Caldia
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Kingdom of Caldia Ríocht na Ghlítteann | |
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 Royal coat of arms
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Motto: "Do Rí agus Saoirse" "For King and Liberty" | |
 Caldia (dark green) in Euclea (light green and light grey) and in the Euclean Community (light green). | |
| Capital and largest city |  Spálgleann |
| Official languages | Ghaillish |
| Ethnic groups | no official statistics |
| Demonym(s) | Caldish |
| Government | Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
• Monarch | Kenneth IV |
| Stiofán Mac Suibhne | |
| Legislature | Tionól |
| Seanad Glítteann | |
| Comhthionól Náisiúnta | |
| Establishment | |
• Ghaillish Unification | 720 CE |
• Kingdom of Caldia Declared | 20 May 1017 |
• Joined the EC | 1 January 1955 |
| Area | |
• Total | 386,731.52 km2 (149,317.87 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• 2011 census | 9,257,180 |
• Density | 24/km2 (62.2/sq mi) |
| GDP (PPP) | 2013 estimate |
• Total | $624.350 billion |
• Per capita | $67,445 |
| GDP (nominal) | 2013 estimate |
• Total | $645.512 billion |
• Per capita | $69,731 |
| Gini (2012) |  29.7low |
| HDI (2012) |  0.917very high |
| Currency | Euclo (EUC (€)) |
| Time zone | Euclean Standard Time |
| Date format | dd-mm-yy |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code | +66 |
| Internet TLD | .gl |
Caldia (Ghaillish: Ghlítteann), officially the Kingdom of Caldia (Ghaillish: Ríocht na Ghlítteann), is a sovereign nation located in Northern Euclea. It is completely surrounded by water, made up by the Caldish Isles. Caldia has an estimated nine million seven hundred thousand inhabitants. Consequently, it has a low population density of 24 inhabitants per square kilometre (62/sq mi), with the highest concentration on the country's southern coast. Approximately 85% of the population lives in urban areas. Southern Caldia is predominantly agricultural, while the north is heavily forested and mountainous, particularly in the Highlands.
Tenic peoples have inhabited Caldia since prehistoric times, emerging into history as the Ghailles. Caldia emerged as a unified country for the first time in the 11th century. Since unification, it has been involved in several major civil wars and has participated in a number of Euclean and colonial conflicts. Caldia was a colonial power, establishing oversees dominions in Asteria Superior during the seventeenth century. Due to its historical adversary with Solarian Catholic Church, Caldia was one of the first to break away during the Amendist Schism. It fought during the Religious Wars on the Amendist side and had to quell domestic rebellion during the Dejarlist Wars. The last war Caldia was directly involved in was the fourth and final Gilded War. Democratic governance was first introduced in a limited capacity in 1814 and was universally expanded in 1857 through the Silent Revolution. For over a century the government has maintained an official policy of neutrality in foreign affairs. Though it was formally neutral throughout the Great War, Caldia was occupied by the Grand Alliance. Despite the occupation, the nation still partook in humanitarian efforts, such as taking in refugees from Gaullican-occupied Euclea. Caldia joined the Community of Nations in 1936 and became a member of the Euclean Community in 1955. Throughout the Great Game, Caldia has maintained its official policy of neutrality despite membership in the EC. However, in recent years the country has moved closer to Gaullica.
Today, Caldia is a constitutional monarchy with a unitary, parliamentary system of governance, consisting of twenty six counties. The current Monarch is Kenneth IV, who acts as the head of state. Its capital city is Spálgleann, which is also the most populous city in the country with an urban population of 1,372,565. Legislative power is vested in the bicameral Tionól. Executive power is exercised by the government, chaired by the taoiseach, currently Stiofán Mac Suibhne.
The country is well known throughout the world for its long record of promoting extensive civil and human rights and its bold steps in order to create equal opportunity for all throughout the world. In recent years, the nation’s foreign policy has been dominated by the Walker Doctrine, which calls for the protection of various minority groups. The government pursues an active foreign policy and is frequently involved in peace-building processes around the world. Caldia is an active member of the Euclean Community and is a member of the Euclozone. It is also a member of the League of Oil Producing States, the International Trade Organisation, and the Global Institute for Fiscal Affairs.
Caldia is also renowned for its natural beauty, and as such is a tourist destination for nations all over the world. The Caldish Highlands are one of the most visited regions of the countries. The island of Holyhead also sees thousands of visitors each years and is known for its beaches and gambling industry, centered in Pennsea.
The country ranks high in several metrics of national performance, including government transparency, civil liberties, economic competitiveness, and human development. Many adult citizens tend to be among the wealthiest in the world in both financial and non-financial assets. The Caldish Education System is a major component in the country's status in global prominence and contributes to the growth of the economy as well as the overall quality of life for Caldishs. It is is considered one of the happiest countries in the world and boasts the second highest life expectancy in the world. Major cities, such as the capital of Spálgleann and the city of Invertwinc, have been ranked among the top cities with the highest quality of life in the world. Caldia is often regarded as a tax haven for foreigners and foreign businesses.
Etymology
Caldia is derived from the tribal name Caledones (or Calīdones), which is etymologized as "'possessing hard feet', alluding to standfastness or endurance", from the Proto-Celtic roots *kal- "hard" and *φēdo- "foot". The Caledones were a tribe living on the southern coast of the main island. They were encountered by the Solarians, who in turn named the island chain after them. It was first known as Calidonia, which was later Estmericized to Caldia. The Ghaillish name for the country is Glítteann, which is believed to have been derived from "glistening land" in old Ghaillish.
History
Prehistory
The earliest evidence of human settlement in Caldia dates back to the arrival of Mesolithic hunter-gatherers some time after 8000 BCE, when the climate had become more hospitable following the retreat of the polar icecaps. Archaeological evidence indicates that these people sailed from Ordennya before reaching Caldia. Some possible Paleolithic tools have been found, but those excavated are not convincing of Paleolithic settlement. Caldia was mostly covered in ice until around 9000 years ago, making it harder for human settlement. Following the retreat of the polar icecaps, the Caldish isles became more hospitable.
