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Culture
Topic Started: Aug 16 2005, 09:12 PM (913 Views)
Negative Matter
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Hi!
 *  *  *  *  *
I've noticed that although I know a lot about the foreign policies of other nations here, that I am totally clueless as to the lives of ordinary people. So, I created this thread. Feel free to post anything you want here, as long as it says something about everyday life in your nation(s).

Negative Matter

Cuisine: Negative Matter's food reflects the styles and culinary techniques of all of its major ethnic groups. Basically, meats are a major part of the diet, and most meals revolve around it, with beef, pork, and venison being the main types. Fruits, vegetables, and grains play a lesser role, although it is increasing. Rice is especially popular in the south, where there is a large concentration of Chinese people. Fish and seafood are a common part of the diet near the coast, but are rare as you go inland. Also, it should be noted that in restaurants, in keeping with Chinese tradition, the entire group makes one order, and the food is shared.

Leisure and Entertainment: Negative Matterians do a variety of things in their free time. Baseball is considered the national pastime, and people generally love to either play it or watch it on television. Other sports, such as basketball and football/soccer, are popular as well. Movies are quite popular as well. But the one thing that dominates the lives of Negative Matterians is gambling. Negative Matter has one of the biggest gambling industries in all of Asia, and people of all ages routinely go to the casino to try their luck. The casinos, however, place a limit on how much you can gamble, and have the power to ban gambling addicts, so you don't usually see people on the street who gambled all of their money away.

Music and the Arts: Negative Matter has a long tradition in making music, stretching back before the Ping Dynasty. The Chinese flute and the harp are the main instruments used, but others sometimes show themselves in some songs. Folk music of Negative Matter is generally light and airy. Calligraphy is the main form of art, but paintings are done as well.

Religion: Negative Matterians are a very devout, spiritual people. According to the census, approximately 99.8% of residents profess some kind of religion. Christianity is the largest religion in Negative Matter, with about 76% of the population. Protestants dominate the north, and hold a very slim majority (the figure is around 50.1%), but there are large numbers of Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians as well. In recent years, there has been a growing movement for churches, mostly Protestant, not to classify themselves into a denomination, but to simply call themselves Christian. This movement is generally seen mostly in the large cities like Baotou. Buddhism is the second largest religion, with about 19% of the population. Buddhism suffers from a declining membership, with more and more Buddhists converting to Christianity. Interfaith relations, however, are good.

Politics: The people of Negative Matter, for all the freedoms they have, are surprisingly apathetic in terms of politics. Various groups, however, are working to reverse this trend, with mixed results. In general, Negative Matter is heavily left-leaning. The Christian Socialist Party, which in Negative Matter is considered the closest of all the parties to being mainstream, would be considered extremely liberal in the U.S. or Britain (think the old Labour Party).

I'll post something for Very Pithy Stanistan later...
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Catholic Europe
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Cuisine: Catholic Europes cuisine is very mixed, with the diffirent ethnic groups of Catholic Europe bringing their own style of cuisine to the national table. However, the majority of Catholic European dishes are meditteranean in origin. Pasta is a very important part of a Catholic Europeans diet. Typical Italian and Spanish dishes are the norm, however, they have been mixed with other cultures to form a hybrid of the traditional dish - for example, spicy lasagne (which is very popular). Fast food is also very popular, particularly chicken and of course chips.

As for drink, the nation is quite a heavy consumer of alcohol. Wine is used at Mass and is a regular drink when eating. However, this is where the traditional Latin culture of drinking ends. Many people, especially the young, can be characterised as binge drinkers, which is quite surprising considering the very strong religious nature of all Catholic Europeans. However, the Chruch is not particularly bothered about getting drunk, it's only the consequences of it that they are worried about (for example, licentiousness).

Leisure and Entertainment: Football is the national pastime of Catholic Europe. Like the rest of the world, Catholic Europeans are enthusiastic football supporters and the nation has produced some of the best footballers ever. Another sport which has become extremely popular in Catholic Europe is boxing. This enthusiasm for boxing is a very working-class and 'urban' thing, where fighting is quite essential to living as the gangs control the streets (Catholic Europe is extremely anti-police, the Inquisition does not see any heresy as occuring (which is quite true, the gangs are all very religious and doctrinally sound) and the Army do not bother themselves with the city slums).

Pilgrimages are also a very favourite leisure time activity of Catholic Europeans. Being a strictly religious country, Catholic Europeans devote large amounts of their time to pious activites and it is a very common occurance to see large groups of people mking their way to shrines and relics. A very popular activity, started by St. Pope Emmanuel I, amongst young men is mortification of the flesg. This is particularly prevalent around Easter when many, like in the Philippines, will be actually crucified (for a short amount of time).

Music and the Arts: Religious music is particularly advanced in Catholic Europe with 99% of Catholic sacred music originating from Catholic Europe. Religious art is also in prevalence as the Church has banned abstract art as an evil (and inspired by the Devil).

As for 'secular' music, the majority of people favour music based on, and developed from, reggae. Reggaeton, but in English, is extremely popular and so is hip hop and rap. Secular art is virtually non-existant but everywhere in Catholic Europe a kind of secular but still religious art can be found. On the walls of houses and everywhere are 'murals', normally with the Virgin Mary and then the names of gang members around the Blessed Virgin, calling on the Mater Dei to pray for them.

Religion: Catholic Europe is the most religious nation in the whole of the world. Enough said.

Politics: Politics is wholly centred in the Church. A political system, as such, does not exist. All laws and othr such things are decided by the Pope and the Cardinals. There are no political parties. To challenge the Church can be considered heresy, for which the penalty is death by burning at the stake. All political activity is suppressed unless it is done within a religious context (normally one should be a priest, monk or nun to spark debate and challenge the accepted opinion). Again, however, one must be extremely careful for to challenge established doctrine automatically constitutes heresy. To have any kind of political debate is virtually reliant on the nature of the present Pope as to whether he will allow you to continue or not.
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Nag Ehgoeg
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The Devil's Advocate

Nag Ehgoeg

Cuisine: Food in Nag Ehgoeg is extremely varried. Unforunately this has more to do with nessecity than culture. Nag Ehgoeg's poverty is a thing of legend, as is it's secular nature. Meals tend to be simple and nutrious, previously the government would supply necessary nutrients by lacing drinking water and providing food suppliments. The capital city of Syntha Prime is divided into over a hundred different regions, each with their own prevailing customs and favored meals. The rest of Nag Ehgoeg live in over populated townships, where one town can be like a different nation to it's neighbour only a few miles away - however most of these "nations" love visters. Touring Nag Ehgoeg is the poor man's world tour. You can wake up to European snails, have a lunch of months old American style jerky and have heavly spiced (Indian) meat for supper. Some of Nag Ehgoeg's towns survive by hunting and gathering but this practise is dying out as foreign business is invited in to bull doze the rain forrests to put up Mickey D's for tourists.

