Durland (Eurth)
Principlity of Durland Doorla Prinstnisreikant (Durlish) | |
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 Flag
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| Motto: Paaekee amaars kaar ta ruuar djaalemars (Anglish: "The love of the people and the wisdom of the law") | |
| Anthem: See sarafas iil sarafas eyre (Anglish: "This land is our land") | |
.png) Location of Durland (green) in Alharu (dark grey) | |
| Capital and largest city | Herran |
| Official languages | Durlish |
| Ethnic groups | 84.2% Durlish 5.2% Baltican 3.1% Espalian 2% Garindinian 5.5% other |
| Religion |
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| Demonym(s) |
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| Government | Unitary parliamentary semi-constitutional monarchy |
• Monarch | Carilla |
• Prime Minister | Gurver Deena |
| Legislature | Parliament |
| Senate | |
| House of Representatives | |
| Establishment history | |
• Independence declared from Garindina | 9 June 1873 |
• Recognised | 10 December 1873 |
• Election of Farnar II | 4 February 1876 |
• Republic | 16 May 1922 |
• Restoration of the monarchy | 17 May 1928 |
• Current constitution | 23 July 1928 |
| Area | |
• Total | 30,430 km2 (11,750 sq mi) |
• Water (%) | 2.09 |
| Population | |
• June 2023 estimate | 3,219,302 |
• Density | 105.8/km2 (274.0/sq mi) |
| GDP (nominal) | estimate |
• Total | $128.334 billion |
• Per capita | $39,864 |
| Gini (2022) |  33.2medium |
| HDI (2022) | 0.796 high |
| Currency | Durlish Karana (Ka.) (DLK) |
| Date format | dd/mm/yyyy (CE) |
| Driving side | right |
| Internet TLD | .du |
Durland (Durlish: Doorla, pronounced [/dɜːrlə/], officially the Principality of Durland (Durlish: Doorla Prinstnisreikant) and also known as the Sovereign Principality of Durland (Durlish: Doorla Suvareene Prinstnisreikant), is a country in the northern part of Alharu, consisting of part of mainland Alharu and the island of Elren. It is bound to the north by the Ygros Sea, to the east by Espalia, and to the south, and west by terra nullius. Durland has a largely flat and forested landscape covering 30,430km2 (11,750 sq mi), with an humid continental climate. The capital and largest city is Herran, which is the political, economic, and cultural centre of the country. Other major cities and urban areas include Nelin, Alduar, and Beidi.
Durland remained a principally agricultural country until the 1950s, from which time the country engaged in a rapid process of industrialisation. During the 1970s and 1980s, successive governments enacted reforms officially granting equal rights to women, legalising homosexuality, and establishing a comprehensive welfare state. In recent history, Durlish society has become increasingly egalitarian, with significant emphasis on civil liberties, human rights, and economic equality. Today, Durland is an upper-middle income economy dominated by the service sector, although agriculture remains an important part of the national economy. It is a member of several international organisations, including the Assembled Nations (AN).
Etymology
The name of Durland is closly related to that of the Doorls (rendered in Anglish as the "Durls"), which was the name of the tribe inhabiting the area in the first century. In both Durlish and Anglish, the country name means "Land of the Durls" (Anglish: Durland; Durlish: Doorla, the -a suffix denoting territory/land).
History
Independence
Durland declared independence from Garindina on 9 June 1873. On the same date, a provisional administration and assembly was established to oversee the functions of government whilst permanent institutions were devised. Its sovereignty was recognised on 10 December 1873 by Garindina, enabling the Durls to focus their attention on domestic matters without the risk of invasion or ostracisation.
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The new provisional government, self-appointed and representative of the domestic nobility and businessmen and merchants, set out to determine and define the form that the new government would take. Disputes between pro-Gardinian nobles, who favoured a monarchy, and the business classes, who favoured a republic, dominated decision-making for some months. After protracted negotiations, a limited constitutional monarchy was agreed upon. The government offered the Crown to Prince Tomas Petr Leps, a minor Garindinian noble with Durlish sympathies and a descendant of Prince Jura. Avtukhov assumed the throne on 4 February 1876, taking the regnal name Farnar II and proclaiming himself "Prince and Constitutional Sovereign."
