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Norvinia

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Unitary Republic of Norvia
Flag of norvia.png
Flag
Norvish Emblem.png
Coat of arms
Motto: "Praevalebimus"
Tis Shall Prevail
Anthem: “Nation once again”
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NV map2.png
Norvia Location
Capital
and largest city
Ashborne
Recognised regional languages
  • Common
  • Tonnermy
  • Bakyernian
Ethnic groups
(c. 2022)
  • 75% Norvish
  • 13% Njordic
  • 7% Bakyernnian
  • 3% Hafnierlann
  • 2% Other
Religion
  • 60% Agnostic
  • 21% Illaeni
  • 10% Christianity
  • 7% Riikijastism
  • 2% Other
Demonym(s)Norvish
GovernmentUnitary Republic
• President
Haerthley Aidenth
LegislatureThe Assembly
Establishment
• Kingdom of Gwinneth
5th Century
• Ruther Aristocracy
11th Century
• Bakyernn Hegemony
1711
• 2nd Norvish Kingdom
1827
• The New Republic
1929
Area
• Total
345,051 km2 (133,225 sq mi)
Population
• 2022 census
18.5 Million
• Density
53.6/km2 (138.8/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)estimate
• Total
488 Billion ACU
• Per capita
29,593 ACU
HDIIncrease 0.871
very high
CurrencyRoulle (℟)
Time zone-3 to -4
Driving sideright
Calling code+12
Internet TLD.ardn

Norvia is a sovereign country located off the centre-northeast Thuadia. The Norvish Mainland is located above Greater Bakyernn State and Grimburg Island just few kilometres north of East Othinia. The country's temperate climate and large forest area, including the Calisbrooke range, owe much to Norvish natural parks & trails. The Unitary Republic includes the mainland, Grimburg territorial isles, Dunsmouth island, and many smaller outpost islands. Norvia share contigents of border with several nation, particulary Bakyernn to the south who separated by highly mountainous region, and overseas territory of Hanieflann to the north. Otherwise, Norvia located ashore east Rimidic Ocean, is considered a developed country by giving it the one of the stable GDPs and well educated citizen. The total area by land is XXXX square km (XXX sq mi).

The country has its roots in Bakyern hegemony of the region during the 17th century. The declaration for separation war (1810) was followed by an extended period of conflict that lasted until 1837, culminating in the country's reorganization as an independent unitary state. The country thereafter enjoyed relative peace and stability, with several waves of immigration, mainly Njordic and Sventsan, slowly reshaping its cultural and demographic outlook; almost 60% of the population has full or partial Illanean ancestry.

The population of Norvia counted as 18.5 million (2022), with Norvish took up the majority in ethnicity. A developed country, Norvinia ranks highly in international comparisons of national performance, such as well-adjusted tax system, education, public utilities, and economic freedom. Country underwent major economic changes during the 1930s and 1980s, which transformed it from a protectionist to a liberalised free-trade economy. The service sector dominates the national economy, followed by silver manufacturing and forestry.

Etymology

In Common language, the name "Norvinia/Norvia" comes from the ancient tornemmy language Nordynnea; means "(blessed) of land, by the angel". The name Norvinia was first originated during aristoractic regime, given by his majesty, King Ruther Leofwine. At the time, many were confounded with the term. After several petty disagreement, the word "Norvia" is settled for the realm, though either name can be used together. The post-independent included the widely use of the name "Republic of Norvia" in civil matters. The term "Norvo" was also commonly used..

History

Origins

Thuadia is one of the first major continent settled by humans. As time goes by, radiocarbon dating, evidence of deforestation and mitochondrial DNA variability within early populations suggest that the indigenous ancestors of the native norvish were nomadic hunters of thuadian germanic group and indigenous settlers far from Pryborne to Promantia who migrated over the Norrteric sea and Klaue bay into Norvia probably during the last glacial period (11,500–30,000 years ago).

The remains of dugout boats have been found at excavations in waterlogged environments, where wood is preserved. Many of the boats have been excavated by divers at underwater settlements or found during peat-digging, these boats resembled what we now know as canoes, and most were made with the hollowed out trunk of a big tree with improvised use of logs, clay, and leaves. Large group of settlers migrated to east presumeably due to cold climate, now known as Grimburg Island, where they developed their distinct tonnermy culture.

By then the norvish region was known little until it was visited by numerous Baks and Gabriells merchants. They traded modern food, metal tools, weapons, and other goods for timber, artefacts, and water. From the late 9th century, few self-proclaimed purple blood missionaries began to proclaim the Norvia Aristocrat, eventually integrating and converting some of the population with cultural convergence and communality.

Kingdom & Aristocracy - 11th Century

Old Depictions of King Ruther Leofwine

In late 11th century, Ruther Leofwine, after years of unifying the people, managed to capture the large town of Ashborne, and established the Norvo Kingdom. During his long reign, Ruther provided the poorest farmers with basic medical aid, which some say led to the birth of welfare. Norvo, becoming informally known as Norvia. After securing the throne and consolidating strength, Ruther attacked the southern mountain tribe, in a show of strength. The successive battles dramatically increased the fame of the Medieval Army across the Thuadian continent, birthing a long martial tradition that remains prevalent to this day. This was Ruther's first successful conquest, expanding the Norvish realm eastwards by capturing the region of Grimburg island, and proof the new regime was worthy of the Norvish people's trust. Swiftly followed by further expansion to southern mountain range, this was truly the high point of Ruther's reign.

