Greater Penguinia

The Kingdom of Greater Penguinia Greater Penguinia
Flag Coat of Arms
Motto:  Terra Frigidus, Calidum Cor. ("Cold Lands, Warm Hearts")
Anthem: Long Live Penguinia
Greater Penguinia in Thrismari
Capital	Frostbergh
Official languages	Penguinese Common
Ethnic groups	85% Penguinian 15% Others
Religion	72.5% Penguinism 18.5% Non-religious 9% Other religions
Demonym(s)	Penguinian / Penguinese
Government	Unitary Parliamentary Monarchy
• King	Adél I du Pingouin
• Prime Minister	Frostine de Montblanc
• President of the Government	Leroy Leduc
Legislature	National Assembly of Parliamentary Representation
• Upper house	Senate
• Lower house	Parliamentary Chamber of Representatives
Unification of the Kingdom
• Unification of Penguinia	934
• Unification of Greater Penguinia	1203
• Creation of the Constitutional Monarchy	September 3rd, 1804
Population
• January 2024 estimate	72.9 million
GDP (PPP)	2024 estimate
• Total	$999 billion
• Per capita	$13,697
GDP (nominal)	2024 estimate
• Total	$934 billion
• Per capita	$12,805
Currency	Penguinian Dollar (GPD)
Date format	MM/DD/YYYY
Driving side	right
Calling code	+934
Internet TLD	.gp

Greater Penguinia (known officially as The Kingdom of Greater Penguinia) is a nation located in Anteria. It is located in Southwestern Thrismari, bordered by Frarstizk to the north, East Alyeska to the south and the Kaldaz Ocean along its western coast. With a total area of 102,516.60 km², the moderately-sized nation maintains its small position along the cold waters of Anteria's southern hemisphere.

Etymology

The etymology of the country's name comes from a group of individual tribes, collectively known as the Pengwynians (also spelled 'Pingwynians'). The term 'Pengwynian' is derived from the archaic Penguinese words 'pen' (head) and 'gwyn' (white). However, the meaning behind the term is undecided, though two ideas suggest that the name referred to either the naturally snow white and silver hair of the native peoples or that it refered to the white sand and snow along the country's coastline, or at least a particular head of the land.

As for the country's prefix, 'Greater' refers to the surrounding lands around the historical region of Penguinia and its expansion, following the acquisition of several territories in the south and west of the nation, including the annexation of the Laneige Territory.

Language

The most spoken languages in the country are Penguinese and Common, with the former acting as a native language and the latter being their recognized international language of choice. However, parts of the country also speak different dialects of Penguinese, such as Adélais and Emperic, as well as other foreign languages.

History

As a nation, the history of Greater Penguinia is strongly rooted in its cultural and historical identity. Greater Penguinia is a nation that has always been known for its strength and unity, having been created through the merging of ancient tribes. From its inception as a unified monarchy, the nation has maintained a sense of community and shared identity, with its various regions and cities all contributing to this whole.

In addition to its cultural and historical significance, the nation also holds a notable place in the world as a center of peace, knowledge, and innovation.

The Coming of the Tribes (502-823)

In its ancient history, Greater Penguinia was made up of numerous groups of Penguinian tribes, each led by their own chieftains. The Empereans, Adéleans, Makaronese, Chinzu, and Gentu were just some of the most well-known tribes that existed in Greater Penguinia during this period. Each tribe had a certain way of life, ranging from being warrior-based to being more farming oriented.

The Empereans and the Adéleans were the oldest known tribes and they both lived in southern regions of the country. According to historical records dating back as early as the Middle Ages, the Emperean tribe was first established in the year 502, while the Adélean tribe was established in the year 623, whereas the Adéleans were a branch of the Empereans, who initially split off from their tribe. Both tribes occupied the region surrounding Mount Emperium, where they lived as neighbors. The Adéleans were known for their seagoing skills and maritime expertise, while the Empereans were noted for their skilled warriors and hunting practices. Additionally, other Proto-Penguinan tribes in the north possessed special skills that were paramount to their respective cultures. For instance, the Makaronese were skilled builders and shipwrights, the Chinzu were fishers, and the Gentu were known for their ability to grow and cultivate crops.

