Calbion
| Calbion Gwlad y Calbain (Calbic) | |||
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| Motto: Cyfiawnder a Chryfder "Justice and Strength" | |||
| Anthem: "Calon Lân" | |||
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| Map versions | 15.0.5 - current | ||
| Capital | Pentyre | ||
| Largest city | Llysthur, Kilkelly, Porth Edward | ||
| Official language(s) | Calbic (national language) Istvanistani (lingua franca) | ||
| Official religion(s) | Calbain Church | ||
| Demonym | Calbain | ||
| Adjective | Calbain | ||
| Government | Ceremonial Monarchy | ||
| • Prince of the Calbain | Jack III | ||
| • Governor-General | Hugo Lewis-Dreicdyn | ||
| • Grand Master of the Calbain Church | His Eminence Huw Macklemore | ||
| Legislature | Cynulliad Cenedlaethol | ||
| Establishment | 1596 AN | ||
| Area | 2,127,396 km2 | ||
| Population | 17,632,722 (1696) | ||
| Currency | Arian (α) | ||
| Abbreviation | CAL, CA | ||
| Driving side | right | ||
| Time zone(s) | CMT-7 (Pentyre Standard Time) CMT-9 (Cybwlach and Ynys Fforst) CMT+10 (Penn ar Bed) | ||
| National animal | Black Dragon | ||
| National drink | Whiskey, Cider | ||
Calbion (Calbic: Gwlad y Calbain, literally: Land of the Calbain) is a sovereign island nation in the Central Sea. The nation occupies the islands of the Aeronesian archipelago. The Calbain islands are located between the continents of Tapfer and Cibola, on the latter continent, Calbion also has a presence in the form of the autonomous principality of Cybwlach. In addition, Calbion has an extensive colonial empire, with Crown Colonies located on Cibola's surrounding islands, but also in East Keltia (especially North island), the Skerries and Arcadia island. Calbion is a principality, although it can be described as a Crowned Republic because of the limited role of the Prince of the Calbain, who serves a largely symbolic and unifying function. The current Prince of the Calbain is Jack III, who ascended upon the death of his cousin Deiniol in 1733. Political power resides in the democratically elected unicameral parliament, the Cynulliad Cenedlaethol, and the High Council, led by the Governor-General.
The Calbain nation is one of the oldest civilisations on Micras, although often subjugated to political repression. In the year 1596, Calbion first gained an official status as an autonomous part of the Southbatavian empire. Following the Southbatavian transition towards the authoritarian empire of Jingdao, the Calbain autonomy was once again surpressed, which resulted in a short but bloody Revolt that saw the Calbain population decimated. Subsequently, Calbion was incoporated into the Brettish Commonwealth. Under the leadership of Llywelyn Lewis, the Governor-General of Calbion under Brettish rule, the identity of the Calbain people remained alive and the Calbain communities were restored. Following in a brief interlude in which Calbion was occupied by Jingdao and Arcadia, and a government in exile on the Skerries, the Calbain society once again flourished and started to reassert itself on the Aeronesian islands. During this period, the politics of Calbion become divided into the "Realist" and the "Nationalist" fractions. Several historians pose that these internal division was one of the factors that lead to the collapse of Arcadia. Following the fall of Arcadia, a nationalist movement under the leadership of Evyn Drakeford, established Calbion as an independent nation again. The Western expansion of 1686 saw Calbion occupy the entire Aeronesian archipelago. In the 1690s, Calbion reasserted itself as a global player, expanding towards a multi-continental colonial empire ranging from Cibola to East Keltia and various locations in the Great Western Sea. This means that the Calbain nation currently is at its greatest extent.
Etymology
The name Calbion is an Istvanistanism derived from the name of the Calbain people. The Calbain themselves refer to the land as Gwlad y Calbain, the land of the Calbain. It is certain that there already existed a people indicated as Calbain, or Calbi, during the Jasonian era. The origins of the name for the Calbain people is unclear, but etymologists have suggested that the old Calbic root calb- means "bald" or "barren", and refers to the plains that cover most of central Calbion. The name Calbion was first given to the island by Istvani seafarers, who settled in what is now the Porth Edward region.
History
For a systematic overview, see: Timeline of Calbion
As one of the older existing nations on Micras, Calbion has a rich and complicated history. The history of the Calbain people originates in the prehistoric era, and culminated in the establishment of the Calbain state in the 16th century AN. Following the creation of Calbion as a political entity, the nation underwent several changes in structure and transfers of sovereignty but has consistently endured for over a century.
