Difference between revisions of "Krataerbech"

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{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 width=340 class="toccolours" style="margin: 0 0 0.75em 0.75em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 85%;"
+
{| class="toccolours" style="float: right; clear: right; margin: 0 0 0.5em 1em;"
|+<font style="font-size:13pt">'''{{{native_name}}}<br>{{{conventional_long_name}}}<br>{{{common_name}}}'''</font>
+
|+ style="margin-left: inherit; font-size: larger;" |
| align="center" colspan="2"|
+
<big>The
{| border=0 cellpadding=4 cellspacing=4 width=340 style="background:#f9f9f9; text-align:center;"
+
'''Kingdom'''
| width="130px"| {{{image_flag}}} || align=center width=130px| {{{image_coat}}}
+
of<br>
 +
'''Krataerbech'''
 
|-
 
|-
! align=center | <small>[[Flag of {{{PAGENAME}}}|Flag]]</small> || <small>[[Coat of Arms of {{{PAGENAME}}}|Coat of Arms]]</small>
+
| align=center colspan="2" |
 +
{| style="background: none;"
 +
|- align=center
 +
|http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/krataerbech.jpg
 +
|- align=center
 +
| <small>Flag of Krataerbech</small>
 
|}
 
|}
 
|-
 
|-
! align=center colspan=2 | <small>[[List of state mottos|Motto]]: {{{national_motto}}}</small>
+
| align=center colspan="2" |
|-
+
{| style="background: none;"
! align=center colspan=2 ''' | <small>[[Wikipedia:National anthem|Anthem]]: {{{national_anthem}}}</small>
+
|- align=center
|-
+
|http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/8901/herladryra7.gif
| align=center colspan=2 style="background:#f9f9f9;" | {{{image_map}}}
+
|- align=center
|-
+
| <small>Krataerbech Coat of Arms</small>
|'''[[List of national capitals|Capital]]'''<br><font color="#F9F9F9">.</font><br>[[Demographics of {{{PAGENAME}}}|Largest City]] || Wacholderbusch<br><small>[http://tools.wikimedia.de/~magnus/geo/geohack.php?params={{{lat_deg}}}_{{{lat_min}}}_{{{lat_sec}}}_{{{lat_NS}}}_{{{long_deg}}}_{{{long_min}}}_{{{long_sec}}}_{{{long_EW}}}_type:country(17,075,400) {{{lat_min}}}°{{{lat_min}}}′{{{lat_NS}}} {{{long_deg}}}°{{{long_min}}}′{{{long_EW}}}]</small><br>{{{largest_city}}}
+
|}
|-
+
|- align=center style="vertical-align: top;"
|'''[[Wikipedia:Official language|Official language]]''' || {{{official_languages}}}
+
| style="font-size:95%" colspan="2" | [[National motto]]: All Hail King and Country!
|-
+
|- align=center style="vertical-align: top;"
|'''[[List of countries by system of government|Government]]'''<br>&nbsp;- {{{leader_title1}}}<br>&nbsp;- {{{leader_title2}}} || {{{government_type}}}<br>{{{leader_name1}}}<br>{{{leader_name2}}}
+
| style="font-size:95%" colspan="2" | [[National anthem]]: A Midsummer Night
|-
+
|- align=center
|'''{{{sovereignty_type}}}'''<br>&nbsp;- Declared<br>&nbsp;- Finalised || {{{sovereignty_note}}}<br>{{{established_date1}}}<br>{{{established_date2}}}
+
| colspan="2" style="background:#ffffff;" | [http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/1637/rawrrcitiesprovincesnamfz4.jpg Map]
|-
+
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|'''[[List of countries and outlying territories by area|Area]]''' <br>&nbsp;- Total<br><br>&nbsp;- Water (%) || <br>{{{areakm²}}} km²<br>{{{areami²}}} mi²<br>{{{area_water_percent}}}%
+
| '''[[Region]]'''
|-
+
| The North Atlantic
|'''[[List of countries by population|Population]]''' <br>&nbsp;- {{{population_estimate_year}}} estimate<br>&nbsp;- {{{population_census_year}}} census<br>&nbsp;- Density<br><font color="#F9F9F9">.</font> || <br>{{{population_estimate}}} ({{{population_estimate_rank}}})<br><br>{{{density_km}}}/km² ({{{density_rank}}})<br>{{{density_mi}}}/mi²
