Difference between revisions of "Baranxtu"

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{{Infobox_Nation |
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flag=[[Image:2005.jpg]] |
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region=[[International Democratic Union]] |
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motto=United for Peace, Justice and more Unity.  |
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map=http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/baranxtupolitical.jpg|
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language=[[Asuaneï]], [[Baranxeï]], [[English]], [[Nidajii]], [[Qi]] West Helenaian Sign Language |
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capital=[[Ωn-Baranxiž]] |
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population=85,000,000 |
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currency=[[Aimau]] |
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leader=[[Ateni Meinaratu Gguri-Eilari | King Ateni of Baranxtu, Otea and Cikoutimi]]<br>
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Prime Minister [[Htalui Asabijitu Mersagi | Htalui Mersagi]]
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}}
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'''The Most Serene Republic of Baranxtu''' is a country located in the [[International Democratic Union]], and also a member thereof.  
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{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=400
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|-
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| colspan=2 align=center | <big><big>'''The Most Serene Republic of Baranxtu'''<br>
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Furāņē Mi-Maona Bāraŋxēi<br>
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Furanē An-Maona Baranxtu<br>
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La Republique La Plus Sereine de Baranktou<br>
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Pulanna Ilanlan Baraŋemin</big></big>
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|- colspan=2 |
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|-
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| colspan=2 align=center | http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Flags/Flags%20of%20Baranxtu/baranxtu.png<br>Flag of Baranxtu
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|-
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| colspan=2 align=center | '''Murtikainīa bagraf ā zanteruf ā ajajaf.'''<br>''United for peace, justice and harmony.''
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|-
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| colspan=2 align=center | http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/baranxtuloc.png
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|-
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| '''[[Language | Official Languages]]'''
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| <br>[[Asuaneï]], [[Baranxeï]], [[English]], [[French]], [[Nidajii]], [[Baranxtuan Sign Language]]
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|-
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| '''Unofficial Languages
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| Qi, Ñiri, [[Chicoutim]], others
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|-
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| '''[[Capital]]'''
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| [[Ān-Baranxiž]]
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|-
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| '''Largest City'''
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| [[Ān-Baranxiž]]
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|-
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| '''[[List of Baranxtuan monarchs | Head of State]]'''
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| [[Ateni Meinaratu Ŋuri-Eilari | King Ateni]] and [[Iðari Nemuritu Alifi-Neurani | King Iðari]] of Baranxtu
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|-
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| '''Head of Government'''
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| [[Aimala Nalatu Boulea | Prime Minister Aimala Boulea]]
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|-
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| '''[[Population]]'''<br>''2006 census''
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| <br>392.659.492
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|-
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| '''Establishment''' <br>''Colony''<br>''Theocracy''<br>''Monarchy''<br>''Republic''
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| <br>1687<br>4.6.1792<br>28.10.1814<br>27.10.1860
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|-
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| '''National Animal'''
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| [[Tigers of Baranxtu#Baranxtuan Tiger | Baranxtuan Tiger]]
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|-
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| '''National Colors'''
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| Blue and Green
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|-
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| '''National Flower'''
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| Iris
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|-
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| '''[[Gross Domestic Product|GDP]]'''<br>''- Total''<br>''- GDP/capita
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| <br>$9,604,064,800,983,870<br>$33,897.81
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|-
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| '''[[Currency]]'''<br>''-Exchange rate''
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| 1 [[Aimau]] = 100 [[Pavta]]<br>1 Aimau=$1.7700
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|-
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| '''Constitution'''
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| [[Baranxtuan Charter of Freedom]]
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|- style="white-space:nowrap;"
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| '''[[Nation Codes]]'''<br>''-ISO Code''<br>''TLD''<br>''ISO Currency Code''
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| <br>IDBT<br>.bt<br>AIM
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|-
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| '''National Anthem'''
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| [[Ma Baranxtu (anthem) | Ma Baranxtu]]
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|-
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| '''[[CHDI]]'''
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| 0.979 (<font color=#339966>very high</font>)
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|-
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| colspan=2 align=center | <small>Info: [http://www.nationstates.net/Baranxtu Nationstates] [http://nseconomy.thirdgeek.com/nseconomy.php?region=International_Democratic_Union&nation=baranxtu NSEconomy] [http://www.pipian.com/stuffforchat/gdpcalc.php?nation=Baranxtu Pipian] [http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/nationdata.cgi/nation=Baranxtu XML]
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|}
  
Originally a staunchly conservative and almost fanatically religious colony of the [[Kingdom of Baranxtu]], it is today a socially progressive nation with a tightly regulated, but stable and prosperous economy.
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'''The Most Serene Republic of Baranxtu''' is a well-developed nation located on the South Continent of the [[International Democratic Union]]. Bordered by the Sea of Agrimai in the north and west, the [[Himagube | Strait of Hima]] in the southwest and the Bay of Baranxtu in the south, Baranxtu is has developed strong maritime trade bonds with many other nations which remain firmly in place today. It shares a maritime border with [[Otea]] which lies across the Strait of Hima and is bordered in the southeast by [[Jonquiere-Tadoussac]] and [[Cikoutimi]]. Much of the land across its eastern border still belongs to the Unclaimed Lands.
  
==Name==
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Baranxtu is a democratic federal constitutional monarchy with a strong parliament. It is made up of twelve regular provinces, two city states, three metropolitan provinces and two autonomous provinces. However, there is little difference between the status of the different forms of provinces.
  
'''Baranxtu''' is [[Baranxeï]] for ''of [[Baranxtuan Religion | Baranxi]]''.  
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Originally a staunchly conservative and almost fanatically religious colony of the Kingdom of Baranxtu, it is today a self-proclaimed multi-cultural, liberal and progressive country that embraces the now indigenous diversity of cultures, languages and traditions of the peoples living within the country.
  
When settlers came to what is now the kingdom of Baranxtu, their named the first village to be founded after the home city of most of them. That city was called '''Baranhide''' (''city of Baranxi''), which later developed into ''Baranxiž''. The city's patron deity Baranxi became also the patron god of the whole area, and the lands where thus called Baranxtu.
 
  
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==History==
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''Main article: [[History of Baranxtu]]''
  
The etymology of '''Baranxi''' is not as clear at all. Whereas it is known for a fact that modern-day Baranxi is a merge of at least two different deities (a Sumyaian intersex deity and a male Talitrian god), it is not known from which deity he ultimately received his name.
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===Colonization===
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{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/Thumbnails/1690.png|left|History of Baranxtu|The establishment of the Three Colonies in 1690 ([http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/1690.png detail]).}}
  
One Sumyaian Origin Theory claims that ''Baranxi'' is derived from Sumyaian '*pjasa(n)' ''(spring)'' and '*naja(n)' ''(winter)'', and interpreting it as a name for the life-death aspect of Baranxi.
 
  
Another Sumyaian Origin Theory says that ''Baranxi'' comes from Ilatemaian 'bahasa' ''(health)'' and 'ranyhe' ''(sickness)'', also mirroring the life/death aspect of Baranxu.
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The history of the country Baranxtu began in 1690, with the formal establishment of the three Crown Colonies of the Kingdom of Baranxtu - the Baranxtiman colonies Barei and Natjesa and the Asuanituan colony [[Naïē]].
  
The most important Talitrian Origin Theory, however, says that ''Baranxi'' evolved from Proto-Talitrian *bharanje ''(love, devotion)''.
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With funding and military support from their home country, these colonies soon fought a war with the surrounding native kingdoms, particularly with the northern part of the [[Nehikuma#Nehikuman Dependencies | Nehikuman dependencies]]. By 1713, the two Baranxtiman provinces had a joint border and were united to Barei ā Natjesa, the political and linguistical forerunner of modern-day [[Bari Nazer]]. In 1720, the Baranxtiman and Asuanituan colony were merged to form the Colony of Baranxtu.
  
==History==
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Around the same time, the Nidajan colony of Eisha was established in the south, and quickly extended its influence westwards, ultimately resulting in the Fall of [[Siraŋe]] in 1714, when the town was conquered by Nidajan forces. A year later, it became the capital of the newly formed, independent Kingdom of [[Sraŋana]]. Unlike the Baranxtimans and Asuanituans in the northern colonies, the Nidajans were more intent on forming stable alliances with their neighbors, and for the next four decades lived relatively peaceful as an ally of the kingdom of Hantis.
''Main Article: [[History of Baranxtu]]''
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===Founding===
 
  
Baranxtu was found as a theocracy by Baranxtuan colonists in the 17th century for whom the progressively liberal attitude in their homeland towards other cultures had become unbearable. Their first leader was the High Priest Ahogi Detitu Gguri-Ahadi, a member of the influental Gguri family.
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===Expansion of the Colony===
<br>The first city to be founded was Ωn-Baranxiž, inhabited by about 1,200 people in 1687. The overall population of the Theocratic Colony of Baranxtu grew to a stable 10,000 by the turn of the century, with most inhabitants making a living with farming.
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{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Buildings/TempleofBaranxi.jpg|center|Temple of Baranxi|The oldest part of the temple complex of Ωn-Baranxiž was erected between 1702 and 1714. It is a sanctuary of Baranxi.}}
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During the 1720s, the Baranxtuan leaders turned their attention towards the setup of their country's infrastructure. The mother country started to withdraw troops and monetary aid, and until then, Baranxtu did not have a lot of industry to support any kind of independently financed infrastructure.  
  
===Growth and Independence===
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With the aid of foreign private money, Baranxtu started to develop an extensive agriculture, followed slowly by manifacturing industries.
  
After the Religious Tolerance Act of 1725, many of the more conservative people of the Kingdom Baranxtu came to the colony, until in 1767 High Priestess Aleida Mallanatu Gguri-Ahadi put a stop on immigration in order to safe the stability of the land threatened by the too fast population growth - the country had already grown to more than 100,000 inhabitants which could barely survive off the land available to them.
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====The Marani Civil Wars====
<br>Eventually, Baranxtu was forced to expand southwards to gain possession of more farming land in order to feed the population. Frightened by the threat of famine, Aleida Mallanatu Gguri-Ahadi called the home land for help, but in the Kingdom of Baranxtu, people protested against the support of a backwards nation like the Theocratic Colony of Baranxtu, so the Kingdom of Baranxtu was forced to set its colony free. After long negotiations, the Theocracy of Baranxtu became independent in 1792.
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{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/Thumbnails/1754.png|right|History of Baranxtu|Baranxtu after the Second Marani Civil War ([http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/1754.png detail]).}}
  
===The Constitution of 1814===
 
  
Despite the original intentions of the founders, the Theocracy of Baranxtu shifted towards a more relaxed attitude regarding religion and democracy, and in 1810 a bloody revolution brought forth the reconsitution of Baranxtu as a constitutional monarchy. The ruling dynasty of Ggurυa-Ahadυa was disposed, and the High Priest Apri Naostatitu Gguri-Ahadi was executed in public on March 24th, 1811.
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During these times, Baranxtu was surprisingly safe from outward threats. The traditional, small-scale feuds of the different Marani tribes had slowly begun to escalate, ultimately resulting in two large and bloody wars, commonly dubbed the First and Second Marani Civil Wars.
<br>For the first time ever, the people were allowed to vote. The first election in 1812 served the establishment of a Constitutional Committee.
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<br>The Committee's job was to draft a constition for the country, which was for the meantime governed by the Council of the Nation. Despite its best attempts to bring peace to country plagued by civil war, the next years saw a surge of crime, as a majority of the infrastructure had been destroyed in the revolution.
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<br>Finally, in 1814, the Constitution of the Constitutional Monarchy of Baranxtu was approved of by the Council of the Nation and it became official law, with the Gguri-Eilari line of the royal family becoming the new ruling dynasty. One of their first steps was to repeal the ban of other religions, thereby triggering a new wave of immigration.
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<br>
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The following decades saw a few waves of expansian, especially unter [[Agglija Sijjiaritu Ggura-Eilara | Queen Agglija]], culminating in the Hantis-Baranxtu War 1830-1832 and the infamous Leumi Wars 1840-1846. During the latter, a number of important cultural sites of the Leumi were destroyed, the most well known being the [[Riatena Shrine]].
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===The Constitution of 1860===
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The primary target was the large kingdom of [[Nehikuma]], corresponding to modern [[Āþ-Neila]] and [[Āŋ-Neila]]. Its vassals were bordering the Baranxtuan colony and were the primary victims of its early expansions. When the king of Nehikuma did nothing to stop the Baranxtuan colonies, many of his former subjects turned against him, resulting in a split of Nehikuma into first a Northern and a Southern, later a Northern, Central and Southern kingdom. These were constantly at war with each other, and each sought to get as much support as possible. In the end, the Northern and Southern Kingdoms signed a peace treaty and allied themselves with Baranxtu against the Central Kingdom.
  