The Calbain Tribes
The heartland of the Calbain people is the island known as the Ynys y Calbain. During the Jasonian era, small bands of people known as the Calbi (in some sources Calbii) were known to occupy the central plains of the island. Although much of the annals of the Jasonian empire are lost, it does not appear that the Calbi had a prominent place in it. Scholars estimate that at this point, the Calbi consisted of small tribes or families that were united in some sort of federative structure. This continued until the fall of Jasonia in 1493 after which a more formal political entity was formed. Owain of Gwynedd assumed the role of first Prince of the Calbain during this time. The Calbain tribes assert themselves more prominently in the Penwlad region. In this period, the Aeronesian archipelago is occupied by Aerlig. The Calbain culture that emerged during this time is heavily influenced by the Aerligians. Linguists and historians have found Aerligan influences in the Calbic language which can be found in early historical documents. The Calbain tribes might have had some form of autonomy, but were at this point not an influential faction.
The Calbain were actively repressed by the Matbaaic colonisers who arrived on the Ynys y Calbain in 1515 and overthrew the Aerlig nation. The Calbain tribes, fighting on the Aerligian side, suffered a crushing defeat. Llywelyn I, Prince of the Calbain realised that resistance to the much powerful Matbaans was futile. During this period, most Calbain accepted their defeat and continued to practice their traditions in secret, a period known as the hidden realm. Llywelyn I and several other Calbain leaders moved to the island of Kilkelly, where they assisted the Britannics in their conquest of Kilkelly and Armoria. Britannic influences can still be seen in Calbain culture, and this period also marks the expansion of the Calbain people to the other islands of the Aeronesian archipelago. The Britannics were however unable to sustain control over these lands, and had to give them up.
In 1530, Arthur I, who had become Prince of the Calbain six years earlier, rose up against the Matbaans. The rebellion was however quickly crushed and Arthur was crucified in the regional capital of Kerkboran. Nine years later, his successor, Llywelyn II again led a rebellion. A small Calbain army conquered the city of Kerkboran, and renamed it to Llywelyn's Kerkboran (currently: Lloran). The Matbaan government had weakened significantly and the Calbain revolt was one of the reasons for the collapse of the empire. Another reason was the War of Jeremy's Nose, which created an influx of Batavian settlers to the Ynys y Calbain. These became the later Maraguans. The Maraguans and the ethnically diverse population of the other islands of the archipelago founded the neo-Jasonian state of Nelaga. The state structures of Nelaga remained weak, which was an opportunity for other nations to establish a presence in the region. The Nelaga territories, set up as a political compromise following the Redoubt war, succumbed to internal problems aided by massive natural disasters. These disasters, including earthquakes and floodings, were referred to as "the islands coming down" in historical texts. This description is a reference to the belief that the islands were once "flying" during the mythical Jasonian ages. As a result of these disasters, famines had decimated the population, especially on Calbion island. Nelaga finally fell in 1596.
Establishing a Calbain State
During this period, the Empire of South Batavia (usually rendered Southbatavia) controlled much of the Cibolan continent. The late 16th century were a time of turmoil for the Southbatavian state, with the government announcing the transition to become the Jingdaoese state. Juan, an army general, had tried to remove the Emperor from power. The economic and political situation in the nation was dire. During this period, Jack de Montfort became the leader of a Catologian order. In this position, he emerged as the voice of some Batavian settlers who felt uneasy by the dictatorial tendencies of the South Batavian government. In the early weeks of 1596, de Montfort, together with some followers, sailed to unknown lands with a small fleet that also carried South Batavian refugees who did not wish to be subjected to the new Jing elite.
The fall of Nelaga had provided an opportunity for the settlers, who had chosen the North of the Ynys y Calbain as a new home. Jack de Montfort stumbled upon a divided nation. The south of the island had a small presence of Maraguan forces, who wished to reinstate a Nelagan government. The North of the country, as well as the central plains around Pentyre, were occupied by the Calbain, who saw this time of instability as their chance for political self-determination. De Montfort also made an alliance with the Interlandian governor of Saint Edward, which became the first city to transfer to South Batavian control. A prestige project for the South Batavian nation, for which de Montfort nominally claimed the islands, a squadron of South Batavian forces was detached to the island in order to unite it. De Montfort quickly entered into an alliance with the Calbain tribes, openly declaring his support for their independence struggle and styling himself Count of Calbion to honour those people. The Nelagans in the South briefly attempted an insurrection against the new government, but were defeated in a short skirmish.
