Vinalia
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United Republic of Vinalia Об'єднана Республіка Віналія Ob'yednana Respublika Vinaliya | |
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 Flag
 Coat of Arms
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| Motto: "Нарешті мир" (tr.) "Nareshti myr" "Peace at last" | |
| Anthem: "Об'єдналися під одним загальним прапором" (tr.) "Ob'yednani pid odnym zahalʹnym praporom" "United under one common flag"  | |
| File:MapofVinwithborders.png | |
| Capital | Vinalinsk |
| Largest city | Orlavo |
| Recognised national languages | Soravian Zapoyan Apjai Quejua |
| Ethnic groups | Metyso 48% White 25% Vinakians 18% Bahio-Vinalians 3% Others 7% |
| Religion (2014) | Episemialism (57%) Irreligious (32%) Solarian Catholic Church (4%) Other (7%) |
| Demonym(s) | Vinalian |
| Government | Federal, parlimentary republic |
| Valeria Kunavin | |
| Omelyan Pavlov | |
| Legislature | Vinalian Parliament |
| Senate of the Union | |
| House of the People | |
| Establishment | |
| April 19, 1568 | |
• Independence, and union with Chistovodia | September 1, 1863 |
• Independence from Chistovodia | May 5, 1885 |
| February 9, 1935 | |
• Reunification | July 25, 1993 |
| Area | |
• Total | 528,102 km2 (203,901 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• 2020 estimate |  25,878,816 |
• 2014 census | 24,632,731 |
• Density | 48.21/km2 (124.9/sq mi) |
| GDP (PPP) | 2020 estimate |
• Total | $593.25 billion |
• Per capita | $22,924 |
| GDP (nominal) | 2020 estimate |
• Total | $269.66 billion |
• Per capita | $10,420 |
| HDI (2020) | 0.76714 high |
| Currency | Vinalian zolota (VNZ) |
| Date format | dd-mm-yyyy |
| Driving side | right |
| Internet TLD | .vn |
Vinalia (Soravian:Віналія; Vinaliya) officially the United Republic of Vinalia (Soravian:Об'єднана Республіка Віналія; Ob'yednana Respublika Vinaliya ) is a sovereign state in Asteria Superior. It borders Chistovodia to the north and west, the East Arucian Sea along with Île d'Émeraude, and Ardesia to the south. With a total area of 528,102km2, and population of 25.778 million people. Vinalia is the smallest country in mainland Asteria Superior. Vinalia's capital is the planned city of Vinalinsk, which became the capital in 2020 after 27 years of a split government between Orlavo (legislative) and Velkarichka (executive, and judiciary).
Inhabited since antiquity, it was settled by Zapoyans, and the Úuchmáans populations, both groups originating from modern Ardesia. Numerous city-states were established that fought for control and influence between each other. Major Zapoyan cities such as Och-Kan, Itzel, and Miyaochitl existed in contention with major Úuchmáan cities such as Velykhrob, Velykzir, and Colel throughout the Early and Classical Vinakian periods. The Tzapotlan Empire increasingly wielded its power from Ardesia and controlled large swathes of territory and exerted great influence. Following the 13th century however, the Tzapotlan empire struggled in the face of the rival Zapoyan Mazanan Empire which became a dominant force in the region, and would remain so until colonization.
With the arrival of Afanasij Orlev and Soravian colonization in 1568. The collapse of the Tzapotlan, and Mazanan empires do to disease and warfare decimated the native population, which increasingly became subjugated under the Euclean colonizers. Initially Soravian settlers operated small farms in the coast until the growth of Cash crops in the colony, most prominently Sugar. Vinalia became a primarily agricultural colony, exporting large quantities of sugar, Tobacco, Wheat, Cotton, and Kokhineal. Soravian victory in the Ten Year's War in 1711, resulted in Vinalia expanding into its modern borders with Ardesia. Vinalian sugar depended greatly on Bahian slaves, and indigenous Indentured servants, and had by 1812 outlawed all Bahian slaves. By 1835 Cotton replaced Sugar as Vinalias largest export, this along with the introduction of Coffee into the country became Vinalias chief exports for close to a century. Increasing desire for independence, and growing instability in Soravia, resulted in Vinalia and Chistovodia declaring their independence together in 1863 from Soravia. Although close economic ties, and favorable relations between Vinalia and Chistovodia existed, Vinalia became increasingly opposed to Chistovodian rule do to a reduction in economic benefits and autonomy during the 1880's. In 1885 it declared its independence from Chistovodia. As the Republic of Vinalia
Vinalia experienced a period of high prosperity and sectarionalism, as the North of the country increasingly Industrialized, while the South remained largely agricultural. Following the Great Collapse, tensions in the country increasingly grew throughout the 1910's and 1920's, due to a growing wealthy upper class of Agricultural and Industrial magnates and the impoverished lower classes. In 1925, increasing tensions between Vinalia and Ardesia resulted in the Ardesian-Vinalian War, where Vinalia suffered extensive loss of land and people, resulting in a 1932 Armistice with Ardesia where Vinalia lost territory large sections of territory, only returned in 1935 following the defeat of Ardesia in the Great War. The war had taken a severe toll on Vinalia, and with the crippling result of the armistice, the country descended into general conflict as soon as the peace had been signed. Vinalian generals sympathetic to the Vinalian Section of the Workers International attempted to launch a coup on the President. The Vinalian Revolution between 1932 and 1935, saw the country descend into a period of conflict, with the Vinalian Workers International taking control of all Vinalian territory north of the Bin river, establishing the People's Republic of Vinalia, and the Second Republic of Vinalia now a conjunction of Anti-Councilist elements controlled Vinalia south of the Bin River.
Both nations would prosper but conflict would erupt between both republics in a period known as the Vinalian Struggle between 1935-1987, where both countries would wage 5 wars against one another. Following the Northern defeat in 1975, a period of peace and prosperity came in the North as the state began to break away from its Socialist allies and liberalized its economy. In 1987 the final war would see the South decisively defeated and democracy returned to South Vinalia after 20 years of military rule. Both nations would begin the process of reunification in 1990 and would become a single country in 1993, following 60 years of separation. The nation would devolve itself into a campaign of rebuilding the nation.
Today Vinalia is a federal parliamentary republic, led by a Minister-President. With 10 Provinces, and 3 Federal Districts. The country is divided between two legal entities the Republic of North Vinalia, and the Republic of South Vinalia, each with their own devolved parliament. The nation has prospered and is a rapidly growing economy with a GDP of 268 Million and increasing. The economy has a large manufacturing, services, mining, and agricultural sectors. Although low in regards to other Asterian nations in economic, and human development, the nation has been praised for its stability and development following its tumultuous history. The nation today is a member of the Organization of Asterian Nations, and the Community of Nations, and has contributed to numerous peacekeeping efforts most noticeably in the Yoloten.
Etymology
The name Vinalia comes from the Patzun word Vinaki which means people. It is believed that the name Vinalia came from a misunderstanding between Soravian explorer Afanasij Orlev and local Patzun inhabitants. [1] Historians believe that those that greeted Orlev and his settlers introduced themselves as Vinaki Axakaqa (People of Axakaqa) with Axakaqa being the local name given to the area around modern Orlavo. It is believed that Orlev understood the word backwards, believing Vinaki to be the name of the territory rather than Axakaqa. Orlev decided to combine both words into Віналія (Vinalia), as the name of the territory.
Bohdan Okhremovich, The True History of the Conquest of Vinalia, Pg 44
History
History
Pre-History
| Vinalia Timeline of Significant Eras | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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The earliest signs of human habitation in Vinalia, can be traced to around 10,000 BCE from stone tools found in archaeological excavations on the Shryoniy river. As with other early humans, these were mostly nomad Hunter-gatherer societies that transversed the lowlands in the search of suitable hunting grounds and game. Around 4,000 BCE the discovery of agriculture had led to the creation of settled societies in the country. It is unknown which specific culture introduced agriculture in the region, if it were the Zapoyan, or the Úuchmáan from neighboring modern Ardesia in the south, as a result of a rudimentary trading network. Early agricultural societies mostly grew beans, maize, and squash, along with several other agricultural products such as tomatoes, and cocoa in lesser quantities.
It is believed that these early settled societies were vastly different culturally than their Zapoyan, and Úuchmáan neighbors in the south from which they had discovered agriculture from, although they shared similar historical traits, these people were commonly divided into 3 major cultures, Proto-Shryoniy located in the south of the country, Proto-Vulna located in the center and north of the country, and Kisharsk culture in the island. These cultures developed mainly along fertile river valleys and coast, and dedicated themselves to agriculture, although warfare was common in this period of history between villages, for control of farmland, and territory. Zapoyan society had slowly expanded through cultural assimilation and conquest, by 2000 BCE most of the Proto-Shryoniy settlements had either been abandoned or been settled by Zapoyans, and primarily in the Juyu Ruwach Mountains Úuchmáans. A similar fate befell the Proto-Vulna, which are believed to have adopted Zapoyan costumes in a much more peaceful manner. The Kisharsk culture remained highly isolated but it is believed that by the year 100 BCE, it had become indistinguishable from its Zapoyan neighbors.
Pre-Classical Vinakian 800 BCE-10 CE
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The Pre-Classical period of Vinakian history, is dated to the believed establishment of the city Miyaoachitl in southern Vinalia, a Zapoyan city close to the border between modern day Vinalia and Ardesia. Cities began to appear in the country side, as vast structural complexes were constructed, featuring large centrally located ceremonial platforms from which emanated causeways leading outside the city, with residential dwellings on the sides of causeways. Cities tended to be larger and more populous in the south of the country, Zapoyan cities such as Och-Kan, Patli, Akbit and Chorna Skelya are believed to have been established on a period between 800 BCE and 600 BCE, other cities of importance were the Úuchmáan city of Velykhrob, and Ichtaca on the Juyu Ruwach mountains. This cities operated as City-states, that maintained vast inland trading networks with each other and cities in modern Ardesia, they also participated in political struggles and alliances against one another, in a varied and fluid political landscape. Although the city of Och-Kan was seen as the dominant power in the region, as they maintained a vast system of alliances reaching as far north as Ahau-Kin, and Tetuolmecs city states.
The city of Velykhrob is believed to have led the first of numerous attempts at independence and autonomy from the Meyaletun Empire after it had fallen under the influence of the great Úuchmáan empire to the south. It is believed Zapoyan cities such as Och-Kan, and Miyaoachitl were in favor of such conflicts and sided with Velykhrob, to reduce the power and influence of the Meyatelun Empire, around the year 330 BCE. Although it is unclear if Velykhrob upon gaining independence led a war against its former allies around the year 300 BCE, or Och-Kan sought to annex Velykrob themselves. But the city of Yatzil an ally of Miyaoachitl was abandoned by the Zapoyan population before being occupied by Úuchmáan settlers presumably after a peace treaty had been reached around the year 320 BCE. Och-Kan and Velykhrob developed a deep rivalry as a result of this conflict, with both sides mobilizing large sections of the city states, usually divided among Úuchmáan and Zapoyan lines. These conflict defined the politics of the time, although Och-Kan held a considerable advantage in population, economy, and allies over Velykhrob. Around the year 190 BCE, its believed that Och-Kan decisively defeated Velykhrob and destroyed the city. This move cemented Och-Kans hegemony over the south of Vinalia, and received tribute from Yax Mutal in Kisharsk, to Coatlan on the Medved River. The two great cities of Och-Kan and Miyaochitl engaged in warfare, as the latter sought to reduce the power and influence of Och-Kan, although Miyaochitl had been unable to defeat Och-Kan over several wars starting in 150 BCE and ending in 30 BCE, it had reduced the power and influence Och-Kan could wield. Such developments allowed the Úuchmáan cities to seek independence and growth, as numerous cities were constructed on the Juyu Ruwach, further north which benefited from the nutrient rich soil. During this time, the most powerful Úuchmáan city was that of Velykzir, and its believed it worked against Och-Kan but lacked the relevant power to rival the great southern city.
In the north of the country, the city of Itzel was founded along the banks of the Dotsenko river in the north of the country. Itzel grew in power and influence but remained mostly to itself throughout the centuries. It grew to political prominence in the year 15 BCE when it involved itself in wars with Och-Kan over the key political alignment of the cities of Tlacamina, and Mecahua, which served key purposes in the trade routes between north and south. With Itzel winning said conflicts and establishing itself as a dominant city as they received tribute from all cities north of the Bin River, although a period of civil war is thought to have affected Itzel between 5 CE and 50 CE, which weakened it allowing Och-Kan to recoup the losses of influence it had suffered during its conflict with Itzel.
It is believed that the Lyublytas began settling into the modern Nazar Plateau region from neighboring Chistovodia around the year 900 BCE, based on evidence from the ancient settlement of Dovhyy Stil "Long Table" which is dated to that era, Dovhyy Stil was built like other Lyublyta settlements atop a Tablytsya. It is believed that Dovhyy Stil served a trading hub with other Pre-Historic cultures in the Nazar Plateau region and latter as a hub connecting Zapoyan and Úuchmáan cities and states with other Lyublyta settlements and other groups and tribes inside modern Chistovodia. Zapoyan items dated to the 5th century BCE have been found in Dovhyy Stil, indicating the role that Dovhyy Stil played in the trading networks of the region. Lyublyta items have also been discovered as far south as Och-Kan dating to the 1st century CE. The Úuchmáan city of Coyotl located near to Dovhyy Stil, served as a trading outpost similar to Dovhyy Stil, but similarities between both settlements might show that the Lyublytas had a greater extent in the Nazar Plateau than thought earlier.
Classical period
The Classical period is marked by the rise of the Tzapotlan Empire in Central Ardesia, and its rise in influence over that country and Vinalia. The Tzapotlan empire was the first organized Zapoyan state to reach such heights, and their power grew increasingly prevalent and decisive in Vinalia. The Tzapotlan Empire found itself involved in the political scheming of the city-states in Vinalia, initially favoring Och-Kan and aiding it on its conflict with Velykzir, where Och-Kan defeated Velykzir and establishing itself at the forefront of politics, this move by the Tzapotlan Empire had sought to weaken and isolate its Úuchmáan rivals from allies abroad.
Post-Classical period
Oaexicun Empire and the Confederacy
OUTDATED The Oaxicun Empire from the south in modern day Marirana, would in the 13th Century assist the remaining Zapoyan cities against the Úuchmáans, and had by the 13th century fully submitted the region to their control, the Úuchmáans were forced to convert in almost all aspects to the Zapoyans only keeping their language, the Zapoyan minority easily retook control of the region under the Oaexicun. During this time the coastal city of Itzel near modern day Vinalinsk became the largest capital of the region growing to rival the Oaexicun capital of Moctezuma. Growing tension between Itzel and Moctezuma led to conflict inside the empire in the 1300's, as Itzel had grown rich from trade and created fears of another rival to the power of the city. This led to conflict between both cities, it is unclear but by the year 1350 a revitalized Och-Kan joined into the conflict.
By the 1400s both cities had been decisively defeated and order was restored to the region but not before Úuchmáan revolts in the north had established a Confederacy of city states which banded together to combat the Oaexicun Empire. As the Oaexicun Empire struggled with internal issues from their greater centralization following fears of rebellion from outlying regions, the Confederacy was able to expand it's influence and power, reaching it's peak expansion pre-Euclean arrival sometime in the late 1400's, but the renewed oppressions of the Zapoyans had triggered uprisings and rebellions, and by the turn of the century the Confederacy had lost most of it's gains.
The sudden arrival of the Eucleans to the Oaexicun Empire in 1523, and it's quick collapse following their arrival gave an opportunity for the confederacy to quickly reconquer lost territory and establish itself in the region, the Confederacy which had been able to isolate itself from the collapsing Oaexicun Empire and the Euclean diseases well into the 1540's, the arrival of Poveglian explorers although initially repulsed brought the diseases which had been ravaging the Oaexicuns into the Confederacy decimating it. The Confederacy had by the arrival of the Soravians been reduced to just 15 cities, from which the name the Confederacy of 15 Cities arose.
Establishment of the Mazanan empire sometime somewhere
Soravian colonization 1568-1700
Soravian explorers had made their way across the Lumine in 1565 when Grigori Kosh made his way to Chistovodia to the north of Vinalia. Although Soravia had established a colonial presence in the Asterias it lagged behind in development and economical value from other colonial nations, Chistovodia proved too cold for the extensive agriculture employed by other colonial empires. Expeditions south had been planned, Soravian explorers were keen on finding a passage way to the western colonies of other Euclean powers. The first to launch an expedition south was Afanasij Orlev who set sail from Fort Ruda in Chistovodia with 3 ships, the Kazymyr (Casimir), Peremozhnyy (Victorious), and Vira (Faith). Orlev mapped large sections of the Chistovodian, and Vinalian coast but with few results and a dwindling stockpile, Orlev made downfall at the mouth of the Medvid River where he established Fort Orlev, in modern day Orlavo on April 19th. Orlev was the first Soravian to describe the indigenous Vinakians, which historians believe were of Zapoyan origin. He noted the differences between the indigenous people of Vinalia and Chistovodia, and suggested the establishment of a second colony for this exact reason. Orlev would die in Fort Orlev the following year, after famine struck Fort Orlev, nearly killing all of its inhabitants. Famed Soravian explorer Grigori Kosh sought to continue the voyage started by Orlev as he explored further south, with a grand fleet of 10 vessels in 1567. The expedition established 5 forts on the coasts of the country the most prominent of which was Catherinsk, and Fort Ivan (later Ivanovo). Kosh would make his voyage north to rule over Chistovodia as its governor the following year, leaving Evhen Mazeia to govern the geographically isolated forts on the coast. The areas south of the Bin River proved to be of hotter climate, and could be used for the plantation and growing of cash crops most prominently sugar. Although Kosh had established Catherinsk on the northern shore of the Chyhyryn river, and colonists began to look favorably to the region, do to its climate. Povelian colonists had already established settlements on the region south of the Chyhyryn river. Conflict soon arose over where the boundaries were to be set of the colony of Novo Poveja, and Vinalia. Although the region between Chyhyryn and the Meka rivers was lightly populated by Povelian colonists. Soravia lacked the resources to wage a war against Povelia and its allies, nor was Povelia interested in conflict with Soravia. In 1573 the boundaries between both colonies were established at the Chyhyryn river.
By the 1560's the Mazanan Empire had large sections of the empire depopulated as a result of the various epidemics that had struck the empire, with its power heavily dwindled, and facing constant challenge from its subjects. Itzel had been able to escape the fate of the Mazanan Empire, and initially traded with the Soravians through Fort Orlev, mostly in the form of furs. The Mazanan Empire weary of the Soravians initially sought to trade with the colonizers, sending a royal delegation in 1571 to Fort Kosh on the Shyroniy river, which at the time lay entirely in Mazanan hands. The delegation upon witnessing the state of the colony and its inhabitants quickly marched north to Hun-Cane. King Teyaticue seeing an opportunity, dispatched an army to the fort, quickly destroying and overwhelming the few dozens of settlers. The destruction of Fort Kosh, and the strong weather experienced, hampered efforts to resupply the remaining 5 forts, with famine like conditions in Catherinsk. Following a letter to Emperor Ivan VI asking for aid, a great fleet under the command of Josep Mykola was dispatched to Vinalia, including a large contingent of soldiers, which arrived to Catherinsk in 1572. At the time Fort Ivan on the island of Kisharsk had proven to be the most resilient settlement in the colony, and thus was chosen to be the first settlement to start growing sugar, which had been brought for exploitation in Vinalia as a Cash crop. Cocoa also began to be grown in the colony, and enjoyed export into Soravia.
