Fiannria

Fiannria, officially the Commonwealth of Fiannria is a Federal Semi-Presidential Republic in Levantia. Consisting of 83 counties within 13 provinces and several overseas possessions. Located along the northeastern coast of Levantia, Fiannria reaches from the Nordska Sea which it borders to the north to the Vandarch Sea on its southwestern border. Fiannria borders Hollona and Diorisia, Kronenia and Vinesia to the south, Caergwynn to the northeast, and Faneria to the east.

Fiannria and Fiannan civilization is unique in both its ancient history and diverse, multiethnic background which makes it an outlier in common foundations of a modern state. The earliest civilization can be traced back to the widespread settlement of the early Gaelic Celt, Fhainic peoples. The region was soon a territory of the Adonerii empire of Great Levantia which called the region Gaul and Ultmar. However, the melding of modern Fiannan culture would not see its cornerstones until after the collapse of Great Levantia in the 5th century and the arrival of the Germanic tribes of Gothica from across the Vandarch. Fiannria was a major part of the Holy Levantine Empire from its foundation, and its historical origin developed from the Empire. The Catholic Church, the nation's multiethnicity, and the democratic tradition that predates the modern Culfran and Fiannan nation and its constituent parts were all major factors to the creation of the modern Fiannan state.

Fiannria is a highly developed Occidental nation. Fiannria is a leading state in the Human Development Index (HDI) and a high rating in gross domestic product per capita. Fiannria possesses a healthy and strong mixed economy based on a per capita income of around $47,370. Fiannria has a burgeoning service and knowledge-based sector which has grown more intertwined with manufacturing through the Digital Revolution. Fiannria is the leading manufacturer and provider of Information Technology and IT services. Fiannria has a diversified manufacturing base, also known for its arms, machinery, and transport manufacturing.

Fiannria foreign policy is focused on its position in Levantia and abroad, through cooperation with Urcea, maintaining stability in eastern Levantia, and also extending its own and the Levantine Union influence as the largest power in northern Levantia. It is also focused on its relationship in Alshar and Audonia where it possesses significant historical ties, modern political and economic relationship and is in political association with Soirwind and administration of international charter cities through the General Board of Commonwealth Concessions (GBCC).

Fiannria is a member of the League of Nations, the Levantine Union, the Levantine Union Defense Council, the Vandarch Sea Trade Zone Organization, the Council on Gaelic Peoples, and the Kilikas-Boreal Cooperative Zone

History
Most of Fiannan history is referred to the region and peoples that make up Fiannria today. In the past, the region now known as Fiannria was called by many names, most prevalent being Gaullia and Culfra or the Culfras. The history of Fiannria as a unified state goes back to 1571 with the founding of the United Kingdom of the Culfras. However, history of Culfras and by extension Fiannria as a identifiable political entity goes back even further.

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Early History
The early history of Fiannria dates back to around 13000 BC during the Late Paleolithic period. As the Neolithic period began, permanent settlements, farming, and animal husbandry spread across the region, as did megalithic structures. The Copper Age and Bronze Age brought with them advances in metallurgy, leading to a thriving economy based on metalworking. The early Fiannrian people were divided into two subcultures, the Cúchuliann Celts and the Feinic Celts. The Adonerii Empire conquered Fiannria in 200 BC, and the region remained under their control until 487 AD, when it was conquered by Gothic peoples. Christianity also spread across Fiannria during this time.

The Migration Period and the Holy Levantine Empire
During the Migration period of Fiannria, starting in 375 AD, the region was invaded by Gothic-Germanic and Slavic peoples. This, along with the collapse of the Adonerii Empire, led to the formation of petty kingdoms in the region. Christianity continued to spread, with varying degrees of success. Reaver Kingdoms were established along the Fiannrian coast, and the Kingdom of Gallwa, located in the borderlands between modern Fiannria, Urcea, and the Deric States, expanded into an Empire under King Conchobar. However, the realm eventually split, with Fiannria becoming part of the Eastern Kingdom. In the 960s, Leo, of Latin descent, became King of Eastern Levantia and reestablished the Holy Levantine Empire. The failure of Leo to produce a legitimate heir led to the development of an elective monarchy and the electoral college.