The Constitution of 1876 provided for a comparatively progressive government. The Prince was head of state and nominal head of government, although a unicameral Parliament retained power over taxation, military affairs, and certain other legislative functions. The Prince retained influence over the executive branch, being largely free to appoint whoever they chose as prime minister and being able to sway the direction of their governments. Farnar II's more liberal beliefs further encouraged the promotion of a broader electoral franchise and more rights to the business class. These progressive reforms continued until his death and the succession of his conservative son, Farnar III.
Beginning in the mid 1900s and early 1910s, a series of political, social, and economic crises culminated in a brief political crisis in 1915. The "1915 Crisis" saw three governments appointed in the space of one year, interrupted by two legislative elections. Liberals and socialists criticised Farnar III of unconstitutional authoritarianism, particularly in his decision to dismiss the progressive prime minister Norine Greguanmon and appoint the conservative Reymarin Eleidine. Farnar III's death in 1918 and the succession of the equally conservative Gabril II failed to alleviate the political tensions. In 1920, the first socialist-majority parliament was elected, with Goten Gel Beihasen relucantly appointed prime minister. Following the Prince's attempt to veto housing reforms resulted in a further deterioration in the relations between Crown and Parliament.
Restoration and recent history
The unpopularity of the republican regime, maximised by continued economic problems and periodic riots, led to many in the armed forces and civil services supporting a restoration of the deposed monarchy. Beginning in 1926, a number of separate plots were made to overthrow the republic and restore the king. The most prominent of these, led by Colonel General Frilanil Leokaar of the Household Division, resulted ultimately failed and led to his execution for high treason. Leokaar's execution only encouraged further plotting; on 4 April 1928, the chiefs of the armed forces forced the resignation of President Miklaave Elajor and the appointment of monarchist Maraluar Keelemaris as prime minister. A subsequent plebiscite resulted in over 70 percent of voters supporting a return of the monarchy, although turnout was only around 50 percent. Prince Gabril II returned to Herran on 17 May 1928 and was proclaimed sovereign once again the same day.
Beginning in the 1950s, Durland entered into a period of rapid industrialisation. Successive governments, including conservative, liberal, and socialist-led administrations, initiated a number of policies which sought to increase industrial output and reduce economic dependence on the agricultural sector. Between 1952 and 1955, as part of a process of urbanisation and modernisation, the Social Democratic-led government of Fredin Jiavolora established the underpinnings of the modern Durlish welfare state, including a public health service, unemployment support, and a revised pension system. By 1970, industry made up around half of the Durlish economy, and the proportion of Durls living in urban areas had similarly increased from 41.8 percent in 1939 to 60.3 percent in 1971. This rapid industrialisation came with varying levels of income inequality, with the number of people earning less than Kr.200 a month increasing by over 60 percent in the same period.
A succession of left-wing governments in the late 1960s and 1970s initiated a series of social reforms. In 1970, discrimination in employment on the basis of sex was outlawed, with capital punishment being abolished the following year. In 1975, homosexuality was legalised, although equal age of consent was not enacted until 2003. During the 1980s and 1990s, a long-term economic depression resulted in the partial dismantling of many of the 1950s-era economic reforms, bringing an end to the "Social Democratic consensus" of the previous thirty years. Only in the mid-1990s did Durland begin recording consistent economic growth and a return of many of the economic policies previously abandoned.
Geography
Durland is situated in Alharu, on the southern shores of the Ygros Sea. It is bordered to the north by the Ygros Sea, to the east by Espalia. Durlish territory covers 30,430 km2 (11,750 sq mi), of which internal waters comprise 2.09 percent.
The total length of Durland's boundary is 835.7 km (519.3 mi), with Elren being 539.4 km (335.2 mi) and mainland Durland being 296.3 km (184.2 mi). The total length of coastline is 1,620.1 km (1,006.7 mi), of which Elren has 968 km (601.5 mi). Mainland Durland has a 651.2 km (404.7 mi) coastline. Alongside the two main lands, there are a number of islands of varying sizes under Durlish jurisdiction. The largest of these islands of Eere, located off the north central coast of Elren. At their closest point, Elren is 5.3 km (3.3 mi) from mainland Durland, connected to the mainland by the Raaimar Stafsen Bridge.
The highest point is Neer Heenletor (Heenletor Hill), which is 329 metres (1,079 ft), with the lowest point is the Ygros Sea. The average elevation is 101 m (331 ft) above sea level. The Ara River, which runs through through the centre of mainland Durland (west to east) is a major part of the country's geography. The river and some of its tributaries are used for internal shipping, although only around 1 percent of all goods traffic was transported in this way in 2010.