Subsequently, Jack de Montfort was invested as Prince of the Calbain, the largely ceremonial title for the heads of the Calbain people which had been vacant for some time. De Montfort identified strongly with the Calbain tradition, and under his rule, Calbain culture flourished. Several incidents occured however which created a schism between Calbion and the South Batavian government. The first incident was the establishment of a rocket launching site. The Emperor wanted to build a rocketbase on the isle of Faenor, but the local residents objected strongly to these plans. Mounford was unable to prevent the building of this site and had to settle for an aircraft base which also included the rocket facility.
The second incident was the raid of a Natopian trading ship and of a Natopian holiday facility for homosexuals by the Calbain pirate Callaghan. The cruelty which the pirate displayed towards his victims led to a diplomatic crisis between Calbion and Natopia. This was only enlargened by the crash of a Natopian airplane on the Central Square in Pentyre immediately after.
No longer wishing to submit to the rule of the despotic Empress Sisera, The Calbain rose up in a revolt against the South Batavians, now known as Jingdao. Jack de Montfort formally declared independence, and ordered the arrest of the Jingdaoese ambassador and several military officers. Empress Sisera reacted by attacking Calbion using weapons of mass destruction. By doing so, she ended up destroying the major cities in the country. The civilian death toll was significant. In the years that followed, some Maraguans attempted to reinstate their government, which was briefly successful in the South. Meanwhile, the Calbain regrouped and rebuilt most of the country. However, the lesson of the failed war of independence taught the Calbain that they needed to form alliances with other states in order to survive.
Brettish Protectorate and Independence
In 1608, Calbion became a protectorate of the Commonwealth of the Brettish Isles. The Protectorate era was seen as a period of stability, in which Calbion recovered and returned to being a prosperous nation. Governor-General Llywelyn Lewis, who was appointed in 1610, ruled Calbion in close association with the Brettish Government.
After some time, nationalist sentiments arose in Calbion. As the country became more and more developed, the Calbain population refused to adhere to Brettish rule and to, what was percieved to be, the everclosing Brettish dominance over the nation. The first direct elections for the Assembly resulted in a win for Governor-General Lewis, who ran on a nationalist platform demanding full autonomy. Following protests, the leaders of Calbion and the Lord Protector of the Brettish Isles arranged a settlement that lead to Calbain independence. Governor-General Lewis became head of state as well as government until the Investiture of Jack II. The period of independence saw political development and the transition of Calbion towards a more or less democratic nation. The custom of national assembly evolved to include an elected parliament.
Post-Independence
For twenty-five years, Calbion prospered as an independent country until it was dragged into the struggle for power on Micras. Siding with the Jingdaoese, Calbion opposed the Alexandrian occupation of Penguin Island, which has a significant Calbain population. In these circumstances, Calbion became increasingly dominated by the Jingdaoese, who established direct rule on Calbion in 1651, causing the Calbain government and the Prince to go in exile on the Skerry islands, were they set up an alternative government. After the Jingdaoese gave up their direct rule in 1662, Calbion became an autonomous province of Arcadia. King Gustavus des Vinandy was intrigued with the ancient customs and cultures of the Calbain, even though he was not very well informed about them. In a made-up ceremony, he claimed the title of Prince of the Calbain, which gained him significant notoriety among the Calbain population. His claim was widely renounced, and many Calbain continued to display the portrait of Prince Jack II in their homes. However, a faction of Realists led by Mackenzie Ó Gallchobhai decided that it was in the best interests of the Calbain to work together with the Arcadian leadership. Calbion had relative autonomy and freedom, and the situation had greatly improved from the Jingdaoese direct rule. Even though they acknowledged this, the nationalists still refused to cooperate with the Arcadian government and continued their government in exile.