+
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|-
+
| '''[[Capital]]'''
|'''[[Wikipedia:Gross Domestic Product|GDP]] ([[Wikipedia:Purchasing Power Parity|PPP]])'''<br>&nbsp;- Total<br>&nbsp;- Per capita || {{{GDP_PPP_year}}} estimate<br>${{{GDP_PPP}}}<br>${{{GDP_PPP_capita}}}
+
| Gesetz
|-
+
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|'''[[Wikipedia:Human Development Index|HDI]] (2003)''' || {{{HDI}}} ({{{HDI_category}}}) ({{{HDI_rank}}})
+
| '''Largest City'''
|-
+
| Kholetor
|'''[[Wikipedia:Currency|Currency]]''' || Dollar (<code>{{{curcode}}}</code>)
+
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|-
+
| '''Population'''
| '''[[Wikipedia:Time_Zone|Time Zone]]'''<br>&nbsp;- Summer ([[Wikipedia:Daylight Savings Time|DST]]) || ([[Wikipedia:UTC|UTC]]+11 to +12)<br>([[Wikipedia:UTC|UTC]]+12 to +13)
+
| 400 Million
|-
+
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
| '''[[Nation codes#TLDs|Internet TLD]]'''<br>'''[[Nation codes#International Phone Codes|Calling code]]''' || .krt<br>+943
+
| '''Suffrage'''
|-
+
| 16
 +
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
 +
| '''[[Language|Official Language(s)]]'''
 +
| English, German
 +
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
 +
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | '''Government''' <div style="text-align: left;">King</div>
 +
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | Kingdom<br>Fredrick the I of Wacholderbusch
 +
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
 +
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | '''Soverignty'''
 +
| Free Nation
 +
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
 +
| '''[[Nation codes|ISO Nation Code]]'''
 +
| KRTR
 +
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
 +
| '''[[Currency]]'''
 +
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | Dollar  
 +
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
 +
| '''[[Wikipedia:Time zone|Time Zone]]'''<br>&nbsp;&bull; Summer&nbsp;([[Wikipedia:Daylight saving time|DST]])
 +
| GMT
 +
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
 +
| '''[[Nation codes|Internet TLD]]'''
 +
| .krt
 +
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
 +
| '''[[Nation codes|Calling Code]]'''
 +
| <code>+19</code>
 +
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
 +
| '''National Symbols'''<br>&nbsp;&bull; Sport<br>&nbsp;&bull; Animal<br>&nbsp;&bull; Fruit<br>&nbsp;&bull; Flower
 +
| <br>Football<br>Crescent Bear<br>Blueberry<br>Cherry Blossem
 +
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
 +
| '''[[United Nations|UN]] Status'''
 +
| Rouge Nation
 +
 
 +
|- style="vertical-align: top; align: center;"
 +
| colspan=2 align="center" | <small>Info: [http://www.nationstates.net/{{PAGENAMEE}} NationStates] [http://nseconomy.thirdgeek.com/nseconomy.php?nation={{PAGENAMEE}} NSEconomy] [http://www.pipian.com/stuffforchat/gdpcalc.php?nation={{PAGENAMEE}} Pipian] [http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/nationdata.cgi/nation={{PAGENAMEE}} XML]</small>
 
|}
 
|}
  
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===Terrain===
 
===Terrain===
 
Krataerbech's landscape mostly consists of coastal plains surrounding high mountain ranges. In the center of the water filled crater is a large volcanic island.
 