The Realm of Culfra and the Crusades
The Realm of Culfra was established in 1082 when edicts were issued to enforce Holy Levantine Authority over the region. This led to feudalization of the clans and the creation of stem ducal titles tied to the land that the various Gaelic and Norse-Gael clans lived on. In 1093, the Ardrike was removed from his position, leading to open discussion of rebellion among the Tyn. The situation came to a head during the Crusades of Sarpedon, with Culfran forces marching for Corcra. However, the rebellion was defeated near the end of 1098. Punishments were relatively light, and many concessions were made for the Culfran princes. The peace that followed saw a population boom in Culfra, leading to a resurgence of art, scholasticism, and Latinic studies. This period also saw the establishment of the Order of the Martyr's Shield, which became known as the Ultmaric Order. This Order established a temporal regime over the lands of the Reavers and eventually converted them to Christianity.

Princedoms of Culfra in the Great Plague
In the 14th century, Culfran princes gained more autonomy following the Gallowglass Wars. This decentralization of authority allowed for the development of modern Fiannan culture, including the popularization of Tyns and other assemblies, festivals and holidays, and the spread of Fiannan mercenaries. Culfran traders and explorers also traveled further than ever before. However, the Great Plague of 1347 swept through Culfra, killing millions and causing widespread devastation. The aftermath of the plague left the survivors reeling and turned them inward for the rest of the century.

The Rennaissance and The Anarchy
During the Renaissance, the study of the humanities and sciences grew in popularity in Culfra, leading to a period of cultural and intellectual growth. As well as economic growth as explorers and colonists set up trade companies and settlments in Alshar and Audonia. However, the Protestant Reformation and the resulting Anarchy in the Holy Levantine Empire sparked a series of conflicts known as the Wars for the Cross. This saw Culfran princes and their citizens converting to Protestant and Reformed Christian faiths, and led to tensions and open conflict between Catholic and Protestant princes. The O'Rourke, McCall, and Hessian dynasties rose to prominence during this period, and by the mid-1550s, members of the O'Rourke dynasty had become the Prince-Elector of Brídhavn and leaders of the northern faction of the Holy League. The Northern Wars for the Cross ended with the Treaty of Bonnrode which granted citizens the right to practice their religion of choice between Catholicism and Protestantism however, banished and banned nobles from practicing the Protestant faith and also recognized Alexander O'Rourke, Prince-Elector of Brídhavn as King of the Culfras.

The United Kingdom of the Culfras and her Golden Age
The United Kingdom of the Culfras, also known as Fiannria, experienced a period of peace and prosperity from 1571 to 1705, often referred to as the Northern Golden Age. The O'Rourke dynasty, which came to power during this time, implemented centralization and absolutism, leading to a decline in noble autonomy. The kingdom formed various diplomatic and marital ties, both within the Levantine Empire and abroad, and experienced cultural convergence through common religion and writing. This period is often romanticized in modern-day Fiannria.

War of Culfran Succession and the League of Culfras
The 1705 death of King Alexander III of Culfra and the succession crisis that followed led to a civil war and foreign intervention. The resulting conflict became known as the 1st Kin War. In 1718, the Convention of Bridhavn was held to establish a new system of governance for Culfra. The O'Rourkian dynasty was disinherited and the Culfran League was formed as a confederation of princedoms, prince-archbishops, and free cities. This period, known as the Kilikas Enlightenment, saw the spread of enlightenment ideas and a growing nationalism among the middle class. However, infighting among the aristocracy and a lack of unity within the League weakened the confederation. The 2nd Kin War with Faneria in 1784 further exposed the ineffectiveness of the League. In the early 19th century, Culfra faced a number of challenges including economic decline, political instability, and foreign threats. This led to the collapse of the League and the formation of the Commonwealth of Fiannria.

