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[http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=isselmere United Kingdom of Isselmere-Nieland]<br>''Ríogháith Óntaic na hUislíamór-Nhígúlad''<br>Sameinaða konungsríki Isslamærar-Nýlands<br>''Unitait Kinright o 'Isslamere-Nieland''<small>{{ref|names}}</small>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" width=50%|[[Image:UKIN_banner.gif]]|| style="text-align: center;" width=50% | 
|-
| style="border: 0px; text-align: center;"|Flag|| style="border: 0px; text-align: center;" |Coat of arms
|-
| align=center colspan=2 style="font-size:90%;"|<center>[[Wikipedia:List_of_state_mottos|State Motto]]: ''Never so far as you wish it was.''<br>[[Wikipedia:Royal_Mottos|Royal Motto]]: ''For God and my people.''</center>
|-
| align=center colspan=2 style="font-size:90%;"|<center>[[Wikipedia:National_anthem|National Anthem]]: [[#Union_Hymn|''The Road to Prosperity'']]</center>
|-
| align=center colspan=2 style="background:#f9f9f9;" |<center>'''Map'''<br>
<small>[[Image:Thule_carta_marina.jpg]]</small></center>
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''[[:Category:Regions|Region]]'''
|[[Lethe (region)|Lethean Islands]]
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''[[Wikipedia:Capital|Capital]]'''<br>- [[Royal palaces of Isselmere-Nieland|Royal Palace]]<br>- [[Parliament of Isselmere-Nieland|Parliament]]<br>'''Largest conurbation (pop.)'''
|style="vertical-align:top;"|[[Daurmont (Isselmere)|Daurmont]]<br>[[Wentworth Palace (Isselmere-Nieland)|Wentworth Palace]]<br>[[Pechtas Castle]]<br>Greater Daurmont
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''Government'''<br>- Form<br>- Type
|[[Wikipedia:Constitutional_monarchy|Constitutional monarchy]]<br>[[Wikipedia:Parliamentary_system|Parliamentary democracy]]<br>[[Wikipedia:Devolved_government|Devolved]] [[Wikipedia:Unitary_state|unitary state]]
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''Legislature'''<br>- [[English]]<br>- [[Anguistian_language|Anguistian]]<br>- [[Nielander_language|Nielandic]]<br>- [[Isselmerian language|Isselmerian]]
|[[Wikipedia:Bicameralism|Bicameral]] [[Wikipedia:Parliament|parliament]]<br>[[Parliament of Isselmere-Nieland|Parliament]]<br>Párlamaid<br>Parlamentet<br>Parlament
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''[[Wikipedia:Head_of_state|Head of State]]'''
|[[House of Glaines-Oldmarch|HINM]] [[Kings and queens of Isselmere-Nieland|King]] [[Henry V (Isselmere-Nieland)|Henry V]]
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''[[Wikipedia:Head_of_government|Head of Government]]'''
|[[Wikipedia:The_Right_Honourable|The Rt Hon]] Geoffrey Middleton, [[Prime Minister of Isselmere-Nieland|Prime Minister]]
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''Formation'''<br>- [[Act of Consolidation, 1562|Union]] with [[Nieland_(Region)|Nieland]]<br>- Union with [[United Kingdom of South Lethe|Gudrof]]<br>- Secession of Gudrof
|[[Wikipedia:March_24|24 March]] [[Wikipedia:1986|1986]]<br>[[Wikipedia:June_25|25 June]] [[Wikipedia:1562|1562]]<br>[[Wikipedia:1653|1653]]<br>[[Wikipedia:1899|1899]]
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''Constitution'''
| [[Constitution Act, 1986]]
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''Legal Tradition'''
|Mix of [[Wikipedia:Common_law|common]] and [[Wikipedia:Civil_law_(legal_system)|civil law]]
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''Spoken Languages'''<br>- Official<br>- Unofficial
|<br>[[English]], [[Anguistian_language|Anguistian]], [[Nielander_language|Nielandic]]<br>[[Isselmerian language|Isselmerian]], several others
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''Holidays'''<br>- '''Official'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Coronation Day (Isselmere-Nieland)|Coronation Day]]<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;Union Day<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;Constitution Day<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;King's Birthday<br>- '''Unofficial'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Day of Happy Regrets]]<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Toel's Day]]
| style="vertical-align:top;"|<br><br>[[Wikipedia:May_19|19 May]] [[Wikipedia:985|(985)]]<br>[[Wikipedia:June_25|25 June]] [[Wikipedia:1562|(1562)]]<br>[[Wikipedia:March_24|24 March]] [[Wikipedia:1986|(1986)]]<br>[[Wikipedia:October_19|19 October]]<br><br>[[Wikipedia:February_15|15 February]] [[Wikipedia:999|(999)]]<br>[[Wikipedia:December_12|12 December]] [[Wikipedia:1349|(1349)]]
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''National Animal'''<br>- English||''Sterna sterna canescens''<br>[[Wikipedia:Tern|Hoary tern]]
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''National Flower'''<br>- English||''Potentilla crantzii''<br>[[Wikipedia:Potentilla|Alpine cinquefoil]]
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''National Tree'''<br>- English||''Pinus sylvestris huisensis''<br>[[Wikipedia:Scots_Pine|Huise pine]]
|-
| style="vertical-align:top; font-weight:bold;"|Patron Saint
|style="vertical-align:top;"|[[History_of_Isselmere-Nieland#The_Christianisation_of_Isselmere_and_Anguist|St Silvester of Lucca]]
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''Area'''<br>- Total<br>- % Water||<br>862,863 km²<br>28.1% water
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''[[Population]] ([[Wikipedia:2007|2007]])'''||8,000,006,417
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''[http://nseconomy.thirdgeek.com/nseconomy.php?nation=isselmere Economy]'''
|<font color=green>Frightening</font><br><small>[http://www.sunsetrpg.com/economystatistics.php?nation=Isselmere Sunset] [http://nsdossier.texasregion.net/main.aspx NSDossier] [http://nstracker.retrogade.com/index.php?nation=Isselmere NSTracker]</small>
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''[[Gross Domestic Product|GDP]] ([[Currency|USD]], 2007)'''<br/>- Total <br/>- Per capita
| <br>$350,569,765,527,311.00<br>$43,821.22
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''[[Wikipedia:Unemployment|Unemployment]]'''<br>- Official<br>- Actual
|<br>2.55%<br>5.5%
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''[[Wikipedia:Gini coefficient|Gini]]'''
|23.1 (<font color=#339966>low</font>)
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''[[CHDI]] (May [[Wikipedia:2006|2006]])'''
|0.990 (<font color=#339966>very high</font>) ([[CHDI#List of nations by CHDI|1st]])
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''[[Pacitalian Development and Advancement System|PDAS]] rating (July [[Wikipedia:2007|2007]])'''
|style="background: #3299CC; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" |<font color=white>A</font>
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''[[Currency]]'''<br>- Code
| 1 [[Lethse_(currency)|lethse]] (L/£) = 100 pence (p)<br>INP
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''[[Wikipedia:Time_Zone|Time Zone]]'''
| [[Wikipedia:GMT|GMT/UTC]] -0100
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''International Abbreviations'''<br>- [[Wikipedia:ISO 3166-1 alpha-2|ISO 3166-1 alpha-2]]<br>- [[Wikipedia:ISO 3166-1 alpha-3|ISO 3166-1 alpha-3]]<br>- [[Wikipedia:ISO 3166-1 numeric|ISO 3166-1 numeric]]
|UKIN<br>UI<br>UIN<br>902
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''Maritime Craft'''<br>- Naval<br>- Auxiliary<br>- Civilian
| <br>HINMS<br>RINFA<br>(IN)SS
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''Internet [[TLD]]'''
|[[.ukin]]
|-
|style="vertical-align:top;"|'''[[Wikipedia:List_of_country_calling_codes|Calling Code]]'''
| +92, +902
|}
The '''United Kingdom of Isselmere-Nieland''' (UKIN), formerly the [[United Kingdom of South Lethe]], is a sovereign [[Wikipedia:Atlantic_Ocean|North Atlantic]] [[Wikipedia:Devolution|devolved]] [[Wikipedia:Unitary_state|unitary]] [[Wikipedia:State|state]] in southern [[Lethe (region)|Lethe]], the largest of the Lethean Islands located midway between [[Wikipedia:Iceland|Iceland]] to the north and [[Wikipedia:Ireland|Ireland]] to the south, bordering the Principality of [[Gudrof]] to the southwest, the republics of Wingeria and Hoblingland to the north, the Lethean Sea to the east, and the Solquist Sea to the west.  The UKIN is often referred to as '''Isselmere-Nieland''', or more rarely as the [[United kingdom (Government form)|United Kingdom]], primarily to avoid confusion with the [[Wikipedia:United_Kingdom|United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland]] and other united kingdoms.

The UKIN is a [[Wikipedia:Constitutional_monarchy|constitutional monarchy]].  Its present dynasty, the [[House of Glaines-Oldmarch]], dates back to the [[Act of Settlement, 1557]], although the Isselmerian line along the combined patrilineal-matrilineal ancestry dates back much earlier.  The current [[Wikipedia:Federalism|quasi-federal]] state emerged from the [[Constitution Act, 1986|Constitution Act]] of [[Wikipedia:1986|1986]] that separated the UKIN into the four [[Wikipedia:Autonomous_entity|autonomous regions]] of [[Anguist_(Region)|Anguist]], [[Detmere_(Region)|Detmere]], [[Isselmere_(Region)|Isselmere]], and [[Nieland_(Region)|Nieland]].  Constitutionally, Anguist and Detmere are still part of the Kingdom of Isselmere.

Historically, Isselmere-Nieland has been aloof from most international matters, but in recent years circumstances have forced the United Kingdom into a more active and interventionist role in world politics.  The UKIN is currently a member of several alliances, most importantly the [[Organisation of Maritime Powers]] and the [[Woodstock Pact]].

The UKIN is a [[Wikipedia:Social_security|socially progressive]] [[Wikipedia:Country|country]] with a very highly [[Wikipedia:Developed_country|developed economy]].  Isselmere-Nieland is noted within Lethe for its publishing and automotive industries, although its information technology and shipbuilding sectors have achieved some foreign successes.

==History==
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|-
|''For prehistoric Isselmere-Nieland, please see'' [[Lethe (region)#Prehistory|Prehistoric Lethean Islands]].
|-
|''For the origins of Isselmere-Nieland, please see the'' [[History of Isselmere-Nieland]].
|-
|''For the history of Parliament, please see'' [[Parliament of Isselmere-Nieland#History|Parliament, A History]].
|}
=== Modern History ===
Isselmere-Nieland has found itself embroiled in several wars over the past century.  During World Wars I and II as well as the [[Wikipedia:Korean_War|Korean War]], the country’s small armed forces fought alongside those of the British Empire to the extent that many thought the smaller island kingdom was part of its southern neighbour.  In more recent years, the United Kingdom became involved in battles between the [[Organisation of Maritime Powers]] (OMP), of which the UKIN is a member, and other alliances.

The first contemporary war in which the UKIN fought was an absolute disaster.  On behalf of the OMP, the government sent an entire fleet to Arabia in an effort to contain forces operating between North Africa and the Persian Gulf only to lose it off the Horn of Africa to hypersonic ordnance dropped by high altitude, high speed bombers, the practicality of which had been neglected by engineers from the [[Royal Shipyards of Isselmere-Nieland|Royal Shipyards]] and [[Lyme and Martens Industries|Lyme and Martens]].  Consequently, the UKIN had to leave the battle to its more powerful brother states.  Approximately 104 vessels and over 30,000 lives were lost in that one engagement.

