Goverland

Goverland, officialy the Republic of Goverland, is a nation located in Scandinavia, on the south from Norway. Goverland is a member state of Alliance of Independent Nations and United Nations. Goverland shares a land border with Norway and seaborders with Norway, Denmark and Ollingdale. It is one of the four Scandinavian nations and one of seven Nordic countries. Population of Goverland is approximately 2 mln inhabitiants. The capital city is Sheford, located in southern Goverland near border with Norway; other main city is Port Andrews located in northern part of country by Andrews Bay. Together both cities create Central Metropolitan Area (CMA) - the biggest urbanized area in Goverland. In CMA lives approximately 41% of inhabitiants of Goverland.

Geography
Goverland is located in southern part of Scandinavian Peninsula. On the north it borders with Scandinavian Mountains, on the south and on the west with North Sea and on the east with Telemark - a county in Norway. Goverland is very mountainous country - approximately 60% of territory are two mountain ranges - Lindon Mountains on the west and Duin Mountains on the east. Both are part of Scandinavian Mountains. The highest mountain in Goverland is Hrothgar Peak in Lindon Mountains. Shoreline isn't well expanded, the only large bay is Andrews Bay in eastern part of country. There are five large islands in Goverland: Elfsborg, Hedeby, Atoya, Rockport and Eressea.

Climate
Central part of Goverland has a very specific microclimate. Two mountain ranges: Lindon Mountains and Duin Mountains make barrier, which stop hot air masses from Atlantic and Mediterranean. In effect summers in central part of country are hot and winters are mild. Western part of country is located by Atlantic and it has cool maritime climate like whole coast of southern Norway - summers are cool and winters are mild. In whole country precipitation is very strong. It's effect of influence of ocean.

Beginnings
Goverland was founded in 1076 as a British oversea territory by British expedition to Scandinavia consisting of twelve sailing ships with a Wilhelm Andrews as a leader. In the same year was founded first British settlement, contemporary Port Andrews. In next years took place fast development of Goverland, another ships have arrived to Port Andrews. In 1080 on territories of contemporary Goverland lived 20,000 people. Wilhelm Andrews leader of first expedition, became a ruler of territories of Goverland and he decided to found another settlements - Hedestad, Mosebacke, Freiburg and Elfsborg. It was a beginning of expansion of Goverland to the north and west. In 1091 Normans has attacked Goverland, all settlements were totally destroyed and burned, Govish forces was defeated in Siege of Mosebacke and Battle of Freiburg, but in the Battle of Port Andrews forces of Normans was defeated thanks to support of England. In 1092 was founded Sheford as a new capital and Chorrol as a capital of West Goverland province. In 1102 Goverland has declared independence from Kingdom of England and entered into an alliance with Kingdom of Denmark and Kingdom of Sweden. England hasn't enough powerful army for war with this alliance and in 1103 Goverland officially became independent state, unfortunately thereafter relations of Goverland and England was very cold. Thanks to activities of bishop of Sheford - Hans Magnusson, in 1190 current ruler of Goverland - Wilhelm IV Andrews received at the hands of the Pope's royal crown and Goverland became a kingdom.

The Golden Age
This event strengthened the position of the state in the international arena, it also opened many new possibilities for economy. In next centuries took place very quick development of trade in the kingdom. In XII century was built seaports in Port Andrews and Hedestad, which became ones of the most important in southern Scandinavia. After death of king of Goverland Sven II Andrews in 1360 Queen Margaret I of Denmark has negotiated with regency council joining of Goverland to the Calmar Union. However after opposition of nobility, new Govish king became nephew of Sven II - Lars Nilsson. However thanks to activities of new king, Goverland has entered into an alliance with Calmar Union. XIV and XV century was period, when Kingdom of Goverland hasn't waged any wars, during this period took place very quick development of economy and army, especially the fleet. In 1419 Sheford and Port Andrews has joined Hanseatic League. In 1509 took place war of Faroe Islands between Goverland and Denmark. Kingdom won this conflict and Islands became Goverland oversea territory. Unfortunately this incident, was the beginning of the end of alliance between Goverland and the Calmar Union. Definitive end of this alliance occurred in 1523, when the Union has been solved. In 1537 army of Goverland with king Lars II Nilsson as a leader has attacked Norwegian regions of Buskerud and Horgaland, which was part of Denmark-Norway territory. It was due to adoption of Lutheranism by Denmark and Norway. Kingdom of Goverland was supported by forces of Papal States and catholic monarchies of Europe. Nonetheless after six months of war catholic army was totally defeated by Danish forces. Armistice was concluded in 1538 in Elfsborg, but after nine years the war broke out again, when Denmark has attacked territories of New Britain. Catholic forces was defeated in battles of Fallun, Sheford, Port Andrews and Hedestad. After defeat of Rockport, where was killed king Lars II Nilsson, forces of Kingdom has surrendered and Goverland was incorporated to Denmark-Norway.

