Nordica

The **Federal Republic of Nordica**, or **Nordica** is a constituent country of the Atlantic Confederation in Europe and North America. It also holds a significant jurisdiction of the North and Central Atlantic. It is the founding member of The Realm, though it left in 2266 following the expulsion of Panama from the alliance, leading to the founding of The Atlantic Association, a predecessor to the Atlantic Confederation.

## History

### Forming Nordica

During the Early 2020's, **The Nordic Council** would see expansion into the Baltic States, increasing economic ties after the damage of a global economic crash resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. While Europe was becoming more divided, the Nordic countries began to work more closely.

In North America, Canada's Atlantic provinces become involuntarily independent after Quebec becomes it's own country. While Nova Scotia and New Brunswick join the United States, **Newfoundland** remains independent.

The **European Union** collapses as a result of increasing pressure from its members, only sewing further instability across Europe. However, the Nordic countries are one of few to work together in order to move forward, restructuring the Nordic council to take on the role of the EU in the region.

The Canary and Azores islands are granted autonomy by Spain and Portugal, with many from across Europe, especially the financially well off Nordic countries, choosing to move there.

As a result of greater support from the council, Greenland becomes independent from Denmark, staying a part of the Nordic Council. Newfoundland joins the Nordic Council as an observer state, becoming increasingly tied to the organisation.

In 2036, following years of debate, a union of Nordic countries is formed, creating the Federal Republic of Nordica. It initially covers only the European mainland, with Atlantic states such as Iceland and Kalaallit having not yet joined. The following year, Nordica admits Iceland and Faroe, Kalaallit, and Vinland, and incorporates the territories of Svalbard and Jan Mayen, and North Kalaallit. The constitution is finalised and the first elections occur. Johan Kirkegaard is elected **President**, while Josef Matson is elected as **Commissioner**.

### A Failing Alliance

Ever since it's inception, Nordica has been closely aligned with the United States, with them bring an early proponent, and financial backer of the Realm Program in its infancy.

Nordica would serve alongside the United States in a number of conflicts, including the **Japanese civil war**, and in peacekeeping efforts following the **Second October Revolution**.

Nordica remains Neutral in the **French Civil War**, despite pressure from its ally. America fears a united Europe, whilst Nordica believes it can work with the new country, officially making ties with Neo-Europe once it is declared. This however, sours relations with the USA somewhat.

After the USA's failed intervention in the second phase of Japan's Civil War, and Japan falling to the Communists, it is politically dead. Nordica drops all ties, as does a number of its allies, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Colombia. All three begin to orient themselves around Nordica.

### Three States Period

Following the end of American influence, The Realm of Nordica and it's allies begin to interact with the new powers of Neo-Europe and GUASS. The alliance of these three states is a major turning point in world history leading to irreparable global change.

Nordica trades **Königsberg** to Neo-Europe, in exchange for **land in Belarus**, **Morocco**, and the Islands of **Macaronesia** with significant Nordic settlement, which will become the state of Bruniland the Following year. Meanwhile, the parts of Belarus join Sudriland, like some parts of Belarus that had joined prior.

An invasion of The United States occurs, co-ordinated by the three Superstates, with Nordica taking what is now **Laurentia and The Federal Republic of America**. Since they were once closely aligned, The USA moves many of its assets into areas set to be taken by Nordica, ensuring that Neo-Europe, and especially GUASS do not inherit them. Unrest in the divided island of Cuba, results in them being ceded to GUISS, in exchange for Karelia and Murmansk (now Saami).

**Hush Diamonds** are found on the island of Jan Mayen, supercharging the Island's development.

#### Anarchist Crisis and Nordican Civil War

Main Article: The Anarchist Crisis

In 2056, violent anarchist groups spill over from GUISS, causing rioting during the first round of Nordica's 2056 elections. Two groups are found to be responsible for the attacks, a **Belarusian nationalist group**, part of the larger Pan-Slavic movement driving the Anarchist Crisis, alongside the larger **National Upheaval Force**, or **NUF**, which seeks sudden political change, with an ultimate goal of a decentralised, communistic nation.

As a result of the riots, Second President, Bjorn Magnússon is ousted, in favour of Nero candidate, Maja Öberg. Several states in the East declare a state of Emergency, with the assemblies of **Sudriland, Estonia, Suomi, and Karelia** being temporarily relocated to Stockholm. Nordica and GUISS form the **Anti-Anarchist League**, in order to better combat the Anarchists.

The head of assembly of Sudriland, **Alexis Lanka** is raped and killed by NUF members, prompting a harsher response. By now, a Civil war has been declared, with the NUF having conquered much of Karelia, and significant parts of the East. At this time, the **Kerali Massacre** occurs, with the NUF cutting the town off, and allowing it to starve, only to make a political statement. Meanwhile, Peace talks open with the Belarusians, and a ceasefire is signed. Nordica begins to successfully retake Karelia, reaching it's capital, Äänislinna. A hard fought campaign begins in Karelia, taking years to fully free the state. The first Assemblies return to their respective capitals. The NUF surrenders in late 2060, and the **Treaty of Luleå** is signed, concluding the war.

