Sweden

Sweden, a state of Nordica, is found in Southern Scandinavia. It has been a part of Nordica since its formation. It borders Botten to the North, Fjordland to the Northwest, Norway to the West, and Götaland to the South.

## Creation

Sweden was **created as a state in 2036, upon the foundation of Nordica**. It inherited much of the land of present day Sweden, although lost the far North to Botten, and the South to Denmark and Scania. in 2182, following an increase in it's population, owing to an influx of people from Neo-Europe, the state was divided into Sweden and Götaland in the **States Act**.

## Organisation

Sweden, like all states, is governed by it's **Assembly**, in charge of much of the day to day operations of the state, with only a few notable exceptions. It's Assembly is one of the largest, with 115 members, with about 1 member per 125 thousand people. This correlates to 14 **State Representatives** in the Federal Government, leaving Sweden slightly under-represented. As a result, it has the exact same influence as Denmark, Delaware, and Huron.

Sweden is further divided into counties and municipal areas, of which there are 13 of the former, and 3 of the latter. **Stockholm**, the historic capital of sweden holds special status, as the capital of Nordica, even holding it's own census area. As the national capital, Stockholm is not allowed to act as Sweden's state capital, but is still a part of Sweden. This arrangement dates back to Nordica's creation, in efforts to balance the influence of Sweden with Denmark. As a result, **Örebro** serves as Sweden's capital, although this was formerly Göteborg, before it was lost to Götaland.

### Counties

* Gotland
* Åaland
* Södermanland
* Närke
* Västmanland
* Uppland
* Gästrikland
* Dalarna
* Hälsingland
* Härjadalen
* Jämtland
* Medelpad
* Ångermanland

### Municipal Areas

* Örebro
* Västeras
* Uppsala

## Relations

Sweden, as the political heart of Nordica has close ties to most states, although some of these dynamics manifest as intense rivalries.

Firstly, Sweden sees the breakaway state of Götaland as a major rival, competing in many industries. This has become a part of the larger Sweden - Denmark rivalry, with Götaland frequently caught in the middle. All three states are very competitive, and very politically powerful, although Götaland less so. Denmark still does not forgive Jørgen Anker for stopping Copenhagen from becoming Nordica's National capital, although Sweden sees him as a 'hero'. Despite this, the three states are some of the most interconnected in Nordica, and cooperation is pretty common.

Sweden also falls under the Finno-Swedish cultural rivalry, that affects multiple states. Sweden and Suomi both serve as the figureheads for their respective sides. This divide can be seen most clearly at sporting events, especially in Ice Hockey, since both teams are among the best in Nordica's State League.

Furthermore, Sweden holds a rivalry with Sudriland over political influence, as Sweden was once the largest state untill the 2182 States Act. Sudriland has an extra two representatives, owing to its larger modern population, although Sweden has Stockholm, the National capital. Both serve as Nordica's kingmakers in politics.

Sweden has close ties with Norway and Fjordland, owing to a shared history. The Norwegian states, having a more rugged Geography, are seen as very attractive to Swedes, and many visit regularly.

Botten is very close, owing to shared culture, values and Ideals, however, is occasionally ridiculed for it's close ties to Pohjanmaa. Otherwise, little impedes their relations. Business is very open, with Botten being quite dependant on the larger Sweden.