Dannistaan

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The Royal Confederacy of Dannistaan
Ron'nas Con'feranos Dannistra

Flag and Coat of Arms of Dannistaan
Motto : In Omnis Unum (Upon all one)
Anthem: O Dannistaan Royal Anthem: God Save the King/Queen
Geographical version: click here Larger version: click here
Capital	Dannistra Onn (645,234)
Five largest cities	Nordu Dannistra City, Port Morcombe, For'af, Kitewood, Lo'wo'ohn
Spoken Languages  - Official (De facto)  - Unofficial	English, Dannistrian Various Local Dialects of both, Mandarin
Government  - Governor-General  - Prime Minister  - Deputy PM  - Governing party	· Constitutional Monarchy with Confederal Parliament Marie Clahrk'sohn P'aanil F'orrlason-Smith Kol'in Ool'on-McKenzie Socialist Democrats of Dannistaan
Establishment  - as Crown Colony  - as Dominion  - as Confederacy	1842 1951 1st June 1975
Area  - Total  - % water	61,410.924 km² 10.3%
Population  - Total (2006)	50,000,000
GDP (FY2005/06)   - Total (USD)   - GDP/capita (USD)	$29,039,752,385,716 $8,943.09
National animal English name	Erithacus Dannistra Dannistrian Robin
CHDI (2006)	N/A
Currency	1 Ailuropoda (#) = 100 Ailuropoda-suu (#p)
Time Zone	EPT (GMT)
Naval Craft Classification   - Military   - Civilian	HMDS SV, MV or OSM
Internet TLD	.co.dn
Calling Code	+4400

The Royal Confederacy/Confederation of Dannistaan (Dannistaanian: Ron'nas Con'feranos Dannistra) is a small island nation in the southern oceans of the East Pacific. It has had a long history of being fought over due to it's supply of precious minerals and the legendary ferocity of the local warriors. Currently the island is undergoing major changes in it's culture due to the increasing openess of the central government.

History

The island of Dannistra (The name of "Dannistaan" only came later) was first discovered in 1795 by a Royal Navy ship traveling to a Australian penal colony. However according to unofficial sources it was said that the ship took a wrong turn and ended up on Dannistra instead. At the time the only inhabitants of the island are the Dannistaanians (or Dannistrians), an indigenous group of tribal people who amazingly (To the British crew), had no contact with any of the outside world at all and even more astonishingly had been overlooked on mapping surveys of the region.

The island was conquered in 1841, but not before a very bloody battle which saw many of the Dannistrians hold out before succumbing to the cannons of the Royal Naval vessels. However, because of the tenacity of the warriors, the Admiral of the fleet paid his respects to the fallen islanders when he set foot upon the settlement now know as "South Port".

The conquering of the island wasn't made public as it was felt that it was unimportant, despite the fierce battle to control the island. On the discovery of certain valuable minerals, the island's existence was kept secret to avoid any further conflicts for its control. However this policy was not sucessful and throughout the first and second world wars, the island was occupied by many different forces, including the Germans, the Japanese, the Americans and at one point even the Chinese. Eventually the British wrested control of the island from the Japanese (with American help) in 1944 and began construction of two small airfields using early land reclaimation techniques. These have been improved over the years until the reclaimed land was made sufficiently steady. The larger of the airfields is now the international airport for the whole island. The island became a self-governing Dominion in 1951.

In 1975 the island was granted independence in the Dannistaan Accord, ratified by both sides. The Accord provided the basis for the first draft of the island's constitution. However the British Monarch is still the nominal head of state for the island.

In 1982 an extremely violent civil war led to the deaths of 2.34 million people in total. The war was the result of years of ethnic tension caused by an increasing amount of influence from the East Dannistaan delegation of MP's, who wanted greater control over the entire island. Fighting finally broke out in North Dannistaan, when the East Dannistaan army attacked the state capital of Nordu Dannistra City. They had an advantage as most of the air force was positioned on the airfield to the northeast of the island, which was under their jurisdiction, and attempted a coup d'etat of the central government. The East Dannistrians intention for invading North Dannistaan was to wrest control of the international airport and use it as a second airfield. The North Dannistrians, however, fought back ferociously and used the airport, ironically, as part of the response against East Dannistaan and urged the other 3 Dannistrian regions to assist. After mediation talks from the UN failed to resolve the situation, the war escalated, first dragging in Central Dannistaan before South and West Dannistaan became involved. After 3 years, forces from North, Central and West Dannistaan, exhausted by the continuous fighting, made one final push into East Dannistaan and forced them into a ceasefire. This almost didn't hold as border skirmishes between North and East Dannistaan continued and in 1986 the peace process was almost set back when one East Dannistrian Military officer tried to search for the control centre to the rumoured satellite weapon to bring the war to an end in his favour. However he failed and surrendered himself and his forces on New Years Day 1986, formally ending the war. A treaty was signed in the 25th December 1987 and the Dannistrian leaders vowed never again to fight against each other.