Amongst the natural resources common to Durland are limestone, clay, dolomite, and quarts and gypsum sand. Oil is also found in Durland, although successive governments have only recently sought to exploit its economic potential. Iron ore deposits are located in the south, but commercial exploitation of these deposits are highly restricted. Amber deposits are found across mainland Durland, which is exported across the world.
There are a number of national parks in Durland, with many established recently amidst a greater focus on environmental protection. The largest is Daarl National Park in Durland's west, which is 217.3 km2 (83.9 sq mi).
Climate
Durland has a maritime climate considered to be moderate. It is strongly influenced by the surrounding areas and Durland's coastal location. Warn waters in the Ygros Sea make Durland's climate milder than many inland countries. There is changeable weather throughout the year, with variable day-to-day weather and short-term specific weather conditions.
During the months of July and August, the average daytime high is around 24°C (75°F), although temperatures can occasionally reach as high as 30°C (86°F). The winter months of January and February see average daytime highs of around -2°C (28.4°F), although this too can vary according to specific weather conditions. Average yearly rainfall across the whole country is around 1,000 millimetres.
Summers are moderately warn, with temperatures occasionally reaching as high as 24°C. Autumn is characterised as a more pleasant month due to the Ygros' moderating influence. During this month, however, storm activity increases. Precipitation occurs throughout the year; it is heaviest in the winter and spring months, as well as late autumn. Winters are moderate and milder than many comparable climates. The mean temperature is -6.5°C (20.3°F) in January, and several storms usually occur during the winter months.
| Climate data for Herran, 1979–2020 normals, extremes 1890–present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 16.3 (61.3) |
14.5 (58.1) |
25.7 (78.3) |
27.9 (82.2) |
32.9 (91.2) |
33.5 (92.3) |
35.1 (95.2) |
37.9 (100.2) |
32.7 (90.9) |
29.0 (84.2) |
22.5 (72.5) |
17.9 (64.2) |
37.9 (100.2) |
| Average high °C (°F) | −2.2 (28.0) |
−1.7 (28.9) |
2.1 (35.8) |
8.4 (47.1) |
15.5 (59.9) |
20.6 (69.1) |
24.5 (76.1) |
24.0 (75.2) |
19.8 (67.6) |
13.5 (56.3) |
7.5 (45.5) |
1.7 (35.1) |
11.1 (52.0) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | −6.5 (20.3) |
−6.1 (21.0) |
−1.9 (28.6) |
4.3 (39.7) |
10.4 (50.7) |
15.7 (60.3) |
19.9 (67.8) |
19.5 (67.1) |
15.3 (59.5) |
9.5 (49.1) |
4.1 (39.4) |
−2.1 (28.2) |
6.9 (44.4) |
| Average low °C (°F) | −10.9 (12.4) |
−10.5 (13.1) |
−5.8 (21.6) |
0 (32) |
5.3 (41.5) |
10.8 (51.4) |
15.3 (59.5) |
14.9 (58.8) |
10.8 (51.4) |
5.6 (42.1) |
1.7 (35.1) |
−5.8 (21.6) |
2.5 (36.5) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −31.6 (−24.9) |
−29.4 (−20.9) |
−25.0 (−13.0) |
−14.9 (5.2) |
−5.5 (22.1) |
0.1 (32.2) |
4.0 (39.2) |
3.2 (37.8) |
1.8 (35.2) |
−5.5 (22.1) |
−15.0 (5.0) |
−26.9 (−16.4) |
−31.6 (−24.9) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 92.9 (3.66) |
75.1 (2.96) |
78.2 (3.08) |
75.6 (2.98) |
82.9 (3.26) |
90.7 (3.57) |
71.8 (2.83) |
87.6 (3.45) |
87.8 (3.46) |
104.1 (4.10) |
104.4 (4.11) |
110.0 (4.33) |
1,061 (41.77) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 26.0 (1.02) |
21.7 (0.85) |
36.0 (1.42) |
51.6 (2.03) |
79.1 (3.11) |
90.7 (3.57) |
71.8 (2.83) |
87.6 (3.45) |
87.8 (3.46) |
101.2 (3.98) |
84.9 (3.34) |
50.5 (1.99) |
788.9 (31.06) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 19.3 | 15.7 | 15.9 | 15.3 | 14.1 | 13.2 | 12.6 | 11.7 | 12.8 | 15.0 | 16.9 | 19.8 | 182.4 |
| Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 8.5 | 8.2 | 9.7 | 13.8 | 16.0 | 15.4 | 14.8 | 13.9 | 15.0 | 16.8 | 15.2 | 10.8 | 158.2 |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 88.9 | 89.1 | 121.3 | 128.2 | 177.1 | 199.8 | 233.6 | 199.0 | 161.0 | 103.9 | 42.9 | 55.8 | 1,600.6 |
Government and politics
The politics of Durland take place within the framework of a parliamentary representative democracy with a bicameral legislature and a pluriform multi-party system. A constitutional monarchy, the reigning prince(ss) of Durland is head of state and nominal chief executive, with the position hereditary and passing through the House of Leps. The active role that the monarch plays in the country's politics, and over all three branches of government, has created what political observers describe as an enigmatic system combining absolute monarchy and representative democracy.