Norvish Kingdom continued in prosperity and advance up for more than 500 years, but that would not last long. In 1620 Bakyernn declared war on Norvo to get its riches, so that the former could rebuild itself from the mess of the War of the Dying Orcids. At first, things went very badly for Norvia, with many cities being captured. Then, Eonarius succeeded his father as King, and allied himself with The Sventsan, who at the time, were also fighting against Baks. He married the Queen Lenna, starting a union that would be known as the Norvo-Sventsan Commonwealth. When Lenna died in 1703, Sventsan left the war, this of course was a huge blow to Norvia capabilities as the following years would see a decline in power. After many more years of bloody fighting, the 2 nations signed an armistice in 1710, with Bakyernn winning the war, taking over the country and sets the official claim of authority over Norvia

Colonial Peried & Separation - 1710 to 1827

Norvinia was administered as part of the Baks territory on June 1711. Civilians armed conflict began between the colonial government and Norvish with the Wrengate Affray over land and disagreements over the autonomy. These conflicts, mainly in the western Harthorne, saw thousands of imperial troops come to the region and massacred hundreds of civil populace, this became known as the Red-Water conflict. Following these armed conflicts, large amounts of southeastern Norvish was confiscated by the harsh Bakyernnian demands of no dissent policy.

Great Fire of Lorieth, November 1799

In 1799, resentment towards the Baks authority over raiding and burning the city of Lorieth - the second most important cities in the province fuelled massive support for rebellion. In the decades preceding the war, Norvish became increasingly discontented with the rule. A major concern involved the forbiddance for mutual education and increased taxation imposed. The first separatist movement initially articulated by Duke Millius of Ashborne who wanted to achieve power by gathering up resistance movement across the city. This eventually developed into an overarching controversy among Baks aristocrat themselves who were against the rebels. Religious resistance, on the other hand, came with the imposition of an ecclesiastical hierarchy for all of the Baks territories. This created resistance in the eastern provinces, which had already embraced secularism.

On April 1810 under the leadership of the exiled Duke Millius, the Norvia separatist continued their resistance. They eventually were able to oust the blue-coat armies, and in 1837 they reestablished the Kingdom of Norvia with King Millius coronation. The war continued in other areas, although the heartland of the country was no longer threatened.

Post-Independence

For about a few decades later, and Norvinia would remain peaceful. An ethnic minority known as the Illaneans of Njordrlann and Sventsan territory migrated into Norvia to escape the brutal clash from the invaders. Initially, Norvish welcomed them as brothers and friends, having been persecuted with horrific efficiency by their previous rulers. The Illaneans living under Norvish rule were treated with extreme lenience by the King Millius, who gave them as much freedom as possible, granted citizenship to most all, and allowed the minority to slowly assimilate into Norvish culture. A new designation, Norvilan, was established for those who accepted Norvish citizenship. By then King Millius was put to rest and his son, Darius inherited the throne.

Queen Olieanna
King Mortimer
Queen Olieanna & King Mortimer

However, in 1875, the Bakyernnian regime embargoed and denounced the Kingdom as a result of territorial disputes between the two nations. At this time, the great Bak army was larger than all other nations' thus a significantly large navy in Norrteric sea and posed an existential threat to norvish trade. Norvia at the time was heavily dependent on sea-bound trade in Norrteric, and a naval blockade such as that imposed by the Baks was obviously catastrophic for the nation. The embargo damaged the kingdom extensively and caused further diplomatic isolation in this precarious time.

Internally, a great many issues also came to the fore, from Darius failing to birth male heirs to his continually diminishing status in the eyes of both the people and his inner circle. His only child, a young girl named Jule, was too young to rule and despised by the Royal advisors, who deemed her too young and unfit to lead. This left Darius cousin, Queen Olieanna, holder of Iverleigh Dukedom took control in 1889. The kingdom saw significant changes from social construct of mutual equality and abolished unnecessary gender limitations/requirement to hold government positions.

The ruling elites were convened by the Assembly to adopt the new constitution of the Republic, 1929

After Olieanna's death, King Mortimer coronated in 1913, and in just a few years he made a decision that would shape the rest of his reign: he seized all national assets, shifted them into his personal treasury, and discontinued many of the expensive welfare systems that were established before his rule. Mortimer's iron grip procedeed with heavy state surveillance and excessive authority, anyone who deemed against the state little by little will be held charges. Naturally, the move backfired and resulted in the largest protest in Norvish history. Realizing the king was not the perfect and infallible savior he had seemingly been for so long, the disgruntled people rallied behind the leader of the Republican faction in the King’s Parliament, Alnwick Arveton Jibrana. A liberal and national movement gained momentum after King Mortimer's authoritarian method further fuels distrusts. Nearly 5,000 suspected dissidants were arrested and 310 people were convicted of treason, this is what's known as The Friction Days.

However, paranoia and distrust among civil populace already high. In 1929, at the request of the Assembly, King Mortimer renounced his domain control over Norvinia and after intense negotiations among political figures led by advisor Alnwick Arveton Jibrana, who became the first president later on. They achieved its reform process by formalising the legal transition from the old monarchy unto a new republican political system, confirming that the royals could no longer legislate without the consent of Assembly. Norvinia peacefully became a republic ever since. A new constitution established a two chamber legislative systems. Nonetheless, the country still retained letting King Mortimer and his children resides in Norvinia under state provision until today.

The New Republic & Civil War

Just after King Mortimer was overthrown and Norvia was reorganized, Jibrana was elected unanimously as the First President of the country. His administration got off to an auspicious start, as a new constitution was made, transforming the nation into a republic. Elections were scheduled for every 4 years, and implemented new open market reform with redistribution of obsolete welfare and education system.