In the next battle, this time in defence of [[Sarzonia]] against [[Cam III]], the UKIN was much more successful.  With Sarzonia being threatened by orbital bombardment, the [[Isselmere-Nielander Orbital Defence Force]] moved to engage Cam III space assets, leading to the withdrawal of the aggressor nation from the conflict.

Subsequently, the UKIN threw its weight behind the effort to protect [[Feline Catfish]] from a host of states purportedly seeking to prevent nuclear proliferation.  Once again, the effort was completely unsuccessful, with the UKIN and other nations considered aggressors.  The involvement of [[Automagfreek]] led to the dispersal of many of the two parties and the “war” collapsed into a battle of threats and counter-threats, culminating in Feline Catfish’s reclusion.

The next conflict in which the UKIN involved itself was the [[Sarzonia#First Civil War|Bausch Rebellion]].  A Sarzonian colony, Bausch sought to separate from the Incorporated States following the passage of gay rights legislation.  In the end, the situation was resolved before the Isselmere-Nieland armed forces became heavily embattled.

Another [[Sarzonia#Second Civil War|civil war]] erupted in Sarzonia, this time led by the Restore Sarzonia Task Force (RSTF).   The RSTF had similar aims to the Bauschian rebels and had succeeded in capturing President [[Mike Sarzo]].  Pacitalian special forces and a Hamptonian special contingent succeeded in disrupting the RSTF plans.  Meanwhile, the RINN managed to lose four battleships to a much smaller rebel force, a defeat that continues to serve as a reminder to both the Royal Shipyards and RINN.  Twenty thousand lives were lost in that engagement.

The UKIN swiftly fell into another internecine conflict, the [[Inkana Civil War|Inkanan Civil War]].  The then Democratic Labour government sought to assist the Inkanan monarchy against the Confederate insurgency alongside Sarzonia.  Supporting the Confederacy were [[Doomingsland]] and the [[Generic Empire]], although neither nation was overtly involved.  The [[Royal Isselmere-Nieland Navy]]’s Fleet Air Arm and [[Royal Isselmere-Nieland Marines]] (RINM) struck against the Confederate forces, but many air assets were either destroyed by a sudden long-range assault by the Doomingsland air force.  On the ground, the RINM Pathfinders were annihilated in running battles with the Confederate Army before completing any of its missions whilst the RINN had to beach many of its roll-on/roll-off vehicle carriers to provide the main RINM assault group with the armoured support to fend off ever increasing numbers of Confederate land forces.  After the war, the UKINDF hierarchy blamed the restrictions imposed upon it by the royal Inkanan government.  Both the Democratic Labour government and its Union (i.e. Conservative and Liberal) successors determined that incompetent leadership was the cause of the UKIN’s second greatest defeat.  The dead numbered at least 35,000.

More recently, Isselmere-Nieland embroiled itself briefly in another war, mostly of words, to ensure the independence of [[Czardas]] before a combined force of CAD members compelled that nation to submit.

==Geography==
The UKIN dominates the southern third of the main island, [[Lethe (region)|Lethe]].  The Ungforth Marshes have historically protected the northwestern frontier of the United Kingdom from the Republic of Wingeria, whilst the north and northwest borders face Hoblingland.  The Lethean, Tichonian, or East Irish Sea washes upon the eastern coastline as the Solquist Sea crashes upon that of the west.  To the southwest of the UKIN is the small, sovereign Principality of Gudrof.

===Physical Geography===
Isselmere-Nieland possesses a stark natural beauty.  Most of the United Kingdom is gentle hill country broken by broad river valleys and a few wide plateaux.  Much of [[Anguist (Region)|Anguist]] and [[Detmere (Region)|Detmere]], as well as the north and northeastern provinces of [[Isselmere (Region)|Isselmere]] are ridden with [[Wikipedia:Bog|moors]], the largest of these being the Ungforth Marshes.  Historically, these wetlands have provided the inhabitants with a ready source of fuel from [[Wikipedia:Peat|peat]] and a cultural focus.  The east of Detmere and northeast of Isselmere are riddled with lakes, whilst the Solquist Sea coast of [[Nieland (Region)|Nieland]] is riven with [[Wikipedia:Fjord|fjord]]s, as well as several deep rivers running from vast lakes into the sea.

The United Kingdom does possess several features of interest, some beautiful, some distinctly unhealthy.  The most notable of these sites are the aforementioned Ungforth Marshes forming the northern reaches of [[Anguist_(Region)|Anguist]], the Quismond Mountains dividing [[Nieland (Region)|Nieland]] from [[Isselmere (Region)|Isselmere]], solitary Mount Thurbel standing amidst the Sarpathian plain in the middle of Isselmere, and Lake Bormunst, a circular body of water in northeastern [[Detmere_(Region)|Detmere]].

For most travellers, the Ungforth Marshes are certainly unhealthy.  An experienced and prepared researcher will find, however, they do have a charm all their own.  Beyond being a perfect breeding ground for midges, the Marshes are home to a wide assortment of strange fauna.  Amongst the unique mammals and birds is a diminutive, endangered species of deer, the [[Anguist_(Region)|Ungforth]] or [[Wikipedia:Deer|Barley-tail deer]] (''Rangifer angfortensis'').  The marshlands themselves are mostly [[Wikipedia:Peat|peat]] [[Wikipedia:Bog|bog]]s.  These bogs were used by early Anguistians and Anglo-Frisians as a source of fuel, as noted above, and [[Wikipedia:Copper|copper]] and as well as for human and animal sacrifices and executions.

The Quismond Mountains are an extinct chain of volcanoes that evince the fiery origins of the Lethean Islands.  The range has endured many millennia of erosion by wind, precipitation, and glaciers, reducing many of its constituent peaks to mere shadows of their original grandeur.  Even so, the mountains do make a comfortable home to the [[Wikipedia:Pika|ash pika]] (''Ochotona quismondi'') and the [[Wikipedia:Ibex|Apphelian ibex]] (''Capra appeligensis'').

Mount Thurbel, a dormant [[Wikipedia:Volcano|shield volcano]], stands apart from the Quismond Mountains in the midst of the Sarpathian plain, where it forms the highest natural point in the UKIN (2427 m).  Studies have indicated that Thurbel is the remnant of the eruptions from which the archipelago emerged.  Consequently, it is a subject of great interest to local vulcanologists.

Due to Thurbel's unassuming height and absence of threat — it no longer even smoulders — most tourists ignore the site.  Despite its volcanic inactivity, Thurbel feeds many nearby geothermal springs reputed to have therapeutic qualities and which create a veritable botanical paradise around the mountain.  Many Isselmere-Nielanders unable to venture south during the dreary winter months visit the natural baths and are understandably loath to acquaint casual travellers with the tradition.

Lake Bormunst was created by a meteoroid impact approximately a hundred thousand years after the eruption that formed Lethe.  The lake and its surrounding area are an important region for mineralogical exploitation.  Before industrialisation, Lake Bormunst had been home to a species of [[Wikipedia:Trout|trout]] (''Salmo argenti''), but mining and overfishing led rapidly to its extinction.

===Climate===
Isselmere-Nieland has a sub-arctic-to-temperate climate thanks primarily to the [[Wikipedia:Gulf_Stream|Gulf Stream]].  The UKIN receives precipitation of one form or another most of the year, with skies being overcast up to three-fifths of the year.  The western coast facing the [[Wikipedia:Atlantic_Ocean|Atlantic Ocean]], comprising the regions of [[Anguist_(Region)|Anguist]] and [[Nieland_(Region)|Nieland]], receives the most rain, occasionally as much as 3000 mm per year.  The southern and eastern coasts of the Lethean Sea typically receive about 2600 mm annually.  Unsurprisingly, all three national languages have many words for precipitation and cold that they share liberally amongst one another.

Although the weather does tend towards the wet, it is highly variable, mostly due to strong winds blown in by the [[Wikipedia:North_Atlantic_Current|North Atlantic Current]].  Travellers are advised to dispense with umbrellas and to adopt raingear such as macintoshes instead.

During the summer months, the UKIN can be infested with midges, especially in northern Anguist near the vast moors of the Ungforth Marshes.  The midges are more of a nuisance than a health hazard, but they can be disconcerting to first-time visitors.

Many Isselmere-Nielanders are greatly concerned about the possibility of global warming as many communities and industries are located along the country’s shores.  The government's Meteorological Institute is studying the matter closely.

===Land Use===
At present, 34.1 ''per cent'' of the land is considered arable, with a further 2.3 ''per cent'' being actively cultivated, and 63.6 ''per cent'' of the United Kingdom's territory falling into the broad ''other'' category of urban areas, barren terrain, etc.

== Population ==
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|-
|''See also'' [[Demographics of Isselmere-Nieland]].
|}
Blessed by history with stable government and by fate with remoteness from much Continental European strife, '''Isselmere-Nielanders''' tend towards conservatism and isolationism, despite often being known for their ebullient good humour when meeting strangers.   These contradictions – socially progressive but culturally conservative, isolationist but welcoming – may perplex some travellers to the United Kingdom, as will the wet weather and the importance of regional and local identity to some Isselmere-Nielanders.

=== Demographics ===
The majority of Isselmere-Nielanders (89.1 ''per cent'') reside in urbanised areas, a trend that is increasing with every year.  Despite agricultural subsidies intended to keep rural communities intact and to maintain farm production, economic successes and the rapid increase of mechanised farming techniques since [[Wikipedia:1908|1908]] have contributed the decline of rural populations.

====Five largest megalopoleis====
*Greater Daurmont ([[Isselmere (Region)|Isselmere]]) - 46.7 million
*Chilton-Mithesburgh-Grimsby Downs ([[Anguist (Region)|Anguist]]) - 38.3 million
*Paskenby-Felsingburgh-Sleethaven ([[Nieland (Region)|Nieland]]) - 32.5 million
*Fennerby-Blackridge-Gorman ([[Detmere (Region)|Detmere]]) - 27.9 million
*Cosgreave-Thistlemoor-Coalsport ([[Isselmere (Region)|Isselmere]]) - 26.8 million<br>

===Sex, gender, and marriage===
Like their [[Wikipedia:Europe|Continental]] co-religionists — the [[Wikipedia:Calvinism|Calvinist]] [[Wikipedia:Netherlands|Netherlands]], [[Wikipedia:Lutheranism|Lutheran]] Scandinavia, and [[Wikipedia:Roman_Catholicism|Catholic]] [[Wikipedia:Spain|Spain]], [[Wikipedia:Italy|Italy]] and [[Wikipedia:France|France]] — Isselmere-Nieland takes a practical view regarding matters of (biological) sex, gender, sexual preference, and transsexuality.  As in those countries, not all Isselmere-Nielanders approve of the official governmental opinion, but tolerance if not out-and-out acceptance is by far the norm.

Within the United Kingdom, there are 0.95 males on average to every female, with an approximately equivalent male-to-female birth ratio.  Females have a lower infant mortality rate than males (2.87 per thousand as opposed to 3.1 for males) and live on average about 6.2 years longer.

In matters of sex and the law, the State has striven towards equality of treatment.  Women across Isselmere-Nieland received the vote in [[Wikipedia:1917|1917]] in an effort to bolster wavering support for involvement in [[Wikipedia:World_War_I|World War I]].  Until [[Wikipedia:2006|2006]], both men and women were subject to National Service.  Sexual selection of foetuses is strictly prohibited by law as is their genetic modification unless such is to correct a known defect.

Sexual freedoms and reproductive rights have slowly expanded throughout the [[Wikipedia:20th_century|twentieth-century]].  Termination of pregnancy without cause up to six weeks from conception has been legal since the [[Abortion Act, 1971]], so long as the procedure is performed within a hospital or clinic.

