Free" on the Mundus Liber Institute's Freedom Index, a Mauridivian index of global freedom.

Etymology

The name Andalla is derived from an ancient Sjådska legend. According to the legend, a man was observing a beautiful clay jar lying on the beach when the spirit of Hjaaví, the god of the Sjådska, came to him. Hjaaví told the man about a faraway land that, one day, the Sjådska would inhabit. But before the man could speak, the spirit of Hjaaví disappeared. Thus, the man spread the word, calling the islands Andansland, a contraction of the Sjådska words andi and land, meaning "Land of the Spirit".

Nearly 3 millennia of phonological change has resulted in the name's gradual morphing to become Andalla. The people of Andalla are known as Andallans; similarly, the adjectival form for Andalla is Andallan.

Formerly, Andska was used to denote Andalla both in demonymic and adjectival form, derived from the native word for the Andallan people. The use of Andska is considered archaic and obsolete, having been slowly replaced with Andallan during the 18th and 19th centuries. However, it is still often used as a poetic name for the Andallan people.

Geography

Map of Andalla.

The Commonwealth of Andalla occupies approximately 42,748 square kilometres (16,505 sq mi), 97% of which constitutes the nation's total land area. This archipelagic state is characterised by a significant cluster of islands, islets, and atolls, with nine main islands running in a north to south direction: Nordholm, Græsholm, Grundholmen, Berghelle, Strynø, Eskilsø, Sudhulm, Skarøy, and Halmø. These landforms provide a range of ecosystems and biological diversity.

Arkhavn, the capital and the largest city of Andalla, is located on the island of Sudhulm. This city is not just a crucial cultural hub but also a significant commercial and political centre for the nation.

Water bodies play a significant role in shaping Andalla's geography. To the west, the nation is bounded by the Sea of Andalla, a subsection of the broader Oriental Ocean. This sea plays a significant role in the nation's climate and maritime activities, and it also influences the nation's rich marine biodiversity. Additionally, Andalla is blessed with several notable bays that enrich its coastal geography and contribute to its diverse maritime activities. These include Brumundvik Bay on the island of Strynø and Enshavn Bay, along with Arkhavn Bay, both situated on Sudhulm. These bays provide natural harbours and fishing grounds and serve as essential gateways for maritime trade.

Flora and Fauna

Andalla's extensive archipelago presents a varied array of habitats, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna. This rich biodiversity spans both terrestrial and marine environments. The islands' forests are home to several endemic plant species, while the surrounding marine habitats provide a sanctuary for a wide variety of fish species, marine mammals, and coral reefs. Efforts are continually made to preserve these natural wonders and promote sustainable interactions with local ecosystems.

Island Descriptions

Each of the nine main islands has its own unique characteristics and appeal:

• Nordholm, as its name suggests, is the northernmost island and is characterised by rugged landscapes and a cooler climate.
• Græsholm is renowned for its verdant meadows and idyllic pastoral scenes.
• Grundholmen is known for its rocky coastlines and historic lighthouses.
• Berghelle is notable for its mountainous terrain and hiking trails.
• Strynø is home to the Brumundvik Bay and is a hub for maritime activities.
• Eskilsø is famous for its rich cultural heritage and ancient ruins.
• Sudhulm, home to the capital city of Arkhavn, is the most populous island and is the political and economic centre of the country.
• Skarøy is a popular destination for its pristine beaches and coastal resorts.
• Halmø, the southernmost island, is known for its tropical climate and diverse wildlife.

Administrative Divisions

In terms of administrative divisions, Andalla is divided into several regions, each consisting of a group of islands. These regions each have a degree of autonomy and are governed by local councils. The capital city of Arkhavn, however, operates under a special administrative structure due to its political and economic importance. This decentralised governance structure allows for efficient management of resources and public services across the country's broad geographic spread.