However this was not the end of the problems. In July 6th 1991 a second civil war was almost triggered when a group of rogue soldiers from the East Dannistrian Militia that replaced the East Dannistrian Army attacked the small village of Tron'daar Naa on the border between North and East Dannistaan and killed 90% of the population (About 1800 people from a population of 2000). It was thought that remaining ethnic tensions prompted the soldiers to kill the people in the village. The incident was widely condemned by all Dannistrian states including the East Dannistaan state Government. As of 2005 only 30 of the perpetrators responsible were caught. This incident was seen a major setback to the recovery process from the civil war and it was seriously thought that a second civil war would be sparked off by the incident. Fortunately any threat of conflict was averted when UN mediators managed to sucessfully negotiate a settlement. However to this day some ethnic tensions still remain.

Government and Politics

Main article: Politics of the Confederacy of Dannistaan

The Confederacy of Dannistaan was previously ruled over by a Governor, chosen by the British Monarch and later the Westminster Parliament in London. The Governor presided over a Legislative Council (LegCo) of 175 members. After independence, the island is now ruled by a bicarmel Central Parliament. The Central Parliament consists of the Lower House (Ti'volas As'embola, literally "Tribal Assembly") and the Upper House (Ti'volas O'varnos or "Tribal Overseers", also know as the Senate). It currently sits in the old LegCo Chamber Hall/Governor's House, which has been renamed Central Parliament Hall.

The Ti'volas As'embola consists of 310 members (Previously 300), each one elected using Proportional Representation, specifically the Single Transferable Vote. Each large town or city will divided into three or four constituencies with a Member of Parliament (or Kha'mon Ti'volas As'embola, lit: Clansman of the Tribal Assembly, abbreviated as KTA) elected for each constituency. Each rural constituency, roughly consisting of one or two villages and some surrounding land, will have one MP/KTA.

The Ti'volas O'varnos consists of 155 members (Previously 150). Each O'varna (Overseer, also known as a Senator, abbreviated as TO) is also elected directly to the O'varnos via Single Member Plurality or First Past the Post. Each one is elected to a Senate constituency, which may consist of two or more KTA constituencies. The criteria being that the O'varna must have served at least 10 years as a KTA before standing for election as an O'varna.

The head of the ruling party is nominated as the Prime Minster, or Ti'vol B'ani'r (Tribe Chief). He has the power to nominate a cabinet, nominally made up of 8 MP's/KTA's but has been as many as 12, to assist him in running the nation. The Dannistrian Cabinet (Collectively refered to as the "Dannistrian Government" or "Dannistrian Executive" and incorporates the Ono'burra Ti'vol B'ani'r/Prime Ministers Office) is ultimately answerable to the Ti'volas As'embola, which has the power to dismiss the Prime Minister and his cabinet on a "Vote of No Confidence".

As of May 2006, extra seats have been made available for allocation to the state of Tyrsis, which is in the process of being made a member of the Confederacy.

Both houses serve a term of 5 years maximum and are both elected at the same time.

The British Monarchy is represented by a Governor-General, known locally as the B'ani'r-daah (Greater Chief), who performs the functions of the Monarch in his/her absence. This includes opening and dissolving Parliament and giving Acts of Parliament Royal Assent to become law. Traditionally this position has been held by a former KTA who has served a minimum of 25 years or an O'varna who has served 15 years. However any Dannistrian Citizen of note may be appointed as the Governor-General. The Governor-General's tenure usually lasts until he/she sees fit to retire, although by tradition this is usually by their 75th birthday. Along the same lines, each state has it's own representative of the Monarch. These are the State Governors or B'ani'r-Ti'vol'ron. The position is normally held by a former member of either house of the State Parliament who has served at least 20 years or 10 years and he/she retires when he/she sees fit. Again though any citizen of that state may be appointed to the role.