The State officially recognises yet does not fund sex change operations, termed '''sexual reconfiguration''' in government literature.  Sexual reconfiguration, which includes elective cosmetic surgery on sexual characteristics (i.e. breast implants), is open only to persons who have attained the age of majority and whom are deemed to have sufficient mental capacity to understand the certain changes and potential risks involved in such surgery.  Since this policy was introduced in [[Wikipedia:2001|2001]], there have only been two instances wherein the State has challenged an individual's right to sexual reconfiguration.  The [[Reproductive Rights and Technologies Act, 1984|Reproductive Rights and Technologies Act]] has regulated abortion and sexual reconfiguration since [[Wikipedia:1984|1984]].

Since [[Wikipedia:2004|2004]], homosexual and transsexual [[Marriage and Divorce Act, 2004|civil marriages]] (marriages conducted by civil rather than religious authorities) are considered on equal terms with heterosexual marriages.  With the [[Disestablishment Act, 2003]], the State admitted that it cannot oblige any religious institution to perform homosexual marriages owing to the rather rigid separation of Church and State outlined by that statute.  [[Wikipedia:Polygamy|Polygamy]], whether [[Wikipedia:Polygyny|polygyny]] or [[Wikipedia:Polyandry|polyandry]], is still illegal.

According to the last census, 1.72 ''per cent'' of the population has undergone full sexual reconfiguration, a further 0.14 ''per cent'' are awaiting the operation or are considering it, another 9.46 ''per cent'' are homosexual, 5.53 ''per cent'' are bisexual, and 1.49 ''per cent'' are avowedly asexual, including members of the clergy and religious orders.

[[Image:Demographics_UKIN.png|180 px|thumb|frame|right|Ethnicities in the UKIN]]
===Ethnicity===
Isselmere-Nieland is a multicultural society that prides itself on tolerance.  Consequently, ethnicity is a difficult topic to contend with in the United Kingdom.  Broadly, the population according to the latest census ([[Wikipedia:2001|2001]]) falls into the following general categories:
* White: 82.7%
* Black: 6.2%
* East Asian ancestry: 5.9%
* South Asian ancestry: 5.2%
The lines between the ''White'', ''Black,'' and ''Asian'' ethnic groups are vague owing to the degree of inter-marriage between the groups, with the census either reflecting self-identification by the respondents or the opinion of the census-taker.  Most people within Isselmere-Nieland identify themselves either as Isselmere-Nielanders or with their [[:Category:Administrative divisions of Isselmere-Nieland|region]] of birth or residence.

The comparative absence of ethnic diversity found in many other [[Wikipedia:State|states]] has been attributed to the weather.{{ref|weather}}  Indeed, Isselmere-Nielanders tend to holiday elsewhere, particularly in [[Sarzonia]] and other warm sunny climes, whenever possible.

== Culture ==
=== Religion ===
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|-
|''See also'' [[Religion in Isselmere-Nieland]] ''and'' [[History of Isselmere-Nieland]].
|}
{| align=right border=1 cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=360 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #fafafa; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 90%;"
!width=30% style="background: #ededed;"|Faith 
!width=55% style="background: #ededed;"|Denomination 
!width=15% style="background: #ededed;"|% 
|-
|'''Christian'''
|''all''<br>Reformed Church of Isselmere<br>Roman Catholic<br>Other Protestant<br>Other Christian
|align=right |'''54.61'''<br>34.87<br>10.28<br>6.68<br>2.78
|-
|'''Islam'''
|''all''<br>Sunni<br>Shia
|align=right |'''6.63'''<br>5.68<br>0.95
|-
|'''Sikhism'''
|''n/a''
|align=right |'''5.70'''
|-
|'''Buddhism'''
|''all''
|align=right |'''5.60'''
|-
|'''Judaism'''
|''all''<br>Reformed<br>Hasidic
|align=right |'''5.40'''<br>4.46<br>0.94
|-
|'''Deism'''
|''n/a''
|align=right |'''4.63'''
|-
|'''Neo-paganism'''
|''all''<br>Celto-Germanic paganism<br>Wicca
|align=right |'''2.40'''<br>1.38<br>1.02
|-
|'''Free thought'''
|Agnosticism, atheism
|align=right |'''15.03'''
|}
Despite the [[Disestablishment Act, 2003|disestablishment]] of the [[Reformed Church of Isselmere]] in [[Wikipedia:2003|2003]], religion still plays an important role in the lives of the majority of Isselmere-Nielanders.  Towns and cities throughout the country are embroidered with churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, gurdwaras, and other sites of worship.  Organised religions are gradually losing ground to alternatives, notably [[Wikipedia:Agnosticism|agnosticism]], [[Wikipedia:Atheism|atheism]], [[Wikipedia:Deism|deism]], and [[Wikipedia:Paganism|neo-paganism]].

As the table to the right demonstrates, the majority of Isselmere-Nielanders consider themselves [[Wikipedia:Christianity|Christian]]. The largest Christian community is that of the formerly established denomination the Reformed Church of Isselmere (RCI), a Calvinist denomination, finding its greatest number of followers in Detmere and Anguist.  Most Nielander Christians belong to the RCI or the Lutheran Church of Nieland, which was formerly the established church of Nieland.  Isselmere plays host to a large number of sects that emerged from the RCI following the [[Wikipedia:Reformation|Reformation]], which is covered in greater detail in the [[History of Isselmere-Nieland]].

The [[Wikipedia:Judaism|Jewish]] community in the United Kingdom has diminished significantly in the past half-century.  From the largest non-Christian faith to one of the smaller communities, demographers have traced the relative decline of the Jewish faith to the declining birth rate amongst those of European descent and the prevalence of other faiths amongst immigrant groups since [[Wikipedia:1954|1954]].

By contrast, the [[Wikipedia:Islam|Muslim]], [[Wikipedia:Sikhism|Sikh]], and [[Wikipedia:Buddhism|Buddhist]] communities in Isselmere-Nieland have experienced a marked growth since [[Wikipedia:1945|1945]] as immigration from within and outwith Europe has increased.  Buddhism and Islam have both received a number of converts from other religions, particularly Christianity. 

Still, the most telling rise has been in the number of self-styled agnostics and atheists, deists, and ''traditionalists'' practising neo-pagan religions.  The number of free-thinkers has blossomed since the ''Disestablishment Act''.  Statisticians believe the numbers to be grossly inflated by disenchanted followers of many religions or simply the disinterested.

Celto-Germanic neo-pagan cults and covens have grown rapidly from their origins during the [[Wikipedia:Romanticism|Romantic]] reaction to the changes of the nineteenth-century, but most Isselmere-Nielanders tend to view such groups derisively, especially in [[Anguist (Region)|Anguist]].

===Language===
{| border=0 cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width="100%" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f0f8ff; border: 0px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 90%;"
|-
|''See also'' [[:Category:Languages of Isselmere-Nieland|Languages of Isselmere-Nieland]].
|}
The predominant first or mother language amongst Isselmere-Nielanders is either [[English]] or [[Isselmerian language|Isselmerian]] (88.56 ''per cent''), followed distantly by [[Wikipedia:Punjabi_language|Punjabi]] (2.27 ''per cent''), [[Wikipedia:Cantonese_language|Cantonese]] (2 ''per cent''), [[Nielander language|Nielandic]] (1.72 ''per cent''), [[Wikipedia:Arabic_language|Arabic]] (1.47 ''per cent''), [[Anguistian language|Anguistian]] (1.4 ''per cent''), Mandarin (1.38 ''per cent''), and a variety of [[Wikipedia:Slavic_languages|Slavic languages]] (1.2 ''per cent'').  English, Anguistian, and Nielandic are the official languages of Isselmere-Nieland.

English is the ''de facto'' and ''de jure'' ''lingua franca'' for the entire United Kingdom and its possessions.  All schoolchildren are required to receive instruction on the English language from their fourth year of formal education, as specified within the [[Constitution_Act, 1986#Art._5_.E2.80.93_Official_and_Minority_Languages|Constitution Act]].

=== Arts ===
The United Kingdom is a cultured land that takes great pride in its artistic achievements.  Isselmere-Nielanders consider themselves to be informed about culture, not only within their own land, but internationally as well.  Educational policy emphasises the development of well-rounded individuals, including arts and sport as well as academic subjects.  Support for the arts is predominantly a private endeavour, however, much to the consternation of many artists, writers, and academics who often deride the government for its myopic fiscal conservatism.  Whilst the State does not usually promote the development of the arts, national museums and galleries receive sufficient funding to permit free admission, and ample security, and most private museums require only modest fees for admittance.

Of the arts, literature receives the most attention.  The Royal Union Library boasts of a Hall of Writers with manuscripts of great Isselmere-Nielander and some foreign authors, including some contemporary works.  Umbarton and Throckmorton's ''Great Authors in the Making'' ('''GAMUT''') prize, established in [[Wikipedia:1915|1915]], is widely followed in the media, often to the detriment of international news.  So entrenched is the Isselmere-Nielander love of books that many discussions begin with an enquiry about what book one is reading at the moment.

As private individuals, the Royal Family actively assists the advancement of the arts, supporting both the fine and popular arts, especially since the Royal Household renounced most of its last vestiges of control over censorship in [[Wikipedia:1986|1986]].  The Royal Gallery contains many fine examples of the best of Isselmere-Nielander art.  In a tradition dating back to [[Wikipedia:1905|1905]], the king presides over an annual awards presentation celebrating the best achievements in literature, non-fiction, and the plastic and performing arts.

Cinema and television receive some government funding to ensure that a measure of Isselmere-Nielander culture reaches into domestic households.  For the most part, the [[Isselmere-Nielander Broadcasting Corporation]] ('''INBC''') operates as an independent entity.  It is, however, required by law to serve as an educator as well as an entertainer.  Due to the central government's emphasis on education — typically the second or third budget priority after social equality and, sometimes, defence — the network's instructional function ensures it receives larger audiences than most private broadcasters.

=== Sport ===
Organised sport in Isselmere-Nieland is relatively recent, arising in the late nineteenth-century, but extremely popular.  [[Wikipedia:Football_(soccer)|Association football]], known simply as '''football''' in the UKIN, is the favourite sport of Isselmere-Nielanders, with [[Wikipedia:Rugby_football|Rugby football]], in particular [[Wikipedia:Rugby_union|Rugby union]], a close second.  As in many countries throughout the world, football and Rugby union have local cognates in a host of ball sports played for many centuries between different groups, but until the "importation" of standardised rules for the aforementioned games, local sports were primarily ceremonial and customary in nature.

[[Wikipedia:Golf|Golf]] has made great strides in Isselmere-Nieland as well, as has [[Wikipedia:Ice_hockey|ice hockey]] in recent years, even though both are considered "seasonal" sports (summer and winter, respectively).  [[Wikipedia:Cricket|Cricket]] is regaining some of its popularity, albeit losing some of its traditional reserve in the process owing to local conditions:  balls are typically painted in violent day-glo colours to heighten visibility thus reducing possible injury.  [[Wikipedia:Baseball|Baseball]] has failed to make a similar transition.

Isselmere-Nieland has not engaged in many international competitions as yet, chiefly because its low standing.  In [[Wikipedia:UEFA|UEFA]] rankings, the UKIN stands somewhere above [[Wikipedia:Liechtenstein|Liechtenstein]] and [[Wikipedia:Luxembourg|Luxembourg]] but below [[Wikipedia:Albania|Albania]], mostly due the the propensity of Isselmere-Nielander players to receive bookings.