Krataerbech's landscape mostly consists of coastal plains surrounding high mountain ranges. In the center of the water filled crater is a large volcanic island.
 +
 +
===Climate===
 +
The climate in Krataerbech is not varied much, with a temperate climate similar to New England/The Great Lakes area being the norm. Winter is typically cold and wet, with snowfalls reaching a high of two feet in most areas. Springtime is marked with warmer tempertures and around the same amount of percipitation. Summer becomes hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms, sometimes occuring more than twice a week. Summer ends hotter and less humid, and this trend continues into early fall. Fall gets gradually colder, and tempertures regularly drop below 40°F by late November.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
===B.C.===
+
===Prehistoric===
====100,000 B.C.====
+
Years before the first humans of Krataerbech, a large meteor struck the area, which was at the time much larger. The crater filled with sea water, and became oceanic body it is today. Possibly forming from a weakend crust caused by the meteor, a volcano began to form in the center of the gulf. The first people of Krataerbech came much later, possibly not until 10,000 B.C.
Around this time, a large meteor struck the middle of the landmass that existed between Brandboden and the rest of Krataerbech. The impact was so strong that it decimated the landmass, and created a giagantic crater. The crater eventually filled with water, and became the bay as it is today. Somewhat later, smaller meteors struck around Krataerbech, including where the water had filled in . They created large tsunami's, and washed away the rims typical on craters its size.
+
  
====90,000 B.C.====
+
===Before Civilization===
The Volcano, Stern Berg begins to form at the point of impact from the meteor. The meteor is beleived to have opened an existing lava vent, or possibly even cracking or weakening the crust at that point.
+
The People of Krataerbech were mostly hunters and gatherers until about 5,000 B.C., when advanced social groups had begun to form. There is little evidence of wars between the tribes on the mainland, stemming from the fact that resources were plentiful and there was no reason to fight over land spaces. This was not true in Brandboden, where many tribes made there living from plundering neighboring villiges.
  
====20,000 B.C.====
+
===The Pasonic Era===
By this time period, humans are thought to have migrated to Krataerbech in boats from parts unknown. The earliest found settlements and remains were found in Brandboden. Also, the volcano Stern Berg began to rise above sea level around this era.
+
Tribes in the area where the Ausblickräuber Penninsula now stands had begun to build an immense empire, which would eventually stretch to the entirety of mainland Krataerbech. There civilization, built originally on the trade of cold weather sugar cane products common in the area, was amoung the first in Krataerbech. There growth had a profound effect on the area; as many tribes were eventually absorbed into the empire, and it served as a model for civilizations to come.
  
====4,000 B.C.====
+
The Pasonic era eventually around 300 B.C., when raiders from neighboring areas began to pick off increasingly independent cities of the era. The last emperor of the Pasonic Era is rumured to have called all the city officials in his empire to a meeting, only to poison the food and kill them all. This was the last straw for the empire, and it was dissolved.
This is the time that the people of Krataerbech reached the Neolithic era. They began farming and raising domesticated sheep and goats. Also, the people of Krataerbech migrated to the mainland area for the first time. Stern Berg stopped growing and became extinct.
+
  
====2,000 B.C.====
+
===Midieval Krataerbech===
The Bronze age began in Krataerbech at this time. Groups of people in Brandboden began to build highly advanced ships, and the people in the area that would become Eissee began to make the first beer.
+
Krataerbech experienced major changes in this time. Already powerful from the spoils of the fall of the Pasonic Empire, citystates began to expand into large kingdoms. Wars racked the area, and if it wasnt for the unifying effect contact with the Holy Roman Empire caused, they would have continued for centuries. The Holy Roman Empire not only pacified Krataerbech, it also had a profound effect on the culture. The kingdoms were fascinated by there ways and culture, especially that of the Germanic tribes. Many kingdoms kept contact with European nations, trading and learning from them as much as they could until the Black Death swept through Krataerbech, weakening them considerably.  
===A.D.===
+
====700 B.C.====
+
The Iron Age was in full swing by 700 B.C. The people of Brandboden began to build very advanced fortified structures for the time period, as warring peoples of the island fought over grazing land for the domesticated aurbochs and sheep. On the mainland, the communities of the area began to write, and highly structured strongholds were common.
+
  