Josep Mykola had sought to explore the Shyroniy river, as rumors reported the Mazanan capital of Hun-Cane on its banks with a large reserve of gold. Mykola launched an expedition through the river on December 1573, encountering deserted towns and villages. Upon reaching Hun-Cane, Teyaticue sought to reach a peace deal with the Soravians by inviting them into the city, but Mykola captured and held as hostage Teyaticue, forcing the Mazananians to surrender all their gold or fear the death of their. After Teyaticue died in Soravian custody mere days after his capture, Mazananians forces inside the city attempted to expulse the Soravians from the city. During the fighting Mykola and his men escaped the city, and set it ablaze hunting down any Calkhunians which escaped the city. The fall of Hun-Cane caused a ripple effect throughout the empire, as forces loyal to Teyaticues nephew, Teq'un sought to maintain control of the empire as all its subjects launched into revolt. Mykola would finish his journey across the Shyroniy in August 1574, after having fought and destroyed numerous Calkhun armies and cities, utilizing the help of native allies. The fall of the Calkhun Empire started a period of instability, and inner fighting in the region which only benefitted the Soravian colonizers. Itzel itself would be abandoned in 1580, after a Swine flu outbreak wiped out the population of the city.
By 1580, the colony was experiencing a great period of prosperity as sugar plantations expanded throughout the colony. Sugar was the primary crop grown in the country, although Cocoa, Maize, Rice, and Beans were grown in significant quantities throughout the country as well. The colonies struggled with acquiring sufficient laborers, following the death of the enslaved indigenous populations. A system of Indentured servants maintained free passage for any and all who wished to migrate to Vinalia, although this system initially resolved the issue, Vinalian sugar was uncompetitive when compared to Povelian, or Gaullican colonial sugar, which relied on cheap and easily accessible Bahian slaves. To remain competitive, Soravia began to buy slaves from other colonial powers to ensure sufficient labor in the colony.On May 16th 1584 a ship carrying 33 Bahian slaves arrived in Fort Ivan, starting the Soravian involvement in the Transvehemens slave trade. By 1650 close to 50,000 Bahian slaves had been brought to Vinalia to work mostly in the Sugar plantations of Kisharsk, Soravian slave traders transported slaves directly from Bahia to Vinalia. The introduction of Tobacco to Vinalia in 1609, brought a wave of migration to the north of the colony, which had mostly remained devoid of settlement do to the sugar plantations of the south. Tobacco proved to be a major success, and Vinalia enjoyed vast attention from Soravia do to its profitable plantations.
The success of the Yellow Tree War in Chistovodia, was met with great enthusiasm as Vinalian authorities sought to replicate the same process. Large scale fighting against the Zapoyan population resumed in 1622, as colonial authorities sought to "clean up" the Shyroniy river basin, the campaign proved highly demanding in manpower and resources as the Zapoyan cities were more cohesive than the Batiskas of Chistovodia. Such a long drawn out campaign had disappointed colonial authorities and expansion into the interior dragged out in the same manner as expansion in Chistovodia. By 1643 the governor of Vinalia, Yakiv Afanasijovych announced that the country had been "cleaned up", with most natives forced into Provbudyn "holding houses", or into Cocoa, and Kokhineal plantations known as майноs, located deep in the mountains where conditions were harsh under indentured servitude. Vinalia exploration and expansion beyond the Juyu Ruwach mountains was slow do to the hostility of the terrain in the Tziran Desert, and today few people live west of the Juyu Ruwach mountains. Following the exploration of Zalyk explorers west of the Juyu Ruwach, colonial authorities sought to settled "unwanted" populations on the discovered lands, Zalykians and natives were settled sometimes forcefully by Soravian authorities in this region. The discovery of Silver brought a wave of settlers into the region in the 1670s.
Soravian colonization 1700-1863
Although the borders of both the Povelian colony of Ardesia, and Vinalia had been defined by the Chyhyryn river in 1568. Vinalian settlers remained unsatisfied with the arrangement, Povelian sugar operations south of the Chyhyryn were highly profitable, and some Soravian settlers had made their way south of the river, and began growing sugar, some converting to Catholicism in the process. This caused concern on both sides of the river, although Soravian settlers near the coast where most sugar was grown, was relatively small. Large numbers of Soravian settlers had settled further inland, causing tensions between settlers of both colonies. Border raids were common between both sides, usually utilizing Zapoyan allied forces to launch raids and plunder. Colonial settlers desired the sugar rich coasts of Novo Poveja for expansion and more favorable trading routes, along with ensuring the protection of Catherinsk. Following a major raid by Vinalian settlers into Novo Poveja, Frederick I sent soldiers to the river to both ensure no further raids were launched by Vinalian settlers while also looking to expand Soravian military presence in the Asterias. The Soravian Arucian squadron stationed in Kisharsk, was the primary naval asset in the region, and it was greatly expanded by Frederick, who sought to keep Povelian and Gaullican naval forces in the Arucian in check. The construction of numerous forts in the Chyhyryn river strengthened Vinalia's position.
In 1711 conflict erupted in Euclea with the Ten Year's War erupting in the continent. Povelia and Estmere found themselves against Soravia, all 3 countries had vast colonial interests in the region. The news were welcomed by Vinalian settlers who began to plan a major campaign south of the river, the Soravian Arucian squadron aided in this operations pursuing and blockading Povelian ports throughout the Arucian, going as far east as Nassea in modern Gapolania. Although Soravian authorities remained hesitant of committing large forces to the Asterian front, Vinalian militias began attacking and launching large scale operations into Novo Poveja. Vinalian militias seized control of forts across the Chyhyryn, while the Soravian Arucian squadron received further aid from Soravia. However on April 1712, the Soravian fleet was defeated in the battle of the Cubulco Gulf, this defeat eliminated Soravian threats to Povelian colonies. This defeat was followed by a major Estmerish-Povelian fleet which decisively defeated Soravian naval forces in 1714 in the Battle of the Strait of Secanton, allowing both nations to launch an invasion of Kisharsk in 1714 and occupying the island. Soravian defeats were followed by a major Povelian invasion of mainland Vinalia on Fenruary 1714, with most of Vinalia south of the Shyroniy river occupied by Povelia in 1717. Gaullican entry into the conflict in 1717, and strong results in Euclea, led to renewed Soravian support for Vinalia, a joint Gaullican-Soravian-Paretian naval squadron successfully engaged Estmerish and Povelian forces during the 1719 decisive Battle of the Arucian, allowing Soravian forces to retake Kisharsk and launch a major campaign against Povelia in the mainland with 5,000 soldiers. Retaking all lost territory and invading Novo Poveja with the aid of Paretia from their colony in Marchenia.
The end of the 10 Years War, resulted in Vinalia expanding to the Meka River, its modern border with Ardesia. Vinalia by 1750 was among the wealthiest colonial holdings of Euclean nations in the Asterias, by 1760 sugar exports from the island of Kisharsk valued more than the total export of Chistovodia. Increasingly large plantation estates worked by slaves and indigenous indentured servants became a common sight all throughout southern Vinalia, by 1765 its estimated close to 75,000 slaves lived in Vinalia, almost all exclusively owned by large southern sugar plantation owners, most landowners however operated small scale plantations mostly of Cotton, or Kokhineal with few to no slaves, and a large population of indentured Vinakians, and serfs as labor force. In contrast the North of Vinalia increasingly moved away from large scale Tobacco plantations and cash crops in general, territories north of the Bin river increasingly relied on growing Corn, Beans, Kokhineal, and Wheat which were not crops that required extensive labor, thus reducing the size of large scale estates in the north with small scale farms being most prominent, this along with a larger landowning class in contrast with the south resulted in a wider distribution of wealth and power. The introduction of Indigo to Vinalia in 1763 allowed small scale farmers in both regions to enter into the profitable market which required less labor. As Euclean states increasingly sought to limit slavery, southern Vinalian planters remained hostile and opposed to the idea and were successful in delaying Soravian exit from the international slave trade until 1800, and eventual outlawing of slavery for Bahian slaves in 1812. However the economic and social conditions in Soravia had worsened, and following the 1797 famine, large numbers of serfs made their way into Vinalia, fearing competition with slaves for labor, small scale farmers and white serfs opposed slavery. By 1812, most sugar plantations relied on Vinakian indentured servants and thus Vinalia remained a strong agricultural producer.
With the onset of Revolution throughout the Asterias during the late 18th and early 19th century, Soravian fears of Asterian revolt increased. Soravian garrisons in Vinalia and Chistovodia increased in size during this period. This made colonists suspicious of Soravian. Following the revolutions and the ban on Slavery throughout the continent, Vinalia was able to compete with the rest of the continent to export its goods. As Vinalian goods made their way into Eastern Euclea, the number of migrants from Soravia increased. Between 1799 and 1824 close to 500,000 made their way to Vinalia, the surplus of labor allowed merchants to sell cheap products to Euclea for a large profit. Between 1820 and 1840, the rise of Industrialization *insert switch to Cotton* *Add Gowsas into it again around the 1840's*
Independence and Union with Chistovodia (1863-1885)
After achieving independence in 1865 from Soravia following the Conflict that leads to the independence of Chistovodia, Chistovodia gained independence from Soravia. Vinalia became a Federal Republic under the stipulations of the Third Varva Congress of 1864, with numerous freedoms and rights granted to Vinalia. The issue was one still hotly contested in Vinalia, as many saw union with Chistovodia as continued colonization, the threat of Ardesia made many Vinalians reluctant for complete independence. The Democratic Front of Chornovil continued Vinalia as an agrarian nation. However with the emancipation of the serfs upon independence created issues for plantation owners and former serfs. The Vinalian government began a program of sharecropping, similar to the one employed for freed Bahian slaves 50 years prior. The establishment of "Trudivnk"s (Tenant Labourer), which were usually recently freed serfs and indigenous workers, who lived on plantations and rented the land from a landlord to who they paid rent in crop, Trudivnks were additionally charged with rent and the right to live on the plantations, other basic necessities were provided by the landlord at inflated costs. Trudivnk contracts usually lasted 5 years after which a worker could move from plantation to plantation, unless they owed debt to the landlord. In an effort to further gain more arable land, the майно system was established, майноs were usually 50 acres and were granted to landowners who would construct and maintain necessary amenities for the upkeep of the farm. During this period Colonial era plantations in the coasts continued producing sugar while colonial era plantations further inland switched to producing Cotton, which grew in demand in both Chistovodia and Soravia do to industrialization, while newly established майноs favored Kokhineal, and Coffee. However by the 1880's the Kokhineal market had collapsed do to the development of synthetic dyes in Euclea, making Coffee the primary crop of майноs.
The discovery of Coal, and Iron deposits in the north of Vinalia in the 1860's led to Chistovodian investment into the north of Vinalia as mining and iron mills began to be constructed in the country. These investments grew exponentially during the government of Vadym Oksamit and the Social Front, between 1875 and 1878. The Chistovodian government along with investors, funded the construction of the Morechia-Orlavo Railroad which became the first railroad built in Vinalia, while construction on Telegraph lines increasingly connected Vinalia with Chistovodia. Vinalian coal and cotton fueled the factories of Chistovodia, and many began to see Vinalia as a colony of Chistovodia. Omelyan Sahaidachny a wealthy businessman increasingly saw Chistovodia as an oppresive power, Chistovodian laws established favorable trade relations for Chistovodians as the government barred the export of coal and industrial goods from Vinalia to other powers primarily Soravia. These laws forced Vinalian industrialists to trade unfavorably with Chistovodian buyers. Sahaidachny became president in 1878, and increasingly challenged federal authority, numerous times going against law and direction from Misto Myru. Although initially elected by the Democratic Front, Sahaidachny increasingly led a coalition of dissenters against Chistovodia raging from opposition to increased centralization to full blown secessionists. The 1881 Trade Laws, restricted Vinalias access to the international market forcing plantation owners to sell at low prices to Chistovodian buyers, forcing planters to lay off their Trudivnks and evict them from their lands. This move quickly inspired Vinalian militias to begin operations and acts of opposition to the Chistovodian government, which they blamed for losing their homes and lands. These acts of rebellion were sometimes supported by Sahaidachny himself, prompting Chistovodian military response.
Following the death of numerous Chistovodian soldiers in Catherinsk in an attack on April 22th 1882, the Chistovodian Assembly dissolved the Congress of Vinalia and deposing Sahaidachny from his post a week later on the 29th, instead assigning Oleksandr Shukhevych a loyalist to the post. This move prompted the Vinalian Congress and Sahaidachny to declare the Chistovodian Assembly and constitution void, Sahaidachny fearing general conflict as had been seen 20 years attempted to negotiate with Chistovodia, but with the backing of the Vinalian Congress declared independence on May 5th, 1882.
First Vinalian Republic (1885-1935)
Following independence, Vinalia involved itself in a extensive program of public infrastructure building, President Valentyn Goloborodko favored a policy of rapid government growth to help the nation to rebuild from the conflict, and improve the economic situation of the government. His ambitious 1895 plan called for the government to grow in size to rebuild the nation and then naturally return to a manageable size so as to not infringe on the rights of Vinalians. Goloborodko's presidency saw Vinalia rebuild from the war, along with the construction of numerous railways and canals in the country. Although his presidency was received well by the common populace and northern industrialists, Southern agricultural planters saw their influence and power curtailed by Northern industrialists, Goloborodko lost the 1889 Election to Halyna Prohasko of the Episemialist Democratic Party, which favored reduced government power, and less public investment. The Federal-Democratic Party continued Goloborodko's vision, and both parties fought for control of the government. Prohasko continued oversaw the construction of the Trans-Juyu Ruwach Railroad which provided a direct link between these territories and the coastal cities of the country, through this railroad minerals such as Iron, Copper, and Coal were brought into the North where industrialization continued. The 12 year control of the Federal-Democrats between 1894 and 1906 under the presidencies of Markiyan Kopyl, and Rostyslav Nechuy, saw the country become increasingly industrialized, as workers moved to northern cities to work in factories, and mills. Vinalias population is estimated to have grown by over 70% between 1870 and 1910, including 100,000 immigrants primarily from Soravia who increasingly settled in cities.
The rapid industrialization and population growth saw increasing Overcrowding, Race riots, and unsanitary conditions in the industrial cities of the north along with long hours, and low pay created tensions in the cities. Such conditions resulted in the 1906 election of Davyd Dragomanov which returned the Episemialist Democrats to power, Dragomanov instituted several reforms to curtail these conditions, but increasingly failed to contain the subject of public discontent. The rise of the Vinalian Section of the Workers International (VSWI) among industrial workers, led to several General strikes between 1910 and 1918, Dragomanov increasingly used the army to breakup Labour Unions, and strikes in the country. The 1913 Orlavo General Coal Strike, saw 2,000 soldiers engage in a 3 day battle with over 25,000 coal strikers in Orlavo, leading to 314 deaths. The period known as the "Bloody Decade" saw general civil and government instability between 1909 and 1922. The Depression of 1913 decimated Vinalia's economy as the export of Agricultural, and Mineral products collapsed.
Dragomanov was defeated in 1914 by Avhust Martynova of the Federal-Democrats who sought to stop the collapse of the economy do to the depression, but was unable to curtail public unrest. On March 10th, 1916 200 people died following a fire in an overcrowded food bank. Martynova was unable to curtail the growing concerns of the population, and was shot and killed on June 29th, 1916 by a VSWI revolutionary, prompting the first Red Scare in Vinalia, which only inspired further resistance, over 5,000 were arrested for "Anti-Vinalian" activities as members of the VSWI. Functionalist groups such as the Vinalian League of Nationalists (VLN) rose to prominence fighting both VSWI forces and the government. The rise Functionalism in Ardesia in 1914 created concerns for Vinalia regarding its territorial integrity, and the VLN routinely engaged in violence against Ardesians. The 1918 victory of Episemialist Democrat Konai Shwetz, saw a reduction in violence as Vinalia slowly recovered from the depression, although 25% of Vinalians remained unemployed in 1920, a reduction from 37% in 1915. Konai attempted to calm worker unions and the VSWI which had returned to prominence by releasing political prisoners, and introducing a minimum wage. Such efforts were crushed when in 1920, coal miners on strike in Vunet, Rigalia were massacred by the Vinalian military leading to the death of 124 workers and their families. The massacre soured the rest of Shwetz's term.
Dymtro Antonov was elected in 1921 running a platform of stronger opposition to Dinis Montecaras aggressive functionalist government. Supporting vast modernization efforts and increase of personnel in the Vinalian army to counter their aggression. Following a military exercise in Catherinsk by the Vinalian armed forces, Ardesia invaded on July 19th, 1925 starting the Chyhyryn War. Vinalian forces were quickly overwelmed and forced behind the Chyhyryn river into Velkarichka and Catherinsk. Brutal Urban warfare followed as Vinalian forces fought to defend both cities. Vinalian forces abandoned Velkarichka on November, 1925, and following an encirclement surrendered Catherinsk on January 1926. Ardesian forces would cross the Shyroniy river, isolating New Samistopol than attempt to storm it. Ardesian forces were delayed by weather and Vinalian attacks, but reached the Bin river on August 1926. Following a failed counter-offensive by Vinalian forces in September, Hennadiy Merkushko was elected to enter into an armistice with Ardesia. A military occupation zone called the Shyroniy Administrative Council was established south of the Shyroniy river, and remained separate of Ardesia until 1929 when it was annexed as the province of Granoso. The rest of Vinalia became the Vinalian Salvation Government a collaborationist client-state to Ardesia under Merkushko until 1929, when he was removed from the post by Eric Hodza in a coup. Hozda provided Ardesia with labourers, and resources, along with officially joining the war on the side of the Entente. A Vinalian Government-in-exile was established in the AFR, following the armistice headed by Ozar Tychinka.
Vinalia struggle (1935-1993)
The declaration of the People's Republic of Vinalia, brought on the start of the First Vinalian Civil War in 1930. Socialist forces gained quick victories securing Orlavo in 1931, but quickly stalled after that. Terror unleashed by both Veteran leagues against Ardesians, and Socialists left thousands dead. On October 1931, Merkushko was murdered by an Ardesian nationalist and Tychinka replaced him, the defeat of Ardesia on February 1932 allowed Vinalia to invade the country and re-occupy the 1925 borders. Such victories allowed Tychinka to renew attacks on the Socialists, with great success which were quickly stalled by the weather and Chistovodian support for North Vinalia following the general victory of Socialists in that nations civil war. Socialist forces turned back Republican armies and fearing a general rout, Mykhaylo Baibuza leader of the Velkarichka League of Veterans launched a coup to remove Tychinka and stabilized the front line on April 1932, preventing a republican collapse. With foreign support reaching Baibuza with the end of the conflict, both sides settled into an uneasy stalemate in 1933. On April 1934 a ceasefire was agreed to, splitting the country roughly down the Bin River.
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Following independence in a period known as the Vinalian Struggle, saw both Vinalia's engage in a state of animosity and open conflict to overcome the other. The North Vinalia first attempted to take control of the South of the nation in 1933, the First Vinalian Civil War saw both nations accomplish little between 1933 and 1935, when peace was reached after stalemate between the two. Both nations sought support from foreign powers, in an attempt to overtake the other. The native Vinakian population was highly sympathetic of North Vinalia and conducted a guerrilla war against the South under the Vinakian Liberation Front, called the Dirty War. In 1941, the Second Vinalian Civil War between 1941 and 1942 began, and saw the North nearly defeated by a stronger Southern army, which quickly gained large amounts of land, it was only stopped after the involvement of foreign powers in aid of the North. Further Northern attacks, including the Siege of Mollas saw thousands dead, but after some offensives had reconquered lost land in 1942 the war ended inconclusively with Southern forces still occupying large sections of land from the North. A Community of Nations mission maintained a Demilitarized zone between the two following what was stipulated in the Cuanstad Agreements which served as the basis for all subsequent agreements, following peace oppression and war between the South and the VLF intensified. Both nations again with foreign support rebuilt their forces and prepared for an eventual war. Such war would result in the 1955 31 Day War, which saw North Vinalian forces occupying the strategic heights of the Voly Na, and regaining some of the lost territory of the previous war.