Second Independence
In 1684, Arcadia collapsed as a result of a foreign policy disaster and internal division. The Calbain declared independence immediately after, and the government-in-exile finally returned. A nationalist government was formed under the leadership of Evyn Drakeford, and Jack II, who had been living in exile on the Skerries as well, returned as Prince of the Calbain. The late 1680s saw a large expansion of the Calbain territory under the Ynysoedd Unedig plan, as well as the colonisation of several parts of Cibola. A conservative and realist government led by Richard ab Ioan came to power in 1688, installing autarkic and isolationist policies. The political situation remained turbulent at the death of Prince Jack II in 1690, who was succeeded by his only son Arthur III. The years as a reclusive nation, focusing on internal development, political cohesion and economic restructuring proved beneficial to Calbion. During this time, the semi-private Princely Exploration and Trading Company was established through a restructuring of the assets of the Iron Company.
The early 1690s marked a reignition of Calbion's colonial empire, with the establishment of several Crown Colonies in Cibola and Keltia. At the same time, the Realist government reversed the isolationist foreign policy and opened up relations with many nations under the policy of Agoriad. Relations with the Raspur nations meanwhile even deteriorated further due to Calbion's prominent support to the Republican forces in the Second Elwynnese Civil War. The use of nuclear weapons in that conflict, and the subsequent revelations about Calbain involvement, led to the resignation of the ab Ioan government. In the 1696 snap elections, the nationalist faction regained power. Meanwhile Calbain forces remained active in combating piracy in the Great Western Sea as part of the Warring Islands conflict. During the late 1690s, colonial expansion on East Keltia resumed, and Calbion's Operation Môr Rhyddid saw the colonisation of large parts of North Island.
In the early 18th century, the political arena of Calbion became dominated once again by the nationalist, who largely reversed many of the autarkic elements of the nation, focussing instead on forging international alliances and trade. Calbion became the center of a large peace agreement between the Raspur forces and the Free Elwynnese Republic, and Calbion adopted a policy of moderation towards the Raspurid nations, especially the Benacian republic. In 1710, George Merwyn took over as Governor-General. The early years of his government where characterised by a difficulty to extert Calbain leadership across the territories on the other side of the Great Western Sea.
In the mid-1720s, Prince Arthur III began showing signs of dementia. In 1730, rather than suffering through the latter stages of dementia, Arthur chose to end his life. After his death, the closest male-line relative eligible to succeed was a distant cousin, Daniel Verion de Montfort, residing in Hurmu, who succeeded to the throne under the name Deiniol.
Reign of Deiniol
Deiniol's reign began with the state funeral of his predecessor and then his own investiture. He did receive some respect from the populace for following in these footsteps, though his Calbain language was constantly ridiculed, and Deiniol would from then speak only Istvanistani.
After it was leaked to Calbain media that Deiniol was gay, and the princely court refused to repudiate it (since it was true), there were protests against Deiniol's princeship. These protests had their greatest support in the Western Sea territories, the Aeronesian islands (but in Ynys y Calbain and Ura'Bos, there were counterprotests), Ynys Herydd, Kilda (Arcadia), and the Andilarian Empire. Counterprotests (i.e., demonstrations in favour of the new prince and protests against homophobia) could also be seen in Sant Paula, Blackstone and the Brettish Isles.
Even in the government of Calbion, the Prince divided the parties. In the new elections, the Radical Faction, supported by the Minority and Regionalist Faction, proposed bills that would allow for rights of same-sex couples just below that of marriage, yet, this compromise was voted down by the government parties.
In Cybwlach, the companies owning the plantations began usurping their powers more, seeing that the government in Pentyre was more obsessed with keeping homosexuality repressed than dealing with workers' rights. As such, workers were forced to work longer hours without extra pay, and holiday rights were restricted. Union activities were suppressed.
Geography
Calbion is an island nation with a diverse geography. The island of Calbion is mountainous and forested in the north, while in the south and the west, green valleys and lowlands dominate the landscape. Famous are the Plains of Pentyre, which are low meadows in the shade of the Arán mountains that have been the location of many crucial events in Calbain history. The Northern coast, most notably around the city of Saint Edward, has a very pleasant and warm sea climate, which makes it a particularly popular holiday destination.
Climate
Although the climate of Armoria is also warm and temperate, the island itself is mostly barren and rocky. the island is located on a sea rift, which regularly causes earthquakes in the North of the island. In addition, the North of Armoria is a location of landfall for tropical storms and cycloons. The large majority of the Armorians live in the south, as the Southern coast is largely protected from natural turmoil by the Faenor mountains. The Northern part of Armoria is, in addition to being a designated nature area, the location of several military bases and facilities.
