Difference between revisions of "Gruenberg"

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{{Infobox_Nation |
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{{Infobox Nation
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flag=http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/9202/flag7sb.png |
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| title=<big>'''[http://www.nationstates.net/gruenberg The Holy Wenaist Sultanate of Gruenberg]'''</big><br><big>'''Tep Zlatani Melli Wenaisti Gruenbergersk vom'''</big>
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region=[[Malibu Islands]] |
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| flag=http://img435.imageshack.us/img435/2553/flag5cv.jpg
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motto=''Kab-sez Schialnach Brachtrauron'' ['There's Nothing Wrong'] |
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| flagcaption=([[Frek Niawaf Rambutan|In detail]])
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map=[http://img212.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gruenberg7ea.jpg] |
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| motto=''[[Kab-sez Schialnach Brachtrauron]]''
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language=[[Rukialkotta]] |
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| anthem=''[[Kab-sez Schialnach Brachtrauron]]''
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capital=[[Flurthwel]] |
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| map=
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population=Unknown |
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| region=[[Antarctic Oasis]]
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currency=Opst |
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| capital=[[Flurthwel]]
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leader=His High Holiness Grand Sultan [[Gardab Woltzten IX]]
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| largest_city=[[Merlefurt]]
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}}
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| language=[[Rukialkotta]], [[Bazhtan]]
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| government_type=Monarchy/Theocracy/Goatocracy
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| leader_title1=Sultan
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| leader_name1=Gardab Woltzten IX
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| leader_title2=Grand Vizier
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| leader_name2=Mikkolic Weltin
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| sovereignty_type=Establishment
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| established_event1=Act of Unification
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| established_date1=1709
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| area=4,301,140km²
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| pcwater=8.2
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| population=3.192 billion
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| currency=[[Opst]]
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| currency_code =GROP
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| timezone=[[wikipedia:Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]+5 to +6
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| dsttimezone=[[wikipedia:Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]+6 to +7
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| cctld=.gb
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| callingcode=627
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| iso=GRMI
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}}The '''Holy Wenaist Sultanate of Gruenberg''' ([[Rukialkotta]]: ''tep Zlatani Melli Wenaisti Gruenbergersk vom'') is a sovereign [[nation]] in the [[Malibu Islands|Southern Malibu Islands]] [[region]], although it is politically associated with the [[Antarctic Oasis]] sphere of influence. Its mainland is divided into two provinces, with the larger [[Naffarron]] in the west and the [[Gelzien Nub]] in the east; the large island of Bobron, lying just off Naffarron's southernmost tip, was incorporated into the Sultanate in 1952. It has a coastline in excess of 8,000 kilometres, lying on the bays of Abzhan-Rejak and Bay of Solitude, and shares land borders with Gurglestan to the northwest and New Greater Tibet to the northeast.
  
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==NATIONAL IDENTITY==
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Despite its average area, Gruenberg has a [[wikipedia:population density|densely distributed]] population of over 3 billion. It is the home of [[Wenaism]], and has the largest population of adherents in the world, with over 97% of its citizens being registered Wenaists. The area, renowned for its degree of cultural, ecological, geological and climatic diversity, has a long tribal history, and has historically proved resistant to unification; modern Gruenberg has however been united for nearly 300 years under the rule of the Woltzten Dynasty, who were the first to bring Naffarron and the Gelzien Nub under a common flag. This union has been far from harmonious, and separatists in the Gelzien Nub have become increasingly vocal and violent in their calls for autonomy.
  
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===LANGUAGE===
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Once a relatively poor and undeveloped country, Gruenberg has seen major agricultural, industrial and financial reforms in the last century, with its economy the fastest-growing in the region, and being ranked in the top 1% worldwide. Social and political freedoms have also increased, but its image as a despotic land of oppression persists. The military has also been strengthened significantly, and Gruenberg is a [[list of nations with nuclear capability|declared nuclear state]]. Once a prominent member of the [[United Nations]], it has now resigned, but has not since retreated into total isolation.
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==Etymology==
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The name '''Gruenberg''' ([[wikipedia:IPA|IPA]]:/{{IPA|gryːnbɛʁk}}/) means "Green Mountain" in [[Rukialkotta]], the official national [[language]]. "Green Mountain" is a reference to [[Hatash Myari]], the sacred mountain of the [[Wenaism|Wenaist]] [[religion]]. "Green Mountain" has long been used to identify the region in the absence of any other common term; however, it was not adopted as the official name of the nation until 1709.
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==History==
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{{main|History of Gruenberg}}
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'Gruenberg' as a political entity is a comparatively recent phenomenon, having been established in 1709, at which point it did not encompass all of its current territorial holdings, but the general geographical region has been inhabited for thousands of years, and has a rich and diverse history, marked by division between divergent tribes, and chiefly significant for the growth of [[Wenaism]].
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== Geography and climate ==
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{{main|Geography of Gruenberg}}
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Gruenberg has a total area of 1,027,824 [[wikipedia:square kilometre|square kilometre]]s, with a land area of 992,514 square kilometres. This is divided in an approximate 6:1 ratio between [[Naffarron]] (880,254 km²) and the [[Gelzien Nub]] (147,570 km²). Both are mainly surrounded by tiny tribal states, small numbers of which Gruenberg has annexed over the years, but Naffarron shares a 2,954 km border with [[Gurglestan]], to its north-west. It has a 3,958 km coastline, and the Gelzien Nub 1,306 km.The two provinces are separated by over three thousand kilometres over the [[Bay of Abzhan-Rejak]], and are fairly geographically distinct.
  