The Commonwealth of Fiannria and the Fiannan Brothers War
The Commonwealth of Fiannria was a republican government based on democratic principles that was established in 1801 after the collapse of the Culfran League. The early years of the Commonwealth were marked by infighting and political instability, including the Fiannan Brothers War, a conflict between two factions in the government. The war ended with the establishment of a provisional government and the holding of a second national election in 1807. The early Commonwealth was characterized by efforts to reform the government and establish a stable political system, including the development of political parties and the growth of democratic ideals. However, tensions between the central government and local authorities, as well as conflicts with the Holy Levantine Empire, continued to challenge the stability of the Commonwealth.

The Third Kin War and the Age of Industry
The Third Kin War and the Age of Industry were significant events in the history of Fiannria/Culfra. The Third Kin War was a conflict with neighboring Faneria, which resulted in the loss of Fiannrian territory and the crippling of its military. This sparked a period of revanchism and national reconstruction, with a focus on building up the nation's industries and businesses. The relationship with the Holy Levantine Empire was strained during this time, but eventually a rapprochement was reached, leading to a period of economic growth and industrialization. Despite these developments, the issue of the hereditary nobility remained a contentious topic, with ongoing debates over their legal status and privileges.

Commonwealth Gilded Age and Imperial Ambition
The late 1800s saw a resurgence of Fiannria on the world stage, as the country sought to expand its influence through mercantile expeditions, gunboat diplomacy, and military adventurism. Fiannria established itself as a dominant force in the region through treaties and concession cities administered by the General Board of Commonwealth Concessions (GBCC). However, this success did not reflect the growing division and tension within the country, as the wealth of the business elite contrasted with the poor conditions of the working class. This led to strikes, protests, and even street battles.

In 1891, the Fiannan Socialist Party candidate was elected President, but the party did not have a majority in the Tyn, forcing the President to select a Fiann Party Chancellor. This led to a hung government and moderate, diluted, and compromised policies. In the following decades, other third parties won the Presidency, leading to instability in the political system. This period saw the rise of various controversial policies, such as Socialism, Populism, Nationalism, Georgism, Distributism, and even Monarchism.

Levantine Civil War
The early 1930s saw economic depression and political extremism in the Deric states, leading to the mobilization of nationalists and republicans. In an effort to support these movements and weaken southern Levantia, the Fiannan government began to secretly provide materials and volunteers to the cause. This support eventually led to the outbreak of war in the Derics in 1934. While reports suggested Caphiric involvement, the Fiannan government dismissed them. However, when Alshari states declared war on Burgundie and Faneria declared war on Fiannria, it became clear that there was more at play than just an uprising. The Fiannan government stopped supporting the Derian nationalists and made diplomatic overtures to Urcea and Burgundie in response to the wider conflict.

Biodiversity
The Commonwealth's landmass can be divided to around 43% devoted to agriculture or pastures, 31% consists of forests, 15% is urban areas, 6% consist of wetlands, and around 5% is among miscellaneous other uses. This land does not consist of mountainous unusable terrain.

According to the National Forest Inventory, beeches, oaks, and other deciduous trees constitute just over 40% of the forests; roughly 60% are conifers, particularly spruce and pine. There are many species of ferns, flowers, fungi, and mosses. Wild animals include roe deer, wild boar, mouflon (a subspecies of wild sheep), fox, badger, hare, and a small number of beaver.

There are 17 national parks in Fiannria. (name TBD)

Demographics
The 2020 Census counted the population of Fiannria as at 440,570,829, and faces an annual growth rate around 0.8% but that rate continues to slow as Fiannan cities and settlements become denser. Much of modern growth in Fiannria is enjoyed from its immigrants from across the Levantine Union and beyond while at the same time, plenty of Fiannrians also have been taking the opportunity to current prosperity to travel to other countries, centered around Alshar through Soirwind and the Charter Cities, they also have been migrating through the LU and friendly nations around the globe.

Population
The concept of ethnicity and national identity is very different in Fiannria compared to many nations in Levantia. In the Fiannrian Consititution and in writings about the region going back to the early middle ages, has referred to the region as a plurinational or multiethnic state, consisting of the peoples of Fiannria. The shared identity of Fiannria acts more as a supraethnicity than any true nationality, which are localised and recognized by the Fiannan government.