History

Prehistory

The beginning of Andallan history can be traced back as far as the emergence of the nomadic Proto-Xaraian tribes in the 4th millennium BCE. Spread across Central Argis in what is now modern-day Ahrana and parts of east Dniester, the Proto-Xaraian tribes were strategically positioned in between the Mediargic and Canamo seas. Very few archaeological records dating to the Proto-Xaraian period have been unearthed, as tribes were small and spread out across a large area. However, historians have speculated that the Proto-Xaraian tribes were divided roughly into northern and southern halves, as is the case with the Xaraian civilizations later on.

The earliest remains of a Xaraian person consist of a single fibula and tibia belonging to what became the only known remnant of the Dumanev Man, discovered by Ahranaian archaeologist Alexei Dumanev in 2002. The two bones were carbon-dated to c. 1975 BCE, and are currently on display at the Holtrup Museum of Archaeology.

Xaraian Period

The Xaraian civilizations emerged c. 1500 BCE, following the neolithic revolution in Central Argis. The first pockets of organized society were formed in the eponymously-named Xara, in the far-southwest corner of Ahrana. Although the Xaraian tribes are collectively referred to as a group of civilizations, many tribes existed in near-isolation with their neighbors. Historical records document trade routes between the tribes, as well as occasional alliances formed in conflicts against outsiders; however, the so-called Xaraian civilizations were only a very loose group of many small component societies.

The most powerful Xaraian tribe was the Proto-Ahran civilization, from which the Ahranaian and Andallan people are descended from. Located along the north coast of the Varma Sound at the far-eastern tip of the Mediargic Sea, the Proto-Ahran capital of Vulgus Supra became a center for trade between Mediargic civilizations and the rest of the Xaraian tribes. By c. 1200 BCE, Vulgus Supra was one of the largest cities in all of Argis, with a population of around 20,000 inhabitants. Archaeological evidence suggests that the city was a melting pot of cultures, with pottery and other articles from all over the Mediargic and Canamo areas found beneath the ruins.

Sjådska Period

Three centuries after its founding, the city of Vulgus Supra was facing overcrowding issues due to multiple factors, among them a rapidly-expanding economy and population. Similar cases have been documented in other surrounding settlements along the Xaraian coast. As a result of this, the Proto-Ahran civilization began to separate into two primary subgroups: the Sjådska and the Ahrans. Between the two, the Sjådska were more eager to expand out of their current territory, establishing city-states further east and across the sound from c. 950 to 920 BCE. During this time, the Sjådska continued to maintain close links with the Ahrans; the alliance between the two peoples lasted for roughly half a millennium from the Proto-Ahran split to the fall of Xara.

Around 905-890 BCE, a fast-growing city-state at the easternmost tip of the Mediargic Sea known as Stórrshǫfna (lit. "great harbor") became the economic, political, religious, and cultural centre of the Sjådska civilization. By 878 BCE, Stórrshǫfna had surpassed the population of Vulgus Supra at its peak before the split. It became the largest port city in the Mediargic Sea, providing the base for the economic and eventually political expansion into parts of the Sakspati and Ygros seas.

It was during this period of expansion that the Sjådska city-states formed a treaty of unification in 874 BCE, parts of which are preserved on the Gyldar Stone. Under the treaty, all Sjådska city-states and their colonies would unite under the leadership of an elected chieftain (Sjådska: "hǫfðingi"). Bearing similarities to the modern-day prime minister, the chieftain was elected by a board of representatives from every city-state and would serve until death, unless the chieftain chooses to step down or is voted out of his position.

Following the ways of the Proto-Ahrans and Xaraians before them, the Sjådska were excellent seafarers and fishermen. Numerous advancements in shipbuilding technologies paved the way for the maritime dominance of the Sjådska over the Mediargic Sea. Economic activity was concentrated on the coast with shipbuilding, trade, and fishing, while woodworking and mining were more common further inland. Culture and religion also developed quickly during this period, marked by a notable rise in pottery and musical instruments. Sjådska artworks were often religious in nature, attesting to the widespread veneration of the two highest Sjådska deities: Haví, the "king of the gods", and Njöruðr, the god of seafaring. Although by position Njöruðr was subordinate to Haví, both deities assumed a near-equal following in Sjådska culture. In the center of the Stórrshǫfna stood Himinshof (lit. "Heaven's Temple"), a communal worship hall bearing the statues of all Sjådska deities, regarded by the Sjådska as the holiest place on Eurth.