Leisure and Entertainment: The Nagian Regency has always had a low budget for sports. However the will of the people overcomes any adversity and (mostly because sports are cheap entertainment) many are avid sports fans. Gambling in Nag Ehgoeg is almost unrestricted, but almost unheard of out side the capital. The government takes in more revenue through the Public Sector casinos than through taxation. Nag Ehgoeg has relaxed copyright laws and the government has been taken to court on numerous occasions for encouraging the distribution of cheap pirate films and illeagal downloads. Needless to say their isn't much leasure for the average citizen. Numerous cinema's, museaums and the like exist - but these are used by tourists who can afford them rather than citizens. In times past the government subsidised culture building pasttimes and Nag Ehgoeg was renowned as a beacon of inpoverished culture. No longer.

Music and the Arts: Nag Ehgoeg's scenery has inspired many a beautiful landscape painting, but the real arts come from NE's "Anything Goes" policy. Freedom of expression is one of the tenants of Nag Ehgoeg and many an immegrant considers themselves a "boheminan revolutionary" - where else could $300 support you and your art studio for a year? Where else is no subject taboo? Music is considered the highest artform, though mostly Nagian popular music (Nag Pop) consists of blues-meets-hiphop. The one thing hampering an artist in Nag Ehgoeg (aside from poverty and the fact that no-one can expect to live off the money they make from art) is the fact that everyone's a critic. In times past a preschooler could compare Ozzy to Bach. Now most people grumble "that's utter shit" and walk off.

Religion: The Nagian government refuses to recognise religion in general. In the same way other governments don't concern themselves with "Trekkies" so to does Nag Ehgoeg disregard religion. Religous organisations are taxed and often find it hard to get planning permission for churches and the like. Over 80% of Nag Ehgoeg are athiest, with most of the rest believing in an alternative faith or simply agnostic. A few isolated townships are deeply religious, and tend to be Islamic. Islam as a political movement, however, has much more support. Nag Ehgoeg's right wing are convinced that a government wanting to cut the hands off theives and force people to listen to propergander might be the right kind of government for Nag Ehgoeg, and the disillusioned masses might be convinced to buy into a new lie. However the comman man on the street, and the current government, couldn't care less about religion. Philosphy is a different matter, and is treated as an art form - a nice past time but it doesn't put food on the table, and debates are likly as not to be "thugish".

Politics: When politics was compulsary everyone was intrested. When it was outlawed, every cared. Now Nagain citizens have the greatest control over their destiny - no-one cares. The same Regent is elected every time due to poor voter turn out (and great healthcare) and the average Joe on the street cares more about music and art than who's in charge.

NB: The citizens of Nag Ehgoeg are very well educated. Just because they choose to be blunt and hardnosed, it doesn't make them stupid. In a nation where the next meal is uncertain it's often the view that they could spend the next 5 hours going into great length how and why you are wrong and suggest a correction but would rather call you an idiot and walk away. Compassionate, hard-working, intelligent; simple honest folk.

Of course this is the view of Nag Ehgoeg from the bottom up. Most of the contact NE has with the world is via the upper class and the government... who aren't too well educated, who are richer than Midas and do tend to drivel on a lot more than they have to. :rolleyes:
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NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

TheNeoRomanEmpire (Europe)

Cuisine: The traditional NeoRoman diet resembles that of a Russian diet since most NeoRomans were Russian’s before the transition the great split. Beef, chicken, pork, and fish are popular main dishes. The most commonly eaten vegetables include beets, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, onions, potatoes, radishes, and tomatoes. NeoRomans are fond of soups, breads, and dairy products. NeoRomans drink large quantities of tea, but coffee has become popular. Juices, mineral water and soft drinks are also consumed. Frying remains a widespread method of preparing food, though because of the growing diversity of people moving into NeoRome, other methods are starting to become the norm, such as baking and grilling. Fast Food restaurants are becoming widely popular, however traditional restaurants are still a majority favorite.
Breakfast: Tradition breakfast foods in NeoRome include eggs, sausages, muffins, biscuits, butter, jelly, and jam. It also includes pancakes, hash browns, and a very new food choice to the European breakfast, grits. Breakfast drinks of choice are orange juice, milk, and coffee.
Lunch (Mid-day meal): Meals eaten for lunch are usually light. They usually consist of some sort of vegetables such as a salad and some kind of sandwich or soup.
Dinner: Meals eaten at dinner usually consists of a salad or appetizer; soup; meat or fish with potatoes and dessert, such as some sort of cake, pie, or pastry.
Because Vodka is Russia's trademark alcoholic beverage, it is also a widely popular alcoholic beverage in NeoRome. NeoRomans also drink wine, champagne, cognac, and beer. Though alcohol abuse has been and remains a major social problem in Russia, NeoRome has a very low percent of alcoholics because of strict laws pertaining to laws broken while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage.

Leisure and Entertainment: NeoRomans enjoy watching television, reading, playing board games such as chess or checkers, seeing motion pictures, plays, broad-way musicals, and operas, visiting museums, walking, and taking part in sports. Though NeoRoman law has put a salary cap of one million dollars on all professional athletes, there is still a large portion of the NeoRoman populace that play a professional sport. Baseball is the most popular participant and spectator sport in NeoRome. Other popular sports include gymnastics, basketball, Football (American), Soccer, Rugby, Lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee, golf, Tennis and such winter sports as hockey, ice-skating, skiing, and snowboarding. NeoRome has a large amount of athletic clubs, stadiums, recreational centers, parks and other sporting facilities. The people of NeoRome are avid nature lovers, and they enjoy spending time in the countryside. They love to garden, hike, bicycle, swim, fish, and take part in other outdoor activities. The majority of NeoRoman people vacation in the summer though winter vacations are not uncommon. NeoRomans spend more time in museums than do the people of most other European countries. NeoRome has over 660 museums. NeoRomans also love to read and NeoRome has about 62,000 libraries. Most towns and large villages have a public library. There are also libraries that specialize in particular subjects and libraries run by factories, schools, labor unions, and professional and civic organizations. The Hottest spot for entertainment and was in known throughout the nation as the capital of all NeoRoman entertainment is the city of Cupiditas. The city itself is divided into two sections: Upper and Lower town. In Upper Cupiditas you’ll find the grand music halls, Broadway theaters, opera houses, ballrooms, and other “high class” entertainment centers. Opposite to that is lower Cupiditas where anything and everything is legal. Bars, strip clubs, city ran brothels, “drug” stores and several dance and party clubs (lower Cupiditas is very much like the real-life Vegas, but a lot more gets away in Cupiditas). Surprisingly however, as free as lower Cupiditas is, the crime rate there is extremely low, compared to other cities in other nations that are similar.