Both Vinalia's would crash again in 1961 in the Third Vinalian Civil War, which saw the North launch a pre-emptive strike against the South, as had been done against them in 1941. The war was characterized by a rapid Northern push regaining all the lost land since 1941, the Siege of Jangorod, and the civilian bombings carried out by both sides resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths. The Siege of Jangorod was among the deadliest battles of the entire conflict, with the city under siege and intensive shelling since the start of the war in November, the surrender of the city the 18th of March broke Southern more and the North was able to launch multiple attacks however by 1962 with a worsening situation in Asteria Superior between Marchenia, and Chistovodia supporting opposing sides of the conflict, peace would be reached between both Vinalia's as foreign support stopped do to the conflict between the both regional powers, the North providing aid to it's Chistovodian allies. The September Coup saw the end of the South Vinalian democratic government with the installation of a military junta led by General Stefan Tretyak, in 1966 the New Nation Movement of Danylo Palij reached leadership of the North following Kirenian ideals of the same time, denouncing religion and other Southern ideals. The Dirty War switched to it's most brutal state as systematic killing of Vinakian populations by the Southern government resulted in the deaths of over 3,000 Vinakians and what is called a Genocide. In the North the radical Episemialist League conducted terror attacks in the North during this period, most prominently those aimed against the Orlavo Metro. The Kotenko brothers would in 1968 organize a coup on Tretyak overthrowing him, with Dmytro Kotenko "the Elder" becoming president of the nation.
In 1975 the 31 Day War began after Northern forces invaded the South, initially a Northern rapid advance was experienced but with support from Marirana, the South was able to counter attack inflicting heavy casualties and obtaining large swathes of land, soon the North had been decisively defeated, ending the New Nation movement. The South would undergo a period of political isolation as coverage on the Dirty War brought the reduction of support from Southern allies, the North of Orest Ishkan began a process of economic recovery and reconstruction which was highly contrasted by the economically depressed, and isolated South which was beginning to crumble do to internal strife between the juntas, following the death of Dmytro in 1980 and Artem "the younger" being perceived as weak. Artem would face coups in 1982, 1983, and July and December 1986. In 1987 the South would launch the 12 Day War, which would see a Southern attempt to knock out the North, which it perceived as weaker following reduction expansion of it's army and a perceived worldwide Socialist retreat. Northern forces however were able to resist such attack, and soon launched a counter attack quickly pushing the South inflicting heavy casualties and opening the road to Velkarichka. Facing imminent collapse from inner issues do to large scale democratic protests, and Northern armored columns approaching, the South signed an armistice the 12th of July 1987, with the North. The July Revolution would see the return of Democracy to the South under the leadership of Vladyslava Danylivna, the daughter of a murdered Southern politician in the September Coup of 1962. The Treaty of Vina reached a peace accord between both nations.
Reunification
With the end of the war, and the Treaty of Vina establishing peace, both nations seeked common ground to ensure no further conflict in the region, in 1988 a Partnership was established to further relationships between the two nations. The concept of Vinalian Reunification which had been revived in the North following the downfall of the New Nation, and had regained prevalence, and in the south with both nations now full democracies with little to wager war with grew, the establishment of a Vinalian Unionist Party in both states in 1987 under the leadership of Narlow. In the 1988 elections the Unionist Party would gain large victories in the North and South. The 1989 Reunification referendum would earn in favor of reunification 78% support in the North and 70% in the South.
Reunification between both governments would take until 1993 when the Treaty of Vinalian Reunification or TVR, with the decision to create a new nation, split into two constituent states North and South, along the lines of the Vina Treaty. It was agreed that the branches of government would be split between Orlavo (Legislative), and Velkarichka (Judicial, and Executive) in the south, a new capital was to be found to house all 3 branches in the middle of both states which ultimately became the planned city of Vinalinsk. To ensure proper representation the President and the Minister-President would be split between North and South, along with a constituent parliament following the rules of the federal parliament for the states. The TVR would be signed on the XXXXX of XXXX, to come into effect the following day ending 60 years of separation for both nations. Northern Minister-President Oleksandr Artemovych would become Minister-President with Southern President Vladyslava Danylivna becoming president, until elections next year, where Vladyslava would lead the Unionist party to its first victory and become Minister-President appointing Oleksandr as President.
Vinalia had following reunification large scale poverty and economic inequality in the south, it also found most of the South's infrastructure in a bad state following years of neglect and the civil war. Vinalia at first attempted to bridge the economic gap between both sides through large scale investment programs in the south, but downturn in the North forced Vinalia to seek other routes. Hallandic interests in the country primarily it's mining industry established the first of a series of economic partnerships between both nations in 1998. By the year 2002 Economic downturn had been replaced by a resurgent South which through years of investment had recovered and established itself as a prosperous market for investment by governments in the North. Vinalia has maintained a steady growth and reduced poverty from 30% in 1995, to just 10% in 2005, and reduced income inequality, establishing itself as a low cost prosperous nation, under the guidance of the Unionist Party.
Vinalian foreign policy sought to establish Vinalia as a neutral power, and to distance itself from its north neighbor. Chistovodian influences in sectors such as energy where the Chistvodian owned Chisvin Nuclear Power plant provided Vinalia with close to 40% of its energy needs, along with the economic sector as Chistovodia was the destination of 80% of North Vinalian exports, and with the previous collapse of the southern economy, nearly 70% of all Vinalian exports in 1995. In an effort to diversify its economy and with the prospect of large oil deposits on the East Arucian Sea, Vinalia struck a major deal in 1996 with Soravia. The Soravian-Vinalian Friendship deal established vast cooperation schemes between both countries. The Vinalian Mining Sector fell increasingly under foreign control with Soravian firms being allowed access to previous Government owned mining corporations, Soravian companies began operating factories and employing Vinalian workers. Most prominently the Soravian state-owned oil company Dernafkom began exploration and cooperation with the Vinalian state-owned PetroVinalia, helping in the establishment of the Vinalian Petrochemical sector. The privatization and the selling of shares in Vinalian companies including state-owned companies caused great controversy in the Vinalian electorate, considerable opposition existed to the selling of national companies to foreign entities. This controversy is believed to have been one of the main driving forces that led to the victory of the Workers Party in the 1998 elections, and Svyatoslav Lyashenko's Minister-Presidency. Lyashenko stopped this drive to privatize and sell off assets of the government, but budget constraints along with internal politics continued to limit his ability to reduce government spending. Although several reforms in health, and education allowed the country to establish a list of internal goals and metrics to reach in both areas, and is highly credited in improving the quality of life in Vinalia.
The landslide victory of the Conservative Party in 2008, led to a renewed desire to privatize government-owned enterprises and reduce subsidies. Hryhorivna opened PetroVinalia to foreign investment and acquisitions, the first of which materialized in 2009 with Eldmarkian Petrochemical conglomerate Westermarck AB, acquiring shares in PetroVinalia and expanding PetroVinalia's operations in Eldmark under their own brand. Further sells to Eldmarkian companies occurred mainly in the mining sector with Vinalian mining giant Yellow Light holdings which had remained completely under government control selling various shares and assets to primarily Eldmarkian, and Rizealander mining companies.
Modern Day
In 2008 for the first time since reunification the Unionist Party would not be the largest party in Parliament instead with the Conservative party of Ulyana Hryhorivna surging ahead. Hryhorivna saw a Conservative-Unionist government run Vinalia from 2008 to 2015. During this time, the economy grew considerably although issues of wealth inequality primarily between urban and rural populations grew. Hryhorivna enjoyed growing popularity do to a booming economy, and strong agricultural, and industrial exports, oil production in the country grew the country from the worlds 30th largest producer to the 17th largest, leading to large revenues for the government. The country surged forward with the construction of Vinalinsk, the planned capital city of Vinalia, it was an stipulation in the Treaty of Reunification which had remained a contentious issue, as many believed a split division of political power between both constituent states ensured stability. Hryhorivna made it a political goal to build the city as Vinalia's new capital, it was announced that it would become operational in 2013 by Hryhorivna in 2008, but had been delayed until 2019 by 2014. Growing costs and labor strikes delayed the construction of the new capital, along with issues regarding ambitions for the city. On March 2015, after several federal police raids on Kulach Constructions, a Vinalian construction company working in Vinalinsk, discovered Misappropriation of public funds, and overpriced contracts on Kulach Constructions who had Hryhorivnas Minister of Finances, Badiul Machna family in the board of directors. The corruption scandal prompted Hryhorivna to call for a snap election in June, with a growing public investigation into the Cabinet and the Minister-President, along with the influential Freedom Party breaking away from the Conservative Party, resulted in the defeat of the Conservative led government. The Unionist party became the largest party in parliament and with the threat of a possible Freedom-Nationalist government which threatened the union of Vinalia. Turden Najic was elected Minister-President following the establishment of a Unionist-Workers-Conservative alliance which prevented a Freedom-Nationalist alliance from creating a minority government.
Turden's leadership would maintain the prosperous conditions of the Ulyana Government, and would in 2018 lead to the largest Unionist victory in history. Turden would step down from leading the party, and Omelyan Pavlov would be elected as Minister-President. Turden in 2015 began the process of replanning the city to reduce costs, and move the opening date to 2020. With the establishment of a new capital the last unfulfilled commitment of the Treaty was completed. Omelyan Pavlov would win a second term in 2021 establishing a ruling government between the Unionist and Workers party, after the Conservative party abandoned the ruling coalition.
Geography
Vinalia is located between latitudes 19° and 28°N, and longitudes 95° and 107°E in the southeastern portion of Asteria Superior. It borders Chistovodia to its north, the Kosene sea to the northeast, the East Arucian Sea to the east and southeast, Ardesia to the south and southwest, and Marchenia to the west of the country. Vinalia's total area is 528,102 km2 (203,901 sq mi), making it among the smallest countries in the world. Vinalia's coastline with the Kosene Sea and the East Arucian is long and numerous islands exist the largest of which is Kisharsk off Vinalia across the Kisharsk strait and the furthest is the volcanic island of Apostola 175 kilometres (108 miles) in the East Arucian.
Vinalia's borders with its neighbors were mostly defined during the colonial era, its border with Chistovodia stems from an 1800's royal decree which defined the Colonial borders of the Soravian empire. Its border with Ardesia is defined by the X river, while its border with Marchenia was defined in the 1940's following numerous disputes regarding the location of the border.
Vinalia is split in the middle by the Juyu Ruwach mountains which divide the country into two, the lush and fertile lowlands east of the Juyu Ruwach and the more desertlike in the south west of the country and arid in the north as the rain shadow effect is less decisive as the Juyu Ruwach are less elevated the further north you go. The Tziran desert in the southwest of the country is among the driest in the world and it extends into neighboring Marchenia, although few rivers exist west of the Juyu Ruwach some streams exist that empty into salt lakes as the area west of the Juyu Ruwach are an endorheic basin, to the north of the Tziran the Juyu Ruwach reduce in height and lead to arid plains from which the Nazar Plateau rises, the plateau is referred to as a Tablytsya "table" in Soravian, do its flat surface at its highest point it rises to 1,500 m (5,000 ft) above sea level. The southern areas of the country are highly lush and fertile farmlands with dense and thick jungle in a large plain and lowlands. Its tropical weather makes the region highly fertile and is where large quantities of crops are grown and cultivated since the establishment of Vinalia, it features large and navigable rivers such as the Shryoniy (vinalia's longest), and Chyhyryn rivers which provide ample water for agriculture, this region experiences months of humid weather. To its north the hilly areas of the Bin river which historically separated both Vinalia's give way to a more temperate weather with mixed forests appearing in the inner regions of the country with the coastal regions maintaining a humid subtropical climate.
Vinalia's highest point is Mount Vulna at 4220 m (13,845 ft). Mount Vulna is one of some 30 volcanoes in Vinalia, of which only 3 remain active: Hromleten 3,329 m (10,922 ft) which erupts on a constant basis, Vsyki 3,011 m (9,879ft) which last erupted in 2015, and Cathara 2,168 m (7,113 ft) which last erupted in 2021. Vinalia's lowest point is Mertre point -34 m (−112 ft) below sea level which is located inside the Cherisok depression inside the Tziran desert.
Mount Vulna the tallest volcano and mountain in Vinalia.
Panorama of the Juyu Ruwach mountains.
Chudzekal salt flats
Zalani lake with Zalan volcano in the background.
Chyhyryn River on the Juyu Ruwach.
View in the Island of Kisharsk
Nazar Plateau a large plateau on the northwestern side of the country.
Nizhna Arch in Nicholas Arches National Park
Beach on the island of Apostola
Laila Waterfall on South Bin province
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Climate
Vinalia is a country with diverse climate regions. The Tropic of Cancer, divides the country into two major regions a temperate northern and southern tropical regions, with the Juyu Ruwach Mountains additionally dividing the country into 3 major regions. Land north of the Tropic of Cancer and east of the Juyu Ruwach experiences cooler temperatures during the winter months. South of the Tropic of Cancer and east of the Juyu Ruwach, temperatures are fairly constant year round and vary solely as a function of elevation. With the regions west of the Juyu Ruwach are more arid, with significant divisions between the northern region which is more temperate, while the southern region is is characterized by hot summers and cold winters.
The Southern region corresponds mostly with regions south of the Bin River, they're wetter with heavy rainfall closer to the mountains as a result of the Rain shadow of the Juyu Ruwach. This region features tropical rainforest, monsoon, and savannah. This region has historically been the center of Vinalian agriculture, this is a result of a long growing season in the region. The region is prone to flooding, and Landslides along with storms during its wet season. This region historically does not receive snow outside of extreme elevations.
The Northern region corresponds from the north of the Bin River, the region is more temperate. Its less wet than the southern regions but still displays considerable precipitation. The region is characterized by dry long summers, Summer high temperatures are typically in the high 20s to mid-30s °C (80s or 90s °F), while overnight lows in the summer are typically in the lower 20s °C (70s °F). Coastal locations showcase strong strong differences in their dry and wet months, while inland cities are considerably less wet. Oceanic climates exist further inland, these feature reliable precipitation throughout the year and have mild summers. Snow is uncommon in this northern region aside from locations of extreme altitude like Mount Vulna or in the highlands deep inland.
The Western regions corresponds to the areas west of the Juyu Ruwach mountains. This region can be divided into two, with a southern region featuring hot desert where the highest temperatures in Vinalia are recorded called the Tziran Desert, and a much milder northern region in the Nazar Plateau and surrounding regions. The region is characterized by long, hot summers and cold winters. With rainfall being extremely low in the south averaging 7 inches (177.8 mm) with about 23 in (580 mm) in the north. This is a result of the rain shadow effect the Juyu Ruwach mountains create. Moisture upon reaching the 3800 m (12467 ft) tall mountains unloads moisture in the eastern face of the mountains reducing the amount of water that can travel and thus fall west of the mountains. As the mountains reduce in height to the north the milder climate of the Nazar Plateau appears and its increased precipitation. Dust storms are common in the Nazar Plateau, and some major dust storms are known to travel east of the Juyu Ruwach and drop sand in the lowlands to the east, this is a result of the flatness of the Plateau. Dust storms frequently bring nutrients to the lowlands. Snowfall is uncommon in the Nazar Plateau and unheard of south it, do to the hot conditions of the Tziran Desert.
| Climate data for Casimirsk (normals 1971–2000, extremes 1961–2000) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 27.2 (81.0) |
28.6 (83.5) |
32.1 (89.8) |
32.4 (90.3) |
36.2 (97.2) |
36.6 (97.9) |
39.1 (102.4) |
38.0 (100.4) |
37.6 (99.7) |
34.8 (94.6) |
32.5 (90.5) |
29.6 (85.3) |
39.1 (102.4) |
| Average high °C (°F) | 18.3 (64.9) |
18.5 (65.3) |
21.6 (70.9) |
25.7 (78.3) |
29.3 (84.7) |
31.5 (88.7) |
32.8 (91.0) |
32.7 (90.9) |
31.5 (88.7) |
28.8 (83.8) |
24.5 (76.1) |
20.6 (69.1) |
26.3 (79.4) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 13.9 (57.0) |
15.2 (59.4) |
18.1 (64.6) |
21.4 (70.5) |
24.8 (76.6) |
26.8 (80.2) |
27.9 (82.2) |
27.8 (82.0) |
26.5 (79.7) |
23.7 (74.7) |
19.1 (66.4) |
14.5 (58.1) |
22 (72) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 10.3 (50.5) |
11.7 (53.1) |
15.2 (59.4) |
19.5 (67.1) |
22.7 (72.9) |
24.8 (76.6) |
25.5 (77.9) |
25.4 (77.7) |
24.0 (75.2) |
20.8 (69.4) |
15.9 (60.6) |
11.5 (52.7) |
18.9 (66.1) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 2.8 (37.0) |
5.4 (41.7) |
6.4 (43.5) |
7.7 (45.9) |
14.6 (58.3) |
18.8 (65.8) |
21.6 (70.9) |
20.9 (69.6) |
15.5 (59.9) |
9.5 (49.1) |
4.9 (40.8) |
3.4 (38.1) |
2.8 (37.0) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 40.9 (1.61) |
69.4 (2.73) |
84.7 (3.33) |
201.2 (7.92) |
283.7 (11.17) |
276.2 (10.87) |
232.5 (9.15) |
227.0 (8.94) |
166.2 (6.54) |
87.3 (3.44) |
35.4 (1.39) |
31.6 (1.24) |
1,736.1 (68.33) |
| Average rainy days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 7.5 | 11.2 | 15.0 | 16.3 | 18.3 | 21.2 | 20.9 | 18.8 | 14.5 | 7.1 | 5.5 | 4.9 | 161.2 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 72 | 78 | 82 | 84 | 84 | 84 | 82 | 82 | 78 | 72 | 66 | 66 | 78 |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 118.5 | 71.6 | 62.4 | 65.1 | 104.0 | 140.2 | 202.0 | 173.5 | 170.2 | 181.8 | 172.7 | 166.0 | 1,628 |
| Percent possible sunshine | 35 | 22 | 17 | 17 | 26 | 35 | 49 | 43 | 46 | 51 | 52 | 50 | 37 |
| Source: Ministry of the Interior | |||||||||||||
Biodiversity
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Vinalia can be subdivided between several ecoregions because of its climate and geomorphology. The country is consequently one of the richest in the world in terms of biodiversity. It has numerous ecoregions, ranging from Jungles in the south with Ardesia, and along the Juyu Ruwach Mountains, to Arid deserts as in the Tziran desert. The country has 16 national parks, 19 reservations, and 33 natural monuments. The largest of this protected areas is the Royal Vinalian Biology reserve at 556.6 km2, it was established by royal decree in 1799. The 5 Triangles Reserve of the island of Kisharsk is the largest sea based nature reserve at 507.7 km2.