The Sjådska civilization reached its peak around 558 BCE under the leadership of Melður, a philosopher-priest who claimed to have been visited by the spirit of Haví, the highest deity of the Sjådska pantheon. According to his account, dated to around 575 BCE and known as the Legend of Melður, he recalls his encounter with Haví while walking along a beach. In their conversation, Haví promised expansion into a land "overflowing with abundance and prosperity", which would occur later on in time. Melður also claimed to have been divinely appointed to lead the Sjådska people in a large-scale expansion campaign in order to prepare the people for the riches that await them in the "land of life" (Sjådska: "Ǫndeland"). Because of this, Melður instantly rose in popularity, being nominated and elected to the chieftaincy the following year. During the reign of Melður, the Sjådska established small trading posts as far as modern-day Limonaia, amassing a large trading fleet known as the "Margsflotti" (lit. "multitude fleet").

Decline of the Sjådska

Following the death of Melður in 539 BCE, the ruling council could find no worthy candidate to oversee the expansion. Instead, local leaders were once again appointed over city-states and colonies, although subject to the monitoring of the ruling council. Though the Sjådska economy remained strong, society began to fall apart as long-distance links between settlements were severed. The Margsflotti, which also contained a contingent of the Sjådska navy, split into numerous smaller fleets by geographic location. As conflict was very uncommon in the area, the Sjådska did not have a very well-developed army.

Taking these factors into consideration, a number of small tribes from the southeast formed a coalition to raid the wealthy Sjådska, which became known as the "Helmaðr" (lit. hell men). In a series of wars lasting for over 40 years from 485 to 442 BCE, the Sjådska civilization slowly crumbled until the government was highly decentralized. After the Third Battle of Stórrshǫfna in 457 BCE, during which Himinshof and half the city was completely burned down, the Sjådska finally severed links between city-states.

As economic and social development ground to a halt, a plague began to spread among the Helmaðr, now identified as caused by the bacteria Y. pestis. The plague's spread to the Sjådska was inevitable, and by 443 BCE the fighting had stopped due to mass deaths on both sides of the war. The Helmaðr, now numbering only a fourth of the initial invasion force, left the area in 442 BCE.

Great Departure (Utgang)

A carving of an Útskip found on a commemorative stone, c. 300 BCE

As the Helmaðr Wars concluded with the retreat of the attackers, the situation among the Sjådska was growing desperate. Infected people were sent out of cities or left to die among massive piles of corpses. The healthy population, numbering nearly half of the total 90,000 Sjådska population, began preparations to leave the area. With half of Stórrshǫfna and Himinshof destroyed by flame and the other half falling apart due to civil unrest, the company of Sjådska priests offered sacrifices to Haví for guidance in their journey to find the promised land. As the Helmaðr Wars were fought on land, much of the Sjådska fleets remained intact. The trading ships were modified to carry twice as much passengers and crew, forming a new type which came to be known as the "Útskip". This marked the beginning of the "Útgangr" ("Utgang") or Great Departure, recognized as one of the largest mass migrations in ancient history.

Altaria

The first ships to set sail left in 441 BCE, reaching the island of Altaria after a few weeks' voyage. Recounting the sagas of early Xaraian explorers, the Sjådska had expected to encounter the Sidragente; however, they were met by the lighter-skinned Narvics who had replaced the Sidragente long after their disappearance. The Sjådska and Narvic people formed an agreement of friendship, allowing the Sjådska to remain on the island for as long as they wished. In the course of time numerous small settlements developed along the east coast of the island, the largest of which was Nyrhǫfn with an estimated population of around 10,000. The site, which was abandoned in 353 BCE, was rediscovered by Juan Diego de Narváez in 1762 and remains an important Iverican archaeological site today.

