Oslanburg

Oslanburg, officially known as the Arch-Kingdom of Oslanburg, is a Western Brigidnian nation situated in Siora. The majority of its territory is located on the Brigidnian continent, encompassing seventeen administrative regions. Oslanburg shares both land and maritime borders with Florinthus to the west, land boundaries with Galeae and Veinland to the south, Kave to the southeast, Ostland and Gehenna to the east, and Nerysia to the northeast. Through its overseas regions, it also has maritime borders with Kortoa and Valland in Ostara. To the north, it is bordered by the Laural Sea, and to the west, by the Ranave Bay. Additionally, Oslanburg shares borders with Lanlania through its overseas territories.

The Constitution of Oslanburg, signed on March 5, 1397, marked the end of an absolute monarchy that had been in place since 998. This constitution established a constitutional monarchy, with the current monarch being Arch-King Hadrian II. The government and national parliament are headquartered in Herlev, the capital, largest city, and primary commercial hub of the nation.

Oslanburgans enjoy a high quality of life, and the country consistently ranks well in various global comparisons of national performance, including education, healthcare, protection of civil liberties, democratic governance, prosperity, and human development.

Oslanburg is a developed nation and is among the world's ten largest economies. It is considered to have a high-income economy and boasts a very high human development index. It played a significant role as one of the world's first industrialized nations and a major colonial power during the era of colonialism. However, most of its colonial possessions were lost over the centuries, either through conflict or diplomatic negotiations. Nonetheless, Oslanburg has retained its status as a global power, with considerable economic, cultural, and scientific influence.

Geography

Climate

Oslanburg experiences a temperate seasonal climate characterized by the presence of four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

During the summer months, Oslanburg enjoys warm and relatively pleasant weather. Typically, average temperatures range between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), occasionally reaching higher temperatures. This season comprises a mix of sunny days alongside intermittent rainfall.

As autumn unfolds, temperatures gradually decrease to an average range of 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). This season is known for increased rainfall, particularly in the early autumn months. Upon the arrival of winter, Oslanburg experiences colder temperatures, usually ranging from 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F), accompanied by snowfall, especially in the later months, enveloping the region in a layer of snow.

Spring represents a transition to milder weather, with temperatures gradually climbing back to the 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) range. This period is marked by the resurgence of greenery and the blooming of flowers, signifying a vibrant and colorful landscape.

In summary, Oslanburg's climate exhibits a distinctive temperate seasonal pattern with moderate temperatures throughout the seasons, offering a diverse and visually appealing environmental experience.

Administrative Divisions

Template:Main Article Oslanburg encompasses a total area of approximately 350,724.99 square kilometers and is demarcated into twenty-two administrative regions. These regions are further fragmented into 445 municipalities. Initially, twenty regions were established to replace the former twenty-two counties. Simultaneously, smaller municipalities underwent amalgamation into larger units, resulting in a reduction from 843 entities. To ensure financial and professional sustainability, most municipalities are designed to have a population of at least 100,000, although there are a few exceptions to this norm.

In 1587, the territorial landscape expanded with the addition of two new regions: Hedbjerg, Rusos, and Rolihav combined as one new region, while Isle Vikaris emerged as the other.

The governance of these administrative divisions is overseen by directly elected councils, chosen proportionally in elections that take place every four years. The most recent local elections in Oslan were conducted in 1589. Various regional structures are aligned with municipal boundaries, encompassing police districts, court districts, and electoral wards.

Regions

The governing bodies overseeing the regions are the regional councils, each composed of forty-five members elected to serve four-year terms. The chairperson of the regional council is elected by the council members. The regional councils are entrusted with managing areas of responsibility including the national health service, social services, and regional development. In contrast to the erstwhile counties they superseded, the regions do not possess the authority to impose taxes, and the health service is primarily funded by an eight percent national healthcare contribution, supplemented by contributions from both the government and municipalities. The broader responsibilities previously held by the counties have been shifted to the new, expanded municipalities.

The regions exhibit considerable disparities in both area and population. For instance, the Capital Region, encompassing the Herlev metropolitan area, boasts a population thirty-nine times larger than that of the Kallsrad region, which covers the more thinly populated area of eastern Oslanburg.

Governance

Hadrian II Arch-King of the Arch-Kingdom.

The Arch-Kingdom of Oslanburg functions as a constitutional monarchy, with Arch-King Hadrian II serving as the head of state. The monarch officially retains executive power and leads the Council of State (also known as the privy council). However, with the advent of a parliamentary system of government, the monarch's role has evolved to become purely representative and ceremonial in nature (except in matters related to foreign affairs). This ceremonial role includes formal responsibilities like the appointment and dismissal of the [[Prime Minister of Oslanburg|Prime Minister] and other executive government ministers. The monarch is not held accountable for their actions, and the sanctity of the monarch's person is inviolable.

