HminnJord
From Scandia
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| National Motto • Ingallish | Sjøđ Hminnel From the Sea to the Skyes | ||||
| National Anthem | Sjøđ hminnel trekian - From the sea to the skies we climbed | ||||
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| Official language | Mother tongues: HutMål - Hminnjordic 95% SjørYfirMål - Vamarian 5% Other: | ||||
| Founding Date | 1537 | ||||
| Government • Type • RiksStjør - First Minister | Maarn Lideveld - Federal Republic Helge Liekeþar | ||||
| Capital | GrjtViken | ||||
| Administrative Divisions | 10 Maan - Regions (Inhabitants): GrjtViken Maa (GV) (1,460,330), GävleHamn Maa (GÄ) (1,050,101), GrindHamnarn Maa (GR) (960,623), Inra Maa (IR) (843,342), Dalarn Maa (DL) (642,614), FjallarnBak Maa (FB) (1,091,120), Nyr Maa (NY) (721,764), ØstJordarn Maa (ØJ) (837,612), UtHamanarn Maa (UH) (162,113), Sørøyarn Maa (SØ) (234,108) | ||||
| Largest City | city (region) (inhabitants) GrjtViken (GV) (650,000), GävleHamn (GÄ) (480,000), ÅmalBær (FB) (380,000), GrindaVik (GR) (350,000), NyrBær (NY) (210,000), HamnBær (ØJ) (205,000) | ||||
| Area • Total • % water |
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| Population • Total • Growth Rate • Density |
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| Time Zones | South Teuvian Time, One Hour less in UH (SMT +6 (+5)) | ||||
| Technology Codes • scandianet TLD • Trigraph • Calling Code |
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HminnJord, abbreviated HJ (The land of the Skies) is a nation in the Continent of Venda, occupying the western peninsula of the continent known as the West Vendic peninsula. HJ is entirely surrounded by seas except the for the east, where it is bordered by Central Venda. The north coast enjoys the warm waters of the Thalanthyrian Ocean, while the south faces the cold Vendan sea. The portion of the Vendan Sea touching all the south coast of HJ is inhabited by the largest fish bank in the planet of Scandia.
After a short period of independence during the Scandian middle age, HminnJord has been for nearly 6 centuries a colony of the state of Vamar. Currently an autonomous republic within Vamar, HJ is now preparing to acquire full status as a sovereign nation.
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Geography
HminnJord is a largely maritime country with a very long coastline, mainly rugged with mountains often towering on the sea forming cliffs (Rätten), bays (viken) and fjords (fjørdin). The HJ's territory includes three main islands (Got-øy and Rønne-øy in the south, Tyillinge-øy in the north-west) plus many more other small islands that surround the coast. The land is completely covered by a vast mountain range (HutFjallan, West Vendan Alps) nearing the 3000 meters, with small plains only in the proximity of the main rivers mouth. The biggest river, HvitÄlv (The White River), forms a long and sneaking valley that cuts through the entire Vendan Alps range. A few other shorter valleys cut the WV Alps. Several mountain lakes are present along the alps, the only one of a consistent size being the SiljaJärv (Lake Silja) along the course of the HvitÄlv. The Easternmost section of the WV alps is called the ØstFjallan (Eastern Range). Oriented N/S, it is largely uninhabited and includes some of the highest mountains in HJ. The Eastern Range and its ice fields close the HvitÄlv valley separating HJ from Central Venda, the only Scandian nation bordering HJ on land. The westernmost region of HJ, called UtHämnan (OutPorts) is entirely covered by a rugged and barren rocky mountain range (TörkFjallan, or Dry Alps) where trees do not grow, roads are few and water scarce. Nevertheless, being bordered by the largest fish banks in Scandia, the region is full of big and small fishing town and stations that dot the entire cost, often connected only by ferry to the rest of the nation.