== Education ==
{| border=0 cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width="100%" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f0f8ff; border: 0px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 90%;"
|-
|''See also'' [[Education in Isselmere-Nieland]].
|}
{| align=right border=1 cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=360 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 90%;"
!width=38% style="background: #b0e0e6;"|Institution 
!width=30% style="background: #b0e0e6;"|Ages/Duration
!width=32% style="background: #b0e0e6;"|Certification
|-
|colspan=3 align=center style="background: #fff0e0;"|'''Early Childhood Education'''
|-
|Crèche<br>Nursery School
|6 mo.-2 yrs.<br>2-5 yrs.
|n/a
|-
|colspan=3 align=center style="background: #fff0e0;"|'''Primary Education'''
|-
|Primary School
|5-11 yrs.
|COPE<sup><small>1</small></sup>
|-
|colspan=3 align=center style="background: #fff0e0;"|'''Secondary Education'''
|-
|High School<br>College
|6 yrs.<br>2 yrs.
|SAGA,<sup><small>2</small></sup> COSE<sup><small>3</small></sup><br>CASE<sup><small>4</small></sup>
|-
|colspan=3 align=center style="background: #fff0e0;"|'''Tertiary and Quaternary Education'''
|-
|Polytechnical institutes<br>University institutes<br>Universities<br>Institutes
|2-3 yrs.<br>2-3 yrs.<br>3+2+3-5 yrs.<br>2-5+ yrs.
|DUS<sup><small>5</small></sup><br>DUS<br>Bac.+Mag.+Doc.<sup><small>6</small></sup><br>n/a
|-
|colspan=4 align=center style="font-size: 85%;"|<small><sup>1</sup></small>Certificate of Primary Education, <small><sup>2</sup></small>Student Aptitudes General Assessment, <small><sup>3</sup></small>Certificate of Secondary Education, <small><sup>4</sup></small>Certificate of Advanced Secondary Education, <sup><small>5</small></sup>Diploma of University Studies, <sup><small>6</small></sup>Baccalaureate, Master, Doctorate
|}
'''Education''', along with social equality, is a fundamental part of Union and regional government policy.  Within the UKIN, the Union government outlines general policies and establishes certain curriculum standards through '''framework legislation''', but it is commonly the responsibility of the devolved governments to enact and administer those policies and to regulate and institute the specifics governing education.  Educational institutions are predominantly public (i.e., State funded), yet private institutions are permitted to operate so long as the students' basic educational requirements are met.  

Broadly, there are four educational ''levels'':  early childhood education (ECE), primary education, secondary education, and higher education.  All public levels are funded by both the Union and regional governments.  Levels frequently consist of component stages or ''phases'', during which teachers and parents monitor and assess the student's advancement.  Compulsory education lasts from about five years of age to sixteen years of age, but most Isselmere-Nielander children continue on until the age of majority (eighteen years of age) and beyond.

Unlike many school systems, the Isselmere-Nielander educational year, which begins in September, may last until the middle of the subsequent August, depending upon the weather.  Technological advancements have permitted distance education (''tele-education''), but most parents — and odder still, most students — would prefer the children to attend school even during the miserable winter months.  Most students avail of the free and nutritional hot or cold meals served thrice daily in compulsory education establishments, resulting in improved youth health standards throughout the United Kingdom.

=== Early Childhood Education ===
'''Early childhood education''' is typically provided for children aged from two to five years of age.  It is a non-compulsory stage that is well-supported by both parents and the State.  Early childhood education programmes in Isselmere-Nielander universities blossomed with the introduction of the stage in [[Wikipedia:1961|1961]], which has been cited as one of the reasons for the UKIN's strong economic development and the social and educational success of many working class children.

In [[Wikipedia:1973|1973]], Parliament, in conjunction with industry, introduced a new '''crèche''' stage aimed at helping working single mothers return to the job sooner.  Taking in children of twelve months of age, or in some instances younger, the phase has proven very successful.

Secondary language education may begin in nursery school.  Both [[Anguist_(Region)|Anguist]] and [[Nieland_(Region)|Nieland]] offer bilingual education in their respective [[:Category:Languages of Isselmere-Nieland|regional languages]], and all four regions offer bilingual education in a number of other modern languages, including [[Latin]] and [[Pacitalian]].

=== Primary Education ===
'''Primary education''' is first compulsory educational level.  Prospective students ought to be five years of age before beginning their studies, although provisions permit children of four years of age who will turn five in the course of the school year to attend if they pass an initial assessment examination.  Primary or ''elementary'' education usually comprises six years of learning (Years 1-6) and consists of two stages, a two-year '''Introductory Phase''' (Years 1-2) followed by a four-year '''Elementary Instruction Phase''' (Years 3-6).

Secondary language instruction begins at the primary level, typically by the third year but often before.  Should primary instruction be predominantly in a language other than English, instruction in [[English]] grammar and language will begin by Year 4 in both public and certified private educational institutions.

Advancement to the subsequent Year is wholly dependent upon the student's demonstrated capabilities.  The State-wide rate of failure (i.e., ''retention rate'') is listed as 2.3 ''per cent'' across the entire six-year level.  Students granted ''enhanced advancement'' (i.e., bypassing a school Year) comprise 1.8 ''per cent'' of all primary education students, with many gifted students opting for enriched programmes instead.

=== Secondary Education ===
Students tend to begin '''secondary education''' at eleven years of age.  Secondary education consists of three phases.  The first two stages are of three years each (Forms 1-6), lasting generally until the official school-leaving age of sixteen years or the end of the currently attended school year, whichever comes last.  The final stage provides a further two years of education to prepare students either for higher education or to train them for a skilled vocation.

The first two stages are taught within ''high schools'' or similar private institutions.  The first is the ''Initial Assessment Phase'' ('''IAP'''; Forms 1-3).  Beginning with this phase, pupils not currently enrolled in a modern language are required to choose one for their next six years of study.  The IAP ends with comprehensive ''Student Aptitudes General Assessment'' ('''SAGA''') examinations.  SAGA examinations are intended to indicate the particular strengths and weaknesses of each student, directing him or her towards programmes best suited to his or her talents.  Since November [[Wikipedia:1968|1968]], pupils are not streamed towards either academic or vocational programmes at this stage.

At the start of Form 3, students are requested to note which optional subjects they will take in the next phase of their education, the ''Academic Evaluation Phase'' ('''AEP'''; Forms 4-6).  (After the SAGA examinations, students may re-visit and re-select their choices.)  This second stage prepares students for another set of examinations, leading to a ''Certificate of Secondary Education'' ('''COSE''').

Before November 1968, results from the COSE examinations stream pupils towards one of four types of ''college'' or senior secondary schools that make up the third phase of secondary education:
*academic, which prepares the student for an academic or general studies college;
*general, which allows the pupil the choice of attending an academic, general, or technical college;
*technical, which readies the student for administration, business, engineering, or the sciences; and,
*vocational for training skilled workers, technicians, and junior managers.
Since 1968, there are but two COSE examinations — general and technical — leading to either a general or technical college.  Placement in one or the other college is not absolute and competent students may transfer between institutions, albeit not persistently.

The '''Collegiate Phase''' (Forms 7-8) culminates in a series of examinations leading to one of two ''Certificates of Advanced Secondary Education'' ('''CASE''').  Like the COSE examinations, before November 1968 there had been three options, general, technical, and vocational.

Concerns about the reliability of SAGA, COSE, and CASE examinations in determining the true capabilities of the examined pupils led to the establishment in [[Wikipedia:1968|1968]] of the UKIN ''Secondary Examinations Appeals Board'' ('''SEAB''') that studies and rules upon appeals and complaints laid before the various boards and ministries of Education.

===Tertiary and Quaternary===
'''Tertiary and quaternary education''' serves many purposes, such as replenishing the liberal professions, advancing research in the arts and the sciences, and training senior technicians in other skilled careers.  Secondary school graduates who have received their CASE or mature students who have obtained its equivalent — a ''Certificate for Adult Continuing or Higher Education'' ('''CACHE''') — may proceed into higher education.

The type of institution of post-secondary education to which a prospective student might apply is typically dependent upon the sort of CASE or CACHE he or she has secured, although the prospective student may take proficiency examinations in order to either enter or transfer to a different institution.  Each institution of higher education may decide its own procedures for selecting prospective students, so long as such methods conform to meritocratic standards and are not in and of themselves contrary to the [[Constitution Act, 1986#Part V — Charter of Rights and Freedoms|Charter of Rights and Freedoms]].  Private religious-based establishments are permitted to require prospective students to be of a specific faith if it can be reasonably assumed that (a) different belief system(s) would be too disruptive ''or'' contrary to the main focus of the institution.{{ref|institution}}

Establishments of post-secondary education fall into two broad categories — general and professional education — that are further sub-divided into institutions offering either short or long curricula.  These institutions are:
*[[#Polytechnics|polytechnics]] (polytechnical institutes)
*[[#University Institutes|university institutes]];
*[[#Universities|universities]]; and,
*[[#Institutes|institutes]].
Polytechnics and universities provide general instruction whilst university institutes and institutes train skilled professionals.  Despite this apparent separation, polytechnical institutes, universities, ''and'' institutes fall under the rubric of ''higher education'', whereas university institutes are typically considered vocational or professional establishments.

Since [[Wikipedia:1993|1993]], both public and private institutions of higher education require the payment of tuition and registration fees.  In public institutions, the measure was meant to counteract both the declining educational budgets wrought by the economic recession of the late 1970s to late 1980s and the rising maintenance and resources costs in all fields.  Still, public tuition is heavily subsidised, with the State paying up to 85 ''per cent'' of tuition costs for all students, whilst those requiring financial support or studying in certain fields may also receive grants, stipends, or low-interest loans from Union and/or regional governments.  Private tuition and registration costs are monitored by provincial, regional, and Union governments to ensure the primary motive for cost is to maintain or improve the quality of education.  The State subsidisation of private tuition is very uncommon.

'''Polytechnical institutes''' or '''polytechnics''' are the most numerous institutions of higher education, providing short two- to three-year programmes of instruction in general studies in the arts and sciences as well as some related vocations.  Typically, polytechnics are independent establishments not affiliated with universities, although polytechnics graduates may continue their education in the latter institutions.  Polytechnics may grant ''associate degrees'' ('''AD''') or ''diplomas of university studies'' ('''DUS'''), but a small number have been accredited to offer baccalaureate degrees.

Most polytechnics are publicly-funded and -operated bodies typically administered by [[Alderdom|alderdoms]] or municipalities, but there are some private institutions as well.  Such private establishments are usually run by and for the upper classes and receive little, if any, public funding, most of which is used to maintain the grounds.  In recent years, two such elite polytechnics, Kenilworth and Wittering-Houlten, became acquisitions of the State when falling registration and mounting costs to upkeep the ancient buildings and gardens became insurmountable obstacles to their continued operation.  Other private polytechnics are primarily operated by corporate collectives keen to promote pariochal paternalism.

In accordance with the [[Disestablishment Act, 2003]], spiritually-based polytechnics, unlike religious primary and secondary schools, may not receive ''any'' public funding or donations from ''any'' governmental body, including the monarchy.  Such institutions are, however, well-attended by scions of the aristocracy.

Unlike the polytechnics, '''university institutes''' or '''institutes of technology''' are commonly connected with a parent university.  University institutes offer professional programmes to train nursery school instructors, skilled technicians and workers, production line engineers, junior managers, medical and dental assistants, or to prepare students who might wish to transfer to a university after graduating.

A typical university institute programme is of two-years duration, although some programmes may require three years of study before completion.  University institute graduates receive diplomas (e.g., Diploma of University Studies in Automotive Maintenance) that may permit access to a university.

University institutes may request prospective students to fulfill certain entrance requirements, especially for early childhood education, medical and dental assistant, and line engineer programmes.  Generally, these requirements are similar to those requested by the university institute's parent university.  Most public university institute programmes depend on the marks the candidate received on their CASE examinations and their final three school years.