Political System

The political system of Oslanburg operates within the framework established by the Constitution of Oslanburg. Modifications to this system necessitate an absolute majority in two consecutive parliamentary terms and majority approval through a referendum, with the referendum's majority constituting at least 55% of the electorate. The Constitution has undergone five revisions, with the most recent in 1512

The debating chamber of the national legislature, the Folteking.

The Folketing, referred to as "the people's assembly," stands as the unicameral national parliament and the highest legislative authority in Oslanburg. According to the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty, it theoretically possesses ultimate legislative power, free to legislate on any subject, not bound by decisions of previous sessions. Legislation can originate from the government or individual members of parliament. All bills passed must be presented to the Council of State to secure Royal Assent within thirty days to become law.

Oslanburg operates as a representative democracy, ensuring universal suffrage. Membership in the Folketing is allocated through the First-Past-The-Post system, where Oslanburgans elect 515 members. Parliamentary elections occur at least every five years, with the Prime Minister having the authority to request an election before the term concludes. Through a vote of no confidence, the Folketing can compel a single minister or the entire government to resign.

Dokanen Palace houses the Folteking and Supreme Court.

Executive authority is executed on behalf of the monarch by the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers who oversee different ministries. The role of Prime Minister is designated to the parliament member who garners the confidence of the majority in the Folketing, usually the leader of the largest political party or more effectively through a coalition of parties.

Judicial System

Oslanburg employs a civil law system where laws are drafted and revised within Parliament, and the legal framework is overseen by the Courts of Justice of Oslanburg. This structure includes the Supreme Court with 8 permanent judges and a Chief Justice, appellate courts, city and district courts, as well as conciliation councils. The judiciary operates independently from the executive and legislative branches. While the Prime Minister nominates Supreme Court Justices, their appointments necessitate approval from Parliament and formal confirmation by the Monarch. Typically, judges associated with regular courts receive formal appointment by the Monarch upon the Prime Minister's recommendation.

The primary and formal role of the Courts is to oversee the Oslanburgan judicial system, interpret the Constitution, and enforce the legislation enacted by Parliament. Through judicial reviews, the Courts monitor the legislative and executive branches to ensure their compliance with the provisions of the enacted laws.

Military

His Majesty's Armed Forces operating under the Oslanburgan Ministry of Defence, oversees the peacetime and wartime management of Oslanburg's armed forces. The armed forces are structured into the Army, Air Force, Marines, and Navy. Leading the armed forces is the Supreme Commander, the highest-ranking commissioned officer in the country.

The Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty's Armed Forces is the Oslanburgan monarch, Arch-King Hadrian II, to whom members of the forces pledge allegiance. According to Oslanburgan constitutional law, the armed forces are subservient to the Crown, subject to parliamentary consent for maintaining a standing army and requiring Parliament's approval for taxation and funding allocation to the armed forces.

The primary responsibilities of the Armed Forces of Oslanburg include safeguarding the Arch-Kingdom, advancing Oslanburg's broader security interests, and providing support for international peacekeeping endeavors. As a professional force, the Armed Forces of Oslanburg comprises 500,039 regular personnel and 135,530 volunteer reserve personnel, culminating in a total strength of 635,569 personnel.

Economy

SL470-80 aircraft. The aircraft manufacturing industry is a sizable segment of the gross exports.

Port of Aetinheim, largest port in the Arch-Kingdom

Oslanburg boasts a modern, thriving, and diversified economy, propelled by abundant natural resources, well-established infrastructure, and high productivity. With a GDP of $3.93 trillion, it represents a significant percentage of the global gross world product at purchasing power parity (PPP). Ranked 13th globally in GDP per capita at PPP, Oslanburg stands as an economic powerhouse. It's notably recognized for hosting the esteemed Brigidnan stock exchange, the XDM Stock Exchange, one of the largest stock exchanges in the region.

The country's social model closely aligns with the Nordic models and is characterized by several key elements: a relatively high tax burden amounting to 38% of gross income, a considerable public sector workforce with roughly a quarter of the total employed in civil service roles at national, regional, and municipal levels. There are also substantial public investments in healthcare and education. The workforce actively engages in trade unions within a tripartite, corporatist framework. Impressively, the unemployment rate remains low at 4.2%.

Oslanburg's economic structure, reminiscent of the Nordic model, reflects a robust economy with a focus on social welfare, education, and a collaborative workforce within a corporatist framework, contributing to its prosperity and stability.