Under the present constitution, promulgated in 1928, the reigning Princess, currently Carilla, serves as head of state. The constitution grants the princess extensive political powers not common amongst other constitutional monarchs. This includes the appointment and dismissal of the government, the veto of legislation, and the supreme command of the armed forces. Whilst these powers are far-reaching, the constitution mandates that the monarch exercises them in accordance with the constitution, thus granting them an active but regulated role in day-to-day politics. Many of these powers require, either, the approval of Parliament or the countersignature of the relevant minister. Consequently, NRD has characterised the monarch's powers as "near" to a "regulated, supervised, and balanced absolute monarchy."
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Prime Minister of Durland
Legislative power is vested in the unicameral Parliament of Durland, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. The Senate, composed of 50 senators, is indirectly elected through county assemblies. Each county sends a delegation of senators according to the political makeup of their respective assemblies, who sit for the duration of the assembly's term. The 150-seat House of Representatives is directly elected every three years. Elections take place using mixed-member proportional representation (MMP). The House of Representatives is the preeminent of the two houses; it is responsible for adopting the national budget and approving the state's accounts, approving the appointment of and scrutinising governments, and generally representing the public. The Senate's powers are largely advisory, limited to scrutinising laws passed in the house, proposing amendments, and generally acting as a revising body.
The government (officially the Princely Government) is headed by the prime minister and consists of a number of ministers and state secretaries. The princess proposes a government to the House of Representatives, which is at liberty to reject. Whilst reigning princes historically proposed a government based on their own political preferencs, today the monarch generally proposes a government based on the likelihood of its acceptance. The prime minister is responsible for the overall direction of government policy, and all ministers are responsible to Parliament rather than to the monarch.
Modern Durlish party politics is highly fractured, both necessitating and empowering the monarch's more active political role. The Social Democrats and the Conservative Party are the two largest parties, leading two broad ideological blocks on the left and right respectively.
The judicial system is independent, consisting of a hierarchical system of courts and tribunals. The Supreme Court is the highest court of Durland. In addition to the Supreme Court, there is the Court of Appeal and the High Court, which together constitute the Appeals Division. The High Court is the highest court of first instance, usually hearing cases of "significant national interest." County Courts and Magistrates Courts are the primary courts, hearing the vast majority of cases. Summary courts and land courts have also been established on a semi-ad hoc basis.
The Durlish judicial system is a hybrid system of civil and common law, with four primary sources of law: legislation, academic writing, custom, and legal precedent. The monarch appoints judges on the advice of the Minister of Justice. Since 2009, the Judicial Appointments Committee has had the responsibility of recommending nominees for political and royal consideration.
Foreign relations
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for defining, implementing, and overseeing the foreign policy objectives of the Durlish government. The minister is a senior member of the cabinet and is charged with supervising the operations of the ministry. Included in the ministry's responsibilities are bilateral and multilateral relations, engagement with intergovernmental organisations, ensurnig Durland's foreign policy interests are met, developing geopolitical strategies, and providing support for Durlish citizens overseas.
Throughout most of the country's history, Durlish foreign policy has largely focussed on neutrality and engagement with different opposing geopolitical blocs. In recent years, this policy has transformed into a more proactive stance. In 2024, Durland became an observer state of the Gintarian Economic Community.
