Holynia
Holyn Kingdom Holynska Kráľovstvo | |
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 Flag
 Coat of arms
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| Anthem: Bože, Zachráň Kráľa! (Hornat) (English: "God, Save the King!") | |
 Location of Holynia with Spero | |
| Capital and largest city | Cizekporok |
| Official languages | Hornat Masov |
| Recognised regional languages | Bogor |
| Ethnic groups (2015) | 68.3% Hornat 29.4% Masov 2.3% other |
| Demonym(s) |
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| Government | Constitutional Monarchy |
• King | Mikuláš I |
• Prime Minister | Renáta Mišurová |
| Legislature | Národná Rada (National Council) |
| Foundation | |
• First Holyně Realm | 81 BC |
• Second Holyně Realm | 1052 |
• Holyně Kingdom | December 1574 |
• Union of Holyně Socialist States | December 1927 |
• Republic of Holynia | September 1998 |
• Second Holyně Kingdom | April 2001 |
| Population | |
• 2024 estimate | 129,230,431 |
• 2022 census | 128,554,321 |
• Density | 107.70/km2 (278.9/sq mi) |
| GDP (nominal) | 2018 estimate |
• Total | $2.26 trillion |
• Per capita | $20,737 |
| HDI (2019) | 0.901 very high |
| Currency | Koruna (HRK) |
| Calling code | +63 |
| Internet TLD | .hk |
Holynia, also referred to as Holyn, officially the Holyn Kingdom (Hornat and Masov: Holynska Kráľovstvo and Holynska Království), is a sovereign state located in eastern Spero, with an overseas territory in Navron. Its mainland spans 1,014,174 square kilometers and is home to 109.2 million people. Holynia borders six countries, Grola and Movargovina in the north, Stesopol to the northeast, Bogoria to the east, and Elmad and Corvia to the nothwest. Including its overseas territory of Skoskie in Navron, Holynia’s total area expands to 1,951,365 square kilometers, with a population of 127.3 million. Despite its mountainous terrain, the nation has a relatively low population density of 79 people per square kilometer. The capital and largest city, Cizekporok, houses over 7 million residents. Holynia operates as a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government.
Modern Holynia traces its origins to the medieval Holyně Realm, a union of the Duchy of Hornatyia and the Duchy of Masovia. At its peak, the realm extended into modern-day Movargovina, Stesopol, Elmad, and Corvia. However, internal disputes led to its collapse around 120 CE. Hornatyia remained influential under King Cizek I, while Masovia fragmented due to noble rivalries. The Council of Skrbovice introduced Catholicism, further uniting the region culturally. By 1052, Masovia fell completely, and Hornatyia annexed it, reestablishing the Holyně Realm.
In 1310, Holynia faced devastation during the Grolan Empire's invasion, known as "the Catastrophe." After years of conflict, Holynia emerged victorious at the Battle of Bavorovská Hill but was left economically weakened. Recovery took centuries, with the 1611 formation of the National Council marking the beginning of a gradual modernization. By the 17th century, Holynia had joined Spero's colonial powers, establishing a small presence in Navron.
In 1801, Holynia successfully repelled another Grolan invasion during the 10 Years’ War, gaining territory at the Treisburg Conference. The kingdom later participated in the Great Spero War (1917–1919), emerging from the stalemate with growing calls for reform. In 1921, Holynia transitioned from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy under King Kováč II, with a parliamentary government gaining legislative powers.
In 1927, the Workers' Party of Holynia, led by Volen Hajek, overthrew the monarchy, forcing King Kováč II to flee to Skoskie. The Union of Holyn Socialist States was established, ushering in a tumultuous period marked by famine, chaos, and eventual industrialization. By the 1940s, the economy stabilized, but stagnation and natural disasters in the 1980s led to economic decline.
Ethnic tensions erupted into the Bogorian War in the 1990s, further destabilizing the nation. Communist rule ended in 1998 following democratic elections, with the monarchy restored in 2001 under King Daniel II. Skoskie rejoined Holynia in 2002, and the nation integrated into the global economy.
Today, Holynia boasts a highly developed, high-income economy with advanced technology and low unemployment, though wealth inequality persists. It maintains rapid GDP growth and is a member of the Southern Artemia Commerce Initiative, International Trade Commission, and the Global Monetary Fund.
History
Early history
First and Second Holyně Realm
The Holyně Realm was established around the 9th century, emerging as a powerful force in Spero as it absorbed neighboring territories. At its height, the Realm encompassed regions within modern-day Movargovina, Stesopol, Elmad, and Corvia. The Realm was an alliance of two prominent duchies: the Duchy of Hornatyia to the north and the Duchy of Masovia to the south. The realm’s political and military unity allowed it to thrive under rulers like Duke Svatomír of Hornatyia, a fierce commander who expanded the territory westward and established a fortified capital at Bavorov.