Vinalia is a country of distinct Fauna. It has some 13,600 animal species, including at least 753 Bird species, 610 Mammal species, 600 Amphibian species, and 507 Reptile species, of which 2,000 are endemic to Vinalia. Some native birds include the Arucian flamingo, Arucian woodstar, Blue-winged teal, Common goldeneye, Fulvous whistling-duck, Masked duck, Quetzal, Ring-necked duck, Vinalian swan. Native mammals include Arucian manatee, Blue whale, agouti, opossum, Desert red bat, Grey Tailed Coyote, Jaguar, Mantled howler, Red brocket, and White-headed capuchin. Reptile species native to Vinalia include the Brown anole, Brown basilisk, Common snapping turtle, Frederick's Gecko, helmeted basilisk, Tziran Giant horned lizard, Vinalian crocodile, and the Vinalian Spiny Tailed Iguana. Amphibians include the Axolotl, along with a variety of Salamanders, and Frogs such as the Tree frog,and Oleksiaks Salamander, all 3 are endemic to Vinalia. Some species of Insects include ants such as Atta Vinalia, and Camponotus Nikolai, beetles, and butterflies. Thousands Freshwater, and Saltwater Fish live in the countries numerous rivers, lakes, and seas. Sharks such as the Hammerhead, and Tiger sharks can be found in Vinalian seas.
Legislation protects 1,673 species in Vinalia, with calls to protect more species. Vinalian species face the greatest threat from Habitat loss, and hunting. The Ministry of the Environment has made strides to prevent the illegal hunting of endangered species, which ran rampant in the 60's to 80's and nearly drove the Quetzal to extinction, including increasing penalties for hunting endangered species, and illegal logging. The country has seen some improvement in this areas, but illegal logging primarily in the Juyu Ruwachs is still rampant. Vinalia has struggled with Invasive species, in the country, numerous attempts at controlling or exterminating these species has been deemed a limited success, with the Kuthinan python posing a great threat to endemic species after 20 years of attempted extermination and control.
The national animal of Vinalia is the Quetzal, who are important in Úuchmáan and Zapoyan mythology. In 2005, the government recognized the Arucian manatee, Axolotl, and the Vinalian Spiny Tailed Iguana as National Aquatic Animal, Amphibian, and Reptile respectively. All except the Arucian Manatee are endemic to Vinalia. This decision was made to honor 3 animals with important roles in indigenous mythology, along with aiding in the recognition and conservation of these species. Vinalia recognizes the Vinalian palm, and Yellow flute as its national Tree, and Flower respectively, both plants have enjoyed these status since colonial times. All 4 animals, and 2 plant swill be present in the back of the new Z200 dollar bill to be printed in 2023 celebrating the 30th anniversary of reunification.
Government
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Vinalia is a federal, parlimentary, and representative republic. Vinalia is made up of two constituent states, the Republic of North Vinalia, the Republic of South Vinalia, the Vinalinsk capital district exists as well but is not part of either constituent state. Federal legislative power is vested on the Bicameral Vinalian Parliament made up of the Senate of the Union (Сенат Союзу; Senat Soyuzu) which is the upper house, and the House of the People (Будинок народу; Budynok Narodu) which is the lower house of parliament. The Senate of the Union is a 39 seat chamber with each province and Federal district assigned 3 members each, which are elected by closed list proportional representation. The House of the People is a 185 member assembly elected by the same method, each province and federal district is allocated a seat based on population, seats are added based on the province or district with the smallest population. The state Parliaments of both North and South work in a similar manner to the House of the People, with seats allocated by population at the discretion of the state, the North Vinalian Parliament is made up of 262 members, and the Southern Parliament is made up of 148 seats. The Vinalia political system operates under a framework laid out in the 1993 constitution known as the загальне право (Common Law). Amendments generally require a two-thirds majority of both houses of Parliament along with the state legislatures of its constituent states; the fundamental principles of the constitution, as expressed in the articles guaranteeing peace, unity, human dignity, the separation of powers, the federal structure, and the rule of law, are valid in perpetuity.
The President, currently Valeria Kunavin, is the head of state and invested primarily with representative responsibilities and powers. The position is elected by the Senate of the Union, by a simple majority. The second-highest official and the head of government is the Minister-President, who is appointed by the House of the People after being elected by the largest number of votes in the Vinalian Parliament. The Minister-President, currently Omelyan Pavlov, is the head of government and exercises executive power through their Cabinet. By constitutional law, the President and Minister-President may not be from the same constituent state to ensure fairness, this requirement has been met with the election of a new president whenever the issue has appeared do to simplicity although it is not a legal requirement that the President be the one to be changed to meet this requirement.
Calls for the constitution to be amended, primarily the constituent state requirement, which many see as creating division and tension. Many have called for greater powers to the Constituent states or the President, although such changes would be made with allowing either position to be directly elected. Proposals to expand the role of Presidency along with allowing it to be elected by the general population. Following his election in 2021, Omelyan Pavlov stated that the constitution would be amended by 2023, the first time the Vinalian constitution has been amended since its establishment.
Since reunification the Unionist Party has dominated politics in the country, it has been involved in all governments in Vinalia to some capacity. The other two major parties are those of the Workers Party, and the Conservative Party, which enjoy great support in North and South Vinalia respectively. All 3 parties had worked in a Grand Coalition between 2015 and 2021, under the leadership of Unionist Minister-Presidents Turden Najic, and Omelyan Pavlov. Following growing tensions between Workers and Conservative parties, both parties agreed to split following the August election in 2021, with one party entering into a coalition with the Unionist party. Following the elections on August 12th, the Unionist party and the Workers party entered into an agreement electing Omelyan Pavlov as Minister-President for a second term.
Courts and law enforcement
Vinalian law uses Civil law, as had been used in Soravia and previous Vinalian states. The courts enjoy legal, financial and constitutional freedom guaranteed by Vinalian law. Judges are largely well protected from dismissal (except in the instance of gross misconduct) and all such cases must go through Parliament. The highest organ of the judicial branch of government is the Supreme Court of Vinalia, which has 11 judges appointed by the Minister-President and approved by the Senate, who serve single 6 year terms. The Supreme Court interprets laws and judges cases of federal competency, and is the highest court of appeal. The Constitutional court which judges cases regarding the constitution including amendments and has 9 members appointed by president who serve single 8 year terms, are the second highest court in Vinalia and the only such court with ability to veto the Supreme Court. Both federal courts enjoy the power to challenge both Constituent state legislatures and judiciaries. Both North and South Vinalia maintain Supreme, Constitutional, and lower courts with defined powers and responsibilities. Vinalia has enjoyed a strong, and independent judicial branch, and is usually considered the fairest and more transparent branch of government by Vinalian citizens.
Law enforcement agencies in Vinalia are organised under the authority of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, currently headed by Minister Dmytro Vitalijovych. Public security is constitutionally enacted at the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government, each of which has different prerogatives and responsibilities. Municipal level police departments are primarily in charge of law enforcement, and bar certain duties conduct most policing. Provincial level law enforcement is centered primarily in the People's Guard which provide primarily riot control duties, along with policing in areas where municipal level law enforcement are unable to police, and some level of search and rescue in some instances. The People's Guard act as a Gendarmerie when requested by provincial governors. Federal law enforcement relies on the Federal Police which performs specialized duties primarily policing of federal buildings, protection of high-valued individuals. Other duties befall on the special tactical unit of the STSP which performs several other missions such as counter-terrorism, Nuclear protection, and hostage rescue. Its prosecution wing investigates and prosecutes those accused of crimes at the federal level primarily on drug, arms trafficking, espionage, Bank robbery, among others.
After an increase in crime and general low confidence in law enforcement during the 1990's and 2000's, Minister-President Ulyana Hryhorivna introduced in 2009 various reforms that streamlined the job of the police and defined the roles of the 3 levels of police, to reduce delays and logistical issues. Such reforms were met with success, and along with the countries increasing economic and social opportunities have led to a reduction in crime. In 2015, Minister-President Ulyana Hryhorivna was involved in a major corruption scandal, in 2015. Which led to the collapse of her government and a variety of sweeping reforms enacted during the government of Turden Najic. Although corruption, fraud, and drug trafficking have been targeted by Federal police and investigators, it remains an issue along with the rise in political violence primarily in rural areas of the country, along with uneven law enforcement, and claims of Racial profiling, are issues for law enforcement.
Political Divisions
Vinalia has historically been split between various kingdoms and city states, its linguistical and cultural diversity made it hard for strong central authorities to emerge in a system that did not rely upon a federation structure. Colonial Vinalia maintained a strong central authority located on the city of New Samistopol until 1725 when the city of Velkarichka was established following Soravian victory in the Ten Years War, which had expanded Vinalia further south. The economic and population centers were found in the south of Vinalia, while the North of the country lagged behind. Upon joining Chistovodia, the Vinalian Assembly was created to represent the Vinalian provinces in an attempt to maintain the previous colonial administration this time from the city of Orlavo, which had grown important do to an increase in economic power on the north of the country, however tension remained between southerners and northerners in this arangement. The Vinalian Provinces numbered up to 20 by 1880, in an attempt by the Chistovodian federal government to reduce the cohesion and unity of the assembly which had increasingly found itself against the federal government in Misto Myru, and the increasing calls from Vinalians for independence. Upon the official separation of Vinalia, the country struggled with the division of power, with Velkarichka becoming the countries power under the assumption of wide autonomy for the North. Following the breakup of Vinalia into two countries, Velkarichka remained the capital in South Vinalia, while in the North Orlavo became the capital. The reunification of both Vinalia's in 1993 and the creation of the new republic resulted in Vinalia establishing an equal division of power between North and South.
Vinalia is made up of two constituent states, the Republic of North Vinalia (the former People's Republic of Vinalia), the Republic of South Vinalia (the former Republic of Vinalia), meanwhile the Vinalinsk capital district remains a federal territory not belonging to either of the two states. Each of the 2 constituent states elect their own state parliaments, and state courts, this state parliaments and courts reserve various rights in regards to federal legislature and processes, they elect a speaker which acts as head of state of the individual republic and is a member of the Minister-Presidents cabinet. Each of the states aside, have 5 provinces, and 1 federal district, which are the capitals of both states (Orlavo and Velkarichka respectively), each province elects a governor by plurality to serve 4 year terms, as are members to the state parliament. Following this provinces are further divided into municipalities, counties in the case of Vinalinsk, and Wards in the case Velkarichka, this subdivisions elect their own major in the south and Vinalinsk, while in the north a municipal council is elected which elects a major from its ranks every year for its 4 year terms. Vinalia is split into 393 municipal-level subdivisions. As Vinalinsk is not a constituent state, it does not have a state parliament nor state courts, instead relying on Federal infrastructure for this issues. Although the Mayor of Vinalinsk is not legally a speaker in the same manner the speakers of North and South Vinalia are, the Mayor is allowed to request a meeting with the Minister-Presidents cabinet at any moment.
| Administrative divisions of Vinalia | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Province | Population | Administrative centre | Governor | |||
 Republic of North Vinalia
| ||||||
| File:FlagofNorthBin.png North Bin Province | 2,617,053 | Casimirsk | Alisa Kuzkevich | |||
 North Juyu Ruwach Province
|
302,743 | Rubizhne | Barat Kulikov | |||
 Orlavo Federal District
|
2,122,521 | Orlavo | Sonia Patrekiev | |||
 Rigalia Province
|
3,527,112 | Morechia | Smarcek Rataev | |||
 Zamara Province
|
3,959,215 | Chervona | Kobel Igalin | |||
 Zdavro Province
|
664,631 | Artemove | Mikita Rikailo | |||
 Republic of South Vinalia
| ||||||
 Chyhyryn Province
|
1,061,730 | Catherinsk | Kobanovets Malevariski | |||
 Kisharsk Province
|
596,732 | Ivanovo | Tonalli Macheshicha | |||
 Shyroniy Province
|
4,711,060 | New Samistopol | Mykyta Kuroedka | |||
 South Bin Province
|
2,633,057 | Tajinsk | Belovod Holub | |||
| File:Flag of SouthJuyuRuwach.png South Juyu Ruwach Province | 134,600 | Irshava | Rikailo Opekai | |||
 Velkarichka Federal District
|
1,951,125 | Velkarichka | Rodislav Shemiatov | |||
 Vinalinsk Capital District
| ||||||
| Vinalinsk Capital District
|
351,152 | Vinalinsk | Hennadiy Merkushko | |||
| Constituent states of Vinalia | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Province | Population | Administrative centre | Governor | |||
| Republic of North Vinalia
|
13,193,275 | Orlavo | Oleg Marakushev | |||
| Republic of South Vinalia
|
11,088,304 | Velkarichka | Osmo Matviyenko | |||
| Vinalinsk Capital District
|
351,152 | Vinalinsk | Hennadiy Merkushko | |||
Military
The Armed Forces is tasked with the defence of Vinalian Sovereignty and interests, it’s divided into the Army, Navy, Air force, and the People’s Guard. The People’s Guard is a provincial level unit under the command of Provincial Governors. Vinalia has undergone rapid demilitarization from the Civil War going from around 750,000 personnel between both Vinalia’s to some 110,000 plus 35,000 People’s Guard, for a total of 145,000, plus 100,000 reservists in 2020. By law expenditure may not exceed 2% of GDP in peacetime, unless approved by both houses of Parliament and the Constituent state Parliaments. The armed forces are under the Ministry of Defence, and report directly to the Minister-President, and the Minister of Defence, currently General Svyatoslav Orestovych.
The Vinalian Army the largest of the 4 branches with some 80,000 personnel, the Army is well equipped do to large stocks of weaponry from the Civil War, and foreign acquired equipment. The Vinalian Airforce is well equipped with Vinalian made, and foreign bought planes, specially Soravian bought. Vinalia acquired the G-7 aircraft from Soravia in 2021, when it bought 12 aircraft. The Vinalian Navy has seen considerable growth as the government aims to establish a competent navy for the nation, with some 25 vessels. The People's guard serve as a reserve component of the army, but are not classified in the General Reserve of some 50,000 men.
Vinalia has contributed to Community of Nations peacekeeping missions, as a repayment to the multiple missions held in Vinalia. Vinalian peacekeepers have been active in X, since X.
Vinalia during the civil war developed a strong local military industry, locally producing licensed products from other nations. The TYI-80 is locally produced being in production since 1980 in Northern Vinalia, based on Chistovodian and Kirenian models. Following the civil war Vinalian exportation of military equipment accounted for an average of 10% of all Vinalian exports between 1993-1995, as large scales of mechanized equipment, aircraft, and small arms were sold, today the nation maintains strict control of military exportation, with only limited exports of the TYI-80 allowed.
Foreign Relations
Vinalias Foreign Policy is overseen by the Minister-President, who designates much of the responsibility and administration of this to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , which is headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. This ministry has been headed by Victor Kulish, since 2019. Ambassadors are appointed to their positions by the Minister-President. Vinalia maintains diplomatic relations with most states across the world; it has diplomatic embassies in over 30 countries, while many countries have embassies or diplomatic missions in Vinalinsk or maintain their embassies in Orlavo, where most embassies were prior to the movement of the capital in 2020. The government has expressed interest in congregating all foreign embassies in Vinalinsk, but some countries maintain their embassies in Orlavo do to lack of funding or interest in acquiring new embassies in Vinalinsk.
Vinalia maintains close economic, military, and cultural ties with Chistovodia do to their shared heritage along with being it's main trading partner, Chistovodia and Vinalia maintain a special relation, which has seen both countries involved in numerous projects and initiatives both prior and after reunification. Chistovodian-Vinalian relations are a frequent subject of political contention, do to Chistovodias position as a socialist state. Vinalia also maintains close cultural, and economic ties with Soravia do to their shared colonial past, their relations have increased specially after reunification, with Soravian investment, and tourism being key sections of this relationship. Vinalia has seen Soravia as a close financial partner, and the government of Omelyan Pavlov have seen a reinvigorated interest in Soravia. Ardesia is a close ally of Vinalia, and both countries maintain several economic, cultural, and political ties, with Ardesia representing a key trading partner for the country.
Ties with socialist nations members of the AIS such as Kirenia, Dezevau, and Lavana are maintained with various previous programs regarding scholarships between AIS nation established prior to reunification but which are still continued, with some 500 scholarships offered to Vinalian students primarily from Kirenian institutions. Relations with Socialist countries have cooled although, Lavana and Vinalia maintain a special economic relation and Vinalia is used as an export hub of foreign products to the usually restricted Lavanan economy. Vinalia maintains economic and trading agreements with the AFDC, along with ASTRA, with which the nation has sought closer ties since the 2000's. Vinalia maintains ties with both East Miersa, and West Miersa, citing the common struggles with reunifying two separate nations, as Vinalia experienced before its reunification.
Vinalia maintains close ties with Ansan, and Senria which maintain several economic ventures in the country and are key buyers of Vinalian exports, with their products dominating Vinalian markets. Rizealand was a prime supporter of South Vinalia, and Rizean companies maintain business interests in the country primarily in mining and manufacturing. The country most recently purchased weapons from Rizealand. Vinalia has sought to strengthen ties with the Euclean Community particularly Werania, and Estmere as both countries are key exporters to Vinalia.
Vinalia is also a member of the OAN, calling for the neutrality of the organization. Vinalia by law may not enter into Military Alliances nor maintain military agreements, which have maintained Vinalia as a neutral nation. Vinalia is currently a member of the Community of Nations Security Committee on the 2021-2023 Asterian North seat. Vinalias delegation to the Community of Nations is led by Anzhela Oleksiyivna, whose held the position since 2020, and was essential in securing Vinalian nomination to the Security Committee. Vinalia has been a member of the League of Oil Producing States since 1999.
Vinalia maintains its position against Nuclear weaponry and has supported and proposed numerous Community of Nation attempts at nuclear disarmament, having announced its denunciation on the development, usage, and keeping of the weaponry, Vinalia is also a major proponent on varying laws regarding the rules of war, primarily the weaponry used. Vinalia has also renounced to the utilization and development of varying types of weaponry such as landmines, chemical weapons and other chemical products such as tear gas and pepper spray. Vinalia has contributed to CN peacekeeping missions and goodwill missions in numerous Bahian nations.
Economy
Generally considered a developing economy, Vinalia has a nominal GDP of $269.66 billion as of 2020, and a PPP GDP of $593.25 billion, with a nominal per capita at $10,420, and $22,924 PPP per capita. It has an average Human Development Index score of .767, among the lowest in the Asterias, and the lowest in Asteria Superior. The country has showcased strong economic growth, and recovery from the 2005 Crisis, posting good economic growth around 4% and peaking at 8% in 2014 since 2005, the countries economy grew by 5% in 2020. However the Global Institute for Fiscal Affairs estimates that, as of 2020, roughly 22.6% of Vinalias population lives on less than $5.50 a day, a considerable reduction from 40% in 1993. The country's unemployment rate was estimated at 3.8% in 2019, its lowest in a decade.
Vinalia has a mixed market economy, following reunification when most of the Northern government entities were privatized or open to investment during the government of Vladyslava Danylivna, or transformed into State-owned enterprises. State-owned enterprises accounted for 40% of the Vinalian economy and 35% of its workers in 1993, but by 2013 accounted for just 19% of the economy and 16% of its workers. The largest of this enterprises are PetroVinalia (70% state owned), Vinalian Electricity Company (90% state owned), with Minerals of Vinalia, Vinalian Airlines, National Railroad Commission of Vinalia, and Vinalian Construction being fully state owned, all 6 companies represent 17% of the Vinalian economy, and 13% of its workers. The government has adopted a more interventionist method in the economy in recent years, along with increasing nationalization. Vinalia nationalized its entire energy sector in 2018, its largest nationalization in history.
The country has been historically dependent upon exports, mostly of agricultural goods, such as Sugarcane, and Coffee, the Agricultural sector accounts for 16.5% of the countries GDP. While manufacturing and industry contributes 33.5% and services (notably financial services and tourism) contribute 50%. Vinalian exports primarily agricultural products, oil, textiles, automobiles, and raw minerals. Vinalias primary export partners are Chistovodia, Soravia, Ardesia, and Senria.