Bombardment of Bakyern's forward outpost during Battle of Sonara, 1955

In 1953, Bakyernnian and Norvish went head to head with border clashes, eventually triggering the War of the Broken Hills which comprises of skirmishes and mountain guerilla warfare. For the next 5 years, a 78 km-long strip of mostly unpopulated, and little explored territory, deep in the Calisbrooke mountain range and almost inaccessible by land, was the graveyard for thousands of troops from both sides; this served as a flashpoint for recurrent diplomatic and military crisis between Norvia and Bakyern. Ultimately, norvish troops weren't able to fend off the resistance and by early 1958 the treaty of morna was signed, with more than 30 to 80 square kilometres secceded to Bakyernnian territory. This was a huge blow for norvish image, especially for president Raymont who saw severe dissapointment from military generals and public alike.

The bombing of government's palace on 24 May 1958 by the Nationalist Militia

With president Raymont's already weak grip over the recent events that loosened it's government image, many saw an opportunity to rebuild Norvia in their own image. Two major military leaders, Generals Oswin and Iannick, were of such an opinion. Oswin launched a coup, with goals to seize control over the Norvish government, and reigned to upheld the nationalist pride, until a government counter-coup was launched by Iannick under president's order of emergency. On May 22, 1958, tanks rolled up to schools, and soldiers pointed their guns at students. And so began the darkest time in Norvish history: the Norvish Civil War.

The height of hostilities occurred from 1962 and pitted nationalist militias against an array of groups, including the government, the Torch of Liberty party followers and ethnic minority of Norvish-Baks from southern region. In large part due to the foreign support they received, the nationalist militias were able to soundly defeat government forces and went on what has been described as a violation of human rights saw hundreds of opposition fighter executed in kangaroo court, mostly were concentrated in areas south of the country and included the murder of prominent individuals, mass killings, the burning of villages and the expulsion of the Baks population into Bakyernn. Thousand even fled into Hafnierlann and Bakyernn, it was a gloomy year.

The war ended later in December 1968, when the government forces captured the last territory held by the nationalist militia, forcing them to surrender unconditionally. The victorious government under VP Garry Maxwell, after Raymont's critical health condition prohibits further reign. Garry assumed control of the country, with rejoice from the citizen and international community. Though Garry only served as president for several years, he already contributes largely on a programme of rebuilding the infrastructure and economy of the country, bringing violent perpetrators to trial, and promoting reconciliation between each political factions. He was hailed as a hero by the people, he entered his first term with goodwill and charisma, declaring "Praevalebimus" or "We will Prevail" to the jubilant and euphoric crowds chanting his name.

Geography

Norvinia is located in the Thuadia Continent of Anteria and covers an area of XXXX km2 (XXXX sq mi). It lies between latitudes XX° and xx° N, and mostly between longitudes XX° and XX°. It has around XX kilometres (XX mi) of sandy coastline. The rest of the coast is sheltered by the Curonian sand peninsula. Norvinia's major warm-water port, Pearla, lies at the narrow mouth of the Raindale Lagoon, a shallow lagoon extending east to Grimburg strait. The country's main and largest river, the Eugena River, and some of its tributaries carry international shipping.

Norvia lies at the edge of the Northeast Thuadian Forest Region. Its landscape was smoothed by the glaciers of the last ice age, and is a combination of moderate lowlands and highlands. Its highest point is Point Aleymont Hill at 1,300 metres in the southern part of the country. Lympton is the largest, Gyrra is the deepest and Villana is the longest lake in Norvia.

Climate

Norvia has a temperate climate that has been described in various sources as either humid continental or oceanic/maritime. Coastal regions, especially Grimburg island and the western coast of the Iverleigh State , possess a more maritime climate with cooler summers and milder winters, while eastern parts exhibit a more continental climate with warmer summers and harsher winters.

The country has four pronounced seasons of near-equal length. Winter starts in mid-December and lasts until mid-March. Winters have average temperatures of −6 °C (21 °F) and are characterized by stable snow cover, bright sunshine, and short days. Severe spells of winter weather with cold winds, extreme temperatures of around −30 °C (−22 °F) and heavy snowfalls are common. Summer starts in June and lasts until August. Summers are usually warm and sunny, with cool evenings and nights. Summers have average temperatures of around 19 °C (66 °F), with extremes of 35 °C (95 °F). Spring and autumn bring fairly mild weather. Severe storms are rare in the western part of Norvia but common in the coastal areas.

Environment

Most of the country is composed of fertile lowland plains and moderate hills. In a typical Norvish landscape, a mosaic of vast forests alternates with fields, farmsteads, and pastures. Arable land is spotted with birch groves and wooded clusters, which afford a habitat for numerous plants and animals. Norvia has hundreds of kilometres of undeveloped seashore—lined by pine forests, dunes, and continuous white sand beaches. Country is one of the highest proportion of land covered by forests in the Thuadia, and Anteria with the forests account for 53% of the total land area.

Forest has long been one of the most important natural resources in Norvinia. Forests occupy almost half of the country's territory and timber-related industrial production accounts for almost 25% industrial production in the country. Norvinia has 8 national parks, 50 regional parks, 402 nature reserves, 368 state-protected natural heritage objects.

Biodiversity

There is a very good level of knowledge about the biodiversity of Norvia. It is estimated that the number of species in the country totals around 43,000, of which 18,000 species are plants and fungi and 25,000 animals (of which around 700 species are vertebrates). There are 485 communities of plants (using the Braun-Blanquet method), which characterizes the entire biodiversity of land, freshwater and marine communities. Around 12 % of them are endemic communities. Several nature reserves protect unspoiled landscapes with a variety of large animals. At many Nature Reserve, where bison, wild horses, and recreated aurochs have been reintroduced, there is now an almost complete Holocene megafauna also including moose, deer, and wolves.