Military
The Royal Durland Armed Forces consists of the Royal Durland Army, the Royal Durland Naval Service, and the Royal Durland Air Force. The commander-in-chief is the monarch, although day-to-day management of the armed forces is handled by the Ministry of Defence. The professional head of the armed forces is the Chief of the General Staff.
The principal duty of the armed forces is to defend Durland's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. In addition to this role, it also participates in combat, non-combat, humanitarian, and peace support operations at home and abroad. Since 1967, military service has been wholly voluntary, with no form of conscription currently enforced. The age of 18 is currently the legal minimum age for enlistment, although younger persons may join various cadet forces.
There are currently around 50,000 active troops, with an additional 23,000 reservists. Not included in official numbers but occasionally placed under military command are border guards, of which there are around 3,000 active personnel. The military budget is set by an Act of Parliament, and is estimated to constitute between 1.7 and 1.9% of GDP.
Administrative divisions
Durland is divided into six counties (Durlish: peitkant(e)). The counties are further subdivided into forty municipalities. The most populous county is the County of Herran, with the capital in the Municipality of Herran, having a population of 938,201.
Counties are governed by County Assemblies elected by residents every three years. Each assembly then elects an Assembly Executive to function as the county's local government. The Leader of the Assembly Executive is responsible for representing the interests of their county to the national government. County assemblies have power over various local matters not the immediate responsibility of the national government. As a unitary state, counties possess only those powers explicitly granted to them and do not possess any independent powers or jurisdiction. However, each county may manage its affairs how it wishes, so long as it complies with law. As such, some counties (like Herran) are decentralised, with many functions transferred to the municipalities, whereas others (usually those with smaller populations) are more centralised in their power structure. In those counties where power is centralised, municipalities possess limited powers over local matters (e.g., waste, planning permission etc.).
A number of exclaves and enclaves exist among the different counties. Whilst many of these have since been absorbed into their surrounding county, many remain. These exist as a result of various different processes, but mostly due to county governments assuming ownership over private land held in other counties as a result of inheritance laws.
In addition to counties and municipalities, there are three titular duchies granted to members of the princely family. Princely duchies possess no formal administrative purposes and, in many cases, do not align with existing administrative boundaries. Historically, residents within a duchy paid a tribute to their duke, usually in the form of money. In modern times, this tribute is usually a good common to the area (such as a local food), which is offered to draw attention to both the area and its economy. Despite this, duchies continue to be regarded as formal administrative areas for the purposes of law, although they are classed separately as nominal divisions under the Crown. The three extant duchies are those of Crara and Geillen (corresponding to their respective counties), and Mardan (in Altinen).
Economy
The economy of Durland is an emerging upper-middle income economy, with a high Human Development Index. The private sector amounts to over 70 percent of GDP, an increase on the 50 percent in 1970. Since the transition to a stable multi-party parliamentary democracy in the late 1920s and 1930s, the economy has steadily emerged as a strong performer. Growth has remained relatively high throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, although with periods of instability in the 1970s and 1990s. Although having declined significantly in the last twenty years, unemployment and poverty remain significant issues for the Durlish economy, further exasperated by demographic factors. Nonetheless, productivity growth has been consistent, and the once-significant proportion of the population reliant on some form of social assistance has sharply declined. Despite this, the average salary remains amongst the lowest amongst comparable economies (approximately Ka.1102 ($950) per month).
Durland's largest trading partners are Garindina and Baltica. The Karana is its official currency. Durland, since 2024, has been an observer of the Gintarian Economic Community and enjoys free trade with a number of nearby states.
Durland's economy is dominated by the services sector, which constitutes around 55-60 percent of GDP and employing around 45 percent of the population. Agriculture remains an important, if declining, sector; it accounts for up to 23 percent of GDP and employs 37 percent of the workforce - the highest proportion amongst comparable economies. Industry is a growing sector, with clothing and textiles, metals and mining, and auto-parts amongst the leading industries.
The economy's primary exports are food, machinery and industrial equipment, crude oil, coal, natural gas, and live animals. Amongst the most recent of exports is Durl wine. Due to changes in climate and relaxed rules relating to the production and distribution of wine, since the late twentieth century wine has grown to be a significant part of Durland's exports, with up to 30 million litres of wine exported in 2021. Additionally, information and communication technology (ICT) has become a growing economic sector, with computing degrees and related qualifications possessing increasing prestigiousness amongst recent generations of Durls.