Religion
While legally speaking, the Fiannan Commonwealth does not grant special privileges or legal advantages as an expression of favoritism of Catholicism within the Commonwealth. This does not mean it is widely present in the social and and cultural fabric, widespread Catholic institutions such as Catholic schools and hospitals along with cultural traditions such as Christmas, Easter, and Shrovetide make it widely present in everyday life, and also leads to a very involved Catholic church and those who promote Catholic social teaching within the political process.

Like Catholicism, all religions are given religious freedom to practice their religion and participate in public life within the nation given it provides no threat to the safety of the nation and its citizens. Among the minority religions include the Levantine Protestants, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, however among them, only Levantine Protestantism holds a number within the double digits. There is also a small population of irreligious that exists within Fiannria as well, but despite modernity, remains small.

Education
Education in Fiannria is administered by the Department of Education but the responsibility is largely delegated to the States and local administrations along with private institutions. Of Fiannans 25 and older, 92.4% graduated from Upper Secondary, around 72% attended some higher education, about 35% have a bachelor's degree and around 12% earned a graduate degree. Literacy is appoximately somewhere between 99% and 100%. At most public and private higher education institutions in Fiannria, bachelors, associate, and technical degrees are tuition free or covered by voucher. Meanwhile higher levels of education such as masters, doctorates, medical school, law school etc still possess tuition, but federal grants, scholarships, and loans along with those provided by the schools in question make education affordable and has assisted in allowing the rapid education and reeducation of Fiannans to respond to the economic demands in the job market.

The education system is broken down as follows.
 * Kita- For ages 2-5, Legally optional education and run by local churches, city or town administrations, and registered societies, some of which are completely outdoor programs and often also hold a nursery area for children between 8 weeks and 2 years. Kita serves as an early education/ pre-school period where foundational education, socialization, and activity to stimulate and develop young children prior to their entrance into primary school.
 * Primary School- For age 6-12, Compulsory primary education which is typically State/Province run schools, however, there is no legal requirement of attending public school and children can attend parochial and private schools for primary school.
 * Secondary School- Secondary school is divided into two parts, lower secondary called Middle School and Upper Secondary that divides in specialization and focus.
 * Lower secondary or Middle schools for ages 12-14, are also typically public institutions but it isn’t uncommon for private middle schools. This covers the advanced and final parts of basic education of Fiannan children before moving on to upper secondary. It is at this age students are encouraged to explore their interests and decide what path they would like to go down. Lower secondary is compulsory education along with Primary school.
 * Upper secondary for ages 15-19 consists where half of all upper secondary institutions are privately run by religious groups (primary the Catholic Church) and other private institutions and organizations. Nonetheless, despite a large number of private schools, there are two types of upper secondary schools- Vocational schools with a shorter time in schools focused on specific skills and jobs with technical skills- and often includes a craft apprenticeship and ends with a vocational degree. The other is Gymnasium or high school which is focused on education and prep for higher education in Academia. Upper secondary school is only compulsory to students dependent on the state's laws it is within.
 * Tertiary School- Following graduation from upper secondary school, young adults may attend higher education in tertiary schools across the nation which are once again 50/50 private and public institutions. These schools consist of Universities for those seeking academic degrees and technical schools focused on advancing technical and vocational skills.

Family Structure
The Catholic Church teaches that the family is the fundamental unit of society and that strong, healthy families are essential for a thriving society. Catholic teachings also emphasize the importance of marriage as a lifelong union between a man and woman, and the role of parents in raising and educating their children. These values are reflected in the laws and policies of Fiannria, in prioritizing support for families and marriage. Widespread Family networks and intergenerational homes remain prevalent features of Fiannan society even today.

Civil Unions for Homosexuality is permitted in law, but not mandated to be performed by any church, and adoption laws vary within the Commonwealth on same-sex couples adopting.