White Wagtail
Barred Owl
White Wagtail & Barred Owl

Norvinia is characterised by a rich mosaic of habitats which are the result of massive untouched forest region, particularly in western areas. A considerable portion of agricultural areas has high natural value, providing refuge for threatened flora and fauna. Thanks to small scale agriculture, Norvia has retained to this day local crop varieties and traditional breeds. Nature in Norvia has been negatively affected by human development at varying levels within the country: unevenly spread mining industrialisation and urbanisation coexist with large areas characterised by agriculture and extensive ancient forests

Several species of flora and fauna are considered national symbols. Hazel (Corylus), Almond (Prunus dulcis) and linden (Tilia cordata) are Norvinia's national trees and the orchid as its national flower. The white wagtail (Motacilla alba) and Barred owl (Strix varia) is Norvinia's national bird. The wildlife populations have rebounded as the hunting became more restricted and urbanization allowed replanting forests (forests already tripled in size since their lows). Currently, Norvia has approximately 250,000 larger wild animals or 5 per each square kilometre. The most prolific large wild animal in every part of the country is the roe deer, with 120,000 of them. They are followed by boars (55,000). Other ungulates are the deer (~22,000), fallow-deer (~21,000) and the largest one: moose (~7,000).

Politics

Government

National Assembly
Structure
NV assembly2.svg
Political groups
  •   National Initiative Party: 139 seats
  •   Moderate Commisionary Alliance: 80 seats
  •   Torch of Liberty: 47 seats
  •   SDECO: 24 seats
  •   The Prosperity Party: 10 seats
Haerthley Aidenth, the current and 13th President

Norvinia is a unitary presidential republic. The country has maintained a stable liberal democratic political system under its constitution, which is relatively one of the newest, since the Republic in 1929. Furthermore, the constitution specifies the protection of people's rights and liberty, as well as principles for the delegation and exercise of sovereignty that belongs to the people of Norvia. The president is elected by instant-runoff electoral system. President is the commander-in-chief of the military, have limited veto on legislative bills before they become law (subject to parliamentary override), can issue presidential decrees on matters regarding executive power with exception of fundamental rights, individual rights and certain political rights (though it must past the Assembly vote before such decree can be enacted), and appoints the members of the Cabinet and other officers, who administer and enforce national laws and policies.

The bicameral National Assembly of Norvinia consists of two Houses: the lower house is called the Delegation Board and the upper house is named the Advocative Board. As of 2022, the lower house has 232 members, each elected from single-member constituencies, known as electoral divisions (commonly referred to as "electorates" or "seats") using full-preference instant-runoff voting. This tends to lead to the chamber being dominated by three/four major groups, the Moderate Comissionary Alliance, Torch of Liberty and the National Initiative Party. The government of the day must achieve the confidence of this House to gain and hold power. The upper house, the Advocative Board, is also popularly elected, under the single transferable vote system of proportional representation. There are a total of 68 advocates: 4 advocates are elected from each of the 17 Norvish provinces (regardless of population and size).

Norvinia's judiciary, headed by the chief justice, includes the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, the High Court, and subordinate courts. Judges and judicial officers are appointed non-politically and under strict rules regarding tenure to help maintain judicial independence nad absolute neutrality. This theoretically allows the judiciary to interpret the law based solely on the legislation enacted by Assembly without other influences on their decisions

Foreign Relation

Norvinia has pursued the cause of international trade liberalisation. The country contributed much for several economic organization and is a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Anterian Trade Organization (ATO). In recent decades, Norvinia has entered into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Thuadian Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership multilateral free trade agreements as well as bilateral free trade agreements with the Visargia, Njordrlann, Sventsa, Lethia, and Sauthar, this is known as Norvish Economic Relation Agreement.

The other defining aspect of Norvish foreign policy was the country's long-standing strategic dedication with neutrality. A Doctrine in around 1899 enunciated by Queen Olieanna with the intentions to guarantee the non-aligned international stance and neutrality of Norvia, however, such doctrine were predicted to lose influence among current politics, resulted in large-scale norvish military and economic favor/support for non Sekidean Union member.

Norvinia maintains a deeply integrated relationship with cultural brother Njordrlann & Lethia, with reduced limitations of VISA in mobility of citizens between the three countries under the Trifecta Travel Arrangement and free trade under the Norvish Economic Relations Agreement (NERA). The most favourably viewed countries by the Norvish people in 2022 include Sventsa, East Othinia, Njordrlann & Lethia, Artemisya, Flatstone, Visargia, Aleni and New Greenia. A member country of the Anterian World Assembly, Norvia is strongly committed to multilateralism, and maintains an international aid program under which some 15 countries receive assistance. Norvinia ranks fifteenth to twentieth overall in the Center for Global Development's and Commitment to Development Index.

Military

Norvish Army as Ceremonial Guard
Resolute class Frigate seaborne drills

The Norvish Armed Forces consist of the General Staff, the Ground Forces, the Air Force and the Navy. The Chief of the General Staff is appointed by the President. President is responsible to the Assembly for matters of national security and the adequate preparation of the armed forces to defend the country. However, the authority to declare war and to deploy the Norvish Armed Forces to foreign countries or to allow foreign armed forces to be stationed in Norvia rests solely with the National Assembly.

The core elements are:

Other branches such as Gendarmerie and Coast guard serve under the Ministry of Interior.

The Norvish Armed Forces consist of some 107,755 active personnel, majority of number comes from the ground force and navy. Several 35,100 which may be reinforced by reserve forces. The Ground Forces, employed total of 66,000 personnel (not including civillian). The Navy, the strongest and most prioritized branch of the country employed more than 49,300 personnel operating around 158 ships both combat and auxilliary. The Air Force comes in last at budget allocation, in total only 180 aircraft available for defense (Not including the army & navy's air fleet)

The Norvish National Defence Policy aims to guarantee the preservation of the independence and sovereignty of the state, the integrity of its land, territorial waters and airspace, and its constitutional order. Its main strategic goals are to defend the country's interests, and to maintain and expand the capabilities of its armed forces so they may contribute to and participate in the missions of Anterian Peacekeping Force.

