Brytene
Confederacy of Brytene Ge-þoftscipe Brytene | |
|---|---|
 Flag | |
| Motto: Into The Storm | |
| Anthem: [Our land ] | |
 Map of Brytene | |
| Capital | Lundene |
| Largest largest city | Contwaraburg |
| Official languages | English |
| Recognised regional languages | Old English, Norse, Gaelic |
| Ethnic groups (2015) | 94.1% White 3.2% Hispanic 1.4% Slavic 1.3% Other |
| Religion | Adfyr |
| Demonym(s) | Brytisc |
| Government | Democratic federal republic |
• Bretwalda | Cenwulf Teorell |
• Jarl | Aoife Brighteye of Dyflin |
• Eorl | Isolde el-Hashem |
• Eorls | Elwyne Hardrada Wulfrun One-Eye Arthur Canillac |
| Legislature | Witenagmot |
| Establishment | |
• Kingdom of Brytene founded | 501AD |
• Union of the Isles | 1305AD |
| 10th March 1752 | |
| Population | |
• 2018 census | 60,593,334 |
| GDP (PPP) | 2018 estimate |
• Total | $2.763 trillion (1st) |
• Per capita | $46,896 |
| GDP (nominal) | 2018 estimate |
• Total | $2.762 trillion (1st) |
• Per capita | $41,955 |
| Gini (2015) |  20.6low |
| HDI (2018) |  0.812very high |
| Currency | Scilling (SCG) |
| Time zone | UTC+10 (RMT) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC+11 (RST) |
| Date format | dd/mm/yyyy (AD) |
| Driving side | left |
| Calling code | +737 |
| Internet TLD | .bry |
Brytene, officially the Confederacy of Brytene, is a democratic republic located on an island chain to the north of Vesperia in the northern hemisphere of Atlas. It consists of five cantons, each governed by an elected Eorl. With an estimated population of 60,593,334 as of 2015, Brytene is one of the smaller powers of Atlas. It has a land area of 374,558 square kilometres.
Etymology and terminology
The word 'Brytene' is believed to descend from the Old Englisc word bryht, meaning 'bright'. There are several theories about the meaning behind the name, with some scholars claiming it refers to the reflective qualities of Brytene's many waterways and coastlines, whilst others claim it is one of the oldest known jokes about the weather.
History
See also: History of Brytene
Brytene has been inhabited since roughly 30,000 BCE. Archaeological evidence indicates that the first human inhabitants lived in the Dyflin region, walking across a frozen sea between Quebec and Dyflin. Shortly afterwards, evidence of cultural influx from the region that is now Tennstedt marks the first arrival of humans on the shores of Anglaland. Through a series of wars, the Saxones conquered the other islands in the Dark Ages, creating a federation of client monarchies that would eventually become the Kingdom of Brytene. In 2015 the monarchy was officially dissolved and the nation became a Confederacy.
Brytene has been engaged in several major wars throughout history, but generally speaking has served as a neutral trade hub and shipping waypoint since the 17th Century.
Geography
Brytene is a largely temperate set of five major islands - Nortymba, Anglaland, Dyflin, Wesseax and Susseax. With a total landmass of 314,558 square kilometers, it also lays de facto claim to several small archipelagos and islands in the immediate area. The territory is mostly fertile lowland or rocky moor and upland, rich in metals but poor in fossil fuels. The highest point is Mount Sunder at 2,206m above sea level. The tropical Pepper Atoll is much warmer, and is approximately 60,000 square kilometers.
Climate
Brytene has a temperate climate, with overly abundant rainfall all year round. Summer reaches a high of roughly 30°C, whilst winter can be as low as -15°C, with wind chill and humidity exacerbating the colder months.
Ecology
Brytene has a strictly managed ecology, with preserved populations of red deer, wolves, and bears, as well as plenty of livestock and an abundance of cetacean life in the nearby oceans. Whaling is outlawed in Brytisc national waters and they strongly discourage whaling across the globe. The Saxon Elkhound is the national animal of Brytene, and along with the Ballaugh deer is indigenous to Brytene. The Perturbapithecus is a semi-cryptid believed to haunt the highlands of Brytene.
Plant life is diverse, though tending towards deciduous in the southern regions and evergreen in Nortymba. Ferns and ivy are commonly found on house exteriors and potted or bedded plant life is considered the sign of any healthy home or office. Brytene has the highest concentration of maple trees in Atlas, including the sugar maple (Acer saccharum), the black maple (A. nigrum), and the red maple (A. rubrum),
Administrative divisions
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Politics
Brytene is a democratic republic. The Bretwalda of Brytene is an elected official and serves as both head of state and head of government. The Bretwalda and the Eorls are elected for life by the general public, from amongst the pool of serving Thegns. Brytene is considered to be fairly liberal in regards to both economics and social issues, although the government retains a strong presence and offers subsidised education and free basic healthcare.