In around 4500 BCE, Neolithic settlers arrived introducing cereal cultivars, a housing culture, and stone monuments. It was at this time a more advanced agriculture developed, with the inhabitants of Caldia moving away from hunter-gathering. The Chéide Fields show how agricultural practices evolved over time. A high neolithic culture began, resulting in he appearance of pottery, polished stone tools, rectangular wooden houses and communal megalithic tombs. Technology used by the islands' inhabitants changed significantly during the Bronze Age. Practices such as harnessing oxen, weaving textiles, brewing alcohol, and skillful metalworking emerged during this period. Evidence of crafted jewelry and the use of the wheel can also be traced to Caldia during the Bronze Age. Burial practices also changed, with a shift away from communal tombs to the use of small stone cists or simple pits.
The Tenic language and culture emerged during the Iron Age. Tenic peoples from the Euclean mainland migrated to Caldia, bringing with them Tenic languages, Ogham script, and culture. Evidence indicates there were four separate Tenic invasions of Caldia, with the Laighin, Euerni, Belgae, and Caledones migrating at different points. The Caledon invasion took place in about the sixth century BCE. Caledones is the first recorded name given to the Ghailles. These groups These early Tenic societies organized themselves into tribes, which are often labeled by historians as confederacies.
Caldia is first described in a written source in 96 CE by SOLARIAN AUTHOR. In A WORK, the Caledones are described as a powerful tribe that dominated the Caldish islands. They are noted for their use of longa fada and differential marital practices. WORK NAME is also the first recorded instance of what could be considered a same-sex marriage. Little is known about who ruled over the Caldedones is unknown, but Ghaillish mythology presents a long line of legendary and semi-legendary monarchs going back for thousands of years. While the Solarian Empire never established itself in northern Euclea, there are written accounts that show interaction between the Solarians and the Caledones.
The túatha
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During the sixth century the various tribal confederacies had begun to move away from their tribal based societies and instead began to become organized into various túatha. The term refers to both a geographical territory and the people who lived on that territory. The túatha shared their names with the most powerful clan in a specified area. They were separated into the In the High Túatha large groups of clans sworn to one High Clan, and the Low Túatha, smaller groupings of clans or singular clans. In the High Túatha, leaders were referred to as the Rí/Banríon while leaders in the Low Túatha were known as the Mór, Among the túatha four powerful Ghaillish over-kingdoms began to emerge: Aerach, Diabhal, Mumgialla, and Laithraid. These dominate over-kingdoms often warred with one another and the smaller realms around them.
Sotirianity first arrived in Caldia during this period. Tradition maintains that Saint Adomnán first arrived on the island of Holyhead, then known as Dhùn Ghlais, in 711. Soon after, he established a monastery in Inagh and worked to convert the Ghaillies. Adomnán is traditionally credited with preserving and codifying Ghaillish laws. The introduction of the Solarian alphabet by Saint Adomnán allowed monks to preserve large swathes of the extensive oral literature, law, and history which had existed in the Caldia. The monastic order he established was met with great success and the religion began to spread to the other islands, taking hold in large coastal settlements.
A marriage pact between Aerach and Diabhal resulted in an alliance and later unification. Togther, Daireann of Aerach and her husband, Torán of Diabah, would launch a campaign to unite the Caldish isles. In about 718 Daireann, with the support of her husband's forces, began rallying her armies and launched a campaign to unify the islands. She first took the southern islands of Dhùn Ghlais and Mannhain, uniting all of southern Glytter. After a series of victories, she a number of the túatha pledged fealty to Daireann. This solidified her victories and bolstered her armies. Following a harsh winter, her armies launched a campaign to conquer the highlands and islands in spring 720. After a series of clashes with the Clan Mac Coinneach, who rallied a number of minor clans to their cause, Daireann successfully unified Caldia under her rule. In June of 720, Darieann declared the Kingdom of the Ghailles, with herself as Queen. Chluaitch, the ancestral seat of the Mac Ailláns, was declared the capital of the new kingdom, with the monarchs residing in Dun Seoda.
The Kingdom of Ghailles
The kingdom established by Darieann was a largely de-centralized realm. The existing clan structure was mostly retained, with the larger, more powerful clans swearing allegiance to the monarch and lower clans serving as vassals of the high clans, or as direct vassals of the crown. Clan chieftains enjoyed significant freedoms over the territory they governed. Darieann's direct influence was limited to the lands surrounding the capital. Elsewhere, her role was mainly as an arbitrator in disputes between clans. Taxes were limited, and most clans paid them in the form of cattle. The traditional Tenic practice of tanistry was adopted and use to name the tanist. The déisi, a council of the clan leaders, convened at Liathdruim to name Darieann's eldest daughter, Niamh, as her heir. This began a long tradition of conventions in which the chiefs would vote for a member of the ruling house to serve as the next monarch. The déisi met every ten years and a sitting tanist would have retain the support of the majority in order to remain as heir. Tanistry was solidified as the Caldish law of succession during the rule of Darieann and a modified version is still in use today.
During the reign of Ailbe I, the first bishop was sent by Solaria to serve over the newly-created diocese of Caldia. Saint Bono arrived in worked in 785 and worked closely with the monarch and Sotirianity continued to spread. Going against the precedent set by Saint Adomnán, Ailbe began to enforce a version of Sotirianity that was much more in line with Solaria. Same-sex relationships were forbidden, women could no longer be named as the tanist, Bono was murdered by a pagan mob in 789 and Ailbe responded with force, leading a campaign of violence against the pagan population of Caldia. Clan leaders, who were opposed to her adoption of a hard-line form of Sotirianity, named her daughter, Morcan, as the tanist, at a meeting of the déisi. Her refusal to recognize Morcan's selection as the tanist resulted in Ailbe's assassination in 791. Reversing many of her mother's policies, Morcan sough to restore the balance between Caldia's native pantheon and Sotirianity. She introduced one of the first taxes levied by the crown, placing a tax on non-Sotirians which in turn guaranteed their freedom from persecution. The tax resulted in a significant increase in conversions to Sotirianity.
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First starting under Morcan, several villages grew into large cities. The expansion of the population required additional resources, which were at times limited. Evidence indicates groups of Ghaillish pirates began to conduct raids along the coasts of Ordennya, Fierenland, and northern Werania. Raids brought resources, livestock, and slaves back to Caldia, allowing settlements to grow further. Some of these raiding groups established entirely new kingdoms in along the eastern coast of Ordennya and in northern Fierenland. To a lesser degree, some new realms were established as far south as Estmere. Caldish galleys have been recorded reaching Tsabara and Kansasto. Folklore surrounding Saint Brendan of Caldia suggests he lead of raiders to a land in the far east, which could be Asteria Superior. However, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest Ghaillish pirates reached the Asterias during this period.