Agriculture
Agriculture has historically been a central part of Indigenous and Vinalian societies, Vinalias colonial history is heavily ingrained in agriculture, specially in the growing of cash crops. Agriculture remained the primary sector of the Vinalian economy until the 1920s, when greater industrialization moved people to the cities. Today Agriculture accounts for 11.5% of GDP, and 47.7% of the countries exports, and employing close to 18% of the countries population, primarily made up indigenous workers, and landowners.
Agricultural output has historically been aimed at exportation, with Colonial Vinalia operating as a major cash crop plantation for Soravia. Vinalia primarily exported Sugarcane, Tobacco, Kokhineal, andCacao to Soravia and other Euclean powers. Greater industrialization and improvement in technology led to Vinalia becoming a major exporter of Indigo, and Cotton in the 1830s. Competition from Coian, and other Asterian producers resulted in Vinalia focusing on the export of Sugar, and Coffee following the 1900s. Today Vinalia grows cash crops, and Staple Crops alike, mainly growing Sugar, Coffee, Bananas, Avocados, Pinneapples, Tomato, Mango, Maize, Lemon, Wheat, Orange, Papaya, and Watermelons. In 2020, 50% of Vinalian crops were grown for export, with exports of Sugar, Coffee, and Avocados accounting for 75% of Vinalian agricultural exports, making them essential for the Vinalian economy, although they only account for 35% of total agricultural output compared to 70% in 1980. Vinalian diversification has resulted in a reduction in food prices, and improvement in nutrition throughout the country.
Most farmers in the country are smallholders, and they're responsible for most of the agricultural output in the country, with the exception of Sugar and Avocados which remain primarily grown in large scale agricultural companies. Although for most of its history, large Plantations made up most of the Vinalian agricultural sector, following the civil war policies regarding land distribution were implemented across the country, primarily in the north, and were of great aid to the population in allowing for better economic opportunities. Such policies did not take great effect in the south until the 1960's where the Renewal Party of Stefan Danylivna sought to distribute land to the white South Vinalian lower class. Today smallholders represent a majority mainly as a result of government initiatives from the government of Minister-President Svyatoslav Lyashenko, which distributed land from large estates and aided in the splitting of plots to aid farm workers in establishing their own farms. Although most farms and farmers grow crops for their eventual sale, numerous subsistence farmers exist in the country primarily in the Juyu Ruwach mountains, some believe that close to 15% of Vinalian farmers, and 40% of those living under the poverty line are subsistence farmers. Monoculture, has affected adversely the Vinalian economy, and attempts have been made at adapting Polycultural techniques to mitigate the effects and use of Pesticides, and Soil degradation, but most Vinalian farmers operate under Monocultural systems, with minimal Crop rotation.
Livestock keeping is another important agricultural activity. Vinalian farmers keep Cows, Pigs, Chickens, and Goats, in the fertile flatlands in the south of the country, and the Nazar Plateay. Vinalian ranchers hold a long and rich history of keeping livestock in the country, and numerous long running ranchs exist in the countries. Vinalian ranchers grow a variety of Animal products, such as Cheese, Hides, Meat, Milk, among other products. Vinalian Beef is renown for its taste, and is considered among the best in the world, special Vinalian cuts such as Dovhyp (довгий стовп; dovhyy stovp) are a staple of Vinalian cuisine and enjoy exportation across the world. With the exportation of Dovhyp accounting for 10% of Vinalian agricultural exports. Fishing has increasingly grown in Vinalia, primarily fueled by cheap exportation to Chistovodia. Vinalian fish farms have grown in size and production since the 1990s, this growth has resulted in growth in the Aquaculture sector.
Mining
Aside from agriculture, mining in Vinalia has always been a key factor in its economy. Vinalia mines a wide array of minerals most prominently, Coal, Uranium, Iron, Copper, Silver, Zinc, among others. Only 15% of all the mining in Vinalia is government owned, and just 35% is owned by Vinalian companies, with large investments and operations by foreign companies in the sector. The state-owned Minerals of Vinalia (Мінерали Віналія; Mineraly Vinaliya) manages all of the Government owned mining enterprises. Mining represents roughly 9% of the countries exports, and 5% of its GDP, and employs about 2% of the workforce.
Soravian authorities heavily invested in the mining sector and provided the necessary resources including forced labour from both indentured servants and Bahian slaves to provide for the mining sector following the discovery of silver in the country in the 17th century, this discovery along with Gold led to Gold, and Silver rushes brought settlers into the region. The discovery of coal and iron in Zdavro and Zamara, led to Vinalia exporting large amounts of these resources to abroad. The mining sector saw their greatest growth between 1890 and 1910, where Vinalian minerals fueled growing industrialization in the country. Mining conglomerates increasingly controlled the mining sector. Some of these conglomerates such as Yellow Light holdings (Жовте Cвітло Холдинг; Kholdynhy Zhovtoho svitla), Pisat Zinc Company (Компанія Pisat Zinc ; Kompaniya Pisat Zinc), and Chervo Richka Holdings. Uranium was discovered in the Nazar Plateau in 1949 and became controlled by the Vinalian Uranium Company (Об'єднана віналійська уранова компанія; Ob'yednana vinaliysʹka uranova kompaniya). In North Vinalia, mining was heavily targeted by the government, however it came under the control of government owned companies, by 1970 85% of the mining sector in North Vinalia was government owned. In South Vinalia, international ownership of mines and conglomerates became more widespread, specially in the Uranium sector which had become increasingly important.
Following reunification, Vinalian government owned mining primarily from the north were opened to being bought by both national and international companies. The largest foreign acquisition being Soravian buying of the Vinalian Uranium Company which controls 78% of the countries production and 84% of its known reserves. The largest mining company is Yellow Light Holdings which holds most of the production and reserves of iron, and copper in the country. Potash, along with Lead mining have become major exports recently although such reserves are controlled by Yellow Light Holdings.
Coal is the most abundant mineral in the country with most of its reserves in the north of the country. Coal mining employed close to 3% of the Vinalian population in 1912, and several Coal towns became emblematic of the industry. Production has declined from a peak in 1984 of 139 million tonnes to 34.2 million tonnes in 2013, such reductions are most likely the result of dwindling reserves, and the lack of interest by the Vinalian government to support the industry specially with the dwindling percentage that Coal makes in the Vinalian power grid.
The impact of mining has been felt greatly in the environment and the indigenous population which are accustomed to being employed in the mineral industry, government attempts and regulation have reduced the problem but its believed that violations are still carried out periodically in the mining industry. Including unsafe working conditions, pollution of local water supplies, and delayed wages. Such issues have been raised by international organization but implementation of reform has been slow. Large scale protests in 2014 were started over the plans to open an open pit zinc mine in the Juyu Ruwach mountains which would had seen the destruction of several acres of rainforest near an Úuchmáan archeological site. Following several resignations the project was successfully scaled down. Vinalia's growing interest in expanding its mineral sector has come headfirst against indigenous and environmental opposition, which demand change to the industry and its policies. Numerous high profile lawsuits have rocked the industry in recent years.
Industry
Vinalias industrial sector makes up approximately 33.5% of its GDP. Vinalia specializes in the exportation of Petroleum products, Cars, Textiles, Airplanes, and Electronics. It employs about 35% of the workforce mostly in the automobile and textile industries.
Vinalia began to industrialize in the late 1880's with the discovery of major coal and iron deposits in the North of the country. Industrial cities such as Morechia, Chervona, and Jangorod specialized in Steelmaking during the late 1880's, while Orlavo and New Samistopol specialised in textile manufacturing utilizing cotton from the South. The Meat packing industry exploded in the Bin river region, while factories exploded all over northern cities. Industrialization had led to 40% of Vinalians to be employed in the industrial sector by 1913. Following separation, North Vinalia emphasized Heavy industry, and by 1960, 70% of Vinalians worked in the industrial sector primarily in steelmaking. The discovery of Oil in Zdavro in 1944, led to major development of the Petrochemical industry in the country. The South favored agricultural production, but the development of major Arms industries in both Vinalias grew to represent 11% of North Vinalian GDP and 17% for the South in 1975. The South had by 1983 began developing its own petrochemical industry with the discovery of oil in the East Arucian Sea.
Following reunification, Vinalian industry experienced an explosion following the 1990s do to cheap cost of labor, and favorable government initiatives. The government working on North Vinalian doctrine of bringing international investment and manufacturing into the country. The country saw itself attract manufacturing from Soravia and Chistovodia, primarily in the textile industry. Auto-Manufacturing grew in the country during the 1990's and 2000's as major car manufacturers moved manufacturing into Vinalia, and Red Coast Auto grew in prominence. The growth of the Petrochemical industry as well, during the early 2000's catapulted Vinalia as a major oil exporter worldwide, growing from the 30th largest exporter in 2001, to becoming the 19th largest by 2012. Vinalia has presented itself as a cheap labor force for Coian car manufacturing, Senrian and Ansene car manufacturers have moved their operations to Vinalia. Today electronics manufacturing in the country, along with light industry have become important factors in the Vinalian industrial sector and economy. Automobile, and Textile employ about 13% of all Vinalians. The textiles industries provides ample employment opportunity to women, although worker complaints and concerns have been raised since 2007.
Vinalia maintains a production of some 534,000 barrels of oil per day in 2019. Making the country the 14th largest oil producer in the world. exploitation, refining, and distribution of Vinalian oil resources is managed by the 70% state-owned PetroVinalia, the largest company in Vinalia. Vinalia obtains most of its oil from offshore platforms in the East Arucian Sea. Vinalia has enjoyed a general explosion in oil revenue since the late 1990's and Oil revenues have provided the government with large sections of its revenue stream. Vinalia's low reliance on Oil for the production of electricity, has allowed the country to be self-sufficient on its oil needs and export the rest. Vinalia exports mainly to Coian, and Asterian markets. The New Pilar Refinery near Catherinsk is the largest refinery in Vinalia, with a capacity of 200 thousand barrels a day, was built in 2006 to support the growing expansion of the Petrochemical industry. Vinalia began developing its Natural gas reserves during the 2000's, primarily to develop natural gas power plants in the country. Vinalia maintains a production of around 20,510 (million m3) in 2019, mostly for domestic use in power plants, automobiles, and heavy industry.
Vinalia positioned itself following reunification as cheap location for Coian auto manufacturing. The Vinalian auto manufacturing industry had close to 30 years of experience, as domestic auto manufacturers had existed since the 60's in both Vinalia's. Red Coast Auto had become a highly succesful domestic manufacturer and had by the 1990's entered into several foreign markets, Red Coast had by 1999 entered into 10 foreign markets, most prominently Chistovodia, Soravia, and Ardesia. Vinalia initially attracted Ansene car manufacturer Saeyeong into the country, when it opened an automobile factory in New Samistopol in 2003. Vinalia successfully attracted Senrian automobile companies into the country throughout the decade, and Vinalia established itself as a low cost automobile manufacturer for Coian companies entering the Asterian markets. Red Coast additionally manufacturers aircraft, and other vehicles, and is the largest military provider for the country.
Transportation
Transportation and infrastructure have been a focal point of the Vinalian government since it's inception. In Vinalia there currently exist 4 international airports. The Dunas International Airport in Orlavo is the largest airport in Vinalia. Other important international airports include Kila International Airport in Velkarichka, and Chervona Union International Airport in Chervona. serving as the 2nd and 3rd largest airports in Vinalia. Unity International Airport on the outskirts of Vinalisk serves the capital handling both international and domestic flights, its currently the 4th largest airport in Vinalia, but its expected to become its 3rd largest in 2025. Vinalia's national carrier and largest airline by passengers is the state-owned Vinalian Airlines, although other airlines such as Armadillo Air, and Svitlopero Air exist in the country, and fly to numerous destinations in both Vinalia and across the Asterias. Vinalia operates mainly with Soravian airlines for trans-oceanic flights into Euclea, although the government has sought for Vinalian airlines to fly such long-haul routes, although progress has been limited.
The National Railroad Commission of Vinalia or NRCV, is a direct successor to the Northern National Train Committee, which had established in North Vinalia a vast system of public owned passenger train services, with over 75% of the population utilizing passenger train in the North to commute by 1980, freight was equally handled through railroads with 65% of all freight being moved by cargo trains. The Southern train system was more lacking with only minor passenger services between the major cities, and with large amounts of freight being moved through a system of roads. Since unification the NRCV has expanded the rail system by over 1000 km's of track mainly in the south of the nation.
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Vinalia operates a vast motorway netwok which in contrast as rail transportation, most construction has focused in building road networks in the north, motorways are divided into 3 categories the M Category is the highest and 4 roads hold such distinction primarily in the South, the T category is found in 8 roads, while the Y category is found in 15 roads. The M1 connecting Orlavo-Velkarichka through Vinalinsk is the most transited motorway in the country, with it's 6 lanes. Vinalia holds a varieties of ports with the ports of Orlavo, Chervona, New Samistopol, Catherinsk, and Casimirsk being the major ports of the nation, with Orlavo, and New Samistopol sharing similar amounts of freight transported.
Following reunification large scale infrastructure projects were launched with the goal of improving and rebuilding the now combined transport system. Around 20 billion have been invested by the government since 1993 into projects aimed at improving it's infrastructure and are the reason for such large expansion experienced in the country. The Національний план інфраструктури (National Infrastructure Plan) NIP, which ended in 2015, after having taken 22 years to fulfill. Another NIP is expected to expand further on the national infrastructure, with plans for the expansion of the countries rail system, and the introduction of possible High-Speed Rail into the country. With the proposed Orlavo-Vinalinsk-Velkarichka link expected to serve as the central piece to the new plan, using Senrian high speed train technology. The NRCV seeks to establish in the future 3 Coast-Interior links one going from New Samistopol to Velkarichka, another from Casimirsk-Vinalinsk-Jangorod, and a Chervona-Orlavo-Morechia link.
Energy
Electricity production in Vinalia (2019)
Vinalia consumes 49,000 GW*h per year, which is covered about half with Nuclear power at 51%, with 34% being fossil fuel power plants with 19% being Natural Gas, and 15% being Coal. Renewable sources provide for the remaining 15% with 10% Hydro, 3% being Wind, 1% Solar, and 1% Geothermal. All Vinalian energy is managed and owned by the state-owned Vinalian Electricity Company (Віналія Електрика компанія; Vinaliya Elektryka Kompaniya), among the largest companies in the country.
Vinalia owns and operates the Cirnan Nuclear Power plant with 2 reactors near New Samistopol, and partially owns the Chisvin Nuclear Power Plant in Chistovodia with 4 reactors, where Vinalia is entitled to 25% of the produced energy per its agreement with the Chistovodian government, which stands from the North Vinalian government since the plant was first built in 1981. Vinalia began construction of the 2 reactor Cirnan Nuclear Power Plant in 2005, with help from Chistovodia, it entered service in 2012. Vinalia has expressed interest in further increasing it's reliance on nuclear power, with the intention to build a further 2 reactors in Cirnan in 2015, to become 100% nuclear and be able to sell electricity to other Asterian nations, but the motion was defeated. Currently Vinalia is looking to build a 3rd reactor in Cirnan mainly to replace Vinalias 25% share in Chisvin. Vinalia utilizes Heavy-water reactors, acquiring most of it's heavy water from Chistovodia, while its nuclear waste is stored on site for up to 10 years, it also operates a joint long term storage facility alongside Chistovodia which was built in the 1990's. Vinalia is among the worlds highest consumers of nuclear power as their nations power supplier. It has become a controversial subject in Vinalian politics such close interaction with Chistovodia, and some have sought to reduce Vinalias dependence on Chistovodia for its nuclear energy program which acquires raw materials and technical knowledge from its northern neighbor, fears exist that Vinalian energy needs could be hurt by Chistovodia reducing or eliminating its close cooperation with the country.
Vinalia has increased its reliance in fossil fuels, increasing its use of fossil fuels since the 2000s, do to a rise in energy demand. The country has been reducing the share of Coal on its energy grid, reducing it from 35% in 2005 to 20% in 2015. The government has intended to phase out all of its Coal energy by 2050, as Natural gas has increasingly taken its share of the energy grid. Vinalia built its last coal plant in 2019 and promised to stop construction of all future coal plants, cancelling all remaining planned plants. Vinalia began developing its natural gas resources and power opportunities in 2000's, and today the country boasts a stable gas production industry although its mostly used for domestic usage.
Vinalia has sizeable Hydroelectric potential with a well developed hydroelectric sector, with numerous projects developed in the country since the 1970's. The largest hydroelectric dam is the Okol Martynova Memorial dam in the Bin river, built in 1999. Wind energy represents about 3% of the total energy production, numerous wind farms have been built in the country. Solar has been a sector of great interest, primarily in the Tziran desert where the government has invested in Solar farms in that region. In January 2020, the Ministry of Energy announced it's intentions to install solar panels in over 10,000 houses by 2030.
Science and technology
Science in Vinalia has existed for a long time with the Úuchmáans and Zapoyans, with some inventions such as the 0, the Asterian Abacus, along with Astronomical, and Mathematical discoveries. During the colonial period, Soravian scientists began scientific undertakings in the Vinalian jungle, citing its large biodiversity. The University of New Samistopol was established in 1640 and today is among the most prominent and prestigious scientific institutions in the country. In 1801, Soravian Chemist Halyna Marshalkov discovered Vinalium in Vinalia, for which it was named.
Vinalians in science have won 1 Foirbeis Awards, Ostap Martiukhin for the discovery of the antibiotic Streptomycin in 1952, while living in Rizealand. Prominent Vinalian inventors and academics include: Heart Surgeons Mykhaylo Koriaka along with Mergen Murasz were prominent for their discoveries in the Cardiovascular field of Medicine. Geneticist, Biochemist Kopos IIves known for his development of the Modern synthesis theory in Evolutionary biology. Microbiologist Yosyp Belebelov who co-discovered Viruses, and helped establish the field of Virology. Modern Vinalian inventions include CAPTCHA, Artificial cornea, and advancements in the treatment of Cardiovascular disease.
The Vinalian institute of Science is headed by Geologist Leyla Voshko, and headquartered in New Samistopol. Vinalia has employed nuclear power throughout the late 20th century and is a member state of the Atomic Energy Commission, and a strong supporter of nuclear power in the world, as it ranks among the states with the highest share of nuclear in their power grid.
Tourism
Vinalia has seen since reunification a major explosion in the tourism sector, and has become an important source of revenue and employment for the population. In 2017, Vinalia was visited by up to 8.7 million tourists, mostly from Soravia, and Chistovodia followed by other Euclean states and Asterian countries. Vinalia has seen a steady increase in tourism arrivals and revenue since 2008, between 2017 and 2019 it was estimated that an additional 50,000 tourists arrived to Vinalia from the previous year. Vinalia each year ranks higher in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, which measures the attractiveness of the country to foreign tourists, it currently ranks number 20 worldwide. Tourism allows the Vinalian government and financial institutions greater access to foreign exchange. Employment in the tourism industry has been a great aid for rural communities, tourism is seen greatly positively by rural populations which benefit from its revenue, while urban populations find delays and overcrowding as a result of tourism an unwanted side effect to greater tourism numbers.