### Consolidation Period

Following the Anarchist Crisis, normality returns to Nordica, as it begins to integrate states from its rapid expansion in the 2050s. Over the 2060s, Saami, Hushi, New Britain, New York, and Delaware are admitted. Nordican politics begin to settle as the nation enters a period of peace, lasting a number of decades. Nordica uses this time to make legal changes and other reforms.

Upon turning 80, the first Commissioner of Nordica, Josef Matsson, resigns, appointing Kaia Halverson as his successor. Four years after, Leena Ilves is elected the 6th President of Nordica. Ilves has a very strong working relationship with Halverson, together working to diffuse a territorial dispute between Realm member, Chile, and Neo-Europe Protectorate, Patagonia, that nearly escalates into an all out war. Nordica establishes **Hreggland**, the **first Lunar colony**, with its capital of **Fyrrira**, beginning Nordica's golden age of space activity. Around this time, Nordica incorporates Bermuda as a Territory, expecting it to never surpass the 500 thousand population threshold required for statehood. However, plans to raise the atoll, and build new artificial islands are put into place, potentially allowing Bermuda to expand. Meanwhile, The Territory of North Kalaallit is admitted as the state of Polaris.

Upon GUISS returning from it's isolation, Nordica begins to re-establish relations with them. Kaia Halverson negotiates a land trade with them, getting some border territory in exchange for land in Indomalaya. This causes significant tensions, with Indomalaya threatening to leave the Realm of Nordica entirely, forcing a reform. **The Saigon Articles**, ratified in 2114, governing the changes that must go ahead, giving many parts of The Realm full independence. Alongside this, Article 5 stipulates that Autonomous Regions (previously a part of the Realm with significant autonomy), must be **Autonomous to a Nation, or independent**. This forces Belarus to rejoin Nordica, though retaining its autonomy. Nordica admits new states in the land it purchased, moving it's mutual border with GUISS.

### Era of Mistrust

Exiled Trans-Poland governor, **Andrzej Morawiecki** founds **Irako** as a Belarusian branch of **Razem**. It gains rapid popularity in the wake of Belarus being re-integrated with Nordica. Intermittent terror attacks and protests begin in Belarus and Sudriland, in the name of Irako. Despite this, Irako is not deemed responsible for the attacks, but are told to mitigate the issue.

The Exiled **Communist party of Finland** holds a demonstration, backed by GUISS, at their border with the State of Suomi. This results in increased resentment of Nordica's Russian minority, which only further distances the two Nations.

After a significant attack in Brest, Irako is reviewed, and found to be responsible for some of the attacks attributed to it. As a result, the party is declared unconstitutional. Since ties to GUISS are also found, Nordica begins to cut ties with the Communist state.

Nordica successfully catches the **Tuttle-Swift comet**, and it is mined for resources.

Nordica withdraws from the **Moscow Peace Conference**, citing GUISS influence. It sets up the **Board for Communist Infiltrations**, or **BCI**, in order to monitor the rising influence of GUISS.

Vice-Commissioner Leena Ilves is assassinated by **Kyösti Heikkinen**. He is found to be a member of the Finnish Communist party, with the attack ultimately being pinned on GUISS. Halverson establishes a pact with Neo-Europe, who had themselves withdrawn from the Ten Year Peace.

Kaia Halverson resigns as Commissioner, naming Svend Anker as her successor. Anker implements border checks with GUISS.

Nordica continues to support the National party after losing power in Neo-Europe to the **Republicans**. Once the nation splits, Nordica backs the National lead half, although begins to implement similar hard borders with the newly established **Neo-European Socialist Republic**, or **NESR**. In the Atlantic, Nordica places harsh restrictions on NESR vessels, as a number of skirmishes have occurred between them and Neo-Europe.

When **God's Duty** emerges in the Russian far East, Nordica declares their support, and begins supplying them. War breaks out with GUISS and NESR later that year.

### World War Three

Main article: World War Three

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### Recovery Period

After the end of World War Three, Nordica begins to undergo reconstruction around its most heavily damaged cities, including **Helsinki** and **Petersburg**. A push is made to develop de-radiation methods, to help alleviate damage from the war.

Commissioner of Nordica, Svend Anker, is reported as behaving erratically. Rumours begin to surface that he is suffering from depression. Anker is declared unfit to work, and temporarily replaced by his Vice-Commissioner, Annaliisa Lund. Anker is formally diagnosed with depression, believed to have been a result of guilt for his wartime actions. Anker goes on to take his own life, resulting in Lund inheriting the role of Commissioner.

Following Anker's death, Lund continues to work on improving international relations post-war, especially with the UCS. Following a referendum, much of **Rusland**, acquired during the war, chooses to re-join **The UCS**/**GUISS**.