Centralization
Early modern history
19th century and early 20th century)
Early 20th century
Post-war era
Recent history
Geography
Caldia occupies the entirely of the Caldish Isles, an archipelago located off of the northeast coast of Euclea. It is bounded to the east by the Vehemens Ocean, the southwest by the Northern Sea, the northeast by the Ghaillish Sea, and to the northwest by the Boreal Sea. The country shares a maritime border with Ordennya, Werania, and Feghrenland.
At 326.93 km2 (126.23 sq mi), Caldia is one of the smaller countries in Euclea. It is the amongt the northernmost points in Euclea and is one of the coldest. Caldia's highest point is Mór Ealadha, at 2,111 m (6,926 ft) while the lowest point is Gleann Naofa in Adhmadfiáin, County Holyhead, the lowest point of which is 5 metres (16 feet) below sea level.
Southern Caldia, which is home to the largest portion of both the country's population and agricultural land, is broadly comprised by temperate grassland and mixed forest, while further north boreal forest predominates. In Sudreadharr, the Highlands, and the northern portions of the Lowlands, there is a large Taiga biome and that features concentrated populations of Caldish pine. Mountain ranges are also common throughout the Highlands. The Caldish landscape is marked by the effects of former ice age glaciation, which formed lakes and the characteristic jagged, rocky northern coastline, marked by hundreds of small islands.
A pasture near Coolnahorna, County Bodrick
Lú Ethniu, County Sackmannan
Plains of Killeena, County Wudare
Mór Ealadha, County Banríon
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Beach-goers in Pennsea, County Holyhead.
Uisceard nature reserves in Shangarry, County Taois
The New Quay, Crainnbeagy, County Oileáin Oirthir
The River Twinc, County Folcthagh
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Climate
Environment
Politics
Government
Caldia is considered to be one of the most developed democracies and states of justice in the world. From 1812, c. 45% of men and women (25 years and older) had the right to vote, whereas it was far lower in most democracies for the time. Likewise, Caldia was the first nation to allow women the right to vote and was the first to allow women to vote at the same time as men. Since 2010, Caldia has been classified as the world's most democratic country by the Democracy Index.
According to the Constitution of Caldia, which was adopted on 17 May 1814, Caldia is a unitary constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government, wherein the King of Caldia is the head of state and the Taoiseach is the head of government. Power is separated among the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government, as defined by the Constitution, which serves as the country's supreme legal document.
The Monarch officially retains executive power. However, following the introduction of a parliamentary system of government, the duties of the Monarch have since become strictly representative and ceremonial such as the formal appointment and dismissal of the Taoiseach and other ministers in the executive government. Accordingly, the Monarch is commander-in-chief of the Caldish Armed Forces, and serves as chief diplomatic official abroad and as a symbol of unity. Kenneth IV of the House of MacIconnich-Sartoux was crowned King of Caldia in 2010. Princess Mary Victoria, is the heir apparent to the throne and the Kingdom. A modified system of tainistry is in place, allowing the monarch to appoint their own heir.
In practice, the Taoiseach exercises the executive powers. Constitutionally, legislative power is vested with both the government and the Tionól, but the latter is the supreme legislature and a biicameral body. The Tionól is the bicameral national parliament composed of the two Chambers of the Tionól: Seanad Glítteann (Senate) and Comhthionól Náisiúnta (National Assembly). The Seanad is composed of sixty members, with fifteen nominated by the Taoiseach, representatives for the significant religious denominations (Lairds Spiritual), the presidents of the four ancient and two Roryian universities (Lairds Academia), three senators appointed by the Chamber of Commerce (Lairds Commercial), two agricultural experts (Lairds Agricultural), and twenty five elected members - each elected by one of Caldia's twenty five counties. The Comhthionól has 399 members (Teachtaí Comhthionól) elected to represent multi-seat constituencies under the system of proportional representation and by means of the single transferable vote. The two houses meet in Carrowdun Palace located in the capital of Spálgleann.
Teachtaí Comhthionól (TCs) and elected seanadóirí serve for five year terms until elections are held once again. The last Seanad election was on 26 May 2016 and the last Comhthionól was on 18 February 2019. The appointed seanadóirí do not stand for reelection and serve their term either for life or until they are dismissed by the taoiseach or the other respective nominating bodies.
The Comhthionól ratifies national treaties developed by the executive branch. It can impeach members of the government if their acts are declared unconstitutional. If an indicted suspect is impeached, the Comhthionól has the power to remove the person from office.
The position of taoiseach Caldia's head of government, is allocated to the Teachta Comhthionól who can obtain the confidence of a majority in the Comhthionól, usually the current leader of the largest political party or, more effectively, through a coalition of parties. A single party generally does not have sufficient political power in terms of the number of seats to form a government on its own. Currently the Social Democrats are the nation's largest political party and form the current government, which took place following the February 2019 snap election.
The taoiseach nominates the cabinet, traditionally drawn from members of the same political party or parties in the Comhthionól, making up the government. The taoiseach organizes the executive government and exercises its power as vested by the Constitution. The Cabinet is constitutionally limited to seventeen voting members. No more than two members can be selected from the Seanad, and the taoiseach, tánaiste (deputy prime minister), and Minister of Finance must be members of the Comhthionól.
Through the Council of State, a privy council presided over by the monarch, the taoiseach and the cabinet meet at Spálgleann Palace and formally consult the monarch. All government bills need the formal approval by the monarch before and after introduction to the Tionól. The Council reviews and approves all of the Monarch's actions as head of state. Although all government and parliamentary acts are decided beforehand, the privy council is an example of symbolic gesture the king retains.
Political parties and elections
Traditionally, the Liberty Party has played a leading role in Caldish politics since its creation in 1936. Since 1937, most governments have been formed by a taoiseach from Liberty. The party has had nine Taoiseachs who collectively held the post for a total of 54 years. They have sparred mainly with the Social Democrats, who have formed several governments and most recently won the February 2019 snap election.
