Society of Alahana

## Demographics

As of September 2013, the population of Alahana is 104,755,248 people that live on the mainland of Alahana (excluding the colonies, overseas territories and dependencies). Making Alahana the second most populous nation in Tarus and the eight most populous nation in Eurion. The population density in Alahana is 136.31 people per square kilometer. Alahana's largest and most dense metropolitan area is the capital city of Adrilla with a population of over 15 million and a population density of ± 20,000/km2. The population of Alahana varies greatly. Most of the population is still homogeneous, being Alahanese nationals, or either from other Tarusian nations.

Life expectancy in Alahana is far above average, standing at 86.9 years (89.1 years for a females and 84.2 years for males).

### Ethnic groups

The residents of Alahana are predominantly ethnic *'Alahanese'* who are of South Tarusian descent, although a large group also are ethnically *'Etoran'* who are of Low Tarusian descent. The national minorities include but are not excluded to the Risikir warrior clans and Winyan Elves.

Since the Second Eurion War, Alahana has become home to an increasing numbers of immigrants, foreign workers, and asylum-seekers from various parts of the world. The influx originates from all over the world but mainly from Estavaran countries such as Oculla, Shacaea and Yaglor but also a lot of influx from Tarusian countries and former Alahanese colonies on Inoras mainly Acunad and Ethini.

### Immigration

In 2017, there were 37,570,000 inhabitants with at least 1 foreign parent, which means 36.12% of the population has foreign roots. 17,410,000 inhabitants (16.74%) have one parent born abroad with the other parent born in Alahana, 16,266,000 (15.64%) inhabitants were born
abroad and 3,894,000 (3.74%) inhabitants were born in Alahana to two parents born abroad .

The ten largest groups of foreign-born persons in Alahana in 2016 were from:

1. Lakaii
2. Shacaea
3. Aramei
4. Nogard
5. Ardenia
6. Mialath
7. Aalla
8. Paxallex
9. Zaobar
10. Scoacor

Alahana has one of the largest immigration population in Eurion which is a major source of population growth and cultural change. This change from slight emigration to a lot of immigration happened after the Second Eurion War when Alahana turned into an economic superpower. Alahana had a booming industry in all sectors but no population to fill all vacant jobs which meant many people from nearby countries saw this as an opportunity to find job in Alahana. Most of these people are from other Tarusian countries such as Lakaii, Nogard and Mialath which doesn't lead to an enormous culture shock in this group but since the early 2000's a large influx of people from Estavar and Ozuin have been emigrating towards Alahana. This is an enormous culture shock for these people as they don't speak a language that is similar to Alahanese, which is in the family of Elven Languages, they have totally different religions and their culture is also very different. Because this culture shock was so great many of these people couldn't find jobs as they didn't speak the needed languages, many felonies happened as they were allowed in their previous country but not in Alahana, et cetera and Alahana didn't have a sufficient social policies and institutions in place for this kind of situation.

### Languages

The Alahanese Language is the official national language of Alahana and is a southern elvish language, related to other elvish languages such as the Aefuin Language, Amnati Language, Teplano Language and the Oudduin Language. Alahanese people can understand large parts of other elvish languages but generally have difficulties speaking those languages when not educated in them. It is easy for an Alahanese speaker to learn another elvish language as they have similar grammar and similar sounding words.

The dialects spoken in Alahana vary greatly. The Rendan *(Western)* Dialect is very similar to the more proper Alahanese dialect, Eandi *(East)* dialect, north of the Nuhlan River and the Rendan dialect if mainly spoken south of the river. The Wedjan *(New)* Dialect is very predominant in the west of the country in the state of West Alahana that borders the imperial speaking Dindar which brings some imperial influences in that dialect. Then the last major dialect is the Etoran (Northern) dialect which are heavily influenced by the Eawan Language which is not part of the Elvish Language family but rather is a Dwarven Language and is the only one in that family.

Alahana has 2 official recognized regional languages and 5 other minority languages. The Eawan and Amnati languages are both spoken in the north and are recognized as regional languages. The Pisfali language which is a mix between Alahanese, Amnati and Sarreesh and is spoken on the Oil Banks islands. The Eezese language is a local language mainly spoken on Aquila Island in the west of the country. The Khumesh Language is weird mix between Alahanese and Sarreesh and is spoken in the south of Marinia Island. The Edhellina Language is a modern form of ancient Edhellic Language from Calen-Taur and is mainly spoken by the *Winyan* community which is located in the Ulellion region in North Alahana. And lastly there is the Aezalean Language which is very closely related to Eawan and is spoken by the Risikir warrior cultures living in the foothills of the Iron Mountains.