Music and the Arts: NeoRome boasts itself as being one of the most artistic societies Europe has to offer. The government proudly sponsors the arts and it comes in 2nd in the government funding charts, the first being education and the 3rd being recycling. Music is totally uncensored in NeoRome and the populace is so eclectic with it’s preferred musical genre that music stores in NeoRome usually use the slogan “If it is, was, or will be music we have, and if it’s not, we probably still have it” in their adds. Just like music, Art such as paintings and sculptures are completely uncensored. Nothing is seen as too abstract, risqué, or immoral. Art galleries and museums are often seen full of pieces and are usually seen with high attendants from the populace, especially The Hermitage Museum in the capital city of Paradise (formerly known as St. Petersburg) which has one of the largest art collections in the world. Poets are also very prominent in NeoRome along with singers, dancers, actors and other thespians.

Religion: Under Law NeoRomans have the freedom of religion. The percentage of the public devoted to a certain religion is: Catholicism (14%), other Christian denominations (10%), Buddhism (5%), Islam (9%), Judaism (2%), Unorthodox church (20%), and other (such as atheists, agnostics, or just people who believe in a religion but do not attend their church is 40%). The Unorthodox church of NeoRome is a secular church which merely teaches good will towards others, peace, and other “moral” teachings but makes no religious references to any documented religion. The church has no formal day of worship. Doors are always open and people merely come and go as they please. People can also hold weddings within the churches. Heads of the church are known simply as “fathers” or Mothers” depending on the sex of the person and they give the “sermons” which last all day long.

Education: NeoRoman teachers are the highest paid individuals in the entire Empire, with environmental workers in second, Medical physicians in third, Government employees in fourth and military personnel in fifth (which includes local law enforcement). NeoRome itself has a very unique educational system. All children attend school for 12 years, from age 6 to 18. Elementary education includes 5 primary grades. These five grades teach the basics of reading, writing, mathematics, science, literature, and history. After completing the first five grades children are then moved into vocational and Artistic based schools (Middle Academies), which runs from grades 6-8. Here children are given a choice from a wide variety of courses to study during their 3 years at the school. Such fields include: Drama, choral programs, orchestra programs, Band programs, Painting, Sculpting, Dance, Studying/Writing: Poetry, short stories, novels, studying horticulture, culinary arts, religious studies, foreign culture studies, and many others. When pupils finish eighth grade, they are then moved into the finally stage of the public education system in NeoRome, that of the Secondary schools (High Academies). These schools emphasize on more in-depth science, mathematics, languages, literature, history, social sciences, and physical educations that the elementary schools did not go into such as: Algebra, Geometry, Chemistry, physics, Trigonometry, Calculus, Political Science, Civics, Economical Science, and Athletic involvement. After completion of a High Academy, students graduate from the public schooling system of NeoRome. Students can then chose to from a wide variety of Universities, colleges, and Community education facilities to further their studies in whatever field they chose. One of the Largest Universities in NeoRome is that of the University of Augustus located in the capital city of Paradise. It was founded by NeoCaesar Julius Augustus and was the very first University opened within NeoRome. These schools are privately run and usually students have to play a high price to attend. However the government does have a large selection of scholarships available and most are available to all students. Most merely take an application and an interview with an education department representative to be eligible. The Grand Senator of the People decides on who obtains what scholarship and most scholarships can have multiple recipients.

Politics: They are very few political parties within NeoRome, and the few that are in existents strictly participate in lower government elections, those of city, town and village elections. As for the national elections, political parties are non-existent. The Government is run by a NeoCaesar, and heirs to the crown are chosen from the current NeoCaesar’s House (family). It is only when an heir to the crown is not found, that an election is held to find a new NeoCaesar. Even in such an even, there are no political parties, merely houses running to obtain the status as “the ruling house.” These houses usually run with one person from the family as the spokesmen and candidate for NeoCaesar. As for the Imperial Senate, though Grand Senators serve a 10 year term, the can run as many times as they wish. They two do not represent a political party, they merely represent themselves as a person and their personally beliefs. In the Imperial Supreme Court, no elect judge represents a political party, and aside from the Grand Senator that serves on the judge panel, the rest are elected by the NeoCaesar and serve for life. As a whole However, NeoRome can be seen as a very liberal nation. The Populace is generally an open-minded, excepting society on a variety of subjects such as religion, sexuality, and idealogy. However there are minority groups, which maintain a very conservative outlook, most of those groups are those of the Catholic religion.

OOC: Well that's NRE, Neo-Macedonia will be similar, however TheNeoDynasty is pretty much the exacy opposite. If I get time I'll try to write the others and edit this post with them.
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Nag Ehgoeg
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The Devil's Advocate

*Spits out chewing gun, uses it to make the first GD sticky. Wanders off.*
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NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

OOC: Sigh my only joy in life has been taken :lol:
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Catholic Europe
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TheNeoRomanEmpire
Aug 22 2005, 08:00 AM
OOC: Sigh my only joy in life has been taken :lol:

Aww, poor you!
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NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

Catholic Europe
Aug 22 2005, 08:38 AM
TheNeoRomanEmpire
Aug 22 2005, 08:00 AM
OOC: Sigh my only joy in life has been taken  :lol:

Aww, poor you!