'''Universities''' form the highest level of official, degree-granting tertiary education, with several of the larger or more prestigious universities offering quaternary (post-doctorate) programmes.  Many of the older universities are governed in accordance with a [[Wikipedia:Royal charter|royal charter]] administered by the [[Council of State (Isselmere-Nieland)|Council of State]], whilst newer universities were established by either [[Wikipedia:Public bill|public]] or [[Wikipedia:Private bill|private bills]].

The general duration for university programmes are as follows, each period being cumulative:
* Baccalaureate: 3 years
* Master: 2 years
* Doctorate: 5 years
These periods may vary depending on the course of study and the capacity of the student.

'''Institutes''' are typically post-graduate (i.e., post-master or, more frequently, post-doctorate) specialist training institutions.  Such institutes are centres for applied and/or theoretical research, such as the Royal Institute for Epidemiology, or are professional training academies, such as the Royal Isselmere-Nieland Society of Physicians and Surgeons and the Isselmere-Nielander Advocates' Society Library.

== Politics ==
{| border=0 cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width="100%" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f0f8ff; border: 0px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 90%;"
|-
|''See also'' [[:Category:Administrative_divisions_of_Isselmere-Nieland|Administrative divisions]] ''or'' [[Government of Isselmere-Nieland]].
|}
The UKIN is a [[Wikipedia:Autonomous_entity|quasi-]][[Wikipedia:Federal|federal]] [[Wikipedia:Representative_democracy|representative]] [[Wikipedia:Constitutional_monarchy|constitutional monarchy]] founded upon the primacy of law embodied within its written [[Constitution Act, 1986|constitution]], statutes enacted by [[Parliament of Isselmere-Nieland|Parliament]] and enforced by the judiciary, and traditions passed down through the centuries.  Elections to Parliament and bodies of local government are through direct universal adult suffrage.

=== Constitution ===
Since 1986, the United Kingdom of Isselmere-Nieland possesses a written [[Constitution Act, 1986|constitution]] that consolidates much of the broad [[:Category:Constitution of Isselmere-Nieland|host of laws]] and other documents as well as codifying some of the conventions that have become an essential part of parliamentary ceremony.  The two constituent kingdoms of the United Kingdom, those of [[Isselmere_(Region)|Isselmere]] and [[Nieland_(Region)|Nieland]], became a hyphenated whole reflecting the political union of the crowns arising from the [[Act of Consolidation, 1562]].  The Act united the kingdoms' parliaments, with selected members of the [[Storting of Nieland]] joining those of the [[Isselmere (Region)|Isselmerian]] [[Parliament_of_Isselmere-Nieland|Convention of Estates]] in [[Pechtas Castle]].

As the centuries passed, antipathy towards the ''Act of Consolidation'' grew, particularly within Nieland in spite of the generous degree of autonomy granted to that nation.  Demands for the re-establishment of the Storting grew in strength when the [[Wikipedia:Austrian_Empire|Austrian Empire]] was forced to accede to Magyar pleas for a measure of independence with the creation of the [[Wikipedia:Austria-Hungary|Austro-Hungarian Empire]].  Pressures on the monarchy increased further with the [[Wikipedia:Treaty_of_Versailles|Versailles Treaty]] of [[Wikipedia:1919|1919]] and the establishment of the Irish Free State in [[Wikipedia:1921|1921]].  Agitation for greater freedom spread to [[Anguist_(Region)|Anguist]] and [[Detmere_(Region)|Detmere]] throughout the twentieth-century culminating in a welter of riots during the 1960s.

Parliament, urged on by King '''Robert V''', finally addressed the concerns of various peoples in August [[Wikipedia:1977|1977]] with the formation of the Constitutional Commission.  The Commission studied a variety of possible formulae before deciding eight years later upon the [[Wikipedia:Devolution|devolution]] of the United Kingdom into four autonomous regions.  The [[Wikipedia:Kingdom|Kingdom]] of [[Nieland (Region)|Nieland]] was to remain whole as an administrative entity with the boundaries it possessed in [[Wikipedia:1562|1562]].

Unlike Nieland, the Commission divided much larger Kingdom of [[Isselmere (Region)|Isselmere]] into three autonomous regions, albeit without the formal constitutional dissolution of the kingdom.  The lands of the ancient Kingdom of [[Anguist (Region)|Anguist]] became a [[Wikipedia:Principality|principality]] whilst those of the [[Wikipedia:11th_century|eleventh-century]] Kingdom of [[Detmere (Region)|Detmere]] became a [[Wikipedia:Grand_duchy|grand duchy]].  The remaining territories were entitled the Grand Duchy of [[Isselmere (Region)|Isselmere]].

All this tinkering with the political map of the United Kingdom necessitated a revision of the line of succession.  Mostly, these changes were in terms of titles rather than official precedence.  Under the terms of the [[Constitution Act, 1986|Constitution Act]], the [[Wikipedia:Crown_prince|crown prince]] became His ''or'' Her Royal Grace ('''HRG''') the Grand Duke ''or'' Duchess of Nieland, the second in line to the throne the Grand Duchess ''or'' Duke of Detmere, and the third in precedence became the Prince ''or'' Princess of Anguist.  An additional change to the order of succession was introduced by '''Robert VI''', one that was in keeping with the two kingdoms' history.  Instead of strictly male [[Wikipedia:Primogeniture|primogeniture]], the eldest offspring, irrespective of sex, would accede to the throne.

Members of the extended Royal Family typically serve as the heads of region known as [[Lord High Commissioner (Isselmere-Nieland)|Lords High Commissioner]]s of Isselmere and Nieland.  The eldest member of the cadet branch of the House of Oldmarch occupies the post of Lord High Commissioner of Nieland, whilst the eldest sibling of the reigning monarch sits as the Lord High Commissioner of Isselmere.  The sovereign, by and with the advice of the sitting Union government, appoints the lords high commissioners of both Anguist and Detmere.  By custom, both officials must be native to the respective regions they represent.  These officials are, in fact, cabinet ministers responsible for those two regions.  The day-to-day administration of all four regions is usually left to [[Lord Commissioner (Isselmere-Nieland)|Lords Commissioners]].

Promulgation of the [[Constitution_Act,_1986|Constitution Act, 1986]] solidified the position of the [[Kings and queens of Isselmere-Nieland|monarchy]] and codified the rules of succession.

Since the promulgation of the [[Nielander Language Act, 2005]], the United Kingdom of Isselmere-Nieland has three official languages, [[English|English (Isselmere-Nielander)]], [[Anguistian_language|Anguistian]], and [[Nielander_language|Nielandic]].  The Union Parliament still sits at Pechtas Castle (as does the Isselmerian Assembly, albeit within smaller chambers), and the judiciary is united at the highest level as the [[Supreme Court of Isselmere-Nieland]].

=== Monarch ===
As a constitutional monarchy, the law and Parliament and not the monarch alone is sovereign.  Even so, for ease of reference, the ''Constitution Act, 1986'' refers to the monarch, styled the King or Queen of Isselmere-Nieland, as the Sovereign.{{ref|Sovereign}}  The King is addressed as ''His Isselmerian and Nielander Majesty'', or simply ''His Majesty''.  Isselmerian or Nielander grand dukes or dukes, foreign royals, and other select foreign heads of state — namely, President [[Mike Sarzo]] of [[Sarzonia]] and Grand Admiral Jim of [[Jimnam]] — may refer to him as ''Your Grace''.

The King is the Duke and Lord High Steward of Glaines and Oldmarch, the royal houses of Isselmere and Nieland respectively.  In event of a regency due to incapacity of the reigning monarch, the minority of the [[Wikipedia:Heir_apparent|Heir Apparent]] or if there is no clear successor to the throne, the [[Wikipedia:Regent|regent]] principal, known informally as the Regent, temporarily assumes the title of the Lord High Steward of Glaines and Oldmarch.  Regents principal are typically the [[Wikipedia:Queen_consort|Queen Consort]] or the eldest sibling{{ref|Regent}} of the former or incapacitated monarch, unless the Heir Apparent has attained majority.  The regent serves as a limited head of state in conjunction with a [[Regency Council]]. The composition of the Regency Council is outlined in the ''Constitution Act, 1986''.  During a regency, ducal authority over Glaines and Oldmarch rests with the Regency Council as a whole.

The title of Lord Protector of Gudrof is a conceit since most of the former Kingdom of Gudrof, except for the province of Upper Gudrovia, is now a sovereign principality ruled by a cadet branch of the [[House of Glaines-Oldmarch]].  Gudrof, which was only tentatively part of the kingdom through marriage since [[Wikipedia:1653|1653]], separated peacefully from the United Kingdom of Isselmere and Nieland in [[Wikipedia:1899|1899]].  Gudrof and Isselmere-Nieland still maintain close and amiable relations.

The eldest sibling of the reigning monarch is known as the ''Duke/Duchess of Huise'' as well as the ''Marquess/Marchioness of Glaines''.  The head of the cadet branch of the House of Oldmarch is known as the ''Marquess/Marchioness of Oldmarch''.

=== Parliament ===
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|-
|''See also'' [[Parliament of Isselmere-Nieland]].
|}
[[Parliament of Isselmere-Nieland|Parliament]], comprising the [[Kings and queens of Isselmere-Nieland|monarch]] and two chambers or '''Houses of Parliament''', the [[Senate of Isselmere-Nieland|Senate]] (Upper House) and the [[House of Assembly of Burgesses of Isselmere-Nieland|House of Assembly]] (Lower House), is the supreme legislature of the United Kingdom.  Barring certain matters falling under exclusive [[Wikipedia:Royal_prerogative|royal prerogative]] or under ministerial responsibility, legislative authority rests with [[Parliament of Isselmere-Nieland|Parliament]].

Before the proclamation of the [[Constitution Act, 1986|Constitution Act]] in [[Wikipedia:1986|1986]], Parliament was [[Wikipedia:Parliamentary_sovereignty|sovereign]], theoretically able to repeal any law adopted by previous parliaments and to promulgate any new laws that the current parliament desired, albeit in practice constrained by the unwritten, living constitution and the judiciary.  No Parliament could force its successors or assigns to abide by any act without recourse to repeal.  

From 1986, Parliament's powers are constrained by the Constitution and by the [[Supreme Court of Isselmere-Nieland]], which is charged with determining the constitutionality of bills and acts presented before it.  Since the ''Constitution Act'' formalised and codified existing conventions and customs, the statute was not considered unconstitutional, despite the claims of several groups such as the Loyal Monarchist Party and the Council of Peers.

Another question of sovereignty exists within the ''Constitution Act'', that of the appellation of the current monarch.  The ''Constitution Act'' refers to the King (or Queen) as the '''Sovereign''' as the gender-neutral term for the seated [[Wikipedia:Head_of_state|head of state]] in preference to the alternative, '''Monarch''', which is used for his or her predecessors.  Isselmere-Nielander legal traditions specify that ''sovereign'' more precisely denotes the king or queen's role as the apolitical permanent representative of the [[Wikipedia:State|State]] as well as the source of law.

Isselmere-Nielander kings and queens still have greater legislative and executive authority than other constitutional monarchs as their predecessors had not abused those powers in the past.

Most legislation may be initiated by either House, with the exception of ''bills of supply'' ([[Wikipedia:Money_bill|money bills]]), which must tabled by the [[#Government|government]] and presented before the House of Assembly first.  In theory, the Sovereign-in-Parliament alone may make laws by granting [[Wikipedia:Royal_assent|royal assent]] to bills passed by both Houses, with the Sovereign presiding over a joint session of Parliament in the Hall of Congregation of Pechtas Castle, declaring with each bill he promulgates "The King/Queen wills it."  In practice, this ceremonial acceptance of the legislature's will is typically performed monthly by the monarch's appointed representatives, the [[Lord Commissioner (Isselmere-Nieland)|Lords Commissioners]].