The Duchy of Hornatyia, known for its strong economic base and disciplined military, held a dominant influence within the Realm. In contrast, the Masovian Duchy was plagued by internal disputes and succession conflicts, destabilizing its ability to govern effectively. Rivalries between noble families led to frequent feuds, with cities like Skrbovice, a growing center of commerce, caught in cycles of factional strife. In approximately 1200, these internal conflicts reached a breaking point. The once-unified Holyně Realm fragmented, leading to a collapse that would leave a significant impact on the political landscape of the region.
First Holyně Kingdom
Following the dissolution of the Holyně Realm, the Duchy of Hornatyia re-emerged as a powerful independent entity. In 1215, Cizek I, a shrewd and ambitious leader, declared himself the King of Hornatyia, establishing a new monarchy and consolidating control over the northern territories. Hornatyia experienced growth under his leadership, benefitting from alliances with emerging powers to the east and expanding trade in towns like Kostelec and Liberec. Cizek I's descendants continued his policies, fortifying Hornatyia's position in the region as a dominant power.
Meanwhile, the Duchy of Masovia continued its descent into instability. Rival claimants and noble factions clashed repeatedly, and Masovian rulers struggled to impose order. In 1052, the Hanák Dynasty, the last ruling family of Masovia, fell after a series of failed campaigns to unify the region. The collapse of the Masovian Kingdom presented Hornatyia with an opportunity for expansion. King Miloslav II launched a swift invasion, reclaiming Masovian territories and officially reuniting the region under the reestablished Holyně Realm. This new era marked the introduction of Catholicism to the former Holyně territories, spurred by the Council of Skrbovice, which sought to unify the populace under one faith.
In 1310, Holyně faced a dire threat from the Grolan Empire, a formidable northern neighbor that sought to expand its influence southward. The invasion, remembered as "the Catastrophe," devastated the kingdom’s defenses and led to the occupation of several key towns, including the prosperous city of Vsetin. After years of fighting, the tide turned in Holynia's favor during the pivotal Battle of Bavorovská Hill in 1347. Under the command of General Janek of Praska, Holynian forces pushed the Grolan invaders back, reclaiming lost territory and restoring order. However, the destruction left by the war crippled the kingdom’s infrastructure, setting back its economic and social development by centuries.
Holynia slowly rebuilt after the Catastrophe, and in 1611, a new form of governance emerged. The first national legislature, the National Council of Hornatyia and Masovia, was convened, establishing a more representative government. This period saw Holynia begin its transformation from feudalism to a more modern capitalist economy, with towns like Praskov, a key port city on the Tisnov River, developing into hubs of trade and commerce. By the late 17th century, Holynia had begun modest colonial ventures, establishing outposts in Navron alongside larger powers.
In 1801, Holynia was drawn into the 10 Years’ War when the Grolan Empire, in alliance with other regional powers, invaded the neighboring states of Ivathia and Corvia. Led by King Benedikt IV, Holynia resisted and ultimately repelled the Grolan forces at the Battle of Libenov. The subsequent Treisburg Conference reshaped the balance of power in the region, dividing former Grolan territories between Holynia, Ivathia, and Corvia. This victory marked a high point in Holynian influence, as the kingdom emerged as a respected player in Spero’s political sphere.
In 1917, Holynia joined the Great Spero War on the side of the Eastern Powers. The two-year conflict ended in a costly stalemate, leading to widespread disillusionment and calls for political reform. Holynia, like much of Spero, experienced economic hardship in the war's aftermath, as inflation and unemployment soared. These challenges, along with the influence of socialist movements across the continent, led to growing public pressure for change. King Kováč II, recognizing the need for modernization, approved a plan by the National Council in 1921 to adopt a new constitution, limiting royal power and establishing a parliamentary system with an executive Prime Minister. For the first time, civilian leaders gained significant legislative authority, and Holynia took its first steps toward constitutional monarchy.
Communist Holynia
Hajek established People’s Councils in cities like Bystrica and Uhrov, challenging the monarchy by governing locally through elected workers and peasants. The Bystrica council gained control over local police and rivaled the city council in authority. Despite attempts by King Kováč II to suppress these councils with military force, they endured, supported by a miners’ strike in northern Hornatyia.
To address the escalating crisis, Kováč II relinquished certain powers to an expanded legislature and executive branch, ending direct monarchical rule. The HWP joined the new Narodna Rada, winning the second-largest share of seats in the 1923 elections. However, dissatisfaction with being in opposition led the party to destabilize the government further.
By 1926, civil war broke out between the HWP’s Popular Army and monarchist forces. The Workers’ Party controlled northern Hornatyia and western Masovia, while loyalists held central Hornatyia and Bogoria. Fierce fighting devastated cities like Uhrov and the midlands. In October 1924, Cizekporok was surrounded, forcing Kováč II to flee to Skoskie, where a pro-monarchy government-in-exile was formed. The war, claiming 3 million lives, ended with a communist victory.