#### Sanctorum Crisis

Main Article: Sanctorum Terror Attacks

The first Sanctorum attack in Nordica happens in 2167, when the daughter of a government employee is murdered. This is quickly overshadowed by a much more serious event when the week of terror occurs, a string of four incidents, claiming a total of 277 lives. This severely angers Nordica, who rallies the Realm, many of whom have had multiple attacks on their soil. They issue an ultimatum to Guyana, who have been harbouring Sanctorum leader, Sebastian Bauer, with Lund outright threatening Guyanan president Jean-Yves Layne, exploiting the fact that one of the attackers, Ania Layne, is his niece. They oblige, allowing Panamanian led forces to arrest Bauer, who is sent to Verratarin.

### A Changing World

A new virus, **Scavravirus**, is found in India, and spreads rapidly in Neo-Europe. As a result, Nordica closes it's borders with them. Since Nordica isn't hit too badly by the virus, normal life is not interrupted. However, the virus causes significant economic damage in Neo-Europe, which causes problems in Nordica as a result. Meanwhile, Ekrim Tekin takes power in Neo-Europe, and begins suppressing it's people.

Annaliisa Lund steps down as Commissioner, appointing Aiga Truelson as her successor.

In Neo-Europe, those who can move North into Nordica, do, especially the largest Scandinavian states. This causes Sweden to breach the **20 million population** limit, forcing a reorganisation of some states. To do this, The States Act is passed, granting Götaland separation from Sweden, on top of this, Volgoda is split into a State and an autonomous region, as well as a more minor change to Sudriland.

Under Truelson, Nordica becomes an opponent of Tekin's rule in Neo-Europe, not reinstating open border policies, like they had following the war. The two Nations clash when Tekin refuses to let Realm staff leave **Verratarin Prison**. In response, The Realm mobilises the very naval assets they assembled to protect the facility. Tekin does eventually allow the Realm Staff to leave, however Realm prisoners, of which there were a couple, as well as **Sebastian Bauer**, who both sides had a stake in were not returned, and were later executed by Tekin, sewing the first seeds of discontent in Nordica.

### Technological Advancement and Disgracing of Nordica

With the rising power of Tekin in Neo-Europe, Nordica begins to turn inwards, working on its own technologies.

Aiga Truelson falls pregnant, giving birth early the following year. She names her daughter Ināra, becoming the first to have a child while in office. The father, Thiassi Mukhina, is of a high position in GUISS and is unable to return to Nordica, leaving Truelson to raise Ināra alone.

Following Gwok Hoon's purges, Thiassi is accused of amassing wealth, and is executed. Truelson immediately withdraws from her role, leaving her Vice-Commissioner, Sigurd Nesbø, in charge until she returns. Much of this was hidden from the public, in the interest of Ināra's safety.

A project begins to make a **genetically new person**, allowing for gene editing in those who are to be born via this new method. It is seen as an alternative to the clones of Neo-Europe. In 2191, a effort with a similar goal produces Freya, an **AI android**. Although she was designed to be as human as possible, she lacks human emotions, and has significantly higher intelligence. A new crisis emerges when a clone facility in the Falklands rebels against Tekin, and right wing militant group, Espejismo chooses to intervene. The ensuing crisis forces the Realm's hand, resulting in it mobilising their Navies. Following the battle, Realm states pass legislation guaranteeing artificial peoples full rights.

In the next few years, Nordica does little to combat Neo-Europe's rising influence in space, with the sole exception of the mission to Proxima Centurai by the Hagall Interstellar Vessel. With Neo-European dominance unquestioned, the Realm stagnates, especially Nordica. This culminates in the Interplanetary Catastrophe, when the Realm are unable to defend their interests in space, and are utterly humiliated by Neo-Europe. During the crisis, Aiga Truelson resigns as Commissioner, and is succeeded by Jaan Minkenen, who immediately appoints Freya, taking the name, Freya Ibsen, as his Vice-Commissioner.

### Space Exploration, The Schism, and The New Age

Under Ibsen, Nordica would begin to redevelop it's technology, with the main aim of rivalling Tekin's Neo-Europe. This period of progress would be short lived, as Tekin would die only 10 years later, and his adoptive son Franz would face a similar fate. The fall of Tekin's regime left no need for Nordica to further advance it's technologies, working heavily against Freya's vision for the Nation she wished to rule. Since she could no longer convince Minkenen that what she was doing was justified, she would begin to take matters into her own hands.