Every bill passed by Parliament must possess three signatures, those of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the President of the Senate, and the Sovereign or, should there be a Regency, that of the Regent and the President of the Regency Council.  Government bills must also bear the signature(s) of the initiating minister(s), as private member bills must be signed by the respective initiating Member(s) of Parliament.

The Sovereign may reject a bill in its entirety, a very rare occurrence, or may make suggestions on sections therein.  If a bill on a matter other than one affecting the nature of the monarchy or of royal prerogative is presented to the Sovereign by the legislature three times, the bill is considered to have royal assent.

The Sovereign may prompt the Houses to initiate legislation on matters falling outside of royal prerogative in a Royal Audience held before a joint session of Parliament.  King Henry V (r. 2004-present) did so to request the Houses and particularly the Government of the day to repudiate the order for the [[Europa class heavy command battleship|Europa class]] [[Super Dreadnought]].

=== Government ===
The [[Council of Ministers (Isselmere-Nieland)|Council of Ministers]] is the seat of most executive authority, with ''royal prerogative'' comprising the remainder.  The Sovereign or his or her Lord(s) Commissioner(s) may preside over plenary meetings of the Council of Ministers, but only in an advisory capacity.  In truth, the Prime Minister is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Government.  The Prime Minister is chosen by the Sovereign from members of the House of Assembly, which may reject the royal selection in favour of a candidate of its own choosing.  The Prime Minister, on consultation with the Sovereign, then appoints the other Ministers.

The [[General Council of Judicature (Isselmere-Nieland)|General Council of Judicature]] ('''GCJ''') administers the operation of the national and nationally-appointed judiciary.  The GCJ serves as the supreme disciplinary body for judges and justices throughout the UKIN.

Despite these three bodies, it is the [[Council of State (Isselmere-Nieland)|Council of State]] that is the ''de jure'' voice of the nation.  The Council of State consists of the Sovereign or his or her Royal Commissioner(s), the Council of Ministers, the [[Council of Peers (Isselmere-Nieland)|Council of Peers]], the General Council of the Judicature, and the [[Privy Council (Isselmere-Nieland)|Privy Council]]. Formerly, the [[Reformed Church of Isselmere|Temple Council]], which governed the [[Reformed Church of Isselmere]], was part of the Council of State, until the Church was disestablished in 2003. As noted above, the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, is the ''de facto'' government. The Council of Peers advises the Sovereign on matters concerning the nobility, while the General Council of Judicature advises the Sovereign on judicial issues.  In practice, the Sovereign has little or no influence on the GCJ and custom, as well as the Constitution, has made the Sovereign subject to the advice of the Council of Ministers. The Sovereign may also obtain the advice of his or her Privy Council, although generally that body is composed of active senior government ministers.

As stated above, the Privy Council is generally considered part of the royal retinue.  It is chaired by the Lord Advocate, who must not be confused with the Advocate General.  Within the Council of State, the Privy Council defends the rights of bodies bearing royal charters, such as public universities, certain municipalities ([[:Category:Administrative divisions of Isselmere-Nieland|royal burghs]]), and Crown corporations.

== Law ==
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|-
|''See also'' [[:Category:Laws of Isselmere-Nieland|Laws of Isselmere-Nieland]].
|}
The law within the United Kingdom is a mixture of [[Wikipedia:Common_law|common]] and [[Wikipedia:Civil_law|civil law]], emerging through customs and traditions widely upheld by the [[Wikipedia:Monarchy|monarchy]], Parliament, and the legal profession through statutes and [[Statutory instruments|statutory instruments]], by precedent, and by judicial review of administrative matters.  The monarch is considered the source of law, being the personification of continuity and of legitimacy.  It is the duty of the legal profession, of barristers, solicitors, judges, and jurisconsults alike, to uphold legal standards and to defend the rights of the monarch's subjects.  Parliament, the regional and provincial legislatures, and local authorities draft and order the implementation of laws, subject to judicial review.  Precedent serves to ensure consistency and continuity, as well as to fill any gaps that might exist within current legislation.

=== Legal profession ===
The legal profession in Isselmere-Nieland consists of lawyers, judges, and magistrates.  All members of the legal profession must receive formal legal training in order to occupy their respective posts.  It is, however, permissible for a private citizen or a foreign national to act as his or her own counsel if the individual in question so desires.

The origins of the legal profession date back to the Middle Ages.  Early legal proceedings in the four kingdoms of Anguist, Detmere, Isselmere, and Nieland were infrequent, almost informal affairs presided over by the local magnate every month or perhaps seasonally.  Bereft of any knowledge of Roman law, trials tended towards the mystical, with guilt or innocence decided upon by one's fortitude or simple luck.  The increasing complexity of life forced the law and the legal professions to evolve.  In order to maintain some consistency in their rulings, as well as to recall from whom they had to collect fees, wealthier magnates including the kings began appointing reeves and bailiffs ('''geréfan''' in Anglo-Frisian, '''rúnaírech''' in [[Anguistian language|Anguistian]]) from those who had received some rudimentary education from church schools.  These minor officials grew in importance with the incorporation of Anguist into Isselmere forced Latin into the role of ''lingua franca'' between the remaining Anguistian hierarchy and the newly imposed Isselmerian aristocracy.

Whilst the Catholic Church unwittingly advanced the ideas of centralised authority and of written laws, the Norse brought with them the concept of trial by jury.  The magnates within the Anglo-Frisian kingdoms of Isselmere and Detmere were slow to adopt juries, with the notable exception of those nobles and their officials in the former kingdom of Anguist, who were forced to accept the scheme as the sole means of understanding their new tenants.

Since the [[Royal Courts Act, 1692]], lawyers and judges must receive formal legal training in order to occupy their respective posts.

=== Judicature ===
The judicial and penal systems mix regional and central control.  Criminal law and parts of civil law are the province of the central government to ensure consistent penalties and policies throughout the courts within the United Kingdom, but the regions and provinces are generally responsible for crimes committed within their boundaries.  Crimes committed within more than one region or against the Union government (i.e. matters involving officials and/or property of the central government) are administered by the central courts.

Cases are tried before provincial or regional courts save certain matters reserved for Union and specialised courts.  As noted above, the judiciary of Isselmere-Nieland is governed by the General Council of Judicature.  The [[Royal Courts of Justice]] or central judicature consists of the [[Supreme Court of Isselmere-Nieland]], the highest court in the land; the [[Court of the Four Realms (Isselmere-Nieland)|Court of the Four Realms]] (known colloquially as the ''Four Corners Court''), which considers matters outside the jurisdiction of the regional courts; and, the [[Court of the Lord Constable (Isselmere-Nieland)|Court of the Lord Constable]], the courts martial appeals court.  The [[Council of State (Isselmere-Nieland)|Council of State]] performs some judicial duties as well as the penultimate court of administration in the land.

=== Civilian penal law ===
'''High treason:''' Commission of acts against the state that aid and abet foreign powers, whether in time of war or peace, including but not limited to spying, attacking an officer or official of state, sedition, insurrection, campaigning for the violent overthrow of the monarchy.  Penalty: Life imprisonment or death by hanging (the latter penalty re-established by the [[Capital Punishment Act, 2005|Bradshaw Law (2005)]]).

'''Low treason:''' Debasing the currency (includes speculation against the currency in times of economic crisis); foreign propaganda (during times of war); hate crimes; slavery or indentured servitude; sorcery (has not been removed from the lawbooks despite falling into desuetude); threats against the state, its officers and/or officials, and/or property.  Penalty: Varies, but between five years to life imprisonment.

'''Homicide''' consists of several crimes, ranging from '''manslaughter''' to '''crimes against humanity'''.
*In Isselmere-Nielander law, manslaughter is considered '''homicide without intent''', wherein an individual's actions, despite an absence of intent, contributed to the death of another.
*'''Negligent homicide''' covers situations in which the person behaved in a callously indifferent manner that directly contributed to another's death.
*'''Murder in the third degree''' requires the accused to have intentionally caused grievous harm to another that contributed to said person's demise, whether or not death was the actual intent.
*'''Murder in the second degree''' involves an active intent by the accused to end another's life.
*The charge of '''murder in the first degree''' is lain against an individual who has plotted to end another's life.  Life imprisonment or death (hanging or lethal injection; re-introduced with the Bradshaw Law (2005)).  The accused need not have had a specific victim in mind for this charge to be laid; the intent to kill any person is sufficient.

'''Rape''' falls under five categories.
*'''Statutory rape''' covers all forms of sexual intercourse between an individual capable of granting legal consent and a person incapable, whether due to age or mental incapacity, of giving such consent.  The penalty for statutory rape is typically between two and five years, with a maximum being ten years.
*'''Forced consent''' (sexual assault in the third degree) covers all forms of sexual intercourse between a person in a position of trust and/or of authority such that the complainant might reasonably assume that his or her livelihood or character might be damaged should consent not be forthcoming.  The penalty for forced consent is at least five years, with a maximum penalty of ten years.
*'''Violation''' covers any sexual act for which consent has not been given, including sexual acts committed whilst the aggrieved party is unconscious.  The penalty is the same as that for forced consent.
*'''Violation under threat''' (sexual assault in the second degree) covers all forms of forced sexual intercourse in which no other forms of violence are presumed to be inflicted upon the complainant, but that the accused made threats that might lead a reasonable person to assume further violence might ensue.  Violation brings with it a penalty of ten to fifteen years.
*'''Grievous violation''' (sexual assault in the first degree) covers all forms of forced sexual intercourse in which violence played a role before, during, or after the actual sexual assault.  The penalty for grievous violation is fifteen years to life imprisonment.
In trying the accused, the State may refer to up to three categories of rape, with the punishments running concurrently.  One such case was that of '''R. v L. Mason ([[Wikipedia:1987|1987]])''' when the accused, Lionel Mason, an instructor at Portclieve Primary School, was charged with sexual assault upon a twelve year-old pupil.  Mason was sentenced to five years for statutory rape, seven years for forced consent, and twelve years for violation under threat.  The sentence would have been more severe, Justice Ulmsbridge noted, had Mason not plead guilty.

== Administrative divisions ==
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|-
|''See also'' [[:Category:Administrative divisions of Isselmere-Nieland|Administrative divisions of Isselmere-Nieland]].
|}
The UKIN is divided into four [[Wikipedia:Autonomous_entity|autonomous regions]] ([[Anguist_(Region)|Anguist]], [[Detmere_(Region)|Detmere]], [[Isselmere_(Region)|Isselmere]], and [[Nieland_(Region)|Nieland]]), which are subdivided into twenty-nine [[Wikipedia:Province|provinces]] and further into 349 [[Alderdom|alderdoms]] or ''[[Wikipedia:County|counties]]''.  Below the alderdoms are [[Bailie|bailies]] (''[[Wikipedia:District|districts]]'', known as ''dóma'' in [[Nielander language|Nielandic]]) and [[Wikipedia:Borough|burghs]] or [[Wikipedia:Municipality|municipalities]].  The larger burghs are further subdivided into [[Wikipedia:Ward (politics)|wards]], although some, such as the [[Daurmont (Isselmere)|capital]], consist of several baillies.

The four regions each have their own viceroy ([[Lord High Commissioner (Isselmere-Nieland)|Lord High Commissioner]]) and legislature, which are responsible for the subordinate jurisdictions therein.  The provinces are in turn governed by [[Lord Lieutenant (Isselmere-Nieland)|Lords Lieutenant]] appointed by the respective Lord High Commissioner and by elected provincial councils.  Both the regions and the provinces are permanent administrative divisions that may not be altered save by Act of Parliament ratified by popular referendum.