Government
Brytene has a parliamentary government with a bicameral system. The elected Eorls join with the Bretwalda to form the Witenagmot, which has the power to ratify bills and conduct international affairs, whilst the Thegn Rede has the power to introduce bills, move to repeal legislation, and introduce votes of no-confidence in the Witenagmot.
Law and criminal justice
Brytene uses common law, whilst the Great Charter of Brytene guarantees certain principles and rights to all. The highest court of appeal is the Witenagmot itself, but for a case to get this far is an unusual and drastic measure requiring the attendance of at least two Earls and the Bretwalda.
Standard policing is traditionally carried out by unarmed uniformed officers who utilise a variety of non-lethal equipment including telescopic batons, staves, sprays and tear gas, shields, and animals such as horses or canine units. Diplomatic protection, homeland security, and counter-terrorist operations are carried out primarily by R-DARK, the military intelligence agency.
Brytene is very pro-rehabiliation, and capital punishment is no longer legal in Brytene. In the case of the most heinous of offenders, who are wholly unsuitable for release and unlikely to ever be rehabilitated (for example, those accused of serious crimes against minors), mandatory lifetime imprisonment in the Underdark is a common recourse.
Foreign relations
Brytene has been a quieter voice in international relations throughout Atlas, though several nations have attempted to invade over the course of history. Brytene is considered a first-world country and recognises the vast majority of Atlasian countries. It attempts to maintain friendly relations with the majority of nations, and is a major shipping hub.
Brytene is currently experiencing increased tensions with the Santiago Anti-Communist Treaty Organisation. For more information, see Brytisc-SACTO conflict.
Formal treaties
- Brytene is formally allied with Valaran. This includes trade agreements, favourable migration standards, and a Mutual Defense Pact.
- Brytene is formally allied with the Allied Castarcian States. This includes trade agreements, favourable migration standards, and a Mutual Defense Pact.
Military
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The full-time military of Brytene is consolidated into a single branch, the Confederate Brytisc Fleet, which is responsible for naval, ground-based, and aerial defense of the state. As an island chain, emphasis is placed on naval and aerial defense, as well as amphibious assault and long-range capability. As a middling power, Brytisc armed forces concentrate on smaller-scale interventions and special operations, avoiding outright conflict whenever possible. Fleet Command handles all executive and administrative matters, whilst overall power rests with the Bretwalda and the Witenagmot. The Fleet is tasked with maintaining Brytisc security interests and supporting international peacekeeping efforts.
The armed forces of Brytene have an illustrious history, having seen off several invasions throughout history, but in recent years they have restricted themselves to special operations and peacekeeping in their immediate area of influence. Brytene is remarkable for having deactivated its nuclear arsenal as of 2014.
Economy
The Brytisc economy is fundamentally free-market, though subject to government intervention and restrictions. It is mostly based on the production of luxury items, including a thriving trade in the abundant gold resources of the area, as well as a carefully managed livestock and food industry. There are also several notable Private Military Contractors based in Brytene, including SpearCorp Solutions.
The maple trade
Brytene is the most prominent producer of maple syrup in Atlas, producing approximately 80% of the global maple syrup supply. The Brytisc government is believed to operate a strategic maple reserve, and it is estimated that the Brytisc maple industry is worth almost a billion dollars per year. Brytene has an entire governmental department, the Maple Supervision Authority, dedicated to ensuring the quality of Brytisc maple syrup and promoting the Brytisc maple syrup trade.
Science and technology
Brytene is a heavy investor in R&D, with several firms making significant headway in the realms of clean energy, 3D printing, and biotic technology. IDAItech is a world leader in software, nuclear power, and engineering.
Transport
Brytene has an extensive rail network, including inner-city metro systems and nation-wide rail systems. Ferries and short-haul passenger flights are also a necessity due to the archipelagic nature of the country. Wernham-Hogg are a major producer of commercial and military vehicles and engines.
Energy
Brytene experiences heavy rainfall and high winds, and with little-to-no naturally occurring gas or oil has been forced to adopt renewable energies in order to meet demands without relying on imported fossil fuels.
Vast offshore wind farms provide almost 31% of all Brytisc fuel use, with hydroelectric dams providing another 26%, solar panels making up 24%, and a single nuclear facility providing 19%.
