Norsreijk

Norsreijk, officially called the Kingdom of Norsreijk, is a federal constitutional elective monarchy in Laraniem.

Norsreijk is divided into nine provinces, each under a Jarl, functioning as administrative divisions. The High King or High Queen of Norsreijk acts as the head of state and holds executive power. The position of High King is selected by vote, conducted by the current nine Jarls of each province. High Kings are always a Jarl of one of the provinces. The Volkstribüne, literally: People's Tribune, is the nation's legislative government body democratically chosen by the voting population.

In a 2019 estimate, the country's population is around 58,786,394. 78% of the population live in urban areas, while the other 22% live in rural areas. The nation's capital is Aurora, with a population of 2.4 million, while its largest city is Windmarch with a population of 3.9 million people.

Education is heavily emphasized and compulsory from ages 5 to 16, in order to ensure that every Norsreijkian develops their talents and find a job that suits them best. Physical health and wellbeing are also accentuated at a young age, as a means of sustaining a healthy population. Healthy diets are encouraged, strict physical fitness programs are present at school, gyms are subsidized and alcohols, soda's, processed foods and etcetera are discouraged through high taxes.

Norsreijk maintains a sizeable and well-equiped military, renowned for its highly disciplined troops. Rheinstahl and Mjolnir Company are two major defense contractors based in Norsreijk, the former specialising in combat vehicles and the latter in developing advanced military technology such as powered exoskeletons and UAV's.

The nation is a member of the World Assembly, and maintains good relations with its neigbouring countries.

Etymology
The name, 'Norsreijk' is a portmanteau, with 'Nors' meaning 'North', and 'Reijk' meaning 'Empire'. In translation, Norsreijk would be the "Empire of the North".

The standard way to refer to a citizen of Norsreijk is as a 'Norsreijkian'.

History
During the 6th century, a legendary historical leader named Stigandr led an expedition to the north of the continental landmass, to the land that would later be known as Norsreijk. It is said that he and his followers were fleeing the civil war in their homeland and hoped to find new lands to settle in. They broke into separate groups to find their way in the newfound land.

The group led by Stigandr himself came across a mysterious yet wondrous sight. A display of various lights that appeared as curtains and rays covering the entire sky at night. This phenomenon, present day known as the polar lights, had been interpreted as a sign of the gods. A great city was built in this area, and this city would later be known as Aurora.

In 602, under High King Trygve, the nine provinces and its Jarls came together and united under the banner of the Norsreijk Empire. His reign saw to it that the Norsreijk Empire expanded significantly through conquest, eventually annexing the lands south and southeast of the Empire.

However, in 865, the sudden and unexpected death of High King Fritjof after being struck by lightning, led to the First War of Succession. The nine Jarls were unable to elect a new High King and began fighting for the Throne. This internal strife caused the Norsreijk Empire's influence over its foreign dominions to wane, and uprisings in the name of autonomic rule soon began.

The loss over its foreign dominions and the political instability and destruction caused by the civil war between the nine Jarls would mark the end of the First Norsreijk Empire.

For the next centuries, Norsreijk would remain in a cycle of war and civil unrest, with little to no political or societal progress, up until the 16th century when the Fourth War of Succesion occured. During this time the Jarl of Winterhold, Heimdall I, managed to unite the other eight Jarldoms, through force, political intrigue or other methods. Heimdall I would see to the rise of the Second Norsreijkian Empire, as he conquered the lands in the south with his mighty armies. Further expansions were made, including overseas. To support these undertakings, high taxes were levied and foreign lands and their inhabitants exploited. Any rebellions, domestic and foreign, would swiftly be put down by capable and cunning commanders. The Second Norsreijkian Empire would be an absolute monarchy, with the Jarls and the people powerless in the face of Emperor Heimdall I.

In 1778, Emperor Heimdall IV was severely injured in accident during an hunting expedition in which he reportedly was thrown off his horse. Several noblemen led by the Jarl of Wolfingar conspired to overthrow the oppresive despot. Their best chance would be now, considering Emperor Heimdall IV is temporarily incapable to rule due to his injuries. With support of most of the population, the Jarl rallied his forces and militias and marched for Aurora, the seat of government. Soon after some fighting and the Taking of the Palace of Kings, the end of the Heimdall dynasty's reign came near. Heimdall IV was executed for his crimes against the people of Norsreijk, and the new democratic Kingdom of Norsreijk was established. A constitution was written, which emphasized liberty as the most sacred right of all Norsreijkian men and women.

Foreign lands were lost during the fighting and overthrowing of Heimdall IV, but some were taken back again. Under High King Ragnar I, foreign territories were taken care of considerably better and conditions improved for its inhabitants. During the 20th century most of these foreign lands were ultimately granted autonomy and independence.

Geology
Norsreijk's natural landscape features mainly tundra along with mountains, fjords and forests. It's the most rugged region of the continent, containing several of the continent's highest peaks. The further north, the colder the climate gets. Most of its precipitation comes in the form of snow, and occasionally rain.

The reason Norsreijk exhibits such a cold climate is due to how far north it is, and the overall high altitude of the country.

The eastern coasts of Norsreijkpresent some of the most visually impressive coastal sceneries in the world. The country is also home to the spectacular natural phenomena such as the Aurora borealis, also known as the Northern lights.

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