The seat of Government is in the city of Dannistra Onn, however most foreign embassies are located in Nordu Dannistra City.

As a result of the 1982 civil war, the right of the citizens to vote and therefore ultimately decide what decisions were taken in the country and the direction it takes on the international stage was enshrined heavily. In the second constitution, still in force today, the first section emphasises this.

Regardless of the form the Government of the Confederacy of Dannistaan has taken, the first right is the people's right to choose their representatives and ultimately decide the direction and shape of the Confederacy/Confederation of Dannistaan, regardless of the wishes of the members of the Government in power at the time. They have the right to be consulted on potentially contentious matters, the right to vote for whoever represents them, and ultimately the right to chose their own destiny. (From section 1 of the 1987 Constitution)

Foreign Relations

Surprisingly, despite being in an active region, Dannistaan has seen little involvment in foreign affairs, except for the multiple invasions during the two world wars. This lead to a form of isolation being practiced. Despite this, they have kept close contacts with the United Kingdom and is an observer member of the Commonwealth of Nations. However since 1999 they have started opening up more to the outside world. This included opening up the ecomony more to foreign investors.

There is a long running dispute between the Confederacy of Dannistaan and the People's Republic of Bai Lung over control of an island in the Bai Lungese chain (See Territorial Disputes).

Dannistaan tries to remain neutral in situations that result in conflict, limiting involvement to humanitarian aid and peacekeeping.

Recently, relations have been strained between East Dannistaan and Kelssek due to comments made by the then First Minister, Kelly Min'now-Jones, criticising the left wing views of the recently elected president, Dominique Drapeau. This situation illustrates the problems with the highly autonomous nature of the 5 constituient states of Dannistaan, as foreign relations can all too often become strained because of the actions of one state, mostly East Dannistaan.

Subdivisions

The island is divided into 5 different Ti'vol'ron (Tribal areas, equivalent to a state in a federal country) and the two territories of the East Pacific mainland. Each Ti'vol'ron is divided into 2 or 3 Ti'vol'nou-daah (Large Tribal Sub-Area/Counties). These Ti'vol'nou-daah are themselves divided into about 20 - 30 Ti'vol'nou-suu (Small Tribal Sub-Area/Districts). The 5 Ti'vol'ron are actually, in theory according to the constitution, independent sovereign states in their own right, and reserve the right, under the same constitution, to secede from the Confederation. However, the union has worked well in their favour so far, despite the 1982 civil war, so no reason is seen to sought independance from the Confederation so far. Despite this, some ethnic tensions, most dating back from before the civil war and exacerbated by it, have remained and cause a constant problem in the daily running of the country.

The Central Parliament MP's/KTA's are allocated depending on the proportion of population in each of the Ti'vol'rons. The current formula is:

• North Dannistaan (Nordu Dannistra) - 15% out of 300
• South Dannistaan (Bas'sou Dannistra) - 45% out of 300
• West Dannistaan (Hal'vos Dannistra) - 10% out of 300
• East Dannistaan (Riu'en Dannistra) - 20% out of 300
• Central Dannistaan (Ha'rutt Dannistra) - 10% out of 300
• Tyrsis - Constant of 10 MPs/KTAs
• Hal'vo-land Territory - Under direct Central Government control

Each Ti'vol'ron has it's own local Parliament which follows a similar pattern to the central Parliament. The number of members in each is 110 State MPs/Kha'mons Ti'vol'ron for the Ti'vol'ron As'embola-suu (Lower House) and 50 State Senators/Ti'vol'ron O'varnos for the Ti'vol'ron As'embola-daah (Upper House). Each of these State Governments is led by a First Minister/Ti'vol'ron B'ani'r. The only exception being Central Dannistaan, which has a Unicarmel Assembly (The Ha'rutt Ti'vol'ron As'embola) which contains 120 State MPs and is lead by a rotating Chief Minister, who is chosen from the majority party's members. Each term for the Chief Minister lasts 12 months. The elections for all the Ti'vol'ron Parliaments are held 1 month after the central Parliament elections, except in the case of a loss of confidence, in which case a snap election is held and the State Parliament serves out the remainder of the term.