In the first quarter of the 19th century, the Kingdom Baranxtu faced a series of economic threats, and a great number of disappointed inhabitants decided to move to the economically more stable Constitutional Monarchy of Baranxtu. Among them were many intellectuals and influential philosophers of the time, like Uhana Estoratu Ebiscoba. Her book ''"On the Republic and Its Importance for A Truly Free People"'' was published in 1844, and it soon became the first 'best seller' in the modern sense. It also led to the founding of a party called ''"For A Baranxtuan Republic"'', which gained a surprising 26% of the popular vote in the parlamentary elections of 1852. It eventually succeeded in demanding a redraft of the Constitution, which shifted the majority of power from the regnant to the Prime Minister.
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This mutual support made it possible for Baranxtu to conquer much of the Central Kingdom, forming the basis for the later province of [[Āŋ-Neila]].
<br>The new Constitution went into effect in 1860. The country's name was changed to The Most Serene Republic of Baranxtu, though the royal family was still allowed to fill the position of head of state.
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===Industrialisation===
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By the end of the Second Marani Civil War in 1754, Baranxtu had more than doubled its territory, whereas the formerly so powerful kingdom of Nehikuma was a mere shadow of its former self.
  
The 19th century also saw the advent of industrialisation. However, the government - whether during the Constitutional Monarchy period or from the Republican period on - strictly regulated the development of new industries, as the whole country was very suspicious of the new technologies.
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Today merely a footnote in history is the campaign against Eastern Abasina, the area north of what is today Bari Nazer. The tribes in this area had a political union with the Abasi tribes of modern Abasina; their forces quickly succumbed to the superiorly armed troops of Baranxtu. Most natives escaped to Western Abasina by sea, although a not insignifcant number was slaughtered by the Baranxtiman army. Today, the north of Bari Nazer is home to more memorials than any other single province of Baranxtu.
<br>This had the effect that for a long period, Baranxtu stayed a largely agricultural state. Only the recent decades have seen a slow growth of industry.
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===Recent Developments===
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====Baranxtu-Nehikuma Wars====
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{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/Thumbnails/1766.png|left|History of Baranxtu|Baranxtu after the campaigns against Nehikuma ([http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/1766.png detail]).}}
  
The Most Serene Republic of Baranxtu joined the [[International Democratic Union]] in 2005, after a national referendum approved of the suggestion with a majority of 74.45%.
 
  
In late August 2005, Baranxtu basically annexed the former nation [[Jonquiere-Tadoussac]] and installed a ''Protectorate of East Baranxtu''. This was (mostly) met with indifference in the international community.
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The Baranxtu-Nehikuma Wars were the first of a number of large scale wars between the country of Baranxtu and the Marani tribes. After the Marani Civil Wars, the two Nehikuma kingdoms never really recovered from the massive destructions they had suffered, and so were seen as an easy target by Baranxtuan strategists.
<br>The official reason for this was that Baranxtuans had grown increasingly nervous with the failed country being the closest neighbor, although opponents of the annexation claim this reason was only brought up as an excuse for the economic interests Baranxtu has in the neighboring country.
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About a month later, Baranxtu also sent peacekeeping troops to [[Otea | Hadu Qirala]], the island lying just of the shore of Qiru province after the government of United Liberator Front had failed.
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In 1760, Baranxtu issued a declaration of war, citing various unresolved border issues and violations against the cooperation treaties that were negotiated in the 1740s.
  
==Demographics==
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The first waves of attacks targeted the Northern Kingdom, and at first, the Baranxtuan troops made fast progress towards the capital [[Nei]]. However, the campaign suddenly came to a halt in 1762, when the forces of the Southern Kingdom managed to breach through the Baranxtuan defense line after getting the support of the still powerful kingdom of Hantis.
  
===Ethnicity===
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All countries called ceasefire in 1764, but soon picked up combat again after all negotiations failed. Baranxtu had to call for additional support from the mother country and managed to capture Nei by the end of 1764. The King of the Northern Kingdom, Atimare, capitulated soon after, thus ending the Northern Kingdom and giving rise to the future province of Āþ-Neila.
Today, the populace of Baranxtu is a mix of many people with often largely different cultural and religious backgrounds, and ensuring harmony and peace between these groups has been one of the common main goals of the past governments.
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By ethnicity, three constructed groups are differed:
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In the south, the tides started to turn against the Southern Kingdom and Hantis, as well. After attacking the Sraŋanan exclave of Eisha, Sraŋana and its Marani ally Anier decided to support Baranxtu. By 1766, joint Baranxtuan, Sraŋanan and Anieran forced had defeated the Southern Kingdom as well as the army of Hantis.
*The '''Natives''' who are mainly of Marani descent and nowadays in the minority.
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*The '''Colonists''' who consist of Baranxtuan, Asuanituans and Nidajians. They hail from the Kingdom of Baranxtu and are the majority today.
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*The '''Immigrants''' are non-Baranxtuan/Asuanituan/Nidajians who came to the country since the 19th century. They are a minority, albeit a sizeable one.
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As Baranxtu was named after the main ethnic group of colonists, in the last years, a heated debate arose as how to adress the citizens of the country and how to contrast them from Baranxtuans, the ethnic group.
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Ultimately, Eisha fell to Baranxtu which led to considerable tensions between the two countries that were only solved 13 years later during the First Southern Campaign.
<br>
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Currently, it is considered politically correct to use '''baranxtumalω''' when referring to citizens of the country Baranxtu in general, and '''baranxtimω''' when referring to the ethnic group of Baranxtuans. In English, the terms ''Baranxtuan'' and ''Baranxtiman'' are sometimes used.
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{|class="toccolourscellpadding="4" border="1" align="center"
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====The Southern Campaigns and Independence====
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Between 1777 and 1792, Baranxtu undertook a number of campaigns against its southwestern neighbors. Separated by a peaceful period lasting from 1779 to 1786, these are separated into the First and Second Southern Campaign.
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{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/Thumbnails/1792.png|right|History of Baranxtu|The Southern Campaigns split the Baranxtuan territory into two unconnected parts ([http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/1792.png detail]).}}
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Originally, the First Southern Campaign was meant to be a permanent solution of the conflict between Sraŋana and Baranxtu that was the result of the peace treaty following the Baranxtu-Nehikuma War, according which the formerly Sraŋanan exclave of Eisha fell to Baranxtu. This was followed by a series of threats by the Sraŋanan [[Queen Šrapin]]; however, it was not until her son, [[King Baŋani]] came to power that these threats should be put into action. When King Baŋani publicly stated that he intended to go to war with Baranxtu, [[Naosta Lemhitu Ŋura-Ehada | High Priestess Naosta]] of Baranxtu made the first step and declared war on Sraŋana in 1777.
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Unexpectedly, the Qiri Empire declared its support of Sraŋana and prepared its navy to attack Baranxtu. In turn, Baranxtu sent its fleet to the coast of the easternmost tip of the Qiri Empire and troops made landfall in 1778, turning the expected naval war into a war on land. Meanwhile, with the Qirian forces now centered in this part, another fleet was secretly dispatched to land in the northern part of the empire, launching a surprise attack.
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By 1779, Baranxtu had gained ground on the Qiri Empire (and installed a puppet king in Sraŋana). An armistice was negotiated between Baranxtu and the Qiri Empire. However, it only lasted until 1786, when Baranxtu declared the armistice null and void, beginning the Second Southern Campaign.
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The continental part of the Qiri Empire was quickly conquered by Baranxtuan troops, but until 1790, all attacks on the island of [[Otea]] proved unsuccessful. Only then Baranxtuan troops were able to land on the southern coast of Otea. It took them another two years before finally being able to conquer the Qirian capital in Otea.
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A direct, though unforseen and unwanted result of the Southern Campaigns was the independence of Baranxtu. The mother country decided that the hostile and unpredictable nature of the colony was unbearable to support, and decided to unilaterally declare it independent in 1792. The colony accepted, and declared itself the Theocracy of Baranxtu the same year.
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===Revolution and Constitutional Monarchy===
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The theocratic regime installed after Baranxtuan independency was largely unpopular with the majority of the population, and its leader, [[Apri Naostatitu Ŋuri-Ahadi | High Priest Apri]], was outright despised.
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Over the next two decades, two underground movements emerged. Both wanted to overthrow the Theocracy; however, one faction wanted to install a monarchy whereas the other wanted to turn Baranxtu into a republic. The leaders of both factions started to meet in secrecy and negotiate a pact; when an agreement to turn Baranxtu into a constitutional monarchy was reached in 1810, it was only a short step until the First Baranxtuan Civil War.
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====First Baranxtuan Civil War====
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{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/Thumbnails/1814.png|left|History of Baranxtu|Baranxtu at the time of the armistice between the three major fighting forces ([http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/1814.png detail]).}}
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The Civil War began with the assassination of the mayor of Naïaž, who had implemented a statute that effectively outlawed both the public and the private use of Asuaneï. Following his death, the citizens of Naïaž constituted a Republican People's Council and declared the city and the surrounding counties independent. This was not done in actualy search for independency, but rather as an act of provocation towards the theocracy. High Priest Apri followed suit and sent troops to capture the rebelling city.
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However, his troops were met with resistence even before coming close to Naïaž. A number of fights against with the Republican Army of Baranxtu ensued.
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Soon, the spark of revolution spread to other areas and by 1812, the army of the theocracy only held the west of Bari Nazer, parts of the Neilas and the north of Ziaha. In turn, the Republican Army had taken control over the eastern Bari Nazer, central Āþ-Neila and the Baranxtuan protectorate of Sraŋana. Another liberation army calling itself the "Army of the Free Baranxtuan Kindom" controlled the city of Nei and much of Āŋ-Neila.
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In the southern provinces, a Qirian liberation army also turned against the theocracy's troops, quickly regaining control over the region.
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Two years later, however, the two revolutionary armies had not only conquered much of Baranxtu, but also the rebelling southern provinces.
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High Priest Apri was captured in April 1814, leading to an armistice between the fighting parties. The theocracy's troops were forced to capitulate in order to gain peace. Apri was tried and executed in 1815. The man who had delegated and financially supported the revolution, [[Siñiari Mesopitu Ŋuri-Eilari]] was made the king of the newly constituted Constitutional Monarchy of Baranxtu.
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====Western Expansion====
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{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/Thumbnails/1830.png|right|History of Baranxtu|The effects of the two Dorista Campaigns and the Abasina Treaty ([http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/1830.png detail]).}}
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King Siñiari at first tried to focus on the rebuilding of his country, but faced growing hostilities from the kingdom of Dorista. When he died in 1821, his daughter, [[Aŋlija Siñiaritu Ŋura-Eilara | Queen Aŋlija]], was not recognized by Dorista as his legitimate heiress. Instead, its king claimed the throne of Baranxtu and declared war on the country in 1822.
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After a series of fierce battles, however, he called for peace, as the Baranxtuan army had quickly broken his eastern defenses and moved towards the capital Orinamaxista. Following this first war (nown as First Dorista Campaign), Dorista was forced to cede some territory in the east to Baranxtu as well as most of its western coast, leaving only a small strip east of [[Lake Phip]].
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Peace did not last long, however, and Queen Aŋlija started another war only two years later, in 1824. By 1826, she was able to conquer much of the southern coastal regions of Dorista. In a new peace treaty, Dorista now had to cede all of its southern coast as well as some central territories to Baranxtu, thereby creating two separate Doristan countries, of which one was landlocked.
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The Kingdom of Anier denied Dorista's request to allow free passage between the two territories, and the Abasi tribe of the northern part saw their opportunity and started a revolution against the ruling Dauni. In 1830, Baranxtuan delegates were able to convince the Abasi tribe that as a part of Baranxtu, their situation would be better than either under self-rule or Dauni rule. In the Abasina Treaty, most of the northern Doristan country became part of Baranxtu.
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====Wars against Hantis====
 +
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/Thumbnails/1832.png|left|History of Baranxtu|The Baranxtu-Hantis War were the last war fought outside of the country ([http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/1832.png detail]).}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
The Baranxtu-Hantis War, although lasting only two and a half years from 1830 to 1832, became infamous as being the cruellest and bloodiest war ever fought by Baranxtu.
 +
 
 +
The kingdom of Hantis was displeased by Baranxtu's foreign policy and issued a declaration of war shortly after the Abasina Treaty was signed. Immediately afterwards, they invaded the Baranxtuan province Ziaha, conquering Eisha and destroying much of it. Baranxtu retaliated, and had fought back the troops of Hantis after three months. Its troops continued eastwards, laying waste to most villages they passed.
 +
 
 +
By the end of 1831, Baranxtu had half of Hantis and its troops stood only a few miles before the Hantis capital Ŋao. When it fell in 1832, its king [[King Hoatena of Hantis | Hoatena]] was forced to abdicate in favor of his two year old daughter, [[Peiara Aderatu Sapna | Peiara]]. Her legal guardian from Baranxtu - the new territory's governor installed by Queen Aŋlija - surrendered all Hantis territory to Baranxtu, although formally it was chosen that she should remain Queen of Hantis until her marriage. Therefore, she was arranged to be married to one of Aŋlija's descendants, which ultimately was the future [[Hubri Siñiaritu Ŋuri-Eilari | King Hubri]].
 +
 