Kilkelly has a pleasant and mild climate. Its eastern borders are mountainous and sparsely populated, but the large remainder of the talaith is characterised by green downs and plains. In the central East is the mountain range known as the Ishara mountains. It is here that we find the largest peak in all of Calbion, the Albrús, which reaches up to 3,400 meters above sea level.
Biodiversity
Calbion is home to several unique animals. The Animawr, one of the largest land animals on Micras, is unique to the Aeronesian archipelago. In addition, sea dolphins and a large variety of birds such as eagles and other large predators nest in Calbion.
Government and Politics
Calbion is a largely democratic nation, with a ceremonial head of state, the Prince of the Calbain. The Prince of the Calbain (Tywysog Calbain) was the head of state of Calbion and de facto head of government. The powers of the Prince of the Calbain have varied over time. During the tribal era, the Prince of the Calbain ruled absolutely over a loose federation of tribes. The Governor-General of Calbion is the head of government of Calbion. He is elected by the Cynulliad Cenedlaethol and appointed by the Prince of the Calbain. Although officially "serving at the pleasure of the Prince of the Calbain", in practice the Governor-General has evolved to be the most important and powerful figure in Calbion.
The Cynulliad Cenedlaethol or the National Assembly is the legislating body of the Calbain people and of Calbion. Originally, the Cynulliad Cenedlaethol took the form of a triannual gathering of local representatives but during the 1620s, the Brettish democratic customs introduced a parliamentary system in which the people of Calbion elected 198 members to the unicameral Assembly. Procedings in the National Assembly remain rooted in (often shadowy) tradition and history of the Calbain people. As a result of its complicated past, there is no clear separation of powers in Calbion, with the Governor-General and the members of the High Council also having a seat in the Assembly.
Foreign relations
From the outset, Calbion has asserted itself as a player on the international stage. Having become weary of the tendency to be overrun by imperialist powers, the Calbain state has changed its outlook following renewed independence. Since 1688, Calbion's government has instigated an agenda of isolationism. In a world that has been dominated more and more by alliances, the Calbain position remains uncertain and is one of the main sources of political division within the country. In the past, Calbion was widely involved on the international stage, being a founding member of the Blackrock Pact, an alliance between Calbion, the Commonwealth of the Brettish Isles, Gerenia and Jingdao. As a consequence, Calbion became involved in the Euran War. In general, foreign relations of Calbion are characterised by a deep mistrust of the intermicronational community, and a focus on self-reliance in an anarchic, unreliable world.
Throughout its history, Calbion has seen several conflicts with neighbours such as Alexandria, Natopia and Jingdao due to the nation's insistence on an independent course between the main alliances on Micras. Notable conflicts include the Tractor incident, the Calbain Revolt and the Euran War. Although the nationalist government that ruled Calbion between 1685 and 1688 made some steps to establish relations with neighbouring countries, and the governments led by Llywelyn Lewis in the first half of the 17th century also displayed liberal characteristics, the conservative and realist government that took power in 1688 rejected international participation as a principle. However, after some years, the ab Ioan government opened up relations with non-aligned nations all over Micras in the policy of Agoriad. The Great Tour of 1693 was the culmination of this opening of relations. In addition to this, Calbion also strengthened its anti-Raspur stance, and intervened on behalf of the Republican forces in the Second Elwynnese Civil War. Calbion has continued to develop relations with the non-aligned states on Micras. In 1705, Calbion left the Micras Treaty Organisation over a dispute concerning the role of the MTO in international affairs. Asked to comment on the departure, Governor-General Bevan-Hall described the organisation as "completely irrelevant".
Administrative Divisions
Calbion is a multi-continental state and divided into several different types of administrative divisions. The Calbain heartland is the Aeronesian archipelago. The separate islands of the archipelago each make up a province, or talaith. These talaith have very limited autonomy, but do have some form of regional government in the form of regional assemblys.
Following the expansion of the 1680s and onward, Calbion settled the continents of Cibola and Keltia. This has led to the creation of two autonomous regions, known as the chiefdoms, or penaethiaid. The first of the penaethiaid is Cybwlach y Sant Martynn, located in Northern Cibola. The second chiefdom is the Arfordir Corachod, which roughly covers the North Island to the East of Keltia. The penaethiaid have significant autonomy and home rule, although the Calbain central government has the power to overrule all local legislation.
Finally, Calbion has a significant colonial empire. The Crown Colonies are territories that are directly administered by the Calbain government in the name of the Tywysog. Currently there are four Crown Colonies: Kilda, Ynys Herydd, Ynys Fforst and Y Skerriach.