Territorial Disputes

Currently Dannistaan is in dispute with the People's Republic of Bai Lung over a small island to the east of the Bai Lungese mainland. It is named "Lord Howard Island" but the Bai Lungese refer to it as "Jong Il Shan". The island has several viens of gold amongst the rocky terrain, amongst several other valuable minerals. However the main reason for the dispute is somewhat more trivial. The two sides claim ownership of the island. The Bai Lungese claim the island on the grounds they were occupying it previously. The Dannistrians claim ownership because the British conquered the island and transfered it's ownership to Dannistaan when they granted Dannistaan independence. Currently, the Dannistrians hold the eastern half while the Bai Lungese hold the western half. Disputes over the extent of territorial claims on each side has resulted in two small scale conflicts as well as daily border skirmishes. Currently the UN is trying to mediate on the situation and both sides are holding to a 1994 ceasefire agreement.

Official name

The official name of "Confederacy of Dannistaan" refers to the fact that a Confederation is legally a loose alliance of nations rather than a Federation, were the constituant members are far more tightly integrated. The 5 Ti'vol'ron have, in theory far more autonomy from each other than most states in a Federal country. However, they have agreed on common standards for many things such as electricity supply voltage, road speed limits, telephone numbers, currency and postal codes. In practice, it is a de facto Federal state, with a lot of the State Governmental authority delegated to it from the Central Government.

The name "Dannistaan" itself is Dannistrian for "Dannistra Land". "-staan" itself is a suffix for nation or homeland "Ingla'staan" being England, or the UK in most colloqial contexts.

Dannistaanians or Dannistrians?

"Dannistaanian" is the adjective used by most foreigners. However, the term used and prefered by most on the island is "Dannistrian", as "Dannistra" was the island's previous name prior to English conquest. Most people however will not mind which term you use.

Military

Because of the 1982 civil war, Dannistaan has not had a formal set of armed forces for a significant amount of time, each states Air Force, Navy and Army having been disbanded to prevent a repeat of the 1982 war and allow for reorganisation of the armed forces on a national level. Nonetheless, defence is needed and as an interim measure while a formal nationwide force was set up the Government has set up a system of militias manned by volunteers with equal numbers from each district. There was formerly a small RAF prescence, based in the northeast airfield (RDAF Hal'von). The volunteer militia, though unpaid and unfunded (except from yearly donations and random acts of philanthropy), were surprisingly well equiped though in a real conflict they could probably only hold off invaders, not defeat them outright. The intention initially was that the UK or some other larger sympathetic power would send out more substansial military aid to assist while the militias attempted to delay an enemy's advance with guerilla tactics, at least until the formation of national armed forces. However, the militias are capable of fighting as they have had ancestors who were involved in the 1841 conflict against the English. It is rumoured that some Dannistrians are selected to study in the UK military academies and move on to become officers in elite regiments and even the SAS (Though many suspect this is wishful thinking on the part of movie scriptwriters and novelists. It is true that some Dannistrians are employed by the British Army, though they are treated as normal recruits).

One of the darker and less well known secrets of Dannistaan is the "Experimental Energy Defence Lab", secretly built by the UK MOD during 1963, about a year after the Cuban Missle Crisis. It's location is unknown but is believed to be located somewhere in western Mount Dannistaan. It is rumoured that a large energy satellite weapon, designed to both shoot down ICBM's and actually actively attack cities was developed there and launched using one of the missile silos in the Hal'von airforce base. Although there is evidence that a large laser cannon was built at the facility, there is no evidence that anything useful emerged from the project. A rocket was launched in 1968 from missile silo 2 but it's contents are unknown. Officially it was a dummy test missile but before it could be brought back down contact was lost and it is assumed to be destroyed in orbit. Rumours still persist that the "dummy" missile was the launch vehicle for the experimental satellite weapon.

In 1985, it was confirmed that a satellite was launched from the RDAF Hal'von airbase, though not with the unknown dummy missile. It was sent up into orbit in a less publicised launch. Details about this weapon are sketchy, although it is known to use zero-point energy as it's power source.

Observation satellites have been launched from RDAF Hal'von during the 1970's though many are now either obsolete, deactivated or used by the universities based on Dannistaan to monitor geological activity. One satellite network, the "Or'wohl'lo" system, is still in use as an early warning satellite used to detect missile launches and incoming enemy incursions. It consists of 4 satellites that house different sensors to monitor activity up to an accuracy of 10 meters. Previously this was operated by the RAF in the UK, but since the restablishment of armed forces in Dannistaan, the network is now controlled by the Defence Ministry.