 +
As a result of the war and in order to protect themselves from future hostilities, Baranxtu and [[Jonquiere-Tadoussac]] signed a border agreement in 1834. According to the agreement, the island of Otea was ceded to Jonquiere-Tadoussac, where a small strip of Jontadain territory fell to Baranxtu. Of all of Baranxtu's border agreements, this was the only one that should last.
 +
 
 +
====Peaceful Path====
 +
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/Thumbnails/1850.png|right|History of Baranxtu|The Assimilation of the Doristas ([http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/1850.png detail]).}}
 +
 
 +
After the disrupting Baranxtu-Hantis War, Queen Aŋlija tried to redeem her country by steering back to a more peaceful path. In 1842, she initiated the "Masenar Union". The territory of the [[Phip (tribe) | Phip]] and the city state of [[Deioprañi Make]] became Baranxtuan protectorates.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
In 1850, the two Doristas were assimilated. This was a peaceful enlargment. The new queen of Dorista had decided that her country, consisting of two separated, landlocked entities with few access to natural ressources was not able to survive on its own and that it would be better to become a part of Baranxtu.
 +
 
 +
Queen Aŋlija was happy to oblige these wishes, and the new province of [[Dorista]] was created the same year. Back then, it was the largest of all Baranxtuan provinces, but also the least populated one. A lot of money was spent on creating a new, top-notch infrastructure (by Baranxtuan standards) to entice more people to move to Dorista, which back then also included Abasina.
 +
 
 +
When many of the conservative Baranxtimans - those who had been in support of the theocratic regime - focused especially in moving to the northern part, the province of Abasina was split from Dorista in 1853.
 +
 
 +
===Transformation into Republic===
 +
 
 +
The republican movement, which had only grudgingly agreed to the formation of a constitutional monarchy in 1814, grew stronger in the 1850s. A newly formed party, ''For A Baranxtuan Republic'', won the absolute majority of seats in 1852, and the new Prime Minister [[Edoani Imberitu Sahaleti | Edoani Sahaleti]] entered negotiations with [[Siñiari Melumnatu Ŋuri-Eilari | King Siñiari II]]. When the party became even stronger in 1856, he finally issued a royal proclamation that called for the election of a national convention that should draft a new constitution for Baranxtu.
 +
 
 +
It took four years before the new constitution was finalized. It turned Baranxtu into what was termed a ''republican monarchy''. It retained a king as head of state and gave him a few rights, but was a huge step towards democracy nevertheless. In time with the Baranxtiman new year, the country reconstituted itself in 1860.
 +
 
 +
===Second Baranxtuan Civil War===
 +
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/Thumbnails/1876.png|right|History of Baranxtu|The envisioned tripartite empire of Queen Peiara ([http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/1876.png detail]).}}
 +
 
 +
A series of unfortunate events ultimately led to [[Peiara Aderatu Sapna|Peiara]], a Halani princess married in childhood to future [[Hubri Siñiaritu Ŋuri-Eilari|King Hubri]] being installed as the Queen regnant of Baranxtu in place of her son [[Siñiari Hubritu Ŋuri-Eilari|Siñiari]], who was only an infant when his father died.
 +
 
 +
Queen Peiara slowly and subtly gave herself more powers through small steps, until she was secure enough to attempt to storm and abolish the parliament in 1876 through her Royal Guard after her son's death. She was declared the omnipotent, absolute queen of Baranxtu by a government installed by herself on November 4th, 1876, marking the begin of the Second Baranxtuan Civil War.
 +
 
 +
Her daughter [[Harma Hubritu Ŋura-Eilara|Harma]], who was seen by a vast majority as the true new queen of Baranxtu, was to be arrested, but with the help of her many supporters, she managed to escape to the neutral kingdom of [[Anier]] just in time to escape her mother's henchmen.
 +
 
 +
Whereas Queen Peiara found support in the then still Marani-dominated southern and eastern provinces, riots soon broke out in the northern part of the kingdom, forcing her to retreat to Siraŋe to avoid the violence in the north.
 +
 
 +
Her troops, the Royal Guard, started to fight a bloody war against the Baranxtuan National Army, the remnants of the officially dissolved former army. Although initially the Royal Guard could gain control over the central provinces, the north remained under firm control by the BNA throughout most of the war.
 +
 
 +
The fighting, combined with purges, massacred and plundering by both armed forces and civilian vigilante groups devastated much of Baranxtu worse than during the First Civil War; it turned into the bloodiest war fought on Baranxtuan ground after the Baranxtu-Hantis War.
 +
 
 +
In the end, Peiara had to surrender to the troops of Harma in 1889. Her reign was officially ended on November 12th and Peiara was detained, with Harma being crowned the new queen of Baranxtu. Peiara was tried in 1880, and found guilty of treason and attempted regicide and executed on December 1st.
 +
 
 +
Whereas Queen Peiara was originally vilified, modern historians see her more as a victim herself. After witnessing a cruel war herself at a young age, being abducted and held hostage for almost two decades, being forced into a mariage, she is now often seen as a traumatized woman who tried to do the best on behalf of her people. Unlike still often alleged, she did not want to annihilate all Baranxtimans and Asuanituans - she actually envisioned to found a tripartite empire, comprised of three independent kingdoms of Baranxtu, Hantis and Dorista in personal union.
 +
 
 +
===Mesumaha===
 +
 
 +
After the Second Baranxtuan Civil War, much of the country lay in ruins, with hundreds of thousands dead, and millions displaced and in dire need for help. Fields and crops had been destroyed, whole towns had been burned to the ground, and precarious sanitary conditions threatened to cause new outbreaks of deadly epidemics.
 +
 
 +
In addition, the budding democracy in Baranxtu had been shattered, and apart from Queen Harma and her staff of advisors, there was not much government to speak of.
 +
 
 +
In this situation, Queen Harma introduced the '''Mesumaha'''. The name originally referred to an ancient concept from Baranxtuan Religion, the ''"reintroduction of harmony into a disharmonious system"''. This plan consisted of three parts - saving, rebuilding, expanding.
 +
 
 +
"Saving" meant to provide immediate help for the needs of the devastated population, mostly food and temporary housing. "Rebuilding" meant to reconstruct all that had been destroyed and bring Baranxtu back to the level it had before the civil war. "Expanding", finally, meant to use this disaster as an opportunity to reshape Baranxtu into a modern, efficient and stable industrial nation.
 +
 
 +
For this project, Queen Harma borrowed large amounts of money, goods and food from neighboring nations, especially from Anier, and for its second stage, she temporarily nationalized most of Baranxtu's industry, so as to quickly have materials redistributed to those in need of them.
 +
 
 +
In order to stabilize the Baranxtuan democracy, before she issued new elections, she had the Baranxtuan Constitution partially redrafted, actually reducing the powers of the monarch and giving more power to the parliament. Subsequently, the first elections after the civil war were held in 1888.
 +
 
 +
===Baranxtu in the 20th century===
 +
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/Thumbnails/1906.png|right|History of Baranxtu|The Anier Act was the last territorial expansion of Baranxtu ([http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/1906.png detail]).}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
===Baranxtu in the 21st century===
 +
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/Thumbnails/2006.png|right|History of Baranxtu|Baranxtu and its neighbors today ([http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/History/2006.png detail]).}}
 +
 
 +
==Geography==
 +
 
 +
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/Geography.png|right|Geography of Baranxtu|Geographical map of Baranxtu}}
 +
 
 +
Baranxtu lies in the southwest of the South Continent of the IDU.
 +
 
 +
Baranxtu's east-west extension is about 3000km, whereas its northsouth extension is almost 2000km. Due to its dimensions, its geographical features are anything but uniform. The landscapes vary from low-lying plains to high mountain ranges and rolling hills covered by dense forests.
 +
 
 +
Inbetween, many areas are far removed from their natural state; especially the northern and southern coasts are an impressive example of city building, and cultivated land dominates much of the center of Baranxtu, especially of the province Ziaha.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Although Baranxtu is surrounded by water on three sides, the only large island close to Baranxtu is a separate country, Otea. Whereas there is a large number of islands belonging to Baranxtu, all are rather small and most are uninhabitated.
 +
 
 +
Most commercial ports of Baranxtu can be found on its northern shores, as they provide a portal to much of the rest of the IDU.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
The two major rivers of Baranxtu, the [[Misdan]] and the [[Inaroxa]] are both running from the two major Baranxtuan mountain ranges to the south. Other, smaller rivers can however be found throughout Baranxtu.
 +
 
 +
Home to many small lakes, the largest freshwater body is [[Lake Phip]], which lies on the northwestern edge of Abasina.
 +
 
 +
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Geography/MtAzrasmall.png|left|Mount Azra|[[Mount Azra]], Baranxtu's highest elevation.}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Two major mountain ranges dominate much of Baranxtu. In the west, the Adijan Mountains (or simply the [[Adijan]]) is runs from southwest to the northeast, and whereas the highest points can be found in the [[Dorista | Doristas]], it extends up to Āþ-Neila. Much of the Āŋ-Doristan Adijans has been declared a sanctuary by now, and as a result of this attract many tourists each year. The [[Mt Azra National Park]] is Baranxtu's single largest reserve; it is centered around Mount Azra, which is Baranxtu's highest elevation at 4026m.
 +
 
 +
In the southeast, close to the border to Jonquiere-Tadoussac, the [[Halaoran Mountains]] run parallel to the Adijan. They once had important coal and iron beds, but they have been mostly depleted. As the much strained environment slowly recovers, temperate forests are regaining territory for the first time in decades and some parts of the Halaoran Mountains have been declared a biological reserve.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Much of the rest of Baranxtu is mostly made up of smoothly rolling hills, apart from the coastal areas which are mostly flat. Only small strips are made up of bluffs, mostly in northern Abasina and eastern Qiru.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==Politics==
 +
 
 +
 
 +
===Government of the Republic===
 +
 
 +
 
 +
====Legislative Branch====
 +
 
 +
 
 +
====Executive Branch====
 +
 
 +
 
 +
====Judiciary Branch====
 +
 
 +
 
 +
===Foreign Relations===
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==Political Divisions==
 +
 
 +
Baranxtu is divided into 19 ''provinces'' (Baranxeï ''rañua'', singular ''rañy'').
 +
 
 +
Twelve of these are "regular" provinces, three are metropolitan provinces, two are city states and two are autonomous provinces. Apart from the autonomous provinces, there are only few differences in terms of self-governance, rights and duties of these distinctions.
 +
 
 +
All provinces and the two metropolitan provinces of the Deioprañiva and the Leuva are further divided into ''regions'' (Baranxeï ''ailua'', singular ''ailu''). Only the Eishava, Siraŋe and Ān-Baranxiž are not divided into regions.
 +
 
 +
The next subdivisions are the 1200 districts (''avēzua'') of Baranxtu, which are the basis for the elections of the parliament. In the two city states and the Eishava, they also take over the role of the regions. In all other provinces, they are of little actual effect.
 +
 
 +
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/ProvincesbyNumbers.png|right|Baranxtuan provinces|The 19 Provinces of Baranxtu.}}
 +
 