Talaithau
The oldest subdivisions of Calbion are the talaithau. These were introduced in 1598 when Kilkelly and Armoria were added to the Calbain nation. The largest talaith in terms of population and influence remains the Ynys y Calbain, also known as Calbion island. Because this island is the core of the Calbain land, and also houses the government, it does not have any local government. With the expansion of the Calbain nation, the west of the island of Thalassa was occupied and became known as the Kilkelly province, after its largest port city and capital. To the North, the island of Armoria was also brought under Calbain rule. This island was often indicated as Y Faenor, or "the mansion". This referred to the gubernatorial palace that was constructed in the late 16th century. The island is also known as Summerisle, due to its proximity to the equator and its subtropical climate.
After the entire Aeronesian archipelago was put under Calbain rule, the number of talaith also expanded. The new talaithau of Aerys, Ura By'ach and Ynyshir were created, whilst Kilkelly was extended to occupy the entire middle island.
Penaethiaid
Formed out of colonial expansion, the two autonomous regions, or penaethiaid, are relatively new subdivisions of the Calbain state. Initially Cybwlach, or Northern Cibola, was granted autonomy as an autonomous principality. In 1699, Cybwlach was merged with Sant Martynn to form the Penaeth of Cybwlach y Sant Martynn. In the West, the colonised Arfordir Corachod was granted autonomy following significant expansion.
Crown Colonies
Throughout its existence, Calbion had a colonial dominion, which was known in the past as the Ffederasiwn Tiriogaethol of Morwlad (literally: sea land). Morwlad consisted of several colonies with limited autonomy that were mainly used as trading hubs or extraction colonies. At its highpoint, Calbion occupied the colonies of Port Impregnable, Port Moorland, Y Dwyrain and Ynys Corrach. Traces of Calbain influence can still be seen in most of these places, most notably in the Agra Fortress that was constructed in Y Dwyrain and is still one of the largest castles on Micras. Following its the 1690s, Calbion has been reasserting its colonial presence. This has led to significant expansion on Cibola and East Keltia. The colonial empire of Calbion was restructured into directly governed Crown Colonies, which legally are the possession of the Prince of the Calbain, but in practice are governed by the Calbain government. As of 1706, there were three Crown Colonies in existence: Kilda, Ynys Herydd, and Y Skerriach. The focus of Calbain expansion towards the Great Western Sea has led to the colonisation of North Island and the East Keltian coast. This area, known as Andilar, provides the Calbain with significant control over the important sea domain. Following the Calbain Troubles, Calbion lost many of its colonies.
Demographics
The largest ethnic group in Calbion are the Calbain, with over 80% of the population. Calbion further has a significant Batavian ethnic minority (both Maraguans and Arcadians). Smaller minorities include Nelagans, Brettish and Shirithians.
| Demographic group | Population | Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calbain | 10,486,236 | 81.4% | Largest, and culturally dominant, ethnic group in Calbion |
| Maraguan | 876,392 | 6.8% | Significant population in the South of the Ynys y Calbain |
| Non-Maraguan Batavian | 618,673 | 4.8% | Includes South Batavians and Arcadians |
| Brettish | 482,361 | 3.7% | Significant population in South West Kilkelly |
| Aeronesian | 168,337 | 1.3% | Mainly Kilkelly and Aerys |
| Cibolan | 143,328 | 1.1% | |
| Shirerithians | 55,145 | 0.4% | Mainly Ura'Byach |
| Other | 49,454 | 0.4% |
Though the different ethnic minorities (especially the Calbain and the Maraguans) have conflicted heavily in the past, the large majority of the population of Calbion is supportive of the Calbain state. The political representation of the minority ethnicities through the Regionalist and Minority faction in the Cynulliad Cenedlaethol has contributed greatly to this. During the leadership of Llywelyn Lewis, significant steps were made in reconciliating the Maraguans with the Calbain.
Urbanisation
Calbion is a largely rural nation. Most people live in the countryside and in small villages or towns. However, a notable exception are several larger settlements. Pentyre, the capital city, has over a million inhabitants when its suburbs are included.