In 2250, Ibsen orchestrated an Assassination attempt on Minkenen, which occurred at the **2250 Tangier Conference**. She intended for the assassin to fail, in order to force Minkenen to briefly step back as Commissioner, which he does. In this time period, Ibsen begins to organise The Atlantic Association, a close alliance she had helped to foster with America and Panama. She would make the position permanent shortly afterwards, during the **Hidden Coup**. After kidnapping Minkenen, Ibsen implanted a chip into his brain, allowing her complete control over his body. She would begin to work towards her dream of a united Atlantic, using Minkenen to do so. This would cause issues in 2256, when after Nordica backed Pará in their war against French Guyana, she sent Minkenen, alongside the then Commissioner of Panama, and an American diplomat. After berating their President, Felonius Tekin, Minkenen was arrested, while those that accompanied him were killed when open fighting occurred. Ibsen would once more take up the role of acting Commissioner, vowing to return the role to Minkenen when he returned. Despite it being written into the peace settlement, French Guyana did not release Minkenen, which would cause further issues in 2263, when they reverted control of Minkenen's brain back to himself by removing the chip, freeing him from Freya's control. this information was then covertly sent to Nordica's allies in the Realm, notably Indomalaya. Both Nordica and Indomalaya sent strike teams into French Guyana to free Minkenen, resulting in a firefight between the two, and Minkenen escaping into the Amazon, causing extensive damage to Nordica's relationship with Indomalaya. Furthermore, when Minkenen emerges in Peru, a neutral country in relation to the increasing divide, both sides were thrust into another crisis, with Panama outright annexing portions of Peru. being expelled from the Realm as a result, causing the Atlantic Association states, including Nordica, to leave in solidarity. within a few years, the nations of the Atlantic Association united, forming the Atlantic Confederation.

#### Space Exploration

In 2254, Nordica's attempt to reach the Proxima Centauri star system, The **Hagall IV**, made a landing attempt on Proxima B, only to fail when it encountered a strange interference, which caused the death of all but eight of its crew. The survivers made for Proxima E, where they set up a temporary base, from where they conducted extra expeditions to Proxima B, before Making a successful move to The Sanctuary Moon of Valos. Here they made the first recorded encounter of intelligent extraterrestrial life, in the form of the Valati, specifically the Nestarans. (Earlier encounters have occurred with the Domolaki, including the fleeing CEHN vessel, and both Neo-European space cruisers Hayat and Tekin, but without being relayed to Earth). The Hagall crew set out on several more concurrent expeditions, discovering the majority of Valati nations on all three habitable sanctuary moons, organising many into The Valati Coalition, with the express purpose of liberating the Sanctuary from Domolaki rule.

#### The New Age

Tensions would continue to build with The Realm, prompting a number of sanctions and trade withdrawals from both parties

this would however be eclipsed soon after with the unexpected return of Ekrim Tekin to Neo-Europe, with Dimitri Milosovic conceding the role of Premier to him, allowing Tekin to reorganise Neo-Europe into **The Human Commonwealth**. This prompted an immediate response from The Atlantic Confederation, cutting all ties, and beginning the preparations for all out war, aiming to catch the usurper unprepared, however, this proved difficult without the Realm's manpower, despite failed attempts at a temporary alliance to deal with Tekin. As a result, The Atlantic confederation began preparing for a 'new kind of war'

### The 23rd Centaury Collapse

#### The Soft War

Main Article: The Soft War

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## Geography

Nordica spans **Northern Europe** and **North America**. In Europe, it borders GUISS to the East, along a mostly arbitrary line, and borders Neo-Europe in two places to the South. In North America, Nordica shares a long border with America, beginning at the mouth of the Potomac River, and ending near the southern tip of Lake Timiskaming, at a tri-point with Quebec, another realm member that Nordica shares a border with. The nation holds many islands and island groups in the Mid-Atlantic, including Iceland, Greenland, Jan Mayen, the Azores Islands, and the Canary Islands. This along with an extensive coastline grands Nordica one of the largest EEZs of any nation. Nordica also holds the territories of St Helena, and Kerguelen, found significantly further south.

Nordica is mostly a mixture of **plains, lakeland and mountains**, with a few **volcanic islands**, such as Iceland, Jan Mayen, and the Azores. The furthest North sections have considerable glacial coverage, occasionally releasing icebergs into the North Atlantic. Nordica's European coast is cut by large fjords, such as Sognefjord. In fact, Nordica has all of the five largest fjords in the world. Much of the coasts of it's northern islands have similar features, as does a portion of North America's coastline. The remainder of Nordica's North American coastline is defined by a long chain of barrier islands along the coast of New Britain, New York, and Delaware, continuing much further south. Nordica's population is mostly spread at its edges, with the Atlantic being mostly sparsely populated, with the notable exception of Bruniland. However, it's most major cities are found on, or near the two continents, such as **Minask**, **Copenhagen-Malmö**, **New York**, **Toronto**, **Petersburg**, and others.

### Climate

Nordica is a mostly cold climate, with a few more arid climates on islands like the Canaries, and Anholt. Likewise a few more humid climates, such as the Azores Islands and Bermuda can be found in the south. Excluding arid areas, Nordica is a very fertile nation, with a significant amount of arable land. Nordica fits mostly into **Temperate Oceanic (Cfb)**, **Temperate Continental (Dfb)**, **Cool Continental (Dfc)**, **Tundra (ET)**, and **Ice Cap (EF)** climates. However limited pockets of **Warm Oceanic climates (Cfa)** can be found in Delaware and Bruniland, with the latter also having parts with a **Warm desert climate (BWh)**.