Contraception and abortion are often controversial but little discussed topics in Fiannria, limited, circumstance based abortion is permitted in Fiannan law and contraception has had little federal government involvement outside of ensuring safety of any drug-based contraception. These two factors occasionally come up in the national conversation to become political talking points debated on the national stage. But more often than not it is left to the Lann's of Fiannria/

Government and politics
The Commonwealth of Fiannria is the oldest surviving Republic and Democracy in Levantia. It is a constitutional republic and with a semi-presidential system of government. The government is organized and established by a series of documents and edicts together create Constitution of Fiannria.

Executive power is shared by the President of Fiannria, who is the head of state and elected proportionally by the popular vote of each of the Lanns every 6 years and can be re-elected once and the Chancellor who is the head of government and is appointed by the President. These two offices along with the Executive Cabinet, make up the Executive branch.

The legislative branch is the All Tyn, or just the Tyn, which is the National Assembly. A unicameral legislature with elections held every 3 years without term limit. The All Tyn is the primary legislative body of the nation with 520 seats and chaired by the Chancellor of the Commonwealth. Elections are a mixed election system where there is a Member of the Tyn given to each Graive of the Commonwealth who is elected by the citizens of that Graive. Furthermore, each Lann receives a number of Tyn seats proportional to their population. Following an election, the President selects a member of the majority party as their Chancellor who is head of Government and must create cabinet to propose to both the President and the Tyn.

The judicial branch is headed by the High Court of the Commonwealth, which consists of 7 High Justices, beneath which is a federal court system where the Justices are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Tyn. The High Court is responsible for the legality and constitutionality of laws and ordinances across the Commonwealth.

Political division
The 13 Lanns (states) are the first level of administrative division within the Commonwealth. Within a Lann are the Graiven or counties, there are a total of 83 Graiven in the Commonwealth. In a Graive there are municipalities and parishes, municipalities are often subject to the parish/es they reside in but however are semi-autonomous, and given more governance, larger municipalities have a Borough subdivision to better direct its local affairs.

Within a parish which is generally any settlement within a Graive not given municipal status and is typically titled as such "the Parish City of ___" or "the Parish Hamlet of ___" operates under a local Tyn or Assembly, where all of elected age are welcome to attend and of course vote on issues. These are chaired by the elected Alderman who oversees the local governance.

There also exists territories of the Commonwealth, insular or otherwise, which can be incorporated or possess an organized government and classified as an autonomous territory.

Parties and Elections
Fiannria is a multiparty state with several major and some minor parties vying for power. Much of the Post-War period was dominated by an absolute or near absolute majority of the Fian Party until the mid-1980s and with only two exceptions, majority governments and minority governments have been formed by political coalition leading to an intensified political climate. As of late, the oldest, and the long considered major parties of the Commonwealth, the Concord Party and the Fian Party are facing membership decline at scale not seen since the turn of the 20th century as regional politics and exhaustion of the two party partisanship has led to exodus to break-away parties and minor competitive parties.

Elections are held every 3 years on the 3rd Monday of January, with the Inauguration of the newly elected on March 21st of the same year. Tyn Members have no term limit however the President of the Commonwealth can only serve two terms or ten years in office.

Foreign Relations
The most notable aspect to Fiannria's foreign relations is it's membership in the Levantine Union, along with member states and crucial allies of Burgundie, Urcea, Yonderre, and the Deric States. Fiannria also places a large emphasis on it's relationship with once-rival Faneria, and also Kiravia. For a long time, Fiannria has placed its emphasis on its relationships among Levantia and the surrounding lands around it such as Vithnija, Caergwynn, Eldmora and others. Furthermore, Fiannria maintains a major foriegn interest in affairs of Alshar. Including it's associated states of Soirwind and the General Board of Commonwealth Concessions. Fiannria also works to maintain close relationships with Oyashima, Kandara, Pursat, Metzetta, and Peshiwabar. Fiannria is a member of the League of Nations, the Levantine Union, the Levantine Union Defense Council, the Vandarch Sea Trade Zone Organization, the Council on Gaelic Peoples, and the Kilikas-Boreal Cooperative Zone

Culture and Society
Fiannria is a unique state within the continent of Levantia, coined the melting pot of peoples, Fiannria is a multi-ethnic state whose shared religion and history form the identity of the nation more than the actual languages and cultural practicies. This has led to a blend of cultural practices, language, and a history unlike anywhere else in Levantia. Often the people of Fiannria liken the nation to Celtic knotwork, each band interwoven in the knot, tied into it and inseperable, but its own unique band all the same. Religion has played a major role throughout the history of the nation and before its founding, being its first uniting element in the land of various kingdoms, tribes and peoples. Fiannria's preChristian heritage still plays a role and assimilated into the church teachings and practices along side new folk traditions that devloped and unified the various cultures that remain a part of the cultural tradition today.