It's ok I'll live :lol: Now back to the topic
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Noriega
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Resident Hobbit
Norightsia (Asia)

Cuisine

Despite Norightsia's Roman heritage, the cuisine of the Empire remains mostly Asian, albeit fused with Modern Italian. Nutrition is seen as essential to Norightsians, and obesity has always been nonexistant. The government adds vitamins and minerals to just about everything, and junk food is unpopular, while alchohol is banned, except at Mass. The main figures in the Norightsian diet are pasta and rice, while meat is also a staple. Fast food is unheard of, but restraunts(especially trattoria-style) are common ans popular
Breakfast-
Breakfast is seen as essential to Norightsians. It is also the most European-style meal. It is always taken, no matter what. The general meal consists of lots of natural sugar and fiber, offset with some protein and vitamins/minerals. A typical Norightsian breakfast includes: cereal always whole-grain, never frosted or sugared. it is often fortified with iron and calcium) w/ milk (always regular. while citizens are mainly health-nuts, they see specifically dietary foods as admissions of weakness), some kind of sweet roll (usually filled with fruit jelly), some ham(prociutto, not bacon), and fruit juice (orange, grapefruit are favorites). Breakfast happens right before work/school (6-7 o' clock).
Lunch-
This is the main meal of the Norightsian. Workers are often given large lunch breaks to return home and eat. School lets out for a couple of hours for the same purpose. This is where the Asian comes into the equation, rice is always served with lunch. Noodles/pasta (depending on where you are) are also necessary. Regardless of the style prepared, these are always topped with a thick, hearty, meat-based sauce. Meat is also a staple. A typical Norightsian lunch: rice( served sticky, without sauce), pasta (spaghetti-type, similiar to Asian noodles) topped with meat sauce, meat (various, most common are beef and duck. fish or chicken sometimes substituted here, never ham(that's breakfast food!) the meat is usually in sauce, such as teriyaki, indian beef sauce, Thai pepper sauce, etc.) , fruit (apples, cherries most common, pears, figs, and apricots sometimes substituted), and more milk. dessert may be a simple cake or gelatto. usually takes place around noon.
Dinner-
Mostly seen as unhealthy and unnecessary, dinner is usually light. This is the meal a family is most liable to go out for, usually to a soda-bar. Because alchohol is illegal, people generally substitute soda. Norightsians are soda conniseurs and only drink fine, tasty soda(usually government laced) not that "disgusting American swill". Other than soda, sauceless chicken or fish is typically eaten, perhaps with some vegetables.

Vegetables such as celery are not part of a main meal, but rather snacks.

Entertainment and Leisure
Norightsians generally spend leisure time at home with the family and friends, they usually go out only for sports.(movies are provided by television companies(government controled, of course)) Baseball is the great Norightsian passtime, and citizens are rabid fans. Most crime in Norightsia involves baseball riots of some kind, and away teams need armed police escorts most of the time. Peculiarly, baseball clubs have been known to form alliances, trading most beneficially amongst each other and sharing common rivals. Fans of a club are just as fanatic about the allied teams, and the complex web of alliances and betrayals are what counts for drama to Norightsians. Soda bars are a common gathering place for people of all ages, as are video arcades(for kids/teens). Vacation is important to Norightsians, but not in the usual way. Norightsians usually go great-outdoorsing, camping, hiking, fishing, etc. and not for extended periods.

Music and the Arts
Of the two, Norightsians prefer Music. Military marches and patriotic anthems are popular with all ages, but alt rock has found a following amongst some of Norightsia's teens. Gospel/choir music is seen as beautiful and holy, and is popular, though not common outside Church. Complex waltzes are favored by the aristocratic elite, and are common at high-class parties. Ethnic music, while not often played on-air, plays an important part in Norightsian culture. Played at almost every family gathering, differnt ethnicities all have their favorite ethnic music. Radio stations play a mix of music and propaganda, the latter enjoyed as much as the former. The people like to hear things are going good, and often spend hours listening/watching propaganda. Norightsians don't care much for Art galleries, and they aren't common. Pottery is often decorated, but not usually extravagantly. Sculpture is also prevalent. Tapestries too are popular, but Norightsians son't care much for painting at all and it is mostly ignored. Furniture is the most often ornate, and the common man takes prde in his furniture. The nobility just has more extravagant versions of the peasentry's tastes, and don't vary much.

Religion
Religion is somewhat free in Norightsia, though not overly so. The Catholic Church is the main and official religion of Norightsia, with 80% of inhabitants being Roman Catholic. Small pockets of Buddhism and Islam remain, but together they make about 7% of religion. Orthodoxy accounts for about 12% of Norightsians. Atheism, Agnosticism, and Protestantism are frowned upon by the government, and so only make up about a percent. Church is VERY important to Norightsians, and holy days are always observed.

Education
Primary and Secondary education is state run/funded. Universities are private, with vrying quality.

Politics
Norightsians love international politics, and have an opinion on everything. They love to talk about politics almost as much as they do about baseball, and the soda bars are forums of political discussion. The actual Norightsian government is beauricratic, with the Emperor as dictator for life (such as the Caesars). Succession is either dynastic, or determined by the Emperor. Technically, the throne goes to the eldest son, but Emperors have been known to adopt their idea of a great successor to enable that man's rule.

Values
Norightsians admire physical fitness, intelligence, and bravery. Norightsia's is an almost chivalric culture, and honor is the paramount concern of any Norightsian. Doing good deeds is the most basic way to gain honor, though joining the clergy or military are seen as far greater ways. Missionaries and soldiers are respected and treated like Gods, and to be killed serving Church, King, and Country is the greatest honor.

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Negative Matter
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Very Pithy Stanistan

Cuisine: Very Pithy Stanistan's cuisine is known all over the world, not for being especially good, but for being especially weird. People in Very Pithy Stanistan tend to eat anything and everything that is edible, from beetle to monkey, and lion to elephant. Food tends to be very heavily seasoned, with the abundance of spices available in Very Pithy Stanistan. All food groups are represented fairly in the diet.

Leisure and Entertainment: The people of Very Pithy Stanistan do many things for fun. Pithians (used here to describe all citizens of Very Pithy Stanistan, and not just the Pithian ethnic group) hold family in high regard, and if they do anything, it is with their family. Board games, card games, and other games of the mind are the norm. Reading is also quite popular. In the area of sports, team sports are more popular than individual sports, with volleyball being one of the favorite sports.

Music and the Arts: Traditional music in Very Pithy Stanistan takes on a very upbeat, playful nature. The music is very rhythmic, with the main source of melody being human voices, with the occasional cat or dog. Few instruments are used. Art in Very Pithy Stanistan usually has some sort of practical purpose. Very few works of art are produced that are meant only for display. Decorative clothing, tables, and stools are commonly found.

Religion: Religion plays a very important role in Pithian life. Approximately 84% of the population is Christian, with smaller Muslim and Hindu minorities, mainly among the Arabs and Indians of Very Pithy Stanistan. Interfaith relations are not too good at this point, but they have been worse in previous years. Unlike in other countries, where cities are the most diverse places in the nation, Pithian cities are very homogeneous. Most Muslims and Hindus tend to live in their own towns and villages, shying away from the Christian majority, although this situation has been changing in recent years.