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The Naffarronese coastline on the [[Bay of Abzhan-Rejak]] plays host to some of the most beautiful beaches in the region, famed for their fine white sand.
  
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====Rukialkotta====
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[[Gruenberg]] has a fairly diverse [[wikipedia:Climate|climate]]. [[Naffarron]] is generally [[wikipedia:Temperate|temperate]], and the [[Gelzien Nub]] [[wikipedia:Subtropical climate|subtropical]], but there is substantial regional variation, encompassing warm coastal areas, the frozen mountains of the north, high rocky deserts in the west, low hot desert in southeast Naffarron, and dense jungle in parts of the Gelzien Nub. There are three broad [[wikipedia:Season|season]]s: a hot spring runs from [[Tak Perda Rarapsant|Turning Day]] to late [[Tak Perda Rarapsant|Wrasch]]; the summer [[wikipedia:Monsoon|monsoon]] season then typically lasts into [[Tak Perda Rarapsant|Syara]]; the rest of the year falls into a cold winter.
  
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[[Rukialkotta]] is the state language of Gruenberg. It was officially instated as such under The Formalisation of Language Act, passed in The 651st Year by decree of Polrak I. Up to this point, official documents had been issued in a haphazard mixture of tribal languages, and costly webs of translators were needed at every juncture of state business. The startling inefficiency of the system was easily reason enough to press for a common language. However, many have privately speculated that there was a further, less noble motive.
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Temperatures range over a huge extreme. The far north of the [[Karundulastan]] district exists in a state of near-permanent winter; its icy valleys are only accessible for brief periods each spring, and then only to skilled teams. By contrast, the mountains of [[Stammerslab]], in western Naffarron]], are generally subject to a greater variation, with equally bitter winters, but fairly hot summers. Temperatures for the populous settlements that line the [[Aszumba]] river are subject to the greatest variance, generally ranging from 0° C winter lows to summer highs of over 40° C. Further east, in the [[Krazl]] desert, summer peaks of over 50° C are regularly recorded. Coastal regions, and the Gelzien Nub, tend to have a more moderate temperature range, varying from about 10° C in the winter to 35° C in the summer.
  
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At that point, the only remaining obstacle to total Court supremacy was the traditional power-base of the tribal system. The distinct variations in language made this virtually impenetrable, and whilst there was little active dissent in Naffarron by this time, the possibility of such action remained. Furthermore, Polrak's reign was characterised by an obsessive desire for absolute power. The idea that in forcing upon Gruenbergers a new language free of tribal or historical associations he in fact sought to remove the final significant source of opposition is not only plausible: it is highly probable. The strenuous denials of such (perhaps predictably, treasonable) 'slanders' by the Court has done little to dampen the flames of the rumours.
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== Government ==
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{{main|Government of Gruenberg}}
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Gruenberg is a technically a [[wikipedia:Democracy|semi-democratic]] [[wikipedia:constitutional monarchy|constitutional monarchy]], but in fact cannot be easily classified under conventional political nomenclature, and its form of [[wikipedia:government|government]] does not conform to traditional models. This is principally because there is no [[wikipedia:separation of powers|separation of powers]] between the [[wikipedia:executive|executive]], [[wikipedia:legislature|legislature]] and [[wikipedia:judiciary|judiciary]]. Because the power of the executive (the Sultan) is hereditary, and extends over the legislature and judiciary as well, it has typically functioned as much closer to an [[wikipedia:absolute monarchy|absolute monarchy]]. As there is no [[wikipedia:separation of church and state|separation of church and state]], it is also a [[wikipedia:theocracy|theocracy]].
  
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Today, Rukialkotta is spoken by around 60% of the population as a first language, and an estimated 75% of the adult population are fluent in Rukialkotta. The blip in the statistic is the Gelzien Nub, where resistance to 'Rukialkottisation' has been more forceful. All state documents are released in Rukialkotta, over 80% of all printed media is published in it, and all lessons in all educational establishments from primary schools through to graduate colleges are taught in it. Rukialkotta looks set to spread further and wider, and the recent decision by over 200 overseas diplomats, businessmen and tourists to take part in a week-long crash course run by the GSLI has lent hope to the idea of it becoming genuinely exportable.
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The [[wikipedia:Head of state|Head of state]] is the Sultan, currently Gardab Woltzten IX. The line of succession is exclusively male, and in descending age order, such that the oldest son of the incumbent is first in line to the throne. Only one family has occupied the throne: the Woltztens. The longevity and stability of this rule has led to their classification as a [[wikipedia:dynasty|dynasty]]. All federal laws are issued by Sultanic decree.
  
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For details of Rukialkotta's history and structure, a brief guide to its grammar, and a selection of helpful and common words and phrases, please see its specific page in the Languages section.
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There is also a high degree of [[wikipedia:devolution|devolution]] in Gruenberg's political system, representing the tribal history of the nation. Towns have elected councils with powers usually including aspects of taxation, education and law and order. The nation is divided into administrative districts, each with elected councils that oversee town policies, and then each major province has a regional assembly, which exercises considerable legislative power.
  