Defence Expenditure Act 1999

Main article: New Dannistaan Military

Recent controversy emerged over the discussion to restablish a set of regular armed forces via the Defence Expenditure Act of 1999. The act was paritally implemented during 2000 to 2001 and came fully into force in 2003. It is feared that restablishing a military force may be the first step to a second civil war. Anti-war campaigners have urged the central Government not to carry through with it's plans. The act was eventually passed by 76 votes to 63 with 11 abstaining. This means that Dannistaan will have it's own armed forces for the first time since 1987. It is proposed to take the following form after a phased introduction over 3 years.

• Royal Dannistrian Central Defence Command
  • Royal Dannistrian Joint Chiefs of Staff (J-COS)
  • Royal Dannistrian Strategic Weapons Command (Ballistic missiles, submarines and the proposed satellite weapon systems)
  • Royal Dannistrian Central Armoury and Logistics Centre (Outfitting and supplies to all troops)
• Royal Dannistrian Air Force
  • 1st Command (Air Superiority)
  • 2nd Command (Air Superiority Reserve)
  • 3rd Command (Ground Attack)
  • 4th Command (Ground Attack Reserve)
  • 5th Command (Reconnaisence and Early Warning)
  • 6th Command (Transport and Logistics)
• Dannistrian Army

(These section numbers are now mostly depreciated)

• • Section 1 (General Infantry, Local Denfence and Expeditionary Force)
  • Section 2 (Medical Corps)
  • Section 3 (Rapid Reaction Force)
  • Section 4 (Engineering Corps)
  • Section 5 (Tank Battilions)
  • Section 6 (Light Vehicle Battilions)
  • Section 7 (Air Corps)
  • Section 8 (Reserves and Militias)
  • Section 9 (Special Forces, Counter-Terrorism and "Black Operations")
  • Section 10 (Unknown, Possibly Internal Security)
• Royal Dannistrian Navy
  • 'A' Fleet Command (Main Expeditionary Force)
  • 'B' Fleet Command (Main Defence Force)
  • 'C' Fleet Command (Reserve Force)
  • 'D' Fleet Command (Support Vessels)
• Royal Dannistrian Marine Corps (Run jointly by the Army and Navy)
  • Section X (Main Corps Force)
  • Section Y (Support Vehicles)
  • Section Z (Reservists)

The newly formed Dannistrian Armed Forces are known for being very well disciplined and trained, having taken onboard many lessons from the 1982 Civil War and from other nation's armed forces.

Geography

Most of the island of Dannistaan is dominated by the large dormant volcanoe Mount Dannistaan (Dannistra Vol'nus). More is given in the heading below. Apart from that, most of the terrain consists of barren and rocky grassland in the south and west with large patches of jungle and rainforest in the north and east. There are many caves dotted around the island, possibly once inhabited by the ancestors of the current Dannistrians. Some parts of the northern and eastern coasts are vulnerable to flooding, due to the low lying beach lines.

Mount Dannistaan (Dannistra Vol'nus)

Mount Dannistaan, or Dannistra Vol'nus (Dannistra Volcanoe), is an extinct volcanoe which dominates most of the island. The highest point is approximately 2763 meters. Part of the crater of the volcanoe acts as a natural lake that provides the source of water for the river that flows down the mountain in a southwest direction. The volcanoe has been the source of many stories and legends, the most famous one involving Hal'vo, the local Deity, who was said to have stopped an erruption from destroying a village when the volcanoe was still active. The capital of Dannistra Onn is built upon the upper levels of the mountain, which means that it is common that problematic weather can cause the early adjournment of a session of Parliament. Many tourists come on holiday to Dannistaan simply to try climbing the Mountain, which is known for having unpredictable weather.

Climate

The climate is variable depending on season and the area of the island that is visited. Generally, it is warm and humid in the lower lying areas and becomes very cold and wet the higher up the mountain. During the winter it can snow very heavily, causing chaos with the transport network. Flooding is common during the summer in the northern and eastern coasts, with waters reaching 10 meters in some places.