Politics: Citizens of Very Pithy Stanistan tend to be very active in politics. Being a young, fledgling democracy still recovering from years of authoritarian rule, people tend to exercise their rights as much as possible, even to the point of obsession. The political system in Very Pithy Stanistan gives a strong role to federalism, in the fact that the three provinces and the municipality of Areslé Zano each have their own representatives in the Governing Council. Each province functions as its own political entity, making the central government seem at times more like an alliance than as a government.
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Quaon
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A Prince Amoung Men-Shoot First and Ask Questions Later
Cuisine: Quaon, being what one might call an amalgation of cultures, does not have many unique cuisines. A few unique cuisines exist in Quaon, many of which exotic, to say the least, though they are not very popular, besides the famous Greion Soup. The government of Quaon actually has a trademark on this Soup, to prevent other countries from replicating it. Though its contents are unknown, it is a very unique taste and very sweet. The people of Quaon also have a taste for Italian food, as pasta is one of Quaon's favorite meals.

Leisure and Entertainment: When most Quaonions want to be enterntained, they pick up a book. Quaonions are known as intellectuals, and the book publishing industry provides them with a multitude of different types to ponder through. Sports also hold a place in Quaonion's hearts, though secondary to other, more intellectual activities. The "Challenge of Champions," an olympic like sporting event, is one of the most popular televised programs is Quaon. Television and video games are also popular in Quaon, though less so than expected in such a free speech centric society.

Religion: Religion isn't very important to the average Quaonion citzen. Sure, most people have a religion, though most could be called pragmatic at best with their faith. This apathy could be generated by the lack of funding to the spirituality department by the government, although a large minority of devout worshipers exists.

Politics: Politics are an important part of Quaonion's lives. Quaonions see politics as a way to express themselves. The government (and the public) leans towards the left, though there is a good amount of right wingers and libertarians in the mix. Elections are held often, and the poltical stance of Quaon can be volatile at times.
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Tristan da Cunha
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Science and Industry
Trilateral Commission cultural facts:

Throughout the nation there is a wide selection of international cuisines and fast food.

All education is handled by the Public Education System which provides unlimited years of free education to any citizen.

The Government spends billions of dollars each year to fund artists and writers. All publicly funded art must be approved by a committee that screens out seditious materials. The committee is also is biased in favor of traditional art forms, and biased against "degenerate art" such as abstract art.

Musiccal tastes are extremely varied among the population.

About 97% of the people dwell in subterranean hives. The remaining 3% live above ground - these include soldiers, wealthy people who own above-ground estates, and specialists who maintain the above-ground infrastructure. THe vast majority of people never see natural sunlight in their lifetimes.

Due to the extreme lack of space, live burial is outlawed except for those willing to pay a massive fee. Most people are cremated, and a significant number are turned into nitrogen rich, calcium rich fertilizer for farmland.

The leading sports are basketball, hockey, and ping pong. Nearly all the youth participates in these games, which are especially simple and convenient for subterranean conditions. The upper classes living above ground enjoy sports that take up a lot of space, such as soccer, American football, baseball, cricket, polo, golf, etc. Swimming is also very popular among the population.

It is extremely fashionable for wealthy landowners to pay hermits to inhabit their property.

The record jackpot of the Public Lottery is $280 billion, won by 11 office co-workers.

Most people are not affiliated with any organized religion, but there is an element of spirituality in many people's lives. Most religions are legal on a case-to-case basis as long as they don't challenge the government. Catholicism is banned because Catholics are loyal to a foreign power the Pope.

Citizens are also allowed to freely discuss political issues in small groups. Large political gatherings are illegal.
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

TheNeoDynasty (Asia)

Values: TheNeoDynasty or The Eastern Empire as it is most commonly referred to is by some, a backwards civilization that has evolved over the years through conquest and conquerization. It is because of it's rich history of death and destruction that Dynastian culture is almost completely centered on these core ideas. Dynastians are xenophobes which believe they are by all accounts the "Master race" and that by right they will conquer the world. They are a warrior based people, who hold their military soldier and leaders in the highest of regards. Their caste system prevents anyone other than Military personnel the right to fully succeed in life.

When it comes to family, the idea of such within the Empire is twisted at best. Females within the Eastern Empire have hardly any value outside the fact that they can give birth. Dynastian culture dictates that it is a women's (Or a Kree'sha as she is often referred to by her caste) place to sire as many children as possible.
It is only because a Kree'sha can give birth that they hold any value by the males. There is no real courtship when it comes to relationships within the Empire. Males simply find the female they are interested in and procreate. If a Kal'ma (child) is born and the father is the Kree'sha first mate, then the Kree'sha becomes the property of the father. She is titled the lady of the house in which her first mate represents. Example, Gwen has braid's child, braid is her first mate, so she is now known as Gwen, lady of the House of Braid. Adultery, however is not uncommon by both the sexes in the Eastern Empire since after all the main goal is to sire as many Kal'ma (Specifically males) as possible. However, should a male sire a child with a female who is already the lady of a house, the child is now consider the son of the female's first mate. Once a Kal'ma is born the Mother solely raises the child until he/she is of Prata (The age of maturity, which is 13 in The Eastern Empire). It is at Prata that males will undergo the great tests to put them into their caste and the females will begin their training to become Kree'sha. Though the mother of the Kal'ma is the one whom raises it, the Father is responsible for supporting both his Kal'ma and his lady. It is not uncommon that a Kal'ma never meets it's father in person, however Kal'ma are aware of whom their father is due to the fact that they are consider Kal'ma's of the House of their father. For example a male, Adam has a son named john with his lady, so john addresses himself as "John, son of Adam." John will be "of the house of Adam" until he sires his own set of kal'ma with his first lady at which point, a new "house" is born. If John were to have a daughter, say Gwen, Gwen would address herself as Gwen of the House of John, until she sires her first child with her first mate, at which point she is now know as lady of her first mates house. To ensure purity within the race, all Kal'ma which are born with any sort of deformities or develop mental disbilities over time are destroyed. Law prohibits a child with such deformities or disabilities from existing among the populace. It is the father's place to destroy the child. It is not uncommon to be walking down a Dynastian street and see the body of a dead child in the trash. Dynastians have little regard for them and simply throw them out without a second thought.