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====Bazhtan====
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At the federal level, the legislature is [[wikipedia:bicameral|bicameral]]. The Regional Congress consists of 200 seats, with 40 representatives from each administrative region; the 500-seat National Congress is apportioned on the basis of straight popular vote. The [[wikipedia:Head of Government|Head of Government]] is the head of the largest party — this has always been the Monarchists, and hence the Sultan shares both Head of State and Head of Government titles. The Cabinet is appointed by the Head of Government. The Court and federal government technically have the power to legislate on all matters, but concern themselves mainly with foreign policy and economic and military affairs.
  
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Bazhtan is the Court language of Gruenberg, and the holy religion of [[Wenaism]]. As such, commoners are strictly forbidden from hearing or speaking, or reading or writing, the sacred language. Fewer than 100,000 citizens are entitled to speak it: of these, the majority are not of 'high blood', but are in fact monks and priests.
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A distinct feature of Gruenberger governance is the role of the Viziery. The [[wikipedia:Vizier|Grand Vizier]] is a political appointment, but is immune from dismissal, and so one Vizier may serve more than one Sultan. The Viziery is staffed by a mixture of civil and religious personnel, and has numerous areas of responsibility. It is also completely unaccountable to the federal government, and is seen as a buffer against the ability of the people to vote the Sultan's powers away.
  
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The language employs pictograms, each representing a different word, or part of a word. They are reportedly extraordinarily intricate. The structure of the language is completely unknown, but it doubtless differs substantially from modern languages: Bazhtan has had no major linguistic evolution in hundreds of years. Pronunciation is said to be complex and guttural, with correct pitching of vowel sounds crucial to understanding.
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== Politics ==
  
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At [[Wenaism|Wenaism]] ceremonies, priests must chant the ancient scriptures in a sound-proofed antechamber, to avoid having commoners hear the sacred language. The offence is taken most seriously: last year, there were 18 executions for those suspected of trying to read it, with an estimated 400 prisoners currently serving sentences relating to attempts at accessing Bazhtan texts.
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=== Political history ===
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{{main|Politics of Gruenberg}}
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Whilst there are many sources of legitimate criticism of the Woltzten dynasty, most would admit that, whatever troubles post-unification Gruenberg has seen at their hands, political instability has not been one. The factional wars and tribal divisions that marked most of the First Age have largely disappeared. The political system has evolved gradually, and has generally been receptive to change. Political theorists have argued that the Sultans have preferred to move gradually towards constitutional democracy with themselves at the helm, than attempt to retain absolute autocracy and suffer violent revolution, which would clearly be more damaging.
  
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====Tribal Languages====
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===Political parties===
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{{main|List of political parties in Gruenberg}}
  
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The legacy of Gruenberg's many tribal languages is gradually fading as many ancient dialects wilt under the force of the country's rapid conversion to [[Rukialkotta]]. At one point, the distinctions between tribal dialects were so distinct that people living 50km apart would be completely incapable of understanding one another. Today, less than a third of the population speak traditional tribal languages as their first language. This figure drops year on year, and in The Census Of The 731st Year, over 450 languages were reported to be extinct that were in use 10 years previously.
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== Economy ==
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{{main|Economy of Gruenberg}}
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Gruenberg is a [[wikipedia:developed country|developed nation]] with one of the faster growing economies in the world, and is ranked foremost in [[Antarctic Oasis]] on several economic indicators. However, it has not always enjoyed such prosperity, and in the past suffered from great [[wikipedia:economic development|economic underdevelopment]]. Sweeping internal reforms of fiscal and administrative infrastructure transformed the country over the course of two centuries, taking it to its present point of economic strength. Its current pro-market policies and active engagement in international [[wikipedia:free trade|free trade]] are contributing to a further boom, although some traditional sectors of employment, notably agriculture, are declining.
  
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Gruenberger tribal languages have certain common characteristics, to a point. Most are based on pictograms rather than Greek-style lettering, and most are hard for non-natives to pronounce. Beyond that, there are substantial differences that mean it is difficult to draw many comparisons: centuries of separate evolution have driven the dialects to almost unrecognisable poles.
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The economy is probably best described as [[wikipedia:mixed economy|mixed]], but is essentially based on [[wikipedia:free market|free market]] principles. Although [[wikipedia:privatization|privatisation]] is almost complete, the state still plays a substantial role in the running of financial matters.
  