 +
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan=6 | http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Politics/baranxtuethnicgroups.gif
+
!  bgcolor="#3399cc" | &nbsp; !! bgcolor="#3399cc" | Official Name !! bgcolor="#3399cc" | Colloquial Name !! bgcolor="#3399cc" | Province Code !! bgcolor="#3399cc" | Capital
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan=2 | '''''Natives'''''
+
! 1
| colspan=2 | '''''Colonists'''''
+
| Province of Abasina
| colspan=2 | '''''Immigrants'''''
+
|'''[[Abasina]]'''
 +
|AB
 +
| [[Lamaŋra]]
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan=2 | 10.8%
+
! 2
| colspan=2 | 77.9%
+
| Province of Bari Nazer
| colspan=2 | 11.3%
+
|'''[[Bari Nazer]]'''
 +
|BN
 +
| [[Milhaē]]
 
|-
 
|-
| '''Jjiri'''
+
! 3
| 4.5%
+
| Metropolitan Province of Deioprañiva
| '''Baranxtuan'''
+
|'''[[Deioprañiva]]'''
| 56.2%
+
|DP
| '''English'''
+
| [[Deioprañi Make]]
| 2.3%
+
 
|-
 
|-
| '''Qiri'''
+
! 4
| 5.2%
+
| Metropolitan Province of Eishava
| '''Traditional Baranxtuan'''
+
|'''[[Eishava]]'''
| 2.4%
+
|EI
| '''French'''
+
| [[Eisha]]
| 2.8%
+
 
|-
 
|-
| '''Other'''
+
! 5
| 1.1%
+
| Province of Izana
| '''Asuanituan'''
+
|'''[[Izana]]'''
| 13.2%
+
|IZ
| '''German'''
+
| [[Inar]]
| 2%
+
 
|-
 
|-
|
+
! 6
|
+
| Autonomous Province of Ñiria
| '''Nidajian'''
+
|'''[[Ñiria]]'''
| 6.1%
+
|Ñ
| '''Scandinavian'''
+
| [[Ansa]]
| 1.7%
+
 
|-
 
|-
|
+
! 7
|
+
| Province of Gileğa
|
+
|'''[[Gileğa]]'''
|
+
|GI
| '''Others'''
+
| [[Gil (city)|Gil]]
| 2.5%
+
 
|-
 
|-
 +
! 8
 +
| Province of Halaora
 +
|'''[[Halaora]]'''
 +
|HA
 +
| [[Xanai]]
 +
|-
 +
! 9
 +
| Metropolitan Province of Leuva
 +
|'''[[Leuva]]'''
 +
|Lv
 +
| [[Leu (city) | Leu]]
 +
|-
 +
! 10
 +
| Province of Leumena
 +
|'''[[Leumena]]'''
 +
|LM
 +
|[[Timera]]
 +
|-
 +
! 11
 +
| Province of Naïē
 +
|'''[[Naïē]]'''
 +
|NA
 +
|[[Naïaž]]
 +
|-
 +
! 12
 +
| City State of Ān-Baranxiž
 +
|'''[[Ān-Baranxiž]]'''
 +
|ĀB
 +
|[[Ān-Baranxiž]]
 +
|-
 +
! 13
 +
| Province of Āŋ-Dorista
 +
|'''[[Āŋ-Dorista]]'''
 +
|GD
 +
|[[Orinamaxista]]
 +
|-
 +
! 14
 +
| Province of Āŋ-Neila
 +
|'''[[Āŋ-Neila]]'''
 +
|GN
 +
|[[Misma]]
 +
|-
 +
! 15
 +
| Province of Āþ-Dorista
 +
|'''[[Āþ-Dorista]]'''
 +
|ĀD
 +
|[[Leiris]]
 +
|-
 +
! 16
 +
| Province of Āþ-Neila
 +
|'''[[Āþ-Neila]]'''
 +
|ĀN
 +
|[[Nei]]
 +
|-
 +
! 17
 +
| Autonomous Province of Qiru
 +
|'''[[Qiru]]'''
 +
|QI
 +
|[[Pnema]]
 +
|-
 +
! 18
 +
| City State of Siraŋe
 +
|'''[[Siraŋe]]'''
 +
|SI
 +
|[[Siraŋe]]
 +
|-
 +
! 19
 +
| Province of Ziaha
 +
|'''[[Ziaha]]'''
 +
|ZI
 +
|[[Kimesa]]
 
|}
 
|}
  
 +
''See also: [[Names for Baranxtu]]''
 +
 +
==Demographics==
 +
 +
===Population Distribution===
 +
 +
Baranxtu currently has approximately 1.6 billion citizens. Due to the favorable natural conditions along the country's coasts, most population centres can be found along the shores, especially in the northeast and southeast. More than two thirds of all Baranxtuans live in urban areas, and about a third lives in the six major metropolitan areas.
 +
 +
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/MetropolitanAreas.png|right|Metropolitan Areas|The major metropolitan areas of Baranxtu.}}
 +
 +
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 +
|-
 +
!  bgcolor="#3399cc" | &nbsp; !! bgcolor="#3399cc" | Metropolitan Area !! bgcolor="#3399cc" | Inhabitants (in mio) !! bgcolor="#3399cc" | Center !! bgcolor="#3399cc" | Inhabitants (in mio)
 +
|-
 +
! 1
 +
| [[Siraŋe-Uparida-Sehema]]
 +
| 180.620
 +
| [[Siraŋe (city)]]
 +
| 23.059
 +
|-
 +
! 2
 +
| [[Deioprañiva]]
 +
| 127.910
 +
| [[Deioprañi Make]]
 +
| 21.204
 +
|-
 +
! 3
 +
| [[Inida-Ān-Baranxiž-Ansa]]
 +
| 102.432
 +
| [[Ān-Baranxiž]]
 +
| 29.340
 +
|-
 +
! 4
 +
| [[Leuva]]
 +
| 62.420
 +
| [[Leu]]
 +
| 12.520
 +
|-
 +
! 5
 +
| [[Neiva]]
 +
| 70.739
 +
| [[Nei]]
 +
| 25.607
 +
|-
 +
! 6
 +
| [[Eishava]]
 +
| 32.027
 +
| [[Eisha]]
 +
| 10.502
 +
|}
 +
 +
However, there are also a number of major cities in the inland of Baranxtu, such as [[Orinamaxista]] or [[Kimesa]].
 +
 +
Overall, Northern Baranxtu and Southern Baranxtu are the most densely populated regions. Only Abasina, which belongs to the north, is an exception - it is the least densely populated province of Baranxtu.
 +
 +
 +
===Ethnicity===
 +
''Main Article: [[Peoples of Baranxtu]]''
 +
 +
Baranxtuan citizens belong to a number of different ethnicities, of which the major group are the so-called '''Colonists''' who account for approximately 77.9% of the overall population. This groups is made up of the descendants of the four major colonizing ethnic groups, the Baranxtimans, Asuanituans, Nidajians and French.
 +
 +
According to the last census, 10.8% of the population belong to one of the native peoples of Baranxtu, called the '''Natives'''. There are 23 recognized tribes, most of which belong to the [[Marani]], the only exceptions being the [[Masenasi]] in Deioprañi Make and Āŋ-Dorista and the small group of the [[Phip (tribe) | Phip]] in Abasina.
  
====Natives====
+
The rest of the Baranxtuan citizenship is made up of the ''Immigrants'' who mostly came frome other countries of the IDU. The largest subgroups are French and German.
All Baranxtuans who identify as one of the Native People of Baranxtu (~10.8%) belong to the larger group of the [[Marani]] people and the subgroups are often referred to as tribes. Although 17 tribes are registered within Baranxtu, only two are large enough to be often political importance.
+
<br>
+
Although their relationship with the Colonists was strained in the 18th and 19th century, it is mostly cordial today as both sides have taken steps towards reconciliation early in the 20th century.
+
<br><br>
+
'''''Jjiri'''''
+
About 4.5% of all Baranxtuans identify as Jjiri, most of whom live in the province of [[Jjiria]]. They refer to themselves often as ''ñorimi'' in Jjiri or ''anihoreme'' in [[Akes Mersanint]].
+
<br>One reason for their relatively large number is the fact that the Jjiri kingdom Anier remained independent until 1906 and was therefor not "overrun" with colonists.
+
<br><br>
+
'''''Qiri'''''
+
The Qiri are the largest native group in Baranxtu, making up 5.2% of the overall population. Most live in the provinces of [[Qiru]] and [[Dorista]], but they are also an important force in [[Siragge]].
+
<br>
+
As the war in which the former Qiri empire became part of Baranxtu were relatively unbloody and quickly ended with a peace treaty that made southern Dorista, Siragge and Qiru part of Baranxtu, the number of Qiri tribe members was not as largely decimated as that of other tribes which fought bloody wars.
+
<br><br>
+
''''Other Tribes''''
+
<br>About 1.1% of all Baranxtuans identify as a member of one of the other tribes, among them the Abasi, Leumi, Halami and Neimi. The smallest is the Daunimi tribe which only has about 100 members today.
+
====Colonists====
+
'''''Baranxtuan'''''
+
<br>About 58.6% of the population of Baranxtu identify as ''baranxtimω''. Baranxtuans (or Baranxtimans) are further divided into two groups, Traditional Baranxtuans and Modern (by political activists also Democratic) Baranxtuans. This division is rather political and ethnical.
+
<br>
+
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Culture/Baranxtuancloth.jpg|left|Maimai Cloth|The maimai, a traditional Baranxtuan cloth, is used for the ωþama, the traditional Baranxtuan dress for women that remains very common.}}
+
<br>
+
'''Traditional Baranxtuans'''
+
<br>They make up about 2.4% of the overall population and consider themselved to be the descendants of the first settlers. Most do not approve of modern inventions and the majority lives in the rural provinces where they try to live the same lives as their ancestors did about 300 years ago.
+
<br>Some jokingly refer to them as Baranxtuan Amish; however, they are much more radical and fundamental about their culture and as they disapprove of democracy in general, some see them as a threat to the political stability of Baranxtu - despite their small size.
+
<br><br>
+
Almost all Traditional Baranxtuans live in [[Abasina]] where they are the majority by a very small margin. Interestingly, they neither are part of the mainstream [[Baranxtuan Religion]] nor do they speak Modern Baranxeï. Their dialect is most closely related to Middle Baranxeï.
+
<br>
+
<br>
+
'''Modern Baranxtuans'''
+
<br>About 56.2% of the overall population identify as ''Modern Baranxtuan'', making them the single largest ethnicity in the country. They also include originally Traditional Baranxtuans who no longer want to identify as such.
+
<br><br>
+
'''''Asuanituan'''''
+
<br>The second largest group with 13.2% of the overall population. They originally hail from the same region as the Baranxtuans, but differ in language and culture from them.
+
<br>
+
Until 1706 they had their own colony in the east of what is today Bari Nazer, but they quickly merged with the Baranxtuan colony and their language Asuaneï was granted official status soon thereafter.
+
<br><br>
+
'''''Nidajian'''''
+
<br>In Baranxtu, the Nidajians are the third largest single ethnic group. Most of them came to Baranxtu after 1814, when the strict immigration laws were repealed.
+
<br>The majority speaks the Nidajian language, which was granted status as official language in the province of Ωþ-Neila in 1862 and in all of Baranxtu in 1897.
+
  
====Immigrants====
+
By far the largest single group are the Baranxtimans who hold a small majority in the country, followed by the Asuanituans with about 15 percent. The largest Native group is the Qiri tribe, making up about 5.2% percent of the overall population.
Today, about 11.3% of all Baranxtuans are '''Immigrants''', which is actually a misnomer as it also includes the descendants of actual immigrants who still identify as belonging to the ethnic group of their ancestors.
+
<br>Most immigrants hail from other parts of the IDU and the main groups are English, French, Germans and Scandinavians. There actually exists a "native" French population in Halaora, however, they are usually counted as "immigrants".
+
  
==Languages==
+
===Language===
 
''Main Article: [[Languages of Baranxtu]]''
 
''Main Article: [[Languages of Baranxtu]]''
  
Baranxtu has four official languages and many other tongues are spoken there. The official languages were all brought to the country by settlers; apart from the provincial level, no indigenous language has achieved this status.
+
Throughout all of Baranxtu, more than 40 languages are spoken. The most common is [[Baranxeï]], the native language of almost two thirds of the population. Of the rest, almost all are fluent in Baranxeï as a second language.
Two languages which were brought to the country are also not officially recognized.
+
  
The official languages are Baranxeï, Asuaneï, Nidajii and West Helenaian Sign Language. Indigenous languages all belong to the [[Akes Mersanint]] group, other languages include French and English, although both are spoken only by a very small minority.
+
Other major languages are [[Asuaneï]], [[Qi]], [[Nidajii]], [[French]] and [[Chicoutim]].
  
==Provinces==
+
Of all these commonly spoken languages, Asuaneï, Baranxeï, French and Nidajii are official languages on a federal level. In addition, the Baranxtuan Sign Language (''Raptriẽ Baranxtalu'') is recognized on a federal level as well as English. However, English has a special status; only foreign citizens and non-citizens may use it when communicating with the authorities; natives must use one of the other three languages.
Baranxtu is currently divided into ten provinces and three city districts. For more information, see under the individual entries.
+
  
'''''[[Abasina]]'''''
+
However, other languages are recognized in different provinces, such as [[Masenar]] in Deiprañiva, Qi in Qiru, Siraŋe and Āŋ-Dorista.
<br>
+
'''Abasina''''s inhabitants are mostly Traditional Baranxtuan, and therefore, the whole province still is very rural and the main source of income is agriculture, though tourism into this archaic world has become very popular. Abasina's capital is Lamaggra.
+
<br><br>
+
'''''[[Ωþ-Neila]]'''''
+
<br>
+
'''North Neila''' is the northernmost province and its population is very mixed, as many immigrants came here, because North Neila is the industrial center of Baranxtu. Its capital is Nei is the third largest city in Baranxtu, even larger than the city state of Deioprajji.
+
<br><br>
+
'''''[[Ωgg-Neila]]'''''
+
<br>
+
'''South Neila''' is the only landlocked province of Baranxtu, and its inhabitants are largely employed by large-scale agricultural companies. Its capital is Misma.
+
<br><br>
+
'''''[[Bari Nazer]]'''''
+
<br>
+
Covering the original area of the colony of Baranxtu, '''Bari Nazer''' houses most of the high-tech industries of Baranxtu as well as a strong tourism-driven economy. Its capital still is Ωn-Baranxiž, although it was split from the province in 1909.
+
<br><br>
+
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Geography/MtAzra.jpg|right|Mount Azra|The highest elevation of Baranxtu is Mount Azra in Dorista with 5,024m.}}
+
  