During the Utgang the Sjådska travelled by clans, with no central leadership among them. The lack of a unified body resulted in the dispersing of the Sjådska around the area, with some clans choosing to stay behind in Altaria or even settle in the Iberic peninsula. Traces of the Y-chromosome haplogroup I-M198b have been found in the region, with higher frequencies concentrated among Iverican and Narvic people. However, little is known regarding the whereabouts of the Sjådska tribes that chose to stay behind in Altaria.

Northwestern Alharu

Though the Sjådska did not completely abandon Altaria until 349 BCE, historical accounts of the Utgang indicate movement as early as 378 BCE. Landing somewhere along the coast of modern-day Lusotropia, the Sjådska continued their migration southwards. It is unclear whether the Sjådska traveled predominantly by land or by sea; historians have generally accepted that both choices were feasible, as the Sjådska were highly decentralized. Speed was generally the priority of the Sjådska during this time, as very little archaeological evidences of the Utgang have been unearthed in Alharu.

The Sjådska are hypothesized to have reached the Ketek peninsula by 357 BCE, where clans dispersed across the western coast of the peninsula. Evidences of trade with the Ketek people have been found as far north as Pavat, and as far south as the Western cape of Alharu.

In 1041 BCE, the Saermaðr fleets set sail once more into the Thalassan Ocean, covering much farther distances than before with their newly-repaired ships and restocked supplies. In the same year, the Saermaðr reached the Cashari peninsula, trading with the Madronians and departing once more.

The very first sighting of what would become the Andallan archipelago was in 1040 BCE, when the fleet of the clan Tyrkir spotted what is now the island of Børøy. At first, the weary sailors believed it was just another stop on their voyage. Expeditionary teams were sent out into the island to find signs of life, but none could be found. After several failed expeditions, the Saermaðr, now fully-assembled along the beach, decided to construct a settlement. The settlement, originally called "Auðir", meaning "deserted".

Kingdom of Åndelir

Established in 1472. Once a relatively low-income economy, much of Andalla's economic growth can be attributed to extensive new trade policies implemented during the reigns of several monarchs.

• Olaf III (1627-1659)
• Erik V (1659-1690)
• Kristian II (1743-1759)
• Gerhard IV (1765-1787)

Events

• 1848: Constitution of the Kingdom of Andalla
• 1896-1898: The new constitution was drafted by the Royal Constitutional Assembly, commissioned by the Landstinget

Commonwealth of Andalla

(WIP. These dates don't make sense chronologically.)

• Transitional Government (January 8, 1900)
• Commonwealth of Andalla (June 28, 1898)

The current Constitution of Andalla was ratified on 28 June 1898 by King Christian IV, the last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Andalla. It effectively abolished the constitutional monarchy and replaced it with a republican system.

Politics

Constitution

The basic framework, structure and functions of the Government of Andalla are outlined in the current Constitution. This document was ratified on 28 June 1898 by King Christian IV, the last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Andalla, effectively abolishing the constitutional monarchy and replacing it with a republican system. Among the central provisions of the constitution, the government operates under a semi-presidential system, wherein both the President and Prime Minister of Andalla possess significant powers over the Executive branch. The new constitution was drafted by the Royal Constitutional Assembly from 1896 to 1898, commissioned by the Landstinget to replace the 1848 Constitution. With the approval of the King (known as the "Great Sacrifice"). Its ratification in 1898 marked the success of a three-year peaceful effort. In honour of the peaceful transition, June 28 is celebrated every year as "Constitution Day", while "National Constitution Month" is observed all throughout the month of June. Among the most commonly-cited excerpts of the Andallan constitution is found in Article I, Sections 1 and 2, also known as the "Commonwealth Principles".

SECTION 1. Andalla is a democratic republic. The State shall be known, formally and officially, as a Commonwealth, that which upholds only the public interest and strives only toward the common good.

SECTION 2. The State exists by the people. All government authority is derived from the people, to whom it shall likewise belong.