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Of the languages still in common use in Gruenberg, the most common are Salsaffron (which 8.9% of Gruenbergers speak as a first language), Malhiati (6.2%) and Deshpatt (5.3%). The majority of smaller tribal languages are spoken in the Gelzien Nub, which has been significantly slower to take up Rukialkotta.
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Gruenberg's [[wikipedia:gross domestic product|GDP]] is estimated at $57.482 billion ($32,623 [[wikipedia:per capita|per capita]]). The growth rate has been positive for over a decade, and was 2.8% last year. Gruenberg's principal industries are mining and refining - the country is home to plentiful resources of precious and valuable rocks, metals and ores - and automobile manufacturing. Although other traditional industries such as fishing and forestry remain strong, agriculture has lost its importance within Gruenberg's economy, which now imports a significant proportion of its food needs. Other major sectors are armaments, manufacturing, retail and financial services.
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== Calendar ==
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{{main|Tak Perda Rarapsant}}
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Until very recently, Gruenberg was the only known nation in the world to use [[Tak Perda Rarapsant]], the traditional Wenaist system of measuring time. A [[wikipedia:lunar calendar|lunar calendar]], it had been in use for centuries, but was increasingly falling out of vogue in the business, academic and scientific communities, who found it proved troublesome when dealing with foreign nations, who predominantly used the [[wikipedia:Gregorian calendar|Gregorian calendar]]. There was considerable popular opposition to a change to the Gregorian calendar, however, as it was widely perceived as a [[Christianity|Christian]] institution. Nonetheless, under the [[List of notable Sultanic decrees#Act of Harmony in Time|Act of Harmony in Time]], the Gregorian calendar was adopted as standard, along with the [[wikipedia:Common Era|Common Era]] system of measuring years.
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=== Holidays ===
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{{main|Holidays in Gruenberg}}
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== Sport ==
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{{main|Sport in Gruenberg}}
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[[Image:Cricket.jpg|frame|Gruenberger batsman [[Benny Enchante]] drives]]
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[[wikipedia:Cricket|Cricket]] is Gruenberg's [[national sport]], and enjoys a massive following, attracting vast live and television audiences, as well as considerable corporate sponsorship interest. A range of other ball sports such as [[wikipedia:Association football|football]], [[wikipedia:field hockey|hockey]], tennis, [[Mentil]] and golf are also widely played, as well as athletics, swimming and cycling. [[wikipedia:auto racing|Motor sports]] are increasing in popularity, in particular with the development of a new [[wikipedia:Formula One|Formula One]] track at [[Moroschwegen]]. Despite the national passion for sport, however, Gruenberg has had very little international exposure, let alone success, in sporting matters, and many of its players, hailed as heroes at home, are unheard of abroad. There are signs this is changing, however, such as the relative success of the national football team in qualifying for [[World Cup 26]], the introduction of the [[Capra Cup]] and [[Tour de Gruenberg]], and the formation of the [[Gruenberger Sports Council#Gruenberger Olympic Association|Gruenberger Olympic Association]] to lobby for participation in the [[Olympic Games]]. Further to this, the [[Gruenberger Sports Council#Gruenberger Cricket Board|Gruenberger Cricket Board]] have announced their intent to renew international interest in a [[wikipedia:Test cricket|Test cricket]] season, as well as an [[wikipedia:One-day International|ODI]] world cup. Sport in Gruenberg is organized and regulated by the [[Gruenberger Sports Council]].
  
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Below is an example of the differences in tribal languages: the character representing the word 'cat' in Salsaffron, Deshpatt, Roga (a Gelzien language), and Myraschwagi (from the south-eastern plains of Naffarron), with attempted transliterations also shown.
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{{Template:Nations of Antarctic Oasis}}
  