Hajek’s government implemented sweeping economic reforms, nationalizing land and businesses while encouraging urbanization. Collective farming and industrial subsidies helped rebuild Holynia’s economy, surpassing pre-war output by 1930. A new constitution in 1931 centralized power, outlawed political opposition, and gave the HWP total control. The Státní ředitelství bezpečnosti (SRB) enforced this regime through arrests, executions, and deportations.
After Hajek’s death in 1941, Jan Kříž took power, intensifying collectivization and focusing on international communism. Defense spending soared to 25% of GDP as Kříž sought to export socialism. Holynia’s first military deployment occurred during the Salcheny Crisis in 1947. In 1951, Holynia intervened in Movargovina, supporting communist rebels and overthrowing its government. Holynia’s first nuclear test in 1952 cemented its regional influence.
Domestically, tensions peaked during the 1957 Bogorian unrest, when protests over police killings escalated into violent clashes, leaving 400 civilians dead. Kříž’s declining health led to his removal in 1959, and Jiří Liška succeeded him.
Under Liška, economic liberalization began, allowing small private businesses and granting autonomy to state enterprises. Holynia’s first satellite, Satelit-1, launched in 1960, marking a technological milestone. Political reforms followed with the 1972 constitution, introducing limited liberalization while maintaining HWP dominance. Liška’s death in 1975 ended this era of cautious reform.
Liška’s successor, Kamil Sládek, reversed political reforms and centralized power. Sládek launched massive infrastructure projects, including motorways, airports, and railways, which reduced unemployment but plunged Holynia into debt. In 1984, unrest erupted in Bogoria, leading to a brutal crackdown with hundreds of civilian deaths.
Twin disasters in the late 1980s— the Vamik Dam collapse and the Łuków Volcano eruption—killed over 13,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. Public outrage over government mismanagement led to hyperinflation and a deep recession. Sládek’s refusal to step down exacerbated public unrest, and his death in 1993 paved the way for reformist leader Vlastimil Prusík.
Prusík introduced economic and political reforms to stabilize Holynia, opening two-thirds of parliamentary seats to elections. However, these measures halved economic output, spiked unemployment, and caused public dissatisfaction. In 1997, rebellion broke out in Bogoria, led by ethnic Bogorian military officers. Pro-democracy protests spread nationwide, paralyzing the government.
In mid-1998, Prusík and the Workers’ Party leadership resigned, unable to manage the crises. Col. General Radek Nedvěd became interim president, forming a unity government with communist and opposition leaders. Jonáš Široký, a pro-democracy figure, became interim prime minister, marking the end of the Workers’ Party’s rule and Holynia’s transition to democracy.
Second Holyně Kingdom
On 12 September 1998, an interim constitution was adopted by referendum, with national elections to be held on 15 October 1998. Jonáš Široký led the Naša budúcnosť party to victory. Široký's government formed a constitutional committee to finalise a constitution by the year 2000. In November 1998, negotiations began between the monarchy and government of Skoski and the Siroky government. The government began the arduous process of reforming Holynia's communist economy into a capitalist economy. Throughout late 1998 and 1999, the Národná Rada passed a series of legislation outlining the process of privatisation of state companies. In February 1999, the Holyn Royal Family visited Holynia for the first time since 1925. This visit saw a wave of support for reestablishing the monarchy in an official capacity.
Genocide and ethnic conflict escalated in Bogoria as ceasefires collapsed. In late 1999, after economic sanctions placed on it by the Spero Economic Council, the government and Bogorian seperatists agreed to peace, resulting in the Treisburg treaty. An internationally organized independence referendum would be held in Bogoria, meanwhile an Spero Defence Initiative led peacekeeping mission would seperate the Holyn military and Bogor seperatists.
Široký's government pressed ahead with economic reforms, with the first economic reform legislation passed with broad support among the Národná Rada. Opposition grew as the privatisation legislation became widely opposed by trade unions. The austerity measures introduced in 2000, saw budgets for government ministries and agencies slashed. As the government sought to reduce debt, the economy sufferred. Unemployment continued to rise as the government privatised or shut down unprofitable businesses.
In June 2000, legislation was passed for a national referendum on restoring the monarchy and reunion with Skoski. The referendum was held in September 2000 and saw 67% of voters support Holynia becoming a constitutional monarchy. In November 1999, the first draft of the new constitution was unveiled, with the final draft to be adopted by May 2001. Alexandr IV was crowned King of Holynia in a ceremony in Cizekporok on December 7th 2001. The Overseas Territory of Skoskie officially rejoined Holynia the following day.