Administrative Divisions

Administrative Map of Norvinia, includes 17 provinces:
Flag Name Capital City Area per Sq.Kilometres Total Population
County Flag of Suffolk.svg
Gwinneth Ashborne 4,001,124
Wing village flag.svg
Lothium Louthania 775,873
ARC Almirante o General de I.M.svg
Denaeria Reglata 617,323
Church in Wales flag.svg
Avonheath Merryfaire 433,841
Bandera Aizkraukle.png
Oakenbell Valona 418,062
Flag of Patagonia.svg
Benrock Olden 596,111
Flag of the West Midlands County.svg
Iverleigh Pearla 3,081,979
Unofficial County Flag of South Yorkshire.svg
Primrose Lorieth 2,023,254
Bloxwich town flag.svg
West Harthorne Gloucester 981,129
Drapeau fr département Cantal.svg
East Harthorne Wrengate 1,363,928
Flag of Moravia.svg
Calisbrooke Roithi 53,795
Bandera de la Provincia de Tierra del Fuego.svg
Sherwick Eterna 402,746
Unofficial Flag of Jamtland.svg
Fairmill Talrina 1,006,458
Flag of Northamptonshire.svg
Marswike Caerleon 622,841
Preston town flag.svg
North Grimburg Kingsholm 1,456,111
Graeco-Ottoman ensign.svg
Central Grimburg Hatrinch 345,936
Flag of Northumbria.svg
South Grimburg Brighton 279,909

Since 1975, Norvinia is mainly divided into 17 administrative region known as province: with 14 regions in the mainland, and 3 located overseas. These, in turn, are often subdivided into smaller administrative units known by counties, there are atleast 102 historical district including various autonomous city governorate. A counties is divided between several municipalities or districts.

Economy

Norvia's GDP growth from 1920 - 2000
Silver mining is one of the major contributor to nation's exports and economy

Norvia has an advanced market economy, ranked 16th in the Human Development Index and third in the 2022 Index of Economic Freedom. It is a high-income economy with a nominal gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of US$29,593. The currency is the Norvish Roulle(s). An emphasis on exporting commodities rather than manufactured goods has underpinned a significant increase in Norvinia's terms of trade since the start of the 21st century, due to rising commodity prices. Norvinia has a balance of payments that is more than 7% of GDP negative, and has had persistently large current account deficits for more than 50 years. The country has grown at an average annual rate of 3.6% for over 15 years, in comparison to the OECD annual average of 2.5%.

High demand for minerals from the helped Norvish achieve higher living standards among Thuadian contenders in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1960s, Norvia's export market was reduced during political instability and other compounding factors, such as the 1969 oil energy crises, led to a severe economic depression. Living standards in Norvia fell behind those of Thuadian countries, and by 1982 the country had the lowest per-capita income of all the developed nations surveyed by the World Bank. But In the mid-1980s Norvinia deregulated its mining sector by phasing out subsidies over a three-year period. Since then, successive governments engaged in major macroeconomic restructuring, rapidly transforming the country from a protectionist and highly regulated economy to a liberalised free-trade economy.

Privatisation in Norvia is almost complete. Virtually all of the previously state-owned small and medium companies have been privatised, leaving only a small number of politically sensitive large state companies. The Watkins Government followed with a partial deregulation of the labour market and the further privatisation of state-owned businesses. The indirect tax system was substantially changed in July 2000 with the introduction of a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST). The private sector accounted for 74% of the country's GDP in 2006.

As of 2022 interest rates in Norvia were set at a record low of 0.1%, targeting an inflation rate of 2 to 3%. The service sector of the economy, including education, healthcare, and financial services, accounts for about 60% of GDP. Rich in natural resources, Norvinia is a major exporter of timber products, particularly woods, minerals such as iron ore and silver, and energy in the forms of liquified natural gas and coal. Although timber and natural resources account for only 5% and 10% of GDP respectively, they contribute substantially to export performance.

Infrastructure

Map of highway (black) and major railway (red) infrastructure

The National road network in Norvinia totals 1975 km of main roads, 5512 km of regional roads and 23 064 km of local roads. Municipal roads in Norvia totals 30,000 km of roads and 8000 km of streets. Most major cities and towns are linked by bus services, although the private car is the predominant mode of transport. The railways were privatised but were re-nationalised by the government in stages between 2004 and 2008. The state-owned enterprise Norvish Rail Management now operates the railways, with the exception of commuter services in Ashborne and Harthorne, which are operated by the city respectively. respectively. Railways run the length of the country, with Norvish railway's main network consists of 1,860 km of which 1,826 km railway of which 251 km are electrified, making it significantly long network in the region. Norvish railway network is currently incompatible with many Thuadian standard gauge lines. High speed rail project from Pearla to Harthorne linking is under construction and is set to be completed in 2026.

The Port of Pearla is one of the busiest ports in Thuadia.

The four biggest ports of Norvia are located in Pearla, Wrengate, Raindale, and Kingsholm. Most transit traffic uses these and half the cargo is crude oil and oil products. The Pearla port is one of the busiest ports in the east Thuadia. Apart from road and railway connections, the city is also linked to oil extraction fields and transportation routes of Hanfnierlann to the north via system of two pipelines. The country also has a number of car ferry connections to several neighbouring countries. This includes a route from Sventsa across the strait of Norterric sea to East Othinia. There are several connections from the Pearla area across the Rimidic sea to Terminus in Termino. Norvia has also two domestic ferry lines with large vessels, both connecting Grimburg with the mainland. The lines leave from Raindale and Pearla harbour on the island, and the ferries sail to either Brighton or Kingsholm.