Though many would not believe it, Dynastians have a sense of honor though like most ideas in the rest of the world, in The Eastern Empire honor takes on a whole new definition. Honor, by definition in the Eastern Empire means doing what you must to serve your Sovereign and achieve glory for your house. Among Soldiers within the Eastern Empire (referred to mainly by their caste, Shalak-gul) it is not uncommon for a lower ranking soldier to kill his superior officer if he believes that his superior officer has failed in his duties. If this happnens the lower officers now gains the rank of the superior officer that he killed. However, should another officer contest the action, they will fight and the victor will achieve the new rank. Honor is usually achieved only through the military, since the military is the center of the entire Eastern Empire but in some cases it is possible for other castes to obtain honor for their house.

Politics: There is little in the way of politics in the Eastern Empire. The Eastern Empire by all acounts is a fascist state, ruled by the Sovereign who dictates how everything should be. The Empire owns everything, leaving nothing for the private citizen to own. Dynastians have become use to this, and actually favor this form of government over others due to the fact that legislation takes little to no time to either be vetoed or passed.

There are no political parties with the Eastern Empire however some can conclude that the Dynastian equivalent to a poltical party is their house. Houses are constantly competing to gaining favor with the Sovereign. They mainly gain favor by having many family members in the military who succeed in their duties and gain higher ranks. To ensure stability within the Empire, it is not uncommon to have many houses join in allainces to ensure that their house will gain greater honor and in return more favor. Of course due to the formation of alliances, many houses are against one another.

Another way to look at politics in the Empire is the examine the cast system. When a male goes through his Prata he begins the great tests to see what caste he fits in. The first tests are that of the Shalak-gul caste. They are the military officers and officials of the Eastern Empire. They are held in the highest regards and it is seen as the greatest honor to enter into this caste. Shalak-gul are not only officers within the Military but they are also put in charge of all departments within the Empire. Aside from the Sovereign who has complete control, the Shalak-gul caste is the only caste which holds some power. The government pays members of this caste the highest salaries within the Empire. Not everyone is suited for this caste though and so once male fail the shalak-gul tests, they are given the tests of the Keir'os caste. The Keir'os caste is not only the scientific community but also the general "thinkers" of the Eastern Empire. To be smart, is not something that is highly regarded amoung Dynastians as is physical strength, however the Keir'os caste is a slightly honorable caste because the government funds the scientific community to produce new military technology. It is highly honorable if you are able to help the military, and in return the entire Empire in any venture of conquest it may be in. Should a male fail the Keir'os tests then there is only one other caste they can be placed and that is of the Prim'ta class. It is most dishonorable to become a Prim'ta because they are seen as worthless in the eyes of the Empire. They are left with jobs such as "janitors" and mantiance workers and are given little to no salary by the government. It is because of this that Prim'ta usually take the opton to become homeless. The Primt'a are also the only caste in which houses are never formed from. It is not uncommon that should a Prim'ta sire a child, that the father or "husband" of the mother kills both the Prim'ta that sire the child and the child itself once it is born. It is because of this that suicide rates are of the highest in this caste.

Dynastians also have Lo'tar (slaves) within the Empire. Due to it's hostile nature, few tourist ever travel to the Eastern Empire, however those that due are arrested and forced into slavery. It is also seen as a great honor if during battle in a foreign nation you are able to conquer some of the native people and return them to the Empire as Lo'tars. The Empire uses Lo'tars in their underground work facilities (or prison work camps )for basic labor. The facilities are a part of an extensive underground tunnel newtwork which extends to ever cornor of the Eastern Empire. To that effect, there are litterally thousands of Lo'tars working under the average Dynastians feet. Laws prevent Dynastians from becoming Lo'tars no matter how dishonorable they become so the entire Lo'tar population is made up of foreign born people. There are no records kept of how many or from where any of the Lo'tar come from and over time, they themselves forget.

Religion & Spirtuality: There is no world recongized religion in the Empire due to the fact that law bans it. Though some would believe that the Sakhan religion has become a legal religion int he Eastern Empire, this simply is a falsehood. The Empire has always dispised organizaed region ever since the Ganosiain occupation and will continue to do so, it is said, for as long as a Conn Family heir sits upon the throne.

However, though the Dynastians do not believe in religion they do have a sense of spirituality among them. Dynastains believe that males have a "heart of a warrior" which is his Kalash (soul) and that the body is merely a vessel in which to show the true power of his Kalash. Once a Dynastian male dies it is usually the place of his eldest living son to preform Ma'l sharran. Ma'l sharran is a ritual in which a dead Dynastian's eyes are held open by his son and while holding the dead's eyes open, the son it to let out a horrifying yell. It is believed that the yell, is to help the Dead's Kalash to find the eyes (which are believed to be the windows to the soul in Dynastian culture) and exit the body at which point it is free. It is the greatest of honors for a Dynastian to have Ma'l sharran perfomed on him because it signifies that he died free. After the son believes the Kalash has left the body he closes the eyes and disposes of the body. If the Dynastian was honorable the body is to be burned however if the deceased was an unhonorable individual they will most likely be buried. Females in Dynastian culture are not believed to have an Kalash and so Ma'l sharran is not performed on them. They are simply burned or buried depending on their honor.

Cuisine: To the outside world, Dynastian food is some of the most replusing food anywhere. Most meals consist solely of meat with hardly any vegetables. The meat itself is usually barely cooked. It is because of this harsh diet that many believe that Dynastians truly have "iron stomachs." Dynastian meals usually do not start with an Appetizer however on occasion there are a few that are favorites and they include:

Qul Dir: This dish is made by soaking pieces of animal skin, from whatever kind of animal is available, in a strong liquor, then removing them from the solution and setting them afire just before serving. This dish is eaten quickly, while the pieces are still burning.

Tlhatlh : Include your basic lettice and vegetables as well as several raw meats of sorta animals. It is usually covered in dressing made from the animals blood as well as several herbs, spices, and liquors.

Most Dynastian meals begin with the main course. There are several main dishes in which you can find on the average Dynastian diner table and they include:

Ga' : is a dish made of earthworms. Ga' comes in 51 different varieties with each variety having it's own different flavor as well as feeling different as you swallow it. Ga' prepared in the traditional manner has worms being placed in a bowl of ghevi' (a sauce). This sauce is laced with a flavorful herb that the worms eat greedily, despite the fact that the herb is toxic to them. The worms must be consumed in minutes, or else they will die, and Dynastians believe that Ga' is always best when served live.

Ga' Stew: Is a stew which is made of the leftover Ga' which died before someone was about to eat it.

Bokra : is a raw cows stomach traditionally served in a bowl, on a bed of dark purple and green lettice.

Ra' nok Stew: is fresh chicken liver cooked in it's own blood with onions, garlic, pepper, parsley and maybe some Chech'tluth.