The return of wealthy and middle class Holyn citizens from self-imposed exile overseas proved beneficial. Holynia, the largest of the post-communist states in Spero, saw an economic boom in 2002. A growing middle class emerged in Holynia as both privitised and state industries raised incomes. GDP growth had returned, coinciding with the end of austerity measures and high inflation.
The liberal Široký government lost both the 2003 vote of no confidence and 2004 parliamentary election and was succeeded by the renewed Workers' Party under Andrej Sedláček. The Workers' Party was now a social-democratic political party, opposed to a revolutionary socialist party. Sedláček ceased the ongoing privatisation of state companies. This saw unemployment stabilise by late 2005. King Alexandr IV died on 14 December 2005 and was suceeded by his heir apperant, Mikuláš I.
A number of large conglomerates, some founded before the revolution, had relocated to Holynia during this period. Sales of state assets and companies saw these conglomerates grow even larger. In response, the new socialist government formed a state run conglomerate known as Holcentrálnyštátnyobchodnýholdingy. All state run companies were "purchased" by Holcentrálnyštátnyobchodnýholdingy at below market rates. This conglomerate was subject to numerous investigations and legal challenges from within the Narodna Rada and by private entities. The Supreme Court found Holcentrálnyštátnyobchodnýholdingy to be an illegal monopoly and was ordered to be broken up. The company spun off portions of its portfolio to abide by the court ruling. A new holding company Holinvestičnéholdingy to both invest in private companies and retain ownership of state businesses.
In 2010, the conservative Civic Renewal Party won the parliamentary elections with Janos Ratkovec becoming Prime Minister. Ratkovec's government oversaw negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Spero Economic Council. In 2015, the Ratkovec government became embroiled in a series of scandals that led to its downfall. Štefan Jahnátek's Workers' Party won the 2015 election. Government oversight of wages was tightened, with the minimun wage in Holynia pegged to inflation levels. Annual minimun wage increases and decreases would be mandated per the legislation.
In 2019, Renáta Mišurová led the National Renewal Party to victory.
Geography
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The majority of Holynia is located in Southern Spero and is called Mainland Holynia, in contrast to Overseas Holynia, the overseas colony and islands that it controls. It is bordered by the Holyn Sea to the southwest and the Great Spero Sea to the southeast. It shares land borders with Elmad and Corvia to the northwest, Grola and Movargovina to the north, Stesopol to the northeast, and Bogoria to the east.
Holynia features vast differences in elevations. Southern Holynia comprises coastal plains which lead to rolling hills of central Masovia. Masovia is made up of flat, fertile prairie land. The Hulín plateau traverses north to south and straddles the Holynia-Bogoria border. The relief of the Hulín plateau is not high, but its rugged nature makes this region notable. The River Obrec seperates Masovia's plains and hills from the dense forested lowlands of Hornatyia. The Obrec highlands are situated just north of the Hornat lowlands, a fertile region of Hornatyia. The Gatihazi mountains form the Holynian portion of the Gatis, a large mountain range system spanning east to west across central Spero. The River Suli flows from the Gatihazi southwest to the Holyn Sea.
Mountains and rivers
Hornatyia, the northern region of Holynia, derives its name from the term meaning "mountainous land," a fitting description as 40% of its territory is mountainous. The region is dominated by the Gatihazi Mountain Range, the largest and highest in Holynia, which extends from the Hornat-Corvic border along the Hornat-Grola border, culminating in the Bytca Valley. This valley separates the Gatihazi range from the Hornat-Movargovinian border. The western Gatihazi are primarily composed of granite, while limestone dominates to the east. Holynia's highest peak, Králové Mountain, is situated east of the Bytca Valley, where the range continues into Stesopol. The Gatihazi are rich in mineral resources, including anthracite, bituminous coal, and iron ore.
The Obrec Highlands, located in southern Hornatyia, feature rugged terrain shaped by glacial meltwaters. These highlands, which peak at 2,000 meters, are bordered by dense forests to the south and the rolling hills of the Hornat Lowlands.
The River Obrec, Holynia's longest river, originates in the Gatihazi and flows north to south through the Obrec Highlands, eventually emptying into the Great Spero Sea. Its delta in Masovia forms Holynia’s largest drainage basin and is one of the largest in the Spero region.
Another significant river, the River Suli, also originates in the Gatihazi. It flows west of the Obrec Highlands and south through the western Masovian Plains, meeting the Holyn Sea north of Kovtik. The Suli Valley is a critical agricultural area for Holynia, contributing to the region’s economic vitality.
Climate
The climate of Holynia is characterized by significant regional variation, influenced by its extensive range from the temperate Great Spero Sea in the south to the Arctic Ocean in the north. It features a mix of temperate maritime, continental, and subarctic conditions. Mountainous regions in the north of the country create additional microclimates, while large bodies of water like the Great Spero Sea moderate temperatures in the southern and central areas.
