Spirevo-Soupistan

Spirevo-Soupistan, officially the Federated Constitutional Monarchy of Spirevo-Soupistan, also called "L'Ézinsparz-Zsópalgtinç, is a union of two countries where the mainland (Spirevo) is located in Eastern Internatia, located in between the Silent Sea and Spirevan Sea and bordered by Fierce, The United States of Beige and Pebbleland. Spirevo and Soupistan both have 27 states each. The largest state is Voltav while the walled city-state of Fort Martalegs is the smallest. Both are in Soupistan.
Spirevo is a country geographically isolated from mainland Avantia by the Cylari Plateau, Cylari Mountain range and the Danobryn Mountains. While the mountains occupy the greater part of the territory, the Spirevan population of approximately 38 million people is concentrated mostly on the mountains, plateaus and plains, where the largest cities are to be found. Among them are the two global cities and economic centres – Siegeslinde and Zinzolin. Spirevo & Soupistan has a long history of armed neutrality — they have not been in a state of war internationally since 1419. They pursue, however, an active foreign policy and is frequently involved in peace-building processes around the world. Spirevo is also the birthplace of the Blue Cross and home to a large number of international organizations, including the IBU. On the Internatian level, it is a founding member of the Internatian Free Trade Association – although it is notably not a member of the Internatian Union. 
Spirevo-Soupistan is one of the richest countries in the world by per capita gross domestic product, and has the 3rd highest wealth per adult (financial and non-financial assets) of any country in the world. Siegeslinde and Zinzolin have respectively been ranked as the cities with the second and eighth highest quality of life in the world. It has the world's nineteenth largest economy by nominal GDP and the thirty-sixth largest by purchasing power parity. It is the twentieth largest exporter and eighteenth largest importer of goods. Soupistan, however, is the most unbalanced of states wealth-wise, where considerably poorer states, like Riêva and Yellowstone & Baltandorm are loacted.
Spirevo comprises three main linguistic and cultural regions: Spirevan, Suonic and English. Spirevan is mostly spoken in the North of the country as well as most of the outer colonies, English to the East and west and Suonic to the South. Spirevan is universally used in Soupistan although English is known by 99.3% of the population. The Spirevan-Soupistanic peoples, therefore, though predominantly Spirevan-speaking, do not form a nation in the sense of a common ethnic or linguistic identity. The strong sense of belonging to the country is founded on the common historical background, shared values (federalism and direct democracy and Cylaric symbolism. The establishment of the Spirevan Kingdom is traditionally dated to 6th January 1278; Spirevan National Day is celebrated on the anniversary.
== Etymology ==
The English name Spirevo is a compound containing Spire, from the nation's national tree, the Cylaric Spire, and Jeuvo, meaning land of in old Cylaric. The Spirevan name, L'Ézinsparz, literally means, The Land of the Spirevan People.
The English name Soupistan is named after the discoverer of the land, Colonel Neville Soupistan. The Spirevan name, Zsópalgtinç is the Spirevan version of the surname.
== History ==
Spirevo has existed as a state in its present form since the adoption of the Spirevan Federal Constitution in 1342. The precursors of Spirevo established a protective alliance at the end of the 13th century (1258), forming a loose confederation of states which persisted for centuries.
=== Early Spirevan History ===
The oldest traces of hominid existence in Spirevo date back about 150,000 years. The oldest known farming settlements in Spirevo, which were found at Caldeval, have been dated to around 5300 BC. Afterwards, there is little known between 5300 BC and 1100 AD as there have been no records discovered so far. In about 1100 AD the earliest Cylaric peoples who travelled from what is now modern day Pebbleland and Beige, settled down on the Cylari Plateau and settled down, traveling southward reaching down to the Kingdom of Suonia, which is now part of the southern end of Central Spirevo. 
The Kingdom of Suonia soon was united with the Cylaric countries and formed a larger nation then known as Cylaria. Cylaria was also a country which had a large empire outside of Internatia. Today, only 11 territories remain, but before there was about 22 territories and countries under its rule, most prominently in the neighboring continent of Magvel. 3 of these territories, namely Fort Martalegs, Yellowstone and Baltandorm, and Xaivis were granted statehood in 2013, another 6, Wtylaltid, Erinign, Hazlet, Jaunig, Voltav and Caxambalda, later on in the year. This saw a massive increase to the Spirevan population and area.