For over 50 years, Caldia had had five parties who continually received enough votes to gain seats in the Comhthionól—the Liberty Party, the Social Democrats, the Centre Party, the Caldish Democrats, and the Labour Party (previously the Left Party)—before the Greens became the sixth party in the 1992 election. The Free Market Party entered the Comhthionól in 2002, becoming the seventh party, and a splinter into PNG added the eighth party in 2005. Further infighting within the Free Market Party saw several of its members expelled, who went on to form the ninth party - the Nationals. The Pensioners' Party sent its first TC following the 2017 election becoming the tenth party. The eleventh party, the Caithian separatist Homeland, entered the chamber after the 2019 snap election.
Regular elections are held on a rotating five year schedule. The five-tiered system, known commonly as the cúig vótaí (five votes) system, starts with elections to the health boards in the first year, municipal elections in the second, county elections in the third, Seanad elections in the fourth, and Comhthionól elections in the fifth. Elections to the Euclean Parliament are held every four years, with the last election having taken place in 2019
In the 2007 general election, the Liberty Party lost its majority. As a result, party leader Alexis Walker approached Malcolm Fitzpatrick of the Centre Party to form a majority coalition government. Together the coalition had 203 seats, surpassing the 200-seat majority by three seats. The Liberty Party had 176 seats and the Centre Party had 27 seats. Following the election, Social Democrats formed the formal opposition with a total of 124 seats. New SDs leader Mícheál Ó Domhnaill was installed as Leader of His Majesty's Most Loyal Opposition. Results for the Free Market Party were considered monumental as the party gained 15 seats, giving them a total of 17. The outcome of the 2012 general election resulted in the loss of the Liberty-Centre Coalition's majority, with Liberty losing eleven seats and Centre losing two. The Social Democrats gained five seats but preformed poorer than expected. With 129 seats, the new SDs leader Darragh Ballíck became Opposition Leader. The loss in seats for the government and the SDs was the direct result of the surge in seats for the FMP, which picked up 27 new seats - bringing them to a total of 44. Taoiseach Walker declined to enter a coalition with the FMP, but instead signed a supply agreement with the FMP and the Caldish Dems for budgetary matters.
Following the 2017 general election, Liberty expanded its coalition to include the Caldish Dems and secured a majority government under Jimmy O'Reilly. The Social Democrats faced their fourth consecutive defeat in a general election as the party lose support to smaller parties that targeted its traditional base. The decision of Ballíck to secure an electoral alliance with the Greens isolated many in working-class, union voters who turned to Labour. Following the election, Stiofán Mac Suibhne became opposition leader. The election also saw the collapse of the FMP, which lost support to its rivals the PNG and the Nationals.
A snap election was called by Taoiseach Humphrey Dumfries following a corruption scandal that forced the king to intervene and sack Frank Casarnach as taoiseach following his refusal to resign or call a snap election after the collapse of his coalition. Liberty faced its worst ever defeat and the Social Democrats managed to secure an outright majority. The Nationals also gained nearly two dozen seats. Many of the smaller parties bled seats, with the FMP and PNG both losing all of their remaining seats. Mac Suibhne formed the first social democratic government since the 1997 election. Liberty chose Pádraig Mac Piarais to lead the party and he became opposition leader.
Election turnout in Caldia has always been high by international comparison. The 2012 election saw a turnout of 80.11%, which was down from 84.63% in 2007. The 2016 Seanad election had a turnout of 73.07%, which is considered average. Caldish politicians tend to enjoy a high degree of confidence from the citizens. However, this trend was broken by Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the Recession of 2005. In recent years, Taoiseach Walker has experienced high levels of confidence, with 72% of survey respondents say they were confident in her leadership. The tumultuous leadership of taoiseachs Jimmy O'Reilly and Frank Casarnach saw a further decline in public confidence, hitting a period of successive historical lows.
Administrative divisions
The Kingdom of Glytter is a consists of 25 counties. The counties have a permanent constitutional status. Under the Glytteronian Constitution, all 25 counties are equal in status. Each county is governed as a county municipality, with the exception of Spálgleann, Gayneva, Invertwinc and Snarksburgh, all of which are both a municipality and a county municipality. The national government, formally the Monarch, is represented in each county by a county governor (Gaylic: Contae Gobharnóir). This office mainly functions as a supervising authority over the county and municipality administrations and their decisions can be appealed to him or her.
Foreign relations and international institutions
Throughout the 20th century, Glytteronian foreign policy was based on the principle of non-alignment in peacetime and neutrality in wartime. Glytter's government pursued an independent course of nonalignment in times of peace so that neutrality would be possible in the event of war.
Glytter's doctrine of neutrality is often traced back to the 19th century as the country has not been in a state of war since the end of the xxx who cares. During the Great War Glytter maintained its policy of neutrality. However, it was violated following the Estmerish invasion of the nation. While the Ua Buachalla government secretly collaborated with the Estmerish and refused to put up resistance for fear of war, the government was less enthusiastic about the transfer of the occupation to the Federation of Asteria.
Many within the country resisted the new occupiers, resulting in violence and a quasi-civil war. The Federation pressured the Glytteronian government to let them lease the Caipitilbonn naval base in Spálgleann to the Federal Navy. The base was attacked by Gaullican forces during the Battle of Glytter and following the attack Glytter was largely forced by the Federation to collaborate with the Democratic Alliance. Tensions only continued until the end of the war and the occupation. Glytteronian foreign policy is very reluctant to trust the Federation as a result of the occupation and the incidents it caused within the country.
During the early Phoney War era, Glytter combined its policy of non-alignment and a low profile in international affairs with a security policy based on strong national defence. The function of the Glytteronian military was to deter attack. At the same time, the country maintained relatively close informal connections with the DITO aligned states. However, the government often condemned both DITO and CSS for escalating conflicts and proxy wars. While Kaxakh refused to recognize Glytter as a state, informal ties were maintained through the Gaullicans and the nation maintained an annex within the Gaullican embassy to Kaxakh until the December Crisis. Following the collapse of the Communist Party, the new government recogonised Glytter and formal diplomatic ties were established.
