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Goyanes

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The Imperial Goyanean Federation
Der Kæsernet Gojan Føderasjon
Flag of Goyanes
Flag
Imperial Coat of Arms of Goyanes
Imperial Coat of Arms
Motto: "Hvis Gud har vereignt, lass nej mann treskille."
"What God has united, let no man separate."
Anthem: "Mine Eyes Have Seen"
Green: Goyanes
Green: Goyanes
Capital
and largest city
Gojannesstad, Nyhett
Official languagesGojan
Recognised regional languagesAscalonian, Frisian
Other languagesAndrennian, Prydanian, Hessun
Ethnic groups
(2011 Census)
93% Gojan/North Gotic
7% Other
Demonym(s)Goyanean
GovernmentConstitutional Parliamentary Monarchy
• Grand Emperor
Anthony I of Kjellse-Tages
• Chancellor
Jorgen Årnad
• Lawspeaker of the Stortinget
Sveinbjørn Einhoven
Formation
• Acts of Union of Nyhett and Sørnen
847 AD
• Formation of UKAG
1650
• Dissolution of UKAG
1818
Area
• Total
594,630 km2 (229,590 sq mi)
Population
• 2022 census
145,809,423
• Density
245/km2 (634.5/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)estimate
• Total
$8.063 trillion (IBU)
• Per capita
$55,405 (IBU)
Gini29
low
HDIIncrease 0.936
very high
CurrencyImperial Dram (KGD)
Date formatMM/DD/YYYY
Driving sideleft
Internet TLD.gj

Goyanes (Gojan: Gojannes), officially The Imperial Goyanean Federation (Gojan: Der Kæsernet Gojan Føderasjon), is a sovereign state on the continent of Gothis. It includes 15 kingdoms, and covers an area of approximately 588,934 km². It has a climate that ranges from temperate across most of the nation, to subarctic in the far northern reaches and highlands. With 133 million inhabitants, Goyanes is the second most populous member of the Pan-Gotic Union. The country's largest metropolis is the gargantuan Gojannesstad-Jægerstrom Metroplex, which contains approximately 32,101,122 inhabitants. Other major cities in Goyanes include Naderfjord, Hosen Sæg, Dagenfjord, and Hofsvægr.

Gotic tribes have inhabited Goyanes since prehistory, migrating from Xentherida and southern Collandris about 2900 years ago. This was part of the greater Gotic Diaspora, which saw large quantities of Gotic peoples leaving their homelands and venturing out into the farther reaches of Eras. The original landing site of the Goyanean gotic groups was near modern Frisia and Hessunland. The Northern Gots, or Nords, inhabited a large swath of territory stretching from the easterly parts of Andrenne, all across the Næsser coasts of Frisia, Hessunland, and Goyanes, to the northern reaches of Osanhalt province in Goyanes. This fostered a discontent amongst the Nords and another group of Gotic peoples, the Southern Gots. The Southern Gots migrated northward into modern Frisia and Hessunland, pushing the Nords across the Mukak and Dalva rivers, into modern Goyanes and Andrenne, respectively.

In the 1600s and 1700s, Goyanes became one of Eras' great colonial powers, as they were unified with Andrenne in a real union that possessed large quantities of territory on Demescia and southern Iteria. In 1818, the UKAG dissolved due to the rising of power of a pair of twins, in which each twin took command of a nation. Andrenne and Goyanes were found fighting Syrixia together not only a few years afterwards, in the Second Imperial War. Goyanes remained relatively peaceful until the 1930s, when it became embroiled in the global-scale megaconflict known as the Fascist Wars.

Goyanes emerged from the Fascist Wars victorious, and has evolved into one of Eras' great powers, possessing an outstanding economy, a powerful military, and a highly developed society, upheld by a skilled, industrious, and productive populace. Goyanes continues to export technology, heavy industry, cars, aircraft, and other engineering products, and is a large importer and exporter of other goods.

In 1988, Goyanes annexed the Western Frisia province of Gottia after the allied victory in the Gotmark War of 1987-1988. This added a fair amount of territory to Goyanes, and large swaths of agricultural land.

The Imperial Goyanean Federation is a founding member of the Pan-Gotic Union, which was formed in 2017. Goyanes is also an observer of the Iterian League and Trillium Compact, and is part of countless other trade pacts and multilateral treaties.

Etymology

It is not very clear how the Gojan word Gojannes originated. Some historians speculate that the name may originate from the old word gejahalles, which rougly translates to "howling", which may have referred to the howling sounds of the winds passing through the Eastern Fjordlands on the Næsser sea. Another possible theory is that the name refers to a large collection of tribes, whose names were collectively called geojannen.

History

Goyanes has a rich history spanning over two thousand years. The area known as the modern nation-state of Goyanes was uninhabited by humans before the arrival of the Northern Gots around 2900 years ago. However, there were early primates in the area, most notably the alpine beast, natively known as the alpijnbeest.

Prehistory and the last half of the 1st millennium BCE

The arrival of the gots in the region signaled a large change in the continent. Around 1850 BCE, the Gots had arrived from Xentherida, settling in various sites on the Næsser sea coasts. Archaeological remains can be found in the area, which were carbon dated and confirmed to be of the timeframe that scientists and archaeologists had speculated was the time of the original arrival of the Gots. Starting in the 1600s and 1500s BCE there was already a clear distinction between two factions of Gotic tribal groups. These were the Nords and the Southerners. The Nords had inhabited a large swath of territory ranging from the far eastern reaches of modern Andrenne, to the northwest of Goyanes.

A set of Gotic metal tools found at an archaeological site in Ornan-på-Næsser, Kongsland.

The main event to happen in the 500s BC was the northwards migration of the southerners. They split the nords down the middle, settling down in modern Frisia and Hessunland. The nords residing on the western reaches of Frisia region crossed the Mukak river, and in the 400s BC, established the Sørnen Het, one of the two main pre-unification nation-states in Goyanes. On the northern end of the Goyanean peninsula, the Hysende Het was getting started. They were a powerful kingdom from the start, using longboats and advanced combat tactics to annex different tribes and conquer large swaths of territory.

In the 200s BCE, the Hysende Het failed to conquer the forces of Bjørn Torstein, and the viking clan of Naader. Little did the Hettsett of Hysende know, the Clan of Naader would return 200 years later, stronger and more powerful than ever. Soon after the failed attempt to conquer the Naader clan, the Naader clan went on a path of empire building, unifying all the tribes, clans, and viking principalities in all the lands south of Hysende and north of Sørnen.

In the year 1 AD, King Konstantin I marched into the city of Hosen Sæg, the capital of the Hysende Het. After a quick battle and decisive victory, Konstantin publicly slaughtered the Hettsett of Hysende in front of a large crowd, distributing pieces of his body to the city residents in an effort to taunt and intimidate the former loyalists of Hysende. With the fall of Hysende, the newly established Nyhett became the counterpart to Sørnen, completing the rise to power of the pre-unification states.

The First Millenium, Unification, Expansion, and Messianism

After the conquest of King Konstantin I, and the growth of Nyhett as the predominant northern Goyanean power, there was a long and tranquil peace in the north. Nyhett, despite the peace, was engaging in a series of military campaigns to keep order around its domains. Run by the Vikings, they would run trade routes, and occasionally raid unruly villages and settlements. The tactic proved effective, and it was successful in repelling uprisings and rebellions around Nyhett.

In the south, The Sørnen Het, in an effort to expand and capitalize on the abundance of its domains, expanded southward into modern day Gotmark. Led by Magnusson Odal, they explored southward into the thick forests of Gotmark, constructing primitive roads, and building trade outposts at fairly regular intervals. Eventually they reached the southwestern cape of the continent, and their mission was complete. The Odal trail now stretched from the center of the city of Hirendag all the way to the southern cape. The Sørnen Het government decided that the region was of low risk for any uprisings, and as such, they appointed a prince of the ruling Norga dynasty to preside over the new provinces.

In the 600s AD, a large group of Western Gotic peoples, known as the Hastfrads, were discontent with living conditions in the southern regions of modern-day Hessunland and Frisia. As such, they began migrating away to find a better home. They travelled westward, eventually arriving on the southwestern coast of Goyanes, where they boarded their longboats, and began their long, arduous journey towards the Southern Isles, where they would eventually found several nation-states, including Esplandia and Alstenbek.

About two hundred and thirty years after the Hastfradic departure from the Northwest, the political situation in Goyanes had reached a new level of cooperation and friendship. Nyhett and Sørnen shared many laws, a similar currency, the same language, and a nearly identical culture. The ruling family of Nyhett, the Tages dynasty, headed by King Haakon I, decided it was in the best interest of the peoples of Nyhett, and of Sørnen, for that matter, to be in a unified state. As such, Haakon attempted to court the Hettsett of Sørnen, Elisa II, to no avail. Haakon was desperate. He was already 50, and had not yet had children. If he did not successfully court the 30 year old Elisa, a power vacuum would most likely be left behind over who got to rule Nyhett.

Haakon devised a plan to secure his marriage with Elisa. He sent forth a group of 5 extremely wealthy Nyhettan men to bargain their money for Elisa to marry Haakon. One of the men, Kriss Jorgenson, successfully managed to give her enough money to accept the terms of marriage, and in the year 847, the Norga dynasty was merged into the Tages dynasty, creating a massive, unified nation-state spanning the entire length of the western coast.

Early stave church built in eastern Laggen province around 922 AD.