=== Kalvonic era ===
In 1498, the Kalvonic Empire from another continent conquered Cylaria and imposed a new unified constitution. This centralized the government of the country and effectively abolished the states. The new regime, known as the Kalvonic Republic, was highly unpopular. It had been imposed by a foreign invading army and destroyed centuries of tradition, making Cylaria nothing more than a Kalvonic Satellite State. The fierce Kalvonic suppression of the Wyvegol in September 1498 was an example of the oppressive presence of the Kalvonic Army and the local population's resistance to the occupation. Cylaria became a state of Kalvonia in 1499.
When war broke out between Kalvonia and its rivals, Urzamic and Akigsic forces invaded Cylaria. The Cylaris refused to fight alongside the Kalvonics in the name of the Kalvonic Republic. In 1503 Lord Nulen organised a meeting of the leading Cylaric politicians from both sides in Lidiav. The result was the Act of Mediation which largely restored Cylaric autonomy and introduced a Confederation of 20 states. Henceforth much of modern Spirevan politics would concern balancing the states' tradition of self-rule with the need for a central government.
In 1515 Cylaria declared war on Kalvonia and its allies, and after a 3 year long war, Cylaria emerged victorious and had its independence reinstated. The Congress of Madakia fully re-established Cylaric independence and the Internatian powers agreed to permanently recognize Spirevan neutrality. Cylaric troops still served foreign governments until 1660 when they fought in the Siege of Latti. The treaty also allowed Cylaria to increase its territory, with the neighboring countries of Urzamine and Akigs becoming states, as well as the cantons of the Suonic Kingdom after its dissolution after the Kalvonic War. Cylaria's land borders have not changed since. Shortly after, Cylaria was renamed to L'Ezinsparz to show the unity of its states. After this the country became isolated once again and was left out from all major Internatian wars and affairs since, until the early 19th century, when the country gained more contacts with the outside world.
===20th century===
In 1954, Spirevo shut its borders to all other countries and remained secretive, causing great suspicion with the other nations of Internatia. This was due to the Prime Minister at that time, Ciaran Lansky, abusing his powers and gradually turning into dictator. He ruled with an iron fist and Spirevo was soon reduced to its knees, leading to one of the worst cases of Hyperinflation in Internatia. After 6 years, a general protest saw his demise as he was arrested and excecuted v.i.a Guillotine a day later. The death penalty has been since banned.
Given its relative isolation, Spirevo has existed outside the mainstream of Internatian history, with few ties to countries other than Oalia, Kownia, Pebbleland and Sibinia. In recent times, however, its thriving tourist industry along with developments in transport and technology have removed the country from its isolation.
Recently Spirevo has changed from a Republic to a Federated Constitutional Monarchy to celebrate the Royal Weddings between Kosma and Tikata
In February 2013, a zombie attack plagued the southern city of Sansails. After the city had been quarantined, the country's forces proceeded to beat the undead. It is currently unknown how this happened, but Sansails is in ruins, and is currently rebuilding. The Capital City has since then, been moved to Seigeslinde in the state of Eskavaliera.
Women were granted the right to vote in 1959. After suffrage at the federal level, women quickly rose in political significance, with the first woman on the seven member Spirevan Federal Council executive being Erin Ckaldez, who served from 1984–1989, and the first female president being Nina Fonti in 1999. 
== Geography ==
Extending across the north and south side of the Cylaric Mountain Range in Eastern Internatia, Spirevo encompasses a great diversity of landscapes and climates. The population is about 38,900,000 excluding the states outside of Internatia, resulting in an average population density of around 194.7 people per square kilometer.
The Cylari Mountain Range are a high mountain range running across the North, Northeastern and Eastern border of the country, comprising about 60% of the country's total area. Among the high valleys of the Cylaris many glaciers are found. From these originate the headwaters of several major rivers, such as the Danalt, Hazlit, Lakks and Draveld, which flow in the four cardinal directions into the whole of Avantia. The hydrographic network includes several of the largest bodies of freshwater in Internatia, among which are included Lake Wlzyl, Lake Gséd and Saymor Lake. Spirevo has more than 1500 lakes, and contains 1% of Internatia's stock of fresh water. Lakes and glaciers cover about 6% of the national territory.