Recovering of Independence
Despite the loss of independence national identity identity was still strong among citizens of former Kingdom of Goverland, especially among nobility and middle class. Factor that contributed to this, was first of all other religion of citizens of Goverland (Catholicism) than religion of citizens of Denmark-Norway (Lutheranism). Catholic churches became places, where Govish citizens could meet and cultivate their culture, language and traditions. Many Govish patriots have participated in Northern Seven Years' War and Kalmar War on the Swedish side against Denmark. Meanwhile on the territories of former Goverland, in 1569 took place first uprising, called Thursday Uprising, because it started at night from Wednesday to Thursday. Rebels, deriving mainly from nobility have murdered city staff of Sheford and occupied the capital. Danish king Frederick II of Denmark didn't agree to negotiations and in January 1570 Siege of Sheford has started. Forces of rebels has surrendered 3 months later. After failure of the uprising independence moods got even stronger, but Goverland wasn't enough strong for another spurt. However Govish squads have participated in Thirty Years' War on site of Catholics against Protestant Union including Denmark-Norway. They resigned in 1643, when Denmark-Norway have allied themselves with Catholics. After Thirty Years' War Govish citizens still have participated almost in every war against Denmark-Norway, but it wasn't as strong squads as during previous wars. In 1670 took place another uprising, called First September Uprising. Rebels have occupied almost every large city of Goverland including Sheford, Port Andrews, Rockport and Llangefni. As a result of negotiations Danish king Christian V of Denmark has agreed to give an autonomy for Goverland. After this event took place quick economic development of the country. In this period was formed many modern manufactures, also agriculture and trade have developed very fast. Unfortunately Govish Autonomy still was dependent on Danish king. During Napoleonic Wars Denmark has allied itself with Napoleon. For this reason United Kingdom has attacked Denmark. At this time on territories of Goverland took place third uprising, called Second September Uprising. Denmark was weakened by war and Govish forces has defeated Danish-Norwegian army in battles of Chorrol and Hedestad. Finally in 1814 reborn of Goverland became a reality, but future of new state was still uncertain.