Climate
The climate is affected by the position of the country, located in the southern Vandan hemisphere almost touching the southern polar circle. HJ also boosts very high mountains largely surrounded by the cold waters of the Vendan sea. HJ's climate is thus predominantly wet and rainy, especially in the most inhabited southern regions. HJ's summers last from December to March, and are fresh and very rainy. Winter starts in June and lasts till late august / early september. It is relatively cold, very dump and foggy especially on the coast (with the notable exception of the Outports where fog is rare) and often snowy (-10 to 10 Degrees). On the coast, the sea never freezes and the snow remains rarely. In the inner valleys snow remains orientatively from june to september and inner lakes normally freeze, hence the passionate relationship of locals for ice skating and hockey. On the north coast, temperatures are sensibly warmer, and the summer lasts a little longer. The Thalantyrian ocean offer very reliable wind conditions and is relatively calm, so that is ideal for sailing. On the contrary, the Vendan sea is often very treacherous as fogs haunts the coast and storms tend to break out unexpectedly.
History
- Main article: History of HminnJord
HJ was settled in the period 300-500 by Vamarian navigators. Attracted by the rich fish banks and from the good whaling bases in the south, they colonized much of the Vendan sea coast. They also ventured in the itnerior, where cattle and sheep farming communities moderately prospered. Exploiting the distance from Fariten, the settlements developed into an independent nation in the period 500-850. HJ was eventually re-colonized by the Empire of Vamar and officially annexed in 883. It remained under the empire sovereignity as a colony until the Vamarian Revolution (1415) . HJ remained under Vamarian control also later, until in the period 1450-1484 a cultural/political movement called the "Anchorists" (Akkurin) called for an acknowledgment of the HJ specificity as an independent nation. The struggle joined force with a protest issued by fishers and farmers against Vamarian control of the economy and eventually led to a general strike demanding for some substantial form of devolution (1484). Vamar was not ready to grant full independence then, so HJ and Vamar set up an agreement in which HJ became a semi-autonomous republic within Vamar (similarly to the Bornholm Islands) for a limited period in time. As the time is now running to an end, the semi-autonomous HminnJordic republic HJ is working to acquire full sovereignity some time soon as a nation of Scandia
Government
HJ is currently an autonomous republic within the state of Vamar. According to the treaty of Grjtviken that was ratified at the conclusion of the StromNes blockade (please see history article for details) HJ is going to acquire full status as a Scandian Sovereign Nation. The governing structures of the semi-autonomuos republic will acquire the new duties remaining essentially unchanged.
Federal Organization
HJ is organized as a Federal Republic (Maarn Lideveld), composed of 10 “Regions”, or MAAN. The centralized government is based in GrjtViken and deals with nationwide interest like economy, police/justice, foreign relations. Local issues are handled by the MAA government (Maar Byro). The two most important political figures in the HJ government (Riks) are the HJ President (JordStjor) elected between the senate once each 8 years, and the first minister (RiksStjor). The selection of the first minister is proposed by the party (JordFlokur) that gains the majority after each election (elections are held each 5 years), but must be accepted and ratified by the president. The republic is governed by two chambers, delegate chamber (JordÞing) and senate (JordGarad) . Each law proposed by the government must be approved by both. The Senate may also veto any local law issued by any Maa government.
Maan Local Organization:
Each Maa is ruled by a governor (MaarStjor, elected by the citizens every 4 years), and a local government proposed by the governor and approved within the legislative chamber (MaarThing). The legislative chamber itself is renewed every 4 years by local elections. The legislative chamber is renewed halfway through the government term. This allows a strict reciprocal control between chamber and local government, although often results in bitter struggle between the two.
Economy
Traditionally, the life in HJ has always been that of great struggle for subsistency on a faraway rock forgotten by the civilized world. Natural and resources have always been plenty (fish, farming, forests) but gathered at a great cost: sheep and cattle farming have been very diffused but required hard labour and dedication. Agricolture was also possible at a limited extent and in difficult conditions. The sudden discovery and exploitation of the oil fields in the southern Vendan sea have suddenly changed the pattern of life of HminnJorders turning their habits upside down and bringing unexpected riches as well as a new economy forcing inurbation and industrialization at the speed of light. A few decades later, the gradual exhaustion of the same fields risked to put the very survival of the country at stake. Thankfully, HJ is lately reacting with intelligent policies of diversification. At the time of writing heavy investment on the fishing and whaling industry, a positive revival of cattle and sheep farming and the gradual transformation of oil-based industry into hi-tech seems to be offering the population a chance for survival.
