Norden
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Nordic Kingdom Nordisk Kongerige (Dalish) | |
|---|---|
 Coat of arms
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Motto: "Frihed, Familie og Fædreland" "Freedom, Family, and Fatherland" | |
Anthem: "Nordens hvisken" "Whisper of the north"  | |
 | |
| Capital and largest city | Kristianshavn |
| Official languages | Dalish |
| Demonym(s) | Nordic |
| Government | Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
• King | Karl III |
• Chancellor | Magnus Kjærsgaard |
| Legislature | Rigsdagen |
| Adelskammer | |
| Folkekammer | |
| Establishment | |
• Union of the Crowns | 4 April 1527 |
• Declaration of Nordic Unity | 8 January 1702 |
| Area | |
• Total | 1,447,515.5 km2 (558,888.9 sq mi) |
• Water (%) | 4.8% |
| Population | |
• 2019 estimate |  24,617,000 |
• 2020 census | 24,621,037 |
• Density | 17.0/km2 (44.0/sq mi) |
| GDP (PPP) | 2018 estimate |
• Total |  $1.100 trillion |
• Per capita | $46,674 |
| GDP (nominal) | 2018 estimate |
• Total | $1.233 trillion |
• Per capita | $50,083 |
| Gini (2018) |  27.8low |
| HDI (2018) |  0.912very high |
| Currency | Nordic Gylder (NGL, ꬶ) |
| Date format | DD/MM/YYYY |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code | +45 |
| Internet TLD | .nd |
Norden, officially the Nordic Kingdom (Dalish: Nordisk Kongerige) is a sovereign state whose mainland territory lies on the Telmerian Peninsula in northern Berea. Two islands within the White sea known as Heimaey and Grýttrland also form part of Nordic territory, as well as the dependency of Snæland located within the North Agric Ocean. The country is bordered to the east by Cuthland-Waldrich along the Dentrian mountains and shares a maritime border with Mascylla within the White sea. Mainland Norden also has an extensive coastline along the Telmeric sea which hosts a large number of fjords and lakes. Norden is home to a population of 24.6 million people, making it the third-largest country on the Telmerian Peninsula by population. With the exclusion of its overseas territories, Norden is also the third-largest country in the region by land area at 468,853.1 square kilometres (181,025.2 sq mi). The capital and largest city is Kristianshavn located within the south of the country which is the most densely populated and urbanised region within Norden.
Telmerian tribes dominated Nordic territory throughout antiquity. Recorded evidence suggests that complex societies within the south of the country had some form of trading relationship with the Cambran Empire which involved the exchange of precious metals and stone. Nordic tribes were known to frequently raid neighbouring territories particularly that of the Aldeni tribe for slaves and riches. In the 8th century, these various tribes would be united under the rule of Harald the Great who conquered vast swathes of territory across the Telmerian peninsula and led a series of successful raids across Berea. However, his death would see the collapse of the empire, with the realm splitting into various feudal Semitar kingdoms over the following centuries. The region would soon come to be dominated by the Kingdoms of Dalland and Vitmärige who ruled over the north and south respectively. In 1527 following the death of the last King of Dalland, the two realms would be united under the rule of Gustav the Unifier which many historians denote as the origins of the Nordic nation-state. Though the unification of the two realms brought great prosperity to the region and allowed for the establishment of overseas colonies and trading posts, over time the two Kingdom's came under threat from the expansionist Cuthish Empire leading to a period of instability exacerbated by religious upheaval. However, in the late 17th century, under the rule of Kristian IV, the administrations of Dalland and Vitmärige were integrated into a new united Nordic Kingdom, which with a series of other military and administrative reforms, allowed Norden to push back against Cuthish aggression and establish itself as a regional power. Almost two centuries of prosperity followed as the new kingdom expanded its influence overseas, however Norden's entry into the Great War brought devastation to much of Dalland as the army proved underprepared for the demands of modern warfare. Instability and economic collapse followed the conclusion of the conflict, though stability would eventually be restored under the leadership of Chancellor Ulrik Graversen, whose political philosophy continues to dominate much of Norden's politics to this day.
