Difference between revisions of "Valkany"

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Valkanid Empire Αὐτοκρατορία Βαλκανίδων Valkanisches Keiserreich Царство Валкани Imperium Valkanum
Motto: Dura lex, sed lex.
Anthem: Βαλκάνιος Δόξα
Map of Valkany
Capital		Demetriople
Largest city		Capital
Official languages		Hellenistic Koine Greek
Recognised national languages		Hellenistic Koine Greek, Austrian German, Serbo-Croatian
Ethnic groups (2014 Census)		White Valkanian (99.9%), Other (0.1%)
Demonym		Valkanid
Government		Constitutional Monarchy, Empire, Benevolent Autocracy
-	BTGOG, HMI&CM, the Emperor of Valkany and so forth and so forth and so forth.	Demetrius Februarius XVI of the Valkanidae
-	Prime Minister of Valkany, the Right Honourable	Antonius, Viceroy of Algolis & Grand Duke of Macre
Legislature		Imperial Council of of Valkany
-	Upper house	Senate
-	Lower house	National Assembly
Fully Sovereign & Independent
-	Establishment of Demetrias	3031 BC
-	Valkanian Wars of Unification	335–323 BC
-	Coronation the first Emperor of modernized-westernized Valkany	February 14th 1809
-	Water (%)	4.38% Water
Population
-	estimate	76,800,000 Residents
-	census	2014 Census
-	Density	73.8/km2/km2 191/sq mi/sq mi
GDP (PPP)		2014 Estimate estimate
-	Total	$2.497 trillion
-	Per capita	$38,711
Gini (2014)		28.8 low
HDI (2014)		0.892 very high
Currency		Valkanian Drachma (₯) (VDR)
Time zone		GMT+2
-	Summer (DST)	Yes (UTC+2c)
Date format		dd/mm/yyyy
Drives on the		right
Calling code		+43
Internet TLD		.vk

Valkany is a Developped First World country in the world of Noverra, on the continent of Victorium. Famous for its rich culture, maritime tradition, its great contributions to all parts of civilization and proud ancient, medieval and modern history. Valkany is an Empire. The Head of State, the Emperor, is responsible for National Defence, International Diplomacy, appointing the Prime Minister and signing laws approved by the Parliament. The Prime Minister has all other executive powers but can be removed from office by the Emperor, who can also dissolve parliament at will, under special circumstances. The Prime Minister is usually the Viceroy of Algolis, the Emperor's brother.

Valkany, officially the Valkanid Empire (Ambracian: Αὐτοκρατορία Βαλκανίδων; Istrian: Valkanisches Keiserreich; Okrugian: Царство Валкани / Čarstvo Valkani) is an Empire on the continent of Victorium, in the world of Noverra. Valkany is bordered by Rusol and the Charred Sea to the northeast, the Marcentro Sea to the south and west, by the Izalith Sea to the southeast and by the Valkanian Sea and the Lycian Peninsula to the east.

The Empire is composed of three kingdoms: The Kingdom of Ambracia, The Duchy of Istria and The Duchy of Okrugia. There are 12 Provinces, in total, and the Capital City of the Empire, which is also its largest city, is the Archduchy of Demetriople. Valkany is a major political, diplomatic, military and economic power in Victorium and in Noverra too. Valkany leads many fields of study and business, such as the largest Merchant Fleet in the world and many others. The Empire prides itself in a very advanced and developped system of social welfare, healthcare and education, mainly based on taxation, as well as public services such as public transport. Valkany features the oldest hospitals and universities in the world and is the homeland of modern medicine, history, modern science, free public healthcare and public education. It is also the world's oldest continuously existing state, existing since centuries before the birth of Christ.

Valkany is the homeland of countless philosophers, and philosophy itself, musicians, theatric writers and actors, painters and many more, many of these arts having been born in Valkany. It is considered the birthplace of both music, theatre and western art. Valkany is a nuclear power and despite the fall of many empires of Victorium in the late 19th and early to middle 20th century it has managed to survive, largely due to not having overseas colonies but mainland holdings.

History

Main article: History of Valkany Valkany is the birthplace of the field of Science known as History itself and had a large and greatly important history. Valkany's history begins with the Ambracians, the majority ethnic group in Valkany who established the Empire, living within the Kingdom of Ambracia.