'''''[[Dorista]]'''''
+
===Religion===
<br>
+
Superficially the largest province, '''Dorista''' never had many ressources or very fertile land to offer, so its unscathed landscape has made it the primary tourism destination in all of Baranxtu. Its capital, Leiris, is the only military port of Baranxtu.
+
<br><br>
+
'''''[[Ziaha]]'''''
+
<br>
+
'''Ziaha''' is the central province of Baranxtu. Its capital Eisha is the oldest city in all of Baranxtu, as it was founded by the native people of the Umtrenas in the 6th century CE.
+
<br><br>
+
'''''[[Jjiria]]'''''
+
<br>
+
Not including the three city states, '''Jjiria''' is the smallest of all provinces. Located on the northern shore between Abasina and Bari Nazer, it covers the area of the former Native kingdom Anier, which did not become part of Baranxtu until 1906.
+
<br><br>
+
'''''[[Qiru]]'''''
+
<br>
+
The southwestern province of '''Qiru''' is the only province where the native population of the area still is an important force. It has no official capital, but the parliament of the province is in Pnema.
+
<br><br>
+
'''''[[Halaora]]'''''
+
<br>
+
The easternmost province of Baranxtu, '''Halaora''' once was the center of the mining industry, however, this industry is no longer profitable. A lot of Halaorans have migrated to other parts of the country, or even to different states, and Halaora is the poorest province of Baranxtu. Its capital, Inar, has the highest unemployment rate of all Baranxtuan cities.
+
<br><br>
+
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Buildings/RiatenaShrine.jpg|left|Riatena Shrine|The [[Riatena Shrine]] in northern Leumena is an example for traditional architecture of the native people of Baranxtu.}}
+
'''''[[Leumena]]'''''
+
<br>
+
The bread basket of Baranxtu, '''Leumena''' is one of politcally and economically most stable provinces due to the government controlled agriculture that employs a majority of Leumena inhabitants. During the last decades, the many towns of Leumena with their historical buildings have also started to attract many tourist. Its capital is Leu.
+
<br><br>
+
'''''[[Ωn-Baranxiž]]'''''
+
<br>
+
The capital district is the second most populous administrative district after Ωþ-Neila and is only as large as the city of '''Ωn-Baranxiž''' itself. Named after the capital of the kingdom of Baranxtu, Baranxiž ''(city of Baranxi)'', it grew to be almost as splendid as the original Baranxiž. It lies on the western shores of Bari Nazer.
+
<br><br>
+
'''''[[Deioprajji Make]]'''''
+
<br>
+
Named after king Deioprajji of the native people of the Masenas, '''Deoprajjni Make''' grew to be the fourth largest city of Baranxtu. It is an enclave of Dorista.
+
<br><br>
+
'''''[[Siragge]]'''''
+
<br>
+
'''Siragge''', the second largest city of Baranxtu, lies on the southern shore.
+
  
==Politics==
+
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Buildings/TempleofBaranxi01.jpg|right|Temple of Baranxi|The Temple of Baranxi in Ān-Baranxiž.}}
''For more information, see [[Political System of Baranxtu]] and [[Political Parties in Baranxtu]]
+
Just as there are many different languages and ethnic groups, Baranxtu is also home to a number of different religions. About 74.3% of Baranxtuans belong to an officially recognized religion, only another 14.3% are atheists.
  
Baranxtu is a multi-party parliament constitutional monarchy. Nevertheless, it styles itself a 'republic' as most power lies within the parliament and for a majority of the existence of the Most Serene Republic, the monarch always worked closely with the elected representatives of the people.
 
  
For the last century, the Republic of Baranxtu has enjoyed relative political stabilty. Over the course of the last decades, the power of the monarch has considerably decreased. Although by law, he is still entitled to enact his own laws, in reality if he choses to do so, he works closely together with the parliament and acts more or less as a second Prime Minister.
+
The largest single domination is by far the [[Ēmandē]] to which about two thirds of all Baranxtuans belong. Traditionally it is the religion of Baranxtimans and Asuanituans but it has also attracted a number of converts from other ethnic groups. As originally Baranxtu was a theocracy built based on the Holy Scriptures of this religion, it was the only allowed one for more than 200 years before the country was officially secularized in 1814.
  
==National Symbols==
+
Although the country is officially secular, there are still many connections between Baranxtuan Religion and politics. There are a number of religious parties, and a number of MPs are also priests, or were at one point.
===National Anthem===
+
The National Anthem, titled ''"[[Ei Ðinnia Ω Ðηmηa, Xaštahoa Ixω]]"'' (''"O brothers and sisters, come close"'') has been the official anthem since the installation of the Constitution of 1860.
+
<br>Its lyrics are based on the poem "Médry" ("Home"), written in 1802 by the Manyaian poet Unárie Milátai Santé and translated into Baranxeï in 1823 by an unknown writer. In 1833 it was turned into a song by the famous composer Silhari Negutreitu Masuhagi which quickly become the unofficial hymn of the Republican movement.
+
It was adopted as the national anthem in 1860, replacing the "Hymn to the Regnant".
+
  
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Ecology/Naura.jpg|right|Baranxtuan Tigers|The tigress Naura in the [[Royal Gardens (Baranxtu) | Royal Gardens]], one of tigers held in the vast parcs in the [[Palace Distric of Ωn-Baranxiž]].}}
+
Furthermore, the Baranxtuan monarch traditionally is also one of the High Priests of the Temple of Baranxi in Ān-Baranxiž.
===National Animal===
+
The national animal is the tiger. It has been in use since the first days of the colony, as it is one of the animals associated with the country's patron deity Baranxi. He is often depicted side to side with his loyal companion, the tigress Zihena (or Zihana) who protects his followers and destroys his enemies.
+
<br><br>
+
Although two subspecies of tigers are native to Baranxtu - the [[Tigers of Baranxtu | Doristan Tiger]] and the [[Tigers of Baranxtu | Halaoran Tiger]] - a third species was introduced by the colonists, the [[Tigers of Baranxtu | Baranxtuan Tiger]]. Originally they were kept in the gardens of the [[Temple District of Ωn-Baranxiž]], but in the 1700s, some were released into the wild, establishing a small but stable population in Baranxtu.
+
<br>
+
Tigers are also kept by the Royal Family. In Ωn-Baranxiž, Siragge, Deioprajji-Make and Neila, the vast Royal Gardens are the home of a few tigers who have been accostumed to humans from a young age thereby rendering them ''relatively'' tame. Owning of tigers by private persons, however, has been outlawed.
+
<br><br>
+
As it is sacred to this god, it is absolutely sacrosanct. Any harm done to it on purpose can -- and still is -- harshly prosecuted, and killing a tiger can be punished with a life sentence in prison. The last time such a ruling occured was in 1995, when three hunters shot a total of five tigers, wanting to sell their fur on the international market. They were all sentenced to a life term in prison, and all of their appeals were denied.
+
  
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Ecology/Iris.jpg|left|Iris|The Iris is not only the Flower of Baranxtu, but also the emblem of the Ggurυa dynasty as well as that of the Aliφυja dynasty}}
 
  
===National Flower===
+
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Buildings/RiatenaShrinesmall.jpg|left|Riatena Shrine|The [[Riatena Shrine]]}}
 +
 
 +
Most other Baranxtuans belong to one of the Native Religions. As their beliefs are relatively similar to those of Baranxtuan Religion, they never faced as much persecution and oppression as for example Christians and thus could keep their religions alive over this 200 year period.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Only about 5% of the population identifies as Christian. As most denomination differ fundamentally from the beliefs of Baranxtuan Religion, they faced severe oppression and hostility from Baranxitunis, before and after the secularization of 1814. Especially in some rural areas, Christians still are forced to live in ghetto-like areas. In most cities, however, this is not a problem anymore.
 +
 
 +
The majority of Baranxtuan Christians are descendants of French settlers in the southeast and thus [[Roman Catholic]]. Non-Roman Catholics account for only .8% of the population.
 +
 
 +
==Economy==
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==Culture==
 +
 
 +
 
 +
===National Symbols===
 +
 
 +
 
 +
====Federal Flag====
 +
 
 +
''Main Article: [[Flags of Baranxtu]]''
 +
 
 +
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Flags/baranxtuflag.jpg|right|Federal Flag of Baranxtu|The Federal Flag of Baranxtu.}}
 +
 
 +
The Federal Flag of Baranxtu has a long history, dating back at least 400 years. It originated as the Coat of Arms of the House of [[Ŋurīa-Eilarīa]]. When they took power in Baranxtu after 1814, the older flag of the theocracy - a simple yellow rectangle with an iris in the center - was dropped and the Coat of Arms was adapted into a flag. It was vertically divided into a blue and green half, rather than the modern horizontal diversion. However, a charging tiger could be found in the center and two opposing crescents in the two upper corners.
 +
 
 +
After 1860, the crescent in the upper right corner was dropped and the charging tiger was exchanged for a standing one. Also, the vertical division into a blue and a green field was changed into a horizontal one, creating the flag used today.
 +
 
 +
When Baranxtu joined the IDU, the Scales of Justice were added below the crescent to show the country's affinity to the region.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
====National Animal====
 +
 
 +
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Ecology/Naura.jpg|right|Baranxtuan Tigers|The tigress Naura in the [[Royal Gardens (Baranxtu) | Royal Gardens]], one of tigers held in the vast parcs in the [[Palace Distric of Ān-Baranxiž]].}}
 +
 
 +
Baranxtu's national animal is the [[Tigers of Baranxtu | tiger]]. As the animal associated with the country's patron deity Baranxi, it has been so since the establishment of the colony. Baranxi's loyal companion is the tigress Zihena (or Zihana).
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Although two subspecies of tigers are native to Baranxtu - the [[Tigers of Baranxtu | Doristan Tiger]] and the [[Tigers of Baranxtu | Halaoran Tiger]] - a third species was introduced by the colonists, the [[Tigers of Baranxtu | Baranxtuan Tiger]]. Originally they were kept in the gardens of the [[Temple District of Ān-Baranxiž]], but in the 1700s, some were released into the wild, establishing a small but stable population in Baranxtu.
 +
 
 +
Tigers are also kept by the Royal Family. In Ān-Baranxiž, Siraŋe, Deioprañi-Make and Neila, the vast Royal Gardens are the home of a few tigers who have been accostumed to humans from a young age thereby rendering them ''relatively'' tame. Owning of tigers by private persons, however, has been outlawed.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Due to their special status originally within Baranxtuan Religion, tigers have always enjoyed a status of protection; harming a tiger was severely punished. Although the death sentence for such an act was abolished in 1814, tiger hunting remained forbidden. As a result, none of the three subspecies of tigers in Baranxtu is currently considered endangered.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
====National Flower====
 +
 
 
The iris is the national flower of Baranxtu. It is found in the Coat of Arms, on some coins and on decorations and medals awarded by the Baranxtuan government.
 
The iris is the national flower of Baranxtu. It is found in the Coat of Arms, on some coins and on decorations and medals awarded by the Baranxtuan government.
<br><br>
+
 
 +
 
 
The history of the iris in Baranxtuan culture is an old one. It has been associated with the god Baranxi since at least the 4th century BCE. His idols are often adorned with wreaths of irises, as are statues of his pet tigress Zihena.
 
The history of the iris in Baranxtuan culture is an old one. It has been associated with the god Baranxi since at least the 4th century BCE. His idols are often adorned with wreaths of irises, as are statues of his pet tigress Zihena.
<br>
 
In 45 BCE, the Marganυa family was the first to incorporate the iris into its coat of arms, and many families since then have followed suit. Among them was the Ggurυa family; all of their branches since then have added another flower.
 
<br><br>
 
The iris was made the floral emblem of Baranxtu by a decree of [[Agglija Sijjiaritu Ggura-Eilara | Queen Agglija]] in 1828 and is found in the Coat of Arms of Baranxtu. As it had been in the flag of the Theocracy of Baranxtu, it was taken out of the national flag, however.
 
<br><br><br><br>
 
===National Flags===
 
====Flag of the State====
 
The official Flag of the State (also shown in the infobox on top of the page) has been in use in this form since 2005.
 
<br>The earliest attested form is the banner of the Ggurυa-Ahadυa family, which was basically a triangle with its left side in green and the right side in blue.
 
<br>This banner was turned 90° and used as the national flag of the Theocratic Colony Baranxtu from 1698 on, with a full moon added to the flag, representing the Triad of the Goddesses, which were back then considered the patron deities of all travelers.
 
<br>In 1814, the new flag was an adaption of the older one, only now altered to a rectangular shape and with a tiger - the national animal - added to its center as a represantion of the country's strength and power.
 
<br>According to the Constitution of 1860, the full moon was to be reduced to a crescent, representing the modesty of the Baranxtuan people (the crescent is considered a symbol of modesty as it is not as vain as the full moon in showing all its beauty).
 
<br>Finally, after the Republic Baranxtu joined the IDU, it added the scales of justice to its flag, symbolizing its affinity with that organisation.
 