Today Norden remains a key player within Telmerian and Berean politics. The country maintains a policy of neutrality in global affairs and is seen as a mediator or calming influence within the Cuthish–Mascyllary rivalry which dominates much of Telmeria. The country is also an influential member of the Assembly of Nations. Norden has a relatively small professional armed force, though maintains a significant navy and reservist army, with 1-year of military service mandatory for all 18-year-old males. Norden's economy is dominated by the export of crude oil and natural gas with vast deposits located off the western coast in the Telmeric sea. Norden ranks highly on the Human Development Index and is renowned for its universal healthcare system as well as its strong education system and labour laws. The country also has a rich cultural heritage maintaining a world-renowned film and television industry, as well as a number of prestigious heritage sites, museums, and art galleries.
Etymology
The name Norden is derived from the Dalish term for "North(ern lands)", this being a simplification of the country's official title, the Nordic Kingdom (Dalish language: Nordisk Kongerige). The term Nordic is derived from the country's geographic location within the north of Berea, however it is also used to refer to "the Nordic people". This usage of the term is in reference to the country being a political union of the Nordic peoples of Telmeria, these being: Dales, Vitmärs, Hamarlanders, and Eyjlanders. Prior to the Declaration of Nordic Unity in 1702, the people of the Dentrian Peninsula and Snaeland were divided between the Kingdom's of Dalland and Vitmärige, with the new Nordic Kingdom declared as a nation state for the Nordic peoples.
History
Prehistory
Antiquity
Viking Age
Middle Ages
Early Modern Period
United Kingdom
Modern Era
In the aftermath of the Great War Norden was rocked by instability. Despite being amongst the victorious powers, Norden faced considerable economic difficulties as a result of the occupation of much of the country's industrialised south-west. These issues inevitably led to the collapse of the country's traditional industries and economic depression. For his part in Norden's unprepared entry into the conflict, King Albert II abdicated the throne in favour of his uncle who was crowned Erik V. Social upheaval followed as the Rigsdagen looked to assert greater influence over the country's governance as the populace called for greater democratisation and even the abolition of the monarchy. In 1921 these issues culminated in the riots breaking out within the capital of Kristianshavn which later spread across the country. It took several months for the rioting to die down, however, difficulties persisted within the counties where local government had lost control and elements of the military had defected.
Following the riots of 1921, Erik V appointed former general and nobleman Ulrik Graversen to the position of Chancellor, tasking him with forming a new government aimed at restoring order to the kingdom and bringing about an economic recovery. This was in addition to a number of concessions the King made promising to reform the state into a constitutional monarchy and hold free and fair elections. Graversen's military background and leadership role in the latter stages of the Great War won him the loyalty of the Royal Army, ensuring that organised opposition against the crown, primarily in the form of the Communist Party was quickly crushed. Secondly, Graversen founded the new National Party around which much of the country's conservative politicians and political elite coalesced. The formation of this new party was partly aimed at creating a new big-tent conservative party that had the capacity to form a majority government, but it was also to divide far-right opposition in the form of the Revivalist Party whose members now found themselves either political isolated or forced to join the National Party to gain political relevancy.
In the 1924 elections, Graversen's new party won an overwhelming majority of seats within the Folkekammer allowing it to form a majority government for the first time in the country's modern political history. The policies implemented under Graversen proved deeply influential in shaping the political, economic, and social landscape of modern Norden and continue to inform mainstream conservative political thinking within Norden to this day. Under Graversen the government took a leading role in economic affairs, nationalising key industries such as coal, steel, and energy. A system of health insurance was introduced for the first time, along with reforms to the national education system and military. Additionally, the government took a hard line in social affairs, restricting immigration, civil rights, and implementing a strict new criminal code. Graversen remained as Chancellor until 1938 when he stepped down from the position owing to ill-health making him the longest-serving Chancellor in the country's history. He would die only 1 year later. In the aftermath of Graversen's death, the National Party's platform shifted, relaxing many of the more hard-line social policies and pursuing a more laissez-faire economic model. In the 1960s the Labour Party came to power for the first time in the country's history, instituting a number of new reforms including the expansion of the welfare state as well as the reform of the insurance-based healthcare system into a nationalised one.