Transport
Transport in Durland is overseen by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. The two primary transport agencies are the Durland Roads and Highways Authority and the Durland Air Transport and Aviation Authority. These two authorities are responsible for construction, maintenance, and regulation of roads and highways, and for civil aviation and airports respectively.
The premier air gateway to Durland is the Herran International Airport, which also serves as the hub for Durland's national flag carrier airline, Durland Airways. The airport carried more than 4 million passengers 2018, with connections to several destinations in Alharu and elsewhere. The Paarka International Airport similarly serves a number of destinations, with plans to further expand capacity so to reduce pressure on Herran International Airport. A number of airports serving domestic flights also exist across the country.
The Haamunin 1 (H1) highway is the primary transportation corridor in Durland, and the longest motorway in the country. It links Herran in the west of mainland Durland to Gaas in the south. The Haamunin 2 (H2) highway on the island of Elren connects Arbdeer in the east with Omnrel in the west. The H2 is connected with H1 by the Trans-Durland Bridge which connects the two parts of the country. Highways are managed by the Roads and Highways Authority, with county governments responsible for low-level maintenance and traffic management. A number of Eedelraase (lit. primary route) connect the H1 and H2 with other cities and towns, with several of these being similar in size and significance to H roads.
The major Durlish port is the Port of Gera. It is the largest port in Durland in terms of container passport, and has better access to the Ygros Sea than most coastal ports in northern Alharu. Most maritime passenger transport takes place in Koper, although smaller ports in Herran and Rellen provide additional passenger and cargo transport hubs. Most pssenger transport takes place between Durland and Garindina and Ahrana.
The primary route in the Durlish rail network is the Herran-Mardan Line, which runs through the "economic triad" of Herran, Hislegaar, and Saasila. Durland's rail lines are owned by the Durlish government, which then leases the right to operate on these lines to private companies.
Demographics
The total fertility rate (TFR) in 2019 was estimated to be 1.91, which is slightly lower than the replacement rate of 2.1. This is an increase on 1999 levels, which were estimated to be 1.43. The majority of births are to married women, although a substantial number (around 40 percent of the total) are to unmarried women, with recent growth due to relaxed social attitudes towards extra-marital sex. Life expectancy in 2015 was estimated to be 75.30 years (73.11 years for males and 77.53 years for females). The 2019 census recorded that women make up around 53 percent of the population, with men making up 47 percent. Every year, slightly more girls are born than boys, although from the age of 70 there are more boys.
In 2019, ethnic Durls formed approximately 84.2 percent of the population, while 5.2 percent were Baltican, 3.1 percent were Espalian, 2 percent were Garindinian, and 5.5 percent classed as belonging to another ethnic group. The majority of ethnic minorities live in major cities, with over 60 percent residing in Herran. In the towns and villages on the Espalian border, Durls are generally a plurality, with the majority of Espalians residing in the border regions.
Durland's ethnic diversity has arisen due to its history of foreign rule, its location on the Ygros Sea trade route, and changing relations with neighbouring states. Garindinia conquered Durland in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, with colonial settlement in the colony continuing until the 1840s. Similarly, Baltican trading ports established in the seventeenth century led to the development of Baltican communities along the coast. Although a large number of Garindinians left Durland following its independence in the 1870s, many remained and a new wave of Garindinian immigrants from the 1970s have helped to increase these numbers. Economic relations with Espalia have also encouraged immigration between the two countries, with many moving for work and others moving with their families.
Religion in Durland (2019)
Religion
According to the 2019 census, 49.9 percent of Durlish residents were Christianis, the region having been Christianised in the 10th century. The predominant Christian denomination is Orthodoxy, of which a quarter percent of Durlish Christians belong. Although some Orthodox communities existed prior to colonisation, the annexation of upper and lower Durland by Garindinian in the early eighteenth century and the forced conversion of the Durlish population was the primary driving force behind its growth.WhiteSmoke
Protestants make up the largest non-Orthodox group, although no single Protestant denomination constitutes the majority. Unlike in most countries with a significant Protestant population, many Durlish Protestants are converts, with a significant number of descendants either not retaining their faith or converting to anther Christian denomination.