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Economy
The Calbain have always been a seafaring and trading people. Since the establishment of the Calbain state, this practice continued. Initially, the Calbain economy was largely dependent on the South Batavians, but in the late 16th century, the nation started to open trade with Shireroth, Babkha, Elwynn and Natopia. The Iron Company established presence in Calbion during the 1640s, which led to a great increase in trade and wealth. Today, Calbion remains committed to the idea of international free trade. Most foreign trade from Calbion is conducted through the Princely Exploration and Trading Company.
Through its network of trade, Calbion has a well-developed colonial past. At the height of the Calbain colonial empire in the late 1640s, the nation owned several substantial possessions in the East and the Skerries. In the 1680s, the Calbain government sought to reinvigorate the colonies. During the early years of the 1690s, many colonies were established in Keltia and Cibola, greatly adding to the GDP of Calbion.
Calbion is a major producer of raw materials such as hardwood, iron, copper and coal. In addition, Calbion has one of the worlds largest shipbuilding sectors, as well as a reasonably well-developed manufacturing industry. Due to Calbion being a relatively rural nation, agriculture remains the largest sector of industry. The keeping of, and provision for, livestock, mainly cows, sheep and chickens is a significant percentage of this.
Culture
Religion
The Calbain Church (Calbic: Eglwys Calbinol) is the main institute connected with the Calbain faith, and the largest religious institution in Calbion. The Calbain religion is a syncretism of ancient Calbain polytheism and Catologism, which was introduced to Calbion in 1596. Though the Calbain Faith has a distinct cosmology and theology, it is a very practical faith which is characterised by an emphasis on morality, family values and includes in particular a strong focus on procreation.
The Calbain religion has a complex theology and cosmology. It has been described as Unitarian Polytheism by some. According to Calbain cosmology, the universe exists of eight planes of existence (the number eight holds significant value in the religion). These however are not separate worlds, but rather "states" of the world that humans live in. Each plane of existence is represented by its own god. At the beginning of time, there was only one reality and one god, Cato. The Calbain faith has two sacred texts, the first is the Cân y Dechrau, or the Song of the Origin, and the second is the Cyfraith y Byw, or the Law of the Living.
In addition to the Calbain Church, some smaller religion have gained some traction in Calbion. The largest of which are the Nazarene Congregations in Calbion. In addition, some Umraist and Catologian communities exist in the nation.
Entertainment
Calbion is a land of pubs, and has a culture of live performance and singing. Traditional folk music is widely popular all over Calbion, and one doesn't have to look far to find someone with a guitar or lute who knows a song or two. Many Calbain folk songs have never been written down, but are transferred from father to son. In addition to folk singing, Calbain has a tradition of choirs. Choral singing is a very important aspect of the Calbain religion, and is widely practiced. Most schools have their own choirs.
In recent years, popular music has been introduced to Calbion. A specific branch of rock music, based in Calbion's folk tradition, has emerged and is known as Calpop. The most prominent exponent of Calpop is the band Ronnie Rona and the Aerosols who are credited with introducing Calbion to modern music. The group is the most popular band in the nation.
Cuisine
Calbion is known as a producer of whiskey and cider, the most popular alcoholic drinks in the country. In addition, Calbain beers are widely renowned. Though Calbain beverages are popular both and widely exported, traditional cuisine is not. Traditional Calbain food is stew, mainly consisting of potatoes, mixed with onions, carrots or cabbage together with meat. Most popular is mutton, but also beef is prevalent. Calbain stews are rich and full, but have limited spicing and are particularly heavy in calories, also due to the substantial amount of gravy that is usually included. Calbion is also known for street foods, especially "Tirtar", which are sticks made out of cheese and bacon.
Sports
The most popular sport in Calbion is Rugby Union. The national team of Calbion is considered a titan in the sport, as in most other Micran nations, the league variant of rugby is more popular. Calbion is known as the founding nation of the Micras Rugby Union. In addition, the Calbain national team won the most recent world cup.
Association football is also a popular sport in Calbion. Football in Calbion is controlled by the Calbion Football Association (Calbion Cymdeithas Bêl-droed). Calbion has one professional football league, the Gynghrair Gyntaf and a national team that participates in major international competitions. Since its conception, the national football team has seen some success in international competitions. Notably, the national team came second in the 2023 world cup. It also won the Cibotab championships twice, and won the Lion's cup.
Additional sports that enjoy popularity in Calbion are boxing (especially the traditional variant), fencing, polo and tennis. Non-physical sports such as snooker and chess are also highly popular in the nation and usually played in pubs.
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