Despite the reforms of the Graversen government and its successors allowing for economic recovery, Norden's economy took a downturn in the mid-1960s owing to the increasingly uncompetitive nature of the country's manufacturing industry in comparison with much of the developing world. However, the discovery of oil in the Telmeric Sea during the early 1970s led to an economic boom within the country. Oil and gas soon became the country's leading export, with Nordic oil fuelling much of Telmeria and Berea. Nevertheless, in 1997 the National Party took the step of establishing the Nordic Investment Authority in an effort to diversify the country's wealth and economy away from the extraction of finite oil and gas.
Geography
Politics
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Norden is a unitary state under a constitutional monarchy. King Karl III is the head of state, though wields little real political power owing to conventions dating back to the aftermath of the Great War. Executive power within the country is vested within the head of the government, known as the Chancellor (Dalish: Rigskansler). The current Chancellor of Norden is Magnus Kjærsgaard of the National Party who has held the position since 2016. Unlike most democracies within Aurorum, Norden does not have a codified constitution, instead operating on a system of parliamentary sovereignty wherein the Rigsdagen, or parliament is the supreme legislative body, capable of drafting and repealing legislation through the act of a simple majority within both houses. As a result, much of the country's fundamental law is derived from simple legislative acts or conventions, some dating as far back as the medieval age.
Government
Norden maintains a bicameral legislature known as the Rigsdagen which traces its origins to the mid 16th century. The two houses of the Rigsdagen are the upper-house known as the Adelskammer, and the lower-house named the Folkekammer. The Adelskammer is comprised of 152 hereditary and appointed peers, primarily composed of the country's aristocracy as well as religious officials from the Semitar church. Though officially non-partisan and neutral appointees, political observers have noted that the members of the Adelskammer generally vote on conservative lines, having strongly opposed the political reforms of the Labour Party (Dalish: Arbejderpartiet) during the 1920s and 1960s. The Folkekammer meanwhile is comprised of 246 elected representatives each of which serves an individual local constituency throughout the country. In order for an act of parliament to become law, it must pass both houses of the Rigsdagen by a simple majority. All bills are first introduced and passed by the Folkekammer before they are introduced to the Adelskammer and sent to the monarch for royal approval. By convention the Adelskammer does not submit any official amendments to any act of legislation, instead voting down any bill they disprove of before it can be debated again and amended within the lower-house. By convention, the monarch also approves any act of parliament which is passed by both houses.
Norden is a democratic state, with universal suffrage with any citizen over the age of 20, regardless of gender, wealth, or status is entitled to the right to vote within elections. General elections within Norden take place every four years and utilise the first-past-the-post system. Following an election, the monarch invites the leader of the single largest party within the Folkekammer to form a government. Should no party have an outright majority, then a coalition may be formed between two or more parties. Currently, there have only ever been two coalition governments in the country's history. The current sitting parties within the Folkekammer include the National Party, Labour Party, and Liberal Party. The electorate is also empowered to remove their own local MP from office through what is known as the Power of Recall. Should 40,000 signators within a given constituency sign a petition to recall an elected member of parliament, then a recall election will be held. By-elections may also be held should a sitting member of the Folkekammer resign or die before the conclusion of their full term.
The executive of the country, also known as the Cabinet, is appointed from members of Rigsdagen, though since the 1960s no member of the Adelskammer has sat on the Cabinet. The leader of the executive known as the Chancellor is by convention the leader of the largest party within the Folkekammer. They are empowered to appoint officials to the various ministerial posts within the government from other members of the legislature, provided such candidates receive royal approval, though by convention the monarch will always approve all appointees.
Currently, the government of Norden is controlled by the National Party who have traditionally dominated elections within the country. Out of the 26 elections that have taken place since 1916, the National Party have been the largest party in all but 5 elections. Currently, the National Party is the single largest party within the Folkekammer with 142 seats, this is followed by the Labour Party with 98 seats and the Liberal Party who hold 6 seats.
Due to the National Party's historical dominance of Norden's politics, outside political observers have occasionally labelled the country as a dominant-party state, identifying a considerable democratic deficit within the country's political procedures and election systems. The National Party, in particular, has in the past been accused of gerrymandering as well as interfering with state media to promote positive coverage during elections. Additionally, the unelected nature of the Adelskammer has come under sustained criticism from observers as well as the opposition Liberal and Labour Parties who have called for its abolition or reform into an elected house.