Each of the tribes also varied with their choice of habitation. While most tribes generally used wooden huts as their main form of habitation, some tribes, such as the Adéleans, used wattle and daub construction to build their homes. Only the Makaronese and Chinzu tribes were nomadic, with the others being based in villages, though some were semi-nomadic, travelling from place to place seasonally but always returning to their home base. As a result, the Penguinian landscape was dotted with small fishing villages along the coast and small settlements across the plains, forests, and even mountains.

Wooden Huts found in Southern Greater Penguinia.

However, while each of the tribes had developed themselves and their communities to be strong and prosperous, they also fought against one another, over territory, food, and other resources key to their survival. For centuries, the ancient tribes of were involved in a constant struggle for power, dominance, and influence. This resulted in a period of constant conflict and turmoil within the nation, with no one tribe able to gain the upper hand over their rivals.

However, during the early 9th century, the conflict began to shift and a period of peace and cooperation began to take hold, mostly thanks to the leadership of a legendary chief known as Kairauka (also known as 'Penguinius Maximus') in 823. Kairauka was seen as a symbol of peace, strength, and wisdom and his leadership and influence brought together all the lands of Penguinia. This shift towards mutual peace was a result of a combination of factors, including the emergence of a powerful leader, the development of new systems and institutions, and the desire for unity and harmony among the tribes.

Overtime, the tribes began to form alliances with each other, paving the way for the unification of Penguinia.

The Unification of Penguinia (823-934)

For Penguinia, the Middle Ages is mainly defined by two key events in the country's history had taken place: the unification of the tribes and the establishment of a monarchy. This was a time of growth and change, as the tribes worked together to create a nation based on peace and unity.

The tribes of Penguinia slowly began to unify due to the growing threats surrounding them. In the year 837, the Empereans and the Adéleans banded together to form the first alliance, using their strength in numbers to counter the invading forces. The other tribes eventually followed suit, forming alliances to withstand the forces from outside of Penguinia. After many years of conflict and peace, the tribes eventually agreed to form a united nation in the year 934, officially marking the creation of Penguinia as a unified state. Each tribe brought with it its own unique culture, traditions, languages, and beliefs, making the unified nation both diverse and robust.

Moreover, since the new nation was made up of several different tribes, speaking a wide variety of different languages and dialects, a common language had to be established between them. With the need for a common language becoming apparent, the languages of the individual tribes were combined to create a new, unified language known as Penguinese. This mixing of languages was a natural consequence of the tribes' interaction with each other, and was not the result of any specific cultural or foreign influences. However, the creation of Penguinese allowed for smooth communication between the tribes, paving the way for further unity.

Shortly after Penguinia's unification, the monarchy was first established after the united tribes elected a leader among them. The king chosen was Albus Adelus, a noble and respected chieftain of the Adéleans. With Albus Adelus established as Penguinia's first king, the Adelus bloodline was the first royal house of Greater Penguinia, ruling the nation for many years, with most future monarchs being descendants from King Albus Adelus.

Some other significant contributions during the Middle Ages in Penguinia were the development of trade, the invention of new technologies such as irrigation systems, and the introduction of new forms of art, music, and literature to the culture. Additionally, advancements in medicine and hygiene significantly improved the quality of life for Penguinia's residents.

The Unification of Greater Penguinia (934-1203)

As part of the unification of the Kingdom of Penguinia, the nation expanded its borders from 934 to 1203. The expansion of the borders was a gradual process, with the region's geography playing a significant role in its growth. The initial expansion occurred between 934 and 967, with the kingdom's borders expanding to the east, to including large portions of land that is a part of the provinces of East Emperia and Chinzan.