====200 B.C.====
+
===The Renessience===
Highly advanced civilizations had begon to form at this time. The warring tribes of Brandboden had evolved into large  city-states, each controlling a vast amount of land and a formidible army. The strongholds of the mainland had begun to absorb each other, until only Frosttraume, Hopfenland, Zederstrecke, and Schneezucker remained. Wars between them were uncommon unlike in Brandboden, and trade flourished. By 100 B.C., Brandboden too had became one civilization, although not until after a bloody set of wars.  
+
The time of scientific thinking and art in Krataerbech was caused ironically by something completly unconnected: Death. During the Black Death, many rich and influential families not directly connected to there particular kingdoms moved to the then uninhabited volcanic island of Stern Berg. By the late 14th century, the kingdom of Gebirgsgesetz began to attack the relativly weak kingdoms that were still recovering from the Black Death. Their campaign was a huge success, and by early 1401, Krataerbech was unified for the first time. Because the kingdom was able to set there focus on things other than defence, education was valued more highly, and by 1410, the first universitiy in Krataerbech was founded. The Krataerbech Renessience was marked by beautiful architecture, artwork, and advancements in music. Thanks to advancements in technology that made the life of the everyday Krataerian easier, more and more citizens were finding themselves in a new middle class that allowed more time for personal enjoyment. In 1507, King Augustus of Gesetz created the first representative democracy since Ancient Rome. Society drifted from the strong grip the Catholic Church had on them since the first contact with The Holy Roman Empire, and moved towards a more open, non denominational Christian view.
  
====312 A.D.====
+
===Colonial Expansion===
During the spring of this year, a group of Germanic merchants of Cologne had blown off course and made landfall on the coast of Hopfenland. In exchange for food and shelter, they had brought the culture, language, and Christianity to Krataerbech. There coming was a profound point in history for the area.
+
The 15th and 16th centuries were filled with expeditions to far out lands in search of gold, silver, and exotic plants. Although many parts of the world were explored by Krataerian ships, they found many of them either useless or already claimed by nations such as Spain, England, and Portugal. Only one colony was founded during this age, in the nearby Weisslacker islands. These islands were similar to Krataerbech, and therefor almost useless. The islands were used as a penal colony, and was eventually granted independence in 1793.
  
====600 A.D.====
+
===The Industrial Revolution===
Hopfenland begins regular trading and correspondence with not only Cologne, but also the Kingdom of England, and the Kingdoms of Denmark and Norway.
+
Krataerbech took full advantage of the industrial revolution. Although not necessarily innovative, Krataerian designs were usually very well built and sturdy. An example is the first cars built in Krataerbech. While most of the world was building rickety, poorly built cars that could not take rough terrain, Krataerian cars could go through all but the rockiest of roads and trails. Factories were built all over Krataerbech during this period, and the kingdom became rich off the exports of these goods.
  
====712 A.D.====
+
===The 20th Century===
Rising tensions between Hopfenland and Frosttraume caused by state sanctioned raiding parties culmenates into an all out war between the two kingdoms. The war eventually ends with Frosttraume gaining the port of Wacholderbusch and access to the Nachtflub.
+
While WWI swept Europe, Krataerbech remained relatively neutral. Aiding the allies only indirectly, they were able to avoid involvement of any troops. The Great Depression made a huge impact on the Kingdom, however. Because Krataerbech relied on a global economy, when the stock market crashed there was no one to sell to. Hundreds of thousands of people lost there jobs, and homelessness hit an all time high. It was not until WWII, when Krataerbech was able to create jobs again by building planes, tanks, and munitions for the Allied forces that the depression ended. After the war, Krataerbech became increasingly isolationist, dealing in only minor regional affairs. This all ended in 1982, when King Johann the XIV of Eisengrube signed a treaty with the United States, reopening trade between the two nations. Krataerbech once again began to export quality products all over the world, and discountinuing there lack of innovation, created the first permanent underwater research facility in the world.
  
====834 A.D.====
+
==Political Structure==
Frosttraume begins building the Bierkanal to connect the Nachtflub and Wacholderbusch as a way to transport the cities production of gin to the rest of Krataerbech.
+
Krataerbech is home to the oldest existing instance of representative democracy, which will turn 500 in 2007. The Krataerian system consists of a King and 6 council members, or Lords. The king is elected by the Lords every 10 years, or in the case of a Kings death. Only Lords and the Kings eldest son are eligible for Kingship. Lordship follows similar rules, with each provience being divided into 6 counties, which are represented by Nobles. The counties elect Nobles from the townships of the county, which are represented by Mayors. Mayors are elected directly by the people of the township.
 +
Kings, Lords, Nobles, and Mayors make up the bulk of the political structure; the only department not governed by them is the Judicial Branch, which is elected in a similar fashion.
  