About a hundred of Spirevo's mountain peaks are close to or higher than 4000. At 4634, Monte Glaz is the highest, although the Soltanz (4478m) is probably the most famous. Both are located within the state of Cylari. 
Outside of metropolitan Spirevo, the outer states possess more unique climates. The state of Xaivis is mostly flat land. The highest point in the state is Milhotel Hill, standing at 15m at its peak. The lowest point is at sea level. In Yellowstone & Baltandorm, the terrain ranges from beach, to rainforest, to desert-like terrain and swamps. The 7 states compromising the region of Salutgs are similar to the Spirevan geography and possess high mountain ranges, plateaus and plenty of lakes, as well as verdant green hillsides and prairies. 
=== Climate ===
Metropolitan Spirevo enjoys a generally temperate climate, experiencing warm summers and mild winters. However, in recent years, summers have gotten hotter and winters more snowy and colder, leading to many problems. The coldest regions are in the mountains, which stay snow-capped all year round. The hottest region is the south, especially in the island state of Nitesa, which has recently become a large tourist hotspot.
=== Environment ===
Spirevo's ecosystems can be particularly fragile, because of the many delicate valleys separated by high mountains, often forming unique ecologies. The mountainous regions themselves are also vulnerable, with a rich range of plants not found at other altitudes, and experience some pressure from visitors and grazing. The climatic, geological and topographical conditions of the alpine region make for a very fragile ecosystem that is particularly sensitive to climate change.
=== Foreign relations and international institutions ===
Traditionally, Spirevo avoids alliances that might entail military, political, or direct economic action and had been neutral since the end of its expansion. Its policy of neutrality was internationally recognised at the Congress of Madakia. Spirevo maintains diplomatic relations with almost all countries and historically has served as an intermediary between other states. Spirevo is not a member of the Internatian Union; the Spirevan people have consistently rejected membership since the early 1990s. However, Spirevo seems to have the best foreign relations with Jindalea, Tikata and Kosma.
An unusual number of international institutions have their seats in Spirevo, in part because of its policy of neutrality. Zinzolin is the birthplace of the Blue Cross and the Zinzolin Conventions and, since 2006, hosts the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Furthermore, many organisations are located throughout the country, such as the International Archery Federation, in Zinzolin, the IBU (Internatian Broadcasting Union), in Siegeslinde, and the International Ice Hockey Federation, in Silvercoggs, the International Cycling Union, in Dolvasis, and the Internatia Winter Olympic Committee in Matsmitsón.
== Economy ==
Spirevo has a stable, prosperous and high-tech economy. In 2011, it was ranked as being the wealthiest country in the world in per capita terms (with 'wealth' being defined to include both financial and non-financial assets).
It has the world's nineteenth largest economy by nominal GDP and the thirty-sixth largest by purchasing power parity. It is the twentieth largest exporter, despite its size. If adjusted for purchasing power parity, Spirevo ranks 8th in the world in terms of GDP per capita, according to the World Bank and IMF (ranked 15th according to the ZIA Worldfactbook.
The World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report currently ranks Spirevo's economy as the most competitive in the world. For much of the 20th century, Spirevo was one of the wealthiest countries in Internatia by a considerable margin (by GDP – per capita). In 2007 the gross median household income in Spirevo was an estimated $137,094 at Purchasing power parity while the median income was $95,824. The wealthiest state on average was Eskavliera, while the poorest was Cabatos.
=== Education and science ===
Education in Spirevo is considered a very high priority with school being compulsory between the ages of 6 to 18. There are both public and private schools, including many private international schools. The minimum age for primary school is about six years in all states, but most cantons provide a free "children's school" starting at four or five years old. Primary school continues until grade four, five or six, depending on the school. Traditionally, the first foreign language in school was always Spirevan, Suonic or English depending on the region, although recently (2000) Tikatan, Spanish, Latin and French were rising in popularity.
At the end of primary school (or at the beginning of secondary school), pupils are separated according to their capacities in several (often three) sections. The fastest learners are taught advanced classes to be prepared for further studies and the matura, while students who assimilate a little bit more slowly receive an education more adapted to their needs.