Southern Holynia, bordering the Great Spero Sea, experiences a temperate maritime climate. Winters are generally mild with occasional frost, while summers are warm but not overly hot, averaging around 20–25°C (68–77°F) in July. Precipitation is relatively high throughout the year due to prevailing westerly winds from the Great Spero Sea, bringing regular rain and cloud cover. The coastal climate supports a diverse range of vegetation, including broadleaf and mixed forests, and contributes to Holynia’s fertile agricultural zones.
The central regions of Holynia, away from the moderating influence of the Great Spero Sea, experience a more continental climate with distinct seasonal temperature fluctuations. Winters are cold, often dropping below freezing, while summers are warmer than in the south, reaching up to 30°C (86°F) during heat waves. Snow is common in winter, especially at higher elevations. The varied landscape includes lowlands, forests, and valleys, making this area a critical region for agriculture, though conditions can be harsher in winter compared to the coastal south.
Northern Holynia, extending to the Arctic Ocean, has a subarctic to Arctic climate, with long, extremely cold winters and short, cool summers. The mountainous areas in the north enhance this cold climate, creating pockets of alpine tundra at higher elevations. Winter temperatures frequently fall below -20°C (-4°F), and snowfall is heavy, persisting for much of the year. Summers are brief, with temperatures rarely exceeding 10°C (50°F), allowing only limited vegetation, mostly consisting of hardy shrubs and boreal forest. The Arctic coastline remains frozen for much of the year, contributing to Holynia’s unique biodiversity and challenging conditions for human habitation.
Politics
Holynia operates as a constitutional monarchy with a hereditary monarch as head of state and a unicameral parliament, the Národná Rada. The current constitution was adopted on 12 September 2005, replacing the 1997 constitution. The constitution of Holynia places primary governance with the Prime Minister and the cabinet, who are appointed by the monarch after recommendation by members of the Národná Rada. The Prime Minister exerts control over all functions of the executive branch and is de-facto the most powerful politician in the country. The Národná Rada is a 210 seat unicameral legislature which is elected every two years using a proportional representation of political parties, resulting in a diverse array of political parties. A Royal Commissioner is elected by the Národná Rada in a secret ballot every year, who is in charge of overseeing the legality of government actions and issues judgments on certain policies.
Monarchy
Holynia is a unitary state with the monarch representing the Crown. The monarch, King Mikuláš I, is head of state of Holynia. The monarch formally holds all executive powers. The monarch does not execute powers except on the advice of the Prime Minister. The ruling monarch holds little power, however has the ability to reject a proposed government and the ability to force from office a ruling government using the Royal Commissioner. No monarch in modern Holynia has used either of those powers, nor, acted outside of the advice of the Prime Minister.
Administrative divisions
Holynia is divided into the following order of administrative divisions 2 Principalities , 12 regions (Kraj) and 5 autonomous municipalities. The Principalities are first level administrative divisions. The other first level administrative divion are the autonomous municipalities. Principalities then are divided into regions. Below regions are counties, but these are solely geographical divisions with no governmental power. The Principalities are led by a First Minister, who answers to the Principality Council. The Regional Authorities lead the 12 regions, headed by a Chief Executive. The 5 autonomous municipalities are led by a directly elected Mayor and a City Council. Direct municipalities also have a mayor and City Council but have limited authority compared to autonomous municipalities.
Principality
The two Principalities of Hornatyia and Masovia are by custom led by the respective Prince of Hornatyia and Prince of Masovia. However, the Prince has no legal authority under the constitution. The principality's respective Basic Law acts as the primary governing document of the two principalities. The Principalities share the same form of government. An executive leader, the First Minister, leads a Principality government which has several devolved powers under the constitution. The First Minister answers to and is elected by the Principality Council, a unicameral legislature which has powers granted to it under the constitution. The Principality Council's are elected every 4 years under a proportional representation electoral system.
The Devolved Powers Act of 2003 and Articles 6 through 9 of the 2001 Constitution lay out the details of the authority of the Principalities. The Principality Council can not rule on any matter specifically reserved for the National Council. Under the Constitution, the National Council is the supreme legislative body in Holynia and legislation passed by it, regardless of overlapping Principality laws, takes precedence. The specific powers reserved for the National Council are defence, healthcare and foreign relations.
The Principalities have taxation powers that overlap with the national government. The Principalities have seperate income tax rates on top of national tax rates. They both have local Tax Authorities, the Hornatyian Tax Authority and Masovian Tax Authority. These are only responsible for collecting taxes that the Principalities have authority over. The National Tax Agency does not have the power to collect or advise on principality tax matters. The national government has sole authority on the value added tax, which is nation wide.