State investment in industries holds historical significance and is still present in Oslanburg's economic landscape. Entities such as OUT (broadcasting) and ONTT (passenger rail service) remain under full government ownership. Luft Wurberg (airline) and others are former state corporations in which the government still retains minority stakes. Before its privatization in 1536, the Dinchruff Consortium stood as a state-owned manufacturing conglomerate established to safeguard critical manufacturing interests during the 1500s. Nonetheless, the majority of Oslanburgan industry operates under private ownership.

Large sectors of the economy are steered by major corporations like Scholden Luftvaerks, RivendeTog, Vlakass + Voss Heavy Industry, Gunfrud, Gamma Elektronics, ABG Sundal Collier, and Carnegun Bank. Alongside these established players, the Oslanburgan economy is enriched by the presence of specialized small and medium enterprises.

Oslanburg's primary trading partners are predominantly neighboring countries in western Brigidna, including Nerysia, Florinthus, Galeae, Aurentine, Gehenna, Holy Lanlanian Empire, Kave, and Ostland. It also maintains significant trade connections with other Sioran economies such as Nyland, Drahen, Adwest, Tiejungo, Mestra, and Singan. These robust international trade relationships contribute to the country's economic dynamism and global interconnections.

Energy

Energy production in Oslanburg predominantly relies on fossil fuels, primarily sourced from coal due to its substantial presence within the country. However, acknowledging the eventual depletion of coal reserves and recognizing the need for alternative energy sources, the Oslanburgan government has actively pursued the implementation of diverse power alternatives.

Recognizing the importance of transitioning to alternative energy sources, the government has allocated significant investments toward nuclear power and offers substantial subsidies for renewable energy programs. These initiatives have garnered support from major industries and have effectively facilitated the substitution of some fossil fuel-based energy with renewable sources.

As of 1593, a significant portion of Oslanburg's electricity, approximately 55%, is generated from nuclear power plants. Coal-fired power plants contribute to an additional 20%. Approximately 20% is derived from renewable energy sources, with the remaining 5% coming from other fossil fuels (like natural gas, oil) and waste. The Ministry of Environment and Energy has set a target to eliminate the dependence on imported fossil fuels for electricity generation by the year 1600. This plan includes a drive to expand the renewable energy program alongside an increase in the number and capacity of nuclear power stations, with the collective aim to markedly reduce coal consumption.

Transport

OVT high speed trains

Significant investments have been directed towards establishing robust road and rail connections between various regions in Oslanburg. Notably, the construction of the Store Hovedvejk (Great Highway) stands as a milestone, enabling travelers to traverse from Urola in the north to Indslev in the southern part of the nation entirely via this major motorway. The development of such an extensive roadway network has significantly enhanced transportation accessibility across the country.

In the realm of railway infrastructure, ONTT serves as the principal operator for passenger services, while ONTT Schenker Rail manages freight trains, ensuring an efficient and well-coordinated rail network across Oslanburg. This infrastructure has greatly facilitated the transportation of both passengers and goods within the country.

Moreover, the ambitious project, the Fehmarn Hovedvej, initiated in 1568, was a monumental undertaking aimed at establishing a new critical highway link between Oslanburg and Ostland. After a decade of construction, this major highway link was successfully completed in 1578, further strengthening the interconnectivity between the two countries and significantly improving the two nation's overall transportation network.

The primary international airports in Oslanburg are Docrun Fenru International Airport, which served 96.3 million passengers in 1600, Aetinheim International Airport handling 44.2 million passengers, and Vundt-Meticus International Airport accommodating 17.9 million passengers in the same year. These airports play pivotal roles in handling both domestic and international air traffic, connecting Oslanburg with various global destinations.

Oslanburg boasts an extensive high-speed rail network, encompassing a total of 3,200 km of high-speed tracks as of Vintyr 1600. These tracks efficiently link key cities like Herlev, Aetinheim, Vundt, Esborg, Kaffau, Essig, Viborg, and various other provincial cities. The high-speed trains operating on this network achieve remarkable speeds of up to 360 km/h (220 mph), offering swift and efficient transportation across the country. This advanced rail network significantly contributes to the ease of travel and connectivity between major urban centers and provincial areas within Oslanburg.

Demographics

According to figures from the National Statistics Office, 94.5% of Oslanburg's population of over 73,916,214 is of Oslan descent (defined as having at least one parent who was born in Oslanburg and having Oslanburgan citizenship). Many of the remaining 5.5% are immigrants—or descendants of recent immigrants—that came mainly from Nerysia, Florinthus, Kave, Gehenna and Oslanburg's current and former overseas territories.