Da' Gham: Is the broiled legs of an octopus usually covered in a sauce and served with Ra'Hta (a variety of Ga')

Most Dynasitains drink some form of alocholic beverage, though there are other beverages as well. Some Dynastian beverages are:

Chech'tluth: Is an alcoholic beverage considerably stronger than whisky.

Raktajino:Is a basic form of coffee

Klah'c: Is a hot, bitter drink of unsweetened coffee, vanilla and cocoa solids

After a large meal some Dynastian do indulge in deserts and some of the more favorable are:

Ro' keg: Is a pie consisting of animal meat and blood baked in a pie crust.


Leisure and Entertainment: Dynastians do little in the way of "extra activities" since it is the greatest honor to serve the Empire and make it stronger. Kree'sha have no time for such things since they are usually still raising children until the day they die. Males However, do sometimes have free time and all mostly use that time for physical training. Mastaba is the Dynastian's form of material arts which can include not only hand to hand combat but also combat with side weapons such as the famous bashir blade. Mastaba can also include time for meditation, which Dynastians use the clear their minds and focus solely on their enemies so that they can get a clearer picture of their goal.

If a Dynastian male isn't using his free time for Mastaba, then he can usually be found at any of several arenas where Lo'tars fight. Much like the Roman gladiatorial games, the Lo'tars are promised their freedom if they can battle and kill their oppoents which are usually another Lo'tar. However, it is not uncommon for a Shalak-gul or any other Dynastian to enter the fights to test his skills. Lo'tars that are left alive at the end of the games are usually killed, in order to ensure that do not spread the word back that Lo'tars are freed if they win.

Other than the Lo'tar fights, the Dynastians have little for entertainment. Television and radio is bland in the Empire since the only thing you can pick up is the local news stations. Dynastians have no word for "movie" and thus have no theaters of anything, movie, boradway, nothing. It is because of this lack of entertainment that Dynastians concentrate solely on their own physical betterment.

Music & Art: The Eastern Empire has little to nothing in the way of art or music. Both are seen by most as waste of time and enegery however there are some Keir'os class Dynastians who have become artists and have written songs and poems about the glorious battles which the Eastern Empire has one.
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Sybarea

Cuisine
The cuisine of Sybarea stems primarily from Italo-Grecian roots, as does the heritage of its people. Obesity is near unheard-of, save for the rich gentry of the nobile, as they are the only men who can afford it. Nevertheless, Sybareans are famously healthy and fit, as strength and physical superiority is thoroughly grounded in the ever-ready Sybarean culture. Alcoholic beverages are widely popular; water is rarely drank is often replaced by rich red wine, almost always served warm and at every meal. Olives are used unsparingly in almost all dishes as a side; they are seen in Sybarean culture as the modern equivalent of potato chips.

Leisure and Entertainment
In the larger Sybarean cities, the nightlife is exceedingly popular. The most common street drug is absinthe, which is growing more and more popular with the younger generation. Since the countryside of Sybarea is very beautiful, the land is dotted with countless resort towns for both nobile and commonfolk alike. Sybarea prides itself on a burgeoning cinema with directors such as Umberto Godali and Salvador Ugeno.

Religion
Though the Genesian Catholic Church is looked down upon by Sybareans, they are far from nonreligious. The church in Cologne is the most popular religious institution, but a large percentage of the population (about 38%) are members of the Magna Graecia Church, the cross of which decorates Sybarea's flag. This church emphasizes high morals, physical and mental strength, and the following of most of the teachings of Jesus Christ, however, many of the more extreme rituals and customs of other Christian churches are abandoned for a more liberal outlook. Magna Graecians also emphasize goodwill towards all mankind and will only attack when provoked. They are strong advocates of peace.

Politics
Sybarean politics are dominated by the two different churches, with the political parties divided strictly between Italian Colognese Catholics and Grecian Magna-Greco followers. The two most prominent of Sybarea's prolific parties (all restricted to nobile only) are the primarily Italian, more conservative House of Basilicata (Casta delle Basilicata) and the more Greek and liberal Hellenic Alliance (Alleanza Hellenic). Currently, the Margraveship is held by the House of Basilicata. The rivalry between the two parties is insignificant; they are known to cooperate on many matters, save for war and religion, in which they disagree.
The countless other political parties are influenced largely by the Sybarean Mafia. Many of the nobile run private syndicates responsible for the majority of organized crime, which is a growing problem in Sybarea.

AA Edit: Fixed your broken underline tag.
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Comrade Queen
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Comrade Bitchqueen
Necromancy powers activate!
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Devin Wire
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Captain
Update: Added a few things I had forgotten about!

Cuisine: Zeelaran cooking is heavily influenced by its agrarian status and tradition. Furthermore, the three main ethnic groups have each made a signifigant contribution to the nation's pallet. A resurgence in legal elephant farming, as a sucessful method of bringing up elephant numbers, has given birth to a variety of ways to cook this beast. Steaks, flavored in Western and Central European traditions have become widely popular. Less flavorful parts of the animal have fallen to the making of meat patties - an elephant burger is a novelty to tourists in Zeelar. Tapier too is a common delicacy, taking the place of pork in most dishes. Seasoned reed shoots, a rich variety of fruits and river grown vegitables have given more than enough of themselves to the nation's gourmands. Also, the proper maintance of the inundation of the Nile has, along with wide spread irrigation and reclamation projects, allowed for Zeelar's transformation into a bread basket. Natural soda water has created an interesting 'soda and pop drinking culture' in the nation.

Leisure and Entertainment: Zeelarans have a bit of a nack for intellectual persuits. A widespread library and bookmobile system has taken the place that education takes in most nation, and has given rise to 'self-entertainment.' Along with this, theatre in the round is a popular activity among Zeelar's more erudite classes. The national past time of Zeelar is skateboarding, and as well as done for pure entertainment, many Zeelarans use this as a method of transportation. This goes as well for 'land sailing' - sailing in vehicles across the desert sands. Both sports are enjoyed by many. The Nile makes for interesting boating. Yachts, runabouts, and various other pleasure boats run on natural gas as well as other clean fuels and provide interesting riperian opertunities. Reed fashioned boats are popular for fishing, which is popular itself in the Nile river. Several major circuses and carnivals make their way across Zeelar and entertain nearly constantly. Gambling is legal in Zeelar, though the Zeelaran people take it to a different heart than it is in many nations. While there are several casinos, most formal betting takes place in so called 'Gaming Parlors.' These are quite common establishments, and are found in many places. They are indoor places that offer an escape from the African sun in which people, who pay a small annual fee to be a member ethier of a certain establishment or a chain of them, can play board and card games as well as dine on small snacks. Small and friendly bets are often placed on these games, though it is hardly required and they are often not very large. Senet, Hounds and Jackals, Mah Jongg, Chess, and a variety of games involving playing cards are among the more popular fixtures at these. Here one might also find the chewing of the Khat plant. While internationally infamous for it's use of a stimulant by chewing of the budded leaves, Zeelarans chew the largely harmless fully grown leaves of the plant in the same fashion as one chews chewing gum abroad. These provide little in the way of positive or negative effects. Public and private foot paths and parks, again with small membership fees for their upkeep, are utterly prestine and provide for the enjoyment of nearly every Zeelaran.