Alderdoms are primarily administrative divisions, but are governed by councils elected from its constituent bailies.  The bailies themselves are policed by district magistrates known as ''grieves'' in Isselmere and Detmere, ''bailies'' ([[Anguistian language|Ang.]] ''baileaigh'') in Anguist, or ''dómari'' in Nieland.

===Anguist===
The [[Anguist_(Region)|Principality of Anguist]] abuts the North Atlantic, facing Iceland and the Arctic Ocean, sharing borders with Nieland to the southwest, Isselmere and Detmere to the east, and Lower Whingeing to the north.  Anguist is the home of [[Anguistian language]] and culture as well as the [[Royal Shipyards of Isselmere-Nieland]].  The Principality is the smallest of the UKIN's autonomous regions by area and third largest by population, with its six provinces containing 15.4 ''per cent'' of the UKIN's total.  The [[Wikipedia:Capital|capital]] is '''Mithesburgh''' ([[Anguistian_language|Anguistian]] ''Cérmidhe'').

===Detmere===
The [[Detmere_(Region)|Grand Duchy of Detmere]] is the easternmost region within the United Kingdom.  The Grand Duchy's northern and northeastern borders face Hoblingland, the Tichonian Sea separating the UKIN from Ireland washes over Detmere's eastern coastline, whilst the southern and southwestern frontiers meet northern Isselmere.  Detmere's northwestern borders face Anguist.  Detmere is the second smallest region by size and the least populous as well, with 14.7 ''per cent'' of the United Kingdom's population.  The capital of Detmere is '''Semling'''.

===Isselmere===
The [[Isselmere_(Region)|Grand Duchy of Isselmere]], which is the larger of the three regions that comprise the Kingdom of Isselmere, is the most densely inhabited and largest of the four regions with 38.2 ''per cent'' of the population.  The Grand Duchy is separated from Nieland to the west by the heavily eroded Quimpot Mountains that run much of the length of that frontier.  Anguist faces Isselmere to the northwest, as does Detmere in the northeast.  The Tichonian Sea forms the border of much of the east and south of the Grand Duchy.  The boundary between the Grand Duchy and the small sovereign Principality of Gudrof is to the southwest.  The capital of Isselmere is [[Daurmont (Isselmere)|Daurmont]].

===Nieland===
The [[Nieland_(Region)|Kingdom of Nieland]] is the largest and second most populated region within the UKIN.  With 31.7 ''per cent'' of the citizenry, Nieland is the buffer between its larger eastern neighbour and the two smaller regions of Anguist and Detmere.  Nieland is home both to a strident independence movement and to many of the UKIN's publishing and ''information technology'' (IT) firms, a fact which worries many non-Nielander Union politicians.  The capital of Nieland is '''Felsingburgh''' ([[Nielander_language|Nielandic]] ''Felsingborg'', [[Anguistian_language|Anguistian]] ''Cérglanís'').

== Symbols, customs, etc. ==
===Coat of arms===
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|-
|''See also'' [[Coats of arms of Isselmere-Nieland]].
|}

The official heraldic [[Wikipedia:Blazon|blazon]] describes the Isselmere-Nielander [[Wikipedia:Coat_of_arms|coat of arms]] thus:
*''Quarterly, first, Gules a tern Argent displayed and crowned Or beneath three roses Or, which is for [[Isselmere (Region)|Isselmere]];''
*''Second, Azure a stag rampant, langued and armed, beneath an acorn Or, which is for [[Anguist (Region)|Anguist]];''
*''Third, Azure a trout Argent nageant, beneath two towers Or, embattled and voided gate and windows, masoned Sable and ajoure Gules, which is for [[Detmere (Region)|Detmere]];''
*''Fourth, Gules an ibex statant, langued and crowned within a double tressure flory-counter-flory Or, which is for [[Nieland (Region)|Nieland]];''
*''Overall an inescutcheon party per cross;
**''First, Vert an unicorn rampant crowned Argent labelled Argent, which is for the [[House of Glaines-Oldmarch|House of Caitwuil]];''
**''Second, Argent a boar Sable rampant, langued Gules beneath a rose Gules, which is for the [[House of Glaines-Oldmarch|House of Houmbertis]];''
**''Third, Azure a lion rampant gardant crowned with ax bordered by nine six-pointed stars Or and langued Gules, which is for the [[House of Glaines-Oldmarch|House of Sigurdsson]];''
**''Fourth, Gules a lion rampant Argent beneath a crown Or, which is for the [[United Kingdom of South Lethe|House of Alvarsson]];''
*''The whole surrounded by the Chain of Office (Order of the Tern);''
*''For a Crest, upon a wreath Argent and Azure thereon the royal helm beneath the royal crown Proper Or with bands Gules, a mantling Ermine within Gules, beneath a motto ''Neer so far'';''
*''For Supporters, lions rampant Or crowned Proper, langued and armed Gules, bearing lances, addextré the pennant of Isselmere, sinistré of Nieland, the compartment Vert with four roses Or. Motto, ''Pro Deus quod nostrum populus.

===Union and regional animals===
United Kingdom and Isselmere: [[Wikipedia:Tern|Hoary tern]] (''Sterna sterna canescens'')<br>
Anguist: [[Wikipedia:Deer|Barley-tail deer]] (''Rangifer angfortensis'')<br>
Detmere: [[Wikipedia:Trout|Silver-backed trout]] (''Salmo argenti'') — '''extinct'''<br>
Nieland: [[Wikipedia:Ibex|Apphelian ibex]] (''Capra appeligensis'')<br>

===Union Hymn===
'''The Road to Prosperity'''<br>
As waves crash down on Lethean shores,<br>
Strong soldiers guard the northern moors<br>
And brave sailors ride the ocean’s crests<br>
With love of Our ''(King/Queen)'' in their breasts<br>
<br>
Our fields are bursting with ripe grains,<br>
God bless these nigh-incessant rains!<br>
The fish leap into our fishers’ boats<br>
Our beasts and folk fat on farmers’ oats!<br>
<br>
Our country great, Our ''(King/Queen)'' so fine<br>
O, so grateful am I that they’re mine!<br>
These forests plentiful, these burghs wealthy!<br>
’Tis fair to walk, the roads are healthy!<br>
<br>
The road to prosperity’s a treacherous one,<br>
But in this land it can be done<br>
Our hearts are true and minds are keen,<br>
Guided by Our Noble ''(King/Queen)''!<br>

===Holidays===
{| border=1 cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=60% style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
|-
! width=16% style="background: #ededed;"| Date
! width=35% style="background: #ededed;"| Occasion
! width=35% style="background: #ededed;"| Regions
! width=14% style="background: #ededed;"| Since
|-
| [[Wikipedia:January_1|1 January]]
|[[Wikipedia:New_Year's_Day|New Year's Day]]
|All
|[[Wikipedia:1893|1893]]
|-
| ''Variable''
|Good Friday, [[Wikipedia:Easter|Easter]], Easter Monday
|All
|[[Wikipedia:1013|1013]]
|-
| [[Wikipedia:February_15|15 February]]
|[[Day of Happy Regrets]]
|[[Anguist (Region)|Anguist]], [[Isselmere (Region)|Isselmere]]
|[[Wikipedia:999|999]]
|-
| [[Wikipedia:March_24|24 March]]
|[[Constitution Day (Isselmere-Nieland)|Constitution Day]]
|All
|[[Wikipedia:1986|1986]]
|-
| [[Wikipedia:May_19|19 May]]
|[[Coronation Day (Isselmere-Nieland)|Coronation Day]]
|[[Isselmere (Region)|Isselmere]]
|[[Wikipedia:985|985]]
|-
| [[Wikipedia:June_25|25 June]]
|[[Union Day (Isselmere-Nieland)|Union Day]]
|All
|[[Wikipedia:1562|1562]]
|-
| [[Wikipedia:October_19|19 October]]{{ref|King_bday}}
|[[Monarch's birthday (Isselmere-Nieland)|King's Birthday]]
|All
|[[Wikipedia:2004|2004]]
|-
| [[Wikipedia:December_12|12 December]]
|[[Toel's Day]]
|[[Anguist (Region)|Anguist]], [[Detmere (Region)|Detmere]], [[Isselmere (Region)|Isselmere]]
|[[Wikipedia:1349|1349]], [[Wikipedia:1889|1889]]
|-
| [[Wikipedia:December_25|25 December]]
|[[Wikipedia:Christmas|Christmas]]
|All
|[[Wikipedia:1015|1015]]
|}

== Economy ==
{| border=0 cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width="100%" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f0f8ff; border: 0px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 90%;"
|-
|''See also'' [[Economy of Isselmere-Nieland]].
|}

The Isselmere-Nielander economy is [[MT|modern]], highly automated, and [[Wikipedia:Post-industrial_society|post-industrial]].  Private enterprise dominates all sectors, although certain strategically important fields, such as naval construction and nuclear resources, are operated by State monopolies established by royal charter, or [[Wikipedia:Crown_corporation|Crown corporations]].

For much of the United Kingdom's contemporary history, the State's economic policy has been protectionist.  Involvement in the [[Woodstock Pact]] and steady growth has led to a reduction in tariffs in recent years, but since policy-makers have linked such practices with the country's economic success as well as the high savings and investment ratio among Isselmere-Nielanders, the Union and regional governments are reluctant to abandon protectionism all together.

Crown corporations like the [[Royal Shipyards of Isselmere-Nieland|Royal Shipyards]] ('''RSIN''') — but not the [[Isselmere-Nieland Nuclear Energy Commission]] ('''INNEC'''), which is a government agency — do often have a limited private presence with some publicly-traded stock or other securities owned by domestic and some foreign investors, and are administered and operated at arms-length by the State.

Owing to massive investment in education, social equality, and defence by Union and regional governments, the book publishing, automotive, and information technology sectors have blossomed.

=== Primary sector ===
The '''primary sector''' of industry involves itself in the harvesting or extraction of natural, unprocessed materials.  Primary economic units can be as small as an individual farm or fishing boat, or as large as [[Union Petroleum and Gas Organisation]] ('''UPGO'''), which works most of the oil and gas fields within the United Kingdom and its 200 nautical mile (nm) [[Wikipedia:Economic exclusion zone|economic exclusion zone]].  Larger primary economic units, such as those involved in mining or other forms of extraction, often engage in some processing.

=== Secondary sector ===
Firms involved in processing materials are the '''secondary sector''' of industry.  Manufacturing industries and associated primary sector firms in the United Kingdom provide 27 ''per cent'' of the total [[Wikipedia:Gross_domestic_product|gross domestic product]] ('''GDP'''), providing employment for an equivalent percentage of the labour force.  Manufacturing firms run from heavy industry such as [[Cholmondsley-Dewar]] metallurgical conglomerate, to the important transportation sector led by the massive [[Royal Shipyards of Isselmere-Nieland|Royal Shipyards]], to light industry of electronics manufacturers such as [[Turing-Babbage Integrated Technology Services|Turing-Babbage]].

In Isselmere-Nieland, manufacturers and service industries often form cartels that provide the parent company with the secondary and tertiary (service), and sometimes even the primary, economic units necessary to finance, build, market, and service their goods.  These cartels vend ancilliary products such as insurance.