Region
Autonomous Municipality
Overseas Territory
The Overseas Territory of Skoskie is the sole Overseas Territory of Holynia. Holynia retains sovereignty over Skoskie but it does not form Holynia proper. Skoskie is not a sovereign state and relies on Holynia for foreign relations and defence. The Holyn monarch is head of state of the Overseas Territory in the capacity as head of state of Holynia, as opposed to head of state of Skoskie. The Skoskie government exercises full legislative powers over its territory in most affairs. Skoskie retains a seperate legal and taxation system from mainland Holynia. This includes a seperate Court of Final Appeal, the Supreme Court of Skoskie. A seperate currency, the Skoskie Koruna, is used in Skoskie. It is the direct descendant of the original Holyn Koruna that was abolished in 1927.
Citizens of Skoskie are classified either as Holyn citizens or Holyn Overseas Citizens. When Skoskie rejoined Holynia in 2001, all citizens of Skoskie became Holyn Overseas Citizens by default. A process of claiming a qualifying connection to Holynia was neccesary to obtain Holyn citizenship. This usually required familial ties to, and/or residency in Holynia prior to 1927. Holyn Overseas Citizenship did not grant the same rights as Holyn citizenship. Holyn citizenship gave the right to abode and free entry in Holynia and Skoskie, while Holyn Overseas Citizenship only granted right to abode and free entry to the Overseas Territory.
The monarch is formally represented by the Governor General of Skoskie, who acts on behalf of the monarchy and issues Royal Assent to all local legislation. Skoskie is led by a Chief Executive, who in turn is elected by the Legislative Council of Skoskie. The Legislative Council is elected every 4 years, using closed party list proportional representation.
Skoskie was formally a Colony of Holynia, founded by the Holyn International Trading Company in 1824, until the Holyn revolution in 1927. From 1927 to 2001, Skoskie was an independent state ruled by the Holyn monarch from 1927 to 1947. In 1947, the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Skoskie and Holynia meant the Holyn monarch dropped the title of "ruler of Holynia", reverting to "ruler of Skoskie". This lasted until 2001, when Holynia and Skoskie reunited and the Holyn monarchy returned to Holynia proper. Despite some calls for independence, Skoskie again fell under Holyn sovereignty as an Overseas Territory.
Foreign relations
Holynia’s foreign policy has undergone a transformation from its communist superpower days to an assertive, ambitious role on the international stage. After its communist government fell in the late 1990s, Holynia lost influence in Spero, including a significant defeat in its separatist war with Bogoria. The 2000s marked a period of economic rebuilding, during which Holynia sought to mend relations with neighbors like Bogoria, Stesopol, and the Elmad Federation. However, Holynia lacked a cohesive foreign policy direction and struggled to regain its former regional influence.
By the 2010s, Holynia had adopted a more assertive approach, investing in economic diplomacy and leadership roles in international organizations to rebuild its global reputation. It developed close alliances with nations like the Elmad Federation and became a key player in the Pan-Sperian Economic Partnership, strengthening its role as a regional hub for manufacturing and technology. This strategy extended to military interventions, with Holynia’s recent involvement in Navron framed as securing stability, though many view it as an attempt to expand influence. Holynia’s support for the authoritarian regime in Saha has further raised its profile while drawing criticism, as it counters the influence of the Federal States of Cusco, the primary Western power.
Holynia’s growing assertiveness has generated concerns from Cusco and its allies, leading to sanctions and diplomatic backlash. Despite this, Holynia positions itself as a counterweight to Cusco’s influence, emphasizing alliances with nations that share its resistance to Western power structures. Balancing economic partnerships with military interventions, Holynia’s foreign policy is both a return to and departure from its past. Its trajectory as an emerging power in Spero will likely shape regional and global dynamics for years to come.
Military
The Royal Holynian Defence Forces serve as Holynia's primary military force, consisting of the Ground Forces, Navy and the Air Force. Additionally the National Police, Coast Guard and the Border Guard are subordinated to military command in wartime. The Defence Forces receives a budget of $101 billion, which is roughly 4.7 percent of the country's GDP. The Defence Forces can call upon 347,192 active personnel, of which 131,245 belong to the Ground Force, 111,314 belong to the Navy and 104,633 belong to the Air Force. The military has relied upon volunteers since the 2001 abolition of conscription. Prior to that, all Holynians that reached the age of 18 were required to perform military service or alternate civil service for a period of at least 6 months.
The Defence Forces fall under the command of the Chief of General Staff who is subordinate to the Minister of Defence. In wartime, Ground Force and Navy command assume respective command of the National Police and the Coast Guard. Defence funding is provided through a annual act of Parliament called the National Defence Allocation Act, which proscribes a budget for the following year. Defence spending was, until 2005, dropping as a result of the fall of communism, however since 2008 the annual budget has grown at least 5% every year. Much of the budget has been spent on modernizing equipment, increasing troop pay, constructing new training and living facilities for servicemen and increasing readiness. Holynia maintains a strong state and private defence industry, dating back to before the communist era. This industry has since expanded with growing exports to foreign nations and a healthy domestic market.