7.1 percent of population are Catholic, with many of these being among the Baltican minority or partially descended from them. During the 1850s and 1860s, there was a movement that advocated conversion from Orthodoxy to Catholicism as a form of protest against continued Garindinian rule. This was largely unsuccessful in convincing large parts of the population, although a significant number did convert (at least nominally) during this time.
Since the 1960s, there has been a significant increase in the number of non-religious Durls. This was partly encouraged by a significant change in social morals in the 1960s and 1970s, and an irreverence amongst the young towards institutions of authority. According to census records and successive studies, non-religious Durls are among the youngest and most educated. They are generally from the middle classes, although a significant number now come from working class families. Today, a plurality of Durls are non-religious or are unaffiliated.
Language
Durlish is the sole official language of Durland. At a county and municipal level, local governments may recognise and support co-official language where large minority groups exist. Espalian is recognised as a co-official regional language in some municipalities in eastern Portugal, where comparatively large numbers of Espalians live. Although 3.1 percent of the Durlish population self-identify as Espalian, only around half of Espalians in Durland actively speak Espalian. Approximately 99,000 people speak Espalian in Durland.
Durls generally have a high proficiency level in Anglish, as a response to the importance of international trade to the Durlish economy.
Education
Education in Durland is based on three levels of education: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary and secondary are free compulsory and provided through the Ministry of Education. Primary and secondary level education is split into years: primary consists of 6 years (age 5 to 11) and secondary consists of 5 years (11-16), with study beginning in late September and ending in June or July.
Primary education offers general study across multiple subject areas. In the final year, students undertake a series of examinations to determine skills and abilities. Upon successful completion, pupils enter secondary schools and may specialise in particular fields, including sports, languages, and technology. According to law, all primary and secondary education is secular and it is illegal to discriminate on grounds of religion in application procedures. The majority of these schools are state-run, whilst a small but increasing number are private, fee-paying schools. All schools, whether state or private, are required to follow the same curriculum. The literacy rate is 99.5 percent for males and 98.9 percent for females.
Since 2021, the school leaving age is 18; students may leave at 16 if they are in work or have an apprenticeship. Tertiary education consists of further and higher education. Further education includes colleges, technical schools, and further education centres, which provide academic qualifications as well as vocational courses. The majority of students enter college, which is the most common route into university. Students aged 16-18 do not pay for further education. Higher education consists of university-level study. There are currently seven universities in Durland which offer bachelor, master, and doctoral-level courses.
Most schools require students to study a foreign language, although this is an optional part of the curriculum. The most common language is Anglish, although schools have some degree of flexibility in which languages they teach.
Healthcare
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Healthcare in Durland consists of a mixture of private and public healthcare. Public healthcare is provided through the Ministry of Health and funded through taxation (primarily through health insurance). The health ministry is the primary operator of the majority of the country's hospitals and medical practices and is one of the largest single employers in the country. There are also a large number of private hospitals and health centres, with many public health services outsourced to private institutions and companies.
The average healthy life expectancy at birth is 75.30 years and outperforms many similarly-developed countries. The infant mortality rate is estimated to be 13 per 1,000 life births, although there are few recent studies and statistics.
In 2018, Durland spent 8.1 percent of GDP on healthcare, down from 8.9 percent in 2015 but up from 7.5 percent in 2010. There are currently 60 hospitals and 15 clinics in Durland, with a capacity of 18,2013. There are around 5,000 medical doctors employed as of 2019, and a total of almost 60,000 healthcare workers and staff.
The principal cause of death amongst Durls in 2015 was cardiovascular disease (40.1 percent for men and 49.3 percent for women), followed by tumors (31.3 percent for men and 29.4 percent for women). There are a large number of smokers in Durland, estimated to be around 35-40 percent according to 2015-2016 government-sponsored studies, with around a quarter of the population also being classed as overweight or obese. Neuropsychiatric diseases have grown in recent years, particularly due to increased isolation; abuse of drugs; demographic, social, and economic changes; and institutional recognition and treatment of various disorders.
Culture
Literature
Medieval Durlish literature, from the 10th to the 16th centuries, consisted largely of lyric (including prayers, songs, and formulas) and epic (mostly in the form of legends). Lyric remained largely controlled by the Church, and followed a standardised structure. Many of these writings have been lost, although some survive in their original form or through references in contemporary sources (e.g., observations, official reports, and church court papers). Beginning in the 15th century, many of these sources were written in Old Standard Durlish. Epics, which were largely written in Old Standard Durlish from the 13th century, covered various subject matters, with romance, tragedies, and military epics being predominant. Authors from this period include Gathin Erjdi and Paadyn Eetenys, the latter remaining a national figure in Durlish literary history.