### Subdivisions

Nordica is subdivided into 30 States, 2 Territories, and 2 Autonomous Regions. These mostly coincide with the 5 unofficial 'regions' of Nordica, comprising areas of cultural similarities.

#### States

States are further divided into Counties and Municipal Areas. Counties tend to be centred around a city, and have significant historical provenance. Municipal areas are often designated areas for specific cities, but a municipal area can also be tied to a county, but this is not necessary. For example, Stockholm is not associated with a county, but Malmö is associated with Scania. The only exceptions to this are New York and Bermuda, which have communities instead.

### Selenography

Nordica has one lunar colony, Hreggland. It is made up of three lunar cities, **Fyrrira**, **Concord**, and **Ålborg**, as well as a number of mining and research outposts. The colony is located in and around the sea of storms, on the near side. Hreggland was the first colony to be established on the moon, in 2091. All three of Hreggland's cities exist inside of **biodomes**, with the largest and oldest, Fyrrira, having significant outskirts, including nearby green spaces.

## Government

Nordica, as a federal Republic, has a uniquely split government, with some decision making done at the state level by the **State Assemblies**, while others are reserved for the **National Government**, which follows a unilateral, parliamentary model. The latter is made up of a number of representatives of each State or Autonomous Region, as well as the Heads of Assembly and Chief Executives, all of whom have roles in either an Assembly or an Autonomous Government. Autonomous Regions have devolved powers, including the right to determine their own laws, a power the states do not have. Nordica's Parliament has a total of 219 seats, with approximately one representative per million people. The government is led by a **President**, who is elected in the second round of elections in June. They serve a maximum of two 6 year terms.

### Assemblies

An **assembly** makes a large number of decisions for its state, typically focussed on spending and management. The size of these may vary by state, but typically has around 100 members. These are led by their respective **Head of Assembly**, who are appointed by the winning party in that state. Usually, the general public are aware who this will be for each party in advance, and this may sway their vote. The public vote in the first round of elections in March for their **Member of Assembly**, or **MA**. These may also be a **Representative of State**, if appointed by the head of assembly. However, in some of the smallest states, the head of assembly is the only representative of state. An assembly has significant powers although it cannot set its own laws, which is reserved for the National Government.

### Autonomous Governments

The Autonomous Regions have the right to their own **Regional Government**, including a **Regional Parliament**, which in many ways function as both their own Assembly and Parliament. These may make their own decisions, uniquely including lawmaking. A regional government is led by a **Chief Executive**, elected alongside Members of Regional Parliament in March, using a similar format to the Presidential Elections. The Chief Executive has all the roles and responsibilities of a Head of Assembly, with a few powers akin to the President's. In line with this, the Chief Executive may appoint their own **Regional Representatives** to sit in the Parliament, like any state. Currently the 3 Autonomous Regions represent 22 of the 219 seats.

### Councils

A **Council** serves its respective Territory, County, or Community. By comparison to County and Community Councils, which have little powers except to implement changes made by the Government and their respective Assembly, if any, Territory Councils have more power to allocate resources, similarly to State Assemblies. People in Territories and Communities can officially elect some of their **Council Members**, as may people in select Counties, although this is through an unofficial election, and is thus not widespread.

### National Government

Collectively referred to as the **National Government**, The **Council of State** and The **Parliament** Serve vital roles in the administration of Nordica as an entity, responsible for everything from allocation of funding for States, Territories, and Autonomous Regions, to supervision of Nordica's military.

#### The Parliament

The **Parliament** is responsible for many of the decisions not made by State Assemblies, particularly on cross-state measures, and lawmaking. It is made up of 219 seats, as well as the Speaker, Chancellor of Parliament, and Prime Minister, with the latter two both holding Vetos. The seats are technically unelected, though since they are exclusively held by **Representatives of State** and **Regional Representatives**, who are in turn Members of Assembly or Members of Regional Parliaments, they are to some degree elected. Representatives are instead nominated by their Head of Assembly or Chief Executive, in a way as proportional as possible to voter percentages in that state.

#### The Council of State

The Council of State is an advisory body of high ranking government officials that in some way serve the **President**, The nation's head of state. Notable roles within this are the **Vice-President**, who may act on behalf of the President, and is the first to succeed the President in case of emergency; The **Chancellor of Parliament**, the President's representative in Parliament; The **Chancellor of Justice**, who acts as the Government's legal representative, as well as policing any misconduct by politicians and government bodies, as well as a number of others, including the **Chancellor of Finance**, **Chancellor of Military Affairs**, **Chancellor of Health and Social Affairs**, and so on. Each are part of a **department** with collective interests, of which they may be the only Chancellor, or one among a small group. Furthermore, a Chancellor may also serve as a **Representative of State**, Though this infrequently occurs, due to the dual nature of that role with **Member of Assembly**.