Between 967 and 1020, the southernmost parts of the historical region of Adélantaine were expanded upon, as well as the discovery of Blanc Island and the Unnamed Second Island. However, while the lands were settled and claimed by the Kingdom of Penguinia, they were not formally annexed by the nation; rather, the area was privately ruled under Glacien IV, Duke of Laneige. These lands were collectively referred to as the Laneige Territory.

The northern regions of Makaronia and Gentille were expanded upon during the latter part of the time frame, around the year 1100, with the former having an extended coastline that reached further north, while the latter expanded along the mountains.

The Post-Classical Era (1203-1450)

During the period from 1203 to 1450, Greater Penguinia underwent significant changes in its political, economic, and cultural spheres.

Politically, the country continued to expand its territory and influence, mainly into the southern regions around its border. The ongoing expansion into the northern regions of Makaronia and Gentille continued and these new additions later became fully incorporated into the nation. Additionally, the kingdom grew from a single monarchy into a feudal system, with regional leaders and governors being appointed to govern over the newly incorporated regions. Capital cities were also established, to act as a seat of power in each of the regions, with many of these cities acting as major hubs for trade and commerce. As a result, the country experienced a period of stability and prosperity.

Cultural wise, many artistic movements emerged and the country saw the rise of several literary works in the form of poetry and prose.

The Penguinese Renaissance (1450-1650)

The Penguinese Renaissance was a period of artistic, academic, and social renaissance that took place in Greater Penguinia between the years 1450 and 1650.

At this time, the nation saw a period of flourishing artistic and cultural expression, with a new era of scientific discoveries and innovative ideas. In academia, the Renaissance saw a renewed interest in philosophy and the classic arts, with a focus on humanism and a reverence for ancient knowledge.

Society during this time was characterized by a rise in urbanization, as cities became the centers of cultural and economic growth.

The Establishment of the Constitutional Monarchy (1650-1804)

Following the end of the Renaissance in 1650, Greater Penguinia saw a period of rapid development and growth, with a rise in the nation's wealth and influence on the world stage.

The Renaissance was followed by a period of industrialization and economic growth, where the nation's industrial capabilities were bolstered and the economy experienced a period of prosperous expansion. Political reforms were also enacted during this era, with the goal of establishing a more representative and democratic form of government.

This period ultimately ended with the Establishment of the Constitutional Monarchy in 1804, a new political system that would take the nation into the modern era.

The Late Modern Period (1804-1945)

In the Late Modern Period in Greater Penguinia, from 1804 to 1945, the nation experienced significant transformations and changes in both the political and social spheres.

In terms of politics, a new system of governance was established, with the constitutional monarchy establishing a parliament and a democratically elected government. This period saw a period of democratic reform, with a gradual strengthening of the nation's political system and the rise of a new middle class.

In terms of society and culture, this period saw a continued growth of urbanization and technological advancements.

The Contemporary Age (1945-Present Day)

The Contemporary Age in Greater Penguinia, from 1945 to the present day, has seen the nation progress into the modern era.

In terms of politics, the period has seen a continuation of the democratic reform established in the late modern period, with a strengthening of the constitutional monarchy and the development of democratic institutions.

In terms of society and culture, this period has seen a major transformation. With urbanization and modern technology becoming more prevalent, the society has become more industrialized and developed. This era has also seen a new emphasis on global partnerships and international cooperation.

Geography

Islands

The nation has two islands under its control; that being Blanc Island and an unnamed second island, with the former being known as an autonomous region that was historically part of the Laneige Territory

Climate

Greater Penguinia's climate is characterized by cold and frigid temperatures throughout the year, with winters being especially harsh. During summer, high temperatures typically range from 50-60°F (10-16°C), while winter temperatures can be much lower, typically falling between -20 to -40°F (-29 to -40°C).

The variation in temperatures between seasons is more significant in the mountains, with colder temperatures common in higher elevations. Similarly, the coastal regions tend to be slightly warmer than inland areas, due to the moderating effect of the nearby ocean.

Fauna and Flora

Greater Penguinia's flora and fauna are typical of a taiga climate, with evergreen trees, spruce, and birch being some of the most common plants. Other trees include pines, as well as bushes, shrubs, and a variety of herbs.