Glytter was a founding member of both the Community of Nations and the Euclean Community and plays an active role within it. The Glytteronian military often contributes to CN peacekeeping missions and the country is noted for using its oil profits to bail out many of the failing Euclean states during the Great Recession in a bid to save the Euclozone. Glytter maintains close ties to Gaullica and the Estmerish League as a result of recent and historical friendships in each respective case. It is a founding member of the Non-Aligned Council and a member of the League of Oil Producing States. Glytter is a fierce opponent of nuclear armament and is a member of the Treaty of St. Ragnarstad. Spálgleann and Gayneva are home to dozens of international institutions and are both centres of international diplomacy. The country often tries to mediate conflicts between nations and peace talks are often hosted in Glytteronian cities. It is also known for its policy towards subsidising renewable and nuclear energy in developing countries. Glytter is also a member of the BIG Group, joining the other Non-Aligned states of the Senouillac Union and Heja. The group promotes economic cooperation between the three member states and provides Senouillac and Valentiri companies access to the Euclean single market through multi-national corporations.
Academics consider the Walker Doctrine to be the cornerstone of Glytter's twenty first century foreign policy. The doctrine began during Alexis Walker's tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs. It's goal is to include women and members of the LGBT+ community in government affairs in countries where they are historically and/or currently excluded. It also ties the use of foreign aid money to a nation's human rights record.
Law enforcement and Justice
Tiered Court System known as the "Four Courts"
High Court, highest court in the land
National Courts, courts that have jurisdiction over the nation. Supersedes rulings from county and municipal courts. Six National Court Districts (First, Second, etc.). Appeals Courts are part of the National Courts as they have the jurisdiction to overturn or place a stay on rulings from lower courts.
County Courts, handle county affairs
Municipal Courts, handle municipal affairs
Royal Court of Familiar Arbitration - Court specifically for Clans. Things such as tartan, arms. Was once used to solve land disputes between clans.
Military
The Glytteronian Armed Forces are made up of the Glytteronian Army, the Royal Glytteronian Navy, which includes the Coast Guard, the Royal Glytteronian Air Force, and the Home Guard. Compared to most Eastern armies, it is small but well equipped. Currently there are almost 25,000 full-time active personnel and over 45,000 in reserve. The head of the armed forces is the Chief of Staff (Ceann Foirne - CF), the most senior commissioned officer in the country. The Monarch is the pro forma Commander-in-Chief, but in reality it was clearly understood since the onset of the 20th century that the Monarch would have no active role as a military leader. However, there is a trend among monarchs, as well as other members of the Royal Family, to serve in the Armed Forces.
Glytter is a neutral country and rules governing the participation of Glytteronian troops in conflict zones must pass the "triple-lock"- system, obtaining the approval of the Comhthionól Náisiúnta, the Governmant, and the Monarch. Glytter has its own domestic arms industry which helps supply the Armed Forces through corporations such as SAGG and the Waddy Arms Company.
Since the mid 20th century, Glytter's military has actively participated in a host of peacekeeping operations. Among the most prominent of its peacekeeping operations was its intervention in the Cornais Civil War with Gaullica. Glytter has also contributed to or led peacekeeping operations elsewhere in Couis and the Asterias. The Armed Forces have also fought insurgencies at home. The Thistle Insurrection and Na Trioblóidí saw heavy involvement from the Army, aiding domestic and Estmerish police forces.
Until the end of the Phoney War, nearly all males and females reaching the age of military service were conscripted for at least a year of service. As of 1996 conscription was abolished. As a result, all soldiers serving must by law be volunteers, unless otherwise required for defence readiness. Recruitment has generally shifted towards finding the most motivated recruits, rather than solely those otherwise most fit for service. Many Glytteronians volunteer to serve in the Home Guard, the national reservist force. Members of the Home Guard are paid on a monthly basis for their service and are required to attend training on the the third weekend of every month.
The Riarachán Eolais Glítteann (REG - Glytteronian Information Administration) is responsible for supplying the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence and the Government with intelligence regarding foreign matters. The Seirbhís Faisnéise Baile (SFB - Domestic Intelligence Service) is tasked with supplying the same groups with domestic intelligence. They both operate under the Ministry of National Security.
Demographics
Genetic research suggests that the earliest settlers migrated from Sveltlana following the most recent ice age. After the Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age, migrants introduced a Tenic language and culture. Migrants from the two latter eras still represent the genetic heritage of most Glytteronians. Gaylic tradition expanded and became the dominant form over time. As of the 2011 census, roughly 84% of the population are of ethnic Gayls. Under Glytteronian law the government is prohibited from recording the specific ethnic group of all non-Gaylic citizens. As a result, only unofficial estimations of specific ethnic groups exist based on factors such as visa applications.
At the time of 2013 census, the number of non-Gaylic residents was estimated at 1,277,490, comprising close to 20% of the total population of 9,257,180. The two largest non-white cohorts were Bahian (509,145) and Badawiyan (203,657). Other white groups, such as Gaullicans and Estmerish, were recorded at 592,460. In 2013, the Glytteronian government said that 16% of the Glytteronian population were immigrants or children of two immigrant parents. About 6% of the immigrant population come from EC and Euclean states, Asteria Superior and Sublustria, and about 8.1% come from Coius and Romance Asteria.
| Rank | County | Pop. | Rank | County | Pop. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spálgleann Spálgleann  Gayneva |
1 | Spálgleann | Spálgleann | 1,372,565 | 11 | Glennock | St Ellen | 89,396 |  Invertwinc  Snarksburgh |
| 2 | Gayneva | Gayneva | 973,260 | 12 | Corofin | Aerach | 87,247 | ||
| 3 | Invertwinc | Invertwinc | 782,587 | 13 | Tóinderry | Tóinderry (County) | 82,800 | ||
| 4 | Snarksburgh | Snarksburgh | 549,839 | 14 | Scillimona | Folcthagh | 79,594 | ||
| 5 | Bulfawst | Homalow | 280,418 | 15 | Awdry | Wudare | 76,033 | ||
| 6 | Simsak | Aerach | 191,729 | 16 | Blades | Longford | 68,519 | ||
| 7 | Cruckfada | Bodrick | 110,877 | 17 | Pennsea | Holyhead | 64,103 | ||
| 8 | Clyte | Aerach | 107,038 | 18 | Ulstlyn | Lyrone | 59,892 | ||
| 9 | Filipdow | Bodrick | 104,232 | 19 | Basdon | Bodrick | 57,712 | ||
| 10 | Brocbach | Cac | 97,122 | 20 | St Paul | Mannes | 56,390 | ||
Language
The official language is Gaylic, which is spoken by the vast majority of the inhabitants as their first language. However, due to the heavy presence of Estmerish speakers within the country the Estmerish language is commonly treated as an official language. Gaylic is strongest in the Highlands and Oileáin Oirthir while Esmerish is strong in the southern regions of Glytter.