In the 870s, a group of traders from a far off land known as Ceretis arrived in the small port town of Igenass. The traders did not just bring products with them, but a new religion, which quickly captivated the villagers of the town. This religion was Messianism, and its newfangled presence in Goyanes would change the course of its history forever. Messianism quickly spread clandestinely through the more southern regions of Goyanes. Goyanes at the time had strict rules about the practice of the state religion, Gojan Paganism, which restricted the ease of flow of Messianism around the nation. Inevitably, word of this new religion reached the Imperial Courts in Naderfjord. Ingolfr the Great, the reigning Grand Emperor at the time, was actually intrigued by the new religion. Especially after a series of natural disasters in the northeastern parts of the nation, confidence in Odin and his gang of gods and deities was lower. As a result, Ingolfr officially converted, being baptized in 889 AD at a public ceremony in Naderfjord.

The 900s was marked by a series of inquisitions targeted at those who remained practicing the old ways of Gojan Paganism. Several tens of thousands died in the 8th century as a result, but the products of the Goyanean government's inquisition programs were fairly effective, as the old Pagan systems were expelled in favor of a more modern and stable Messianic system.

Early Imperial Ventures

The first overseas colonies of the Goyanean realm was Nærøy. Nærøy is a small island that is about 320 sq. km in area. The first explorations to the island were chartered by the Grand Emperor Danneg III in 1107. He sent out a group of 10 viking longships to sail around after hearing rumors in the Imperial Court of an uninhabited island off the coast of Igenass. In 1109, the viking explorers landed on Nærøy, establishing a colonial outpost there. The Goyaneans started settling families on the island, which had a warm climate and good lands for growing food.

Høystein Fort off the coast of Nærøy, built in 1277

In the 1400s, Grand Emperor Konstantin VI chartered the creation of a trading colony on the northern coast of Meterra for the purposes of competition with the Ilian Maritime Republics. Prince Konghuset, Konstantin VI's brother established the colony directly south of the Ilian claims. This colony became known as Jalkan, or how it is known today, Yalkan. This would be a vital location for the jumpstart of more distant colonial ventures. Later on in the 1400s and early 1500s, the Ilian Civil War was rampant, and the Goyanean Imperial Army came to the aid of the anti-monarchist forces. The Goyanean Imperial Court saw this as an opportunity to gain ground and influence in Ilia. After the war ended, the new Ilian Government gifted the rest of their north Meterran colony to Goyanes, completing the modern boundaries of Yalkan.

Distant Colonialism and the UKAG

The late 1500s found the Goyaneans arriving and establishing colonies on the Northern Coast of Demescia. The fertile lands provided an adequate place to relocate the increasingly crowded Goyanean Peninsula. The locals also did not put up much resistance, as the Goyanean colonial officials were quite benevolent. This new base in Demescia provided the key location to jump across the Meterran Sea and found new colonies in southern Iteria.

The Second War of Succession

In 1601, during the reign of Geirolf VII (1588-1622 AD), a nobleman by the name Gunnar van Oberg, hailing from Niemruhe in Osanhalt assembled his army, as well as that of neighboring fiefdoms. His army laid siege to Hosen Sæg, and demanded that Geirolf relinquish the throne. His basis was that the Van Oberg's, a cadet line of the House of Hedmark, the parent family of the Tages', were the true legitimate heirs to the Empire, and that if Geirolf did not resign, he would burn Hosen Sæg to the ground. Geirolf refused, and instead sent the armies of Nyhett to kill Gunnar and his armies. The forces met south of Hosen Sæg, in Nadersbrygge on the border between Nyhett and Hysende. The battle ensued, and the Second War of Goyanean Succession began.

The battle caused noblemen from around the country to turn on each other. By 1615 half of the nation had aligned with Gunnar, and in 1622, Gunnar killed Geirolf as he charged into battle at the Fields of Kamusjin, in April 1622. Gunnar marched upon Gojannesstad and had his way. Gunnar ruled with draconian tactics for 6 months, from April to October, creating a period of misery. But it was not long before Geirolf's son, Johannes VII the Strong, assembled his troops and stormed Tageskiele, re-establishing the rightful rule of Goyanes by the Tages family. Johannes kept Gunnar as prisoner, and at the great festivities of the Oktoberfest in Gojannesstad, beheaded Gunnar.

The death of Gunnar didn't end the war though. Vengeful nobles aligned with the Obergs continued to attack Johannes and his armies, but one by one, he drew them all into submission, and each noble that returned to him he would strip of their titles, and appointed new families to govern their domains. Finally in 1631, Johannes proclaimed Goyanes whole again, and peace reigned upon the land.

Meanwhile, Goyanean explorers started taking trading concessions from the Empire of Dazhou (modern-day Ascalon). When Dazhou collapsed, forming tiny little states, Goyanean colonial administrators arrived and took advantage of the power vacuum, and implanted themselves as leaders of Ascalon after getting fealty pledges from over half of the post-Dazhou states.

Union Flag of the UKAG, which combined the flags of Goyanes and Andrenne.

In 1650, Grand Emperor Johannes VIII, married Grand Queen Elisa I of Andrenne. This marriage sent Goyanes and Andrenne into a real union, known as the United Kingdoms of Andrenne and Goyanes, or the UKAG. The UKAG was a powerful new entity, as two main powers on Gothis were now united into a megastate. The colonial administration was also techincally joined together, and Goyanes and Andrenne became a major colonial superpower, with established colonies in Ascalon, Skanda, Demescia, Prydania. This was the beginning of a series of radical changes which would transform Goyanes into its near modern form.

In January 1703, information to the general public had arisen of corruption within the House of Lords. The people began blocking the convoys of carriages that would transport lords to the chambers in Gojannesstad. By Summer, riots had begun to form, and a brutal winter the year before had made the public angrier than usual. Mobs assembled in Gojannesstad demanding that the people gain control of the government. When Grand Emperor Oslo III arrived for his sessions in Goyanes, he invited the mob leaders into Tageskiele and considered their demands. After several weeks of consideration, Oslo capitulated and signed the July 22nd Treaty, which established the Supreme Law as the consititution of the Goyanean realm, and established a new, bicameral legislature, which included the Stortinget and the Riksdag, which continue to this very day. Madam Amalie Kronnek, heiress to the vast landowning Kronnek family, was appointed as the first Chancellor by decree of the Grand Emperor, and modern Goyanean politics was born.

The Imperial Wars

The First Imperial War started in October and December 1748, when the Syrixian Empire invaded and conquered UKAG Demescia fearing the growing influence of the UKAG. After recieving word that Syrixia had invaded Demescian Holdings, the Grand Emperor of the UKAG sends a fleet to attempt to retake the colonies. The two fleets met in December of 1748, and a large naval battle ensues. The Syrixians leave victorious, and the UKAG looses its Demescian holdings, except for the Jaanun landkreis of Goyanean Demescia, which was successfully defended from invasion.

In January of 1749, the Syrixians invade Nærøy to further gain colonial holdings and to place a chokehold on the UKAG by having such a close projection base. Thousands of families are evicted from the island or imprisoned by the Syrixians. An unsuccessful repulsion by the weakened UKAG forces does not manage to retake the island. Assorted skirmishes and battles take place in various locations around Eras until in early 1751, the Syrixians invade Skanda via Iraelian colonial holdings. The Syrixians also occupy parts of Northern Andrenne, merely tens of miles from Mitta. In December 1751, the UKAG and Syrixia convene and sign the Christmas Treaty in Mitta, Andrenne, terminiating the 1st Imperial War, and forbidding the UKAG and Syrixia from going to war for ten years. A compromise was also made for the Syrixians to free Skanda, albeit with the ability to pillage the nation for 5 days beforehand.

Admiral Ragnar Fannin (bottom right), the commander of Goyanean naval forces during the 2nd Imperial War is depicted inspecting his ships before sailing off for Demescia in this 1877 painting by Magnus Henmeyer.

Between the wars, Goyanes and Andrenne were poor, bankrupt, and looking for a way out. Several Malorian banking groups and families helped bail out the bankrupt UKAG and post-UKAG Andrenne and Goyanes, most notably the Halberts, Severyns, and Valmonts. Without this bail-out the UKAG and Nordic Coalition would not have the funding necessary to engage in the 2nd Imperial War.

Less than a century later, in 1818, the Crown Prince and Princess, Johannes IX and Isabella I, who were twins, ascend to the throne. They split the two realms amongst themselves, therefore dissolving the UKAG. Johannes IX took Goyanes, and Isabella I took Andrenne. While the UKAG may have split, the amiable and close relations continued further. In May 1825, Johannes and Isabella declared a joint demand to the Syrixian Empire, which required the Syrixian government to return all Nordic lands in Demescia, as well as returning Nærøy. Naturally, the Syrixian Empire refused the demands of the twins, and war was subsequently declared. In June 1825 the Nordic Coalition slips a fleet past oblivious Syrixian naval defenses in the Sastenic Straits and successfully establishes a surprise beachhead. The invasion of Nordic Demescia begins. In July of 1825, more coalition troops land in Demescia and in Nærøy, overwhelming the overconfident Syrixian troops. A series of intense battles, both on land and on sea begin, and the coalition starts to regain territory. In March 1826, Nærøy is avenged, and the Goyaneans recapture the island successfully. Meanwhile, the Andrennians begin a cruel offensive to drive the Syrixians out of Gothis.

Johannes IX
of Goyanes
Isabella I
of Andrenne

In February of 1827, all of Nordic Demescia had been avenged, and the Syrixians suffered a crippling defeat. The Gojannesstad Accords, signed that same month in Gojannesstad, officially ended the 2nd Imperial War, gave back the colonies to the coalition, but split along the old UKAG administration lines, and forced the Syrixian forces to leave Gothis for good. As a result of this however, the Syrixian Empire plunged into a massive debt that set it up for failure and the loss of Esplandian territories later on in the 19th century.