Vinalia offers many attractions, its beaches are highly popular with Euclean visitors, with numerous beach resorts both locally and foreign owned established in its coastlines, numerous resorts can be found north of Catherinsk, and Casimirsk. During the summer travel season, large concerts and parties can be found in resorts, this is aided by large cruise ships which dock at its ports. The cruise industry has greatly expanded in the country thanks to government support, and tax incentives. However ecological concerns have been raised around the growth of the cruise industry. Vinalia has sought to expand into the Ecotourism business, with large scale investments and environmental protection measures put in place, large ecotourist centers can be found near ruins most notably Vaj Taj Archeological Park, and natural landmarks such as the Royal Vinalian Reserve, Semuc Champey, Mt. Vulna, the Juyu Ruwach mountains, Chudzekal salt flats, Cenotes, among other sites of natural importance.
The colonial architecture of cities such as Catherinsk, Vulaninsk, Orlavo, and New Samistopol have also been a great driving factor in attracting foreign tourists. With travel to the historic centers of Catherinsk, and Vulaninsk being among the most common activities. Tourists greatly increase during religious holidays such as Nativity, Maslenitsa, and St. Nikolai's Day, where crowds gather in the historical city centers for festivities and other related activities. Although relatively small, Episemialist pilgrimage occurs to numerous sites in the country most prominently the Church of St. Hippodalia in Orlavo.
Demographics
| Historical population | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1870 | 5,001,627 | — |
| 1886 | 6,147,272 | +22.9% |
| 1896 | 7,996,286 | +30.1% |
| 1906 | 10,522,627 | +31.6% |
| 1916 | 13,156,721 | +25.0% |
| 1926 | 15,286,117 | +16.2% |
| 1940 | 17,881,043 | +17.0% |
| 1950 | 19,091,959 | +6.8% |
| 1960 | 19,989,191 | +4.7% |
| 1970 | 20,916,371 | +4.6% |
| 1980 | 22,119,481 | +5.8% |
| 1994 | 23,139,591 | +4.6% |
| 2004 | 24,629,510 | +6.4% |
| 2014 | 25,395,915 | +3.1% |
| Source: Ministry of the Interior | ||
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The historical population of Vinalia, has always been a common issue. Although censuses had existed during the Soravian colonization, various discrepancies existed in the counting, which made them unreliable. The first census which is usually considered of good quality, was during the 1870 Census of Chistovodia, where the population was marked at 5 million. Vinalia conducted a census in 1886, after having gained their independence, the census established Vinalia as a rapidly growing country, and Vinalias growth in the industrial and agricultural sectors is often attributed to this growth. Censuses between 1886 and 1925 carried out in 10 year intervals, saw incredible population growth. This population growth is also attributed to the growing social and economic concerns of Vinalians throughout the early 1900s, such concerns were only increased exponentially with the Great Collapse that severely crippled the Vinalian Economy. Vinalian population growth between 1925 and 1980 was curtailed by warfare, and social unrest, censuses were conducted sporadically and their quality was varied. Between 1994 and 2014 the Ministry of the Interior conducted regular censuses every 10 years, showing an increase in population growth between 1994 and 2004, between 2004 and 2014 the population growth decreased once again. Vinalia's slow population growth since 1916 have been blamed on War, and increased external migration. Vinalia had been a Net exporter of immigrants between 1930 and 1994, when the country saw an increase as Vinalians moved back home from abroad, Vinalia became a net exporter of immigrants in 1996 and has remained one ever since.
The 1994 Vinalian census, which for the first time since 1916, counted all of the countries inhabitants, at 23.14 million people. In 2004 24.63 million peoples lived in the country, while in 2014 that number had jumped to 25.4 million people. Today its estimated some 25.878 million people live in the country. Another census is to be conducted on 2024. Vinalias population makes it the smallest country in mainland Asteria Superior. Vinalia holds a population density of 50.65/km2 (131.2/sq mi), with a life expectancy of 72.6 years. Most of the population lives in Urban areas with some 51% living in urban areas, the largest of which is Orlavo in the north with a metropolitan population of 2.12 million people, and Velkarichka in the south with 1.95 million people.
Vinalia is a relatively young nation with a median age of 30.6 years, which mostly coincides with the time frame since reunification, where Vinalia experienced a boom in births. 24.4% of the population was under 18 in 2014, and 9.70% was over 65. The increasing standard of living, migration to urban environments, greater access to Contraceptives, and education are the primary reasons for Vinalias dwindling growth rate.
Ethnicity and Race
Demographic Groups of Vinalia (2014)
Vinalia is a multi-etnic country, with numerous people of differing ethnic, racial, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. According to the 2014 census established Metyso as the largest ethnic group in Vinalia at 48% (11.8 million), White at 25% (6.15 million), Vinakians or Indigenous descent at 18% (4.43 million), Bahio-Vinalians at 3% (739 thousand), with other ethnic groups standing at 6% (1.47 million).
Metyso or mixed, has been a common term to be used since colonial times, when the term came to mean descent from Soravian and Indigenous backgrounds. The term has grown in its definition and vastness, as the term came to be used both in Vinalia and Soravia to signify a person born in the Asterias from Euclean parents. With the independence of the Soravian colonies, came a new definition of the term, which came to identify more the mix between Asterian and Euclean cultures, but not necessarily with the Indigenous people. The term today is officially defined as a person of mixed Asterian (including Indigenous), and Euclean descent.
The term White takes its origins from colonial times, where it was used to signify an Euclean born living in Vinalia. The term has taken a more self-identifiable connotation as it has come to signify the heritage of serfs and settlers from Soravia who lived in Vinalia and from which an individual claims descent. The term began to be used in Chistovodia, and latter South Vinalia while it lost and was increasingly replaced by Metyso in the North. South Vinalia enforced certain guidelines on people who claimed to be white, as identifying as white was thought to bring social, and economic benefits, the South Vinalian government introduced guidelines in the 1970's during the Junta time, which established that only a person could claim to be white if they were the correct skin color, and had two parents who were white. Such guidelines and the increasing repression and categorisations of indigenous populations led to a growing international call to stop the rampant racism in South Vinalian society. With reunification, the term was maintained although guidelines to identify as part of this ethnic group were eliminated. Its official definition, is someone who claims descent from Euclea. The term remains controversial do to its historic background during the Junta times in South Vinalia. Close to 69,000 people from Soravia currently live in Vinalia. A small community of Ardesians, Etrurians, Gaullicans, and Paretians exist in the country numbering some 100,000 people, mostly in the south of the country.
The term Vinakian has increasingly faced criticism for its broad, and vague definition. The term from colonial times identified all indigenous populations as being the same, when in reality they enjoyed vast, ethnic, linguistical, and cultural diversity. The term is seen increasingly by some as the continuation of colonial era laws which sought to establish indigenous populations as the descendants of a single group, and rid them of their ancient heritage. Indigenous political groups have campaigned for the term to change from Vinakian to simply of Indigenous ethnic origin, or to allow citizens to identify as either of the 3 major Indigenous linguistic groups Zapoyan, Úuchmáan, and Lyublytas, with additional options to identify by their preferred indigenous linguistic background. The term has the official definition of someone who claims descent from one of Vinalia's indigenous groups.
Bahio-Vinalians claim descent from the close to 350,000 Bahian slaves transported to Vinalia, and number up to 739 thousand people. Although no official definition existed for Vinalians of Bahian descent, as they were categorized as Metyso until 1891, when the term Bahio-Vinalian became used in the country. Its official definition is of someone who claims descent from Bahia. Some 300 Mauchians, and 200 Mabifians live in the country.
Vinalia is also home to other ethnic groups that do not fit these 4 categories. Mostly descendants or immigrants from Coius, other Euclea, and Asterian countries. Some important communities are those descendants of the Coian Gowsa workers who migrated to Vinalia during the 18th and 19th centuries, they compose mostly of the Dezevauni-Vinalian and Lavanan-Vinalian community in the country, although the country has enjoyed migrants in modern times from these two nations. The Zalyk people in Vinalia trace their origins to serfs and settlers that moved to Vinalia during the 17th and 18th centuries primarily to the area of the Nazar Plateau as positive migration policies sought to inhabit the vast flatlands of the northeast, although it is unclear how many people of Zalyk descent exist as many consider themselves as Metyso. Other important communities are made up of Senrians, Xiaodongese, Chistovodians, Satucines, among others.
Although an individual can freely identify themselves for what demographic group they desire, the government maintains certain definitions and meanings for its compilation of the composition of Racial makeup of the country. Although citizens are asked what race they identify with, the government also maintains definitions and standards that in some instances overrule the option of the individual, for example individuals that speak an indigenous language as a native tongue are classified as Vinakian, while individuals born in Euclea are classified as White, and those born in other Asterian countries are Metyso regardless of what the individual actually identifies as. Data from 2014 established some 46% of Vinalians as Metyso, 36% as White, 14% as Vinakian, and 4% as other This Race data has increasingly fallen out of favor do to its inconsistency, negative background, vague definitions, and lack of interest by the population as since it was made an optional part of the census in 2004 it only has a 40% response rate meaning most data is made from a persons response in the rest of the form. the Ministry of the Interior which conducts the census stated that they would no longer compile Race data in the 2024 census.
Health
Vinalia has a Universal health care system, which can trace it's history to North Vinalia system which established a universal system in 1938, the North's system was adopted upon reunification to serve as the basis for it's implementation in South Vinalia, where health coverage was provided mostly by private entities with government hospitals lagging behind and located mostly in the rural regions of the country. Vinalia's healthcare system is state subsidised and freely available to all citizens and registered residents. However, it is not compulsory to be treated in a state-run hospital as a number of private medical complexes do exist nationwide. Vinalia maintains basic universal insurance for all people, other plans exist which expand the range by which the insurance can be maintained, this insurance is applicable for private and public institutions in the country. Additional private insurance exists in the country but it is not highly used.
All of the country's medical service providers and hospitals are subordinate to the Ministry of Health, which provides oversight and scrutiny of general medical practice as well as being responsible for the day-to-day administration of the healthcare system. Its currently headed by Minister Natalia Shermenka, a former Epidemiologist. By law the Minister of Health must be a licensed Healthcare provider. Hospitals are organized by regional administrative structure; small Municipal Clinics (Муніципальний оздоровчий центр; Munitsypalʹnyy Ozdorovchyy Tsentr) can be found in all municipalities but their quality and responsibilities vary considerably, Provincial Hospitals (Провінційна лікарня; Provintsiyna Likarnya) provide better quality and more health services than Municipal Clinics, and are all equipped with at least one ambulance. More specialized medical facilities exist mostly in Provincial capitals and major cities, the government has invested since 2004 to improve such specialized facilities in Velkarichka as they had been concentrated primarily in Orlavo, provincial hospitals usually will transport patients by ambulance to more specialized hospitals. Provincial Hospitals are the backbone of the Vinalian healthcare sector, however close to 19 privately owned Medical hospitals of Provincial level and 400 Municipal level facilities exist throughout the country with differing rates of government subsidy and support.
Vinalia has been praised for it's advanced health system, which stands as highly developed for a nation of it's size and economic power. Spending on the health system accounts for about 7% of the gdp of the nation, life expectancy in Vinalia stands at about 72.6 years which stands under the global average but has seen a steady increase over the years. There are 2.58 physicians for every 1000 inhabitants in the country, with shortages of medical personnel most impactful in rural communities. As of 2007, approximately 30,000 inhabitants of Vinalia are living with HIV/AIDS.
Upon reunification malnutrition was the primary health concern areas for the Ministry of Health, specially Undernutrition in children which affected between 15 and 20% of Vinalian children in 1993. Aggressive government programs and international aid allowed Vinalia to reduce that number to 10% in 1996 and under 1% in 2000, where it has remained. Indigenous reliance on cultural and natural medicine was tackled in 2003, with a major government initiative to expand the quality of Municipal clinics, and construct more, this initiative was seen as a success however indigenous communities rely on natural medicine as a form of treatment for some ailments. Vaccination campaigns throughout the country, have raised vaccination rates, tropical diseases have suffered a steady decline, some diseases such as Typhoid Fever have been all but eradicated, although diseases such as Dengue, and Malaria have seasonal flareups in the country their prevalence has been greatly curtailed.
The country has in the area of Cardiovascular disease (CVD), been a leading figure in development of technologies, and research to combat the disease, with the Orlavo National Heart Hospital being marked as one of the leading hospitals in regards to CVD around the world. Tough restrictions on tobacco products along with extensive treatment options, have reduced the amount of smokers from 33% in 1999, to around 20% in 2015, to positive effect in the Vinalian healthcare sector as a slight decrease in pulmonary disease and other respiratory ailments can be attributed to the reduction in smokers, Vinalian citizens were among the lowest in the world to develop lung cancer.
Vinalian Mental Health coverage is considered as among the best in the world, mainly do to efforts of Northern politicians to reduce the levels of "Combat Fatigue" in soldiers and civilians caught in war zones. Studies conducted after the wars established higher than normal levels of Mood Disorders primarily in the indigenous populations directly affected by the genocide, and populations subjected to long sieges or bombings. Such discoveries pushed authorities to expand mental health access to all Vinalian citizens, and has been marked as among the leading methods of managing the subject.
Vinalian doctors regularly train abroad, and options exist in Chistovodia, Champania, Soravia, Dezevau, Kirenia and Lavana for doctors to train, and the country regularly maintains scholarships for students to attend foreign institutions, and work temporarily. Such programs have allowed the country to gain access to highly trained medical workers, but it has had trouble ensuring doctors don't remain to work in foreign countries, while also having issues with ensuring returning doctors remain inside Vinalia. Vinalia no longer allows its doctors who have earned foreign scholarships through the Ministry of Health to live in foreign countries for longer than a year after ending their studies and are by law required to work in Vinalian institutions for 5 years. Doctors who get married or start families abroad are equally barred, with their family allowed to apply for easily accessible Vinalian citizenship.
Education
Vinalia inherited a strong emphasis on education from North Vinalia, which had enacted free public education for all. The North Vinalian system was praised for its efficiency and strong results, a method Vinalia adopted for its new system of education. Vinalia also inherited its mainframe from Soravian colonial education. The constitution establishes free access to primary, secondary, and tertiary education with mandatory secondary education attendance for both public and private institutions.
Vinalian children begin their schooling since 3 year olds, entering the non compulsory primary education commonly called Kindergarten or Initial Education (Початкова Oсвіта; Pochatkova Osvita). They remain in primary education until they turn 6 years old and enter the compulsory secondary education. Secondary education or Basic Education (Базова Oсвіта; Bazova Osvita), takes place over 7 years until the student is 12 or 13 years, students must pass the standardized National Education Test to graduate from secondary education. Although the federal government does not maintain compulsory attendance for tertiary education, the state of North Vinalia and some southern provinces do maintain compulsory attendance through tertiary education. Tertiary education, or Advanced Education (Вища Oсвіта; Vyshcha Osvita) lasts for 5 years, with the student taking the final 2 years of their Tertiary education in selected degrees with the intention of preparing a student for further education or to enter the workforce, these final two years are also called Diversified Education (Диверсифікована освіта; Dyversyfikovana Osvita). At the end of the 5th year students test again on the National Education Test and graduate. The school year runs from the 2nd Monday of August, to the first Friday of a full week in June, with a 3 week break between late December and Early January.
In Vinalia 10 public universities exist: the University of Vulaninsk, University of Catherinsk, University of Chervona, University of Morechia, University of Jangorod, University of Casimirsk, University of North Orlavo, University of Orlavo, University of Velkarichka, and the University of New Samistopol. Along with 5 private universities: The University of Bin, the Episemialist University of Chervona, University of the Interior, and the University of the Sciences. The University of New Samistopol was established in 1640 and is among the oldest in the Asterias, closely followed by the University of Orlavo in 1711. The University of Jangorod was established in 2001, and has grown to be among the most prestigious institutions in Vinalia. The private University of the Interior was the first university to be established in Vinalinsk, when it opened its doors in 2019. Vinalian institutions run numerous programs in other developing states with the goal of attracting foreign students to Vinalia, with the intention of making them remain in the country, Medicine, STEM, and Technology related areas have been specially targeted by institutions with some 58% of foreign students staying in Vinalia after completing their studies.
Vinalian education places heavy emphasis on its secondary education as students primarily in poorer areas, tend to drop out of school following the end of their compulsory secondary education, as working becomes necessary. Such a decision to split the education has resulted in higher attendance rates across the country as students can afford to take their secondary education while they mature into working age. State and provincial law require that Tertiary education be mandatory, although students are more likely to continue studying than dropping out, in rural areas it is standard for one to drop out of tertiary education to focus upon working. A problem Vinalian authorities have been unable to solve. Vinalian education has however improved the literacy rate of the country which stood at 78% in 1993, and has reached 98% in 2014, such drastic improvement has been praised by international authorities. Vinalia has consistently improved its test scores and rate of students entering Tertiary education (willfully), and University in the last 30 years, but it lags behind its neighbors.
Religion
The 2014 census registered that ranking first at 57% (14.04 million) were registered members of the Episemialist Church, ranking second at 32% (7.88 million) are declared as having no religion, ranking third at 4% (985,309) as being members of the Solarian Catholic Church, with 7% (1.72 million) people being members of other religions such as Badi, Irfan, numerous Amendist denominations, Atudism, including indigenous beliefs.
Religion in the country can trace its root to indigenous beliefs, dating back to the earliest establishments of civilization. Zapoyan city states developed intricate belief systems with a varied system of interconnected beliefs and temples throughout the land. Zapoyan temples were usually the best built structures in a given city, and most Zapoyan buildings still standing are temples, some dating back to the 3rd century CE. Although most of the belief system has been lost, certain practices and beliefs are maintained by the indigenous population, who mostly incorporate elements of the Episemialist teachings with local culture and beliefs.
With Soravian colonization came the conversion, some times forcefully of the indigenous population. Episemialist missionaries made their way to Vinalia and the Soravian colonies to convert indigenous workers inside plantations and farms in Vinalia, following the Yellow Tree war and continued colonial expansion brought colonial churches into the inland territories to further spread Episemialist beliefs in the country. Religion was incredibly important for settlers, large numbers of indentured servants found common relationships and friendships in church, which became central to the life of a colonist. Colonial authorities both in Velkarichka, Orlavo, and Samistopol sought to strengthen ties between the colonial population and the home country through religion. Churches in Vinalia were usually modeled or inspired on churches back in Soravia. The original Church of St. Hippodalia in Orlavo can be dated back to 1650, which was built in inspiration of the Meredosia Cathedral in Uzyn, the oldest continuous church in Vinalia is that of St. Catherina which dates back to 1670 in Catherinsk and was inspired on the Udatsyi Cathedral, Patovatra.
The independence of Chistovodia, a certain distancing from the Episemialist church in Soravia began to occur, as the central government establishing itself as a secular state, but it struggled to truly separate church and state. The rise of the Workers International in both Chistovodia and North Vinalia, was marked by a clear rhetoric that emphasized secular structures, and separation of church and state. While Chistovodia and North Vinalia saw an establishment in strong secular structures, South Vinalia sought to establish itself in a way which could not cause the Episemialist church to move against it. The church and the South Vinalian Republic struggled for control, but church influence had reduced by the 50's, before a stronger emphasis in the north for the establishment of state atheism, with the New Nation Movement. The New Nation Movement made it basically illegal to practice any religion in North Vinalia, causing a rebirth in South Vinalian religious movements which sought to establish itself as different from the atheist North.
Following reunification, large numbers of North Vinalians moved away from state mandated atheism, which although had relaxed since the 70's, still didnt enjoy the freedoms of earlier. Today Vinalia holds a relevant Irreligious minority, which is mostly localized in the former People's Republic with 92% (7.25 million) of irreligious citizens, with only 8% (630,597) in the South. Today Vinalia is a strong secular state, although religion does play a large role in people's life, although its been declining in urban areas, while it enjoys great attendance and importance in more indigenous and rural areas.