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http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/5123/blurp12lj.png<small>'Mipadu' (Salsaffron)</small>http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/4004/blurp23hz.png<small>'Bibliotta' (Deshpatt)</small>http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/8864/blurp38nd.png<small>'Klakla' (Roga)</small>http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7415/blurp44pq.png<small>'Chipithlon' (Myraschwagi)</small>
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[[Category:Gruenberg|*]]
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[[Category:Nations]]
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====English and other languages====
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[[Category:Antarctic Oasis]]
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[[Category:Nations active in the United Nations]]
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Gruenberg has no colonial past, and as such foreign influences on its languages have been very limited. As such, modern foreign languages are barely spoken in Gruenberg. However, English is being encouraged as a second language, and is commonly taught in primary and secondary schools, although as yet its study has not been made compulsory. Many Gruenbergers will understand and be able to converse in very basic English.
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===RELIGION===
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====Wenaism====
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[[Wenaism]] is the state religion of Gruenberg. Official figures routinely put observance at 100%: whilst these are doubtless exaggerations, Wenaism certainly was a popular faith long before the Court chose to officially impose adherence on its citizens. Gruenberg's status as a Wenaist nation is confirmed by the constitution, the second first of which reads:
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''...that Gruenberg shall act as one nation under Wena, Mighty Goddess Of All Things, and commit itself at all times in every act to upholding the core beliefs of her faith...''
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William Embury argued in 'Motherland', his highly-regarded book on Wenaism and its role in the political and social development of Gruenberg, this is ''the most significant sentence ever written in the history of Gruenberg...acknowledging the ultimate subservience of the Court to the Mother Goddess...at its very core, Gruenberg remains a nation bound by ties not of devotion to its monarchy, but to its religion''. Dismissed by many as overstatement, there is probably a certain truth in the claim: certainly, no less a luminary than  noted that '
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====Tribal Religions====
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====Christianity====
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====Other religions====
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===NATIONAL FLAG===
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====Name====
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''Frek Niawaf Rambutan'' (lit. 'The Guiding Eye') is the Rukialkotta name for Gruenberg's state flag. The name derives from a nickname first applied to the very first national flag. This in turn comes from the traditional name of the constellation depicted on all [[Wenaism|Wenaist]] flags, thought to have been coined by early explorers who used the stars to aid their navigation. The name was only formally adopted in The 651st Year under one of the provisions of The Formalisation Of Language Act.
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====Components====
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There are three distinct components to Gruenberg's flag, each significant in its own right.
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The '''eight purple circles''' are common to all Wenaist flags. They show the star sign that, in mythology, was created by the Four Sages casting sacred stones into the sky. Purple circles are  to be found everywhere in Gruenberg, and the symbol has been used on every flag Gruenberg has ever had.
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The '''dark green background''' has traditionally been another common feature of Gruenberg flags over the years. The colour has no religious or political significance, but is unofficially acknowledged by many to be the 'national colour'. Most national sports teams wear dark green, and the colour has been incorporated into all military uniforms.
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The '''red and gold bands''' that occupy the top left quarter are the official standard of the Woltzten house. Their incorporation into the state flag has been more recent, although at one point they were featured more prominently. Their symbolism is unknown.
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====History====
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When the formation of The Grand Duchy of Naffarron was first announced in The 63rd Year, the flag chosen was simply that of Wenaism, in recognition of the nation's arrival as the first fully Wenaist country. The flag showed the 'Guiding Eye' constellation on a white background. However, it did not last long, as the need for some form of national, rather than solely religious, emblem became apparent.
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http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/6320/flag10mu.png
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<small>The first flag of The Grand Duchy of Naffarron</small>
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For some time, a variety of different flags were tried out. Many of the designs have since been lost. It also appears that there was far from universal agreement about any particular 'official' flag, and that more than one was used concurrently. Below are some of the known emblems used during Gruenberg's second century. The origin of the colours and patterns is unknown.
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http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/9133/flag27ag.png http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/8613/flag18pa.png http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/6910/flag11dw.png http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/4130/flag25al.png http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/6518/flag13ar.png
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The two key points to note from these early designs are the increasing prominence of dark green, and the orientation of the circles, at that time still angled over. Perhaps understandably, a natural choice emerged. This version remained the national flag from its institution in The 192nd Year through to around The 350th Year, and can still be seen on many old buildings and temples. For some reason, the decision was taken by Grand Duke Flonde to introduce a flag with a vertical alignment of the holy constellation. This new version remained the symbol of The Grand Duchy through to its demise in The 436th Year.
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http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/6596/flag25xl.png
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http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/2237/flag14hc.png
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In The 436th Year, the War Of The Age Of Reawakening began. The powerful Woltzten house led their followers to a swift and decisive victory, and declared the birth of a new nation: Gruenberg, a Sultanate to be led by the chief of the Woltzten house. Keen to quickly establish their authority, the new Court naturally sought a new flag. Their solution, to superimpose the symbol of Wenaism on their own red-and-gold band emblem was not well-received, but was kept in place for thirty years. Finally, after realizing that their attempt to unite the nation behind them was being turned into a weapon by their opponents, the Court gave way, and introduced a panel of dark green into the top left, this new flag being brought in under Garbab IV in The 467th Year.
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http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/2305/flag8il.png
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<small>The first Gruenberg flag</small>
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http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9894/flag6uq.png
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<small>The modified version introduced thirty years later</small>
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Over the next two centuries further versions were tried. None lasted long. The three known examples are shown below with their approximate dates of use.
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http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/1889/flag5uu.png
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<small>512-540</small>
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http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/3329/flag4oy.png
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<small>540-612</small>
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http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/9568/flag9hy.png
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<small>612-678; introduced to celebrate the conquest of the Gelzien Nub</small>
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The flag in its current form was first designed by Grand Vizier Hochtep Swimmen, then chief advisor to Polrak II, in The 679th Year, and instituted a year later. Pushing the Woltzten colours to the corner produced murmurs of discontent, but represented a much more acceptable compromise to the people at large. The flag has not been replaced since. Its proportions are 99x70.
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http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/3158/flag9ho.png
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<small>The current Gruenberg flag</small>
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====Miscellaneous Information====
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In The 612th Year, Gruenberg finally won the War Of Righteous Enlightenment, and claimed conquest of the Gelzien Nub. In celebration, a new flag was introduced (see above). However, as news of atrocities committed by Gruenberger troops against Gelzien natives filtered back home, student radicals at the University of Flurthwel launched a massive demonstration march, culminating in the symbolic burning of some 200 flags. The Act Of Incineration was immediately passed by Court decree, and flag burning became illegal, punishable by being burned at the stake. In The 731st Year, there were 31 convictions, 4 up from the previous year. Defacement of the image in any way is a criminal offence. It should also be noted that the flag has never incorporated any aspect of the Gelzien emblems into its design.
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The flag appears on all Court offices and buildings, as well as in every temple, classroom and lecture theatre. It features on everything from notes and coins to military and sporting badges. Patriotic Gruenbergers often fly it from their homes. Students begin schooldays by saluting the flag.
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In The 729th Year, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the current design, 4,000 students wearing coloured uniforms joined together in the Kampfert fields outside Flurthwel to form a giant 'human flag'. Aerial photographs were taken, and commonly appear on celebratory memorabilia and postcards.
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===NATIONAL ANTHEM===
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====History====
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''Kab-sez Schialnach Brauchtrauron'' has only been Gruenberg's national anthem since The 660th Year. However, it is effectively a [[Rukialkotta]] version of an ancient [[Wenaism|Wenaist]] hymn of praise of the same name, naturally embellished for propagandist purposes (the third verse in particular being an especially clunky addition).
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Before The 660th Year, Gruenberg had no official national anthem, although various hymns and folk tunes were regularly sung at national events: these included ''Rak Tak Bazhta'' ['Rak The Holy'], ''Fein Escheklar Wena'' ['Glorious Mother Wena'], and ''Sliptdern Magwein Fromblet'' ['To Sing In Praise Is Great'].
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Today's anthem was produced as a result of Polrak I's decision to introduce a standard national song that the military could easily memorise to sing on special parades. He commissioned several poets to adapt the folk-song into something more regal, but was displeased with their efforts (two, Baschten Ron and Klars Verfarrat, were in fact imprisoned for treason and blasphemy as a result of their compositions; the latter, whose song-cycle 'Long Green Land' gained popularity in the underground resistance movement that flowered in the wake of Polrak Woltzten II's clampdowns on civil liberties in the Gelzien Nub in The 682nd Year, was later boiled alive).
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Finally, he decided to write it himself. (Many believe that Hochtep Swimmen, then assistant to Grand Vizier Clibold Mahu, in fact wrote the words, although spreading this rumour in Gruenberg is a treasonable offence.) No known extant copy of this original version, written either in the original tribal language of the folk-song, or more probably Bazhtan, remains. His words were then translated into Rukialkotta by three Wenaist scribes, and doubtless adapted further (the fourth verse in particular seems distinctly at odds with Polrak I's violent and cruel temperament).
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The music came a year later, after a national competition. The perhaps surprising winner was a 23-year old from the northern province of Karundulastan. Ashwal Patamari had had no formal musical training, and worked on his father's small farm, picking beans. However, his adaptation of the traditional folk melody won, perhaps chosen in part ''because'' of its simplicity - many of the offerings of more recognised composers had proved too difficult for soldiers to sing. He was invited to study composition in Flurthwel, and was awarded a prestigious Court scholarship, but died of cholera on route. (It is highly likely he was in fact assassinated to prevent his becoming a cult figure, as this was common practice under Polrak I, but no evidence exists to prove this.) A statue commemorating his achievement was erected twenty years later, in Woltzten Square.
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====Miscellaneous Information====
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The song's title gives rise to the national motto. As the eminent historian of Gruenberg H.D. Welch noted in his seminal essay, 'On The Rise Of The House Of Blood', he observed that "''tempting as it may be to search for a note of irony in the choice of motto, such efforts would be misplaced...one can be assured that for the Court, and indeed for all loyal Gruenbergers, there really ''is'' nothing wrong, however bizarre such an observation might be in the face of crippling depression, ridiculous social imbalance, and oppression almost beyond comprehension.''"
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The anthem is sung at the start of all sporting encounters, at every military procession, and at the start of every school day. One verse is played on the hour, every hour, on state radio, and it is often requested in full on call-in music programmes. The song also accompanies Court television broadcasts. All royalties go to the Court.
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Several parodies of the song exist. One, a humorous tribute to grandparents, was in fact released as a single by the Children's Choir of Gruenberg, and reached No. 18 in Radio Gruenberg's Hit Parade. Other versions are less affectionate, and looked on with much less tolerance by the Court: Bobatob Onaha, a popular singer-songwriter who played a witty parody of the anthem entitled ''Kab-sez Turp Rasch Yurk Brauchtrauron'' ['There's Nothing On My Plate'], lampooning Gardab XIII's obesity, was shot dead in the street (allegedly by angered patriots, although secret agents of the Court were more probably to blame), whilst an unknown guitarist who circulated a feedback-drenched punk version, complete with bitterly obscene lyrics, among the students of the Moroschwegen Agricultural College was reportedly dismembered in the infamous Gru-Kap prisons in Gevenis.
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===NATIONAL ANIMAL===
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====The Moon Ram====
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The moon ram is Gruenberg's national animal, and is known in Rukialkotta as ''Tak Blomberdun Kassafanion''. It is a protected species, and there are fewer than 10,000 specimens left in the wild. Hunting the ram is a capital offence, and crimes as seemingly slight as snipping off clips of wool (thought by some to possess magical charms, moon ram wool, horns and bone are highly-sought after lucky charms, and precious commodities - on the black market) can carry jail sentences. Once prevalent throughout Gruenberg, diminishing numbers and the relative isolation of the majority of the animals to the far north is usually attributed to over-hunting.
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However, many zoologists believe the government expansion of industrial agriculture in the late seventh century of the Gruenberg calendar may have played its part. The insecticide ''Reptacil'' (4,4,4-trichloromethyl benzyl thioniafrol) was widely sprayed. It is harmless in its own right, but when mixed with other common ammonium-based fertilizers is intensely toxic. Reptacil continues to be used, but in smaller doses as more efficient substances are developed.
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The moon ram (''ovis lunar'') is in fact the male of the moon sheep species, and although ewes are not held in sacred regard, are extended the same legal protection. Its wool is thick and off-white, but can appear pale blue in darker light. Larger and more aggressive than normal rams, it is thought to be unique to Gruenberg. It is a herbivore, eating mainly grasses and bracken, but is also thought to eat a variety of fruit and berries. Its dung, which commoners are legally allowed to collect (providing they avoid harassing the animal), consists of dark, hard pellets, and is largely tasteless and odourless. Loosened with water, it is used to paint decorative religious tokens, or incorporated into jewellery.
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====History====
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The moon ram is believed to have inhabited Gruenberg for thousands of years: a number of references to it are purportedly made in the sacred texts of [[Wenaism]]. Its population was estimated at around 40,000 during the third century of the Gruenberg calendar. With tough meat and coarse wool, it is hunted mainly for spiritual reasons.
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The moon ram's importance in Gruenberg is mainly on account of the Fable of the Shepherd. In The 192nd Year, two of the seven sacred texts still remained lost, and many believed they would never be found. Then, Gulgon Vonderbat, an impoverished widower who tended moon rams high on Hatash Myari, stumbled into The Holy City with two vast clay urns, inside which were found the ancient scripts. His story was that, tracking down a moon ram, he had come to the thin valley pass where the Four Sages had encountered their first vision of Wena. At that point, the spirit of Wena came down and entered the moon ram, guiding him to a concealed tunnel where the Sages had hidden the final two texts. Ever since then, the animal has been given holy status in Gruenberg. (In an unfortunate epilogue, Vonderbat was executed for attempting to read the Bazhtan writing.)
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==Notes==
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===bla===
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Latest revision as of 17:56, 24 March 2007