  
==Holidays and Celebrations==
+
The iris was made the floral emblem of Baranxtu by a decree of [[Aŋlija Siñiaritu Ŋura-Eilara | Queen Aŋlija]] in 1828 and is found in the Coat of Arms of Baranxtu. As it had been in the flag of the Theocracy of Baranxtu, it was taken out of the national flag, however.
===National Holidays===
+
 
 +
 
 +
===Federal Holidays===
 +
 
 +
The following holidays are recognized and celebrated throughout all of Baranxtu.
 +
 
 +
'''ðu unritu atenitu''' ''(Day of King Ateni)'': February 24
 +
*''Instituted 1992''
 +
*This is one of the two current king's birthdays. It is marked by nationwide celebrations and the king's birthday parade, the most watched annual event in Baranxtu.
 +
 
 +
'''ðu hētatu sohukuttu''' ''(Democracy Day)'': July 24
 +
*''Instituted 2005''
 +
*Following a proposal by [[IDU]] member [[Mikitivity]], the Baranxtuan lower house passed a law on July 18, 2005 to make the 24th of July a national holidy called 'ðu hētatu sohukuttu'(lit. "day of the reign of the people")''.
  
'''''King's Day (regnant)'''''
+
'''ān-ašağētu''' ''(New Year)'':  October 27-November 3
''Date'': February 24
+
*''Instituted 1687''
 +
*Although the republic has adopted the common era, the religion-based new year celebrations, starting on New Year's Eve on October 27 and lasting for a full week is still a national holiday. Secular parties have campaigned for its abolition, but so far, no law proposals or referends have passed due to a fierce opposition to such plans both among other parties and the population in general.
  
''Baranxeï:'' ðu unritu
+
'''ðu unritu iðaritu''' ''(Day of King Iðari): December 5
 +
*''Instituted 1992 (King's Consort Day), 2006 (King's Day)''
 +
*The birthday of the second king. Until 2006, it was celebrated as the King Consort's Birthday.
  
''Background:'' The current king regnant's birthday is one of the most celebrated holidays in Baranxtu.
 
  
'''''Democracy Day'''''
+
==Transportation==
''Date'': July 24
+
  
''Baranxeï:'' ðu hηtatu sohukuttu
+
Baranxtu has well-developed motorway and railroad networks, allowing for a quick and reliable transportation to all areas of the country. As the railroad network has been regularly expanded and is well maintained, the majority of goods transport still takes place via train instead of by truck.
  
''Background:'' Following a proposal by [[International Democratic Union]] member [[Mikitivity]], the Baranxtuan lower house passed a law on July 18, 2005 to make the 24th of July a national holidy called 'ðu hηtatu sohukuttu'(lit. "day of the reign of the people")''.
+
{{image|http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/TransportationSmall.png|right|Highways|The Highway and Expressway System of Baranxtu.[[http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d77/baranxi/Baranxtu/Maps/Transporation.png]]}}
  
'''''Baranxtuan New Year'''''
 
''Date:'' October 27-November 3
 
  
''Baranxeï:'' ωn-ašaγηtu
+
Until the 1970s, there were only two major motorways, the FE Nei-Misma-Eisha-Leu and the FE Inar-Eisha-Siraŋe-Ān-Baranxiž-Leiris. Since then, an extensive program has seen the construction of the modern network of [[List of Federal Expressways and Highways in Baranxtu | Federal Expressways and Federal Highways]]. Seven of the former and seventeen of the latter provide a connection of all major parts of Baranxtu.
  
''Background:'' Although the republic has adopted the common era, the religion-based new year celebrations, starting on New Year's Eve on October 27 and lasting for a full week is still a national holiday. Secular parties have campaigned for its abolition, but so far, no law proposals or referends have passed due to a fierce opposition to such plans both among other parties and the population in general.
+
In addition, a number of provincial motorways exist which tie also more remote places to the general highway network.
  
'''''King's Day (consort)'''''
 
''Date'': December 5
 
  
''Baranxeï:'' ðu unritu
+
The high-capacity railroad system is operated by the state-owned [[Jaupritē Baranxtala]] ''(Baranxtuan Railroad)'', which provides regular services to most of the tracks; in the last decades, only few have been abandoned.
  
''Background:'' The birthday of the king consort is celebrated as well. Their is no distinct name for it, but it is an occasion of joy nonetheless.
+
Apart from normal train service on the routes, a special inter-city express service exists. It consists of high velocity trains that travel between the major cities of Baranxtu.
  
==Maps==
 
*[http://x2.putfile.com/8/23021481858.jpg Provinces and Capitals]
 
*[http://x2.putfile.com/8/23021564920.jpg Baranxtu before the annexation of Jonquiere-Tadoussac and Hadu Qirala]
 
  
==Miscellaneous Topics==
+
Almost all larger metropolitan areas are served by a rail metro system; in many cities there is usually also an underground network often connected with older tram systems. Urban and overland bus services are ubiquitous and almost unexceptionally well maintained.
*[[History of Baranxtu]]
+
*[[Baranxtuan National Review]]
+
*[[Baranxtuan Religion]]
+
*[[Baranxtuan Traditions]]
+
*[[History of Laws in the Baranxtuan Countries]]
+
  
[[Category:Baranxtu]]
+
[[Category:Baranxtu | ]]
 +
[[Category:Nations]]

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The Most Serene Republic of Baranxtu

Furāņē Mi-Maona Bāraŋxēi
Furanē An-Maona Baranxtu
La Republique La Plus Sereine de Baranktou
Pulanna Ilanlan Baraŋemin

baranxtu.png
Flag of Baranxtu
Murtikainīa bagraf ā zanteruf ā ajajaf.
United for peace, justice and harmony.
baranxtuloc.png
Official Languages
Asuaneï, Baranxeï, English, French, Nidajii, Baranxtuan Sign Language
Unofficial Languages Qi, Ñiri, Chicoutim, others
Capital Ān-Baranxiž
Largest City Ān-Baranxiž
Head of State King Ateni and King Iðari of Baranxtu
Head of Government Prime Minister Aimala Boulea
Population
2006 census

392.659.492
Establishment
Colony
Theocracy
Monarchy
Republic

1687
4.6.1792
28.10.1814
27.10.1860
National Animal Baranxtuan Tiger
National Colors Blue and Green
National Flower Iris
GDP
- Total
- GDP/capita

$9,604,064,800,983,870
$33,897.81
Currency
-Exchange rate
1 Aimau = 100 Pavta
1 Aimau=$1.7700
Constitution Baranxtuan Charter of Freedom
Nation Codes
-ISO Code
TLD
ISO Currency Code

IDBT
.bt
AIM
National Anthem Ma Baranxtu
CHDI 0.979 (very high)
Info: Nationstates NSEconomy Pipian XML

The Most Serene Republic of Baranxtu is a well-developed nation located on the South Continent of the International Democratic Union. Bordered by the Sea of Agrimai in the north and west, the Strait of Hima in the southwest and the Bay of Baranxtu in the south, Baranxtu is has developed strong maritime trade bonds with many other nations which remain firmly in place today. It shares a maritime border with Otea which lies across the Strait of Hima and is bordered in the southeast by Jonquiere-Tadoussac and Cikoutimi. Much of the land across its eastern border still belongs to the Unclaimed Lands.

Baranxtu is a democratic federal constitutional monarchy with a strong parliament. It is made up of twelve regular provinces, two city states, three metropolitan provinces and two autonomous provinces. However, there is little difference between the status of the different forms of provinces.

Originally a staunchly conservative and almost fanatically religious colony of the Kingdom of Baranxtu, it is today a self-proclaimed multi-cultural, liberal and progressive country that embraces the now indigenous diversity of cultures, languages and traditions of the peoples living within the country.


History

Main article: History of Baranxtu

Colonization

<div" class="plainlinksneverexpand">1690.png
The establishment of the Three Colonies in 1690 (detail).
</div>


The history of the country Baranxtu began in 1690, with the formal establishment of the three Crown Colonies of the Kingdom of Baranxtu - the Baranxtiman colonies Barei and Natjesa and the Asuanituan colony Naïē.

With funding and military support from their home country, these colonies soon fought a war with the surrounding native kingdoms, particularly with the northern part of the Nehikuman dependencies. By 1713, the two Baranxtiman provinces had a joint border and were united to Barei ā Natjesa, the political and linguistical forerunner of modern-day Bari Nazer. In 1720, the Baranxtiman and Asuanituan colony were merged to form the Colony of Baranxtu.

Around the same time, the Nidajan colony of Eisha was established in the south, and quickly extended its influence westwards, ultimately resulting in the Fall of Siraŋe in 1714, when the town was conquered by Nidajan forces. A year later, it became the capital of the newly formed, independent Kingdom of Sraŋana. Unlike the Baranxtimans and Asuanituans in the northern colonies, the Nidajans were more intent on forming stable alliances with their neighbors, and for the next four decades lived relatively peaceful as an ally of the kingdom of Hantis.


Expansion of the Colony

During the 1720s, the Baranxtuan leaders turned their attention towards the setup of their country's infrastructure. The mother country started to withdraw troops and monetary aid, and until then, Baranxtu did not have a lot of industry to support any kind of independently financed infrastructure.

With the aid of foreign private money, Baranxtu started to develop an extensive agriculture, followed slowly by manifacturing industries.

The Marani Civil Wars

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Baranxtu after the Second Marani Civil War (detail).
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During these times, Baranxtu was surprisingly safe from outward threats. The traditional, small-scale feuds of the different Marani tribes had slowly begun to escalate, ultimately resulting in two large and bloody wars, commonly dubbed the First and Second Marani Civil Wars.

The primary target was the large kingdom of Nehikuma, corresponding to modern Āþ-Neila and Āŋ-Neila. Its vassals were bordering the Baranxtuan colony and were the primary victims of its early expansions. When the king of Nehikuma did nothing to stop the Baranxtuan colonies, many of his former subjects turned against him, resulting in a split of Nehikuma into first a Northern and a Southern, later a Northern, Central and Southern kingdom. These were constantly at war with each other, and each sought to get as much support as possible. In the end, the Northern and Southern Kingdoms signed a peace treaty and allied themselves with Baranxtu against the Central Kingdom.

This mutual support made it possible for Baranxtu to conquer much of the Central Kingdom, forming the basis for the later province of Āŋ-Neila.

By the end of the Second Marani Civil War in 1754, Baranxtu had more than doubled its territory, whereas the formerly so powerful kingdom of Nehikuma was a mere shadow of its former self.

Today merely a footnote in history is the campaign against Eastern Abasina, the area north of what is today Bari Nazer. The tribes in this area had a political union with the Abasi tribes of modern Abasina; their forces quickly succumbed to the superiorly armed troops of Baranxtu. Most natives escaped to Western Abasina by sea, although a not insignifcant number was slaughtered by the Baranxtiman army. Today, the north of Bari Nazer is home to more memorials than any other single province of Baranxtu.

Baranxtu-Nehikuma Wars

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Baranxtu after the campaigns against Nehikuma (detail).
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The Baranxtu-Nehikuma Wars were the first of a number of large scale wars between the country of Baranxtu and the Marani tribes. After the Marani Civil Wars, the two Nehikuma kingdoms never really recovered from the massive destructions they had suffered, and so were seen as an easy target by Baranxtuan strategists.

In 1760, Baranxtu issued a declaration of war, citing various unresolved border issues and violations against the cooperation treaties that were negotiated in the 1740s.

The first waves of attacks targeted the Northern Kingdom, and at first, the Baranxtuan troops made fast progress towards the capital Nei. However, the campaign suddenly came to a halt in 1762, when the forces of the Southern Kingdom managed to breach through the Baranxtuan defense line after getting the support of the still powerful kingdom of Hantis.

All countries called ceasefire in 1764, but soon picked up combat again after all negotiations failed. Baranxtu had to call for additional support from the mother country and managed to capture Nei by the end of 1764. The King of the Northern Kingdom, Atimare, capitulated soon after, thus ending the Northern Kingdom and giving rise to the future province of Āþ-Neila.

In the south, the tides started to turn against the Southern Kingdom and Hantis, as well. After attacking the Sraŋanan exclave of Eisha, Sraŋana and its Marani ally Anier decided to support Baranxtu. By 1766, joint Baranxtuan, Sraŋanan and Anieran forced had defeated the Southern Kingdom as well as the army of Hantis.

Ultimately, Eisha fell to Baranxtu which led to considerable tensions between the two countries that were only solved 13 years later during the First Southern Campaign.

The Southern Campaigns and Independence

Between 1777 and 1792, Baranxtu undertook a number of campaigns against its southwestern neighbors. Separated by a peaceful period lasting from 1779 to 1786, these are separated into the First and Second Southern Campaign.