Administrative divisions
Law and justice
Foreign relations
Norden maintains foreign relations with almost all sovereign states in Aurorum and is a member of a number of international organisations, most notably the Assembly of Nations. Since 1925 Norden has defined itself as a neutral nation, pursuing a policy of non-alignment during peacetime. Under this policy Norden has avoided foreign commitments through political or military alliances, though the country maintains a significant armed force which does play a role in overseas peacekeeping missions and national defence. Historically, Norden has also served as an intermediary between Cuthland-Waldrich and Mascylla who have long shared a rivalry which has defined modern Telmeric politics. In recent times Norden has also attempted to play a more active role in international relations, promoting international peace efforts as well as supporting cultural and economic initiatives.
Norden maintains bilateral trading agreements with a number of nations and economic blocs across Aurorum. International trade is vital to the country, with the export of crude oil and natural gas integral to Norden's economic and global status. The vast oil and gas reserves of the Telmeric Sea have allowed the country to maintain significant sway in global politics despite its neutrality and relatively small size. The importance oil and gas exports to Nordic foreign policy has led some political commentators to label the country's foreign policy strategy as Oliepolitik.
Military
Norden maintains a small standing military of around 32,000 active personnel. As a neutral nation, the primary task of the military is to secure the independence of the nation, though the military is also tasked with dealing with national security threats, as well as aiding in disaster relief efforts. Additionally, Nordic military personnel are also involved overseas in peacekeeping missions through the Assembly of Nations. The country spends 1.2% of its GDP ($14.8 billion) on national defence. The military is divided between the Army (Hæren), Air Force (Luftvåben), and Navy (Søværnet). As a signatory of the Birchau Treaty of Nuclear Non-Proliferation, Norden does not maintain any nuclear weapons. Ultimate authority of the Nordic armed forces is vested in the Commander-in-chief who is the ruling monarch, however in reality effective control of the military is exercised by the Minister of Defence with the coordination of the Cabinet. Despite the small size of the active military, the country maintains a considerable reservist force, bolstered by compulsory military service which is mandatory for all 18-year-old males. For those unable to perform their military service, suitable alternatives are provided, primarily in support or non-combat roles. As of 2017 women may also opt-in to perform one year of military service within non-combat roles. As of 2018, there were around 116,000 performing their compulsory military service, this is in addition to 60,000 volunteer reservists who form the Reserve Army (Reservehær).
As of the National Militia and Arms Act of 1929, the Chancellor is empowered to enact general conscription for all 18-40-year-old males during "periods of national crisis" without the consent of the Rigsdagen. The exact definition of a "national crisis" remains ambiguous, though the terms of the act have only been enacted once, during the Melasian Crisis between 1941 and 1943. The National Militia and Arms Act also legislates for the right of Nordic citizens to bear arms. There are very few restrictions of the types of weapons civilians may own, though any weapons must be small-arms and may only be purchased and modified by registered manufacturers or distributors. Additionally, all civilian-owned weapons must be registered with the Ministry of Defence, with restrictions for individuals suffering from certain health-related or psychiatric issues. As of 2018, there were 7.6 million guns registered in the hands of Nordic citizens, the largest concentration being on the island territories of Heimaey and Grýttrland, as well as the Dependency of Snaeland.
Economy
Demographics
Culture
Clans
Nordic culture, particularly outside of the southwest has long been associated with the ancient clan system known as the ætt. Historically these clans operated as kinship groups whose members usually but not always shared a common ancestor. Each ætt would usually be tied to a specific territory ruled over by a clan chief. Within these territories, clans would be free to devise their own laws and systems of governance. For much of antiquity, the Dentrian Peninsula was divided amongst the various ættir until each was united under the banner of Harald the Great in the Eighth Century. In the aftermath of Harald's death the ættir persisted, albeit now subservient to various petty kings and lords who were elected by the clans. Whilst clan culture remained strong throughout the following centuries, particularly within the Kingdom of Vitmärige, it underwent considerable decline within the Kingdom of Dalland. Numerous Dalish kings viewed the ættir as obstacles to greater centralisation and stability leading to land confiscations and numerous conflicts between the crown and clans. Following the Union of the Crowns in 1527 the status of Vitmar clans came under threat as attempts at reform were introduced to the northern kingdom, though resistance proved strong. Eventually, under the rule of Hakon V, clan resistance was crushed during the Northern campaigns, leading their numbers to decline considerably. A minority of clans were allowed to retain their status in return for pledges of loyalty and military service. Some of these clans would even go on to play a major role in the industrial revolution in the north of the country owing to their traditional social status and wealth, which allowed them to form profitable enterprises and invest in industry and mechanisation.