Economy

The economy is based on a free market. The Government has seen no need to legislate in this area, except in environmental and health aspects. Apart from that, the corporations based here are free to do as they please. There is a flat income tax of around 15%, payable by all citizens. Previously, a form of property tax was used to fund Government expenditure but this almost lead to a second civil war until the property tax was abolished in 1993. The main industries on the island are book publishing and automobile manufacture. The automobiles built on the island are normally for export, mostly to the United Kingdom and the EU trade area, since there are not many usable roads on the island and most commute by the railroad system built during the 1982 civil war (It was originally used by East Dannistaan to transport troops and weapons around it's conquered lands).

The local currency is the Ailuropoda or Ai'urop'da. 1 Ailuropoda is worth ~$0.90. The economy had slumped from 1990 - 1997 when the Government pushed through stricter regulations to monitor the political activities of corporations. It has since recovered due to market liberalisation brought in during 2000 - 2004.

The island is rich in many minerals and materials. However it was the discovery of a large amount of Uranium which generated much interest and excitement. The effect was similar to finding oil in other nations i.e. many Dannistrians became rich overnight. The main uranium mine is situated on the southwest, near the town of Ann'try. Many environmentalists have criticised the Governments decision to allow almost unregulated mining of the uranium. However most would agree it has generated a sizable amount of income. Other exports include the Dannistrian Coconut, a local delicacy enjoyed in the UK, and Dannistrian Rum, a locally produced and distilled liquor known for its strength, using Dannistrian Coconut juice as the main ingredient. Dannistrian seafood and vegetables are also exported internationally as they are often in high demand in Commonwealth nations.

One of the largest companies operating in Dannistaan is Dannistaan Aeronautical Industries.

Transport

As mentioned, there are not many usable roads in Dannistaan. This is partly because of the rugged terrain, which makes building roads difficult and partly because of the 1982 civil war, which left many of the few usable roads destroyed or littered with landmines. The Government has already spent the equivalent of $60 million in an attempt to repair and clear the roads. This would allow better links and boost the economy. However most cargo and passengers are transported using the privatised railroad system, that was originally built to transport troops and military equipment during the civil war. When the war ended the Government considered deconstructing the entire system, as it was indirectly involved with the deaths of many people. However it was decided to "beat swords into ploughshares" and turn the railroad into a civilian system.

Transportation links to the outside world consist of hourly flights to various contries in the East Pacific and the UK. There is also several daily long distance ferry services, some on conventional vessels and others using fast jetfoil craft.

Species

Dannistaan has been free of fridge owls unlike other countries in the East Pacific. However, this does not mean the island is free of pests. The Dannistrian drop-rat is a unique species of rodent that lives in trees, hanging off branches most of the time. They are mostly shy and timid, unlike other species of rat and avoid human contact. However they are a pest as they multiply quickly and enjoy eating Dannistrian Coconuts. Many plantations growing them have been ravaged by drop-rats, causing some plantation owners to adopt extreme measures to kill them, such as modified land mines that spray a large mist of rat poison instead of exploding or rigging automatic chaingun turrets leftover from the 1982 civil war. Some of these "rat traps" have caused tragic accidents and the Government is discouraging their use.

The national animal is the Dannistrian Robin. Slightly larger than a normal robin found in the UK and with a darker red chest, it is a very adaptable bird which is on the brink of extinction due to the constant uranium mining in it's habitat.

Society

Demographics

As of the 2001 census, the population was somewhere near 10 million, however it is not known how reliable this figure is. As of 2005, a survey indicated that there may be around 50 million. About 63% of this population live in small villages in the countryside. Literacy rate is near 100% thanks to the compulsory education system, where everyone must at least attend an Elementary school for 10 years minimum.

Most of the people are descended from the indigenous tribes that have lived on the island before the English conquest. They are easily recognised by their black or very dark skin. Some of the population are descendents of ex-pats and immigrants from other places, mostly the United Kingdom. Dannistaan has recently become a destination for retired British workers. They make up 4% of the population.

There is no actual official language. However English (Inglas'ee) is the de facto language of the island along with a modernised version of Dannistaanian. Regional variations of both also exist and mixing of the two is common.

Culture

Society within Dannistaan used to be rather insular thanks to the lack of contact with the outside world. This is exacerbated by the remote location of the land. Most visitors, on setting foot on the island, find life very strange and unless they remain in the larger towns and cities, they will feel as they have gone back in time.