The Holy Wenaist Sultanate of Gruenberg
Tep Zlatani Melli Wenaisti Gruenbergersk vom
flag5cv.jpg
(In detail)
Motto: Kab-sez Schialnach Brachtrauron'
National Anthem: Kab-sez Schialnach Brachtrauron'
Region Antarctic Oasis
Capital Flurthwel
Largest city Merlefurt
Official Language(s) Rukialkotta, Bazhtan
Government Monarchy/Theocracy/Goatocracy
 - Sultan Gardab Woltzten IX
 - Grand Vizier Mikkolic Weltin
Establishment
 - Act of Unification 1709 
Area
 - Total 4,301,140km²
 - % water 8.2
Population 3.192 billion
Currency Opst (GROP)
Timezone UTC+5 to +6
 - Summer (DST) UTC+6 to +7
Internet TLD .gb
Calling code +627
ISO Code GRMI
NS Sunset XML
The Holy Wenaist Sultanate of Gruenberg (Rukialkotta: tep Zlatani Melli Wenaisti Gruenbergersk vom) is a sovereign nation in the Southern Malibu Islands region, although it is politically associated with the Antarctic Oasis sphere of influence. Its mainland is divided into two provinces, with the larger Naffarron in the west and the Gelzien Nub in the east; the large island of Bobron, lying just off Naffarron's southernmost tip, was incorporated into the Sultanate in 1952. It has a coastline in excess of 8,000 kilometres, lying on the bays of Abzhan-Rejak and Bay of Solitude, and shares land borders with Gurglestan to the northwest and New Greater Tibet to the northeast.