The Interwar Century

The Interwar Century, or the period between the conclusion of the 2nd Imperial War and the beginning of the Fascist Wars, was the prime golden age in Goyanean history. The Industrial Revolution was in full swing, the economy was booming, and overall, life in Goyanes was comfortable and relaxed. Notable advances were being made in technology, such as the advent of canals, modern roads, and the railway. This revolution in transportation technology helped shape Goyanes' modern cities, and as a result, products, ideas, and people were moving around the country like never before.

The Halberg Canal near Miksnaby, Hysende.

Goyanes', as well as the world's first railway line, the Capital Iron Road opened up in 1820. The brainchild of engineer and nobleman Lord Jonas van Oppenheimer, it transported passengers from Børseplats Station, on the East Bank of Gojannesstad, along the shores of the Nordstrøm all the way to Jægerstrom. This connection helped spur the development of railway lines all over Goyanes, especially after Grand Emperor Johannes IX granted him an imperial charter to construct railways all over the Kingdoms of Nyhett, Laggen, and Næsser, which eventually became the Grand Trunk Railroad. Canals also were being constructed in important locations around the country. The Halsberg Canal bridged the 20 mile gap between the Nyhettfjord's last navigable point and the Hysendefjord's last navigable point, creating an inland route all the way from Jægerstrom, through Gojannesstad and Naderfjord, all the way to Hosen Sæg.

Oppenheimer's first successful locomotive, the Kong Konstantin

Roads were also coming about, with the first maintained horse and wagon trails, as well as turnpikes, connecting the big cities, and the small towns and villages in between. A notable example id the Mydfjordbaner, which opened as a small turnpike, costing only 1/10 dram to travel on, and connected Gojannesstad with it's northern suburbs that were situated on the Mydfjord. The development of these roads also encouraged major developments of cities. More and more people were moving out of the countryside and emigrating to big cities for work. This is mainly due to the new types of agricultural technology that was being invented as well, which made one farmer much more productive, reducing the need for so many farmers.

A mid 1800s postcard of the Mydfjordbaner turnpike.

As more and more people moved to the cities, urban sprawl started to take hold, and by the late 1800s, Gojannesstad already had it's first underground railway, and other big cities, like Naderfjord, and Jægerstrom were following suit. The popularization of electricity also helped with this, as deep underground tunnels could be built with electric trains, removing the need for frequent ventilation shafts. Life was also becoming more and more modern, the lightbulb was appearing more and more, and the automobile was making its first strides in Goyanes as well, appearing in an 1898 exposition in Jægerstrom.

A Gojannesstad U-Baner train speeds by in southwestern Gojannesstad. (c.1912)

As the turn of the century rolled around, the Goyanes we know today started to shape up. Grand Emperor Natan II took power, and his successive parliaments introduced progressive, modern legislature, setting Goyanes apart as a modern nation one could look up to. However, a political faction was arising in it's Nordic sister nation, the Fascist movement. Little did those at the time know, the Fascist movement would cause incredible amounts of death, pain, and suffering in the years to come.

The Fascist Wars and the 20th Century

Before the Fascist Wars, the end of the Nordic Golden Age was a peaceful and prosperous time. The people basked in the riches of the previous century, and train tracks were being laid almost everywhere. Domestic life was also comfortable, with electricity coming to homes and businesses alike.

With the rise of Nystrom in Andrenne following the Andrennian Royal Massacre in 1932 tensions on Gothis were quite high- This was only more apparent with the Andrennian invasion of Granze in 1936, in which they swiftly moved through the small nation and annexed them shortly after. Granze was followed by Gottia, though Andrenne and Gottia at war was not uncommon, but the situation on Gothis grew dire as the Imperyk invaded their other neighbor, Cojedes, who had been a neutral nation up until that point. Goyanes subsequently declared war on Andrenne a few years later and the Northwest Theater kicked off in full. Goyanes and the other Allied Powers, as well as the Andrennian Liberation Front lead by Prince Heinrik "Henry" Kjellner, managed to push the Imperyk back to their capital of Mitta, where they finished the war and signed the Treaty of Mitta, in which Goyanes played the leading role.

Goyanes did not leave the war unscathed however, they had been at war for nearly a decade and millions of lives were lost. In addition to this they had been the target of Andrennian air raids in the early and mid-war phases, the most famous of which damaged the residential wing of Tageskiele Palace and resulted in the injury of Grand Emperor Natan II. This only proved to further the Goyanean resolve to destroy the Imperyk and it's values, although it should be noted that Andrenne claims Tageskiele Palace was an accidental target- This is disputed. Goyanes (and Cojedes) were critical to the destruction of the Imperyk's surface fleet, and Goyanes alone is sometimes considered the main factor of Andrenne's defeat, though this is another disputed point. They provided millions of men, weapons, and vehicles to the allied cause and even managed to halt the Andrennian invasions of Gottia and Cojedes when they seemed to nearly have won the war in both regions.

After the war, a great period of rebuilding and reconstruction took hold, and Goyanes became the economic power it once was before the war. A program known as the Vanderkrieg Plan funneled trillions of Drams into Goyanes and its allies, as well as Andrenne, to help rebuild as quickly as possible.

The Modern Age

Natan II announces he will abdicate in favor of his son at a public announcement.

1977 marked the abdication of Grand Emperor Natan II, who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. A lifelong smoker, his life was taken by the disease only a year after he relinquished command to his son, Natan III. Natan III's accession served as the symbol of a new Goyanes, one that would be truly the world power it had grown into today. Finally completely back on it's feet after the Fascist Wars, Goyanes began an economic skyrocketing that tossed it into the power that it is today. Production was at an all-time high, consumer confidence was up, and the people were happy, for the most part. Goyanes was maintaining its status as a great power on the Erasian stage. The Government funded the military, and new research and technology led to a more powerful and capable military than ever before. This translated to success that has lasted even until now.

In October 1987, Gottia invaded the northern forests of Gotmark, preventing immediate Goyanean and Andrennian intervention due to the onset of winter causing logistical issues. In the time between a proper allied invasion, Gottia pressed about halfway into Gotmark. Andrenne began to apply pressure in northern Ninhundland to divert some of the Gottian army into the north, and the Goyaneans decimated the Gottian Air Force and any SAM capabilities they had through an extensive aerial campaign that lasted into early 1988. When winter began to thaw, the allied forces began a large ground campaign which involved an outflanking of the Gottian army in Gotmark, and the Andrennian encirclement of Granzestad.

Bystanders watch as Goyanean armored units prepare to make a river crossing in Ogleberg, Vasterfriesen.

The Gottians in Gotmark were trapped, and virtually massacred by the onslaught of Goyanean troops. As the Gottian army faced severe losses in Gotmark, the Goyanean army pressed forwards, quickly making gains. This culminated in the Goyanean and Andrennian armies taking the Gottian capital, Frankthorf, in April 1988. The result was the Treaty of Frankthorf, which partitioned Gottia into several sections. In the west, Goyanes and Gotmark acquired territorial gains that encompassed the entire province of West Frisia. In the east, Andrenne secured the entire province of Granze. The remaining portions of the country were divided into two rump states, Frisia in the west, and Hessunland in the east.

Meanwhile, war raged amongst Valamo, Andrenne, and the Duchrijekans, who sought and independent state. In 1988, the Treaty of Gojannesstad was signed amongst all three parties, and established an independent Duchrijekan state. This signing, along with the events of the Gotmark War, cemented Goyanes further as the main power on Gothis.

In the mid 1990s, Grand Emperor Natan III started suffering chronic heart problems related to his heart disease. In 1999 he went into open heart surgery, but did not make it out alive. His son, Anthony, succeeded the throne, and has commanded the office of Grand Emperor since. In 2002, he paved the way for the Iterian Decolonization Effort, which saw the handover of Goyanean South Iteria (part of Nyhett) to form a new nation-state, Ascalon.

The Norberg Years

Chancellor Jon Norberg, elected to his first term in 2011, piggybacked and capitalized on the success of his predecessor, former NUP boss Natan Krømejer. Norberg lowered taxes, brought businesses back, strengthened the military, and reduced corruption in the ministries. His approval rates are very high, and he has paved Goyanes a new road into the future, one of power and success. In 2016, he won a second term, and secured a supermajority in the Stortinget and Riksdag. Later on, in late 2017, Norberg and Anthony collaborated with Prydanian leadership on a recovery plan, which also included help from Mouxordian and Thenacan counterparts. Norberg is rumored to run for a third term in 2021, but it is still too early and unclear.

Geography

Goyanes is in northwestern Gothis, with Frisia (rump state of Gottia) bordering to the East, and Gotmark bordering towards the southeast. In a maritime sense, Goyanes is bordered by the Araethi Ocean to the north, the Næsser Sea to the east, and the Nordstrom to the West. Goyanean territory covers 568,872 sq. km of land., making it the largest on Gothis. Elevation ranges from the Skathic Alps (highest point: Fjerg Seirsen at 5411.7m or 17,754 feet) in the North to the shores of the coastal regions.

The sunset upon the western face of Fjerg Seirsen.

The forested uplands of Goyanes and the lowlands of the Central Regions (lowest point: Kenningsberg, Sørnen at 10.1 metres or 33.1 feet below sea level) are traversed by major rivers and fjords. Significant natural resources include iron ore, coal, potash, timber, lignite, uranium, thorium, plutonium, copper, natural gas, petroleum, salt, nickel, tungsten, arable land, and water.

Climate

Most of Goyanes has a temperate seasonal climate dominated by humid winds, with notable exceptions in the Northern regions, which have a subarctic climate. Goyanes gets an average of 789 mm (31 in) of precipitation per year; there is no consistent dry season. Winters are very cold (with lows almost always below freezing in the thick of winter) and summers tend to be warm: temperatures can sometimes exceed 30 °C (86 °F).

The Alpine regions in the extreme north and, to a lesser degree, some areas of the North Goyanean Uplands have a mountain climate, with lower temperatures and more precipitation, as well as permafrost in certain areas.

