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, United Nations, European Free Trade Association and The Western Scandinavian Monetary Union. Goverland shares a land border with Norway and seaborders with Norway, Denmark and Lovedelund. 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
The state of Goverland was founded in 1076 as an English oversea territory through an expedition to Scandinavia consisting of twelve sailing ships with Wilhelm Andrews as a leader. He founded the first English settlement, known as Port Andrews. In the following years there was a fast development of Goverland, and more ships arrived in Port Andrews. In 1080 on territories of contemporary Goverland lived 20,000 people. Wilhelm Andrews, leader of the 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 attacked Goverland and all of the settlements were totally destroyed and burned. Govish forces were defeated in the Siege of Mosebacke and Battle of Freiburg, but in the Battle of Port Andrews the Normans forces was defeated thanks to support of Celtic mercenaries. In 1092 Sheford was founded as a national capital and Chorrol as the capital of West Goverland province. In 1102 Goverland declared independence from the Kingdom of England and entered into an alliance with Kingdoms of Denmark and Sweden. England did not have a powerful enough army and navy for a war against this alliance and in 1103 Goverland officially became independent state. Unfortunately thereafter relations of Goverland and England became 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 on the international arena and it also opened many new possibilities for economy. In the next centuries there was a rapid development of trade in the kingdom. In the 13th century seaports were opened in Port Andrews and Hedestad, which became some of the most important in southern Scandinavia. After death of King Sven II in 1360, Queen Margaret I of Denmark has negotiated with regency council joining of Goverland to the Kalmar Union, but after opposition of nobility, a new Govish king became nephew of Sven II - Lars Nilsson. However thanks to activities of new king, Goverland did entered into an alliance with a Kalmar Union. In the 14th and 15th century a period of peace ensued, in which the Kingdom of Goverland did not wage any wars, but at this time they built up the economy and military, especially the navy.

In 1419 Sheford and Port Andrews joined the Hanseatic League, it was an important step in development of both cities. In 1509 the War of Faroe Islands took place between Goverland and Denmark. The Govish Navy won this conflict and the Faroe Islands became a Goverland oversea territory. Unfortunately this incident was the beginning of the end of alliance between Goverland and the Kalmar Union. Definitive end of this alliance occurred in 1523, when the Union was dissolved. In 1537 army of Goverland under King Lars II Nilsson attacked the Norwegian regions of Buskerud and Horgaland, which were part of Danish-Norwegian 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, including France, Spain and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Nonetheless after six months of war the Govish Army was totally defeated by Danish forces. An Armistice was concluded in 1538 in Elfsborg, but after nine years the war broke out again, when Denmark attacked territories of Goverland. In this war only Papal States and Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth supported Goverland. For this reason Catholic forces were defeated in the battles of Fallun, Sheford, Port Andrews and Hedestad. After defeat of Rockport and the death of King Sven IV Nilsson, the Govish forces surrendered and Goverland was incorporated into Denmark-Norway.

Recovering of Independence
Despite the loss of independence national 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 - they have supported Sweden and fought against Denmark-Norway. 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 started Siege of Sheford. Forces of rebels 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 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. At this time was formed many modern manufactures, also agriculture and trade developed very. 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 started in 1817 and finished in 1822. In the same time was liquidated seaport in Hedestad. Construction of new seaport was huge 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. After Great Fire of Mosebacke in 1871, the city was attached to Sheford. Next year took place another Great Fire, in Sheforder New Town. Both Mosebacke and New Town dominated wooden buildings, Great Fires in 1871 and 1872 was definitive end of wooden buildings in the cities. At the beginning of the XX century Govish economy was based on mining, shipping and heavy industry. In 1905 was founded first large Govish company - Vanger Industries. During I World War, Goverland was neutral, in 1920 has entered to League of Nations. In election in 1924 was chosen first leftist government in history of Goverland. Before II World War Goverland was very rich and developed city, with strength position on the international area.

