Wazheganon
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Federated Commonwealth of Walzenia | |
|---|---|
Coat of Arms
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| Motto: "Ënnert de Trëttoir, d'Strand." "Beneath the pavement, the beach." | |
| Anthem: Dëst Land Es Äert Land "This Land Is Your Land"  | |
| Political Map of Walzenia Political Map of Walzenia | |
| Capital | Moienrout |
| Largest city | Lenzneuve |
| Official languages | none at the federal level |
| Recognised national languages | |
| Recognised regional languages | |
| Ethnic groups | List of ethnicities
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| Religion | List of religions
|
| Demonym(s) | Walzer (noun) Waltch (adjective) |
| Government | Libertarian socialist federated semi-direct democracy |
• Secretary-General | Aaa |
• Presiding Speaker | Aaa |
| Legislature | Commonwealth Congress |
| General Committee | |
| Commonwealth Congress | |
| Independence from Ottonia | |
| July 8th, 1639 | |
| August 18th, 1651 | |
| July 8th, 1848 | |
| June 18th, 1924 | |
| Area | |
• Total area | 1,854,816 km2 (716,148 sq mi) |
• Water (%) | 11 |
| Population | |
• 2020 census | 47,703,216 |
• Density | 25.71/km2 (66.6/sq mi) |
| GDP (nominal) | 2020 estimate |
• Total | $1,403,905,646,880 |
• Per capita | $29,430 |
| Gini (2015) |  12.7low |
| HDI (2015) |  0.816very high |
| Currency | Waltch guilder (Wƒ) (WZG) |
| Time zone | UTC -4 to -5 |
| Date format | dd/mm/yyyy |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code | +48 |
| Internet TLD | .wz |
Walzenia (/wɔːlˈzɛnˌiə/ wal-ZEN-ee-ə, -ZEN-yuh) , officially the Federated Commonwealth of Walzenia, is a country in northeastern Norumbia. Its 27 states cover an area of approximately 1,854,816 square kilometers (716,148 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 megalopolis whose other notable cities include Zurin, 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 Odachiimin, 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 16th century, the Odachiimin's weakened state allowed the Ottonians to gain a foothold along the eastern coast and populate it with persecuted minorities from Staalmark. Walzenia was formed when this colony gained its independence in 1639, at which point it began gradually absorbing the remaining indigenous polities in the region through both diplomacy and warfare, reaching its modern borders by 1782. Beginning in 1848 the country saw a series of successive socialist reforms and revolutions, galvanizing into the contemporary political structure by 1924.
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, Kiso Pact, and <<NorumbiaOrg>>.
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 1639.
One prominent origin theory, arising in the 19th century but now not typically accepted among historians, is that the name is derived from 16th century Ottonian noble Mitchelet Avaler, who is often regarded by Walzers of Belisarian-descent as a founding father. However, evidence of a highly similar name, Valzia, also used in reference to the east coast, can be found as early as 1512, nearly fifty years before Avaler was born, and was used in the maps of Armand Weber as early as 1543.
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 Ottonian colonists in the decades following Valza's voyages, eventually evolving into Valzenjia, which was then first anglicized into Walzenia in the appendix of Weber's popular 1551 atlas.
The demonym of "Waltch" is thus believed to derive from the word Valzisch, which was used by Staalish settlers to differentiate themselves from Ottonians as early as 1589.
This demonym 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.
Geography
Walzenia comprises the northeastern corner of Norumbia, occupying approximately 1,854,816 square kilometers (716,148 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 Habbakuk 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 Habbakuk 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.
The Donnerbierg, seen from a distance, is the highest peak in the Chiboschan mountain range and highest point in Walzenia, standing at 2,694 m (8,839 ft).
The lakeshore of Kitchigami, also called Lake Sovereign, is a popular domestic and international tourist destination and an important economic hub.
- Pygmy forest mastodon.png
The pygmy forest mastodon, once critically endangered, has recovered in the past century and is an iconic mascot of northern Walzenia.
In many places in Walzenia, architecture attempts to conform to the landscape or create a new, organic one in a sustainable fashion.
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History
Main article: History of Walzenia
Indigenous peoples
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 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. Their status and power was solidified by the 12th 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 17th 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 trade of furs, gold, and metals, 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 1568 to 1581, 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 south 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 Ottonian merchants and prospectors, who had until now been limited to small trading outposts along the coast, namely in the cities of Ottonia and Viktoria in Lotharia and Maagdeland, to seize territory from the drastically weakened Otoléia in the Aderon Wars, 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 settlement by prisoners and exiles from mainland Ottonia. These settlers were primarily of Staalish origin, sent abroad in order to remove rebellious elements from Staalmark and make it easier to assimilate into Ottonian culture. These Staalish colonists formed the basis of what would develop into the Belisarian Walzers, and the modern Waltch language is primarily descended from several Middle Niederaulish dialects spoken by them.
From 1605-9, the Ottonian 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 Ottonian traders throughout the Kitchigami basin and opened up most of the Osawanon Mountains east of Kitchigami to Ottonian 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 Ottonian 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 1641, which immediately federated with the Avalerian Republic upon independence from Ottonia. 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 ammassing 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 Second Waltch Revolution in 1848. 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.
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 to both Ottonias - in northeast Norumbia and in Belisarian Ottonia - 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 1637 which federated with the Avalerian Republic in 1656. Auschaiew also arranged, with the help of Ghantish 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 beloved founding father.
Avalerian Republic
Waltch Socialist Republic
Union of Walzenia
Commonwealth
Government and politics
Chancellor
Stettholder
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Walzenia is a federal, libertarian socialist council republic. 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 <Marxist?/Trotskyist?> All-Socialist Front (ASF); the <libertarian-marxist?>/councilist Councils for Unity and Democracy (RED); and the market socialist Social Alliance (SA). 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, an anarchist organization pushing for greater decentralization; Ecological Consensus (EKO), an environmentalist party advocating social ecology, and Geocrats for Development and Independence (GEO), a geolibertarianism party. The current government is formed by a coalition of the ASF and RED, headed by Chancellor Theodosia Wolff and Stettholder Minegan Kovarich,