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The Southern Campaigns split the Baranxtuan territory into two unconnected parts (detail).
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Originally, the First Southern Campaign was meant to be a permanent solution of the conflict between Sraŋana and Baranxtu that was the result of the peace treaty following the Baranxtu-Nehikuma War, according which the formerly Sraŋanan exclave of Eisha fell to Baranxtu. This was followed by a series of threats by the Sraŋanan Queen Šrapin; however, it was not until her son, King Baŋani came to power that these threats should be put into action. When King Baŋani publicly stated that he intended to go to war with Baranxtu, High Priestess Naosta of Baranxtu made the first step and declared war on Sraŋana in 1777.

Unexpectedly, the Qiri Empire declared its support of Sraŋana and prepared its navy to attack Baranxtu. In turn, Baranxtu sent its fleet to the coast of the easternmost tip of the Qiri Empire and troops made landfall in 1778, turning the expected naval war into a war on land. Meanwhile, with the Qirian forces now centered in this part, another fleet was secretly dispatched to land in the northern part of the empire, launching a surprise attack.

By 1779, Baranxtu had gained ground on the Qiri Empire (and installed a puppet king in Sraŋana). An armistice was negotiated between Baranxtu and the Qiri Empire. However, it only lasted until 1786, when Baranxtu declared the armistice null and void, beginning the Second Southern Campaign.

The continental part of the Qiri Empire was quickly conquered by Baranxtuan troops, but until 1790, all attacks on the island of Otea proved unsuccessful. Only then Baranxtuan troops were able to land on the southern coast of Otea. It took them another two years before finally being able to conquer the Qirian capital in Otea.


A direct, though unforseen and unwanted result of the Southern Campaigns was the independence of Baranxtu. The mother country decided that the hostile and unpredictable nature of the colony was unbearable to support, and decided to unilaterally declare it independent in 1792. The colony accepted, and declared itself the Theocracy of Baranxtu the same year.

Revolution and Constitutional Monarchy

The theocratic regime installed after Baranxtuan independency was largely unpopular with the majority of the population, and its leader, High Priest Apri, was outright despised.

Over the next two decades, two underground movements emerged. Both wanted to overthrow the Theocracy; however, one faction wanted to install a monarchy whereas the other wanted to turn Baranxtu into a republic. The leaders of both factions started to meet in secrecy and negotiate a pact; when an agreement to turn Baranxtu into a constitutional monarchy was reached in 1810, it was only a short step until the First Baranxtuan Civil War.

First Baranxtuan Civil War

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Baranxtu at the time of the armistice between the three major fighting forces (detail).
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The Civil War began with the assassination of the mayor of Naïaž, who had implemented a statute that effectively outlawed both the public and the private use of Asuaneï. Following his death, the citizens of Naïaž constituted a Republican People's Council and declared the city and the surrounding counties independent. This was not done in actualy search for independency, but rather as an act of provocation towards the theocracy. High Priest Apri followed suit and sent troops to capture the rebelling city.

However, his troops were met with resistence even before coming close to Naïaž. A number of fights against with the Republican Army of Baranxtu ensued.

Soon, the spark of revolution spread to other areas and by 1812, the army of the theocracy only held the west of Bari Nazer, parts of the Neilas and the north of Ziaha. In turn, the Republican Army had taken control over the eastern Bari Nazer, central Āþ-Neila and the Baranxtuan protectorate of Sraŋana. Another liberation army calling itself the "Army of the Free Baranxtuan Kindom" controlled the city of Nei and much of Āŋ-Neila.

In the southern provinces, a Qirian liberation army also turned against the theocracy's troops, quickly regaining control over the region.

Two years later, however, the two revolutionary armies had not only conquered much of Baranxtu, but also the rebelling southern provinces.

High Priest Apri was captured in April 1814, leading to an armistice between the fighting parties. The theocracy's troops were forced to capitulate in order to gain peace. Apri was tried and executed in 1815. The man who had delegated and financially supported the revolution, Siñiari Mesopitu Ŋuri-Eilari was made the king of the newly constituted Constitutional Monarchy of Baranxtu.

Western Expansion

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The effects of the two Dorista Campaigns and the Abasina Treaty (detail).
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King Siñiari at first tried to focus on the rebuilding of his country, but faced growing hostilities from the kingdom of Dorista. When he died in 1821, his daughter, Queen Aŋlija, was not recognized by Dorista as his legitimate heiress. Instead, its king claimed the throne of Baranxtu and declared war on the country in 1822.

After a series of fierce battles, however, he called for peace, as the Baranxtuan army had quickly broken his eastern defenses and moved towards the capital Orinamaxista. Following this first war (nown as First Dorista Campaign), Dorista was forced to cede some territory in the east to Baranxtu as well as most of its western coast, leaving only a small strip east of Lake Phip.

Peace did not last long, however, and Queen Aŋlija started another war only two years later, in 1824. By 1826, she was able to conquer much of the southern coastal regions of Dorista. In a new peace treaty, Dorista now had to cede all of its southern coast as well as some central territories to Baranxtu, thereby creating two separate Doristan countries, of which one was landlocked.

The Kingdom of Anier denied Dorista's request to allow free passage between the two territories, and the Abasi tribe of the northern part saw their opportunity and started a revolution against the ruling Dauni. In 1830, Baranxtuan delegates were able to convince the Abasi tribe that as a part of Baranxtu, their situation would be better than either under self-rule or Dauni rule. In the Abasina Treaty, most of the northern Doristan country became part of Baranxtu.

Wars against Hantis

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The Baranxtu-Hantis War were the last war fought outside of the country (detail).
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The Baranxtu-Hantis War, although lasting only two and a half years from 1830 to 1832, became infamous as being the cruellest and bloodiest war ever fought by Baranxtu.

The kingdom of Hantis was displeased by Baranxtu's foreign policy and issued a declaration of war shortly after the Abasina Treaty was signed. Immediately afterwards, they invaded the Baranxtuan province Ziaha, conquering Eisha and destroying much of it. Baranxtu retaliated, and had fought back the troops of Hantis after three months. Its troops continued eastwards, laying waste to most villages they passed.

By the end of 1831, Baranxtu had half of Hantis and its troops stood only a few miles before the Hantis capital Ŋao. When it fell in 1832, its king Hoatena was forced to abdicate in favor of his two year old daughter, Peiara. Her legal guardian from Baranxtu - the new territory's governor installed by Queen Aŋlija - surrendered all Hantis territory to Baranxtu, although formally it was chosen that she should remain Queen of Hantis until her marriage. Therefore, she was arranged to be married to one of Aŋlija's descendants, which ultimately was the future King Hubri.

As a result of the war and in order to protect themselves from future hostilities, Baranxtu and Jonquiere-Tadoussac signed a border agreement in 1834. According to the agreement, the island of Otea was ceded to Jonquiere-Tadoussac, where a small strip of Jontadain territory fell to Baranxtu. Of all of Baranxtu's border agreements, this was the only one that should last.

Peaceful Path

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The Assimilation of the Doristas (detail).
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After the disrupting Baranxtu-Hantis War, Queen Aŋlija tried to redeem her country by steering back to a more peaceful path. In 1842, she initiated the "Masenar Union". The territory of the Phip and the city state of Deioprañi Make became Baranxtuan protectorates.


In 1850, the two Doristas were assimilated. This was a peaceful enlargment. The new queen of Dorista had decided that her country, consisting of two separated, landlocked entities with few access to natural ressources was not able to survive on its own and that it would be better to become a part of Baranxtu.

Queen Aŋlija was happy to oblige these wishes, and the new province of Dorista was created the same year. Back then, it was the largest of all Baranxtuan provinces, but also the least populated one. A lot of money was spent on creating a new, top-notch infrastructure (by Baranxtuan standards) to entice more people to move to Dorista, which back then also included Abasina.

When many of the conservative Baranxtimans - those who had been in support of the theocratic regime - focused especially in moving to the northern part, the province of Abasina was split from Dorista in 1853.

Transformation into Republic

The republican movement, which had only grudgingly agreed to the formation of a constitutional monarchy in 1814, grew stronger in the 1850s. A newly formed party, For A Baranxtuan Republic, won the absolute majority of seats in 1852, and the new Prime Minister Edoani Sahaleti entered negotiations with King Siñiari II. When the party became even stronger in 1856, he finally issued a royal proclamation that called for the election of a national convention that should draft a new constitution for Baranxtu.

It took four years before the new constitution was finalized. It turned Baranxtu into what was termed a republican monarchy. It retained a king as head of state and gave him a few rights, but was a huge step towards democracy nevertheless. In time with the Baranxtiman new year, the country reconstituted itself in 1860.

Second Baranxtuan Civil War

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The envisioned tripartite empire of Queen Peiara (detail).
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A series of unfortunate events ultimately led to Peiara, a Halani princess married in childhood to future King Hubri being installed as the Queen regnant of Baranxtu in place of her son Siñiari, who was only an infant when his father died.

Queen Peiara slowly and subtly gave herself more powers through small steps, until she was secure enough to attempt to storm and abolish the parliament in 1876 through her Royal Guard after her son's death. She was declared the omnipotent, absolute queen of Baranxtu by a government installed by herself on November 4th, 1876, marking the begin of the Second Baranxtuan Civil War.

Her daughter Harma, who was seen by a vast majority as the true new queen of Baranxtu, was to be arrested, but with the help of her many supporters, she managed to escape to the neutral kingdom of Anier just in time to escape her mother's henchmen.

Whereas Queen Peiara found support in the then still Marani-dominated southern and eastern provinces, riots soon broke out in the northern part of the kingdom, forcing her to retreat to Siraŋe to avoid the violence in the north.

Her troops, the Royal Guard, started to fight a bloody war against the Baranxtuan National Army, the remnants of the officially dissolved former army. Although initially the Royal Guard could gain control over the central provinces, the north remained under firm control by the BNA throughout most of the war.

The fighting, combined with purges, massacred and plundering by both armed forces and civilian vigilante groups devastated much of Baranxtu worse than during the First Civil War; it turned into the bloodiest war fought on Baranxtuan ground after the Baranxtu-Hantis War.

In the end, Peiara had to surrender to the troops of Harma in 1889. Her reign was officially ended on November 12th and Peiara was detained, with Harma being crowned the new queen of Baranxtu. Peiara was tried in 1880, and found guilty of treason and attempted regicide and executed on December 1st.

Whereas Queen Peiara was originally vilified, modern historians see her more as a victim herself. After witnessing a cruel war herself at a young age, being abducted and held hostage for almost two decades, being forced into a mariage, she is now often seen as a traumatized woman who tried to do the best on behalf of her people. Unlike still often alleged, she did not want to annihilate all Baranxtimans and Asuanituans - she actually envisioned to found a tripartite empire, comprised of three independent kingdoms of Baranxtu, Hantis and Dorista in personal union.

Mesumaha

After the Second Baranxtuan Civil War, much of the country lay in ruins, with hundreds of thousands dead, and millions displaced and in dire need for help. Fields and crops had been destroyed, whole towns had been burned to the ground, and precarious sanitary conditions threatened to cause new outbreaks of deadly epidemics.

In addition, the budding democracy in Baranxtu had been shattered, and apart from Queen Harma and her staff of advisors, there was not much government to speak of.

In this situation, Queen Harma introduced the Mesumaha. The name originally referred to an ancient concept from Baranxtuan Religion, the "reintroduction of harmony into a disharmonious system". This plan consisted of three parts - saving, rebuilding, expanding.

"Saving" meant to provide immediate help for the needs of the devastated population, mostly food and temporary housing. "Rebuilding" meant to reconstruct all that had been destroyed and bring Baranxtu back to the level it had before the civil war. "Expanding", finally, meant to use this disaster as an opportunity to reshape Baranxtu into a modern, efficient and stable industrial nation.

For this project, Queen Harma borrowed large amounts of money, goods and food from neighboring nations, especially from Anier, and for its second stage, she temporarily nationalized most of Baranxtu's industry, so as to quickly have materials redistributed to those in need of them.

In order to stabilize the Baranxtuan democracy, before she issued new elections, she had the Baranxtuan Constitution partially redrafted, actually reducing the powers of the monarch and giving more power to the parliament. Subsequently, the first elections after the civil war were held in 1888.

Baranxtu in the 20th century

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The Anier Act was the last territorial expansion of Baranxtu (detail).
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Baranxtu in the 21st century

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Baranxtu and its neighbors today (detail).
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Geography

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Geographical map of Baranxtu
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Baranxtu lies in the southwest of the South Continent of the IDU.

Baranxtu's east-west extension is about 3000km, whereas its northsouth extension is almost 2000km. Due to its dimensions, its geographical features are anything but uniform. The landscapes vary from low-lying plains to high mountain ranges and rolling hills covered by dense forests.

Inbetween, many areas are far removed from their natural state; especially the northern and southern coasts are an impressive example of city building, and cultivated land dominates much of the center of Baranxtu, especially of the province Ziaha.


Although Baranxtu is surrounded by water on three sides, the only large island close to Baranxtu is a separate country, Otea. Whereas there is a large number of islands belonging to Baranxtu, all are rather small and most are uninhabitated.

Most commercial ports of Baranxtu can be found on its northern shores, as they provide a portal to much of the rest of the IDU.