Biodiversity

Beeches, oaks, and other deciduous trees constitute one-third of the forests; while conifers dominate the rest. Spruce and fir trees predominate in the upper mountains, while pine and larch are found in sandy soil. There are many species of ferns, flowers, fungi, and mosses prevalent in certain areas. Wild animals include deer, wild boar, wild sheep, fox, badger, hare, beaver, and black, brown, and grizzly bears.

The brown bear (left) and the snowy owl (right), the two national animals of Goyanes.

Goyanes has more than 20 national parks around the nation, where visitors can enjoy the natural wonders of Goyanes free of charge. There are also about 400 zoos in Goyanes, with the Gojannesstad Zoological Park having the most comprehensive collection in the nation. In addition, there are multitudes of kingdom parks, and there are also "Dark Sky" parks, where there is a certified extremely low light pollution amount, making viewing the galaxy a charm.

Urbanization

Goyanes has been continually urbanizing since the industrial revolution, with more and more people leaving the farms, and coming to live and work in ever growing cities. Goyanes has a number of large cities, with 8 having a population over 1 million within the city proper.

Politics and Government

Anthony I
Grand Emperor
Jorgen Årnad
Chancellor

Goyanes is a federal state under a constitutional monarchy. Grand Emperor Anthony I is the monarch and head of state of Goyanes, as well as the Emperor of the Ascalonian Dominion. The monarch has guaranteed powers codified in the Supreme Law. The Goyanean political system operates under a framework laid out in the 1703 constitutional document known as the Storrektlov (Supreme Law), which establishes the foundation of each branch of government to originate within the power of the monarch. Amendments generally require a two-thirds majority of both chambers of the Landesdag; the fundamental principles of the constitution, as expressed in the articles guaranteeing citizens' rights, the separation of powers, the federal structure, the powers of the monarch, and the rule of law are valid in perpetuity.

The Chancellor of Goyanes is the head of government. He or she is usually the leader of the party with the plurality of seats in the Stortinget. The leader of the party with the second-most seats usually becomes the Leader of His Majesty's Opposition and is part of an adversarial parliamentary system intended to keep the government in check. Each of the 338 members of parliament in the Stortinget is elected by simple plurality in a constituency. General elections must be called by the Grand Emperor, either on the advice of the chancellor, privy council, or on their own, or if the government loses a confidence vote in the Stortinget. Constitutionally, an election may be held no more than five years after the preceding election. The 118 members of the Riksdag are elected by the members of their kingdom assemblies to fill the seats allocated to the kingdoms in the Riksdag.

The Landesdag Building in Goyanes' capital city, Gojannesstad.

Goyanes' federal structure, laid out in the Supreme Law, divides government responsibilities between the federal government and the fifteen kingdoms. Kingdom legislatures are unicameral and operate in parliamentary fashion similar to the Stortinget.

The Gojan Riksbank is the central bank of Goyanes. In addition, the Vice Chancellor of Finance and Vice Chancellor of the Workforce utilize the Imperial Goyanean Census Agency for financial planning and economic policy development. The Gojan Riksbank is the sole authority authorized to issue currency in the form of Goyanean bank notes. The bank does not issue Goyanean coins; they are issued by the Imperial Foundry and Mint.

Law

The Supreme Law, as is implied by the name, is the supreme law of the Imperial Goyanean Federation. The Supreme Law, signed in 1703, affirms governance based on parliamentary precedent and divides powers between the federal and kingdom governments. The Supreme Law also guarantees basic rights and freedoms that cannot be over-ridden by any government within the Goyanean realm.

The Grand Emperor's Courthouse in Gojannesstad.

Goyanes' courts function on the premise that all Kingdoms and all local governments derive their power from the Grand Emperor, therefore only one court system for each type of legal jurisdiction is necessary. Violations of local, kingdom, and imperial law of a criminal fashion are all heard in either the Assize Court or the Magistrate Court (for summary offenses). If a magistrate accepts a plea for a full trial, a case can move from the Magistrate Court to the Assize Court. Cases also can begin their journey in the Assize court if they aren't summary offenses. A typical hearing in the Magistrates Court is presided by 3 judges; a presiding judge and two hearing judges, who convene at the end of the hearing with the presiding judge to determine the verdict. A typical trial however involves 8 to 12 jurors selected by the court using standard procedures, and the case is presided by a judge. The right to trial by jury is held sacrosanct in Goyanes and has existed for centuries and is upheld by the Supreme Law.

Civil cases are heard usually beginning in Peasant's Court. Most civil cases begin and end in Peasants' Court, but all appeals in the civil side are heard in the Chancery Court. Regarding special jurisdictions, military-related crimes are heard at the Military Tribunal, maritime-related crimes and civil cases are held at the Admiralty Court, and tax disputes regarding all levels of government and citizens can be held at the tax court. The special case with the tax court is that you do not have to actually pay the tax in full before filing a dispute with them. The other, more common way to settle a tax dispute is by paying the tax in full, and then going to the Chancery/Peasants' Court and filing a suit for reimbursement. All three special jurisdiction courts can refer cases to the Assize Court.

The appeals court for all three special jurisdictions, the Assize Court, and the Chancery Court is the Councillors' Court. The Councillors' Court hears all appeals that have made it to that level, as well as cases between government bodies, such as Landkreis vs Kingdom or Kingdom vs Kingdom. The final court of appeal is the Grand Emperor's Court. Decisions by the Grand Emperor's court are final, and because Goyanes uses a common law system, many of its rulings are considered de facto law in Goyanes. The Grand Emperor's Court also plays an important role in Goyanes' legal system, as it has a constitutional authority to strike down laws it considers to be in violation of the Supreme Law.

Regarding the etymology, the Grand Emperor's Court takes its name because it originally was the actual imperial court of the Grand Emperor. However, over the years the Grand Emperor grew lazy, so Grand Emperor Reidar VI established the Councillor's Court, where historically the GE's councillors heard cases at an appellate level. Over time, the Councillors' Courts grew bloated with cases that simply did not involve the Grand Emperor or the Empire-at-large, so the government established the Chancery and Peasants' Courts to deal with civil cases. They were so named because they originally involved cases having to do with the Chancellors of Kingdoms and "peasant-to-peasant" business, respectively, but as laws were amended and responsibilities changed they drifted from their original assignments somewhat. The other courts have fairly self-explanatory names.

The quantity and location of courts also varies. There is at least one Peasants' and Magistrate Court by law in every Landkreis, the smallest territorial jurisdiction for courts. Assize courts are not located in every landkreis. Ones with smaller popualtions may share an Assize court, and larger municipalities and landkreises may have their own dedicated Assize court. Chancery courts are located in the capitals of each of the 15 kingdoms, as well as in certain larger municipalities such as Gojannesstad and Mukakstad. The Councillors' Court and the GE's Court are both located in Gojannesstad, but the Councillors' Court is a large body with many judges due to the nature of its responsibility.

There is a military tribunal for each of the 4 branches, reservists committing military crimes are tried by their branch tribunal. There are four admiralty courts, one in Gojannesstad, one in Hosen Sæg, one in Kadsbyhavn and one in Jægerstrom; the case is filed in the court that is geographically closest to where the incident occurred. Last but not least is the Tax Court, which is also located in Gojannesstad.

Diagram of Goyanes' Court System

Common law prevails everywhere in Goyanes, with elements of Nordic Traditional Law in certain areas. Criminal law is solely a federal responsibility and is uniform throughout Goyanes. Federal statues are codified in the Imperial Goyanean Legal Code. The judiciary process is a kingdom responsibility, conducted by kingdom and landkreis courts.

Law enforcement is delegated to two main bodies in Goyanes. First, The Gojan Nasjonal Polizei (GNP; Goyanean National Police) are responsible for the policing of large towns and cities, and in that context it conducts security operations (patrols, traffic police, identity checks).

Second is the Kæsernet Rikspolizei (KRP; Imperial Gendarmerie), which is a paramilitary force under the jurisdiction of the Chancellery of the Interior. The KRP has various missions ranging from traffic police to military police. Firstly, the KRP is responsible for general police functions in small and medium towns, rural areas, countrysides, rivers/fjords, coastal areas, and at sea. This "general policing" mission involves upholding public order, safety and traffic checks, assistance to people in imminent danger, protection duties, and other normal police roles. Their jurisdiction over all of Goyanes' maritime areas gives the KRP the distinct responsibility of being Goyanes' Coast Guard. The KRP is also responsible for security at transportation centers (except train stations), such as airports and seaports. They conduct security checks on passengers at all Goyanean airports. The KRP, as a national gendarmerie, is also responsible for the execution of search warrants and investigations as requested by judges. In addition, the KRP is responsible for high-level security, including Military Police, and security at high-risk events and locations, such as nuclear power plants and government buildings. It is not unusual to see the GNP and KRP working hand-in-hand on certain cases or situations.

In addition, there is the Jårnbanerpolizei (JBP; Railway Police), which has the special responsibility of patrolling train stations and right of way, as well as enforcing security at stations. The JBP is also responsible for assessing and neutralizing threats that are posed to the railway systems of Goyanes, and in this venture they work closely with the KRP.

There is at least one KRP and/or GNP station in every Landkreis and Municipality, and larger ones may have multiple. The GNP and KRP will enforce national laws, kingdom laws, and the local laws of the station they are assigned to. The hierarchy of GNP and KRP offices is as follows: National Command (oversees all stations), Garrisson Offices (oversee all stations within a specific kingdom), Division Offices (oversees groupings of Landkreises in the larger kingdoms), Landkreis Offices (oversees all stations in a landkreis), Municipal Offices (oversees all stations in a municipality; if there is only one municipality, there is only a Landkreis Bureau), and finally Precinct Stations (each Landkreis (and most municipalities) are split into precincts, with each precinct having a station. Some precinct stations may have guardhouses in some areas, where one or two officers are stationed for public safety reasons.