Despite the considerable decline of traditional Noric clan culture, the ættir continue to retain a key place in Nordic romanticist literature and art, though many of these popular depictions are based on historical inaccuracies and cultural misunderstandings. Nordic clans are traditionally depicted within popular culture as noble aristocrats or warriors untainted by the vices of urban life. As a result of this depiction, the modern era has seen an attempted revival of clan culture as a form of escapism from the pressures of modern, urbanised, capitalist society. Nordic clans have also long been associate with their colourful patterned tunics with their unique designs seen as signifiers of clan loyalties within ancient Nordic society.
Architecture
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Prior to the Middle Ages, the vast majority of structures within Norden, particularly outside of the south-west were almost entirely constructed out of wood. Notable exceptions to this rule were Semitar Churches which were predominantly stone structures built in the Cambranesque style. This architectural tradition also found its way into an increasing number of structures such as fortifications and Medieval Guildhalls. Over time, this architectural style evolved into Gothic architecture used predominantly in churches and cathedrals with perhaps the most notable example being the Hvitrheim Cathedral.
By the Sixteenth Century, a new architectural tradition had emerged influenced by the overseas trading network of the Købmandslaug which brought with it new architectural influences from Falland, Lavaria, and Sarrac. These new influences coalesced into a style known as the Northern Renaissance which influenced the design of buildings such as Rødby Palace, and Skjergard Castle, which are amongst the largest castles in Telmaria, being notable examples. However, by the Eighteenth Century however, Baroque architecture came to the forefront, bringing with it some of the most recognisable buildings in Norden. The Baroque and its close relative, Rococo became emblems of the so-called Nordic Golden Age, with many buildings and designs receiving personal patronage from monarchs such as Kristian IV. Notable Baroque buildings within Norden include Hyhavn Church, the Kristianshavn Stock Exchange, as well as much of the Rødby Harbour.
With the onset of the Nineteenth Century, Mascyllary influence began to slowly creep into Nordic architecture, with Neoclassical and Historicist buildings breaking the monopoly of the Baroque. Many of these designs gained prominence through the construction of state or infrastructural buildings such as Customs Houses or Railway Stations. A number of palaces were also constructed in the Historicist style, the most notable being Månesø Palace which was constructed between 1842 and 1872 as the Royal family's summer retreat. Neoclassical and Historicist constructions persisted into the early Twentieth Century and also played a key role in reconstruction efforts following the Great War.
In the aftermath of the Great War considerable reconstruction was required throughout much of southern Norden, particularly in cities such as Arider, Tårnborg, and Ræverby which had bared the brunt of the Cuthish occupation. In 1921 architects from around the country gathered at the Rødby exhibition to share ideas and discuss potential designs for new constructions in the territories affected by the war. Their ideas were codified in their manifesto known as acceptera which advocated the usage of functionalism in new constructions to meet the needs of modern consumer society. Nevertheless, with the rise of Ulrik Graversen to the position of Chancellor, such ideas were suppressed in favour of the neoclassical, embodying Graversen's historicist and conservative vision for modern Norden.
However, with the fall of the Graversen administration in 1938, building codes were liberalised to allow for the usage of different architectural styles in design and construction. This liberalisation led to a significant decline in neoclassical constructions, with functionalism re-emerging as greater consideration was given to transitioning Norden's cities into the Twentieth Century. Functionalism focused on minimalist, rational designs geared towards improving quality of life and social needs within cities, with apartment blocks and high-rise flats amongst the most common functionalist buildings within the country. Eventually, Nordic functionalism came under the influence of more modernist architecture from Mascylla and elsewhere. This trend continued into the contemporary era with the rise of postmodern architecture as well as the International Style with the emergence of large steel and glass constructions, particularly within the cities of Kristianshavn and Rødby. Notable examples of contemporary Nordic architecture include the National Theatre, along with the Nordic Investment Authority Tower both of which are located in the capital of Kristianshavn.