### The Commission

**The Commission**, although a body more related to the Atlantic Confederation, has influence over the Nordican Government, with any measures implemented by its Government being able to be overridden, modified, or outright rejected by the Commissioner, or by a majority of their advisory council. The Commission also coordinates the individual governments that make up the Atlantic Confederation, as well as handling almost all of its bilateral relations. The Commission is mostly unelected, although a few roles, including occasionally **The Commissioner**, are elected. The Commissioner will appoint their Commission, assigning their own roles. They also frequently appoint their successor. Of particular note, The **Prime Minister** is appointed directly by The Commissioner, of which there are one for each Constituent Country, as well as any Autonomous Regions within one.

## Demographics

Nordica has a total population of **216.7 Million people**. Of these, **93% are ethnically European**, mostly of Scandinavian, Finnic, Baltic or Slavic in origin. The remaining 7% is made up of "other" (6%), mainly constituting immigrants from Realm members, plus the native Inuit populations of Kalaallit, Polaris, and Baffin. Major cities, especially **Stockholm** and **New York**, have much more mixed demographics. Of the major groups, Scandinavians make up 35% of the population, Finns make up 26%, Balts make up 13%, and Slavs make up 11%. The largest three groups are together considered "Nordic", which makes up 74% of the population. "Other European" accounts for the remaining 8%, including long-term settlers in Laurentia, and Immigrants from Neo-Europe, which saw a particular rise following Tekin's coup, when many upper and middle-class families moved into many of Nordica's southern states, especially Sweden. (Although this lead to the state being split into Sweden and Götaland)

### Language

The main language spoken in Nordica is **Unified Nordic**, an initially **artificial merger of a number of Scandinavian and Finnic languages**, that has since been allowed to naturally change. It is the official language of Nordica, and very few do not speak it. As a linguistic merger of various languages, it has words derived from both Scandinavian an Finnic languages, although the sentence structure is heavily based on Scandinavian languages. Significantly spoken dialects include: **Laurentian** (incorporating a few words from English in a creole-like fashion), **Huritian** (a slightly softer variant of Laurentian, spoken in the Great lakes region), and **Sudrian** (incorporating some words of Baltic, and a few of Slavic, origin).

The second most commonly spoken language is **Realm English**, a **descendant of modern English** and **Lingua Franca of The Realm**. While it has a few native speakers, such as in Laurentia, it is a very commonly learnt second language, due to its use in communication abroad. It is a requirement for for schools in Nordica to teach it, but is not compulsory for students to take it at a high level. The language came into existence as an offshoot of English when it merged with German in Neo-Europe.

Many traditional languages spoken across Nordic countries prior to the creation of Unified Nordic still exist, either in isolated pockets, such as Inuit languages, or for scholarly or tourism purposes. However, many of these are close to extinction. The **Saami language** has protected status, and is taught in schools in the states of Saami and Botten.

**Belarusian** and **Russian** are widely spoken in the Autonomous Regions of Belarus and Smolensk respectively. Schools in these Regions teach in these languages, teaching Unified Nordic as a Compulsory second language.

A few entirely artificial languages exist, such as the **Hush language**, a very small Joke language created for the purpose of tourism. It is composed entirely of whistle sounds, as well as a glottal stops, and was designed to mimic wind. The story behind the language is that it was used to covertly communicate with others during mining work at the time of the Hushi boom. This is untrue, since the extraction of Hush diamonds was done by mining equipment, not by human labour. Despite this, the unique language has left an impression on Nordican culture, and is learnt equally as frequently outside of its birth state.

### Religion

Religion holds little influence on the lives of Nordicans, with **88% claiming to be irreligious**. This is mostly due to an increased understanding of science, on top of an already fairly irreligious populace. Religion in Nordica has had to evolve to match scientific understanding, with creationism being all but gone. The religions that do exist either orient themselves towards moral conduct, accepting scientific theories for the origins of the universe, or place their respective deity as the reason for the big bang. Despite this, a few older beliefs do survive in smaller, and commonly more radical, groups.

Of the remaining 12%, 9% are Christian, following branches of **Lutheran** or **Orthodox** Christianity with 4% and 5% respectively. 2% of that are Islamic, almost entirely of the **Agahri** sect, a more liberal branch of Islam, in line with scientific understanding. The religion is mostly followed by people of Middle Eastern, North African, or Malayan descent. The final 1% are a mix of various religions, such as Buddhists, Jews, and followers of Old Pagan religions. Of these, **Norse religion** is increasingly popular, although not necessarily as believed. It is seen as an important hallmark of Scandinavian culture. It is less popular amongst the other Nordic groups.

## Culture

Nordica's cultural background is rooted in **Scandinavian, Finnic, and Baltic culture**, with some Slavic influence. Its people are friendly and welcoming, but often emotionally isolated. As a result, depression is fairly common. Despite this, Nordica is one of the happiest countries in the world, owing to strong home values and community spirit. Due to having such a cold climate, heat is fairly valued by Nordican society. Open wood fires and Saunas, are very common, and Subtropical Bruniland is a very popular holiday destination.