Kingdoms

Goyanes is a federation composed of fifteen kingdoms. Goyanes' federal structure is unique in that the kingdoms are relatively weak in their authority compared to federal sub-units in other countries. Scholars stipulate that Goyanes is more reminiscent of a devolved unitary state than a federation in terms of responsibilities of kingdoms, but the fact that the kingdom's authorities come from the Supreme Law makes Goyanes a federation and not a unitary state.

Equalization payments are made by the central government to ensure that reasonably uniform standards of services and taxation are kept between the richer and poorer kingdoms. The newest kingdom is the Kingdom of Vasterfriesen, which was annexed from Gottia after the Gotmark War in 1988.

The term Kingdom is a reminder of a bygone era in which Goyanes was an empire of small monarchies, which were abolished in 1703. The head of government for each kingdom is the Chancellor (Kanzlei). Each kingdom government is chartered in a Kingdom Supreme Law. Kingdoms are subdivided into landkreises, which are between the municipal and kingdom levels in Goyanes' federal system. Some large cities comprise the entire landkreis (i.e. Gojannesstad, Naderjord, and otehr large cities), at which point it becomes a stadlandkreis.

The level of responsibilities of the Kingdoms, aside from the constitutionally mandated responsibilities in the Supreme Law, is set by the central government. There are 4 levels of authority. Exclusive, Shared, Administrative (a Kingdom organization enforces and executes national policy), and None.

Responsibility Authority
Law and Order
Justice Shared
Civil Law Shared
Criminal Law Shared
Vehicle Licensing Exclusive
Landkreis/Municipality Organization and Finance Exclusive
Elections None
Civil Registry Exclusive
Police Shared
Public Safety (firearms registry, etc) Administrative
Prisons Shared
Fire Brigades Exclusive
Social and Health Policy
Public Pensions Shared
Medivåsen/Health Service Shared
Social Services Exclusive
Welfare Shared
Food Safety Administrative
Economy, Transport, Infrastructure, and Environment
Taxation Shared
Urban Planning Exclusive
Environmental Policy Shared
Housing Exclusive
Regional and Rural Development Exclusive
Public Infrastructure (Roads) Shared
Public Infrastructure (Rail/Airports) Shared
Agriculture Shared
Forestry, Hunting, and Inland Fisheries Exclusive
Offshore Fisheries Administrative
Water Drainage Basins Exclusive
Workplace Safety Administrative
Utilities Regulation Administrative
Culture and Education
Culture (film/tv, libraries, museums, etc.) Shared
Culture (language promotion) Exclusive
Sports Shared
Education (Primary, Secondary) Exclusive
Education (University/Vocational) Exclusive
Resources and Spending
Own Tax Resources Yes
Allocation by Central Government Equialization Payments
Kingdom Spending as % of Public Spending 60%
GoyanesKingdoms.png
Kingdom Capital Area
(km2)
Population (2018) Nominal GDP billions IBU (2019)
Nyhett Naderfjord 123,104 45,403,089 2,621
Kongsland Asturenn 42,006 5,120,412 283
Osanhalt Hofsvægr 53,654 12,801,030 658
Hysende Hosen Sæg 46,466 10,240,824 516
Laggen Kestinna 29,186 5,912,556 327
Næsser Evænning 19,954 4,736,381 262
Seggsnet Jægerstrom 26,986 10,240,824 566
Sørnen Dagenfjord 40,574 9,600,772 531
Fennmark Kelluna 9,458 1,280,103 70
Hejen Fanorstad 18,214 5,120,412 283
Dåren Lisden 16,166 3,840,309 212
Kusenhelm Hirendag 72,390 7,576,690 419
Kira Igenass 28,810 3,016,484 167
Nordgotmark Bærstront 43,610 4,480,360 248
Vasterfriesen Leivarden 17,076 4,677,723 249
Ascalon Kinmen 5,284 11,121,403 616
Nærøy (Nyhett) Nærøystad 856 640,051 35
Goyanes Gojannesstad 593,794 145,809,423 8,063

Foreign Relations

Goyanes is recognized as a great power for its role in international affairs with a tendency to pursue multilateral solutions. Goyanes' foreign policy based on international peacekeeping and security is carried out through leading coalitions and international organizations, and through the work of numerous federal institutions. Goyanes' peacekeeping role during the 20th century has played a major role in its global image, as well as it's role as being a major victor in the Fascist War.

Vice Chancellor of Foreign Affairs Ken Lorge speaking at an international conference in 2017.

Goyanes was a founding member of the Pan-Gotic Union and Iterian League (currently an observer), and is also an observer member to the Trillium Compact. The Imperial Goyanean Federation is also a member of the Eras Health Council, and multiple other multilateral associations. Goyanes also maintains a relatively positive relationship with its former colonies and a good reputation with South Iterian nations for its role as a peacekeeping force in the region. Goyanes is also party to multiple free trade agreements, the most recent being the Goyanes-Valamo FTA, signed on January 1, 2019.

Military

Several HMS Bædurfjord-class destroyers on patrol in the Næsser Sea.

Goyanes' military, the Forsvarsmakt, is organised into the Haren (Army and Jaktallkader special forces), Seeharen (Navy), Flygstyrke (Air Force), and Seevæsenkaar (Marine Corps) branches. For FY2023, military spending is at ∆3,792,000,000,000 ($379 billion IBU), about 5.0% of the country's GDP.

As of 2023, there are 912,215 servicemen and women in the Goyanean armed forces, accounting for .7% of the total population. This comprises 345,273 in the army, 263,265 in the navy, 113,844 in the air force, and 76,170 in the marine corps. Reservists are available to the Armed Forces and participate in defense exercises and deployments abroad. Since 2016 women may serve in all functions of service without restriction, except the draft, which while inactive, is only open to men. Men between the ages of 17 and 26 must still register for the draft, or face fines, despite the draft being inactive. In peacetime, the Forsvarsmakt is commanded by the Vice Chancellor of Defence, with input from the Grand Emperor and Chancellor. In state of defense, the Chancellor and Grand Emperor would become joint commanders-in-chief of the Forvarsmakt.

In 1987-1988 the Goyanean military was involved in the Gotmark War. The Goyanean air force and navy were extremely successful at crippling the Gottian air force and navy, as well as much infrastructure. The war resulted in the partition of Gottia and the annexing of West Frisia. From 2008-2011, the Goyanean government assisted the Andrennian and Skandan Governments in the Bari Intervention in combating Maru terrorist efforts in the region. The Goyanean government was able to battle-test new tactics and technologies on the battlefield for the first time, and they proved very effective. In late 2016 and early 2017, the Goyanean Military was involved in PACA, the Pact Against Cimmerian Aggression, which was involved in deterring the aggressive acts against Cogoria committed by Cimmeria in the Crown Conflict. In 2017 and 2018, The Goyanean Armed Forces were involved in the rebuilding efforts following the Prydanian Civil War. This operation, titled "Red Sunset," also involved numerous skirmishes with Syndicalist remnants.

Economy

Gojannesstad is a leading economic center on Gothis and the largest single municipality on the continent.

Goyanes has a free market economy with a highly skilled labour force, a large capital stock, a low level of corruption, and a high level of innovation. It is one of the world's largest exporters of goods, and has one of the largest national economies on both Gothis and the world.

The engineering desks at the VAV factory in Lisden, Dåren, with the assembly line visible in the background. Goyanes has one of the largest automobile industries on Eras, exporting hundreds of thousands of cars every year.

The service sector contributes approximately 71% of the total GDP (including information technology), industry 28%, and agriculture 1%. The unemployment rate published by the Chancellery of the Workforce amounts to 3.4% in January 2018. According to some private research institutes, Goyanes has one of the highest labor productivity rates in the world.

Goyanes is part of the International Economic Forum, the PGU, and observes the Iterian League and Trillium Compact, giving it more global access to consumers and economies. Goyanes uses the Imperial Dram, which is also used by Ascalon and Yalkan. Monetary Policy is set at the Chancellery of Finance-Imperial Bank headquarters in Gojannesstad, one of the financial capitals of the world.

Being one of the earlier inventors of the car, the automotive industry in Goyanes is regarded as one of the most competitive and innovative in the world, and is one of the largest by production. The top 10 exports of Goyanes are motor vehicles, computerized machinery, general electronics, precision apparatus (medical, optical, technical, etc), heavy industry (Ships, oil rigs, etc.), basic metals, chemical goods, pharmaceuticals, aircraft, and transportation equipment (trains and trams).

Companies

Many of the world's major companies are headquartered in Goyanes. Well-known international brands include VAV, Polykor, Gojan Teknikgruppe, R.M. Veisstein & Odinsson, Gojan Jårnbaner, KreditNyhett, Luftreederei, Hysende Linje, Sons of Nordika, Rynoven-Radisson, General Aerospace, and Standard Resources.

Goyanes is known for its large portion of specialized small and medium enterprises, known as the Midelspør Businesses. More than 1,000 of these companies are global market leaders in their segments and are labelled "hidden champions" by some economic analysts. Gojannesstad and Naderfjord developed a thriving, cosmopolitan hub for startup companies and became a leading location for venture capital funded firms in Gothis as of recent years.

Transport

With its focal position on the west end of Gothis, Goyanes is a transport hub for the western side of the continent, being the focus of the "C" shaped trade routes that wind across Gothis. Goyanes' rail network is the oldest in the world, having been the birthplace of the train, and it is among the densest and largest in the world, with nearly 70,000 kilometers of trackage, of which about 3600 km is dedicated high speed trackage (≥250 km/h).

