Hulstria

**Hulstria**, officially the **Kaiserlichen Kronenländer Größeren Hulsterreichs** (Chitish: Imperial Crownlands of Greater Hulstria; often called the Hulstrian Crownlands) is a nation located on the island of Hulstria, which is also known as Kitajima (北島).

## Geography

Hulstria, as an island, has a small area but is impressively suitable for human habitation. Flat along the coasts, the island rises quickly to its two sets of mountains: the more southern and larger range, the Ukische Mountains (a Dundorfian perversion of the ***Japanese*** word for snow, "Yuki" as they were originally named); and the further north and smaller range, the Nijerin Mountains (a Dundorfian perversion of the ***Japanese***  word for secondary, "Niji" as they were originally named). The land surrounding the mountains is at a raised altitude, dropping off slowly and smoothly in the north, while dropping sharply and quickly in the south.

In between those mountain ranges lies a fertile valley, and in those mountains lies various minerals and materials, from gold and silver to coal and rare earth minerals. The nation is far more temperate and cool than would be expected for an island at the equator, and the reason for that is the cold water currents surrounding the island, giving a cooler climate than most other locations at similar latitudes.

## Government and politics

### Kronfürst

*Main article: Crown Prince of Hulstria*
The Kronfürst (Chitish: Crown Prince) is the elected head of state of the Crownlands. The title comes from the Dondorfian word for crown, "Krone", and the existing title of a sovereign prince, that is, a prince of a principality compared to the tradition sense as the son of a monarch, "Fürst". The Kronfürst is elected by the Kronländer Grafkreis, the council of lords of the nation, upon the abdication, death, or removal of the current Kronfürst. Traditionally, the designated heir of the Kronfürst, the Kronprinz, is selected, but as with Emmerich I others outside the ruling family can be selected.

The Kronfürst is not powerless, being in control of the Grafkreis and its decisions, which regulates the laws from the Kongress and makes decisions regarding the power and lands of the Grafs. They formally appoint the Staatskanzler, but at will can remove them and the current government, and decree a different party of their choosing takes the seats of government. The current Kronfürst, Emmerich I, was given power in 1914, after the death of the previous Kronfürst, a staunch Dundorfian unionist who looked to make Hulstria a constituent kingdom or principality of the Dundorfian Reich. The Kronfürst is traditionally a already existing Markgraf or Landgraf, and upon election not only gains the title of "Burggraf of Hoherturm", the capital, but also has their territory transformed into a Pfalsgravieren, or a Palatinate.

The official title of the Kronfürst is: His Majestic and Serene Highness, Pfalzgraf of Küstrinberg, Burggraf of Hoherturm, Protector of the Hulstrian Isle, by the grace of God, Emmerich I of the Fürstenhaus'**'**von  Küstriningen, Kronfürst of Greater Hulstria.

### State Chancellor and the Ministerial Council

*Main articles: State Chancellor of Hulstria and Ministerial Council of Hulstria*
From the establishment of the Crownlands, there has been democratic government. Originally, the protests that led to the government were focused on independence from the mainland empire, but devolved into democratic reforms. The Staatskanzler (Chitish: State Chancellor) sits at the head of the Ministerrat (Ministerial Council), which is comprised of advisors to both the State Chancellor and the Kronfürst in affairs related to the government. The Ministerrat is formed by either the largest party in the Congress or the largest alliance in the chamber. That said, the Kronfürst can choose any group to form the Ministerrat, although the power is typically used in a ceremonial fashion.

### Kongress der Kronländer

*Main article: Crownlands Congress of Hulstria*
The Kongress der Kronländer (Chitish: Crownlands Congress) is the lower chamber of the bicameral legislature of Hulstria. It posses a number of important functions but is considered fairly strong by republican supporters in Hulstria due to the ultimate authority that the Grafkreis and Kronfürst yield. Officially, the Kongress has the power of legislative initiative (shared with the Grafkreis), appropriate the state budget, ability to declare war, appoint certain offices, and have members be appointed to the Ministerial Council and others.

### Kronländer Grafkreis

*Main article: Crownlands Circle of Lords of Hulstria*
The Kronländer Grafkreis (Chitish: Crownlands Circle of Lords) is the upper chamber of the bicameral legislature of Hulstria. Officially, it is listed as a legislative chamber, but is *de facto* just an advisory council for the Kronfürst. It is made up of the 43 nobles in the nation, whether Markgraf, Landgraf, Burggraf, or Pfalzgraf. The powers that the Grafkreis hold include the ability to veto legislation passed by the Kongress, makes decisions regarding the extent, powers, and other factors of the Grafs, and elects the Kronfürst from among their members upon the death or abdication of the previous ruler.

### Administrative divisions

*Main article: Administrative divisions of Hulstria*
As the Imperial Crownlands were formed when Dundorfian nobles came across the Northern Hulstrian Straight, the administrative divisions are known as the lands of the nobility: Markgrafschafts (Margraviates), Landgrafschafts (Landgraviates), Burggrafschafts (Burggraviates), and the rare Pfalzgrafschaft (Palatinate). The Margraviates are the most important territories, from major resource areas to conflict-prone zones in the south. A Landgraviate can be promoted to a Margraviate with the consent of the Kronfürst and Grafkreis, and demoted just as easily with proper cause.

## Demographics

OOC: Currently 57% Hulstrian, 34% Mikun, 8% Gemisukuto, and 1% Other