As for the native fauna, some of the common species include caribou, moose, red foxes, and various birds of prey. There are also numerous species of fish, including salmon and trout, found in the ocean off the western coast of the nation. The mountains of Greater Penguinia are also home to a variety of animals, including lynx, wolves, and bears.

Most notably, Greater Penguinia is also home to several species of penguins, including the emperor, Adélie, macaroni, chinstrap, and gentoo.

Territorial Organization

The official map of Greater Penguinia's provnices and major cities.

Historical Regions

Historically, Greater Penguinia had formed into one unified state from five main tribes, with each of their respective land's tribal borders and cultural influences acting as natural borders between the different regions. As such, each of the names chosen for the provinces are derived directly from each of the names of the historical regions and the tribes that resided there.

Provinces

As of today, Greater Penguinia is divided into 8 distinct provinces, with each one having assigned a capital city and governor.

Province	Capital	Governor
West Emperia	Frostbergh	Leroy Leduc
East Emperia	Mendoza	Viola Serrano
West Adélantaine	Neviano	Aria di Ghiaccio
East Adélantaine	Polaire	Marie-Anne L'Hiverville
North Makaronia	Thawe's Bay	Elizabeth Thawe
South Makaronia	Port Hayle	Oliver MacQuarie
Chinzan	Yukiyama	Koyuki Kobayashi
Gentille	Kheimon	Rocco Hopper

Greater Penguinia also has two oversea territories, officially recognized as being autonomous, but both are still a part of the country.

Territory	Capital	Governor
Blanc Island	Laneige (de facto)	Émile-Charles Laneige
Unnamed Second Island	Pelletier (de facto)	TBA

Government

Greater Penguinia is a unitary parliamentary monarchy, in which the king is the head of state of the nation. The headquarters of the government is located in the nation's capital, Frostbergh; in addition to other institutions. The right to vote is reserved for all citizens over 18 years of age who are not serving a prison sentence, regardless of sex, race, sexual orientation or religion.

The country's government is divided into three different branches of government.

Legislative

Frostine de Montblanc, Prime Minister.

The legislative branch is bicameral, consisting of two institutions: the National Assembly of Parliamentary Representation and the Royal Senate.

The National Assembly represents all voters. Having 485 members, they are voted every 4 years. Members must belong to a specific political party, and voters choose a list of the party they wish to represent them. In order to be represented in the Assembly, political parties must have a minimum of 5% of the total votes. If this percentage is not reached, the votes are counted as blank votes. The National Assembly is responsible for electing the Prime Minister by vote. If a prime minister is not elected within a period of 6 months, the elections are repeated.

The Royal Senate is made up of 225 members. 22 of them are chosen by royal appointment, being selected directly by the king. 78 are elected by regional governments based on their population (that is, the number of members each region appoints depends on the percentage of the total population of the country it represents). The other 125 are elected by universal suffrage by voting for political party lists, which must obtain at least 15% of the votes to be able to access the Senate.

The National Assembly is the most important institution of the legislative branch. It is responsible for approving and denying the laws proposed by the President of the Government. To pass a law, a simple majority must be obtained. If approved, the law goes to the Senate, where it is put to a second vote. If approved, it is approved directly. If not, the law is voted on again in the National Assembly (where it will be approved directly if it obtains enough positive votes, without having to go through the Senate again).

Executive

Leroy Leduc, President of the Government

The executive branch is represented by the President of the Government and his ministers. The president is elected every 4 years (at the same time as legislative votes) by universal suffrage. In order to be president of the government, the candidate must also be elected as a member of the National Assembly. The executive branch is responsible for applying the laws approved by the legislative branch, in addition to having the ability to issue temporary decrees.

In the event of a national emergency such as a natural disaster, war, etc., the executive branch has the capacity to issue laws directly, without the need for them to go through the National Assembly. The state of national emergency can only be maintained for a maximum of 1 year. When that time passes, the approval of the National Assembly will be needed to continue it. The Supreme Court has the capacity to end the national emergency in any case and whenever it considers it necessary.

