Kosnatica

**Kosnatica**, a south-central (but more southeast leaning) country in the Ageless Territories is a nation that is bounded between the hypersaline Elgroo Sea to its west and the Marima Ocean to its east. Nation wise, it also borders a plethora of big name countries including Mynnuka to its northeast, Khornett to its north, Kuta to its west, and Mecirhannia to its south. The country is known for its rich history regarding strong influence from its surrounding neighbors (especially Mecirhannia, Mynnuka, and, at the tail end, Kuta).

## History

Kosnatica is a very diverse country geographically and climatically with arid deserts to its south-central region, coastal swamp to its east, arid plain/scrubland to its west and glacial mountains along its northern boundary with Khornett, as well as the smaller Lalibon Mountains that dip north to south between the central desert and coastal swamp. Because of how diverse it is in landscape, many countries, like Mecirhannia and Mynnuka, wanted to take territory of this land largely due to economic potential through varied agricultural production that then links to specialization and trade. More natural resources and raw materials leads to greater economic development for countries who can take these resources. The Mynnuk-Mecirhannian Grab was one of the most popular historical events that occurred in Kosnatica.

### Kutwheans

The presence of Kutwhean communities in Kosnatica dates back several centuries, evolving through different periods of migration driven by political, economic and environmental factors.

#### Early Arrivals (500-1000CE)

The earliest Kutwhean settlers are believed to have arrived in Kosnatica via extensive sea trading networks that connected the Southern Herethearian Islands region. Some likely came as sailors and merchants riding the waves between ports.

Others came seeking new trading opportunities in Kosnatica's diverse economy. Over time, small Kutwhean trading outposts became established along Kosnatica's eastern coastline and major rivers.

#### Population Growth (1000-1400CE)

Gradual population increases in Kutwhe placed pressures on arable land and resources by the late medieval era. With navigational knowledge advanced, larger fishing fleets from Kutwhe began regularly wintering in Kosnatica's sheltered harbors.

Many crew members stayed, taking local wives and setting roots. Rapid growth of Kutwhean fishing villages led these settlers to establish farming hinterlands and trade inland. Their populations rapidly expanded.

#### Refuge from Strife (1400-1600CE)

In the 15th century, succession disputes and civil conflicts racked Kutwhe. Many sought refuge overseas, including to more stable Kosnatica.

Entire Kutwhean communities uprooted en masse, building on connections with earlier migrants. They settled throughout Kosnatica, from coast to mountains, diverse as the land itself. Kutwhean influence deepened.

#### Modern Times

Today, Kutwheans form a significant demographic in Kosnatica, with populations concentrated in cities, towns and rural hamlets across the country. Cultural blending has occurred while aspects of Kutwhean tradition still flourish abroad.

Close linguistic, economic and social ties link the two nations in the modern age, a connection rooted over many generations of migration and settlement.

### Mecirhannians

Over the centuries, recurring droughts and conflicts in central Mecirhannia led to mass migration waves that significantly shaped Kosnatica's demographics.

#### Droughts and Depopulation

The central Dahabiyyah Depression region of Mecirhannia had long suffered intermittent droughts due to its inland position and arid climate. In the 1500s, mega-droughts struck that lasted over a decade.

Vast areas became depopulated as water sources dried up and agriculture failed. Millions were displaced seeking refuge in more habitable lands.

#### Northward Migration

Many drought refugees streamed south, finding relief in the more tropical climate of southern Mecirhannia. But heavy overpopulation there led to struggles over scarce resources.

Another outlet emerged - the neighbouring country of Kosnatica to the north, with its diverse geography from deserts to coastline, was seen as land that could absorb great influxes of settlers.

#### Settlement and Adaptation

From the 1600s onward, waves of Mecirhannians permanently settled across Kosnatica, especially in the south near their homeland. Their skills in grazing, oasis-farming and Arabic helped them adapt.

Under the 1515-20 Mynnuk-Mecirhannian Grab, the southern third of Kosnatica fell under Mecirhannian control, expediting settlement. Centuries of migration swelled Mecirhannian populations there to over 40% of today's total.

## Today

Kosnatica is home to 12.9 million people today and the largest city is Sharikba which hosts 3.4 million people or about 26 % of the total country's population. Hanerra is the country's capital and hosts 1 million people or about 7.7% of the total country population, Hanerra has a strong Kutalik and Mecirhannian influence.

Kosnatic people are usually very bilingual or more. Kosnatuska, the primary language, can be spoken fluently by 85% of the population, Common can be spoken by 59% fluently, Adzhalan Kosnatuska can be spoken by 7% of the population fluently, and Counter Mynnuk can be spoken by 4% of the population. Kutakosnats are the prime ethnic group but Mecirhannians, Obna Virahn Chartequincians, and Kutwheans have strong placement in the country's demographic.

### Demographics

Kosnatica, today, is very educated and progressive. It is one of the least religious countries in The Ageless Territories.

Only 9.9% of Kosnaticans report that religion is "very important" in their daily lives, compared to over 75% in neighboring Kuta and Mecirhannia. Kosnatica spends 7% of its GDP on education, exceeding the global average. Literacy rates are 99%, with virtually no disparity between genders or regions. Kosnatic 15-year-olds rank in the top 15 globally for reading, math and science proficiency according to PISA test scores. Under 8% of the population regularly attends religious services, and membership in formal congregations is less than 15%. Only 5 of 200 parliamentary seats are held by religiously-affiliated parties. Religion plays virtually no role in policy debates. Fewer than 5% of marriages are officiated by religious figures rather than civil authorities.

Ethnic group wise, 40% of Kosnatica (5,160,000) residents identify as Mecirhannian, this makes them the largest ethnic group in Kosnatica, even larger than the ethnic Kosnats. 35% ((around 4,515,000 residents) of Kosnatica identifies as white, with most being ethnic Kosnats. 15% are Kutwheans and 5% are Owandites. About 5% are multiracial (with Kosnatic and Mecirhannian being the most common blend).

## Flora and Fauna

### Northward Migration of the Culpeo

The culpeo (Lycalopex culpaeus) is a native fox of central and eastern Elgroduhannia. Its historic range closely overlapped with central Mecirhannia before periods of severe drought and displacement.

#### Association with Mecirhannians

Culpeos lived symbiotically with semi-nomadic herding peoples of Mecirhannia, often preying on the same small rodents and lagomorphs that threatened livestock. Their close cooperative relationship spanned generations.

#### Northward Dispersal

When mega-droughts depopulated vast areas of Mecirhannia from the 1500s onward, culpeos followed migrating herders north and east, out of their natural range. Many settlers traveled through northern Mecirhannia before crossing into the country of Kosnatica.

#### Adaptation in Kosnatica

Finding the climates and habitats of Kosnatica suitable, culpeos flourished alongside their human partners. Their population exploded thanks to ample prey and lack of traditional predators. Today they are widespread across Kosnatica, occupying deserts, grasslands, scrub and even mountainous zones.

#### Ecological Impacts

As an introduced species, culpeos competed with native carnivores and preyed on ground-nesting birds. However, their close bond with pastoralists helped control rodent pests harming agriculture - balancing their ecological effects.