Ashborne International Airport is the busiest airport in the country with 12.8 million passengers per year. It has direct flight to over 120 destinations in 40 countries. The only other airport handling regular commercial flights is Wrengate International Airport. The Aeronaut Service Ardynna is the Norvish flag carrier airline and a low-cost carrier with hubs in most Thuadian countries, but main base in Ashborne.

Energy

In recent years Norvinia's energy sources were coal (58.4%), hydropower (19.1%), liquid/gas/oil fossil fuel-switching plant (16.4%), natural gasses (5.4%), and other renewable resources like wind power, solar energy, and bioenergy (0.7%). During the 21st century, the country has been trending to generate more energy using renewable resources and less energy using fossil fuels. In 2022, Norvinia used coal for 62% of all energy (3.6% increase compared to 2013), wind power for 9.9% (9.5% increase), natural gas for 9.9% (3.6% decrease), solar power for 9.9% (9.8% increase), hydropower for 6.4% (12.7% decrease), bioenergy for 1.4% (1.2% increase), and other sources like oil and waste coal mine gas for 0.5%.

Norvinia signed many internatinal energy treaty, after several oil crisis strengthened multinational's commitment to decrease dependence on imported fossil fuels. To protect against unexpected oil supply shocks and in accordance with international commitments made through the IET, Norvia maintains a strategic petroleum reserve of at least 90 days of net oil imports. As of February 2022, Norvinia's oil reserves totalled 130 days’ worth of net imports. Country has moved to generate electricity mostly from hydropower and nuclear power. The use of nuclear power has been regulated, however. Among other things, the accident of Bakyernnian nuclear plant prompted the government to ban new nuclear plants. Norvish government set a goal to achieve 23% of all energy in the country from renewable sources by 2024.

Science & Technology

In 2018, Norvinia spent ℟26.4 billion on research and development, allocating about 5.4% of GDP. For several decades the Norvish government has prioritised education, scientific and R&D activities. As a percentage of GDP, the Norvish government spends the most of any thuadian countries on research and development. Norvia among the tops other Thuadian countries in the number of published scientific works per capita A recent study by the Ashborne University for the Tech Council shows that the National tech sector combined contributes ℟120 Billion (Though indirectly) and employs 861,000 people. The country's most recognized and important sector of this type is mining, where Norvinia continues to have the highest penetration of technologies, especially drones, autonomous and remote-controlled vehicles and mine management software. In addition, the country's recent startup ecosystem is growing annually at rates of 5.8%

Demographics

Norvish Population Pyramid

The National Statistic Institute estimates that, according to the 2022 census, the population was 18,512,200 (of which 51.3% was female, 48.7% was male). Its rate of population growth has been decreasing since 1990, due to a declining birth rate. By 2050 the population is expected to reach approximately 20 million people. Norvinia population today is concentrated to the center of the mainland, and is a predominantly urban country numbering 85% of the country's population lives in urban areas, with 30% living in Ashborne metropolitan area, Gwinneth. Who is the largest agglomerations according census with 3-4.6 million people, followed by Greater Pearla with 2,761,000.

The median age of the population at the 2019 census was 38 years, with life expectancy in 2017–2019 being 77 years for males and 78.4 years for females. While the country is experiencing sub-replacement fertility, with a total fertility rate of 1.6 in 2020, the fertility rate is slightly above the OECD average. By 2050, the median age is projected to rise to 43 years and the percentage of people 60 years of age and older to rise from 18% to 29%. In 2016 the leading cause of death was cancer at 29.1%, followed by ischaemic heart disease (15.7%) and cerebrovascular disease (8.6%). Today, total expenditure on public healthcare is 6.2% of GDP, reduced from 9.9% percent since 2000 due to massive privatization programme.

Ethnicity

Average faces in Norvinia based on ethnicity

Norvinia is ethnically somewhat diverse, its people descending from the nomadic romance-germanic inhabitants, baks colonists, Illanean mostly brought to the country in migration waves, and 20th-century immigrants from Southern Thuadia and the Thrismari, all contributing to a diverse cultural heritage. The demographic distribution reflects a pattern that is influenced by colonial history.

The largest ethnic group as of 2022 is Norvish, who are originated with nomadic race people of Illanean and Germanic-Romance descent, typically from the west, in some cases this term can also include that Norvishes are also culturally more Germanic influenced, and constitute about 75% of the population. The Njordrdic are the second biggest minority accounting for 13% of the population and can be found throughout the country, primarily around the urban areas. Most of its ethnicity brought up from late 1850s saw several waves of migration from Njordrlann & Lethia, this ethnic group have similar ancestry with the Norvish due to their Illanean origin (Although, Njordic is more distinctive in pure Illanean culture while Norvishes are more in Germanic or mixed). In addition, there is a portion of Bakyernnian and Hafnierlann ethnic population, which is based mainly around it's border in Harthorne and in Iverleigh. Norvinia also has a small population of Slavic and Canton origins, mainly those from South Thuadia, like the scholar descendants of Zhousheng and Speke immigrants, whose ancestors arrived in the country as a student, entrepreneur and researcher in the late 19th century.

Largest Cities

Religion

Religions in Norvinia
Agnostic
40.0%
Atheist
20.0%
Illaeni
21.0%
Christianity
10.0%
Riikijastism
7.0%
Jewish
1.2%
Islam
0.5%
Sculpted "calvaries" can be found in many villages in rural Marswike.