From as early as 4,000 BC Ambracia, modern day South Valkany, was home to many Ambracian city states, which gave the world many prized things such as democracy, music, theatre, history, medicine, philosophy, alphabets and much more while they were the beginning of Western Civilization. It also included an early [url=Antikythera mechanism]experimental computer that calculated the positions of stars for naval navigation purposes[/url] while only working with gears. It also created toilets, a repeating pattern in many great ancient civilizations for obvious reasons. While the Ambracians originated in what today is North West Ambracia in Valkany, most moved to the south due to its better climate, shoreline and plains. In 2000BC they colonized much of the then known world. In about 870BC Dionysus arrived as a minor God from the east and was adopted by many rulers who wanted to be more popular with their subjects. A God of wine, feasts and sexual reporduction it's easy to see why the people loved him. The celebrations in his name which carried throughout the year are the origin of both extremely important parts of human civilization, such as the theatre, and more controversial ones such as the famed Dionysian 'feasts'. By 100BC Dionysus had become the centre of a monotheistic worship, being officially adopted by the Valkanid Kingdom, more about which we will learn below.

The south Ambracians however constantly fought one another weakening themselves. Even when faced with foreign invasions they banded together to repell them and then started fighting each other again in less than a decade. The orginal northern Ambracian states had much less infighting. For them 'barbarians' were always one river away so they preffered to join themselves into two major Kingdoms and try to expand northward. Later, in 335 BC Demetrius II of Valkany united the two Kingdoms into the single Kingdom of Ambracia. He expanded his lands further northward and tried to unify the Ambracians. While he was not able to compelte his work his son, Anaxander I who was later named Anaxander the Great, united all of the Ambracian city states and the northern Kingdom into the single Valkanid Kingdom, named so after Valkany the cominant city state in said Kingdom were both he and his father had originated from. His father had established the large port city Demetriople as the new Capital of Valkany and so Anaxander established another city, Anaxandria to act as a major port, but did not move his capital from the Ambracian heartland, staying true to his father's wishes. He grew the Kingdom into a true Empire, far into the east to the edge of the then known world but after his death, a civil war followed and most eastern lands were lost.

Anaxander's successor, Nearchus I, expanded the Valkanid Kingdom's borders north into all of what the Valkanians call the Lycian Peninsula which had been settled by Ambracian settlers in 2000BC. It had been lost during the Civil War but now it was under Valkanid rule again. While other Eastern lands were not reclaimed or were reclaimed only to be shortly lost, the Ambracian heartland and the areas around it had been secured.

As the borders of the nation were expanded northward Galatian and Germanic invaders, called the Istrians who had already conquered said lands or invaded them shortly after the Valkanids took them, created a problem. Constant revolts led to problems. In 241-197 BC a major such revolt ended in a bloody massacre. After many battles with atrocities on both sides and a Pyrrhic Valkanid victory the Valkanids put most Istrians living south of Dhekelia to the cross and their settlements to the torch. Antipater II grantd the remaining Istrians who now lived on the Northwest frontier equal rights and citizenship in exchange for their loyalty and services. They happily agreed.

In the 520s the Slavic people called the Okrugians started invading or settling in Northeast Valkany. They had numerous wars lasting almost 600 years. The wars ended when the defeated remaining Okrugians were granted rights similar to the Istrians by the Ambracian ruilling majority. By that time most people were reffering to the state as Valkany, a name that would later become Valkany's unoffical and common name. Valkany was now a multi-national Empire, composed of an Ambracian majority, a considerable Istrian minority and a slightly smaller Okrugian minority all of whom jointly served the same Empire. Thus Valkany truly fitted the term Empire for them first time in almost 800 years.

The early medieval ages passed quite peacefully for Valkany. Valkany had turned Christian and Christianity had become the official religion before the middle ages in 313 AD. Toward the middle part of the Dark Ages Valkany was at the centre of a dispute over the Papacy. There were two Popes, one in Demetriople and one in the Papal States, with Valkany recognizing the former. This lead to the Great Crusade of 1202–1304, which lasted a whole century and left whole provinces in ruin. While it failed Valkany later aknowledged the Pope of the Vatican as the sole Pope and the Demetriopolite Pope became a Catholic Archbishop. It also led to Valkany permanently loosing the Lycian Peninsula to eastern invaders. After a brave war the Valkanians managed to prevent further expansion of the invaders and kept them out of Victorium in the Battle of Anaxandria. In the late medieval times Protestants and Catholics fought eachother and Western nations such as Valkanywere forced to choose sides. Valkany chose the Catholics as most nations around it were Catholic and she herself was devoted Catholic. During this time Valkany developped a mutually beneficial diplomatic-trade relationship and friendship with Vennucci.