Despite its average area, Gruenberg has a densely distributed population of over 3 billion. It is the home of Wenaism, and has the largest population of adherents in the world, with over 97% of its citizens being registered Wenaists. The area, renowned for its degree of cultural, ecological, geological and climatic diversity, has a long tribal history, and has historically proved resistant to unification; modern Gruenberg has however been united for nearly 300 years under the rule of the Woltzten Dynasty, who were the first to bring Naffarron and the Gelzien Nub under a common flag. This union has been far from harmonious, and separatists in the Gelzien Nub have become increasingly vocal and violent in their calls for autonomy.

Once a relatively poor and undeveloped country, Gruenberg has seen major agricultural, industrial and financial reforms in the last century, with its economy the fastest-growing in the region, and being ranked in the top 1% worldwide. Social and political freedoms have also increased, but its image as a despotic land of oppression persists. The military has also been strengthened significantly, and Gruenberg is a declared nuclear state. Once a prominent member of the United Nations, it has now resigned, but has not since retreated into total isolation.

Etymology

The name Gruenberg (IPA:/gryːnbɛʁk/) means "Green Mountain" in Rukialkotta, the official national language. "Green Mountain" is a reference to Hatash Myari, the sacred mountain of the Wenaist religion. "Green Mountain" has long been used to identify the region in the absence of any other common term; however, it was not adopted as the official name of the nation until 1709.

History

Main article(s): History of Gruenberg

'Gruenberg' as a political entity is a comparatively recent phenomenon, having been established in 1709, at which point it did not encompass all of its current territorial holdings, but the general geographical region has been inhabited for thousands of years, and has a rich and diverse history, marked by division between divergent tribes, and chiefly significant for the growth of Wenaism.

Geography and climate

Main article(s): Geography of Gruenberg

Gruenberg has a total area of 1,027,824 square kilometres, with a land area of 992,514 square kilometres. This is divided in an approximate 6:1 ratio between Naffarron (880,254 km²) and the Gelzien Nub (147,570 km²). Both are mainly surrounded by tiny tribal states, small numbers of which Gruenberg has annexed over the years, but Naffarron shares a 2,954 km border with Gurglestan, to its north-west. It has a 3,958 km coastline, and the Gelzien Nub 1,306 km.The two provinces are separated by over three thousand kilometres over the Bay of Abzhan-Rejak, and are fairly geographically distinct.

The Naffarronese coastline on the Bay of Abzhan-Rejak plays host to some of the most beautiful beaches in the region, famed for their fine white sand.

Gruenberg has a fairly diverse climate. Naffarron is generally temperate, and the Gelzien Nub subtropical, but there is substantial regional variation, encompassing warm coastal areas, the frozen mountains of the north, high rocky deserts in the west, low hot desert in southeast Naffarron, and dense jungle in parts of the Gelzien Nub. There are three broad seasons: a hot spring runs from Turning Day to late Wrasch; the summer monsoon season then typically lasts into Syara; the rest of the year falls into a cold winter.

Temperatures range over a huge extreme. The far north of the Karundulastan district exists in a state of near-permanent winter; its icy valleys are only accessible for brief periods each spring, and then only to skilled teams. By contrast, the mountains of Stammerslab, in western Naffarron]], are generally subject to a greater variation, with equally bitter winters, but fairly hot summers. Temperatures for the populous settlements that line the Aszumba river are subject to the greatest variance, generally ranging from 0° C winter lows to summer highs of over 40° C. Further east, in the Krazl desert, summer peaks of over 50° C are regularly recorded. Coastal regions, and the Gelzien Nub, tend to have a more moderate temperature range, varying from about 10° C in the winter to 35° C in the summer.