Government

President Klaus Johansen.

Prime Minister Verner Klausen.

The Andallan government is divided into three branches: the Legislative, the Executive, and the Judiciary, the duties and powers of which are described in Articles III (Legislative), IV (Executive) and V (Judiciary) of the Constitution, respectively. Andalla functions as a unitary state, wherein authority comes from the national government. It is divided into three branches – executive, legislative, and judiciary. Over time, laws like the Local Government Bill of 1964 have granted local government units (lokalregering enhed) more independence in governing themselves. The President of Andalla serves as both Head of State and Head of Government. He is also the commander-in-chief of the Andallan Commonwealth Armed Forces (Samvelden Andska Forsvarskraefter). The President is elected to a six-year term by popular vote but can only serve a maximum of one term, during which a cabinet is appointed. While in office, the President resides in the Købmanshavn Palace, an 18th-century palace along the banks of the Torå River. The bicameral Kongres serves as Andalla's national legislative body. The upper house is known as the Senat while the lower house is known as the Nasjonelforsamling or National Assembly. A member of the Nasjonelforsamling is known as a Member of the Assembly (Samlingsmedlem), often shortened to MA.

Foreign Relations

(WIP. Foreign Relations of Andalla.)

• Member of the Group of Island Nations
• Observer of the Entente of Oriental States

Military

Police cadets on training exercise.

WIP

• Andallan Commonwealth Armed Forces.
• History with Giokto; Thalassan War.
• Coast guard.
• Air force.

Economy

Andalla is a developed nation with a high-income mixed economy. Andalla had a nominal GDP of $648.84 billion and a per capita GDP of $23,143 in 2017, according to the Andallan Statistics Agency (ASA). Once a relatively low-income economy, much of Andalla's economic growth can be attributed to extensive new trade policies implemented during the reigns of kingdom of

The Andallan economy is led by the services sector, accounting for 47% of the GDP in 2016. While Andalla is considered a developed nation by most financial institutions, a significant part of the economy is still powered by industry and agriculture.

Demographics

Citizen ancestry

  Andallan (80.3%)

  Giokton (11.6%)

  Other (Sunset Sea Islandians, Ivericans, Selayari, Flautons and Cashari) (8.1%)

Andalla is home to 28,036,248 people according to the Andallan Statistics Agency's (ASA) final 2017 estimate, a 0.88% growth from 27,791,688 during the 2016 national census. Life expectancy at birth is 76.43 years for males and 80.56 years for females, averaging 78.49 years for both sexes. According to the 2016 census, 80.3% of Andallan citizens are of Andallan ancestry, while 11.6% are of Giokton ancestry. The remaining 8.1% are composed mostly of Sunset Sea Islandians, Ivericans, Selayari, Flautons and Cashari. Approximately 4,294,000 Andallans live overseas, forming one of the world's largest diaspora. The largest foreign Andallan community is located in Ahrana, with an estimated 1,237,000 Andallans living in Ahrana in 2017. Significant diaspora are located in the Sunset Sea Islands, Selayar, Iverica, Orioni and Prymont.

Religion

Religion in Andalla

  Christianity (78.3%)

  !Buddhism (6.7%)

  Tacolism (2.4%)

  Other (atheist or agnostic) (9.5%)

Though officially a secular state, the vast majority of Andallans adhere to a Christian denomination. Accordingly, Andalla's largest religion is Christianity, followed by Phosattism and Tacolism. According to the 2016 census, 20.9 million people or 78.3% of Andalla's population adhere to Christianity. Buddhism follows at 6.7% and Tacolism at 2.4%. Furthermore, nearly 9.5% of Andallans consider themselves atheist or agnostic.

Though roughly 90% of Andallans adhere to a religion or worship a deity, recent surveys conducted by the Pollitelig Institute indicate that only 73.4% of Andallans consider religion as an important aspect of their life, while 55.7% regularly attend religious gatherings.

Culture

(Music. Visual Art. Dance. Cuisine. Media. Literature. Sports.)