The majority of Alahanese speakers, especially those born after the Second Eurion War in 1983 understand and speak English after the world of Eurion got introduced to it after contacting Earth. This is because English is a compulsory subject for secondary school students, the popularity of English media and the tradition of subtitling rather than dubbing foreign television. Most students also study one and sometimes two additional languages.

### Religion

Before the 15th century, Alahanese adhered to the Phoenicis religion, worshiping the ~50 deities of the faith. After the War of Three Kings which ended in 1610 freedom of religion was enforced and thus the religion dominant in the neighboring countries started to get the upper hand. The Famusm religion from the north was gaining a lot of favor over the following years but also Aluiqiris that came from the Imperial west was gaining followers in the west of the country. In the early 19th century the Famusm religion had taken over as the dominant religion of Alahana.

About 31% of the population adhere to the Famusm faith and is the predominant faith in Alahana. A smaller 9% of the people still follow the ancient Phoenicis faith with the largest pocket in the state of Telra. About 7% of the people follow the faith of Alucinis in the Iron Mountains region which is the ancient faith of the Etoran people. Another small 4% follow the Aluiqiris faith but this is limited by law in Alahana. Although Alahana enforces freedom of religion they view this religion as a radical religion with a violent nature. So Aluicuris can only be practiced under the Futith branch where they still believe in all the right gods but don't follow up on the violent nature of the religion. And the remaining 50% are considered irreligious.

### Education

People in Alahana are very well educated. More than 99% of the population are able to read, to write and to do basic calculations. This could be caused by the fact that all exams, being from public-, private-, or religious school are fully centralized. Students have to take exams that are the same for their study group.
Education is also compulsory from kids between 6 years old and 18 years old.

The education of Alahana has 5 stages. Nursery stage that starts for kids aged 3 to 6. Kids here learn to speak, to draw and other basic things to make the start of the next stage easier. The next stage is primary school. Kids will learn to write, basic maths and speak basic languages. English is first given in the last two years of primary school. There are 6 classes in primary school and a kid will normaly be here from age 6 to age 12. The next stage is secondary school, or high school. Kids here will get more advanced education in the first two years, getting maths, foreign languages, advanced Alahanese language and other basic subjects. When they reach the third year they will have to choose a specific education. Popular here is Electricity, science and sports. They will do this untill they finish their secondary school. After they have done that they get their diploma and are ready to work or the next stage. This stage is university. People who choose to go to the last stage will have a very advanced and professional education in that subject. Some jobs require this stage, such as doctors and teachers.

People in Alahana are also able to have a free education until they finished High school. Because this is fully funded by the government. But this doesn't mean that the educational level is lower than when people have to pay. Schools are only funded if they are functioning properly.
All kids get the same chances in the whole process. If someone is not capable for a certain level of education, they can try an easier education.
Education is divided into 4 classes. TES, MES, PES and SES. TES means Theoretical Educational system, meaning that their schedule will mainly, if not completely consist out of theoretical subjects. People who get their diploma here are almost enforced to enter a college. Doctors, Teachers and scientists are perfect examples of people who probably have followed this system. PES means Professional Educational system. This means that their schedule mainly consists out of subjects bound to their chosen education. For example if someone chose mechanics they will mainly have subjects based on that. They will do this by practicing it and barely get theoretical subjects such as maths and languages. People who finish this are people who are able to work immediatly after finishing, only a very low number (3-4%) still goes to college. MES means Mixed Educational System, this is a mixture of TES and PES. They will get Theoretical and practice in their chosen subjects.
SES means Special educational system. This is exclusively for disabled and children with special needs.

Kids have to reach the 4th year of the Secondary education. If someone reach age 18 they are allowed to 'drop out' after this year. Discipline does play a key role in the later years of secondary school. All schools reserve the right to keep only candidates who can either comply with the school's rules and keep up with the curriculum. This results in a significant attrition rate, culminating in the final examinations, which ensure that only those qualified receive a High School Diploma.
Even tough a significant number of people choose to drop out a this stage, many also return when they finish their military service and try to find work, because then they realize that finding work without any kind of diploma is harder than it looks.

All kids complete their compulsory education, but only 70% finish their secondary school. An additional 22% choose for a vocational training to learn in a company as well as in a state-run vocational school. The other 8% choose to join the military, fire brigade, family businesses or jobs that don't require a diploma.

If someone who does not meet the standard will receive very extreme social and economical pressure to catch up with the standard. Finding work in Alahana without any kind of diploma is hard, but possible. And if they don't find work then they can still enlist in the army, if they successfully complete all necessary tests.
When someone chooses not to go to any additional education such as a college or a academy then they will have compulsory military duty for 9 months. They will have to go to a public military school, where they will learn the basics of the military. Many people choose for a job with the military after they finished their military service. Military service has been made compulsory to promote patriotism and duty to the country.