It may seem surprising that there is a President of the Government and a Prime Minister at the same time in a Parliamentary Monarchy, but each one has a specific function. The President of the Government is more in charge of internal issues, while the Prime Minister, together with the king, has mainly representative and diplomatic functions.

Judicial

The judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court and the Regional Courts. The Supreme Court is made up of 25 members. The members are elected by the Senate, with the senators chosen by the king directly not having the right to vote. The two political parties with the most representation in the Senate will be in charge of electing the judges. These will be chosen proportionally to the senators that each one has. Once the Supreme Court is constituted, the judges belonging to it will elect the 10 representatives of each Regional Court.

The Supreme Court has the ability to appeal laws passed by parliament that are considered not to be within the legal framework. It is also considered the last court of appeal, being in charge of approving death sentences. It can deny any decision made by the Regional Courts, having the capacity to change it.

Military

Gen. Martin L'Hiverville, Minister of Defense

In terms of its military forces, Greater Penguinia is a nation with a powerful and well-equipped military, boasting a range of equipment and vehicles to suit its needs. The three main branches of Greater Penguinia's military are the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

The main military branch is the United Penguinian Army, which is the ground-based force responsible for defense, patrolling of the national borders, and it consists of a large standing force and significant reserves. The active duty force numbering at around 600,000 is the primary ground force of the country, tasked with ensuring the security and territorial integrity of the nation. The purpose of the army is to provide defense and protection against outside threats, and to maintain the peace and order within the country. In terms of effectiveness, the army is well-equipped with modern weapons and equipment, and trained and prepared to deal with any situation that may arise.

The air-based force is the Penguinian Air Force, responsible for air superiority and providing air support for ground operations with a significant arsenal of aircraft and a well-trained cadre of personnel. In terms of size and numbers, the air force is currently comprised of over 200 aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, transport aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In addition to this, the air force has around 5,000 personnel, including pilots, technicians, navigators, and administrative staff.

The Penguinian Navy is a significant force for the nation, with around 50 vessels of varying sizes and capabilities. It is primarily responsible for providing maritime security and expeditionary missions for the country. In terms of size, the navy is comprised of around 5,000 personnel and 50 vessels, including warships, support vessels, and unmanned underwater vehicles. The navy is split into multiple specialized branches that handle different missions, such as the surface patrol and submarine divisions.

Economy

Financial center of Frostbergh, the capital city of Greater Penguinia.

Greater Penguinia's economy is strongly based on the technological and financial sectors; having a strong manufacturing industry. Other notable industries are oil, agri-food, mining and automobiles.

Greater Penguinia is considered a high-income developing market economy. Having a relatively high degree of economic freedom, the economy is dominated by large multinational companies based in the nation, which usually dominate a certain sector and are export-oriented. Currently, the government does not intervene practically in the market; owning few publicly owned companies and applying few regulations in the market.

However, this was not always like that. Until the mid-20th century, Greater Penguinia was a poor country with an economy based on agriculture. It would not be until the late 1950s, when effective economic policies would begin to be applied, which would begin to make the country grow rapidly. This growth would be consolidated in the 1980s, a time in which average growth rates of 7% per year would be recorded. Until the end of the 20th century, the economy was tightly controlled; favoring local companies over foreign companies so that they could grow. When the country reached an industrial level that allowed it to compete in international markets, the economy began to gradually open; liberalizing economic sectors and facilitating foreign investments and the free market. The Penguinese model was similar to that of the so-called Asian tigers, being an economy based on the export of high value-added products and with a relatively small welfare state.

Among the nation's top exports (from highest to lowest) are electronic devices, microchips, semiconductors, bananas, refined petroleum, automobiles and steel. Greater Penguinia is considered one of the world's largest exporters of electronic products, this sector representing 23% of the country's GDP.