At the time of writing, oil-related industry still accounts for 40% of the gross internal product. Unfortunately, most oil deposits appear to be exhausting much faster than what initially forecasted. On the other hand, the fishing industry that has been for centuries the traditional resource of HJ economy has been entirely remoderned with high-technology facilities in both sectors of catches and fish farming, now accounts for accounts for 34% after dropping as low as 10% in the 1520s. Huge investments are being made to increase the contribution of fishing, especially fish farming, above oil extraction and processing. Other minor factors in HJ economy are are hi-tech industries (8%), agriculture and farming (6%), car manufacturing (3%), ship building (3%).
Society
HJ has a very advanced and developed society. Literacy is almost 100% and the ratio of books read pro-capita is one of the highest in Scandia. Only just about 50 % of HJers complete a university education, but 98% of the people under 40 years of age has completed secondary education. Despite its Crusian historic background, most HJers are atheist. Moral ethics for what concerns sex are very permissive, and unmarried parents, even if single, are totally accepted. On the other hand, HJers are very patriottic and hardly tolerate any insult to their nation. Between the most shameful public behaviors are considered corruption in politics, tax evasion (and taxes are high, oh so high) and misrespect for women in work. Being descendents of fishers, that left home for long periods leaving their wives in charge, HJers women are not afraid to accept responsabilities both in private enterprises and government. Indeed the first minister of the first independent national goverment will be Mrs Helge Liekþar. Women do not take their husbad surname after marriage. Indeed, there are no real "surnams" in HJ, but each newborn child takes is second name after her mother, with the addiction of the suffixes -đar for males and -þar for females. This is an old tradition that has remained to this day. People claiming a different mother tongue (Vamarian speakers or new immigrants) are the only ones allowed to maintain, if so wished, their surname. HJ is oriented towards a very high taxation rate that allow for significant social services, especially for what concerns the Sanitary and educational systems (completely free for HJ citizen but NOT for immigrants). The social fabric of HJ is largely composed by HminnJorders, with a significant share of Vamarians (6 to 8%) and very minor contributions of native Vendans, mostly immigrated from Central Venda, Pochata and Aztlan during the industrialization era. In the northern ports one can also find very small Valanian and Thesian communities. Life expectancy has significantly raised in the last decade and is now of 81 years for females and 78 for males.
Relations with Vamar
After being shortly independent during the Scandian middle-age HJ has been a colony of Vamar for 6 centuries. HminnJorders reacted to this rule in 1484 and only today, after long and painful negotiations and a 55 years "Tutoring" period the nation is gaining full independence. Of course, relationship between Vamar and HJ are complex. HminnJorders are descendants of Vamarian seafarers of Vetlandic heritage. In the years of the Great migration from Vetlanda to Vamar some unruly and adventure-loving characters, discontent in finding in Vamar state and order similar to what they had left behind in Vetlanda, proceeded across the Cisteuvian Ocean to settle in HJ. A large share of HJers also claim more recent Vamarian ancestry, due to the relevant immigration that took place in the centuries of colonial rule. In the 1300 and 1400s the Fjallanbak and Nyr Maa regions were almost entirely populated by Vamarian farmers to the point that to these days those regions retain a markedly Vamarian atmosphere. Even more recently, in the industrialization era, many people coming from the poorer regions of inland Vamar came to seek fortune in HJ fisheries and in the heavy industries of the south. Despite the struggles related to colonial rule and the fight for independence, Vamar remains a “brother nation” for HJ people, and the brođin sjør yfir (cousins from across the sea) are still highly respected in HJ, and retain several participations in HJ private enterprises. Many HJers have relatives in Vamar, Vamarian is taught as second language in all HJ schools (third language is Ingallish), and is widely spoken by all HJers. But nothing amuses more a HminnJorder than a sport victory against Vamar. In particular, if it's ice hockey.