Music and the Arts: As was mentioned before, theatre in the round is a popular venue for Zeelarans. Plays written in a classical style as well as in a modern (though conforming to the round methods) outsell the cinema. Poetry, sculpture, and painting in various styles is largely exhibited and open air expos are not wholly uncommon. Musically the nation is quite diverse. The West Africans and Jamacians in the country have brought lively, colorful harmonies while the Nubian decendents bring heavily percussive music. As is to be expected in a nation like Zeelar, Punk Rock is a very...important style. The face of the audio arts is also shaped by the people's unique relationship with radio. Rather than the two bands of broadcasting in so many countries, Zeelar not only has a medium wave AM band and a VHF FM band, but also a microwave band in the area that most countries have mobile cell phone allocations. Books read aloud, music, news, weather, talk, and acted plays are common radio attractions. Due to these conditions, subculture is a way of life for many Zeelarans, and it is almost never frowned upon. The moppy haired teenager on the corner may be an award winning research scientist while the man with the spiked mohawk down the road may be a brilliant nuclear physicist.

Religion: Around ninety percent of Zeelarans practice a unique, anamistic religion. Difficult to grasp by many outsiders, and rather abstract considering the various temple organizations or lack thereof, it remains a fixture of the combined nature of the country. Centering around a concept of order through chaos, it combines the worship of African tribal nature spirits, familial dieties, unique dieties, dietified historical figures, and Ancient Egyptian gods. Small unstaffed shrines dot the country side, and temples to various gods may be found. Freedom of religion however is paramount and 9.5 % are professed members of the Coptic Church.

Politics - Zeelar's government is pro-Anarchy. As long as it isn't harmful, and does not hurt the environment, Zeelaran heads of state will often leave it to the people and to the hands of private companies. In fact, much has been privatized or is contracted to be. Political parties are non-existant - candiates for Regional, Congressional and Presidential offices are elected solely of their own merit. A small Congress of 75 individuals regulates what little else of a government there is. Each of these are elected yearly, with a term limit of eight years. The office of the vice president is elected on the same system. The President is to be elected in the same manner, however the current President has been proclaimed President for Life due to his popularity.
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Cacasusian Republic
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Emperor of the Commonwealth of Denojiva "God Save the Emper
 *  *  *  *  *
DENOJIVA
CUISINE AND MEALS: Food is a passion for many Denojivans, and obesity is scarce. Most meals are prepared either very fast, or very slow. Take-aways are popular, but a homemade meal is a Denojivan tradition.
Breakfast: a daily ritual of breakfast is usually incorporated into most Denojivan's days, even the most busy of lifestyles have breakfast somewhere. Breakfast is typically started with fruit juice or solid fruit, then cereal or porridge(oatmeal). Coffee is also drunk, and less so tea. This is usually taken at around 6-8 am, as business and schooling begins at 9-00
Lunch: Lunch is not a big deal, mostly sandwiches, hamburgers or salad. Businesses, other than meal shops close for about 2 hours for lunch.
Dinner: Dinner is the opposite of lunch. Dinner is almost as revered as church on Sundays. Except on Wednesdays, most shops and businesses close at 6-00 pm. It is a three course event with an entree or antipasto first, a main course second and a sweet treat afterwards. During summer, when the sun is up till late, people take walks to work off the meals.

Foods: Here are some traditional and contemporary foods and drinks.
Guisadu di cerf- a stew of deer cooked in its own stock and rosemary
Guisadu du morsa- walrus stewed it its own blubber with herbs
Café Chereon- Strong coffee mixed with candied honey and cinammon
Tarte du Arenqua Caspiana- pie made from herrings and rosemary (yes, Denojivans love their rosemary, after all, it is the national flora)
L'ouffe du gaivota-fried gull's egg
Vino du Agua du rosé-wine made from rosewater and cold-climate grapes

LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT: Leisure time is usually spent with family and friends. A big part of Denojivan life is movies, and Denojivans are big fans of the cinema. Some cinemas in the cities are virtually enormous living rooms. Restaurants and cafes are also a part of leisure and new eating places spring up nearly every day. Parks are becoming more popular with everybody as a lot have skate parks and cafes within them. Books are less popular, but people are encouraged to read often to improve their general knowledge. There are 10 free-to-air channels and three pay TV companies.

RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY: There are no restrictions on religion or spirituality in Denojiva. The most common religion is Christianity, with Catholicism and the Denojivan Reformed Church on top, then Judaism and other Semitic religions not far behind.

POLITICS: While voting was made compulsory in the 1950's, the legislation was abolished last year. The majority of eligible Denojivans vote and do so with a passion. Democracy is held sacrosanct, with everything from the Prime Minister to the speed limit of Chereon streets voted on.

CULTURE: The music of Denojiva is very varied with artists and bands covering nearly every genre. Young Denojivans like listening to popchestra (a fusion of big orchestras with modern instruments) and rock, where as the older and elderly listen to jazz and classical. The theatre is gaining in popularity with an average of 8 musicals and operas released a month, new and old. There are 4 major art galleries in Chereon and another 2 in Caspiana. Contemporary art is particularly popular, as is Renaissance imitations and Japanese.

SPORT: Football (soccer), water polo, Rugby and cricket are the most played sports, and all have major leagues for each. The Denojivan Vatten Polo Ligan (DEVAPOL) is the most watched league, and the Denojivan Football Association Cup (DFAC) similar in figures.
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Noriega
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Resident Hobbit
OOC: If you don't mind me saying, Devin, you misspelled erudite. I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but notice, and it bugged me so much I had to point it out. No need to change it or anything, I'm sure no one really cares. But at least you know I read it! :lol:
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Devin Wire
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OOC: Thank you for correcting my typo!
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