The median age is 36.4 years, with 1.37 males per female. 99% of the population (age 12 and up) is literate. The birth rate is 10.90 total number of live births per 1,000.

Language

The sole official language of Oslanburg is Oslanburgan, a Geinic language most closely relate to Lanlian and Gehennan. Oslanburgan has also been influenced by Florinthian and Kaven languages over the centuries. Between 94 and 96 percent of the population speaks Oslanburgan as their first language with roughly four percent speaking it as an additional language. However, roughly 725,000 people, mostly minority children and first generation immigrants, cannot speak any Oslanburgan or are not fluent in the language. Oslanburgan predominates as the native language except in parts of the rural north, and isolated ethnic enclaves in major cities, and some parts of the Oslanburgan Overseas Territories.

Three minority languages (Florinthian, Kaven and Nerysian) also have official recognition and protections, and municipal level governments have jurisdiction over official languages locally. Presently, municipalities in three regions (Rosdel, Bindslev, and Central Moguun) designate Florinthian as an official language, with two municipalities in the north (Sommer and Visterud) also designate Nerysian as an official language.

Roughly 886,994 (1.2%) speak Nersyian as their first language, with Nersyian speakers being the largest linguistic minority. Other recognized minority languages are spoken by less than one half of one percent of the population. Due to immigration, Oslanburg has become steadily more linguistically diverse since the 1500s, although more established immigrant groups such as the Florinthihans have become largely assimilated. Major immigrant languages today include Singanese, Hoinomese, Teigouese, Laurentian, and Lanlanian.

Religion

As of 1st Alvan 1593, 65.4% of the population of Oslanburg were members of the Church of Oslanburg, the officially established church, which is Daienist in tradition. This is down 4.8% compared to the year earlier and 6.9% down compared to two years earlier. Despite the high membership figures, only 4% of the population regularly attend Sunday services.

St. Comel Cathedral has been the burial place of the royal family since the 10th century.

The Constitution states that a member of the Royal Family must be a member of the Church of Oslanburg, though the rest of the population is free to adhere to other faiths. In 1023 the state granted limited recognition to three religious groups dissenting from the established church: Sentric Church, the Ostrid Church, Makhalism and Akhadism, although conversion to these groups from the Church of Oslanburg remained illegal initially. Until the 1510s, the state formally recognized "religious societies" by royal decree. Today, religious groups do not need official government recognition, they can be granted the right to perform weddings and other ceremonies without this recognition.

Akdatics make up approximately 2.6% of the population and form the country's second largest religious community and largest minority religion. As of 1593 there are nineteen recognized Akhadtics communities in the state. As per an overview of various religions and denominations by the Interior Ministry, other religious groups comprise less than 1% of the population individually and approximately 2.0% when taken all together.

According to a recent poll, 10% of Oslanburgan citizens polled responded that they "believe there is a God", 40% responded that they "believe there is some sort of spirit or life force" and 50% responded that they "do not believe there is any sort of spirit, God or life force".

Education

The education system in Oslanburg incorporates a comprehensive and structured framework designed to foster academic excellence and personal development. The Oslanburgan education system is characterized by a multi-tiered structure encompassing primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

Primary education sets the stage for students at the foundational level, emphasizing a holistic approach to learning and foundational skills. Secondary education comprises various pathways, including general education leading to the Oslanburgan High School Diploma and vocational tracks culminating in vocational qualifications. The latter emphasizes vocational training, offering practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.

Oslanburgan tertiary education is renowned for its emphasis on research and academic rigor. Universities play a central role in providing diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, contributing significantly to the nation's intellectual landscape. Additionally, vocational and technical universities provide specialized training in specific fields, highlighting a renowned dual education system.

The Oslanburgan education system places a premium on inclusivity and accessibility, establishing a commitment to providing equal opportunities. A strong focus on apprenticeships and practical experience is evident, fostering a well-rounded and skilled workforce. The education system's adaptability and commitment to quality align with the principles that have contributed to Germany's global reputation for educational excellence.

Health

Healthcare in Oslanburg is delivered through a universal public system that runs on a mixture of private and public funding. Health insurance in Oslanburg is entirely privatized but it is regulated. Providers are not allowed to refuse customers under any conditions. All approved providers are required to have basic health plans which cover emergency and some non-essential hospital treatment. Plans are also capped at a rate of 5% of monthly income. Oslanburg also has a state provided insurance company known as the State Insurance Limited (Oslan: Stat Forsikring Begrænset) which funds hospital and post-hospital treatment and recovery in the event of an accident. The SFB is entirely funded through taxation, with specific accounts for accident specific levies.