Visual art
Performing arts
Norden is renowned for its ballet and opera scene which form of the core of the country's highbrow performing arts. The Nineteenth century was known in Norden as the golden age of ballet and opera with composers such as Albert Mørch and Ludvig Abrahamsen gaining international notoriety, and exposing the world to Nordic music and performing arts. Nordic ballets such as Lille Svane and Det Gyldne Præg remain popular around the world to this day. Opera in particularly was widely patronised by the royal family who oversaw the construction of a number of opera houses throughout the country. The city of Kristianshavn is known to have the largest number of opera houses and theatres per capita of any city within Aurorum.
Additionally, Norden also boasts a significant theatre, movie, and television scene with Nordic dramas and noir films popular across Aurorum. Nordic theatre receives significant royal patronage and is well regarded for its tradtional Yuletide shows and pantomimes. The district of Nyhavn within the city of Kristianshavn is seen as the home of the Nordic television industry with most of the country's media production companies based there. The detective fiction and nordic noir TV show Mand which ran from 2006 until 2012 was one of the most popular Nordic television series, with the show being dubbed into over 10 different languages and aired in over 30 different countries throughout Aurorum. The show gained widespread acclaim for its presentation of mature and taboo themes such as sexual violence, parental abuse, masculinity, and mental illness, winning numerous awards in the process. The success of the show also led to the development of a feature film and spin-off sequel.
Norden also has a large scene of bands and musicians. folk and indie rock are some of the most popular genres of music within the country. However, such music is seen by many within Norden as lowbrow, enjoyed by much of the lower classes and younger generation. This snobbery toward popular music, along with other cultural and political divisions between the country's more conservative older generation and the more liberal left-leaning youth, has also led to the development of a powerful grunge and punk rock scene which embodies the backlash against the conservative social policies of modern Norden as well as the younger generation's general anti-authority outlook. Norden also hosts a number of acclaimed music festivals, most notably the Herrup festival which takes place every year in July involving world famous musicians from across Aurorum.
Literature
Cuisine
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Nordic cuisine, like much of Telmeria is primarily composed of dishes involving meat, fish, and potatoes. The usage of herbs and spices within Nordic cuisine is relatively rare, especially in dishes originating from outside of Dalland. This is primarily due to the climate of these regions which involve long, cold winters, necessitating restricted and seasonal diets. Nevertheless, improved trading links in the Nineteenth century, as well as technological and production advances, have diminished these issues somewhat.
Fish is the most prominent foodstuff throughout Nordic cooking with cod, salmon, haddock and herring dishes popular across the country. Fish is usually served alongside cheese, potatoes, and salad or as part of a smörgåsbord. Fish is also one of the country's main exports with Nordic cod popular in Falland and Sarrac. However, the reliance on fish as a staple part of the Nordic diet has led to a decline in fish stocks within the Telmeric and White seas leading to the implementation of restrictions on fish farming as well as a move towards more sustainable methods of fishing and the promotion of dietary alternatives. Mascyllary influence is also strong within Nordic cuisine, with there being numerous national or regional variations on boiled or smoked sausage dishes such as medister or rød pølse. Hot-dog stands, or pølsevogn are commonplace in southern Norden, particularly within the capital of Kristianshavn where over 1,000 hotdog licenses are issued each year to vendors. Bacon is another popular meat dish within Norden which is often served salted or smoked. Bacon is also the country's primary form of non-fish meat export, with various brands of Nordic bacon commonplace across Teleria and Berea.
Norden enjoys one of the lowest levels of lactose intolerance within Aurorum, and as such dairy forms a major part of Nordic cuisine. The usage of butter, milk, and cream is commonplace within Nordic recipes. Skyr, is a staple of the Nordic diet, with its origins dating back to the Viking age. Though the dish appears to resemble a strained yoghurt, it is more accurately a fresh sour milk cheese. Skyr is commonly consumed as either a high-protein and low-fat snack or as part of a breakfast with berries and cereals.
Norden is known to have the highest per capita consumption of coffee within Aurorum at around 10kg per person per annum. Coffee in Norden is regularly consumed with milk or cream, with meals, or on a daily commute. Espresso bars are widespread throughout the country, with a number of Nordic chains such as Kaftorsk and Ohlsson having branches throughout Aurorum. Given that coffee is so widely consumed within Norden, coffeehouses or kaffebarer are a staple of the Nordic high street and form a major part of Nordic history, culture, and social life; providing spaces for social gatherings, work, or to eat a light meal. Legend suggests that Nordic scientist Hannes Lundström discovered the concept of gravity whilst sitting in a kaffebar in Haversand. Traditionally, kaffebarer were also common sites for social smoking, though indoor smoking in undesignated establishments was outlawed in 2003, though not without significant opposition.