Reconstruction and development
In new state power was took over by National Council. Its representatives arrived to the Congress in Vienna. Thanks to their activities Goverland was recognized as an independent state by all European monarchies. 9 June 1815 National Council has proclaimed the republic. 2 February 1816 was passed the constitution. After recovering of independence by Goverland was a period of quick development of the cities. City walls of Sheford and Rockport was demolished after Second September Uprising. City walls of Port Andrews was demolished two years later, after Great Fire, which totally destroyed the city and the seaport. Destruction of Port Andrews and death of hundreds people was a huge blow for Govish economy. Reconstruction of the city was one of the most important tasks for new government, which was chosen during election in august 1816. For new president was chosen Sven Faulsson, new prime minister became Nils Edklinth. Construction of new seaport in Port Andrews, located on St. Barbara's Island has started in 1817 and finished in 1822. In the same time was liquidated seaport in Hedestad. Construction of new seaport was giant impulse for Govish economy. Very important was also discovery of giant deposits of coal and iron ore in region of West Goverland, in connection with construction of mines there, was built new seaport in Rockport - capital of the region. In the middle of XIX century has started another period of development of Govish economy, this period continues intermittently to present day. In connection with Industrial Revolution took place quick expansion of cities, especially these situated in current Central Metropolitan Area - Port Andrews and Sheford. In 1855 has finished construction of first railway between those two cities. In 1860 was built railway from Port Andrews by Chorrol to Rockport and from Port Andrews to Llangefni. In connection with location of Port Andrews at the intersection of transport routes city has expanded very fast. Also Sheford, thanks to being the important administration centre has develop fast.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Economy
Base of modern Govish economy are large companies, which have more than 100 workers. They produce 61% of GDP. Many of them are large holding corporations like GovInvest or City Holding. Other are industrial companies or banks. Services are the most important sector of economy. In Goverland work 23 domestic banks and 12 external. The most important are GovBank, Sheford Invest Bank and Inter Bank. Furthermore in every city and large village works little family shops and large supermarkets - properties of foreign companies like Tesco and Inter Marche. Other kind of services are well development too. Other important sector of Goverland economy is shipping. Port Andrews International Seaport and Rockport Nord Havn was expanded in 60's and 70's. Today seaport in Port Andrews is one of the biggest in southern Scandinavia. 52% of Goverland export and import is carried by seaports. The main places of industry development are Special Economic Zones in Sheford, Port Andrews (2) and Rockport. They are situated very profitably and connected with highways and railways, wich are bloodstream of national economy. After boom in 80's new transport routes was built in mass, what let for fast development of building companies like GovBud or Svensson Construction Company. Today they aren't as important as in 80's and 90's, but they still produce 9% of GDP. Agriculture in Goverland isn't very important for national economy because in Goverland are too less arable lands, but through good soils, beneficial climate in central part of country and modern machines and fertilizers, yields are probably the highest in Europe.

Road
In Goverland are four ranks of roads. The most important are highways, which must be non-collison and have at least four lanes and one emergency lane. Second important rank is expressroad, which have to be non - collision, but could have only two lanes and don't have to have emergency lane. Third rank are national roads administrated directly by Ministry of Transport. Fourth rank are regional roads administrated by Regional Council.Whole main cities of Goverland are connected by highways and expressways. The most important are expressweys S1 and S2, wchich connect both main cities of Central Metropolitan Area - Sheford and Port Andrews. Expressway S3 connects Sheford with northern border with Norway. Expressway S4 connects Port Andrews, Llangefni and eastern border with Norway. Expressway S5 connects Havn and Rockport with M2 highway. There are four highways in Goverland:
 * M1 starts on the eastern border with Norway, cross with M3, S2 and S1 between Sheford and Port Andrews and ends on intersection with M2. M1 is very important transit route between west and east part of country.
 * M2 starts near Choroll on intersection with expressway S5. It connects Chorrol with Hedestad and west of Port Andrews cross with main road in city - Horagatan. Then M2 leads to western suburbs of Sheford and local Special Economical Zone. Highway ends on northern suburbs of capital. It's very important road, because it connects west suburbs of main cities of CMA and is beneficial for companies loacted in Special Economic Zone.
 * M3 starts on intersection with M1, east of Sheford. Then leads to Sheford International Airport and western suburbs. M3 ends on north - east suburbs of Sheford. It's important transit road, which connects cities of Central Metropolitan Area and indirectly (by north Sheford and M4) north border with Norway.
 * M4 is the shortest Goverland highway. It starts in north Sheford and connects capital with northern border with Norway. It's important transit road between Norway and Sheford (indirectly Port Andrews and other parts of country).

Rail
Whole rail services in Goverland are operated by Goverland Railways Company. Both passenger transport as freight transport by railways are very important part of Govish transit system. Almost all main cities and the largest industrial plants in Goverland are connected by the rail. The major railways connect cities of Central Metropolitan Area with lesser cities and borders with Norway. Sheford and Port Andrews are connected by two railways - eastern and western. Both are connected in Port Andrews by Municipal Railway Line and in Sheford by Midtown Railway Line. On Municipal Railway Line in Port Andrews is located Port Andrews Central Station. In Sheford there are two central stations - western and newly built eastern. Connections between cities of CMA are very important for passengers, which lives in one city of CAM and works in another. In Port Andrews and Sheford works Urban Rail System too. It's designed for passengers, which live in one part of town and work in another. Urbain Rail System is very popular among inhabitiants of Central Metropolitan Area. Railway system in Goverland is important for economy, especially for industry and agriculture, because railways connects Special Economical Zones in Sheford, Port Andrews and Rockport and main industrial plants like GovOil Refinery east of Port Andrews with main cities, state borders and major seaports. There are many freight stations in rural areas, which let for trasport of crops. Railway system in Goverland let companies for distribution of goods to other parts of country and all Europe.