Hospitals in Oslanburg are run at the regional level, with each region responsible for the maintenance and funding of public hospitals. Private hospitals exist either on a for profit basis or on a non-profit basis, often run by charities. Regions are also responsible for the provision of emergency medical services outside of private or government provided services.

Private healthcare exists outside of private hospitals. Doctors, general practitioners and other specialists operate independent of the public health system. Also doctors have the ability to treat patients as well as refer them to other specialists. Doctors also prescribe medicines and drugs to patients. Dental care is free in Oslanburg until 18 years of age and all medicines are subsidized by the government.

Culture

Music

Oslanburgan composers have not gained widespread fame, historically overshadowed by the nobility's preference for foreign compositions. The country lacked internal schools and specialists in music. However, in modern times, Oslanburg has witnessed an independent development in its music scene. Urban Oslanburg stands out as a hub for pop and electronic music, both enjoying significant popularity in the nation and its constituent states. Despite the dominance of pop and electronic genres, rock, folk, and jazz music maintain a strong following across the state.

Cuisine

A tray of Dünderbräd sandwiches.

A Oslanburgan holiday dinner with sliced roast pork, boiled potatoes, red cabbage and brown gravy.

Traditional Oslanburgan cuisine varies widely between regions due to the wide climatic range between southern and northern extremes of the country, but in general has many similarities with with each, with simple, sparsely spiced dishes often involving staples such as butter, herring, milk, pork, potatoes, and rye bread. Since the 1200s, a modern Oslanburgan cuisine has developed with influences from Florinthian cuisine and Bisican and Vikaric ingredients.

Oslanburgan cooking uses meat and fish extensively; while herring, pork, and salmon are perhaps most closely associated with Oslanburgan food, chicken, cod, crayfish, duck, eel, lamb and mutton, pike, trout, venison, and in certain regions whale, are also common. In contrast, per capita consumption of beef is low compared to in many other developed countries. Deer and mutton is traditionally eaten in the autumn and winter, and is more common in the north than the south. In general, southern styles utilize more farmed meat and fresh vegetables while northern styles make more use of (hunting) game and wild berries and greens.

Common Oslanburgan dishes include brünt (pickled and shredded mixed vegetables, often beets, cabbage, and cucumber), Dünderbräd (open sandwiches with toppings such as cold cuts, cheese, smoked fish or meat, hardboiled egg, and vegetables), frigadelle (meatballs), frafluzks (raw, cured salmon), kortael (fried or boiled potato dumplings, usually filled with diced pork), pancake punbelkak (large potato pancakes, sometimes filled with pork and called swinkjötkek), and various sausages, such as dunkurst (a cured sausage made with venison).

There are also many famous regional dishes, such as Aärmgrefe (a sweetened and spiced fried mashed potato dessert) from southern Oslanburg, Gebredön (breaded and fried fish heads) from northern Oslanburg, labsjaus (a hash of corned beef or salt-cured hamhock, beetroot, onions, potatoes, and herring) and pansjol (pan-fried plaice) in many parts of eastern Oslanburg, sulflesjh (salmon skin "bacon") from northern Oslanburg, and whale meat in coastal communities.

Sports

Football (soccer) and rugby dominate the sports scene in Oslanburg, with football holding the official title of the country's national sport. Additionally, handball, tennis, motorsports, and sailing enjoy significant popularity.

Football, in particular, boasts extensive participation with tens of thousands of players spread across approximately 26,000 clubs, encompassing professional, amateur, and local levels. The national football team has achieved notable success, qualifying for the FBFA Brignda Championship eight consecutive times (1537–1569) and securing victory in 1557 and 1569. Their most significant achievement remains winning the SIFA World Cup in 1514, with two more final appearances, the latest being in 1570.

The pinnacle of Oslanburg football is the Superliga, featuring twenty competing clubs. The regular season, spanning from Dein to Quarter, mirrors the timing of other Brigidnan Leagues. BK Kaffau currently holds the championship, while FC Herlev Costlo stands as the most successful club with 30 top division titles. Renowned Superliga players include Konrad Tange, Perat Nolsen, Borus Kitef, Michael Hansen, and Mogens Krogh.

The football pyramid includes the Liga En as the second tier, comprised of 20 teams, recently won by Ostden FC. The third tier, Liga To, consists of 24 teams, with the latest champion being Dulbirk. The fourth tier, Oslan Serien, comprises three leagues, each featuring 24 teams. The reigning champions are Duvest Crine (North), Mofet BK (Central), and Blikhes FC (South).