Foreign trade
The following is a sample of trade relationships with other nations. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather indicates some goods which are shipped in noteworthy quantities between Brytene and other nations.
| Trade partner | Imported goods | Exported goods | Trade partner | Imported goods | Exported goods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Country data Allied Connurist States | Iron, copper, medical supplies | Maple syrup, munitions, civilian vehicles |  Stasnov |
Grain, potato | Maple syrup, gold |
 Chilokver |
Electronics, titanium, opals | Maple syrup, lumber | Template:Country data Valaran | Copper, medical equipment, satellites | Maple syrup, alcohol, leather |
| Template:Country data Cinoth | Fruit, vegetables, canned foods | Maple syrup, jewellery, alcohol | Template:Country data Vedria | Rare industrial metals | Maple syrup, alcohol |
| Template:Country data Da'klawedi | Metal ore, chocolate | Maple syrup, jewellery | |||
| Template:Country data Flardania | Rice, TV programming, meat, electronics | Lumber, maple syrup, leather | |||
| Template:Country data Hayabusa | Watermelons, meat, textiles | Maple syrup, treated timber, alcohol | |||
| Template:Country data Krjder | Steel, beef, appliances, fissile material | Maple syrup, civilian vehicles, lumber | |||
| Template:Country data Libraria and Ausitoria | Manufactured goods, services, chemicals, automotive vehicles, software, electronics, finance, entertainment, pharmaceuticals | Maple syrup, finance, services, technical designs, military technology, biotechnology, software, leather, alcohol, gold, designer clothing, lumbar, jewellery | |||
| Template:Country data Transarabia | Rice, phones | Maple syrup, designer clothing | |||
| Template:Country data Panchia | Luxury cars, supercars | Maple syrup, leather, alcohol | |||
| Template:Country data Sde Dov | Fruit, tourism | Maple syrup, gold, alcohol, munitions |
The Brytisc jewellery workshops are well-known. Brytene is rich in gold mines, which has resulting in a historically strong finance sector including firms such as Goldwing Finance with branches across the globe. Other notable firms include Wernham-Hogg, IDAItech, Kuribayashi Arms, and the Green Dragon Taverns chain.
Brytene sources many precious metals and gems from Da'klawedi, working with firms such as Tassuk, Szibido, and Zimoverloni.
International firms active in Brytene
- Template:Country data Ausitoria Royal East Ausitorian Commodities Company - 256 branches
Eldi - 198 branches- Template:Country data Allied Connurist States BaconBarn - 302 branches
Demographics
Historically, Brytene has been primarily Saxon, with strains of Celtic and Viking blood. White is still the largest ethnicity at 57.1%, but as a highly liberal country with a progressive immigration policy, the population is incredibly diverse, with roughly 14.6% Asian, 10.3% Latin-American, 10.1% Black, 4.9% Arabic and 3% other.
Languages
Brytene's official language is English.
Religion
Freedom of Religion is a guaranteed right in Brytene, with the proviso that religious affiliation does not grant immunity from secular state law. The state itself is officially secular, but Adfyr remains the most prevalent religion in Brytene and its influence can be seen in a variety of government iconography. Religion is not registered by census and the religious population is highly diverse.
Healthcare
Brytene offers free basic healthcare, although it does not subsidise elective surgeries. The Brytisc healthcare system is considered to be quite successful, with a pragmatic and effective approach to triage, treatment, and organisation.
Culture
Literature
Brytisc writers are known for their travel memoirs, historical fiction, and surrealist or allegorical works. The famous mythical hero Pelegiad is, in the Saga of Pelegiad, said to have been drunk for all but two of his major feats or accomplishments, and is believed to be a metaphor for every political figure ever.
Music
Tropical house, folk-rock, and classic rock are some of the most popular musical genres in Brytene. The famous comedy-rock duo Tenacious G hail from Brytene, as do the classic Strolling Stones.
Visual art
Brytisc art is still very traditional, with vast oil paintings being a hallmark of wealth and taste. Tapestries are also a common interior decoration, whilst street installations and water features are prominent in many public streets and plazas.
Cinema
The Brytisc film industry is modest at best, although it has several successful franchises such as Agent Dark (a fictional jet-setting R-DARK agent) and Herne Potman (the adventures of a young druid called to druiding school at Boarspot Academy).
Media
The Brytscop media concern is a wide-reaching left-wing tabloid, reporting on foreign affairs, domestic politics, sports, and entertainment news. Unlike many other tabloids, it refrains from giving a fuck about what clothes celebrities wear.
The Brytisc Broadcasting Corporation is a state-funded, impartial broadcaster producing a range of documentaries, dramas, and comedies, and is also the largest reporting network in Brytene.
Sport
The Hamtun Hammers are the country's biggest baseball team, and play in the Atlas Baseball Major League.
Brytene also has a fledgling top-flight football association, the Goldwing Premier League. The Brytene national football team is set to compete in the inaugural Atlas World Cup, which Brytene is also helping to host.