University level is based on the English model of higher education. That is, apart from a distinct hierarchy of universities, with old universities such as the ambitious University of Antarp being more senior and harder than newer ones, such as the Military university of Alahan. People can get in an university even without having obtained a diploma. People are allowed based on entrance exams and interviews. But only the best complete this education. Only 60% will make it, and in the senior universities this number is even lowed, only 45% make it.

As education is free in Alahana many adults and people who don't go to school anymore are encouraged to keep learning. There are a lot of courses, modules, lessons, et cetera in local schools that a person can choose to follow. They only have to pay for the required materials and books and stick to the schedule.

### Health

It is compulsory in Alahana to have a health insurance for all Alahanese citizens.
People who will be in the country for more than three months also have a compulsory health insurance for themselves and their family that also resides in the country.

Healthcare in Alahana is provided to all citizens by a public system. But there are also some private health institutions. The National Health System of Alahana or NHS provides free healthcare for all citizens and permanent residence permit holders, and people who entered the country legally. Healthcare in Alahana is organised by the federal government and administred on Member state basis. There are over 60,000 hospitals, runned by the government and about 4,000 private hospitals and clinics.
Emergency and ambulance land, water and air services are provided by the Direct aid center. The number to call medical aid is 119 and the general aid number is 105.

Prescription drugs can be acquired only if prescribed by a doctor. If prescribed by the family doctor, they are generally subsidized, requiring only a copay that depends on the medicine type and on the patient income (in many states all the prescribed drugs are free for the poor. Over-the-counter drugs are paid out-of-pocket. Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs can only be sold in specialized shops, i.e. pharmacies. Visits by specialist doctors or diagnostic tests are provided by the public hospitals. Waiting times are usually up to a few weeks or months in the big public facilities and up to a few days or weeks in the small conventioned private facilities.

Health insurance covers the costs of medical treatment and hospitalisation of the insured. Surgeries and hospitalization provided by the public hospitals or by conventioned private ones are completely free of charge for everyone. For private hospitals and clinics, however, the insured person pays part of the cost of treatment. This is usually 30% of the cost but will be a much shorter waiting time.

Compulsory insurance does not mean that people are completely covered. The insurance company cannot set any conditions relating to age, sex or state of health for coverage. But if a person needs medical attention and its caused by illegal acquired drugs or smoking, then the health insurance will only cover up to 50% of the medical costs.

According to 2012 estimates, the average life expectancy is 84.55 years. Since 1960, life expectancy has grown by two months per year. Death in Alahana is mainly due to heart and vascular disorders and unnatural causes of death (accidents, suicide). Non-natural causes of death are the most common causes of death for females up to age 24 and males up to age 44.

## Culture

### Literature

The Alahanese are legendary throught Tarus and Eurion for their legends, lore and traditional stories. These stories play an important part in Alahanese society, especially because historically, ideas were passed on
orally, since there was no written language. The Alahanese people emphasized Saga story-telling and epic histories, such as the *Ahhanian*.

The oldest surviving literature in Alahana is *'The Edhalash'* which is a book of the ancient elven language of '*Ikekih'* which was written in the early periods of the first age. With the end of the second age a lot of literature died out and was very rare during the Dark Era. During the Paragon Era literature and the ability to read and write was reserved for the highest of nobility and religious persons. A lot of legendary sagas do come from this period though. During the Sacred Era literature and together with that the ability to read and write became a little more widespread but was limited to the higher classes of society. With the start of the noble era did also come the widespread use of written language as most people could read or write and education was very widespread.

### Cinema

Alahanese have been fairly prominent in the film area through the years. A number of Alahanese people have found success on the international market. Amongst several directors who have made internationally successful films can be mentioned Gabriel Fouché, Lutatia Fimbria and Ruberte De Acuña. Many famous Alahanese movies include *'Sky of Shards', 'Silent Silk', 'Touch of a Princess'* and *'Voyage in the Thorn'.*

### Music

Alahana has a very diverse and open taste in music but does not have an official traditional musical genre. What could be considered one is *'Jiet Hyl'* or *Grand Song,* which are grand orchestral bands who produce epic and energetic music composed with violins, cellos, brass, pianos, percussion instruments, et cetera.