Glytter has a tradition of learning foreign languages, formalised in Glytteronian education laws. Nearly 90% of the total population indicate they are able to converse in Estmerish, 52% in Gaullican, and 29% in Sveltlanan. Estmerish is a mandatory course in all secondary and tertiary schools. In most secondary school educations, one additional modern foreign language is mandatory during the final two years.
In tertiary schools, two additional modern foreign languages are mandatory during the first three years. Only during the last two years in pre-university tertiary education one foreign language is mandatory. Besides Estmerish, the standard modern languages are Gaullican, Sveltlanan, and Weranic, although schools can replace one of these modern languages with Lusitan, Badawiyan, or Kaxakh.
As a result of immigration, languages such as Zunu and Wazovian have a growing presence within the nation. However, most immigrants have learned to speak either Gaylic or Estmerish after settling in the country.
Religion
Religion in Glytter
Forms of Sotirianity have dominated religious life in the Caldish Isles for around 1400 years. Although a majority of citizens still identify with Sotirianity in many surveys, regular church attendance has fallen dramatically since the middle of the 20th century, while immigration and demographic change have contributed to the growth of other faiths, most notably Salam. This has led some commentators to variously describe Glytter as a multi-faith, secularised, or post-Sotirian society.
In the 2013 census, 76% of all respondents indicated that they were Sotirians with the next largest faiths being Salam (3.5%), Neo-paganism (1.4%), Hyndism (.9%), Atudaism (.8%), Buddhism (.4%), and all other religions (.2%). 16.8% of people identified themselves as having no religion, identifying as agnostic or atheist. Recent surveys and reports from various churches indicate that 1 in 10 Glytteronians regularly attend religious services.
Among Sotirians, adherents to the Church of Glytter make up 57.2% of the population, while Solarian Catholics and Other Protestants make up 13.3% and 5.5% of the population respectively. According to Church reporters, it has 6,357,508 baptised members and 1,467 congregations. The Church of Glytter remains the sate religion due to the role the Monarch plays as the Supreme Governor. However, Church influence is virtually non-existent and Glytter is regarded by many academics as a secular nation. The Church of Glytter is a Protestant faith with an Episcopal polity. The faith is more commonly known as Goeldonism and was established by Queen Ellen I during the Reformation. Its primate is the Archbishop of Spálgleann, currently Conall Haines. The Church has allowed women to serve as priests and bishops since its establishment and was the first church to do so. Likewise, it has also recogonised and preformed same-sex marriages since it was established. Previously, only prominent figures from the Church of Glytter were granted representation in the Seanad Glítteann as Lairds Spiritual. However, reforms in the late 20th century granted seats to the other leading faiths in the country.
Sotirianity first arrived in the eighth century. Tradition maintains that Saint Adomnán was the most prominent missionary, eventually converting the nobility and the royal family. The religion often clashed with the native polytheistic faiths, which were very tolerant of both women and homosexuals. As a result tension between the two factions was common until the Sotirian Church in Glytter broke with that in Solaris through a series of anti-popes and uprisings. The Protestant Reformation saw the marginalisation of Solarian Catholics, who would lead a series of uprisings during and after the Iohnibte Wars in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. As a result, many of the Catholics living in the Highlands were forcibly relocated to a mix of Glytteronian and Estmerish colonies. Relations between the two faiths normalized during the end of the eighteenth century and the situation has greatly improved since, with Solarian Catholics holding prominent roles in governance and other aspects of society.
Immigration
Health
Healthcare in Glytter is similar in quality to other developed nations. Glytter ranks in the top five countries with respect to low infant mortality. Average life expectancy in Glytter is 83.4 years, making it the second highest in the world. A person seeking care first contacts a clinic for a doctor's appointment, and may then be referred to a specialist by the clinic physician, who may in turn recommend either in-patient or out-patient treatment, or an elective care option. By law, every citizen is required to be registered with a practicing clinical physician, something typically arranged by their healthcare provider.
Unlike many developed nations, both public and private healthcare providers in Glytter cover the costs of products such as birth control, condoms, and tampons. While some clients may be required to make co-pays, the practice is credited with Glytter's low unintended pregnancy and STI rates. Healthcare providers also cover the costs of abortions and STI screenings. After the AIDs crisis, the Glytteronian government began to finance AIDs research. Several prominent AIDs and HIV research laboratories are headquartered in the Glytteronian capital.
The Glytteronian government provides healthcare to every citizen through the Roghapoiblí (public option). Every citizen is covered by the Roghapoiblí by default. However, private healthcare options are available and those who purchase private healthcare opt out of the Roghapoiblí system. For those on the Roghapoiblí, an additional 5% is added to their income tax. Since Glytter has a flat tax, those with healthcare coverage through the Roghapoiblí system pay an income tax of 15%. Those just above or below the poverty line are exempt from income tax and would instead just pay a 5% tax for coverage. For those unable to pay, as part of the welfare state they are covered under the Roghapoiblí while they receive welfare payments. Some patients covered by the Roghapoiblí may have to pay nominal fees.
Hospitals and other medical centres are administered by county health boards. County health boards are part of the Ministry of Health and consist of up to 15 members. Eight of these members are elected by the public every three years while a minimum of three are appointed by the Minister of Health. These appointments are largely to balance the board's expertise as deemed necessary by the government. Voting for public-elected board members occurs through the single transferable vote system, and elections take place at start of the five-year schedule for regularly-held elections. CHB elections have the lowest voter turnout.