Demographics

Greater Penguinia is a multi-ethnic and diverse nation, with a population consisting of individuals from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. However, as a large majority of the population resides in the urbanized regions of the country, there is a higher proportion of the population represented in the major cities, with a somewhat lower representation of the smaller communities found in rural areas.

In terms of racial and ethnic demographics, the majority of the population is comprised of the Penguinian people, who make up around 85% of the population. Moreover, 40% identify as Empereans, 35% for Adéleans, 10% for Makaronese, 10% for Chinzu, and 5% for Gentu. The remaining 15% of Greater Penguinia's population identify as being from other ethnic groups or as non-natives.

Foreign Relations

In general, Greater Penguinia's foreign relations with other countries are peaceful and cooperative. The country seeks to build strong diplomatic ties with neighboring nations, as well as maintaining a friendly relationship with non-neighboring countries.

The country is committed to diplomacy and mutual cooperation to foster understanding and peace, and has signed various treaties and international agreements to this effect. In addition, it seeks to support the development and progress of other countries through foreign aid and international cooperation.

During Greater Penguinia's long and mostly peaceful history, the nation has had its fair share of historical allies. Some of Greater Penguinia's allies include the nations of Adrinian and Cordomonivence.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Urban highway in Frostbergh

Greater Penguinia's infrastructure is made up of a large network of roads, airports and ports that connect the main cities of the country and cover the entire national territory. The country is located at a strategic point in the maritime trade, along the Kaldaz Ocean, allowing for seemless trade with the continents of Caleren and Thrismari.

The interurban transport network of Greater Penguinia has a wide network of toll highways, which connect the most important cities in the country. The railway network does not have passenger service, and is mainly used for the transport of goods to ports, with trains reaching a maximum speed of 110 kilometers per hour. The country has always invested considerably more in highways than in rail transport, because these generate greater profitability and allow connecting more parts of the country. This is because the majority are privately owned and have tolls, which generate income and allow the network to continue improving and expanding through a system of concessions.

Air transportation is the most used way to transport people within the country. Due to the cuntry's moderate size, it is the fastest way to get around. The main cities have airports with great capacity, being able to support more than 700 daily flights, both national and international.

Urban transportation is mainly based on the automobile. Greater Penguinia has extensive urban highways, which connect the cities and allow a quick and efficient connection with the interurban network. However, the implementation of more public transportation in the last 20 years is also noteworthy. Three cities have metro systems, which connect the busiest points. In medium-sized cities, bus transportation predominates, but some also have trams or light rail. Despite all the efforts, 80% of trips in cities are still made by car, with a culture strongly rooted in the country's society.

Culture

The culture of Greater Penguinia is characterized by a strong sense of unity and community. As a nation established through the unification of diverse tribal settlements, its people draw from a rich cultural heritage and value their common identity as Penguinian citizens.

In terms of values, Greater Penguinia highly prioritizes cooperation and the collective good, with the ideal of "unity for all" instilled in its people from an early age. Other prominent values for the culture include integrity, respect for others, and a strong sense of personal responsibility.

Beliefs

The various beliefs held by the people of Greater Penguinia vary depending on the region and individual, ranging from personal to religious. However, some of the notable beliefs include:

• A belief in the teachings of Kairauka, the legendary chief who led the unification of the Penguinian tribes and established the nation.
• A reverence for the land and nature, treating nature as a force of good and an important part of the greater whole.
• A belief in a higher power or deities who guide and protect the people of the nation.
• A belief in the afterlife, with a belief in a soul or spirit that carries on after death.
• A belief in karma or reincarnation, with a belief that a person's actions in life impact their subsequent lives.
• A belief in spiritual energy or energy fields, with a belief that spiritual energy flows through all living things and creates a connection between all beings.

National Symbols

Adéline, the national personification of Greater Penguinia

Some of the national symbols of Greater Penguinia include:

The flag, representing the unity of the nation and its people under one banner. The coat of arms, a symbolic representation and protective force for the nation. The national anthem, a patriotic tune that honors the nation and its history. The national bird, representing the freedom and spirit of the nation. The national flower, symbolizing the beauty and resilience of the nation.