Alahana is also quite succesfull in the metal scene with internationally famed bands such as symphonic metal bands such as '*Chaos Method'* and '*All Out Six'.* Other metal bands such as '*Isolated Panic'* also enjoy international fame. Rock bands such as *'Nuclear Hysteria', 'Syndicate Signal' and 'Jade Destiny'* are popular guests at the biggest festivals worldwide. One of the other famous genres is Alahanese Hip Hop and Rap with artists such as *'Ode to a Girl', 'Potpurri', 'Anima', 'Fortissimo' and 'The Sound Crowd'.* This genre of hip hop is known for its summery and party vibes.

But the most famous music in Alahana and what Alahana is most famed for is its EDM scene. Genres like Progressive House are very well represented by Alahanese Dj's and producers such as *'Zephyr', 'Ascension'* and *'Melodyrama'.*  But also underground music such as Hardstyle and Drum and Bass are very well represented. Most famous dj's and producers in this genre come from Alahana. *'Treble Trouble' and 'Bassy Bee'* are famed DnB artists and artists such as *'Sourcecode', 'Deicide', 'Clusterfvck', 'Static Noise', 'Unsilenced'* and *'G-Force'* are also famed all over the world.

### Fashion

Both men and women are not afraid to show a little skin when the weather fits it. Shorts, tops and swimwear are a common view in the streets of Alahana with warm weather. A lot of people are also very confident in their bodies because most people are considered fit due to the effort of the state to keep people healthy and in shape. People who work out regularly in any sports get a discount in health insurance.

When the weather does not support summer wear people dress a little different. People from Alahana generally dress very decent with semi-formal attire. Seeing people with a suit on is also not uncommon. Many people like to dress up when going out as well. Although most people don't care, wearing big baggy clothing or ripped clothing in public is considered 'not done'.

### Sport

Approximately 46.7 million of the 104 million people in Alahana are registered to one of the many sports clubs in the country. About 87% of the population between 15 and 75 participates in sports weekly. Of those sports field hockey is the most popular, which is also the national sport.

Alahanese prefer contact sports so therefore other popular sports are Ice Hockey, American Football, Lacrosse, Football, Jousting, Water Polo, Bopole , Domi-Ball and Mixed martial arts. Female participation in these contact sports is very limited and are more into sports such as gymnastics, baseball, volleyball or swimming.

### Cuisine

Alahanese cuisine traditionally prizes regional and seasonal ingredients. Ingredients typical in Alahanese dishes include potatoes, leeks, grey shrimp, white asparagus and local beer, in addition to common European staples including meat, cheese and butter. Alahanese typically eat three meals a day, with a light breakfast, medium lunch, a snack and large dinner.

The Alahanese dishes include but are not limited to: Chicken with seasoned baked potatoes, mussels, steak or beef stew with fries, chicory and ham with cheese sauce and many others.

## People

### Attitudes

With over 104 million inhabitants Alahana is ranked 8th in the world for highest population whilst only 37th in area making Alahana a more densely populated country with 136.31 inhabitants/km². Alahana is a democracy with a tolerant, open society.

Although a little over 50 percent of the Alahanese say they have no religion, Famusm still strongly influences their values and beliefs. This religion, introduced in the 16th century, dictates individual responsibility, total honesty, respecting everyone and helping those in need. Therefore, extremes are absent in society: political extremes, extreme emotions, extreme richness or extravagant lifestyles. Some money may be spent for pleasure, but frequent vacations abroad, comfortable houses and safe cars are preferred above luxury items.

Alahana has an egalitarian society. Status and respect are obtained through study and work and not through family ties or old age. Every person is equal and should be treated accordingly, which may be difficult for foreigners to understand. People in Alahana are considered very respectful towards everyone from whatever gender, nationality or background as long as they treat other right. The respect one receives from an Alahanese is a direct reflection of the respect he or she gives out to others.

Alahanese people sometimes come across as very direct and sometimes harsh or insulting but this is simply because they are very open with their feelings and thoughts and will always try to be as honest as possible to any person. Alahanese people rarely insult with the intention to hurt another person and individual feuds are mostly talked through, therefore verbal and physical aggression is not common in Alahana.
Alahanese people expect others to be open and direct like them. They will tell you what they think of you and criticise your work indifferent of
your status if you are a superior or a subordinate. In some cases, they expect you to be honest and direct in return. If you detect mistakes in their work and you do not inform them about these
 mistakes, they might get disappointed with you. They do not necessarily feel ashamed when you inform them of a
mistake, and can appreciate that you give them the opportunity to
correct and thus improve themselves. The Alahanese feel that in the end, one
 learns from his mistakes.

They also come across as informal and lacking of politeness or courtesy regularly
causes misunderstandings with foreigners. Alahanese people are distrustful of very polite conversations, afraid that
an unpleasant message may be hidden which they are unable to detect. Being very nice may awaken the suspicion that one is in need of a special favour. Politeness may also cause irritation as it is considered a waste of time.