### Cuisine

Traditional cuisine of Nordica is often labelled as "simplistic", or "bland", but it is seen as a very important staple of life. It mostly consists of of Fish or Meat, served with potatoes, or other root vegetables. More modern adaptations of this result in **High Nordic cuisine**, which incorporates more exotic and expensive ingredients, usually spices. At the high end, this becomes very expensive, including unique decorations such as moss. Affordable High Nordic cooking is very well liked.

Foreign Cuisine is very popular in Nordica, especially in the cities. Nordica commonly eats **pizza**, both classical Italian, and American variants, with New York being seen as the pizza capital of Nordica. South East Asian food, particularly **curried and skewered dishes** are very popular amongst Nordicans. Indomalayan chefs are frequently in high demand, due to the popularity of their cooking. **American comfort foods** have notable, but fairly low popularity in much of Nordica, but are very popular in Laurentian states.

Brunian Cuisine is a unique blend of many influences, including Nordican, American, Iberian, Moroccan, and other foreign foods, and is very famous internationally for it.

Pastry items, especially cinnamon rolls, are extremely popular. Many states choose to put different fillings In their own versions. Classical style rolls are found most commonly in Denmark, Götaland, and Sweden, who all claim invented the dish.

Alcohol consumption has dropped somewhat, although alcoholism is still a major problem in Finnic, Baltic and Uralic states. This mostly matches with the beverage divide, where majority consumption of **beer** stops, and consumption of **hard liquor** begins. Beer has less alcohol content than it used to, and is drunk less frequently. Those who drink Hard liquor, show typically show little concern for how much they are drinking, while in most cases, its alcohol content has not changed.

**Soft drinks** are increasingly popular amongst adults, with many brands using local fruit and berries to flavour their drinks.

### Media

Nordican television is very de-centralised, with only a few government-ran channels, which are used for news and broadcasting. They have one National channel, with a number of state-ran, or multi-state-ran channels also existing. A number of entertainment channels are government backed, but privately funded. Otherwise, Nordican television is highly competitive, both with other channels, but also with streaming platforms. This drives channels to produce high-quality shows for their consumers. Most channels are **subscription based**, with a few channels using adverts as their source of revenue. Nordican crime dramas are fairly prized overseas, mostly due to their unique tone, and typically well-written plots.

Nordica's film industry is centred in New York, with the city having inherited much of Hollywood when America was jointly invaded. Since then, it has built itself into a major film hub. Nordica shares much of its film industry with The Realm, often making films internationally, spread across a number of studios, and in **Realm English**. It is then distributed across The Realm. However, New York often makes films **exclusively for the Nordican market**, in Unified Nordic.

Music in Nordica is of famously high standard, though receives less international popularity than it once did. **"Europop"** is a fairly commonly liked genre, although **rock** and **traditional music** have seen notable spikes in popularity over the years. It is played across a large number of both national and local radio channels. Unlike television channels, the majority of Radio channels play advertisements for funding. Live music is very popular, and readily accessible in both large and small scale settings.

### Sport

The Two largest spectator sports in Nordica are **Football** and **Ice Hockey**. Football is played at Domestic, National, and International levels. Nordica has three Domestic leagues, for teams in European Nordica and the Atlantic states, as well as a fourth league for Laurentian teams, shared with Quebec and America (though few American teams take part). Nordica also has a National-level league played by state teams, which is fairly popular. These teams also play in some international tournaments, such as the **Euros**, and the **Realm Cup**. It's National team only plays at the **World Cup**, and at friendlies.

Ice Hockey is played by both private and state teams. The **Atlantic Tournament** is a major annual tournament, entered by private teams from Nordica, Quebec, and America. Since the sport is very popular in all three countries, the tournament has many passionate fans. Nordica's **State Cup** is less heavily contented, (typically only won by Sweden or Suomi), but is the only State-level Sports tournament to **allow Territories to play**, although St Helena has never entered, and Kerguelen scores poorly.

Nordica enters two teams in the **Olympics**, Nordica and Laurentia. (Olympians from Atlantic states participate in one of these teams, dependant on their state) Both teams perform well overall, but are specifically good at **athletics** and **acrobatics**.

**Cycling** is a popular sport in the state of Bruniland, which jointly hosts the **North African Tour** with Morocco, which is known for its relentlessly challenging stages. In the past, the tour has held legs in Iberia, Maghrebia, Maghreb, and the rest of Nordica. Nordica had a failed tour, which only lasted a few years. Due to perilous conditions, it had a higher injury rate than any other cycling tour in history.

## Economy

Nordica is an **export-oriented, mixed economy**. It is a significant exporter of timber, raw and processed metals, electronics, computer systems, weaponry, and electricity. It has the highest **GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per capita** of any nation, due to its strong economy, and relatively small population.