A prominent part of Durlish literature is the Durlish ghost story (Durlish: Naagetaal Doorlan; lit. "Durlish dark tale"). These stories are often moral tales, following the general style of an immoral main character who encounters the supernatural, either receiving their comeuppance or learning the error of their ways. These stories stretch back over a millennia and examples survive from the 1000s. Prominent examples of these include the Da Kaar ne da Haans ("The Cat and the Man") and Da Naagekam ("The Dark Room"). Amongst the most famous Durlish writers are Jeenas Lamjas (1875-1963) and Elysne Daala (1900-1987), both of whom pioneered the modern dark tale.
Much of the literature during the middle period of the colonial era (c.1770-1850) contained implicit (and sometimes explicit) references to Durlish sovereignty and anti-Garindinian sentiment. Although Garindinian authorities sought to suppress the writing as subversive, and between 1812 and 1817 there were unsuccessful attempts to suppress the Durlish language itself, significant amounts of this writing has survived and have become part of what is known as the "Durlish national story" - a semi-mythic account of Durlish history consisting of both fabricated and historical actors and events.
Media
Durlish media is predominated by extensive print and television media. Media is regulated by the Broadcasting Standards Authority, an administrative agency of the Ministry of Culture, which is responsible for outlining, implementing, and enforcing standards and rules across radio, television, and print.
The Durlish Broadcasting Corporation (Durlish: Reikantnuluin Doorlan; lit. Durlish Realm Broadcasting), also known by its initials RND, is the government-owned public broadcasting authority and the largest media organisation in Durland. The RND provides television, radio, and internet services, funded by a television license payable by all residents with access to RND television services. The RND broadcasts primarily in Durlish, although some services are provided in Espalian and an international service in Anglish.
A number of private broadcasting companies exist alongside the RND. These include Zenfel Kaijeen ("Channel 7"), Dakan Gaullasnuluin ("Independent Broadcasting Company"), and the Teek Maaran ("Maaran Talk"). Several local broadcasting companies exist, many confined to either counties or cities, and operate alongside local services provided by the RND and others.
Previously being the predominant form of media, radio has significantly declined as the primary means of media consumption. Several hundred radio stations exist, with many of these being locally oriented in a move away from national television broadcasting. A study in 2022 found that around 40 percent of respondents received local news primarily from local radio, compared to only 8 percent that received national news from the same source.
Like radio, newspaper consumption has declined significantly with the rise of the internet and smartphones. The largest newspaper is the Tomonpost ("Daily Post"), with a circulation of approximately 329,000 in 2019, down from a million in 1989. The majority of newspapers now operate online, either solely or alongside print editions.
Cuisine
Historically, th Durlish national diet largely consisted of fish and simple food that could be grown on small farms. Because subsistence farming was the main source of food for the majority of Durls, dishes tended to include a consistent set of basic foods with little variety but many nutrients. These included sprat and herring, the most common fish in the Ygros Sea, and potatoes and corn, and meat from pigs, cows, and other livestock. This cuisine remained largely unchanged for centuries until interactions with other maritime powers in the 16th and 17th centuries.
During winter months, jams, preserves, and pickles were historically consumed due to their ease of making and storing. Because of the proliferation of supermarkets and other food shops, this practice has declined - although it continues in rural areas where access to such stores is more limited.
Seafood continues to account for a large proportion of the local diet, as does meat. This is primarily due to the ease of access, although commercial fishing has declined since the 1990s due to environmental concerns. Since the 1950s, the Durlish economy has increasingly relied on exporting unique Durlish cuisine, including Durlish cheese (coming in various varieties and flavours), with such exports an important part in promoting Durland's identity overseas.
Since the repeal of prohibition in 1937, beer and other alcoholic beverages have also become an important part of both the national economy and also of local economies. Beer is brewed on a commercial scale by over a dozen breweries across the country, with the Mormora Brewery in Eerti County being the largest and most popular. Due to the continued implementation of the Brewing and Distribution of Alcohol Act of 1940, brewers are limited in what ingredients they can include as part of their beers, although in recent years a relaxation in the law has allowed new flavours and varieties.