Cuisine
Fiannria is known for it's hearty and filling dishes based on its location in Levantia and local ingredients. Seafood, game, root vegetables, along with sausages, roasted meats, and breads and pastries make up a wide array of the meals in Fiannan cuisine. Soups and stews also have a significant presence among the meals in Fiannria. Popular dishes in Fiannria often include among others sausages, schnitzels, potatoes, breads such as pretzels and rye bread, salmon and cod. Alcohol also has an important part of Fiannan cuisine. Beers and whiskey are widely prevalent in consumption and food preparation, however closer to the Derics, wine production and consumption is much more prevalent. Soups and stews such as goulash, cullen skink, and lamb stew are widely regarded winter dishes. Pastries such as apple strudel, cinnamon rolls, chocolate cakes, and strudels are very popular within the country. Included in this is the prevalence and popularity of coffee and cafes.

Notably, due to the growing number of Alshari immigrants in Fiannan cities, Alshari imported dishes such as curry, sushi, and various other Alshari meals have grown popular alongside Dericanian cuisine as imported popular cuisines within the country.

Economy and Infrastructure
The Commonwealth of Fiannria has a social market economy based developed on ideals of. Fiannria is recognized as one of the largest economies in the world (6th) with a GDP per Capita of around $47,300 and total GDP of around $21 trillion. While the Fiannan economy is considered a post-industrial society, Fiannria is a major manufacturer still. Known for it's lack of corruption, highly skilled labor force, well-developed infrastructure, and abundant natural resources. Around 70% of the Fiannan economy is in the service industry, while around 29% are in the still highly productive manufacturing industry, leaving 1% to the highly efficient agriculture industry.

Fiannria is a part of the Levantine Common Market as part of the Levantine Union and also of the Talerzone (which existed long prior to the Levantine Union), and is one of the three major economies that drive the LU alongside its lead economy Urcea and peer economy of Burgundie.

Fiannria is noted also for its model, focusing and investing heavily on numerous, specialized and ethical small and medium sized businesses which the government now works to promote the digitization of. Alongside this are its promotion of paritarian institutions like trusts and cooperatives and mutual fund business and the government’s policy of tripartism. Holding regular agreements between the government, employers, and employees. This is generally considered as Fiannria’s modern equivalent of guilds and guild culture which still exists in Urcea.

Research and development has a huge role in the Fiannan economy and innovation plays a major role in the edge and comparative niche that Fiannria specializes in. Fiannria is also a major investor in space exploration, science and study and the growing space industry.

Military and National Defense
The Armed Forces of the Commonwealth is divided into four uniformed branches; The Armed Forces of the Commonwealth was founded shortly after the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Commonwealth in 1804, in particular the Army and the Navy of the Commonwealth were established in the aftermath of the Fiannan Brother's War. The commander and chief of the Fiannan Armed Forces is the President of the Commonwealth who appoints the senior leaders of military staff and develops military and security policy with the Department of Defense and Department of Home Affairs. The Armed Forces of the Commonwealth is a voluntary force, however reserves the right to conscription for the national defense during wartime, but has not but utilized since the Operation Kipling era. Fiannria spent around $626 billion dollars on defense in 2024, about 3% of its GDP.
 * the Army of the Commonwealth
 * the Naval Service of the Commonwealth
 * Navy of the Commonwealth
 * Commonwealth Marine Corps
 * Interior Seas Force of the Commonwealth
 * the Fiannan Commonwealth Air Force
 * the Unified Strategic Defense Force

The Armed Forces is an active member of the Levantine Union Defense Council with numerous overseas bases in allied territories.

WIP