The transport and arms manufacturing sectors dominate the United Kingdom's stock exchange, the [[Bírsa (Stock exchange)|Bírsa]].  Four key manufacturers from these virtually interchangeable sectors are listed below:
*[[Detmerian Aerospace Dynamics]] ('''DAS''') provides its designs mostly for domestic customers, though the firm has achieved some foreign successes with its [[DAS-3 Sea Fury]] and [[DAS-2 Spectre]] designs.  The company's corporate offices are located in Fennerby, [[Detmere_(Region)|Detmere]].
*[[Isselmere Motor Works]] ('''IMW''') of Thistlemoor, [[Isselmere_(Region)|Isselmere]], is a major producer of civilian and military land vehicles as well as marine and aircraft engines.  IMW has established foreign centres of production in Russkya and Rusokaria.
*[[Lyme and Martens Industries]] ('''LMI''') was formerly a major manufacturer of uncrewed vehicles, but its markets have fallen by the wayside with the growth of products from Clan Smoke Jaguar's industries and other foreign firms.  LMI's headquarters is in Ponsonby, [[Detmere_(Region)|Detmere]].
*The [[Royal Shipyards of Isselmere-Nieland]] ('''RSIN''') is the largest nationalised industry in the UKIN and a noted manufacturer of warships.  Though now outclassed in terms of foreign sales by Sarzonia's [[Portland Iron Works]] ('''PIW''') and Praetonia's [[Imperial Praetonian Shipyards]] ('''IPS'''), the RSIN is still strongly supported by the [[Royal Isselmere-Nieland Navy]] ('''RINN''') and the [[Jimnam Grand Navy]] ('''JGN''').  Its headquarters are in the northern city of Grimsby Downs, [[Anguist_(Region)|Anguist]].

=== Tertiary sector ===
The '''tertiary''' or '''service sector''' finances, promotes, and provides service to all three sectors of industry.  Service industries, led by book publishing and information technology firms, comprise the largest proportion of both the [[Wikipedia:Gross_domestic_product|gross domestic product]] (70.8 ''per cent'') and the labour force (69 ''per cent'').  The high savings and investment by Isselmere-Nielander citizens and firms necessitated by high import tariffs and taxes on foreign investments has benefited both them and domestic banks and credit unions, which use the funds they receive to further promote domestic firms.
*[[Turing-Babbage Electromechanical Devices]], plc ('''TBED''') is the UKIN's largest information technology ('''IT''') company.  Many of its hardware components may be found in everything from the latest generation fighter jets to little Tommy or Sara's toys.  TBED's head offices are in Stettering, [[Nieland_(Region)|Nieland]].
*[[Umberton and Throckmorton]] ('''U&T''') are the largest publishers in the UKIN, produces textbooks and educational multimedia for all instructional levels.  U&T was once the primary publisher of religious texts for the [[Reformed Church of Isselmere]] ('''RCI''') as well as other Christian sects and other faiths.  With the RCI's disestablishment, U&T has removed itself from the religious market.  Since [[Wikipedia:1915|1915]], U&T have supported young writers with the ''Great Authors in the Making'' ('''GAMUT''') award.  For each category, a jury of twelve authors and six publishers judge the works.  The GAMUT is most frequently awarded to challenging and innovative works of fiction and non-fiction.  U&T's central offices may be found in Cailliecross, [[Daurmont (Isselmere)|Daurmont]], [[Isselmere_(Region)|Isselmere]].

==Communication networks==
===Rail===
Rail is the most common means of long distance travel and freight transport within the United Kingdom.  Rail travel is safe and secure — the [[Royal Isselmere-Nieland Gendarmerie|Royal Gendarmerie]] polices both the trains and the lines — as well as quick.  Older lines are diesel-electric, with the emphasis on electric as diesel engines are used only when the weather is absolutely appalling, but most of the newer lines operate by magnetic levitation (maglev).  Sixty-three ''per cent'' of lines, including maglev lines, are designed for rapid rail service (between 180 and 325 km/h) with sleeper-less tracks. Very heavy freight lines — mostly used by the Defence Forces — comprise the rest.  These specialised rail systems are limited to between 70 and 140 km/h.  Most rail services use standard gauge, 

===Roads===
In recent years, the United Kingdom's road networks have improved remarkably.  National roads, prefixed by '''N''' followed by a number, are typically [[Wikipedia:Dual carriageway|dual carriageway]] routes with at least two lanes, frequently three, going in each direction, and serve to connect two or more regions.  Provincial roads are the next in line, prefixed by a '''P''', and often are as large, if not larger, than national roads.  These routes provide inter-provincial transport within a region.  [[Wikipedia:Motorway|Motorway]]s providing links between and around urban areas about are usually prefixed by '''M'''.  Other roads, mostly those outside of urban areas, are prefixed by '''A''' for ''autoroute''.

Roads within Isselmere-Nielander towns and cities, with the exception of large boulevards, are rarely very wide, a reflection of the country's ancient heritage and cultural conservatism.

===Telecommunications===
The UKIN has extensive modern telecommunications networks.  Most services — telephone, television, etc. — are now digital.

== Foreign relations ==
Isselmere-Nieland is a member of two essentially defunct organisations, the [[Woodstock Pact]] and the [[Organisation of Maritime Powers]], and is an ally to the following nations listed in alphabetical order:
*[[Hamptonshire]]
*[[Jimnam]]
*[[Juumanistra]]
*[[Kahanistan]]
*[[Omz222|Omzian Democratic Republic]]
*[[Pacitalia]]
*[[Praetonia]] — ''retired''
*[[Russkya]]
*[[Sarzonia]] — ''retired''
*[[Southeast Asia]]
*[[Space Union]]

== Defence ==
{| border=0 cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width="100%" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f0f8ff; border: 0px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 90%;"
|-
|''See also'' [[United Kingdom of Isselmere-Nieland Defence Forces]].
|}

The defence of the realm falls to the [[United Kingdom of Isselmere-Nieland Defence Forces]] ('''UKINDF''') under the direction of the [[Defence Council (Isselmere-Nieland)|Defence Council]] of the [[Council of State (Isselmere-Nieland)|Council of State]], although the '''Ministry of Defence''' manages the day-to-day administration of the Defence Forces.  The UKINDF has a unified command structure at the service level consisting of a '''Department of the Defence Forces''' and the '''Office of the Chief of Defence Staff'''.  Each of the services is headed by a secretary of state for the service as well as the acting service chief.  The UKINDF comprises three services, the [[Naval Service (UKIN)|Naval Service]], the [[Isselmere-Nielander Army]] ('''INA''') or Land Service, and the [[Aerospace Service (UKIN)|Aerospace Service]].

On [[Wikipedia:April_15|15 April]] [[Wikipedia:2006|2006]], Parliament passed the [[Deactivation Act, 2006|Deactivation Act]] that ended the requirement for all able-bodied citizens to serve at least one year of National Service, whether as a conscripted soldier, an employee of the Department of Public Works, or part of an approved, similarly community-spirited programme.

=== Personnel and funding ===
The table below indicates the resources each service has, along with the Joint Service contingent involved in medical support and certain other non-combat endeavours.<br>
<br>
{| border=1 align=center cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=64% style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 90%;"
|+ colspan=6 style="font-weight:bold; font-size:110%;"|UKINDF 2005
|-
! width=18% style="background: #b0e0e6;"| Service
! width=18% style="background: #b0e0e6;"| Personnel
! width=10% style="background: #b0e0e6;"| %
! width=27% style="background: #b0e0e6;"| Budget (IN&pound;)
! width=15% style="background: #b0e0e6;"| %
! width=17% style="background: #b0e0e6;"| Population %
|-
| UKINDF
| align=right |41,499,347
| align=right |n/a
| align=right |13,318,156,313,460.30
| align=right |n/a
| align=right |0.8241
|-
| Naval Service
| align=right |13,994,980
| align=right |33.72
| align=right |3,973,073,240,068.10
| align=right |29.83
| align=right |0.2779
|-
| Army
| align=right |12,435,491
| align=right |29.97
| align=right |3,524,564,041,194.29
| align=right |26.46
| align=right |0.2469
|-
| Air Force
| align=right |9,098,370
| align=right |21.92
| align=right |2,486,226,120,714.46
| align=right |18.67
| align=right |0.1807
|-
| Orbital Defence
| align=right |4,290,557
| align=right |10.34
| align=right |2,256,019,038,463.59
| align=right |16.94
| align=right |0.0852
|-
| Joint Services
| align=right |1,679,949
| align=right |4.05
| align=right |1,078,273,873,019.86
| align=right |8.10
| align=right |0.0334
|}

==Travellers' provisos==
The Isselmere-Nielander love of cultural conservation can be overstressed, but not by much.  Architecture within the UKIN varies from early medieval to the ultra-modern, often within the space of a few city blocks.  Sightseers should not be unduly concerned that the older monuments and edifices they wish to visit are currently under restoration, particularly during Lethe’s short spring and autumn, as there are many others from which to choose.  Visitors might remark upon the prevalence of book shops, which often rival the number of tea houses and coffee bars in many Isselmere-Nielander towns and cities, and might be astounded by being asked what book one is currently reading.

As a conservative people, Isselmere-Nielanders observe traditions that might appear strange to the newcomer, such as the [[Day of Happy Regrets]] and [[Toel's Day]], both of which have caused great consternation among many foreign observers that the locals understandably find hilarious.  Travellers to the United Kingdom are recommended either to plan their holidays around such occasions or to simply succumb to the spirit of the day.

'''Please note:'''
* Isselmere-Nielander [[English]] sounds like [[Wikipedia:Scottish_English|Scottish English]] spoken with an [[Wikipedia:Icelandic_language|Icelandic]] accent.  In other words, imagine [[Wikipedia:Björk|Björk]] speaking like a [[Wikipedia:Glasgow|Glaswegian]], or ''vice versa'', really.
* There are ''three'' national languages in the UKIN:  English, [[Anguistian_language|Anguistian]], and [[Nielander_language|Nielandic]].  Except if one encounters a radical [[Anguist_(Region)|Anguistian]] or [[Nieland_(Region)|Nielander]] nationalist, one is advised to steer clear of the latter two languages.  Should one encounter a radical nationalist, it is best to simply steer clear altogether.
* Since [[Constitution_Act,_1986|1986]], the UKIN consists of four [[Wikipedia:Autonomous_entity|autonomous regions]] (''regions,'' [[Anguistian_language|Anguistian]] ''úlaidh,'' [[Nielander_language|Nielandic]] ''þjóðir''): [[Anguist_(Region)|Anguist]], [[Detmere_(Region)|Detmere]], [[Isselmere_(Region)|Isselmere]], and [[Nieland_(Region)|Nieland]].  '''Do not''' refer to the UKIN as '''Isselmere''' ''even'' within Isselmere, for there one is likely to receive a long lecture about the United Kingdom’s history.  Elsewhere, one might receive a punch in the mouth.
* Tourists must be aware that despite the often miserable weather, public inebriation is viewed with opprobrium and will almost undoubtedly land one in gaol.<br>

== Notes ==
{|style="font-size: 90%;"
|
#{{note|names}} In order, this is the formal name in [[English]], [[Anguistian language|Anguistian]], [[Nielander language|Nielandic]], and [[Isselmerian language|Isselmerian]].
#{{note|weather}} Isselmere-Nieland Statistics Office, "Whither Immigration?", ''Census 2001'' (Daurmont, Islm.: The Office, 2002), 302.
#{{note|institution}} ''Paxton v. Grenleigh University'', 43 Detmerian High Court of Appeal Reports ('''DHCAR''') (2nd series) 331, (1987) 4 Supreme Court of Isselmere-Nieland Reports ('''SCINR''') 897.
#{{note|Sovereign}}  For convenience sake and convenience alone, this article will subsequently refer to the sovereign solely with the male pronoun and terminology.
#{{note|Regent}} Until the ''Constitution Act, 1986'', it was the eldest ''brother'' rather than eldest sibling who might become regent.
#{{note|King_bday}} Variable in accordance with the reigning monarch's birthday.
|}
{{Isselmere-Nieland}}
[[Category:Nations]]