Government

Main article(s): Government of Gruenberg

Gruenberg is a technically a semi-democratic constitutional monarchy, but in fact cannot be easily classified under conventional political nomenclature, and its form of government does not conform to traditional models. This is principally because there is no separation of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary. Because the power of the executive (the Sultan) is hereditary, and extends over the legislature and judiciary as well, it has typically functioned as much closer to an absolute monarchy. As there is no separation of church and state, it is also a theocracy.

The Head of state is the Sultan, currently Gardab Woltzten IX. The line of succession is exclusively male, and in descending age order, such that the oldest son of the incumbent is first in line to the throne. Only one family has occupied the throne: the Woltztens. The longevity and stability of this rule has led to their classification as a dynasty. All federal laws are issued by Sultanic decree.

There is also a high degree of devolution in Gruenberg's political system, representing the tribal history of the nation. Towns have elected councils with powers usually including aspects of taxation, education and law and order. The nation is divided into administrative districts, each with elected councils that oversee town policies, and then each major province has a regional assembly, which exercises considerable legislative power.

At the federal level, the legislature is bicameral. The Regional Congress consists of 200 seats, with 40 representatives from each administrative region; the 500-seat National Congress is apportioned on the basis of straight popular vote. The Head of Government is the head of the largest party — this has always been the Monarchists, and hence the Sultan shares both Head of State and Head of Government titles. The Cabinet is appointed by the Head of Government. The Court and federal government technically have the power to legislate on all matters, but concern themselves mainly with foreign policy and economic and military affairs.

A distinct feature of Gruenberger governance is the role of the Viziery. The Grand Vizier is a political appointment, but is immune from dismissal, and so one Vizier may serve more than one Sultan. The Viziery is staffed by a mixture of civil and religious personnel, and has numerous areas of responsibility. It is also completely unaccountable to the federal government, and is seen as a buffer against the ability of the people to vote the Sultan's powers away.

Politics

Political history

Main article(s): Politics of Gruenberg

Whilst there are many sources of legitimate criticism of the Woltzten dynasty, most would admit that, whatever troubles post-unification Gruenberg has seen at their hands, political instability has not been one. The factional wars and tribal divisions that marked most of the First Age have largely disappeared. The political system has evolved gradually, and has generally been receptive to change. Political theorists have argued that the Sultans have preferred to move gradually towards constitutional democracy with themselves at the helm, than attempt to retain absolute autocracy and suffer violent revolution, which would clearly be more damaging.

Political parties

Main article(s): List of political parties in Gruenberg

Economy

Main article(s): Economy of Gruenberg

Gruenberg is a developed nation with one of the faster growing economies in the world, and is ranked foremost in Antarctic Oasis on several economic indicators. However, it has not always enjoyed such prosperity, and in the past suffered from great economic underdevelopment. Sweeping internal reforms of fiscal and administrative infrastructure transformed the country over the course of two centuries, taking it to its present point of economic strength. Its current pro-market policies and active engagement in international free trade are contributing to a further boom, although some traditional sectors of employment, notably agriculture, are declining.

The economy is probably best described as mixed, but is essentially based on free market principles. Although privatisation is almost complete, the state still plays a substantial role in the running of financial matters.

Gruenberg's GDP is estimated at $57.482 billion ($32,623 per capita). The growth rate has been positive for over a decade, and was 2.8% last year. Gruenberg's principal industries are mining and refining - the country is home to plentiful resources of precious and valuable rocks, metals and ores - and automobile manufacturing. Although other traditional industries such as fishing and forestry remain strong, agriculture has lost its importance within Gruenberg's economy, which now imports a significant proportion of its food needs. Other major sectors are armaments, manufacturing, retail and financial services.

Calendar

Main article(s): Tak Perda Rarapsant

Until very recently, Gruenberg was the only known nation in the world to use Tak Perda Rarapsant, the traditional Wenaist system of measuring time. A lunar calendar, it had been in use for centuries, but was increasingly falling out of vogue in the business, academic and scientific communities, who found it proved troublesome when dealing with foreign nations, who predominantly used the Gregorian calendar. There was considerable popular opposition to a change to the Gregorian calendar, however, as it was widely perceived as a Christian institution. Nonetheless, under the Act of Harmony in Time, the Gregorian calendar was adopted as standard, along with the Common Era system of measuring years.

Holidays

Main article(s): Holidays in Gruenberg

Sport

Main article(s): Sport in Gruenberg

Gruenberger batsman Benny Enchante drives

Cricket is Gruenberg's national sport, and enjoys a massive following, attracting vast live and television audiences, as well as considerable corporate sponsorship interest. A range of other ball sports such as football, hockey, tennis, Mentil and golf are also widely played, as well as athletics, swimming and cycling. Motor sports are increasing in popularity, in particular with the development of a new Formula One track at Moroschwegen. Despite the national passion for sport, however, Gruenberg has had very little international exposure, let alone success, in sporting matters, and many of its players, hailed as heroes at home, are unheard of abroad. There are signs this is changing, however, such as the relative success of the national football team in qualifying for World Cup 26, the introduction of the Capra Cup and Tour de Gruenberg, and the formation of the Gruenberger Olympic Association to lobby for participation in the Olympic Games. Further to this, the Gruenberger Cricket Board have announced their intent to renew international interest in a Test cricket season, as well as an ODI world cup. Sport in Gruenberg is organized and regulated by the Gruenberger Sports Council.

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