A 2019 study discovered 80% of Episemialists in the country were members of the Vinalian Episemialist Church, with 9% following the Soravian Episemialist Church, with the remaining being members of the Chistovodian Church or other Episemialist churches. The Vinalian church is an autonomousautocephalous church of the larger communion of the Episemialist Church being established in 1896 after request by Vinalian authorities to be separated from the Soravian church, it was established in New Samistopol that year. Its current patriarch is Mihail II.
A small Catholic Solarian minority exists in the country, mainly as a result of Ardesian missionaries which have moved into the country following the 90's. Their great success comes mainly from rejection of Episemialist traditional beliefs for new beliefs, it has slowly been increasing in registered members since the 90s. Small minorities of Badists exist in the country, mainly as a result of Gowsas which made their way into Vinalia, although its a small minority, they're strong close knitted communities. Which have had success in attracting followers from outside the descendants of Gowsas. Other small minorities such as Irfanics, numerous Amendists, and Atudites exist in the country, mostly from migrant groups that settled on the country.
St. Nikolai's Episemialist Church, Orlavo
Episemialist Church of Velkarichka, Velkarichka
Episemialist Cathedral of Voshno, Voshno in Shyroniy Province
Interior of the Episemialist Cathedral of New Samistopol,
Episemialist Cathedral of Rubizhne, Nizhnebersutsk
St. Catherina Catholic Church, Catherinsk
Language
By law, Vinalia may not maintain an official language, although Soravian is the de facto national language as its spoken by up to 98% of population, with 20.4 million First language speakers. Although Vinalian Soravian is relatively similar to Chistovodian Soravian, and Soravian from Euclea, some differences do exist. Primarily stronger pronunciation of the Ж (Zhe), and O letters when speaking, mixing of the I, and Ë in some words. Vinalian Soravian differs mostly in its borrowed words primarily from Etrurian, this is more common in the south of the country, and has given rise to a Southern Vinalian Soravian dialect, words borrowed from Zapoyan are also quite common. Vinalian Soravian remains more close to the original pronunciation of Chocolate (Шоколад, Shokolad) emphasizing the Д at the end, while other Soravians tend to say it softer.
Vinalia holds a relatively large population that does not speak Soravian as a first language (language spoken at home). Up to 17% or 4.18 million people speak up to 25 recognized languages, recognized under the Law of Languages of 2010. Vinalian law recognizes 4 major linguistic groups in the country, in parentheses are total number of speakers: Those of Euclean origin numbering 4 among them Soravian (24.14 million), Zalyk (276,000), and Luzelese (251,000). Those of Vinakian-Zapoyan origin numbering 8 including Zapoyan (3.26 million), Cora (267,000), and Huichol (201,000). Those of Úuchmáan origin numbering 12 among them Apjai (1.61 million), Quejua (900,000), and Mam (750,000). The final group is that of Lyublytas origin, with the only language recognized being Damayan (56,000). The average Vinalian is bilingual, but its not uncommon for one to be trilingual. Indigenous Vinalian languages have had dwindling first language speakers, and a general decline in total speakers as Soravian or other Euclean languages have been favored instead, the government has attempted since 2000 to preserve this languages and their heritage with mixed results. The government has sought to work alongside the Institute for Social Linguistics in a variety of programs ranging from radio stations to printed newspapers for the preservation and protection of indigenous linguistical heritage.
Gaullican is spoken by 15% of the population as a second tongue and has been considered applicable to be recognized as a Vinalian language under the current law, but the addition of yet another Euclean language has been met with resistance. Gaullican importance and geographical closeness to Gaullican speaking countries have resulted in great interest in the language, various Gaullican schools have been established on the country, the most prominent of which is the Catherinsk Academy of Gaullican Arts which teaches exclusively in Gaullican. Other languages of importance in the country include Estmerish, Xiaodongese, Ziba, and Senrian mostly from immigrant communities that have settled in the country.
Diaspora
A large number of Vinalians live outside their country, although in a 2018 study regarding the Vinalian diaspora discovered it at its lowest amount since the 1950's. At its height in 1979 close to 8.1 million Vinalians lived outside Vinalia, mainly in Chistovodia, and Soravia. Following reunification the Vinalian diaspora began to reduce, primarily from migration back to Vinalia with close to 1 million returning to Vinalia between 1993 and 2007, the government has maintained specific programs to incentivize Vinalians to return to the country, mainly because these returning migrants are better educated and are more wealthier on average than regular Vinalians. Migration back to Vinalia has reduced, and since 2007 more Vinalians move abroad than return. Studies revealed considerable reduction in the diaspora primarily as a result of deaths in the Vinalian population abroad do to natural conditions as a result of old age, rather than increased migration back to Vinalia. Vinalia's friendly relations with Chistovodia, leaves little reason for Vinalians living in Chistovodia to move back to their home country permanently, when travel between both countries is frequent and easy.
Historical Vinalian communities exist in all major Chistovodian cities although a large section of Vinalians live near the border with Vinalia. Vinalian communities in Soravia exist as well in most major cities, developing their own distinct culture. Communities in Ardesia are mostly located near the border with Vinalia although large communities exist in Porto Sotiri, and Rémont.
| Country | Number | % |
|---|---|---|
 Ardesia
|
677,562 | 1.33 |
 Caldia
|
69,516 | 0.75 |
 Chistovodia
|
1,923,705 | 3.15 |
| File:Eldmark.png Eldmark | 105,272 | 0.30 |
 Etruria
|
46,948 | 0.07 |
 Gaullica
|
115,252 | 0.13 |
 Marchenia
|
317,421 | 0.41 |
 Rizealand
|
434,628 | 0.67 |
 Soravia
|
697,696 | 0.78 |
 Werania
|
193,627 | 0.33 |
| Other | 591,526 | - |
| Total | 5,173,153 | - |
Immigration
Vinalia during the colonial period experienced two major Immigration waves, the first during the 1610s to the 1640s brought thousands of serfs and indentured servants to Vinalia to work in the growing agricultural sector, during this migration great numbers of Zalyks also moved to Vinalia where conditions were considered better than in Soravia, close to 10,000 moved into Vinalia between 1616 and 1631. Vinalia experienced a greater wave of migration between 1790 and 1880, where close to 600,000 migrants moved into Vinalia, primarily from Soravia, including great numbers of Vedmedis, and Kantemoshans which arrived to Vinalia to work in the agricultural sector and escape the social, economic and political situation in the Soravian empire.
Following the end of serfdom and independence of Chistovodia, thousands of immigrant Gowsas from Dezevau, and Lavana settled on the country, they worked primarily in agricultural and mining sectors. Close to 5,000 Shangean laborers moved to Vinalia during the 19th century. Following the annexation and later return of Chyhyryn to Vinalia, close to 100,000 Ardesians had settled in the territory, and were allowed by the Vinalian government to move back to Ardesia, 80,000 remained in Vinalia, and have maintained an Ardesian community in the country. Today native born Ardesians make the 2nd largest group of migrants in Vinalia, with Vinalians of Ardesian descent numbering close to 600,000. Following the civil war, migration from Chistovodia, and other Socialist aligned nations to the North increased while in the south the migration of Soravians, and people from Coius was widespread. Another wave of Ardesian migration was experienced in the 50's and 60's into the South of the country, which prompted restrictions. with Etrurian, and Paretian immigrants arriving to Vinalia as well during this period and continuing until reunification.
Following reunification, Vinalia enjoyed great migration by Chistovodians, and Soravians, along with the descendants of the Vinalian Diaspora, including Vinalians living abroad which had abandoned the country do to the Vinalian struggle. Following an immigration deal between both Vinalia and Lavana, Vinalia experienced a wave of Lavanan immigration into the country. Vinalia in 2003, launched a comprehensive reform to its immigration laws which saw a rise of immigration into the country, primarily from Chistovodia and Soravia, although other nationalities like Kirenians and Shangeans enjoyed this new immigration laws and benefits. Gapolanese immigration to Vinalia rose after the 2010's growing to its highest in 2014 with 14,620 Gapolanese living in Vinalia, making it the 4th largest group in the country, Gapolanese have mostly settled in Orlavo and New Samistopol, with "New Nassea" in New Samistopol being home to 3,000 Gapolanese in a thriving economic neighborhood. Vinalia has participated along with the Community of Nations in resettling Tsabaran refugees, impacted by the Tsabaran Civil War, by October 2021 Vinalia had aided in settling 5,296 refugees, and beginning citizenship procedures to any who desire to stay permanently in Vinalia. Etrurian, and Paretian immigrants in Vinalia have created thriving communities primarily in Catherinsk, where 90% of Etrurians and 70% of Paretians live. About 4.83% of Vinalians are immigrants.
Vinalias last two presidents Ersnt Rupold, and incumbent Valeria Kunavin are second generation Vinalians, of Weranian, and Shangean descent respectively. Former Minister-President Andrej Nepyip is a second generation Vinalian of Soravian-Vedmedi descent.
| Country | Number |
|---|---|
| Ardesia
|
717,161 |
| Chistovodia
|
108,940 |
 Lavana
|
93,478 |
| Soravia
|
88,842 |
 Satucin
|
29,074 |
| Etruria
|
25,618 |
 Xiaodong
|
21,868 |
 Gapolania
|
14,620 |
 Nuvania
|
11,572 |
 Tsabara
|
5,296 |
| Other | 134,526 |
| Total | 1,250,995 |
Cities
| Largest urban centers by population | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Settlement | Population |
| ||||
| 1 | Orlavo | 2,122,521 | |||||
| 2 | Velkarichka | 1,951,125 | |||||
| 3 | Chervona | 869,377 | |||||
| 4 | Catherinsk | 663,356 | |||||
| 5 | New Samistopol | 662,753 | |||||
| 6 | Casimirsk | 533,152 | |||||
| 7 | Morechia | 500,152 | |||||
| 6 | Jangorod | 473,152 | |||||
| 9 | Vinalinsk | 351,152 | |||||
| 10 | Vulaninsk | 213,631 | |||||
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Culture
Painting
Painting is one of the oldest arts in Vinalia. It can trace its history to Cave paintings found in the Chyhyryn river basin caves, with the oldest dated to 7500 years ago. Painting was an important art in latter civilizations and societies, and is clear that it remained a relevant art form during the centuries. Paintings have been found for both of Vinalias major civilizations mainly in the form of intricate mural designs in Úuchmáan cities such as Colel, Ixazalvoh, Velykhrob, and Velykzir. Zapoyan codices such as the Codex Morechia were a popular form of painting in Zapoyan times, and the discovery of such codices has proven to be invaluable to showcasing the history, mythology, and culture of the Zapoyan people.
The colonial era of Vinalia was exemplified by a continuation of movements and trends in Soravia, which were brought through time into Vinalia. Painting focused mainly on depicting the life of wealthy landowners in the country, and religious imagery. Vinalian art remained closely tied to Soravian art throughout the 16th and mid 17th centuries, truly proper Vinalian art did not emerge until 1663 when Vinalian artists owing to the inspiration brought on by the Vespasian Baroque in neighboring Ardesia began. Vinalian artists experimented on styles and techniques, and gave rise to a unique Vinalian style during the late 17th century and early 18th century. The Etrurian Revolution, and Asterian revolutionary fever and conflict in the continent made Soravian authorities fear the spread of revolutionary ideas, which prompted a stop to Vinalian art. Vinalian painters focused on a revitalized interest in Soravia, and a return to Soravian artistic movements and ideas. The expansion of Realism, in Soravia found great success in Vinalia, where the style focused a shift in the attitudes of Vinalians which remained under Euclean control while their neighbors had sought independence. Catherine Beaumonoirs travels to Asterias in 1839, became a watershed moment for Vinalia as it cemented realism at the forefront of Vinalian art. Dario Salino, became Vinalias most renown painter in 1640, a close associate of Catherine Beaumonoir, he helped establish the New Samistopol School of arts in 1846 which became Vinalias most important artistic school. Important artists of this period and the New Samistopol school include Rostyslav Pasternak, Marina Oziabloi, and Ivashko Kromin.
Vinalian art flourished following independence, with Vinalian artists enjoying the freedom to explore the greater artistic movements of the era, such as Romanticism, and other movements of the era. Following the Vinalian revolution, North Vinalia favored the wider Socialist artistic movement, while South Vinalia enjoyed a revival of the arts and joined the Soravian establishment in the development of Dadaism, Fauvism, and Futurism. Vinalian artists joined a wider Asterian Artistic movement which was critical of the socio-economic structures, and politics of Great war and Post-war Asterias, Vinalian artists grew critical of both North and South Vinalia during the 40's and 50's such stances were increasingly met negatively by the authorities in the increasing Democratic backsliding republic of South Vinalia, fear of Censorship, and punishment for being critical of the government resulted in numerous Vinalian artists and painters seeking refugee in exile, or moving underground. Vinalian artists found themselves better connected with artistic movements and ideas abroad, Surrealism, and Expressionism became popular in the Vinalian artistic diaspora, who with the safety of exile were able to explore much more critical concepts in refutation of what they saw as growing authoritarianism back home. Key artists during this time were Yosyp Tychinka, Leonid Marshalkov, Daria Briukho, Antonina Malupin, Ostap Ochiuriushka, and Badiul Borysov. All of whom experienced some sort of censorship or exile as a result of the Vinalian governments during their life.
Vinalian Reunification and the end of censorship and punishment at the end of the 1980's allowed the return of Vinalian painters from exile and obscurity. Their new found freedom and the return of Vinalian exiles from primarily Euclea, allowed Vinalia to enter the contemporary movements of the time most prominently Modernism, and latter Postmodernism. Vinalian painting focused on the horrors experienced during the near 60 years of the Vinalian Struggle as did most of the Vinalian Post-Civil war artistic movement, the 21st century has seen the exploration of other subjects and concepts by new artists, along with a revival of interest in Indigenous arts and concepts.
The most prominent art gallery in Vinalia is that of the Orlavo Artistic Community, holding the largest collection of Vinalian art in the world. The Velkarichka Museum of the Artist, is another important artistic gallery in the country. The Vinalian government has historically been proactive in the acquisition and display of Vinalian art, a practice that continues today in the Vinalian Hall of the republic, and other publicly funded art galleries.
Architecture
Vinalian architecture has its roots in classical architecture of Zapoyan and Úuchmáan origin, who constructed intricate cities, and temples. The Úuchmáan city of Itzel is crowned by tall stone temples, and some of the religious temples constructed in Vinalia were the tallest buildings not only in Asteria Superior but the entire Asterias. Numerous buildings were constructed with Archaeoastronomical principles in mind. Lyublyta architecture featured construction of cliffside dwellings, and adobe buildings.
The arrival of Soravian colonization to the region, brought with it Soravian architectural practices. Episemialist churches were made in vibrant and intricate designs, similar to those found back in Soravia. St. Nikolai's church in Orlavo represented Asterian attempts at creating a separate architectural tradition. Povelian architecture flourished in territories south of the Chyhyryn river.
Cuisine
Vinalian cuisine is diverse incorporating elements of indigenous, Soravian, and migrant cuisine. Typical Vinalian plates include beans, and Korzhyks, although it is by far a norm. Diverse dishes exist, typical to coastal regions include Rybhu including it's variations which incorporate a fish soup with a specially made sauce, this sauce differs from region to region on its composition and ingredients, but usually is a distinctive bitter taste. Eating fried fish called (Жареная Мохарра; Zharenaya Mokharra) with lime juice is very popular in Vulaninsk and surroundings areas. In the central regions specially the highlands consumption of Frikace a dish usually made with chicken, pork, or beef, including vegetables, and fricassee in a soup is common, and usually made on Monday's per tradition. Lystivos a dough with filling, thats wrapped and cooked in banana leaves. Are eaten on special occasions and can be usually be found being sold on Saturdays, its standard practice to signal the making and sale of Lystivo by using red lights or red flags outside doors. Borscht is consumed extensively in the country, and is commonly served with a side of beans, or Korzhyk. Common desserts include cakes, sweet bread, and Kruglolitsy which are made out of plantain. Vinalians tend to consume more beef than their Soravian counterparts, while consuming less pork. A popular beef cut is the Dovhyp which is usually grilled and served with beans and Guacamole.
Vinalian cuisine has incorporated aspects of foreign cuisines, primarily Paretian, Ardesian, Gaullican, Vedmedi, and Lavanan. Restaurants specialising in authentic foreign food, are common in urban areas. Its common to see a variety of authentic, and more commercialised versions of cuisine in Vinalian cities. The fusion of these foods have given rise to unique mix cuisines, the incorporation of Loroco into dishes is widespread and an example of mixed cuisines. Indigenous communities hold distinct culinary traditions, which remain mostly isolated from one another, the consumption of beans, Frikace, Lystivo, and Rybhu are most likely originally from Indigenous tradition. Indigenous communities consume much the same as their ancestors, consuming beans and Korzhyk along with vegetables, Borscht has been incorporated in indigenous cuisine. Indigenous diet has been seen as lacking in variety which has led to issues with Malnutrition, most prominently in children where a varied consumption of nutrients is most critical. The government has introduced numerous initiatives to aid in this issue, primarily in providing families with more varied options of food to plant, as most are subsistence farmers. Although lack of training in the growth of different plants, and the high cost to buy food that is not the base beans and flour represent barriers to these issues.
Traditional fruit drinks are common in the country, although Horchata is widely popular, like in Ardesia its mostly made from rice. Atol is widely consumed, and is of indigenous origin. Consumption of Kvass, and coffee are common, and Vinalia has a distinct coffee culture. Other non-alcoholic beverages include Ryazhanka, Kefir, and tea. Liquor consumption in the country centers primarily around Vodka, although consumption of wine and beer has increased in the country, as these products have become widely available. The consumption of spirits primarily Vodka was a tradition brought by Soravian settlers, although initially all vodka was imported causing great strain on the economy of the colony, vodka was usually traded with indigenous populations for furs and other items. To counter this issue, the creation of other spirits out of wheat lead to the creation of Horilka. Horilka became widely sought after in the colony as makeshift production replaced imported vodka, but health concerns regarding its makeshift production lead to several attempts by colonial authorities to reduce the consumption and production of it. Although its makeshift production remained, today Horilka is consumed in social events but has lost its importance to vodka both locally made and imported. The growing of wine in Vinalia is a practice traced back to the 1800s when Indigenous farmers began growing grapes for the production of wine on advice of Solarian priests. Although its production is small, Vinalian wines are highly sought after, specially in Soravia where Vinalian wine is seen as a commodity. Most wine is grown and processed on the Bin river region. The growing economic prosperity in the country has seen many change from drinking vodka to wine, other imported wines enjoy circulation in the country, primarily from countries like Etruria and Paretia. Beer has also grown in popularity, primarily as a result of Chistovodian culinary changes which moved towards beer, today several breweries exist in the country but most of its beer is imported from its northern neighbor.
Clothing
Music
Music is a major part of Vinalian culture, with a long history and many influences. From indigenous Úuchmáan music and Tzapotlan music, to colonial era opera and nationalistic music, to classical, and modern rock. Vinalia has produced artists of regional and international fame such as Asya Pasternak, Pop Rock Band G Men, Post-Rock band Explosions in the Sky. Vinalia has been regularly invited to Euclovision, Vinalia's most recent entry in 2021 was Dan Divan by A-Play. For 2022 Vinalia submitted Padat v gryaz by Monetochka to the contest, defeating other well known artists in Vinalias selection contest.