The state of N is considered the state's education state and houses up to 2 million foreign students in its many universities.
=== Energy, infrastructure and environment ===
Electricity generated in Spirevo is 56% from solar and hydroelectricity plants and 39% from nuclear power, resulting in a nearly CO2-free electricity-generating network. 
On 25 May 2011 the Spirevan government announced that it plans to end its use of nuclear energy in the next 2 or 3 decades. "The government has voted for a phaseout because we want to ensure a secure and autonomous supply of energy", Energy Minister Larry Fodrets said that day at a press conference in Siegeslinde. "Lidiav showed that the risk of nuclear power is too high, which in turn has also increased the costs of this energy form." The first reactor would reportedly be taken offline in 2019 and the last one in 2034. Parliament will discuss the plan in June 2011, and there could be a referendum as well.
Spirevo's residents mainly use the Spirevo Bullet Train, of which is almost always on time and can circumnavigate the whole country in under 3 hours. This form of transport is useful and good for the environment. However, roads and cars are also massively used, especially in isolated and/or small areas. Bus services are free to all citizens of Spirevo.
There are many airports in Spirevo, the largest is situated in the Capital, Sansails and allows transport to all countries in Internatia. Some smaller airports in Sanctalune and Alto Mare have local flights. 
Port Ciaradahk is the country's largest port and harbor, and is the main location for Spirevo's imports and exports. Boats to the island States of Nitesa and Paradamasa also operate, as well as boats to other countries, namely Beige and Kosma.
Spirevo has one of the best environmental records among nations in the developed world; it was one of the countries to sign the Sordind Protocol in 1998 and ratified it in 2003. With Tikata and Novatlantida it forms the Environmental Integrity Group (EIG). The country is heavily active in recycling and anti-littering regulations and is one of the top recyclers in the world, with 66% to 96% of recyclable materials being recycled, depending on the area of the country.
In many places in Spirevo, household rubbish disposal is charged for. Rubbish (except dangerous items, batteries etc.) is only collected if it is in bags which either have a payment sticker attached, or in official bags with the surcharge paid at the time of purchase. This gives a financial incentive to recycle as much as possible, since recycling is free. Illegal disposal of garbage is not tolerated but usually the enforcement of such laws is limited to violations that involve the unlawful disposal of larger volumes at traffic intersections and public areas. Fines for not paying the disposal fee range from SPH 200–500.
Spirevo also has internationally the most efficient system to recycle old newspapers and cardboard materials. Publicly organised collection by volunteers and economical railway transport logistics started as early as 1865 when the first modern Spirevan paper manufacturing plant was built in Navern.
==Languages==
The historic and official language is Spirevan, a Cylaric Language that originated from the original Cylaric of which was spoken by the tribe in the north. Spirevan is known roughly by 95% of the population and is the standard for every day life and media, although English is also widely used and known.
Because of immigration, historical links, and close geographic proximity, Sibinian is also widely spoken. Pecari is also a language spoken in Spirevo, by roughly 4.3% of the population. The Pecari language is almost exclusive to the southern region of the State of Sleft, where the Kingdom of Pecaria had once stood, now part of modern day Spirevo when its monarchs were exiled and the people voted to join the Republic. Pecari is similar to Sibinian, and is generally understood by most residents despite having an entirely different alphabet. 
Suonic, another language that is unintelligable with Spirevan, is also known by about 98% of the public as a 3rd language after Spirevan and English, as it is widely used and taught. 2% of the public are native speakers.
Yangchen is vastly different from Spirevan and Suonic as well, and has only recently become available for teaching in Spirevo. It is spoken in Erinign and Wylaltid only and is considered one of the hardest languages to learn along with Suonic.
  	Mother tongue
Spirevan	45.9%
English 	28.66%
Suonic 	10.39%
Yangchen	15.05%
Others 	7.00%
=== Health ===
Spirevan citizens are universally required to buy health insurance from private insurance companies, which in turn are required to accept every applicant. While the cost of the system is among the highest, the system compares well with other European countries in terms of health outcomes, so patients are largely satisfied with it. In 2006 life expectancy at birth was 83 years for men and 84 years for women. It is among the highest in the world. However, spending on health is particularly high, with 11.5% of GDP (2003) and, from 1990, a steady increase is observed, reflecting the high prices of the services provided.