Law enforcement and justice
Holynia has several, sometimes overlapping, law enforcement agencies. The Ministry of Public Security is the overarching public safety agency in Holynia. Its most prolific agency is the National Police of Holynia which handles day to day policing and investigations. Other national level policing agencies are the Immigration Service, which enforces immigration laws and State Security Service, which has counter terrorism and counter intelligence. The Border and Customs Service are also considered police, but have national defence duties as well. Sub national policing agencies include the municipal police services of the Autonomous Municipalities.
Holynia uses a hybrid of both common-law and civil-law principles with two chief courts, the High Court handling civil cases and the Crown Court handling justice, with the Supreme Court existing as the court of last resort, handling both civil and criminal cases. In addition to the civil and justice courts, military courts and special tribunals also exist in Holynia and handle cases brought by the Supreme Prosecutor of the Ministry of Defence. The Principality of Masovia maintains its own justice system, with Principle Court for civil cases and the Crown Court for criminal justice cases, with the Holynian Supreme Court in Cizekporok as its court of last resort. The Masov justice system is formed in a similar hybrid system like the national court system, however it does not accept a "not proven" verdict in criminal trials. Along with this difference, the civil courts do not allow a jury system, with the sole verdict lying in the hands of the judge. The Principality of Hornatyia utilizes the national Holynian court system for both civil and criminal cases. In addition, Masovian courts are beneath the national Holynian courts, thus a verdict issued by a national Holynian court will affect a verdict issued by a Masov court.
Economy
Holynia has a developed, high-income market economy focused on exports of goods, services and resources. The country is a self-described welfare state, with significant state intervention in healthcare and social services, primarily through Holyn Health. It has been described by analysts as having a state capitalist economy stemming from significant government ownership in specific industries. Successive governments have stated Holynia is a free market economy. The Holyn National Bank conducts monetary policy and issues notes and coins of the Holyn Koruna. Holynia has been described as a energy superpower, holding the second largest coal reserves in the world, large coastal oil shale reserves, and significant mineral reserves. Holynia is also a major grain exporter, being the 4th largest grain exporter in the world. Holynia has a labor participation rate of 67.3% and a unemployment rate of 2.73%, both as of 2021.
Holynia inherited a centrally planned economy following the collapse of the Holyn Socialist States in 1998. This economy had been stagnating since the late 1980s, with little to no positive GDP growth. The first attempts at economic reform failed in dramatic fashion. After a depression of almost 2 years, reforms led by economist Ludek Horn returned GDP growth by 2001. In the 2000s, Holynia had the fastest growing economy of all the post-Communist states in Spero. In 2005, Holynia had surpassed its 1993 GDP record. Wages grew immensely, with unemployment reaching a low of 1.2% in 2008. Government reforms and anti-corruption efforts had encouraged increasing foreign investment during this period. In 2009, the service industry was growing at a rate of 4% per year. Holynia became a principal capital investor in southern Spero economies. Holyn funding was responsible for several large infrastructure efforts in neighboring countries.
The financial services sector in Holynia is the largest in central/southern Spero and the fifth largest on the continent. The largest cooperative bank in Holynia, Spořicíbank, is the third largest cooperative bank in Spero. Private banking grew at a rapid pace in the 2000s, surpassing the market share of state run banks. The government has divested the majority of its banking investments since the 2014 banking reform legislation. Vol Group a.s., headquartered in Cizekporok, is one the worlds largest insurance companies.
The Cizekporok Stock Exchange, trading as Cizekporok Exchange, originally started operations in 1851. It ceased operations in 1927 following the communist takeover. A new entity, the Cizekporok Stock Exchange, was granted the heraldy and lineage of the original Cizekporok Stock Exchange, starting trading in 2001. It grew to become the largest stock exchange in Holynia. The Cizekporok Exchange was credited with assisting in the privatization effort of the early 2000s.
Energy
Holynia's energy sector is dominated by Národní Energetika a.s., which is a public company with partial state ownership. NE is responsible for running major power production facilities such as coal plants and hydroelectric facilities. Several regional power companies exist in Holynia. Coal dominates the electricity sector, accounting for 41.2% of all electricity production in 2010. Holynia had a heavy reliance on coal power in the 20th century, which in the 1950s accounted for almost 70% of its power production. Pollution issues in the latter half of the 20th century led to a growing reduction in coal power usage, with hydropower and natural gas facilities being constructed. As of 2020, the Ministry of Energy reported that coal accounted for 37.5% of the electric production, 29.3% hydropower, 12% nuclear power, 7.8% natural gas, 4.3% oil, 3.9% solar power, and the remaining 5.2% was from a mix of other sources.