The county health boards are given a set of objectives by the Ministry of Health, but have a degree of autonomy in how they choose to achieve these. CHBS are non-profit providers. The performance of individual CHBs is monitored by the CHB Funding and Performance Bureau, which is also part of the Ministry of Health. CHBs are responsible for providing funding to primary health organisations (PHOs). There are two parties from which board members are typically chosen: the Alliance for Public Health and the National Health League. The APH tends to support higher spending and the allocation of more resources to the primary health organisations. It is politically aligned with the Social Democrats, which does not stand in CHB elections. The NHL tends to support less spending and privitisation. It maintains loose political ties to the Liberty Party and other centre-right political parties. Parties that contest CHB elections and hold seats on various boards include: the Centre Party, the FMP, the Greens, the Leftist Liberals, and the Pensioners' Party. The electoral system is considered controversial as some healthcare experts and advocates are concerned about the politicisation of the county health boards while others have concerns over the level of political party influence.
Education
Economy
Glytter is among the richest countries in the world in terms of GDP (gross domestic product) per capita and a high standard of living is experienced by its citizens. Glytter is an export-oriented mixed economy. Timber, oil, and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy with a heavy emphasis on foreign trade. Glytter's engineering sector accounts for nearly half of output and exports, while telecommunications, the automotive industry, and the pharmaceutical industries are also of great importance. It is also among the leading arms exporters in the world, with companies such as SAGG and WAC supplying both the national and foreign militaries.
Interest in fashion is big in Glytter, which is home to famous brands such as Fir & Mná (meaning Men & Women, operating as F&M). Such companies are composed largely of buyers who import fashionable goods from throughout Euclea and the Asterias, continuing the trend of Glytteronian business toward multinational economic dependency like many of its neighbours.
Science and Technology
video gaming industry
other tech stuff
Resources
Oil fields
From 1966 to 2013, Ríoga Pheitriliam na hGlítteann has drilled 5085 oil wells, mostly in the North Sea and the Polar Sea. 3672 are táirgeadhrialta (regular production); 1413 are taiscéalaíochtatoibreacha (exploration); and 1405 of these have been terminated (toibreachacríochnaithe).
Oil fields not yet in production phase include: Wistling Central—calculated size in 2013, 65–156 million barrels of oil and 10–40 billion cubic feet, (inghnóthaithe) of gas. and the Caithe Oil Field —calculated size 540 million barrels of oil, and 2–7 billion cubic meters (inghnóthaithe) of gas. Both oil fields are located in the North Sea.
Refineries
Oil profits
Under Glytteronian Law, it is illegal for the Government to direct use of the profits generated by the RPG for budgetary concerns, with the exception of national emergencies. Revenue, when in excess of operating costs and in-house investment, is placed in the Petroleum Trust Fund. The PTF, established in 1966, holds the cumulative profits of the RPG, which are invested in a broad portfolio. The portfolio is split, with three fourths invested in domestic ventures and the remaining fourth invested internationally. The annual interest dividends earned by the fund are allocated to the government for discretionary spending.
Transport
The country's three main international airports at Spálgleann, Gayneva and Bulfawst serve many Euclean and intercontinental routes with scheduled and chartered flights. The Verlois and Spálgleann route is the second busiest international air route in Euclea, with 3.6 million people flying between the two cities in 2013 down from the 4.4 million who flew in 2003. Aer Glítteann is the flag carrier of Glytter, although Crownair is the country's largest airline. Crownair is one of Euclea's largest low-cost carriers, the 2nd-largest in terms of passenger numbers, and the world's largest in terms of international passenger numbers.
Railway services are provided by Iarnród Ríoga (IR), which operates the majority of domestic passenger trains. Spálgleann is the centre of the network with two main stations, Harring station and Colbert station, linking to the country's cities and main towns. Several companies operate freight trains.
Investment in new infrastructure and maintenance is financed through the state budget, and subsidies are provided for passenger train operations. Iarnród Ríoga operates long-haul trains, including night trains, and regional services. IR also operates a high-speed rail between Snarksburgh, Spálgleann, Gayneva, and Invertwinc known as the Pegasus Line. Other passenger operators maintain regional services and commuter train systems, such as Spálgleann Commuter Rail, the Highland Line (See Far North Line), and Oileáin Oirthir Rail. Underwater rail tunnels connect four of the five main Caldish Isles, connecting Mannes, Piernás, and Éirness to the main island. A tunnel to Holyhead has been proposed several times, but one has yet to be constructed.
Motorways, national primary roads and national secondary roads are managed by the National Roads Authority, while regional roads and local roads are managed by the local authorities in each of their respective areas. The road network is primarily focused on the capital, but motorways have been extended to other cities as part of the Transport 19 capital investment programme, as a result modern motorways have been completed between Spálgleann and a number of other major Glytteronian cities including Invertwinc, Bulfawst, and Simsak.
Glytter is home to several major warm water ports, such as those in Bulfawst, Spálgleann, and Invertwinc. The largest port is that in Bulfawst, which has also been the centre of the Glytteronian ship building industry. Historically, Glytter has acted as a way point between Euclean nations and their New World colonies, resulting in the establishment of thriving port cities and a mercantile class. The nation's ports played a crucial role during the Great War and were a leading factor for the occupation by Democratic powers. Glytter's ports have played a crucial role in the establishment of Glytter as a leading oil producing and exporting nation.
There are several car ferry connections offered to Sveltlana, Raglan, Estmere, and Werania. The lines leave from Pennsea Harbour on the island of Holyhead, the Royal Port Spálgleann, and the Port of Bulfawst. The routes from Spálgleann and Bulfawst are also served by shipping lines. The Port of Bulfawst is the most busy in Glytter when it comes to number of transpored weight with lorries. The Bulfawst - Riksdähl line originated during the 19th Century as a steam ferry route for trains, and today's ferries still carries the trains of the Bulfawst to Herfast rail line during the summers, linking up Glytter to the Euclostar service for the season.
Glytter has two domestic ferry lines with large vessels, connecting the islands of Holyhead, Mannes, Piernás, and Éirness to the main island. Gayldonia and Royal Glytteronian operate out of the Highlands and Lowlands respectively. Smaller car ferries link up the nation's many islands.
Energy
Culture
Glytter's culture is one of Tenic origin, and is referred to as Gaylic. It is one of the principal Tenic nations. Following the arrival of the Verique during the 11th century and close ties to nations such as Embria, which have since become part of the Estmerish League, Glytter was heavily influenced by Estmerish culture. Likewise, various monarchs sought to Estmericise Glytter and its Gaylic culture. As a result, much of Glytter is Esmterish speaking and while Gaylic culture is distinct in many aspects, it shares characteristics with the members of the Estmosphere. The Gaylic diaspora, resulting as a mix of colonial activities and forced migration, has resulted in the internationalisation of Gaylic culture. Gayls in Glytter and other nations, such as the Federation of Asteria, have been leading figures in art, music, governance, and science.