Aviation
There is only one large passenger airport in Goverland. Sheford International Airport (SIA) is located east of Sheford near M3 highway. Airport has one asphalt concrete runway and one passenger terminal. SIA is operated by eleven regular airlines. Number of passengers in airport in 2012 was 1,605,772 and number of aircraft movements was 20,891. Sheford International Airport is a hub for low cost airlines Ryanair and for national airlines Goverland Airways Company knowns as GovAir. GovAir is major airline in Goverland. It operate flights to many European, Asian and American cities like Warsaw, Wrocław, London, New York, Tokyo and other. Goverland Airways is property of the largest company in Goverland - GovInvest. Except Sheford International Airport there aren't any airports in Goverland, but there are plans to build regional airport near Rockport in western part of country.



Shipping
In Goverland work two large seaports - Port Andrews International Seaport and Rockport Nord Havn. The first is one of the biggest seaport in Scandinavia and major seaport in Goverland. Second is lesser regional seaport, important for economy of western Goverland. By both seaports is carried 52% of export and import. In 2012 transshipments in Port Andrews was approximately 15 mln tons; in Rockport 6 mln tons. Seaport in Port Andrews is very important for industry, which is located in Central Metropolitan Area. By Port Andrews is carried 72% of import of companies, which works in CMA. In Port Andrews works four terminals:
 * Passenger terminal is located in western part of seaport. Hear works ferry links between Port Andrews and Rotterdam and Copnehaga.
 * Container terminal is the largest and most important, located in central part of seaport. Hear works 22 container cranes and 33 gantrys. In 2012 container handling in this terminal was 902,091 TEU. Near terminal are situated warehouses and freight stations.
 * Mass wares terminal is located in central part of seaport. Hear works 14 cranes which realod inter alia coal, cement, salt and sand.
 * Fuel terminal located in eastern part of seaport. Hear are located 33 oil tanks and small refinery, which is property of GovOil.

In Goverland work 11 cruise companies - 2 domestic (Vanger Cruise Company - properry of Vanger Industries, GovInvest Logistics - property of GovInvest Company) and 9 external (inter alia Maersk Sealand, Gartner Logistisc, Hapag-Lloyd and P&O Nedlloyd).

Demography
In 2012, Goverland population was estimated to be to 2,01 mln, which includes almost 900 000 (41%) inhabitiants of Central Metropolitan Area (Port Andrews - 350 000, Sheford - 530 000 and surrounding villages - 20 000). The largest city by population, which isn't situated in CMA is Rockport (~30 000 inhabitants). Other major cities in Goverland are Havn, Chorrol, Hedestad, Elfsborg and Llangefni. 54% of inhabitants of Goverland are women, 46% - men. More than 40% of population is more than 50 years old. Goverland has very high rank of urbanisation - 90% of population lives in cities. In Goverland city is a place, which have more than 5 000 inhabitants. Approximately 20% of population of Goverland are non - nationals, mainly Poles, English, Germans and Arabs. Number of immigrants steadily increasing, new immigrants are mainly Arabs. Approximately 25% of immigrants, which came to Goverland after 2010 are unemployed.