Though modern technology is prevalent throughout the island, many of the Dannistrians still believe in old, seemingly stereotypical old customs associated with many jungle tribes around the world, such as what may be perceived to be magic similar to "voodoo" and evil spirits, for example.

The states within Dannistaan are divided amongst mainly regional tribal lines. All the Dannistrians are known to make good fighters but each tribe has a traditional specialty and personality trait. These are listed below.

• Northern Dannistrians are quiet, friendly people who are known for their holistic approach to living within the natural enviroment and prefer to stay out of others affairs. A large number of plantations and farms can be found in North Dannistaan. They also are adept in guerilla warfare tactics.
• South Dannistrians are traditionally allies of the East Dannistrians but are nowhere near as aggressive and mostly avoid major conflicts that would see large amounts of money used and large numbers of casualties. They are known for being "party animals".
• West Dannstrians are good sailors who traditionally seek their living from the sea (And still do in many cases). They have traditionally fished for sustenance and are experts in naval warfare. Hence the location of Dannistaans main port facilities.
• East Dannistrians enjoy being on the cutting edge of technology and have always traditionally been ahead in this area. They are the location of many IT companies, Arms developers and Manufacturing facilities. They are also known for being the most aggressive and competitive in combat and enjoy violence for the sake of it.
• Central Dannistrians are known for being wise and tend to be found as the politicians or judges in Dannistrian society. They also abhor most forms of conflict and like the Southerners prefer to stay out of wars and fighting of any sort.

Ethnic Tensions

One of the major problems still unresolved from the civil war is the level of animosity felt between the people living in East Dannistaan and the people living in the rest of the island. The East Dannistrian state Government at the time was known to be a major contributing factor in starting the war. Soliders from the East Dannistaan army were also known to have fired the first shots of the war, killing many North Dannistrians. This has left a lot of unresolved anger amongst the East and North of the island. Despite the best efforts of sucessive Governments, the East Dannistrian still has a reputation for being a very unstable people aiming to conquer the entire island by force. The East Dannistrians, in turn, see the rest of the island as a corrupt entity ploting the islands, and by default the East Dannistrians, destruction politically, socially and physically. Relations have recently suffered over further disagreements to do with foreign policy.

More recently, there has been an upsurge of violence against Bai Lungese in East Dannistaan. Many East Dannistrians see the Bai Lungese immigrants as a threat to the Dannistrian lifestyle and to their employment. The East Dannistrians fears have already been founded when violent crime curged upwards as more Bai Lungese entered East Dannistaan. Perhaps strangely, crime is not a problem for any Bai Lungese who chooses to live in other Dannistrian states. Several Bai Lungese have also found themselves being employed in low paid jobs that other East Dannistrians do not want and as such are often exploited.

Religion

There is no state religion as it was seen that strict seperation of church and state was necessary to allow further political and economic reforms to take place.

Nonetheless, most (65% of the population) personally believe in and worship the Deity called Hal'vo. Originally not a God, he was a tribal chief who probably lived from 85 - 60 BC. He was the first tribal chief to united all the tribes living on the island at the time. When he died it was said that his spirit entered the volcanoe and still reside there to this day. To shout out the phrase "K'listo Hal'vo n'ov t'ou!" is to wish that Hal'vo be with the person (Lit: Call/Place Hal'vo on you) or rather to wish someone good luck.

During the time of the English conquest Christianity was forced upon the people but this had mixed results, leading to the infamous 1912 "Kitewood riots", where 20 people were killed and another 5000 injured, including some missionaries. After that it was decided not to supress the local religion but to teach Christianity alongside Hal'vo-nism (As it became known). About 10% still practise Anglicanism.

Sports

Being an old UK colony, there is a distinct British bias to sports. Football, or Soccer, is the main preoccupation amongst the islanders. This is followed by Dannistrian Wrestling, a form of armed combat which is a mix of Judo with Fencing. The aim is to trip up the opponent using a wooden pike with blunted end (Although in recent times this has been replaced by a carbon fiber pole with a padded end). Participants may also fight unarmed if there is a draw for several rounds with no clear leader. Previously this was done with a sharpened pike in some parts of the Confederacy until the Government outlawed it in 1955, though it continued illegally until 1982, the start of the civil war.