Civil and human rights advocacy
Social values and etiquette
Art, philosophy, and literature
Music and dance
Ghaillish music is a significant aspect of the nation's culture, with both traditional and modern influences. A famous traditional Ghaillish instrument is the East Highland Bagpipe, a wind instrument consisting of three drones and a melody pipe (called the chanter), which are fed continuously by a reservoir of air in a bag. Bagpipe bands, featuring bagpipes and assorted of drums, have spread throughout the world. These bands often showcase Ghaillish music styles while creating new ones.The Royal Spálgleann Military Tattoo is the world's largest display of bagpipe bands, featuring preformers from the Glytteronian Armed Forces, Tenic League, and International military bands. The clàrsach (harp), fiddle, and accordion are also traditional Glytteronian instruments, the latter two heavily featured in Ghaillish country dance bands. Ghaillish music is often considered to be part of the larger Tenic music genre.
There are three opera organisations in Glytter. the Royal Opera produces large-scale operas in Spálgleann, the Opera Theatre Company tours its chamber-style operas throughout the country, and the annual Royal Opera Festival, which promotes lesser-known operas, takes place during September and October, as part of the Spálgleann September Cultural Festival. The Royal Opera regularly performs at the opera house at St Ellen's Palace. The Royal Opera Festival also takes place at the palace.
Glytter has participated in the Euclovision Song Contest since the competition began and it is ranked among the best performing nations, securing its first win in 1965 when Ellie Fallon won with You're My Everything, a song about the Glytteronian countryside. Ghaillish music and dance are featured on the popular show the Yes Factor. Today, there are many successful Glytteronian preformers in varying styles including Annie MacDouglas, Caoimhín Wiles, Eithne, Me2, No Direction, Purple Day, Tenic Women, The Duchess.
Traditional Ghaillish dance is often characterised as performance dance, usually referred to as stepdance. Ghaillish stepdance, popularised by the show Gleandance, is notable for its quick leg movements, while both the body and arms remaining stationary. The solo stepdance is generally characterised by a controlled but not rigid upper body, straight arms, and quick, precise movements of the feet. The solo dances can either be in "soft shoe" or "hard shoe".
Dress
Ghaillish dress is often characterized by tartan (plaid in Asteria Superior and parts of Estmere) patterns in some form. Most often this is determined by familiar relations through Glytter's ancient clan system. Clans are thought to have first adopted a familiar tartan in the late 17th and early 18th century. Through the Royal Court of Familiar Arbitration, Glytter maintains an official registry of tartans.
Male Ghaillish dress includes a kilt (or trews), sporran, sgian dubh, and ghillies. Ghillies, or ghillie brogues, are traditional thick soled shoes without tongues and long laces. The long laces are wrapped around and tied above the ankles. This is done so that the shoes do not get pulled off in mud. The shoes lack tongues in order for the wearer's feet to dry more quickly in typically damp Glytteronian weather.
Female Ghaillish dress includes women's shoes, also called ghillies, that are tied in the same way. However, some women's ghillies have but have thin soles for indoor wear and dancing. Traditionally, women and girls do not wear kilts but may wear ankle-length tartan skirts. However, females serving in the armed forces often wear kilts. A tartan sash or shawl may also be worn.
Modern dress can vary from region to region, but generally consists of:
- Plain or tweed Aerach-, Cobh-, and Banríon-style jacket
- Belt and Buckle or Five-button waistcoat in matching, complementary or tartan material,
- Kilt
- Shirt with a turndown collar
- Long tie
- Black brogues
- Tartan, argyle, diced, or dark hose (white and off-white hose should be avoided)
- Flashes or garter ties
- Day or horse hair sporran
- Day Dress sgian dubh. Again less intricate than a full dress one, these are typically made of horn or antler
There are also the semi-formal, evening formal wear, black tie, and white tie versions of the dress. Many members of the aristocracy wear either the modern dress or evening formal dress on a regular basis. For formal events, such as banquets and weddings, it is not uncommon for the vast majority of attendants to wear the black tie or white tie versions of the dress.
There is also a separate dress for pipers and those in the armed forces, originating in their military uniforms.
Architecture
Media
Státaire (The Statesman), An Teileagraf (The Telegraph), An Tírghráthóir (The Patriot), An Iris Spálgleann (The Spálgleann Journal), An Náisiúnach (The National)
Denneigh "Dinny" Devany and The Dinny Devany Company
Tírnaill Gaming, Donald-Douglas Studios
Cuisine
Sport
golf, gaylic football
football, highland games, skiing
National symbols
Public holidays
Currently, Glytter has 16 public holidays, as well as 6 significant cultural holidays that are not public holidays.
| Date | Name | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year's Day |  |
|
| 2 January | New Year's Holiday | |
|
| 6 January | Epiphany | |
|
| 1 February | Imbolc |  |
Also known as St. Patrick's Day |
| 12 February | Liberation Day | |
|
| movable Friday | Good Friday | |
The Friday before Easter Sunday |
| movable Sunday | Easter Sunday | |
|
| movable Monday | Easter Monday | |
The Monday after Easter Sunday |
| 1 May | Labour Day | |
Also the culturally significant holiday of Beltane |
| 20 May | National Day | |
|
| 9 June | St. Adomnán's Day | |
|
| 12 June | Election Day | |
|
| 1 August | Lughnasadh | |
Also known as St. Daireann's Day |
| 7 September | St. Ellen's Day | |
|
| 11 October | King's Birthday | |
Celebration of the birthday of King Kenneth IV. (If 11 October falls on a Sunday, the holiday is celebrated on the 12th) |
| 31 October | Samhain | |
Also known as St. Brendan's Day |
| 30 November | Latreadha | |
Also known as St. Andrew's Day |
| 6 December | St. Nicholas Day | |
|
| 24 December | Nativity's Eve | |
Also known as Noel's Eve |
| 25 December | Nativity | |
Also known as Noel |
| 26 December | Boxing Day | |
|
| 31 December | Fogmagee | |
Also known as New Year's Eve |