N700A series Høyhastikettog trainsets lined up at a yard.

Goyanes, starting in 1964, has established a polycentric network of high-speed trains. The Høyhastikettog, or HHT network of the Gojan Jårnbaner (GJ), which was the world's first true high speed railway, serves major Goyanean cities as well as destinations in Gotmark, Frisia, and Alliaronia with speeds up to 360 km/h. The Goyanean railways are sponsored by the government, though they generate profit from not just ticket sales, but real estate investments and other endeavors that are used to alleviate taxes nominally and improve rail service.

Goyanes also has a large network of Autobaner motorways that are most well-known for their lack of speed limits in certain areas, where drivers are advised to drive at a "reasonable speed." Goyanean highways are almost all toll-based, as they were built with debt. It is expected debts for highway construction will be paid off by 2035 and many tolls will be removed. Currently, several highways have been paid off, but tolls are still collected to operate and pay off the lesser-used routes.

Goyanean Autobaner highway network

The largest Goyanean airports are Gojannesstad-St. Olaf Airport and Naderfjord Airport, both hubs of Luftreederei, while LuftNord has hubs at Gojannesstad Kongsberg and Hosen Sæg. Other major airports include Gojannesstad Osterberg, Jægerstrom, Hofsvægr, Mukakstad and Dagenfjord/Gorlingstad. The Port of Nyhett and Seggsnet (based in the Gojannesstad-Jægerstrom area) is one of the top container ports in the world.

Energy and Infrastructure

The Hinsdal Nuclear Power Station near Gorlingstad, Nyhett.

Goyanes is one of Eras' largest consumers of energy. Nordgojan Elektrisk, Sørlands Vasserfall, and Kapital Vasserfall, among others, are the largest producers of electricity in Goyanes. In 2016, they produced over 90% of the nation's electricity, which was derived primarily from nuclear power.

The Krajnafjord Dam in Hysende

Around 72% of the nations electricity is derived from Nuclear power, with the other largest contributors being hydroelectric and wind power. Due to this, Goyanes emits much lower CO2 levels than other nations of comparable size. Nuclear power comes from 114 nuclear power plants around the country. Hydroelectric power comes from dams such as the Krajnafjord Dam and the Vallinger Dam.

Science and Technology

Since the middle ages, Goyanes has been at the forefront of academic and scientific achievement. Research and development efforts form an integral part of the economy. Goyanean higher education institutions also produce more STEM majors than most other nations. Goyanean universities are also some of the oldest and most influential in the world in their fields. Goyanes has also been at the lead of the development of numerous scientific fields, with academics participating in the creation of scientific technologies and practices.

The Rohe Space Station viewed from orbit by an approaching capsule.

Goyanes was one of the first countries to achieve nuclear capability and has possibly the largest nuclear weapons arsenal in the world. It is also a leader in civilian nuclear technology. Goyanes was also one of the first nations to launch its own space satellite and send a man to orbit and even sent a crew to the moon in 1980. In 2018, two missions returned to the moon, with several more planned for the future. Goyanes also actively maintains a manned space station, Rohe. Companies such as Rynoven-Radisson and Gojan Teknikgruppe design and develop civil and military aircraft as well as communications systems, missiles, space rockets, helicopters, satellites, and related systems. Goyanes also hosts major international research instruments such as large hadron colliders and particle accelerators.

Demographics

With an estimated total population of 128 million people as of October 2017, Goyanes is one of the most populous countries in Gothis and on Eras. It is also one of the most populous countries in the Pan-Gotic Union

Goyanes is an outlier among developed countries in general in having a fairly high rate of natural population growth: by birth rates alone with the natural growth rate (excess of births over deaths) rising to 300,000, although in the late 2010s it fell to 200,000. This was the highest rate since the end of the baby boom in 1975, and coincides with the rise of the total fertility rate from a low of 1.7 in 1994 to 2.0 in 2010. As of January 2017 the fertility rate was 1.93. The population growth rate is stagnating though, but is still on the positive side. It is unknown when the growth rate will become negative, and many sources have differing opinions.

Goyanean society is, for the most part, linguistically, ethnically and culturally homogeneous, composed of 93% ethnic Gojan/Nordic, with populations of foreigners and other Gotic peoples. Frisians, Hessunlanders, Cojedans, Valamians, Ascalonians, Demesicans, and Syrixians are among the minority groups in Goyanes. The National Statistics Office compiles data on ethnic ancestry and produces results that corroborate the average Goyanean person's idea of a monocultural society. Former Chancellor Natan Krømejer described Goyanes as being a nation of "one race, one civilization, one language and one culture", which drew criticism from representatives of ethnic minorities such as the Ascalonians.

Religion

Religions in Goyanes
Courantism
85.58%
Laurenism
7.10%
Other faiths
1.28%
Irreligious
6.04%
Numbers from the National Statistics Office

In 889 AD, Grand Emperor Ingolfr accepted Messianism, specifically the Ceretian Courantist Church. Since then, Goyanes has been a predominantly Courantist nation, however in the latter half of its history, religious tolerance was an important part of the political culture. Early after the transition, there were many crusades against Pagans and Aed Kaene by the armies of jarls and other local nobles. It was during these years that Goyanes became very homogenous in its religious activities. In the 16th century, a change in the political climate led Grand Emperors to issue and renew edicts allowing for religious tolerance, which allowed sects such as Orthodox and Lutheran Messianists to freely worship in Goyanes. Religious toleration was codified in the Supreme Law in 1703, however it explicitly states that Goyanes will have Courantism as the state religion. Religious education is taught at public schools, however parents may opt students out in favor of an ethics class.

The altar at St. Ingolfr's Cathedral in Gojannesstad, the seat of the Goyanean See.

In 2014, an estimated 85% of the population belonged to the Courantist Church. Though rates of religious observance are lower at 52%, Goyanes remains one of the most religious countries in the Gotic world. Contemporary religious minorities include Goyanean Laurentists and Goyanean Orthodox, Shaddaists, and Ascalonian Pagans. There are also several thousand Nordic neopagans, some of whom are members of the Nordic Rebirth Church.

Since 2018, Thor Vjullnur has reigned as Supreme Pontiff of the Ceretian Courantist Church, taking the name Pope John IX. He is the first Goyanean pope in the history of the church.

Languages

Gojan is the official and predominant language in Goyanes. Gojan is a Nord Gotic language and is most closely related to Andrennian and Prydanian. It is more distantly related to other languages such as Gottian and Hastfradic, and to an even lesser extent Ayovulkan. It is one of the working languages of the Pan-Gotic Union, and is one of the most widely learned languages in the world behind Mercanti, with over 250 million people speaking it as a first, second, or third language. The Sons of Nordika organization works to promote the language, as well as Andrennian, on an international level.

Various dialects of Gojan are spoken, however due to globalization and media culture, have mostly faded. These include Nordgojan, Sørgojan, Jalkan Gojan, Gotmark Gojan, Prydanian Gojan, and Demescian (Jaanun) Gojan. All public schools require students to take Gojan and at least one or two other languages, which are usually Andrennian, Ascalonian, or Mercanti.

Education

Education in Goyanes has a rich history, with private education institutions dating to the ancient times, and publicly mandated schools dating to 1763. Nowadays, children are legally mandated to attend school until the age of 18, and public schooling is offered by all fifteen kingdoms of Goyanes. In 1763, the Grand Emperor of the UKAG, Kristian III, assented to a decree written by University of Nyhett scholar Anthony van Athelstein. This changed the way public education happened in Goyanes, and laid the foundations for modern Goyanean schools.

Origins and History

The interior of a 19th-century schoolhouse in rural Goyanes. The long table for midday meals and projects is off to the left, and the student desks are off to the right. The board is at the front of the room.

In 1763, Kristian III approved a decree written by the scholar Anthony van Athelstein that laid out a generic primary education system. Van Athelstein had already before (in 1748) founded the first teacher's seminary in Nyhett. It expanded the existing schooling system significantly and required that all young citizens, both girls and boys, be educated by mainly municipality-funded schools from the age of 5 to 13 or 14. Goyanes was among the first countries in the world to introduce tax-funded and generally compulsory primary education.

The Nyhettan system, as it came to be known, consisted of an eight-year course of primary education, called Kleineskøle. It provided not only basic technical skills needed in a modernizing world (such as reading and writing), but also music (singing) and religious (Courantist) education in close cooperation with the churches and tried to impose a strict ethos of duty, sobriety, and discipline. Mathematics and calculus were not compulsory at the start and taking such courses required additional payment by parents to the municipal authorities. Grand Emperor Kristian and Van Athelstein also formalized further educational stages, the Mittelskøle, and as the highest stage, the Oversteskøle, which served as a university-preparatory school.

The Nyhettan system, after its modest beginnings, succeeded in reaching compulsory attendance, standardized training for teachers, national testing for all students (of both genders), a prescribed national curriculum for each grade, and optional preschool (kinderskøle). Training of teachers was increasingly organized via private seminaries attached to universities and larger churches. Van Athelstein’s teacher seminary concept improved significantly until the end of the 18th century. By the turn of the century, most kingdoms had adopted the Nyhettan method of education. In 1810, Nyhett and various other constituents, introduced national certification requirements for teachers, which significantly raised the standard of teaching. The final examination, Der Modenhet, was introduced in Nyhett in 1788, implemented in all Nyhettan secondary schools by 1812, and extended to all of Goyanes in 1871. Passing the Modenhet was a prerequisite to entering the learned professions and higher echelons of the civil service. The nationally-controlled Modenhet remains in place in modern Goyanes, serving as the entrance examination for university, and the exit examination for Oversteskøle.