### Resources

Nordica has tremendous resource wealth due to it's vast size, and historically low population. Iron Ore, Bauxite, precious gems (such as hush diamonds), quarried stone, and timber are notable raw exports. This is bolstered by Asteroid Mining, which was one industry the country pioneered.

### Industry

Nordica has a decent industrial capacity, including the processing of metals, and weapons manufacturing. Vehicles such as cars and boats are mostly produced in laurentia. Otherwise, small factories exist all over the nation.

### Science and technology

Nordica has a highly advanced tech sector, producing high end electronic appliances and equipment. A significant contributor to this is the **Northern Baltic Tech Area** (Estonia, Ingria, Novaland, Velikiya), where much of Nordica's Tech brands can be found. It is today one of the leading nations in aerospace development, despite a period of stagnation in the late 2100s.

### Energy

Nordica has a privatised energy sector. A significant portion of Nordica's energy supply is generated by mostly renewable means (58%), with the remainder being generated by Nuclear fusion (42%). Nordica produces enough energy, such that it can export it's electricity, mainly to other constituent countries, such as America and Morocco.

## Foreign Relations

Nordica has, for most of its history, had strong relations with Neo-Europe, due to similar cultural values, and significant intermixing of their people. The height of their relationship was during the **Third World War**, and **Recovery Period**, where both worked closely together, even having an open border policy during the 2160s and 2170s. However, Ekrim Tekin has very much soured relations over the course of his rule, with Both sides having open hostilities. Until then, Neo-Europe was Nordica's largest trade partner, which hit both nations hard, but particularly Nordica. Following the end of Tekin's regime, the two states had become much closer, more akin to how they were during the post-war era. Though relations fell again with Tekin returning to power, initiating the Soft War. In the present, relations have still not truly recovered, despite Tekin's ousting and the common threat posed by the Domolaki.

Relations have been much less consistent with GUISS, as although the two states have worked closely in the past, such as during the **Anarchist Crisis**, and **Recovery Period**, the nations had a heated rivalry during the early 22nd Century, culminating in World War Three, where both sides killed many of the others population, and committed numerous atrocities and war crimes. More recently, both were aligned with a joint hatred of Tekin, but did little to act on it. Relations are still somewhat vacant to this day, though are improving.

Nordica has in the past had a strong relationship with the secretive Auroa Vanguard Republic, with its founders being put into power with the help of The Realm. **Loren Skell** had been a significant part of Realm efforts to de-radiate land, such as around Petersburg. Both were united in their disdain for Neo-Europe in the Tekinian era, although in Nordica, it was merely a hatred of Tekin and his regime. Since then, Nordica had begun to remake ties to Neo-Europe, which has strained their relationship somewhat. In turn, their backing of The Realm after Nordica's succession has only exasperated the situation.

Once Nordica's closest allies, relations with The Realm have all but collapsed, mainly a result of Commissioner Ibsen's actions, which drove a wedge between the Atlantic Association, under her influence, and the rest of The Realm. In the decades since the schism, the two factions have repeatedly failed to put aside their differences, both in the face of Tekin's return, and the Domolaki invasion of Earth, which has lead to the perpetuation of both the Soft War, and the current conflict. In particular, Indomalaya has drastically fallen out of favour with the Nordican people, believing they are being manipulated by Tekinite lies, although the reality of this is becoming more in question.

### Constituent Countries within the Atlantic Confederation

Nordica's best relations are with the other constituent countries of The Atlantic Confederation.

Panama is particularly close, owing to similar political values, and a shared sense of spirit. both were instrumental to the founding of the Atlantic Association and Confederation, and many of the events that transpired to reach it. Their cooperation is forged over many crises, including; WW3, in which Panamanian forces were instrumental in a number of theatres of war involving Nordica; The Sanctorum Crisis, where both incurred a major attack, and Panamanian intervention was required to stop; and the Schism, where both parties played a defining role.

Another constituent to which Nordica is particularly close is Morocco, who are a significant trade partner. Both nations are very close, especially the people of Bruniland, who have a lot of Moroccan influence.

The constituent that Nordica is closest with however, is America, with huge cultural mixing, especially in Laurentia. While America's impact on Nordica is small, Nordica has a very large influence on America, helping to establish the country. There are also a significant number of Nordic people in the North, especially on the Great lakes.

### Extra-terrestrial Relations

Nordica, as a major part of the Atlantic Confederation's efforts in The Sanctuary, has strong relations with the nations apart of the Valati coalition, having provided an opportunity for the Valati to break away from The Domolaki's empire, giving them a sudden, and drastic technological lift. Likewise, The Atlantic Confederation has opened a distraction from the invasion of Earth through the ever increasing success the coalition has played. However, this has come at the expense of some of the neutral Valati Nations

Unsurprisingly, Nordica has very poor relations with the Domolaki Empire, having been in active warfare with them on Earth, and through being the Valati's beneficiary.