In the 1600s Valkany begun a process of Westernization. Quite ironically the very homeland of Western civilization had stayed backwards in many areas of its civilization and organization. Demetrius XIV the Great begun this process which would be completed by his successors. Valkany changed most about itself, including classical music, new architucture, art, calligraphy, organization and military modernization. It even changed its name from Kingdom of the Valkanids to the Valkanid Empire, which it retains to this day. This led Valkany to be a centre of Western culture and art in the 1700s, 1800s and even this day, especially in the areas around Demetriople in North Ambracia, which is in Central Coastal Valkany as well as in Istria which is in Northwestern Valkany, in the city of Tergeste.

Quite frankly Valkany is an enigma. Both old or new, western and eastern, ancient and modern, despotic and benevolent, multinational and with clearly dominant cultural influences. But for its countless subjects of different nationalities and especially its Ambracian majority and dynasty it is a source of pride, civilization and strength that they quite certainly hope will continue into the future. Something which now rests in the hands of Emperor Demetrius XVI.

Government

Main article: Politics of The Empire of Valkany

The Empire of Valkany is a Constitutional Monarchy where the Monarch personally exercises power. The Emperor appoints the Prime Minister whom he can dismiss at will and while his laws have to be approved by parliament he can disperse also parliament at will. Most executive power rests with the Emperor and the Prime Minister is usually the Emperor's Brother, the Viceroy of Algolis.

Valkany's legislative body is the Imperial Council (Αὐτοκρατορικὸν Συνέδριον - Autocratoriko Synedrion), with 548 seats. 500 seats belong to the Legislative Body (Νομοθετικὸν Σώμα - Nomothetikon Soma), the Lower House, whose members are elected by the people. Each oner of the 12 Provinces elects 120 members of the Legislative Body, totalling 480 and the 20 remaining seats are elected by all the electoral body, regardless of province, together and are called Νομοθέται Ἐπικρατείας (Vouleftae Epikratias - lit. "Legislators of the Entire State"). The Upper House which has the remaining 48 seats is the Γερουσία (Gerousia - Senate). Members of the Gerousia are called Gerousiastes and they are tweleve for each of the three constitutent entities and twelve for the Archduchy of Demetriople. The Synedroi are appointed by the Emperor. Laws are drafted in Parliament after proposal of the Prime Minister or the respective Minister, who receives order or permission to do so from the Emperor. The Emperor may chose to not sign a law and resend it to parliament or discard it altogether.

The Judiciary Branch of government is the Imperial Supreme Court of Cassation which is the highest appellate court in all of Valkany. Judges are appointed by the Archduke with the approval of Special Parliamentary Committees.

Foreign Relations

Main Articles: Foreign Relations of Valkany

Valkany is a very important player on the international diplomatic scene. An Imperialist and Hawkish nation it seeks to further its own interests while being the voice of conservatism in Noverran and especially Victorian politics. Valkany promotes monarchism and imperialism across the world in order to safeguard and strengthen its own position as well as expand its influence. So far Valkany has found an ally in the face of Vennucci and another in the face of Bruvalkia, commonly acting as a mediator between the two due to their historic tensions. Valkany has actively helped in making their relations better in the last century, benefiting itself greatly too. Valkanian is a founding, and according to many dominant, member of the Socio-Economic and Military-Political and Diplomatic Eastern Victorium Union. Valkany currently is helping Bruvalkia's bailout within the EVU, rewarding itself with access to the country's immense resources in order of fuel Valkanian Industrial Might. Finally Valkany more recently found a close friend, ally and partner in the face of Gilead.

Military

Main article: Armed Forces of Valkany

The Armed Forces of Valkany, officially called the Imperial Armed Forces, consist of three service branches: the Imperial War Navy (which also includes the Imperial Marines), the Imperial Army of the Land, and the Imperial Military Aviation. The Emperor is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces while they are under the jurisdiction and management of the Imperial Ministry of National Defence. All members of the Armed Forces have to swear loyalty to the Emperor.