Healthcare
Healthcare in Goverland is managed directly by government and Ministry of Healthcare, which provides modern, completely free and high-standard healthcare system. It's a result of high government attention and developing this sector from over 20 years. Expenditures for healthcare in Goverland accounted in 1990 was only 1,2% of GDP, but in 2005 it was already 2,1% and in 2012 2,9% of GDP. Today in every city in Goverland, which have more than 10,000 inhabitants is located at least one large hospital. If lesser city is located far from nearest main city (like Elfsborg or Chorrol), hospitals work also there. In other lesser cities and main villages work modern network of clinics. Euthanasia in Goverland is prohibited and considered as a crime. Abortion is allowed only, when mother's life is threatened. In effect the life expectancy at birth in Goverland is 80.1 years for men and 85.1 for women.

Education
Education in Goverland is administrated directly by Ministry of Education. Responsible for education on local level are Departaments of Education, which works near every Regional Council. Education is financed by taxes and free on each level. Govish system of education is divided for: preschools (ages 2-7), elementary schools (ages 7-14) and high schools or technical schools (14-19). Elementary school is the first stage of learning-based education. In first three years students learns Maths, Nordic, English, Religion and Physical Education. After three years new subjects are added (Science, History, German or Spanish). After elementary school every student must pass final exams. In secondary school students can choose subjects, which they would like to learn and pass on secondary school exams. Maths, Nordic, History, Religion, English and PE are compulsory. Pupils have to choose at least two additional subjects (Geography, Chemistry, Biology, Civic education, German, Spanish) or compulsory subject in extended version. Everyone who finish high school or technical school can pass secondary school final exams and go to University. Difference between technical school and high school is that after finishing of technical school graduates gain a profession. In Goverland works many universities, especially in Sheford, which is the largest academical centre in Goverland. Major universities in Goverland are University of Sheford, Sheford Technic University, Sheford Medical University, Academy of Fine Arts, University of Port Andrews, Port Andrews Maritime University and University of West Goverland situated in Rockport. Education is compulsory between 7 and 18 year of life, but 99% of eighteens decide to continue education. 95% of students of secondary schools pass final exams. 73% of them decide to goes to University.



Religion
The dominant religion in Goverland is Christianity. 87% of inhabitants of Goverland are Christians. 81% of them are Catholics, but Goverland is also home for Orthodox and Protestants like Lutherans, Calvinists, Anglicans and Pentecostals. 7% of inhabitants of Goverland are Muslims, 5% are Jews and 7% are Atheist. In 1102 Goverland was baptised and Christianity became most important Religion in state. During Norwegian and Danish occupation, where dominant religion was Lutheran, Catholic's churches was places, where inhabitants of former Kingdom of Goverland could cultivate their traditions. After recovering the independence Christianity became very important thing for citizens of independent Goverland. Today in Goverland works many churches, including inter alia St. Michaels church in Sheford (former cathedral of Mosebacke), St. Peter's and Paul's arch-cathedral in Sheford and Cathedral of Our Lady of the Sea in Port Andrews. First largest groups of Jews came to Goverland after Alhambra Decree in Spain. Before II World War Jews was 12% of citizens of Goverland, today, after Holocaust and foundation of Israel, they are only 5%. Census in 1975 showed, that Muslims was only 1% of citizens of Goverland. In 1980 it already was 3%. In 80's and 90's exodus of Arabians to Goverland continued and many of native inhabitants of Goverland passed on Islam. In effect today Muslims are 7% of inhabitants of Goverland, but in whole country works only two mosques.

Languages
There are two official languages in Goverland - English and Nordic. Contemporary 95% of inhabitants of Goverland use Nordic, 59% use English and 53% use both of them. Furthermore very popular are Norwegian, which know 10% of citizens, Polish (8%) and German (7%). English became popular in Goverland after Second World War and overthrowing of communist government in 60's, when compounds with United Kingdom and United States was very strong. Today from first grade children in schools learn English and it is most popular language on secondary school exams. Norwegian came to territories of Goverland during the occupation in Middle Ages and in 19. century, today near borders with Norway lives many Norwegians and there we can see double-language road signs, which are written in Nordic and Norwegian and designed for Norwegians, which live or work on territory of Goverland. Polish language became popular in Goverland in second half of 19. century, after exodus of Poles after January Uprising in Poland. In last years Arabian became popular too. It's effect of exodus of inhabitants of Arabian States to Goverland. Approximately 3% of inhabitants of Goverland use Arabian.