The two major rivers of Baranxtu, the Misdan and the Inaroxa are both running from the two major Baranxtuan mountain ranges to the south. Other, smaller rivers can however be found throughout Baranxtu.

Home to many small lakes, the largest freshwater body is Lake Phip, which lies on the northwestern edge of Abasina.

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Mount Azra, Baranxtu's highest elevation.
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Two major mountain ranges dominate much of Baranxtu. In the west, the Adijan Mountains (or simply the Adijan) is runs from southwest to the northeast, and whereas the highest points can be found in the Doristas, it extends up to Āþ-Neila. Much of the Āŋ-Doristan Adijans has been declared a sanctuary by now, and as a result of this attract many tourists each year. The Mt Azra National Park is Baranxtu's single largest reserve; it is centered around Mount Azra, which is Baranxtu's highest elevation at 4026m.

In the southeast, close to the border to Jonquiere-Tadoussac, the Halaoran Mountains run parallel to the Adijan. They once had important coal and iron beds, but they have been mostly depleted. As the much strained environment slowly recovers, temperate forests are regaining territory for the first time in decades and some parts of the Halaoran Mountains have been declared a biological reserve.


Much of the rest of Baranxtu is mostly made up of smoothly rolling hills, apart from the coastal areas which are mostly flat. Only small strips are made up of bluffs, mostly in northern Abasina and eastern Qiru.


Politics

Government of the Republic

Legislative Branch

Executive Branch

Judiciary Branch

Foreign Relations

Political Divisions

Baranxtu is divided into 19 provinces (Baranxeï rañua, singular rañy).

Twelve of these are "regular" provinces, three are metropolitan provinces, two are city states and two are autonomous provinces. Apart from the autonomous provinces, there are only few differences in terms of self-governance, rights and duties of these distinctions.

All provinces and the two metropolitan provinces of the Deioprañiva and the Leuva are further divided into regions (Baranxeï ailua, singular ailu). Only the Eishava, Siraŋe and Ān-Baranxiž are not divided into regions.

The next subdivisions are the 1200 districts (avēzua) of Baranxtu, which are the basis for the elections of the parliament. In the two city states and the Eishava, they also take over the role of the regions. In all other provinces, they are of little actual effect.

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The 19 Provinces of Baranxtu.
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  Official Name Colloquial Name Province Code Capital
1 Province of Abasina Abasina AB Lamaŋra
2 Province of Bari Nazer Bari Nazer BN Milhaē
3 Metropolitan Province of Deioprañiva Deioprañiva DP Deioprañi Make
4 Metropolitan Province of Eishava Eishava EI Eisha
5 Province of Izana Izana IZ Inar
6 Autonomous Province of Ñiria Ñiria Ñ Ansa
7 Province of Gileğa Gileğa GI Gil
8 Province of Halaora Halaora HA Xanai
9 Metropolitan Province of Leuva Leuva Lv Leu
10 Province of Leumena Leumena LM Timera
11 Province of Naïē Naïē NA Naïaž
12 City State of Ān-Baranxiž Ān-Baranxiž ĀB Ān-Baranxiž
13 Province of Āŋ-Dorista Āŋ-Dorista GD Orinamaxista
14 Province of Āŋ-Neila Āŋ-Neila GN Misma
15 Province of Āþ-Dorista Āþ-Dorista ĀD Leiris
16 Province of Āþ-Neila Āþ-Neila ĀN Nei
17 Autonomous Province of Qiru Qiru QI Pnema
18 City State of Siraŋe Siraŋe SI Siraŋe
19 Province of Ziaha Ziaha ZI Kimesa

See also: Names for Baranxtu

Demographics

Population Distribution

Baranxtu currently has approximately 1.6 billion citizens. Due to the favorable natural conditions along the country's coasts, most population centres can be found along the shores, especially in the northeast and southeast. More than two thirds of all Baranxtuans live in urban areas, and about a third lives in the six major metropolitan areas.

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The major metropolitan areas of Baranxtu.
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  Metropolitan Area Inhabitants (in mio) Center Inhabitants (in mio)
1 Siraŋe-Uparida-Sehema 180.620 Siraŋe (city) 23.059
2 Deioprañiva 127.910 Deioprañi Make 21.204
3 Inida-Ān-Baranxiž-Ansa 102.432 Ān-Baranxiž 29.340
4 Leuva 62.420 Leu 12.520
5 Neiva 70.739 Nei 25.607
6 Eishava 32.027 Eisha 10.502

However, there are also a number of major cities in the inland of Baranxtu, such as Orinamaxista or Kimesa.

Overall, Northern Baranxtu and Southern Baranxtu are the most densely populated regions. Only Abasina, which belongs to the north, is an exception - it is the least densely populated province of Baranxtu.


Ethnicity

Main Article: Peoples of Baranxtu

Baranxtuan citizens belong to a number of different ethnicities, of which the major group are the so-called Colonists who account for approximately 77.9% of the overall population. This groups is made up of the descendants of the four major colonizing ethnic groups, the Baranxtimans, Asuanituans, Nidajians and French.

According to the last census, 10.8% of the population belong to one of the native peoples of Baranxtu, called the Natives. There are 23 recognized tribes, most of which belong to the Marani, the only exceptions being the Masenasi in Deioprañi Make and Āŋ-Dorista and the small group of the Phip in Abasina.

The rest of the Baranxtuan citizenship is made up of the Immigrants who mostly came frome other countries of the IDU. The largest subgroups are French and German.

By far the largest single group are the Baranxtimans who hold a small majority in the country, followed by the Asuanituans with about 15 percent. The largest Native group is the Qiri tribe, making up about 5.2% percent of the overall population.

Language

Main Article: Languages of Baranxtu

Throughout all of Baranxtu, more than 40 languages are spoken. The most common is Baranxeï, the native language of almost two thirds of the population. Of the rest, almost all are fluent in Baranxeï as a second language.

Other major languages are Asuaneï, Qi, Nidajii, French and Chicoutim.

Of all these commonly spoken languages, Asuaneï, Baranxeï, French and Nidajii are official languages on a federal level. In addition, the Baranxtuan Sign Language (Raptriẽ Baranxtalu) is recognized on a federal level as well as English. However, English has a special status; only foreign citizens and non-citizens may use it when communicating with the authorities; natives must use one of the other three languages.

However, other languages are recognized in different provinces, such as Masenar in Deiprañiva, Qi in Qiru, Siraŋe and Āŋ-Dorista.

Religion

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The Temple of Baranxi in Ān-Baranxiž.
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Just as there are many different languages and ethnic groups, Baranxtu is also home to a number of different religions. About 74.3% of Baranxtuans belong to an officially recognized religion, only another 14.3% are atheists.


The largest single domination is by far the Ēmandē to which about two thirds of all Baranxtuans belong. Traditionally it is the religion of Baranxtimans and Asuanituans but it has also attracted a number of converts from other ethnic groups. As originally Baranxtu was a theocracy built based on the Holy Scriptures of this religion, it was the only allowed one for more than 200 years before the country was officially secularized in 1814.

Although the country is officially secular, there are still many connections between Baranxtuan Religion and politics. There are a number of religious parties, and a number of MPs are also priests, or were at one point.

Furthermore, the Baranxtuan monarch traditionally is also one of the High Priests of the Temple of Baranxi in Ān-Baranxiž.


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Most other Baranxtuans belong to one of the Native Religions. As their beliefs are relatively similar to those of Baranxtuan Religion, they never faced as much persecution and oppression as for example Christians and thus could keep their religions alive over this 200 year period.


Only about 5% of the population identifies as Christian. As most denomination differ fundamentally from the beliefs of Baranxtuan Religion, they faced severe oppression and hostility from Baranxitunis, before and after the secularization of 1814. Especially in some rural areas, Christians still are forced to live in ghetto-like areas. In most cities, however, this is not a problem anymore.

The majority of Baranxtuan Christians are descendants of French settlers in the southeast and thus Roman Catholic. Non-Roman Catholics account for only .8% of the population.

Economy

Culture

National Symbols

Federal Flag

Main Article: Flags of Baranxtu

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The Federal Flag of Baranxtu.
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The Federal Flag of Baranxtu has a long history, dating back at least 400 years. It originated as the Coat of Arms of the House of Ŋurīa-Eilarīa. When they took power in Baranxtu after 1814, the older flag of the theocracy - a simple yellow rectangle with an iris in the center - was dropped and the Coat of Arms was adapted into a flag. It was vertically divided into a blue and green half, rather than the modern horizontal diversion. However, a charging tiger could be found in the center and two opposing crescents in the two upper corners.

After 1860, the crescent in the upper right corner was dropped and the charging tiger was exchanged for a standing one. Also, the vertical division into a blue and a green field was changed into a horizontal one, creating the flag used today.

When Baranxtu joined the IDU, the Scales of Justice were added below the crescent to show the country's affinity to the region.


National Animal

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The tigress Naura in the Royal Gardens, one of tigers held in the vast parcs in the Palace Distric of Ān-Baranxiž.
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Baranxtu's national animal is the tiger. As the animal associated with the country's patron deity Baranxi, it has been so since the establishment of the colony. Baranxi's loyal companion is the tigress Zihena (or Zihana).


Although two subspecies of tigers are native to Baranxtu - the Doristan Tiger and the Halaoran Tiger - a third species was introduced by the colonists, the Baranxtuan Tiger. Originally they were kept in the gardens of the Temple District of Ān-Baranxiž, but in the 1700s, some were released into the wild, establishing a small but stable population in Baranxtu.

Tigers are also kept by the Royal Family. In Ān-Baranxiž, Siraŋe, Deioprañi-Make and Neila, the vast Royal Gardens are the home of a few tigers who have been accostumed to humans from a young age thereby rendering them relatively tame. Owning of tigers by private persons, however, has been outlawed.


Due to their special status originally within Baranxtuan Religion, tigers have always enjoyed a status of protection; harming a tiger was severely punished. Although the death sentence for such an act was abolished in 1814, tiger hunting remained forbidden. As a result, none of the three subspecies of tigers in Baranxtu is currently considered endangered.


National Flower

The iris is the national flower of Baranxtu. It is found in the Coat of Arms, on some coins and on decorations and medals awarded by the Baranxtuan government.


The history of the iris in Baranxtuan culture is an old one. It has been associated with the god Baranxi since at least the 4th century BCE. His idols are often adorned with wreaths of irises, as are statues of his pet tigress Zihena.

The iris was made the floral emblem of Baranxtu by a decree of Queen Aŋlija in 1828 and is found in the Coat of Arms of Baranxtu. As it had been in the flag of the Theocracy of Baranxtu, it was taken out of the national flag, however.


Federal Holidays

The following holidays are recognized and celebrated throughout all of Baranxtu.

ðu unritu atenitu (Day of King Ateni): February 24

  • Instituted 1992
  • This is one of the two current king's birthdays. It is marked by nationwide celebrations and the king's birthday parade, the most watched annual event in Baranxtu.

ðu hētatu sohukuttu (Democracy Day): July 24

  • Instituted 2005
  • Following a proposal by IDU member Mikitivity, the Baranxtuan lower house passed a law on July 18, 2005 to make the 24th of July a national holidy called 'ðu hētatu sohukuttu'(lit. "day of the reign of the people").

ān-ašağētu (New Year): October 27-November 3

  • Instituted 1687
  • Although the republic has adopted the common era, the religion-based new year celebrations, starting on New Year's Eve on October 27 and lasting for a full week is still a national holiday. Secular parties have campaigned for its abolition, but so far, no law proposals or referends have passed due to a fierce opposition to such plans both among other parties and the population in general.

ðu unritu iðaritu (Day of King Iðari): December 5

  • Instituted 1992 (King's Consort Day), 2006 (King's Day)
  • The birthday of the second king. Until 2006, it was celebrated as the King Consort's Birthday.


Transportation

Baranxtu has well-developed motorway and railroad networks, allowing for a quick and reliable transportation to all areas of the country. As the railroad network has been regularly expanded and is well maintained, the majority of goods transport still takes place via train instead of by truck.

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The Highway and Expressway System of Baranxtu.[[1]]
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Until the 1970s, there were only two major motorways, the FE Nei-Misma-Eisha-Leu and the FE Inar-Eisha-Siraŋe-Ān-Baranxiž-Leiris. Since then, an extensive program has seen the construction of the modern network of Federal Expressways and Federal Highways. Seven of the former and seventeen of the latter provide a connection of all major parts of Baranxtu.

In addition, a number of provincial motorways exist which tie also more remote places to the general highway network.


The high-capacity railroad system is operated by the state-owned Jaupritē Baranxtala (Baranxtuan Railroad), which provides regular services to most of the tracks; in the last decades, only few have been abandoned.

Apart from normal train service on the routes, a special inter-city express service exists. It consists of high velocity trains that travel between the major cities of Baranxtu.


Almost all larger metropolitan areas are served by a rail metro system; in many cities there is usually also an underground network often connected with older tram systems. Urban and overland bus services are ubiquitous and almost unexceptionally well maintained.