By the 1830s, the Nyhettan Model had attained the following basic characteristics:

  • Free Kleineskøle and Mittelskøle, at least for poor citizens,
  • Professional teachers, trained in specialized universities,
  • A basic salary for teachers and recognition of teaching as a legitimate profession,
  • An extended school year to better involve the children of farmers,
  • Public funding to build schools,
  • Supervision at national and classroom level to ensure quality instruction,
  • Curriculum that created a strong national identity, and fostered involvement of the sciences and technology, and
  • Secular instruction (but with religion as a topic included in the curriculum for Courantist children)

The Nyhettan Education System was ultimately responsible for the widespread increase in literacy rates, both in Goyanes, and across the Goyanean Empire. Kristian III and Van Athelstein are credited by historians for being among the first to promote and nationalize the education system, and create an accessible education system for the citizenry.

Agreements between all the kingdoms ensure that the education provided to pupils is standardized and common across all borders of the federation. This includes the mandatory education ages from 6 to 18, a standardized Modenhet examination, standardized teacher certification, and nationwide diploma acceptance.

In 1923, in order to increase cooperation between the controlled dominions of Goyanes, it became mandatory to take a second language, specifically one that was spoken within the boundaries of the empire, such as Ascalonian. Mercanti, as well as other languages were added to the options for the mandatory language courses over the course of the 20th century as Goyanes became more heavily involved in the happenings of the world stage.

In 1964, Høyherad courses began being offered at select Oversteskøle campuses around the country. Høyherad courses offered students who were seeking 4-year college degrees to take advanced-placement classes that would certify them in the topic as well as provide college credit. By 1977, the Høyherad program was available as an option for students at every single Oversteskøle nationwide.

Preschool

Preschool in Goyanes is known as Kinderskøle. Some children between the ages of 2 and 6 attend Kinderskøle, which are not part of the mandatory schooling years. They are often run by municipal or landkreis authorities, churches, or registered societies and charities. Attending a Kinderskøle is neither mandatory nor free of charge, but the cost can be partly or wholly refunded, depending on the local authority and the income of the parents.

Kinderskøle are usually open from 7am to 5pm or longer and may also house a Kinderkippe, meaning nursery, for children between the ages of eight weeks and three years, and possibly an afternoon care center (often associated with a primary school) for school-age children aged 6 to 11 who spend the time after their day’s schooling there.

Especially in lower-income communities, Kinderskøle have become crucial in freeing up time for both parents to work, allowing lower-income families to save time and money, as well as educate the child.

Primary School

A typical Kleineskøle classroom in Goyanes.

Primary school (Kleineskøle) is the start of mandatory education in Goyanes (ages 5 or 6). Parents looking for a primary school have various options for their child to attend.

State Primary School: State schools do not charge tuition fees. The majority of students attend state schools in their home neighborhoods. Schools in affluent areas tend to be better than those in lower-class areas, however national programs aimed at improving the standard of education have been effective. Once children reach school age, many middle-class and working-class families move away from lower-class areas to try and get a better education for their children.

Courantist or Laurenist parochial schools: Often offering all three mandatory levels of education, parochial schools are attached to a monastery or church and provide education to students for a tuition fee. Parochial schools often waive tuition fees for families in a deprived economic state.

Private schools: Private schools range in the levels of education they offer. Some are only primary schools, while some are only Mittelskøle and Oversteskøle, and some offer all levels of education. Private schools charge tuition fees, however families in a deprived economic state may seek to take advantage of the institution’s financial aid program. Private schools often set graduation requirements more stringent than those at ordinary state schools, and may require students take additional Modenhet tests or Høyherad courses.

Homeschooling: Homeschooling is legal in Goyanes, however there are strict guidelines that have to be met. Parents and students have to be registered with their local educational authority, and the homeschooled child must become proficient in the following subjects by the end of mandatory schooling (age 18):

  • Written and spoken Gojan
  • Basic mathematics and science
  • Goyanean, Gothis and world history
  • Goyanean and world geography
  • Social and civic responsibilities.

In addition, homeschooled children and the educating parent have to pass yearly assessments to retain their homeschooling permission. After 2 consecutive unsatisfactory assessments, the child will be required to integrate into the standard education system. Assessment is done via Modenhet testing.

Secondary Education

The Oversteskøle Helge Matthias in Høy-Prællerstad, Næsser is located on the grounds of a former monastery.

After children complete their primary education at 11 years of age (grade 5), children will proceed into the two stages of secondary education. Mittelskøle is the first stage, and serves as a preparation for Oversteskøle, which is a comprehensive preparatory school system. Oversteskøle, by its nature, provides a preparatory experience for both college and/or vocational tertiary education.

Students attend Mittelskøle from grades 6 to 8, or from ages 12 to 14. At Mittelskøle, students learn valuable skills for Oversteskøle, as well as more advanced mathematics, sciences, and humanities than that from Kleineskøle. Faculty in both Mittelskøle and Oversteskøle are separated into departments based on teaching subjects that operate fairly independently from one another. Students in Mittelskøle will begin diverging into advanced and regular tracks, which will specialize their education further in preparation for Oversteskøle.

Oversteskøle is the final level of mandatory education in Goyanes. Students attend from ages 15 to 18, or from grades 9 to 12. Oversteskøle is organized fairly similarly to Mittelskøle, including both advanced and regular tracks for students. In the last two years of Oversteskøle (grades 11 and 12), students begin selecting courses more suited towards their personal preferences, such as an emphasis on science or the humanities, as they work towards entering university or a vocational program.

Students will often join extracurricular programs, teams, and clubs while at their time in Mittelskøle and Oversteskøle, such as the school band or the football team. Athletic teams often compete with those of other schools, and friendly rivalries often exist between schools.

Periods are usually 45 minutes at most schools, and lunch periods range from 45 to 90 minutes at midday. Breaks usually last from 5 to 20 minutes between periods. On certain days, some classes may have double periods, and this usually happens once a week. Starting in the 11th grade, most schools allow students to leave the school compound during breaks or free periods.

Students at an Oversteskøle in Gojannesstad watch a chemistry demonstration by the teacher in 1988.

Secondary schools at both levels usually have a weekly school-wide assembly to discuss school happenings, events, and to make general announcements. These assemblies often happen in a gymnasium, theater, or other on-campus venue.

Students in secondary school are required to take at least one foreign language for five years, therefore their language education will begin in Mittelskøle, and end in Oversteskøle. Some Kleineskøle offer language studies, so there are often advanced levels of language education offered in Mittelskøle right off the bat. Some private schools require a 2nd foreign language, and the most intense programs require up to three foreign languages.

Courantist students at state schools may opt into a religion class. If they do not, the class is fulfilled by an ethics class for 1 year, and then a free period for the remainder of secondary school.

The Modenhet

To graduate, students are required to have earned appropriate credits in a number of specific subjects by passing year-long or half-year courses, after which they must pass at least five examinations in some of the subject areas, known as the Modenhet. In addition, the Modenhet is also used for college admissions, so performance on the examinations is crucial. For higher-achieving students, a Modenhet Advanced designation and Modenhet with Honors designation are available.

A student does not need to fulfill all five Modenhet tests in their junior or senior year; in fact the vast majority of students begin taking some Modenhet examinations as early as grade 9, and for students in more advanced classes, as early as Mittelskøle (grades 6, 7, or 8).

A classroom of students taking a Modenhet examination.

Examinations offered in the Modenhet suite are consistent with the “core” subjects of the Goyanean schooling system: Goyanean History and Government, World History and Geography, Gojan Language, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Biology, Eras Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Ascalonian Language, Andrennian Language, Cojedan Language, and Mercanti Language.

In order to graduate with a basic Modenhet diploma, a student must earn a passing score (65% or more) on at least four of the mandatory Modenhet tests and an additional Modenhet test of their choosing. The mandatory Modenhet tests are: Gojan Language, at least one of the Math Modenhets, at least one of the Science Modenhets, and at least one of the History Modenhets.

To earn a Modenhet Advanced designation, students must score a passing grade (65% or higher) on Gojan Language, all three Math Modenhets, Biology and any one of the remaining Science Modenhets, any History Modenhet, and at least one Foreign Language Modenhet.

A student who earns an average score of at least 90% on the five core modenhet tests is entitled to an “Honors” annotation on their diploma. In addition, students who earn 85% or better on all Math Modenhets are entitled to “Mastery in Mathematics” annotation on their diploma, and students who earn 85% or better on all Science Modenhets are entitled to a “Mastery in Sciences” annotation on their diploma.

The Høyherad

The Høyherad is a suite of subject-based qualifications offered to students in a wide range of subjects. The Høyherad is primarily used by Universities to grant placement or credit to students before they have stepped foot on campus, pending they have passed the year-end examination for that class, known as a Høyherad Test (H-test), and have met other prerequisites set by the University. Curriculum for the Høyherad classes is determined by a committee panel of experts and college-level educators in the particular field of study.

Most students will take Høyherad classes in grades 10, 11, and 12, and most students going on to 4-year institutions will have taken anywhere from 3 to 9 Høyherad classes by graduation. Some private schools mandate students at a certain grade level take Høyherad classes, and Høyherad classes may be part of a students normal, recommended curriculum track.

The list of Høyherad courses offered is more extensive than the Modenhet; Andrennian Language, Aleman Language, Art History, Ascalonian Language, Biology, Calculus I, Calculus II, Chemistry, Comparative Government, Computer Science, Cojedan Language, Craviterian History, Environmental Science, Gojan Language, Gojan Literature, Gotic History, Goyanean History, Goyanean Government, Human Geography, Macro and Microeconomics, Music Theory, Physics I, Physics II, Physics III with Calculus, Physics IV with Calculus, Prydanian Language, Psychology, Santonian Language, Statistics, Studio Art, Syrixian (Suchari) Language, Umbrial Language, Vestrugatten Language, and World History are on offer.