Tradition and Folklore
Thanks to the cultural movement of the Anchorists, that led the independence struggle in the period 1400-1484, HJers stubbornly cling to their heritage. The medioeval past is studied, revised, represented and recalled in every aspect of the HJ cultural and also everydays life. It is believed that in the tradition, as well that in the respect for the natural environment, resides the very heart of HJ national consciousness The most significant aspects of the HJ tradition are
- The reading (and open-air representation) of the Skalgan, that is epic stories written in old HminnJordic in the period 700-900 and representing the adventures and fights of early HminnJorders while colonizing the land.
- The HminnJordic language in itself. It is a rare example of medioeval language remained mostly untouched across history (due to HJ isolation) and is a fundamental symbol of HJ diversity with respect ot the rest of Scandia. A specific government office (HutMålByro, Ministry of Language) regulates, control and carefully monitor the usage of the language. When necessary also the ministry also invents new word to describe technologic advances or new concepts. It is strictly forbidden by law to utilize foreign word in HutMål sentences on public writings.
- The Dalarn region, especially the lake Silja and the small town of Rättvik, where in medioeval times a nationwide market and gathering was held. Dalarn is a large farming valley where the HJs traditions and ways have been preserved through the colonial period and where more succesfully HJers resisted "Vamarification" of their culture and habits. The gathering is still held each summer and is a main catalyzer for the HJ culture.
- The Outports (UtHmanar) region, and its fish-related culture. Some fish stations in the harbour are still not reachable today by road, and in most aspects (except for the adoption of hi-tech fish processing) life carries on there as it used to be for centuries
Sports
Sport is extremely popular in HminnJord. In particular, HJers enjoy all kinds of activities related to the great outdoors of HJ, both in the mountains or on the sea like trekking, hiking, ice skating, cross country and downhill skying, sailing (especially in the north). Swimming is also immensely popular, and every small village has its own swimming pool. There are two kind of organized spectator sports in HminnJord: professional and amateur. The only professional sport in HJ is ice hockey. A professional league composed of 12 teams plays its games during the winter, from march to october much gaining the nation attention. No other team in no other sport is allowed to give any money to players. On the opther hand, the HJ government sponsorizes amateur tournaments for several sports. They are often organized at MAA level, with the finals being played at national level. These kind of competitions normally attract the public attention as and more than professional hockey, and especially in sports like football, volleyball, water polo, swimming and athletics the finals are closely followed by the whole nation. In particular the football finals, played at the end of the summer, are known as the "March Madness".
Language
- Main article: HminnJordic language
HminnJordic is the main language spoken in HminnJord. It is a language of the Vetlandic family, that also includes Vamarian and Vetlandic proper, and derives from the spoken language of early Vetlandic explorers and pirates. Unlike Vamarian and Vetlandic that have significantly developed since those days, receiving strong influence from Teuvian, Valanian and Ingallish, due to the isolation of the HJ geographical location HminnJordic has maintained most of the archaic linguistic patterns. For this reason is a very peculiar language, difficult to learn and use, but of great value for academics. For HminnJorders, the originality of their language is a matter of great pride, and a fundamental reson for their stubborn struggle for independence from Vamarian colonial domain. Today, a specific ministry in the HJ government defends the language from foreign influences, and ensures that the utilization in national broadcasts and newspapapers is correct. A TV speaker can lose his post, or a politician his office, for a grammar error in public. All HminnJordic skalgan (Histories), the epic literary gender HJers are so fond of, are written in HminnJordic. Although written around the years 500 to 1000, they are still easily understandable by modern HminnJoridic speakers.
Aztlan | Central Venda | Darussalem | HminnJord | Pochata | Rossijskaja | Tavatia