Norden also has a strong beer and alcohol culture dating back to the Iron age. Beer, vodka, and Mead are the most commonly consumed alcoholic beverages within the country. Pale lager is the most commonly consumed beer with brands such as Dahls and Taahus popular worldwide. Stout, porter, and brown ale are also popular throughout the country, though particularly within the more northerly regions. Nevertheless, during the Graversen administration between 1925 and 1940 alcohol was prohibited due to its role in causing "social discord and disharmony". Nevertheless, underground bars or smuglerhuse gained prominence, supplied by various criminal organisations and gangs. The inability of authorities to clamp down on illegal alcohol ultimately led to the repeal of prohibition shortly after the death of Chancellor Ulrik Graversen.
Sports
By far the two most popular sports in Norden are association football and ice hockey. Norden boasts a strong national football team with a history of elite footballing talents such as Christoffer Thrane and Sone Sandberg. The Nordic team of the 1990s was widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time, going on to win the Auroran Cup in 1997, to date Norden's only national footballing honour. Additionally, the country is home to a strong domestic footballing scene, with three professional divisions. The highest division, named the Rigsliga is amongst the top-5 ranked leagues in Berea based on league coefficient and regularly sees teams qualify for the Berean Championships. The most successful domestic team in Norden is Rødby FK who hold 14 league titles.
Ice hockey is a close second in terms of the country's most popular sport with a strong domestic scene through the Ishockeyliga. The country boasts over 1,000 recognised amateur and professional ice hockey teams and the sport plays a key role within the national sporting curriculum for schools. Norden maintains a national rivalry with Cuthland-Waldrich in ice hockey with both teams seen as two of the strongest in Aurorum. Norden has won the International Ice Hockey Championships (IIHC) seven times with four gold medals at the Auroran Games.
Other ice skating disciplines such as speed skating and figure skating are also popular within Norden, with the country having won several gold medals at the Auroran Games. The country also performs strongly at the Auroran Winter Games, particularly in disciplines such as snowboarding, Alpine skiing, and ski jump.
Other popular sports within Norden include cycling and handball with the country having enjoyed considerable success in the two disciplines on the international stage. Norden is particularly notable for its track cycling which is amongst the most successful disciplines in the country's athletic history. Track cyclist Tue Hammer is the most decorated Nordic athlete with five gold medals and two silver in individual pursuit, team pursuit, and sprint events. Norden also has a strong road racing scene with the Nordisk Rundt one of the most prestigious Auroran cycling tours. The Rundt is particularly notable for its gruelling mountain stages which are amongst the toughest in professional cycling. In terms of handball Norden has a professional handball league known as the Håndbold Mesterskab and has won three gold medals in the sport at the Auroran Games.
National holidays and festivals
Numerous holidays and festivals of religious, cultural, and historical significance are celebrated throughout the calendar year within Norden, many of which also have corresponding status as a public holiday. One of the most popular festivals in Norden is that of yule (Dalish: Jule) which forms a key part of the Nordic Semitar calendar and runs from the 24th December until the 5th January. Traditional yule markets are common throughout the country at this time, along with theatre and light shows, making Yule a particularly busy season for foreign tourism within Norden. Juledag on the 25th of December is a national holiday, along with Juleaften on the 24th with family gatherings, gift-giving and feasts common practice.
Other religious observances such as Påske, Pinesdag, and Store Bededag are also given official status as a public holiday along with other secular holidays such as New Years Day, Ornulf Askelsson Day, and Nordic National Day.
Other holidays such as Armistice day, which is a day of remembrance for those killed during the Great War are not regarded as public holidays, however, they receive official state recognition and involve the organisation of official state ceremonies. Several other holidays or festivals specific to localities or regions throughout Norden also have official recognition from county-level or devolved governments such as that within Snaeland. Whilst these observances are not public holidays they usually involve some form of festivity or ceremony organised by local government bodies.