Second World War
After German invasion on Poland in September 1939 Goverland officially remained neutral. In January 1939, Govish president - Peter Karlsson arrived to London and met with Winston Churchill. During this meeting was signed a cooperation pact between Goverland and United Kingdom. In March 1940 to Goverland arrived British expeditionary forces. After German invasion of Denmark, which took place 9th April 1940, Goverland was ready for German attack. German branches of the air landing landed between Port Andrews and Hedestad. In the same time German ships started firing of seaport in Port Andrews. Despite resistance of Govish and British squads Port Andrews was occupied by Germans 10 April, Sheford and Rockport 11th April. Thanks to activities of Govish spies on the boards of German ships and courage of seafarers, ten Govish ships has escaped from beset Port Andrews inflicting heavy losses on the Germans. These ships have participated in next stages of Norwegian Campaign. After lose of Allies six of them escaped to United Kingdom and participated in next stages of the war. During the German occupation on Govish territories has acted many partisans under the command of Govish Government in United Kingdom. 5th May 1945, one month before German capitulation, took place secret meeting of Govish and British Government. Allies didn't want to let for incorporation of Scandinavia to Russian sphere of influence. 26th April, 2 weeks before capitulation of Nazis in main German offices in Sheford took place bombings organized by partisans. In those bombings died most of the Nazi leaders. At the same time British and Govish submarines started firing of seaport in Port Andrews, which was a main base of German navy in Goverland. Battle of Port Andrews has started, British and Govish navy has clashed with Germans on Andrews Bay, nearby the city. Thanks to activities in Sheford partisans took over control of Port Andrews after 2 days since beginning of fighting. Kriegsmarine was surrounded and destroyed 30th April nearby Elfsborg by allied navy of United Kingdom and Goverland. German army was distracted and unprepared and Allies took over power in Goverland 3rd May 1945. 5 days later was signed German Instrument of Surrender and II World War has ended.

Present day
10th May 1945 members of Govish Government in United Kingdom has returned back to Sheford. The Nation has suffered significant losses - 20 000 of Govish soldiers and 90 000 of inhabitants of Goverland was killed as a result of the war. 15% of buildings in Sheford was destroyed, in Port Andrews it was almost 18%, also seaport in Port Andrews was completely destroyed by British and Govish navy during siege. What wasn't destroyed by navy, was destroyed by fleeing Germans. New government was chosen in elections in September 1945. Citizens has chosen right-wing party - Govish Christian Democracy with Jahn Thornhammar as a prime minister and Bjoern Einar Nystroem as a president. In 1950 has ended reconstruction of Port Andrews International Seaport, 2 years earlier was reconstructed seaport in Rockport. Two new seaport was a huge impulse for renascent economy. Iron ore and coal from mines in West Goverland was exported by seaport in Rockport, goods from factories of Central Metropolitan Area by Port Andrews International Seaport. In 1946 was founded Svensson Construction Company, of today ninth largest company in Goverland, in 1949 Inter Bank, of today second largest bank in Goverland. In 1949 NATO has negotiated with government joining to structures of the Treaty. Finally parliament has approved an alliance between Goverland and members of NATO. Alliance was signed by president Nystroem 31st August 1949. During the Cuban Crisis on the territory of Goverland was located American missile launchers. They was liquidated 2 years later. In 60's on the waters of Andrews Bay and North Sea was discovered giant deposits of oil, it was another important factor which has influenced of development of Govish economy. In 1970 was finished construction of fuel terminal in Port Andrews International Seaport, which let for export of oil to other European states. In 1981, in his home, was killed Govish president Anton Dalme. In connection with murder was arrested and convicted group of leftist fanatics, probably financed by Russians. In 1992 took place referendum of the accession to European Union. In connection with good economic situation of Goverland, this proposal was rejected. In elections in 2005 new president became Peter Davidsson from Govish Christian Democratic Party. He also won in elections in 2009 and in 2013. 3rd July 2013 Goverland has joined to Alliance of Independent Nations.

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 - 300 000, Sheford - 710 000 and surrounding villages and small cities - 30 000). 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 during the Cold War, 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 Polish after January Uprising in Poland. In last years Arabic became popular too. It is due to an exodus of inhabitants from Arab nations to Goverland. Approximately 3% of inhabitants of Goverland speak Arabic.