Norvinia is a secular state: church and state were formally separated after the new republic, and this was reiterated in the Constitution. Other than the Constitution. The Norvish people have been historically characterized as tolerant and even indifferent towards religion. Despite freedom of religion is guaranteed under the law, about 50% to 60% of Norvish residents do not declare having any religion or faith in surveys, and the majority of proportion claimed as "Agnostics" or simply "not sure whether any higher power exist".

According to the 2022 census, 60% of the population stated they had no religion (with 20% as convinced atheist), 21% was the Traditional Illaeni faith derived from mostly Njordic population, 10% was christian (though the exact number of catholics and protestant is still undetermined), 7% followed the Riikijastism beliefs predominantly in Harthorne, and the other 2% forms of religion both denominational or not (Jewish, Muslim, and Paganism).

Language

The two official languages of the country are Common and Tonnermy. Each language has produced noteworthy literature. Tonnermy, though now only the language of a minority, was the vernacular of the Norvish people for thousands of years and was possibly introduced during the Iron Age. It began to be written down during Ruther Aristocracy.

Common is the predominant language in Norvinia, spoken by 90% of the population. The Norvish Common is a variety of the language with a distinctive accent and lexicon. The most prominent differences between the Norvish Common dialect and other basic Common dialects are the shifts in the short front vowels: the short-i sound (as in kit) has centralised towards the schwa sound (the a in comma and about); the short-e sound (as in dress) has moved towards the short-i sound; and the short-a sound (as in trap) has moved to the short-e sound.

During or after Ruther Aristocracy, Norvish people were discouraged from speaking the traditional Tonnermy language in schools and workplaces, and it existed as a community language only in a few remote areas. Fewer than 8% of the population of the country today speak fluent Tonnermy on a daily basis, and under 13% regularly, outside of the education system. Since the 1980s with the increase in immigration, many more languages have been introduced, particularly deriving from Thrismari and Eastern Thuadia. It has recently undergone a process of revitalisation, being declared one of Norvinia's official languages in 1987. There are now Tonnermy language-immersion schools and two television channels that broadcast predominantly in that language. Bakkyernnian was also noted in regional language for it being spoken almost 5% of population recorded in the recent census, the biggest non official language are Sebric, followed by Kistol and Artemisyan.

Education

Education in Norvinia is secular, free, and compulsory for 14 years, starting at the age of 4. The educational system is divided into four stages:

  • pre-primary (ages 3–5)
  • primary (ages 5–11)
  • secondary (ages 11–16)
  • and tertiary
University of Ashborne
National Library of Norvinia

Pre-primary education is optional but fully funded by the state. In their last ten years of primary education, students are placed on tracks based on educational attainment, and at the age of eleven, students sit an eleven plus examination to eliminate a student's secondary schooling direction. Success in the eleven plus exam places a student in a prestigious secondary school - while mediocre performance or not sitting the examination places a student in a less competitive secondary school.

Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) examinations are taken at age 16, and matriculation examinations are taken at age 18 to determine university entrance eligibility. In 2008, 228,213 primary students, 551,600 secondary students, 389,472 tertiary students and 20,268 specialist students were enrolled in limited educational courses. The state is responsible for promoting education and instruction and ensuring universal access to education for all students. The objectives of education in the country include intellectual and moral development and the preparation of every citizen to contribute productively to the national economy

Public education is the primary responsibility of Ministry of Education and Development, which coordinates education policies, the National Public Education Administration, formulates and implements policies responsible for mutual education. Today, the government spends ℟49 billions in educational expenditure, and currently the Assembly planned to invest additional 1.5% of GDP to fund modern technology in classrooms. State schools provide textbooks free of charge to their students, while private schools generally require their students to pay for their textbooks, enabling the latter to change their textbooks and textbook editions more frequently. All primary schools have at least four computers, one printer, a large monitor and a teacher's laptop computer in their classrooms, while many secondary schools have specialised rooms necessary to teach subjects such as Home Economics and Food Technology. An average of 22.5 students are enrolled per primary school class, with the average rising to 24.3 in secondary school classes. Primary school teachers are expected to dedicate five hours per week to each of Common language and mathematics, one hour per week to science, two hours per weeks to arts and crafts, two hours per week to social studies, one hour and 15 minutes per week to social studies, and two and a half hours per week to physical education. Norvinia is part of the One Laptop per Child project, and in 2009 became among the first country in the world to provide a laptop for every primary & secondary school student. Over the course of project, around 400,000 students and 30,000 teachers were involved in the scheme; around 80% of the laptops were given to children who did not have computers at home.

Culture

Cuisine

A large Lavora meal served with porks
Norvish Cold Beetroot Soup (Merium)

Norvish cuisine features products suited to the cool and moist northern climate of Thuadia: nuts, porks, oats, potatoes, rye, beets, greens, berries, and mushrooms are locally grown, and dairy products are one of its specialties. Norvish cuisine, in general is high in butter and fat while staying low in spices except for black pepper, dill or grains/seeds, such as caraway seeds. The cuisine originated from the peasant culture and is strongly based on crops that grow in country's maritime climate. Some noteworthy foods are: Merium and Lavora, it is also a typical everyday norvish breakfast.

The Norvish potato-meat dumplings are known as Lavora, made from grated and riced potatoes and stuffed with ground meat, dry curd cheese or mushrooms. The potatoes for Lavora are prepared in two ways—raw potatoes, which are peeled and grated, and then cooked potatoes, which are peeled, boiled, and riced. The cooked dumplings are hard to store, and are best piping hot and covered with hot gravy. The national dish of Norvinia and are best served and eaten as soon as made.