====1000 A.D.====
+
==Culture==
The city of Schlobstadt celebrates Jesus Christ's 1000th birthday with a massive Christmas Day celebration, including the unvieling of the massive Schobstadt Cathedral. The building, made entirely of marble, still stands today.
+
Krataerian culture is very unique. Cultural icons include the vastly popular 4 Square, beer, and bears. Most Krataerians are generally thought to be not only kind, but also intellectual and slightly immoral in the well-known sense. Of course, this is not always the case.
  
====1351====
+
===Religion===
Merchants from Europe had brought The Black Death during this year. Although there was an utter lack of rats and other rodents on the island, The Black Death still spread. The outbreak in Krataerbech, as well as Iceland, has lead historians to believe at least one of the outbreaks was not caused by the bubonic plauge or spread by rats. Many powerful and influential families moved to the then uninhabited island of Stern Berg to avoid the disease.
+
 
+
====1397====
+
The rapidly expanding Kingdom of Gebirgsgesetz on the island of Stern Berg began warring on neighboring kingdoms at this time. With the other kingdoms still weak from The Black Death, Gebirgsgesetz decimated the others military. By the begining of the 15th century, Gebirgsgesetz fully controlled Krataerbech.
+
 
+
====1407====
+
The first king of Krataerbech, Leopold II of Gesetz, rebuked the absolute monarchy of his rule, in favor of the first representative democracy since Ancient Rome.
+
 
+
==Religion==
+
 
Prior to 1979, Krataerbech was officially Christian, with citizens being able to choose exactly what sect. The last census taken in Krataerbech revieled that 74% of the population was nondenominatal Christian; the runner up being atheist with 12% having no religion.
 
Prior to 1979, Krataerbech was officially Christian, with citizens being able to choose exactly what sect. The last census taken in Krataerbech revieled that 74% of the population was nondenominatal Christian; the runner up being atheist with 12% having no religion.
  
==Education==
+
===Education===
 
Education in Krataerbech is modeled on the United States' education system, with a few major changes. All childern ages 5 to 18 are required to go through 13 grades of schooling at a public school from September until May, and complete at least 5 hours of education each day, with 2 hours being dedicated to physical education. In addition, all students are required to partake in at least one interschoolastic sport. Because of this, Krataerians are generally thought to be some of the healthiest people in the world.
 
Education in Krataerbech is modeled on the United States' education system, with a few major changes. All childern ages 5 to 18 are required to go through 13 grades of schooling at a public school from September until May, and complete at least 5 hours of education each day, with 2 hours being dedicated to physical education. In addition, all students are required to partake in at least one interschoolastic sport. Because of this, Krataerians are generally thought to be some of the healthiest people in the world.
  
==Sports==
+
===Sports===
 
There are 5 major and a myriad of minor proffesional sports in Krataerbech. The most popular is Football, with the other major sports being four square, dodgeball, hockey, and paintball. Professional sports are watched by approximatly 30 million viewers every day, and is one of the nations most lucritive buisiness's.
 
There are 5 major and a myriad of minor proffesional sports in Krataerbech. The most popular is Football, with the other major sports being four square, dodgeball, hockey, and paintball. Professional sports are watched by approximatly 30 million viewers every day, and is one of the nations most lucritive buisiness's.
 +
 +
===Music===
 +
Music has been an integral part of the Krataerian Culture since the Renneseince in the 14th century. Since then, music has evolved from the multi-peice orchastras to the typical 4-man band of today. Today, rock music is king, and many internationally successful bands call Krataerbech home.