Six Month Military Service is compulsory for men and women at age 18; It may be postponed for studies, though it rarely is. People with a university degree are given an lower officer rank during their service while people who enlist for their service normally at 18 begin as Hoplites (Normal Soldiers/Servicemen). There are officers academies for the Army, Navy and Air Force and they require very high marks in many subjects after difficult exams to enter. Conscientious objectors are classified I3 (meaning "Able Class 3" - may or may not be armed) have to serve 9 months as support units. Special cases such as mentally challenged people, people with diseases, heavy health problems etc. are classified I5 (unable to serve) and do not serve. Anybody below class I3 of mental and physical health has the I4 or I5 marked on their identity card, passport, CVs etc. The I Ability Classification system can be summed up like this: I1 is fully able to serve, I2 is for minor health or mental conditions, I3 is for slightly more severe ones or for conscientious objectors, I4 for very severe conditions and must always be unarmed and I5 is for even more severe ones and is unable to serve.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Valakny

Valkany has 3 main ethnic groups: Ambracian, Istrian and Okrugian. The Ambracians and the Greek majority that founded the Empire and live in the Capital District and the Kingdom of Ambracia, the Istrians and a southern Austianese people who are a large minority and live in the Duchy of Istria and the Okrugians are a slightly smaller Slavic minority living in the Tsardom of Okrugia.

Language

Main article: Languages of Valakny

Ambracian is the primary common language used by Valkany and as a mother tongue by the Ambracian majority. It is known by all Valkanians and taught in all schools along with the local language, except for the capital district and Ambracia where it is solely taught along with one of the secondary languages based on the student's choice. Istrian Austianese is another language used by the large Istrian minority and it acts as a Secondary Official Language, used primarily within Istria and accepted across Valkany though not as common as and not on equal standing with Ambracian. Okrugian is used by the slightly smaller Okgrugian minority and has similar status within Okrugia and all of Valkany respectively.

Education

Main Articles: Education in Valkany

Education in Valkany is provided by the state, free of charge to all citizens, and it is compulsory from age 2 to the completion of high school. The educational system is divided in five levels - Pre-School (ages 4-6), Primary School ("Dimotiko Scholio" ages 7-11), Gymnasium (ages 12-15), Lycium (ages 15-18) and Higher Education (ages 18-22 for Major, beyond for extended studies). It is also organized into four categories - First Degree (Primary School), Second Degree (Gymnasium & Lycium) and Third Degree (Higher Education).

Health & Welfare

Main article: Health and Welfare in Valkany

Valkany has an extensive public healthcare, social security and welfare system funded mainly by taxes.

Religion

Main Articles: Religion in Valkany

Catholic Christianity of the Latin Rite. 98% of Valkanians are adherents of the Church, though how many are actually practicing is of question. The state has Catholic Christianity as an official state religion however education and public policies are secular, and thus Catholicism is only a ceremonially official religion. Valkany's being Catholic is also reflected on her flag, a blue Catholic Cross on a bright yellow field. Other religions in Valkany are Atheists at 1.3%, though studies show people below the age of 18 are more than 75% de facto atheists, and minority religions at 0.7%. The Imperial Dynasty is also Catholic and the Emperor is Crowned by the Archbishop of Demetriople or the Pope.

Economy

Main articles: Economy of Valkany

Valkany has a developed Western Market economy, though many government policies have turned into somewhat of a mixed model. Major industries include car and ship production, heavy industry *(such as military equipment), aerospace industries, medicinal products & drugs, medical & household equipment, technology, nanotechnology as well as row supplies such as gold, silver, oil, diamonds, marble etc. Farming and fishing are major industries while Valkany has the world's largest merchant fleet. Valkany has the world's oldest academies and universities and they attract many foreign students, especially in philosophy, law, math & sciences, engineering, ship building, medicine, arts and much more.

Transport

Main articles: Transport in Valkany Valkany has an extensive network of public transport ranging anywhere form trains to buses and trams, covering most urban, suburban and even rural areas. Ships and airplanes are also very crucial for the nations transport, both due to Valkany's many islands and its great importance as trade hub at the edge of Victorium and in control of the Straits of Helle leading to to and from the Charred Sea. Cars are also a very important factor, with Valkany having some of the highest quality roads in Victorium and the world and an extensive network of highways, with six lanes in the rural areas and four, on each side in both cases, in the city.

Energy

Main articles: Energy in Valkany

Valkany has nuclear power plants though it has begun taking steps to utilize its many rivers, almost constant intense daytime sunlight throughout the year due to its Mediterranean climate and its winds both at the mountains, planes and in the sea to make use of Eco-friendly forms of energy. Valkany produces and refines oil, natural gas and other finite resources generating a lot of income but she's already planning for the future.

CREDITS & THANKS TO DAWINIA FOR THE TEMPLATE, INFOBOX & IDEAS. <3 YOU ROMAR SENPAI! XD