Students take a foreign language H-Test on computers in 2011.

The H-test is taken at the end of the school year, usually in May, and tests are administered over the first three weeks of the month (Monday through Saturday). The format of each test varies depending on the subject, but most include a multiple choice section, and a written response section. Some tests (specifically the Language tests as well as Music Theory) may require students to submit voice recordings of themselves, as well as listen to recordings. Since the early 2010s any voice/sound sections have been done through secured computers provided to testing centers.

While the Høyherad is not required for graduation, students bound for a 4-year track (Kandidat, explained below) as opposed to a vocational/technical track at an Associates’ College (Assosierad, explained below) may find it necessary to do several H-tests, as universities usually require completion of certain tests (depending on the college and major track) for admission.

Special Education

Children with special needs attend schools designed around their needs from day 1, ensuring that they make the most of their capabilities in a controlled environment. Special needs children are either exempt or take a special truncated edition of the Modenhet examinations to allow them to enter the job market equitably. Special education school teachers are certified professionals who have taken certification courses at university, and specialize in special needs education. Special schools often have a very favourable student-teacher ratio and facilities compared with other schools. Some special needs children do not attend special schools, but are mainstreamed into a primary or secondary education school if they are deemed mentally capable of handling regular education tracks.

Tertiary Education

The main administration building at the Nyhett Institute of Technology (Nyhett Tech) in Svartsfjerg, NY.

Goyanes’ universities are internationally recognized, and among the best in the world. Some Goyanean universities are public, meaning low tuition costs, and even with the ones that are not, there is a zero-interest government-sponsored loan program that helps pay for tuition.

Universities in Goyanes have a long history, with the oldest universities being established in the 1200s, and still open to this day. Some of the oldest include Gorlingstad University (founded 1255) and the University of Nyhett (founded 1262).

Universities and Colleges in Goyanes grant 2- and 4-year degrees, known as Assosierad and Kandidat, respectively, for a wide variety of majors. In addition, most colleges offer doctorate and master’s programs for continued education.

Admissions into Goyanean universities are based mainly on the student’s performance on the Modenhet and Høyherad examinations. Most universities have a prerequisite score on the Modenhet to enroll, and individual major tracks may require specific Høyherads to have been taken. Students apply to one or more colleges or universities by submitting an application which each college evaluates using its own criteria. Goyanes uses a common application system that simplifies making multiple applications. The college then decides whether or not to extend an offer of admission (and possibly financial aid) to the student. The majority of colleges admit students to the college as a whole, and not to a particular academic major, although this may not be the case in some specialized programs such as engineering and architecture, and maybe more impacted in certain majors. The system is decentralized, and each college has its own criteria for admission, even when using a common application form.

Usually, application to college is done during the first semester of a student’s 12th grade year. As part of the application, the student usually submits their Modenhet scores for all they have taken, as well as all H-test scores. Students also submit a complete transcript of their previous 3 years in Oversteskøle as well as a list of the classes they will be taking this year, as well as any additional Modenhet tests or H-tests they will be taking at the end of the year. In addition, most colleges require one or two essays on a yearly rotating list of prompts in addition to the coursework lists and scores. The process is considered to be stressful by some, but millions of students go through the process successfully every year.

There are three periods for application deadlines. The first period requires everything to be submitted by November 1, and responses are sent in time for the winter recess. The second requires all items to be submitted by December 1, and responses are sent in early February. The last period requires everything to be sent in by January 1 and responses are sent out by mid-March.

A master instructs his apprentices on a vacuum pump system at an Associate's College in Hirendag, Kusenhelm in 1963.

Associates’ Colleges (AH) offer a non-competitive admissions system, where most, if not all who apply will get in. AH’s also grant financial aid more liberally than regular universities, and tuition is usually much lower compared to a regular university. AH’s grant 2-year Assosierad degrees. The AH system has proved useful for educating students seeking vocational and/or technical careers that do not necessarily warrant a full 4-year Kandidat degree. Professions such as electricians, medical technicians, industrial machinists, and the like may proceed into their careers with an AH-education.

Higher education in Goyanes is not free. While it is subsidized by national and constituent governments, students still have to pay. Low income families may attend for free, but the maximum any domestic student will have to pay is about ∆300,000 (30,000 IBU) for all 4 years of education, depending on income and selected major/college. Foreign students will most likely have to pay more, college in Goyanes may cost them up to ∆250,000 (25,000 IBU) per year depending on financial situation, scholarships, and college/major selected. Colleges dispense financial aid to most students, and most students pay a fair bit less than the full sticker price. Financial aid is dispensed through a common application that is used by both the Imperial Government as well as individual colleges. The form must be renewed every year that a student is enrolled. If a student needs help paying off tuition fees, they can apply for a government-sponsored student loan that doesn't attract an interest rate. Once they have a job and begin making above a certain threshold of money, the loan begins repaying itself automatically with their withheld taxes, and they can contribute more to the debt payments if they wish.

Health

Goyanes has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world, at 82.1 years for those born between 2010 and 2015. In 2010, the principal cause of death was cardiovascular disease, at 41%, followed by malignant tumors, at 26%. In Goyanes, cigarette smoking is the largest preventable cause of death and disease, responsible for 7.8% of the total mortality and disease. Ranked second in preventable causes is hypertension at 7.6%, with obesity third at 7.5%.

Total expenditure on health (including private sector spending) is around 9.8% of GDP. Goyanes introduced universal health care in 1912. Known as Medicare, it is now nominally funded by an income tax surcharge known as the Medicare levy, currently set at 2%. The kingdoms manage hospitals and attached outpatient services, while the Imperial Government funds the Pharmaceutical Benefits Program (subsidizing the costs of medicines) and general practice.

Culture

A traditional Christmas market.

Culture in Goyanes has been shaped by major intellectual and popular currents in the Umbrial-Gotic world, both secular and religious. Goyanes is well known for such folk festival traditions as Oktoberfest and Christmas customs, which include Advent wreaths, Christmas pageants, Christmas trees, fruitcakes, and other practices. Many properties are also listed as National Heritage Sites, and are treasures of architecture.

Public Holidays

Goyanes celebrates a variety of public holidays at the national and local level throughout the year. While some of these holidays are Messianist in origin, many are patriotic holidays commemorating various events. In addition to these national holidays, many localities celebrate various holidays marked with parades, festivals, special events, and more.

Date Mercanti name Gojan name Notes
January 1st New Year's Day Nyåjahrsdag
January 6th Epiphany Åffenbaring
March 2nd Grand Emperor's Day Grankæsersdag Birthday of Grand Emperor Anthony
March/April Easter Sunday Påsk Sønndag Varies in date each year at the end of march or beginning of April. Determined by the Courantist Church.
May/June Ascension Day Himmelraisdag 39 Days after Easter Sunday
July 11th Rudolfsson and Oppenheimer Day Rudolfsson og Oppenheimers Dag Commemorates the joint Goyanean creators of the railway.
July 22nd Empire Day Kæserrikedag Commemorates the signing of the Supreme Law in 1703.
August 20th Military Day Harensdag Day of remembrance for the war dead and for commemoration of veterans and the Imperial Armed Forces.
October 15th Oktoberfest Oktoberfest While the official holiday falls on the 15th, celebrations last all month. Commemorates the victory of Johannes the Strong over Gunnar in the 2nd War of Goyanean Succession, as well as the completion of the harvest season.
October 31st All Hallows' Eve Allerhelgen End of the Oktoberfest celebrations. Reinforced by the global Halloween holiday.
December 24th Christmas Eve Julnatt
December 25th Christmas Juldag Commencement of Vinterfest celebrations.
December 31st Vinterfest/New Year's Eve Vinterfest

Music

Goyanean classical music includes works by some of the world's most well-known composers. Freidrik Vilhelmsberg composed oratorios for organ, which influenced the later work of Johann Ransom and Ole Kiersson; these men were influential composers of the Baroque period. During his tenure as violinist and teacher at the St. Madeline cathedral, Gorlingstad-born composer Thor Demørdby composed some of the most popular classical compositions. Anders Viergarten and Felix Sålkvist were important in the early Romantic period. Maria Elbertsson and Johannes Vasterås composed in the Romantic idiom. Kristoff Elmherst was known for his operas. Samuel Strauss was a leading composer of the late Romantic and early modern eras. Karlheinz Ovenstein and Hans Aldemar are important composers of the 20th and early 21st centuries.

Karlheinz Ovenstein, arguably the most famous 20th Century Goyanean composer.

In addition the jazz style is very popular, and much development was made in Goyanes in the 20th century. There are disicntive styles within jazz, and there is fusion with traditional styles from around the Goyanean empire such as Ascalonian and Demesican-Lithonian fusion. Famous jazz combos such as the Vildebrant 5 and the Mosnar Sedalgreve Combo are some of the most famous, having sold millions of records, CDs, and MP3s.

Goyanes is one of the largest music markets on Eras, with tens of millions of tracks sold and streamed every year. The domestic music market is also very colorful and vibrant, with new and up and coming artists featured in publications and music charts.

Art

"Bridal Procession on the Frejafjord" by Friedrik Normund

Goyanean artists have been influenced by and have influenced general artistic trends in Gothis and Craviter. Johannes van Leivarden, Ragnar Oppenfeld the Elder, Svenbjørn Lukasson and Engrau Elferberg were important Goyanean artists of the 16th Century, Pol Neidermayer and Kristoff Rolfe of the 17th and 18th Century, Friedrik Normund and Karl Enhelder of the 19th Century, and Kristoff Heilege of the 20th Century. Such Goyanean sculptors as Otto van Fjergefeld, Danneg Iffland, and Johann Østerling made important contributions to Goyanean art history in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Architecture

Cuisine

Sports