The foundation of Vinalian music comes from its indigenous sounds and heritage. Úuchmáan traditions and influences used instruments such as trumpets, flutes, whistles, and drums, and used music to accompany funerals, celebrations, and other rituals. Although few pieces of written music have been recovered, carvings and general Úuchmáan traditions that have survived to present day show that Musical tradition in Úuchmáan society was highly complex and used in aforementioned religious and cultural events to great extent. Tzapotlan traditions functioned similar to Úuchmáan traditions, however it seems Tzapotlan music tended to be incorporated alongside other elements such as poetry recitals and festivals, rather than its concept. Both cultures used Huehuetl drums. Made from a wooden body opened at the bottom that stands on three legs cut from its base, with skin stretched over the top. Huehuetl drums were important to both cultures and Soravian explorers recorded the drums alongside Cocoa, and Tobacco as important items that were gifted to them.
Vinalias closeness to Novo Poveja had allowed entry of East Euclean opera into Vinalia, and latter Soravia, although Euclean style opera were reserved exclusively to the wealthy plantation owners in the country. Music in the plantations and farms of the country had little development until the arrival of Bahian slaves throughout the 16th and 17th centuries brought musical and instrumental traditions into Vinalia. The Marimba a percussion instrument grew from the mix of Bahian, Indigenous, and Euclean influences and Marimbas became common sight in Vinalia during the 18th century, with the instrument used solely without any lyrics. Coastal and wealthy regions of Vinalia remained involved in Soravian musical tradition and baroque music became increasingly prevalent in the country.
Following independence from Chistovodia in 1885, the Vinalian government sought to increasingly create a distinct Vinalian musical culture, the Marimba which had remained mostly confined to the country side and poor plantation workers, became increasingly sought after in the country. Marimba bands began appearing all over the countries, and toured numerous cities. Soravian-Weranian immigrant band 5 Rafts (5 Плоти; 5 Ploty) toured numerous Vinalian cities in 1893 and 94, and had played Marimba concerts in Samistopol in 1899. The development of the chromatic marimba in 1895, allowed the Marimba to be played in different styles allowing it to become central to Vinalian tradition. Vinalia also experienced a renewed interest in Classical Musical, and opera with numerous composers and singers such as Artem Marakushev, Bakun Sobol, Sophia Terpilovich, and Volodymyr Oziabloi becoming common sights in conservatories both at home and abroad.
Following the Vinalian Revolution, South Vinalia enjoyed Euclean influences in its music, particularly Soravian disco, rock, and pop music. Important artists of this era include Kaleva Shevchenko, Soini Suominen, Rodislav Kravchenko, and Zhenya Iakushev. The North enjoyed a period of Socialist artistic movement, and folk music primarily of Úuchmáan origin enjoyed government support and approval. The musical scene of Vinalia was impacted as increasingly authoritarian policies in the south and the tensions of war impacted artists. The rise of the military junta in the 1960's led to the end of a free musical scene, and Anti-War music became replaced with nationalistic, and revanchist music. Vinalian exiles primarily in Soravia joined larger movements in Punk rock, ambient rock, and experimental rock. Upon reunification some of these exiles returned to Vinalia, bringing with them a renewed interest in rock, and pop music. Post-Rock as a genre appeared and has increasingly become a central part of Vinalian Underground music, tracing its origin to Soravian artists in the 1990's. Vinalians have increasingly favored Euclean pop music in recent years, although Vinalian pop singers such as Asya Pasternak, and Vitas have found international success in recent years. Ardesian and Solarian music have influenced Vinalian artists in the country leading to bands such as Pop Rock band G Men, and Solarian music band Jambao, who have had great success abroad in the 90's and early 2000s
Vinalian artists of success in the last decade include pop singers Asya Pasternak, Tanja Negodiaev, and Ondrej Rikailo, who in combination with folk singers Oxana Mazeia, and Kobel Kuropdka have achieved major success in Soravia. Bands such as Rock bands Molotov, A-Play, and Quetzals, alongside Post-Rock band Explosions in the Sky have enjoyed success in the country likewise. Explosions in the Sky has brought Post-Rock back into mainstream Vinalian music, specially following its composition of the official soundtrack for the Orlavo Metro. Vinalian artists have followed similar trends to Soravian artists, and have enjoyed great exposition through the internet. Vitas became vastly popular worldwide do to his performance on his debut album Miracle Philosophy, which garnered fame as an Internet_meme, today Vitas is among the most well known Vinalian artists worldwide.
Literature
Vinalian literature has its antecedents in the literature culture of the indigenous communities in the country, although debate among scholars exist over whether writing, drawing, and making pictures were seen as closely related if not identical concepts, thus making it difficult to differentiate between literature and painting. Forms of literature involve recording of Historical and Astronomical events. Poetry is quite prominent in literary tradition, being divided into two broad categories—secular and religious. Poetry was sung, chanted, or spoken, often to the accompaniment of a drum or a harp. An important piece is the Úuchmáan Ritual of the Bacabs, containing shamanistic incantations.
Literature during the colonial period revolved mostly in regards of tales of exploration and conquest written mostly by writers born in Soravia. The first Vinalian to write prominently during this time was poet Illya Fedorov born 1590, Fedorov started a truly proper Vinalian literary tradition. Some colonial writers of importance are: Afanasij Ramenskoi, Belonozhka Pasternak, and Rodislav Kulesh. Upon independence from Soravia, a more modern Vinalian literary tradition arose, led by writers such as Pylyp Stryovich, and Vsevolod Fedorovak who came to prominence for their writings opposing Soravian colonization, and latter Chistovodian control. Slavir Oliynyk became the first Vinalian writer of international renown after composing the poem Testament in 1889, which became widely distributed across the world. Other writers of importance between 1885 and 1935 are Ananiy Terpilovich, Bankon Diaiakshigildeev, Lade Olekseevich, and Vikky Ochiuriushka.
Vinalian literature divided itself following the Vinalian revolution in 1935. A more Socialist trend developed in the North, while a more free and critical trend developed in the South. Southern writers enjoyed a period of great work, called the Golden age of Vinalian literature. Between 1945 and 1969, writers such as Ikal Peruski, the twin Arturivna sisters Nina, and Oksana, Olina Myroslavivna, Nazar Leont, and Chac Sulai became renown writers worldwide. Works such as the Arturivna sisters novels Winter in Bir, A tale of 10 Wife's, and 100 Leagues from you, and Olina Myroslavivnas Moonlight over Nazar became international hits, meanwhile Ikal Peruskis Dumb Dumb became a cornerstone of international literature, earning numerous awards. Due to increasing censure and risk, Peruski and Myroslavivna lived in exile following the end of South Vinalian democracy in 1969, bringing forth a period of reduced literature in the country.
Vinalian literature experienced a rebirth following reunification. A movement referred to as "Revitalism" sweep Vinalia, works analyzing the previous 50 years became center piece to Revitalism, Vinalian writers also explored differing genres, with Yaroslav Chumachenko's 1999 novel Broken Arrow which became an international hit exploring genres such as Science fiction, and Cyberpunk, alongside Tina Blairesks The Red Owl which explored Vinalian Zapoyan Fantasy. Although the civil war has remained impactful in Vinalian literature, remaining at its center. Other authors of note following 1990 include Anastasija Merkushko, Andrej Kudriavtsov, Diana "Dove" Kravchik, Nataliya Krechko, Rikailo Ochiuriushka, Sidere Sokolov, and Valentyn Shwetz.
Cinema
Vinalia maintains a small homegrown film industry, inherited from Northern and Southern propaganda films. On average it produces between 3-6 feature films per year. Vinalia's most well known productions are One Hundred Leagues from you (Сто ліг від вас; Sto lih vid vas), and Dumb Dumb (німий німий; Tupyy Tupyy), which came to prominence after winning the Montecara Film Festival in 1969, and 1991 respectively. They're both adaptations of the written books from the Arturivna sisters and Ikal Peruski, of the same names. Other films of importance include the 2000's Red Rose (Червона роза; Chervona roza),2019 Ladies in the River (Дами в річці; Damy v richtsi), and the 2021 Broken Arrow (Зламана стріла; Zlamana strila). Themes explored in movies regularly feature the Vinalian Civil War as is the case for One Hundred Leagues from you, Dumb Dumb, and Red Rose, along with other Social issues such as racism in Ladies in the River. Although movies such as Broken Arrow have delved into other genres such as science fiction, and Cyberpunk, successfully. Short film has grown in importance and remark in the country, numerous short films are created throughout the year, most prominently the first Vinalian animated short film Your Hair (Ваше волосся; Vashe volossya) which released in 2018, and received numerous awards abroad.
Vinalias most prestigious film festival is the Catherinsk Film Festival, first established in 1954, it was revolutionary as it allowed the showing of both Northern and Southern films, allowing it to take a truly Vinalian identity. All Vinalian movies that have enjoyed international release have been presented in the film festival. Other festivals include the Velkarichka school of Animation festival, and the Ministry of Culture Annual showing of Vinalian film.
Media
As of March 2021, there are there are twenty nationwide free-to-air television channels, Armadillo Group operates 7, Red Coast Media operates 5, the Vinalian Ministry of Culture and Sports operates 4, with the last 4 channels distributed among 4 other companies. The Ministry of culture operates simultaneous broadcasts of the National Television and Radio Company (Національна телерадіокомпанія; Natsionalʹna teleradiokompaniya) on 3 of its 4 channels, but each channel uses a different language Soravian, Apjai, and Quejua are the 3 languages used on broadcasting. These are the only nationwide non-Soravian channels. Numerous other regional and local television channels exist, but are owned primarily by Armadillo Group, Red Coast Media, and the Ministry of Culture and Sports which primarily broadcasts local channels in local languages. A government initiative in 2011 sought to privatize this non-Soravian broadcasts similar to the radio but found no success, in 2017 it was deemed by law that such channels existed to incorporate the Vinakian population into the country. Numerous media providers provide access to Soravian, and Euclean media mainly through satellite, although internet access has allowed greater consumption of foreign media. There are up to 500 radio stations in Vinalia, also majority owned by Armadillo Group, and Red Coast Media. The Ministry of Culture maintains successful subsidies and support of non-Soravian broadcasts, at the local level and numerous non-Soravian broadcasts can be found in up to 15 languages across the country, including 10 Vinakian languages.
There are over 100 newspapers, and close to 500 magazines published in the country. The most prestigious and sold daily newspaper in the country is Free Press (Вільна преса;Vilʹna presa), which is widely read across the country, and has been the recipient of numerous international awards. Other newspapers of note include Our Newspaper (Наша газета; Nasha hazeta), Independent (Незалежний; Nezalezhnyy), and 21st Century Citizen (Громадянин 21 століття; Hromadyanyn 21 stolittya). The 5th largest daily newspaper in the country is the entirely Online newspaper Informed Citizen (Інформований громадянин; Informovanyy hromadyanyn), online newspapers have had incredible success in the country since 2010 as a result of greater access to the internet, all major Vinalian newspapers enjoy considerable online presence.
Sports
Sports in Vinalia are a common past time for the people, the government subsidizes public sports in Sporting Clubs for children and adults alike, in the North Workers Clubs persist from their Socialist origins in the 1940's. A national sporting week is held the week after reunification day after the first iteration in Jangorod 1996, also known as the Vinallian Invictus Games. As many sporting events are held, including the Novikov Cup Finals, the National Basketball Championship League finals, the Vinalian Marathon, the Vinalian Athletics combine, and the National Swimming Competition, are held in back to back days in the hosting city of that years Vinalian Sporting Competition. Vinalinsk is to host the week in 2020, and Catherinsk in 2021, following Jangorod's 5th host in 2019. Zadany is the countries national sport.
Football is the most popular sport in Vinalia with some 350,000 people being part of the Football Sporting Clubs as of 2019. The top football league is the Vinalian Superliga which was established in 1999 following the merger of the top Northern and Southern Leagues the First League, and the Sporting League respectively. The Superliga consists of 14 teams, with the biggest clubs being that of the Orlavo Red Stars, Velkarichka F.C., and Chervona Coyotes who combined have won 14 out of 20 cups, strong rivalries exist between Orlavo Red Stars and Velkarichka F.C.. The second tier league is that of the Super Combine with 20 teams, and the third tier is the United League with 40 teams. The top 8 teams in the Superliga, top 7 in the Super Combine, and the top 5 teams of the United League classify to the Novikov Cup. The national team plays in the National Stadium in Velkarichka.
The Orlavo Falcons of the Asterian Hockey League were established in 1992 and are the only professional Ice Hockey team in Vinalia, the Vinalian Hockey League is considered an amateur league and has 8 teams throughout Vinalia, with the Chervona Foragers being the most dominant team in the league with 6 titles. The Vinalian National Hockey team plays in the Orlavo Dome, and is currently a member of the 1B Division. Basketball is another important sport, as 100,000 people play the sport in Sporting Clubs, the only Basketball League is that of the National Basketball Championship League with 20 teams established in 1995, following incorporation of the Southern Basketball Super League with the disbanding Northern Vinalian Basketball League. The Velkarichka Flying Lemurs have won 9 out of 24 championships with their rivals the Chervona Bulls having won 7 championships. Other sports played in the country include Baseball, Volleyball, Tennis, Swimming, Wrestling, among others.
Vinalia has participated in all Summer Invictus Games since 1938, when both Vinalias participated on the competition. Vinalia first participated as a united nation in 1990. Vinalia has won 52 medals, including 11 gold medals since unification, although all 3 Vinalian entities to participate in the games have won 14 gold medals combined. The 11 unified gold medals have come from strong Vinalian disciplines, such as Wrestling (4), Shooting (3), and Canoeing (2). Canoeing and Athletics have rendered Vinalia 9 medals each, although Vinalia has historically excelled in Wrestling. Vinalia's most successful athlete is Canoeist Konai Fedorov, and Wrestler Siveko Rataev each with 2 gold medals, and 4 and 3 total medals. In total all 3 teams have won 80 medals in total. Vinalian participation in the Winter games, has been limited historically, the unified team and Northern team have participated a total of 8 times, using primarily dual citizens with other nations such as Soravia and Chistovodia. Most recently Soravian-Vinalian Luger Maksym Chernyak represented Vinalia 3 times.
Customs and Holidays
Vinalia has numerous customs dating back to Soravia, and pre-colonial society. A common custom primarily in towns and villages is the making of Lystivo on Saturdays, businesses and individual homes making Lystivos will turn on a red light or display red on their front door to signify they're making Lystivo. It is common for families to have Lystivo during dinner on Saturdays and on holidays. Usually events such as graduations, the return of family members from abroad, or the birth of a child are celebrated by eating Hen or Курка, in cities Курка is usually cooked and bathed in cream and served inside soup. Its common practice to tear off parts of the Курка and eat it with salt.
Vinalian weddings are very similar to Soravian traditions, although they've been influenced by Indigenous, Ardesian, and Estmerish traditions. Vinalian weddings tend to be smaller, although it is common in rural towns for the entire community to be involved in the celebration. Couples will usually marry in a civil ceremony with only close friends and family and is the only form of marriage the country accepts. Latter hosting a larger ceremony hours or days later, with large dances and celebrations, if its a religious couple this celebration follows a religious ceremony, while non-religious couples will opt for Estmerish style ceremonies.
Vinalia has 12 official Public holidays, whereby workers are entitled to days off, however this is not the case for all national holidays. Most national holidays in Vinalia involve the Episemialist Church, important national dates such as Vinalias 3 national days, and celebrations of Vinalian, as well as Marolevic culture. The remaining cultural holidays, although they are not paid public holidays, are still recognized as important days and many localities or businesses observe them.
Vinalia celebrates 3 national days, May 5th when it celebrates its separation from Chistovodia, July 25th when it celebrates the reunification of Vinalia although the country did not officially unify until January 1st 1993 also a public holiday do to the new year, and September 1st when it celebrates Vinalian independence as part of Chistovodia from Soravia. North Vinalia initially solely celebrated September 1st as independence day and its day of separation from the Vinalian First Republic as the Day of the Revolution, while South Vinalia celebrated both its independence from Soravia and then Chistovodia. July 25th was made the official day of the country as the official reunification of the country on January 1st would be overshadowed by Episemialist celebrations, and already existing celebrations regarding the New Year. Although July 25th is the official national day, Vinalians celebrate all days equally, flying Vinalian flags and singing the national anthem. Usually Independence Day features celebration and remembrance of the struggle for Independence, with Separation day celebrating Vinalian culture and identity. Reunification Day usually involves Vinalias modern identity. Peace day on July 12th has been classed as a national day, but it usually revolves around celebrating and remembering the dead during the Vinalian struggle with it having a more somber tone than Reunification day. This is exemplified in the flying of all flags at half-mast for a 3 day period prior to the 12th with flags being raised at the end of the 12th, in significance of the prevalence of peace in the end.
| Date | Name | Native Name | Public Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day | Новий рік;Novyy rik |  |
Celebration of the new year. Additionally celebration of Vinalian Reunification. |
| January 2–5 | Nativity Holiday | Свято Різдва; Svyato Rizdva |  |
|
| January 6 | Nativity's Eve | Святвечір; Svyatvechir | |
Day before the Nativity. |
| January 7 | Nativity | Різдво; Rizdvo | |
Celebration of the birth of Jesus Sotiras |
| January 8 | Boxing Day | День боксу; Den' boksu | |
Day after the Nativity. |
| January 19 | Epiphany | Водохреща; Vodokhreshcha | |
Celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. |
| February 14 | Valentine's Day | день святого Валентина;denʹ svyatoho Valentyna | |
|
| March 11 | Maslenitsa | Маслениця; Maslenytsya | |
|
| moveable Friday | Good Friday | Хороша п'ятниця; Khorosha p'yatnytsya | |
|
| moveable Sunday | Easter Sunday | Пасхальна неділя; Paskhal'na nedilya | |
|
| moveable Monday | Easter Monday | Пасхальна понеділок; Paskhal'na ponedilok | |
|
| May 1 | International Workers' Day | Міжнародний день працівників;Mizhnarodnyy denʹ trudyashchykh | |
Celebrate the workers of Vinalia. |
| May 5 | Separation day | День розлуки;Denʹ rozluky | |
Commemorate the separation of Vinalia from Chistovodia. |
| July 12 | Peace Day | день миру;Denʹ myru | |
Celebrate peace in Vinalia, following the Treaty of Vina which ended the 10 Day War in 1987. |
| July 25 | Reunification Day | День возз’єднання;Denʹ vozzʺyednannya | |
Celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Vinalian Reunification, reunifying North and South Vinalia. |
| August 3 | Celebration of Sport in Vinalia day | Святкування спорту у день Віналії;Svyatkuvannya sportu u denʹ Vinaliyi | |
Celebrate sport, and it's history in Vinalia. |
| August 25 | Brasva | Брасва; brasva | |
Originally Soravian holiday commemorating Marolevic culture across the world. |
| September 1 | Independence Day | день Незалежності;Denʹ Nezalezhnosti | |
Celebrate the independence of Vinalia as part of Chistovodia from Soravia. |
| October 5 | People's Day | день людей;Narodnyy denʹ | |
Celebration of the people of Vinalia primarily the indigenous people of the country. |
| October 7 | Feast day of St. Hippodalia | День святої Іпподалії;Denʹ svyatoyi Ippodaliyi | |
Feast day of the Patron Saint of Vinalia, Hippodalia. |
| October 19 | St. Nikolai's Day | День святого Миколая; Den' svyatoho Mykolaya | |
Celebration commemorating the ascension of Nikolai of Lipa to the throne of Pavatria. |
| November 27 | Armed Forces Day | День збройних сил;Denʹ zbroynykh syl | |
Celebration of the Armed Forces of Vinalia |
| December 31 | New Year's Eve | Переддень Нового року;Pereddenʹ Novoho roku | |
Day before the new year. |
References
- ↑ Okhremovich, Bohdan (1998). The True History of the Conquest of Vinalia.