=== Urbanization ===
See also: List of cities in Spirevo
Between two thirds and three quarters of the population live in urban areas. Spirevo has gone from a largely rural country to an urban one in just 70 years. Since 1935 urban development has claimed as much of the Spirevan landscape as it did during the previous 2,000 years. This urban sprawl does not only affect the plateaus, mountains and plains but also the hilled areas and flatland and there are growing concerns about land use. However from the beginning of the 21st century, the population growth in urban areas is higher than in the countryside.
Spirevo has a dense network of cities, where large, medium and small cities are complementary. The Cylaric Plateau is very densely populated with about 450 people per km2 and the landscape continually shows signs of humman presence. The weight of the largest metropolitan areas, which are Siegeslinde, Zinzolin, Danobryn and Swaim tend to increase.
===Religion===
At 6% of the population, Christianity is the most followed religion, concentrated in the state of Amisamags. At 1.3%, Islam is the 2nd most followed religion in the country. Mosques are plentiful in areas where there is a high population of Sibinians, as Islam is the main religion in Sibinia. The rest of the population of Spirevo do not follow a religion, although over 70% of those people say that they are agnostic. 0.6% of the country practices other faiths, namely Judaism and Buddhism. Even though most Spirevans do not follow a religion, religious people and places are well treated and respected, and vice versa. There have been no reports of religious unrest in the country since its foundation.
== Culture ==
Spirevan culture is characterised by diversity, which is reflected in a wide range of traditional customs. A region may be in some ways strongly culturally connected to the neighbouring country that shares its language, (mainly Pebbleland and Beige) although the country itself is isolated from the rest of Internatia from the mountains surrounding it. Spirevan and Suonic are isolated languages and bear little resemblance to others. Yangchen culture is very different to Spirevan and Suonic cultures, showing a more oriental feel to it.
=== Media ===
The freedom of the press and the right to free expression is guaranteed in the federal constitution of Spirevo. The Spirevan National News Agency (SNNA) broadcasts information around-the-clock in the three national languages—on politics, economics, society and culture. The SNNA supplies almost all Spirevan media and a couple dozen foreign media services with its news.
The government exerts greater control over broadcast media than print media, especially due to finance and licensing. The Spirevan National Broadcaster, SNTV, is charged with the production and broadcast of radio and television programs. 
=== Sports ===
Spirevo is famous for the practice of Winter Sports. Spirevo hosted the 2006 Internatia Winter Olympics and is one of the most successful countries in the event, namely in Alpine Skiing and Ice Hockey, which is an extremely popular sport in the country. The most played sports in the country include Ice Hockey and Tennis, especially in the state of Confedartio Helereticas. The Spirevan soccer team saw success in the early days, but since has been reglated to the minor leagues, with barely any wins, despite being one of the oldest Soccer teams in Internatia. Due to this, soccer is not a popular sport in Spirevo. However, surprising success in I Internatia Cup has led to a massive eruption of interest and support. Baseball is extremely popular as well, with its center of interest being in New Rhitewell.
Ostrich racing is considered the main Spirevan sport and tournaments are held every year. The earliest record of the event dates back to 1369 AD.
=== Cuisine ===
The cuisine of Spirevo is multi-faceted. While some dishes such as wlats (Crushed Ice with fruit and topped with sugar), ruvents (grilled horse steak) or apaztry (similar to noodle soup) are omnipresent through the country, each region developed its own gastronomy according to the differences of climate and languages.
Chocolate had been made in Spirevo since the 18th century but it gained its reputation at the end of the 19th century with the invention of modern techniques such as conching and Chocolate tempering which enabled its production on a high quality level. Also a breakthrough was the invention of solid milk chocolate in 1875 by Danov Brienn. The Spirevan people are the world's largest consumers of chocolate.
The most popular alcoholic drink in Spirevo is beer.
==Internatia Song Contest==
Spirevo's main broadcaster is SNTV
See: Spirevo in the Internatia Song Contest
Category:Country
Category:Spirevo