Latest revision as of 14:16, 5 December 2006

The Kingdom of
Krataerbech
krataerbech.jpg
Flag of Krataerbech
herladryra7.gif
Krataerbech Coat of Arms
National motto: All Hail King and Country!
National anthem: A Midsummer Night
Map
Region The North Atlantic
Capital Gesetz
Largest City Kholetor
Population 400 Million
Suffrage 16
Official Language(s) English, German
Government
King
Kingdom
Fredrick the I of Wacholderbusch
Soverignty Free Nation
ISO Nation Code KRTR
Currency Dollar
Time Zone
 • Summer (DST)
GMT
Internet TLD .krt
Calling Code +19
National Symbols
 • Sport
 • Animal
 • Fruit
 • Flower

Football
Crescent Bear
Blueberry
Cherry Blossem
UN Status Rouge Nation
Info: NationStates NSEconomy Pipian XML

The Kingdom of Krataerbech, also known as Krataerbech, is a country located in the Stürmisch Ocean. Krataerbech is a constitutional monarchy, with its capital in Gesetz. It is around 2.8 million miles large, and is home to approximetly 400 million people.

Geography

Krataerbech was formed when a large meteor struck its mainland. This meteor created a large crater, which then filled with water. Other meteors struck and created tsunamis in the region, which washed away the craters rims.

Terrain

Krataerbech's landscape mostly consists of coastal plains surrounding high mountain ranges. In the center of the water filled crater is a large volcanic island.

Climate

The climate in Krataerbech is not varied much, with a temperate climate similar to New England/The Great Lakes area being the norm. Winter is typically cold and wet, with snowfalls reaching a high of two feet in most areas. Springtime is marked with warmer tempertures and around the same amount of percipitation. Summer becomes hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms, sometimes occuring more than twice a week. Summer ends hotter and less humid, and this trend continues into early fall. Fall gets gradually colder, and tempertures regularly drop below 40°F by late November.

History

Prehistoric

Years before the first humans of Krataerbech, a large meteor struck the area, which was at the time much larger. The crater filled with sea water, and became oceanic body it is today. Possibly forming from a weakend crust caused by the meteor, a volcano began to form in the center of the gulf. The first people of Krataerbech came much later, possibly not until 10,000 B.C.

Before Civilization

The People of Krataerbech were mostly hunters and gatherers until about 5,000 B.C., when advanced social groups had begun to form. There is little evidence of wars between the tribes on the mainland, stemming from the fact that resources were plentiful and there was no reason to fight over land spaces. This was not true in Brandboden, where many tribes made there living from plundering neighboring villiges.

The Pasonic Era

Tribes in the area where the Ausblickräuber Penninsula now stands had begun to build an immense empire, which would eventually stretch to the entirety of mainland Krataerbech. There civilization, built originally on the trade of cold weather sugar cane products common in the area, was amoung the first in Krataerbech. There growth had a profound effect on the area; as many tribes were eventually absorbed into the empire, and it served as a model for civilizations to come.

The Pasonic era eventually around 300 B.C., when raiders from neighboring areas began to pick off increasingly independent cities of the era. The last emperor of the Pasonic Era is rumured to have called all the city officials in his empire to a meeting, only to poison the food and kill them all. This was the last straw for the empire, and it was dissolved.

Midieval Krataerbech

Krataerbech experienced major changes in this time. Already powerful from the spoils of the fall of the Pasonic Empire, citystates began to expand into large kingdoms. Wars racked the area, and if it wasnt for the unifying effect contact with the Holy Roman Empire caused, they would have continued for centuries. The Holy Roman Empire not only pacified Krataerbech, it also had a profound effect on the culture. The kingdoms were fascinated by there ways and culture, especially that of the Germanic tribes. Many kingdoms kept contact with European nations, trading and learning from them as much as they could until the Black Death swept through Krataerbech, weakening them considerably.

The Renessience

The time of scientific thinking and art in Krataerbech was caused ironically by something completly unconnected: Death. During the Black Death, many rich and influential families not directly connected to there particular kingdoms moved to the then uninhabited volcanic island of Stern Berg. By the late 14th century, the kingdom of Gebirgsgesetz began to attack the relativly weak kingdoms that were still recovering from the Black Death. Their campaign was a huge success, and by early 1401, Krataerbech was unified for the first time. Because the kingdom was able to set there focus on things other than defence, education was valued more highly, and by 1410, the first universitiy in Krataerbech was founded. The Krataerbech Renessience was marked by beautiful architecture, artwork, and advancements in music. Thanks to advancements in technology that made the life of the everyday Krataerian easier, more and more citizens were finding themselves in a new middle class that allowed more time for personal enjoyment. In 1507, King Augustus of Gesetz created the first representative democracy since Ancient Rome. Society drifted from the strong grip the Catholic Church had on them since the first contact with The Holy Roman Empire, and moved towards a more open, non denominational Christian view.