This gluten-free cold Norvish beet soup is made with beetroot, leafy beet greens, crunchy cucumbers and radish, dill for flavor, and is a freshing soup popular in the country during warmer months. The mixture has a distinctive pink or magenta color. It is served refrigerated, typically over finely chopped beetroot, cucumbers, radishes and green onion, together with halves of a hard-boiled egg and sprinkled with fresh dill. Chopped veal, ham, or crawfish tails may be added as well. Cuisine could be prepared in less than half an hour, but it tastes best the next day.

Besides Lavora and Merium, one of the oldest and most fundamental norvish food products was and is rye bread. Rye bread was eaten every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bread played an important role in agrarian ceremonies. Traditionally, the centerpiece of Norvish cuisine is dark rye bread which is used more often than light wheat breads. The dough is usually based on a sourdough starter, and includes some wheat flour to lighten the finished product. Traditionally each home had its own sourdough yeasts, which also had symbolical meaning of the home. Rye bread is often eaten as an open-faced sandwich, buttered or spread with cheese. It is sometimes flavored with caraway, or with some onion. Traditional bread is baked on sweet flag leaves. Bread baking was considered an important tradition.

Literature

Tonnermic poetry from the 13th-century Black Book of Harthorne

Norvinia is renowned for old literatures going back to the tenth century and including Garrettrha of Fairmill, regarded as among the finest Romance authors of the Middle Ages. The earliest body of Tonnermic verse, by poets Costhract and Anmarght, survive not in their original form, but in much-changed, medieval versions. A prime example is the Black Book of Harthorne (Tonnermy: Roissn Cryff fa Haerthona) is thought to be the earliest surviving manuscript written solely in Tonnermic with The book dates from the mid-13th century. The Black Book contains a small group of triads about the horses of Norvish heroes, but is chiefly a collection of 9th–12th-century poetry falling into various categories: religious and secular subjects, and odes of praise and of mourning. Of greater interest are the poems which draw on traditions relating to the old heroes associated with the Dar Osvrynn (Old North, i.e. Iverleigh and the surrounding area), and especially those connected with the legend of King Armatheus and castle Avory.

From the 16th century the proliferation of the 'free-metre' verse became the most important development in Norvish poetry, but from the middle of the 17th century a host of imported accentual metres from Common language became very popular. By the 19th century the creation of a Norvish epic, fuelled by the eisteddfod, became an obsession with Tonnermic-language writers. The output of this period was prolific in quantity but unequal in quality. Initially excluded, religious denominations came to dominate the competitions, with bardic themes becoming scriptural and didactic. Developments in 19th-century literature include Lady Corviona Guest's translation into Common language of the Feorthdor, one of the most important medieval Norvish prose works of local mythology. 1885 saw the publication of Aero Marhear by Dennis Owen, credited as the first novel written in the Tonnermic language.

Architecture

Caerleon Cathedral building from the south-west

The rise of Ruther Aristocratic era brought the Norvish Castle Elite architecture, which can still be appreciated in its Classical Medieval style in the example of Norvington Castle and the Cathedral of Caerleon. The Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Marswican Communion and seat of the Archbishop of Norvia. Founded in 12th century AD by Maurentine, it forms a World Heritage Site, along with the ruins of St Maurentine's Abbey. With one million visitors per year, it is one of the most visited places in the country. The Norvington Castle is a Courtasian country house built in the style of a medieval castle. It stands in woodland at the north west end of Gwinneth state 3 km from the city of Louthania. It is recorded in the National Heritage List for the country as a designated grade I architectural building. During the Civil war it was used as a hostel for hundreds of refugee.

A mansion in Queen Olieanna style architecture
Typical Courtasian terraced houses in Norvinia, built in brick with slate roofs, stone details and modest decoration.

Romance and Germanic influences increased at the beginning of the 12th century with strong eclectic overtones that gave the local architecture a unique feeling. Two in particulars are Queen Olieanna style and Courtasian style. These styles adopted a colours that were made to contrast with the use of carefully chosen red brick for the walls, with details in a lighter stone that is often rather richly carved. The description of the typical features of the Queen Olieanna are: a sweep of steps leading to a carved stone door-case, rows of painted sash windows in boxes set flush with the brickwork, stone quoins emphasizing corners, a central triangular pediment set against a hipped roof with dormers, typically box-like "double pile" plans, two rooms deep.

A suburban house featuring some Grimburg Borough characteristics

In addition to Queen Olieanna influence resulted in the emerging Courtasian style building in late 1850s, but this progressive change in style resulted from several other factors. The abolition of tax on glass and bricks made these items cheaper yet a suitable material and the coming of the railway allowed them to be manufactured elsewhere, at low cost and to standard sizes and methods, and brought to site. There was also progressive introduction from the 1850s of various building regulations. There are a number of common themes in Victorian housing including: The brick chimney was a prominent feature in Courtasian homes, consisting of a fireplace, chimney breast and chimney stack that protruded above the roof line to exhaust smoke, building materials were brick or local stone, the majority of houses were roofed with slate, vegetation and small garden were often incorporated, as forms of nature were prized by the suburban domestic idea.

The Grimburg Borough style is a domestic architectural style very popular during the decades between 1800s to 1950 mainly in the Grimburg Isles but extended to various historical cities in the country. The Grimburg Borough has its own main characteristics to the domestic space in shorts: quartzite stoned facades, pantiles or monk and nun roof tiles, gabled roofs, dormers, blind dormers, chimneys, ornamental timber frames or log structures, flowerbeds, front gardens, decorative door ironworks, decorative mission lanterns and grilles, prominent eaves and front porches. The neighbourhoods of Kingsholm, Hatrinch, Cleon Buterey, Brighton, Eterna and Granther have today the main concentrations of this houses. There is a municipal agency which provides tax benefits for the owners to secure the maintenance or restoration of the houses and a handbook with preservation guidelines.

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