Transport
Holynia maintains a radial road network consisting of 124,713 km of main roads and 11,519 km of motorways, out of a total of 1,119,791 km of paved roads. The motorways are the primary responsibility of the Roadway Directorate, meanwhile main road responsibility are split between the Directorate and local authorities. All non-motorway and main roadways are the responsibility of either local or private entities. Cizekporok maintains the densest road network in the country, along with the longest bypass road in the country. The M1 is the primary motorway between Cizekporok and Bystrica and has the heaviest usage of all motorways in the country. According to the Ministry of Transport, a total of 41 million vehicles were registered in 2012.
Holynia has an extremely dense railway network, with 41,387 km of railway in the country. 35,241 km are electrified at 25 kV AC, with the remaining being non-electrified. The railways fall under the responsibility of the national railway operator, Kráľovskej Holynske železnice (Royal Holynia Railway), which is a private company with the government transport ministry as the sole shareholder. Holynia Railways operates passenger and freight rail services throughout the country. National operator Masovia Rail operates intercity and local passenger services within Masovia. Several private coal companies operate their own private rail lines which connect to the national network. These companies occasionally operate services on the national network under contract by Holynia Railways. Holynia established its first high speed line in 1993 and since then the high speed network has grown to 3,109 km of the national network. Masovia Rail is presently constructing its own high speed line along the coast, utilizing both government and private funding, with service expected to start in 2017.
Demographics
The demographics of Holynia reflect a diverse yet primarily Slavic population shaped by historical migrations, political upheavals, and recent immigration trends. With a population of 109,230,431, Holynia is highly urbanized, and its people hold conservative values influenced by a complex history of monarchy, communism, and the resurgence of the Holyn Catholic Church. The country’s ethnic, linguistic, and religious composition provides insight into its socio-cultural landscape and the ongoing influences of modernization and immigration.
Urbanization
Holynia is a highly urbanized nation, with approximately 75% of the population residing in cities and urban centers. Major cities include the capital, Cizekporok, and other significant urban areas like Bystrica, Uhrov, and Slatnik. The rapid urbanization began during the communist era as industrialization efforts accelerated, driving people from rural areas into cities. After the fall of communism, urban growth continued, fueled by economic development and the concentration of education, health, and economic opportunities in urban areas. Modern Holynian cities showcase a blend of architectural styles, from Baroque and Gothic influences in historic districts to Soviet-era constructions and contemporary designs in newer neighborhoods.
Ethnic groups
The population of Holynia is predominantly Slavic, with two primary ethnic groups: the Hornats and the Masovs. Hornats, who make up approximately 65% of the population, while Masovs, comprising about 30%. Both groups share similar language and cultural ties. Smaller Slavic communities, including the Bogors constitute the remaining 5% of the population. In recent years, Holynia has seen an influx of immigrants, particularly from the Arab world and neighboring Slavic states, adding to its ethnic diversity. Arab immigrants, although a small minority, have become an influential group, contributing to Holynia's cultural and economic spheres, particularly in the fields of business and academia.
Language
Holynia recognizes two official languages: Hornat and Masov. Hornat, is the primary language spoken by the majority Hornat ethnic group and is the main language of government, education, and media. Masov, is widely spoken by the Masov ethnic group and has official status in Masov-majority regions. Bilingualism in Hornat and Masov is common, especially in urban areas and among younger generations. Smaller Slavic languages, such as Bogor, are spoken within their respective communities, though they lack official status. Holynia’s government promotes language preservation efforts and education programs for minority languages.
Religion
Religion in Holynia is led by the Holyn Catholic Church, which, despite a history of persecution during the communist era, remains the largest religious institution in the country. Around 60% of Holynians identify as Holyn Catholic, although religious practice varies widely, with some adhering strictly to conservative beliefs and others maintaining a more cultural affiliation. During the communist era, the Holyn Catholic Church faced extensive persecution, and much of its leadership, including the monarchy, fled to Skoskie, a former Holyn colony in Navron. The church experienced a resurgence after the fall of communism, with many leaders returning from Skoskie. Around 25% of Holynians identify as atheist or non-religious, a legacy of the communist period’s secularization policies. Smaller Protestant communities also exist, and a small Muslim minority, primarily composed of recent Arab immigrants, has developed in larger cities.
Health and education
Holynia provides universal healthcare, with a well-developed system that includes hospitals, specialized medical centers, and primary care facilities throughout the country. The healthcare system has improved substantially since the communist era, although rural areas occasionally experience shortages of specialized medical professionals. Life expectancy in Holynia is around 78 years, with common health challenges reflecting European trends, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Education in Holynia is compulsory from ages 6 to 15 and includes primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. The literacy rate is high, and Holynia is home to several prestigious universities, including the Cizekporok State University and the Technical University of Tisno. The education system, which emphasizes STEM and vocational skills, has adapted in recent years to accommodate an increasing number of international students and minority-language programs.