Colonial Expansion

The 15th and 16th centuries were filled with expeditions to far out lands in search of gold, silver, and exotic plants. Although many parts of the world were explored by Krataerian ships, they found many of them either useless or already claimed by nations such as Spain, England, and Portugal. Only one colony was founded during this age, in the nearby Weisslacker islands. These islands were similar to Krataerbech, and therefor almost useless. The islands were used as a penal colony, and was eventually granted independence in 1793.

The Industrial Revolution

Krataerbech took full advantage of the industrial revolution. Although not necessarily innovative, Krataerian designs were usually very well built and sturdy. An example is the first cars built in Krataerbech. While most of the world was building rickety, poorly built cars that could not take rough terrain, Krataerian cars could go through all but the rockiest of roads and trails. Factories were built all over Krataerbech during this period, and the kingdom became rich off the exports of these goods.

The 20th Century

While WWI swept Europe, Krataerbech remained relatively neutral. Aiding the allies only indirectly, they were able to avoid involvement of any troops. The Great Depression made a huge impact on the Kingdom, however. Because Krataerbech relied on a global economy, when the stock market crashed there was no one to sell to. Hundreds of thousands of people lost there jobs, and homelessness hit an all time high. It was not until WWII, when Krataerbech was able to create jobs again by building planes, tanks, and munitions for the Allied forces that the depression ended. After the war, Krataerbech became increasingly isolationist, dealing in only minor regional affairs. This all ended in 1982, when King Johann the XIV of Eisengrube signed a treaty with the United States, reopening trade between the two nations. Krataerbech once again began to export quality products all over the world, and discountinuing there lack of innovation, created the first permanent underwater research facility in the world.

Political Structure

Krataerbech is home to the oldest existing instance of representative democracy, which will turn 500 in 2007. The Krataerian system consists of a King and 6 council members, or Lords. The king is elected by the Lords every 10 years, or in the case of a Kings death. Only Lords and the Kings eldest son are eligible for Kingship. Lordship follows similar rules, with each provience being divided into 6 counties, which are represented by Nobles. The counties elect Nobles from the townships of the county, which are represented by Mayors. Mayors are elected directly by the people of the township. Kings, Lords, Nobles, and Mayors make up the bulk of the political structure; the only department not governed by them is the Judicial Branch, which is elected in a similar fashion.

Culture

Krataerian culture is very unique. Cultural icons include the vastly popular 4 Square, beer, and bears. Most Krataerians are generally thought to be not only kind, but also intellectual and slightly immoral in the well-known sense. Of course, this is not always the case.

Religion

Prior to 1979, Krataerbech was officially Christian, with citizens being able to choose exactly what sect. The last census taken in Krataerbech revieled that 74% of the population was nondenominatal Christian; the runner up being atheist with 12% having no religion.

Education

Education in Krataerbech is modeled on the United States' education system, with a few major changes. All childern ages 5 to 18 are required to go through 13 grades of schooling at a public school from September until May, and complete at least 5 hours of education each day, with 2 hours being dedicated to physical education. In addition, all students are required to partake in at least one interschoolastic sport. Because of this, Krataerians are generally thought to be some of the healthiest people in the world.

Sports

There are 5 major and a myriad of minor proffesional sports in Krataerbech. The most popular is Football, with the other major sports being four square, dodgeball, hockey, and paintball. Professional sports are watched by approximatly 30 million viewers every day, and is one of the nations most lucritive buisiness's.

Music

Music has been an integral part of the Krataerian Culture since the Renneseince in the 14th century. Since then, music has evolved from the multi-peice orchastras to the typical 4-man band of today. Today, rock music is king, and many internationally successful bands call Krataerbech home.