Overview

Quick Facts

Larsland
Population: ~6 billion
Demonym: Larslander
Region: Pluviostan

Currency: Coin
Gini: 0.59
HDI: 0.87
PPP conversion factor: 12.97
Unemployment: 9%

Capital: Kortia
Largest City: Centra
President: Damian Sniffles
Government: Unitary parliamentary
confederate constitutional republic

About Larsland
Larsland is a confederate alliance of six states, officially independent - Maulia, Versaul, Portia, Centra, Darka and Kortia. In practice, however, the central unicameral parliament (led by a "president") of Larsland's policies are almost always implemented in all six states, giving the confederacy a distinctly federal appearance. The states are contiguous and positioned in Pluviostan, bordered on the west by the Nousonan state of Ecova. Larsland's territorial claims have remained unchanged since Larsland's foundation. Larsland is currently ruled by the Considerate Party, who have dominated Larsland's politics for some generations.

Larsland is a developed and ethnically diverse nation. The birth rate is very high for such a developed nation, at roughly 30 births/1000 people, while the death rate is low at only 7 deaths/1000 people. This, along with increased land scarcity for housing, are expected to be Larsland's key challenges moving forward.

The economy is Larsland is post-industrial, market-based and struggling after a prolonged recession. Income inequality is extremely low, and private industry is heavily regulated. Despite this, the private sector still makes up the majority of Larsland's economic activity. Key industries include tourism, research, technology and arts. The primary sector, too, helps ensure food security. Despite the struggling economy, quality of life indexes are high across the board, with Larslanders enjoying a good standard of health and education. Larsland is a world leader in scientific research and innovation, despite possessing no real military technology.

History
Larsland was founded out of a great alliance, and was named after a semi-legendary explorer said to have first charted that part of Pluviostan. Prior to the alliance, the sovereign states had occasionally gone so far as to come to arms, and many of these wars were quite deadly. Since the alliance, however, Larsland has assumed something of a nationalist identity, and most Larslanders identity with the alliance as strongly as they do with their own state.

Politics
Each state has its own legislature, but the central government has control over certain executive offices, notably foreign affairs. Through extensive lobbying, the Larsland Diplomatic Service is by far the largest government department, maintaining a number of luxurious convention centers at great expense. Larsland has no military, but it does provide for the common defence using elements such as diplomacy, shelters, intelligence, and most rarely, improvised weapons.

Larsland has an active judiciary. Trials are generally fair, and punishments are generally very light. Due to the similarity in the law between all states, judges are generally seen as competent to serve in any of the Larsland jurisdictions.

With the exception of Versaul, all the other states are further subdivided into administrative districts, whose local councils have varying degrees of autonomy.

Internally the policies of Larsland have been described as "mandatory liberal freedom", with people enjoying a high degree of freedom but with the large government taking an active role to ensure this happens. Taxes are quite high, but the government ensures that the poor are well provided for. Elections are free and fair, although some have raised concerns over the dominance of the Considerate Party.

Geography
Larsland has a decent biodiversity, though few species are endemic, with ample environmental protections ensuring that much of Larsland is covered with forest and nature reserves. Natural predators, including bears and wolves, are occasionally a threat to lone hikers or campers. This scenery is one of the key reasons why tourism flourishes in Larsland. Larsland also actively uses chemtrails to manipulate weather patterns, ensuring a good mix of sun and rain in all parts of the country.

Larsland has many peninsulas ensuring it has a large amount of coastline. Larsland lays territorial claim to a large exclusive economic zone, and regularly prosecutes fishers if they appear to be taking too many fish. The climate of Larsland is typically mild and, particularly near the coast, quite maritime, while inland the many valleys of Larsland ensure a sheltered climate for these areas.

The topography of Larsland comprises grassland, forests, mountains, and urban areas, with a few small swamps. Much of Larsland is beautiful sweeping valleys, sparkling lakes and dramatic mountains. Urban sprawl, however, remains a challenge. Natural hazards, notably fires and slips, occasionally also occur.

Economy
Larsland's economy is dominated by the tertiary sector, and is currently showing strong recovery. High unemployment and a lack of production remain challenges.

The currency of Larsland is the Coin (plural: Coins). A cheap loaf of bread costs approximately 15 Coins. Most transactions are now handled electronically, and it is common practice for many establishments to refuse payment in individual Coins.

Larsland has an active policy of seeking trade agreements, which given Larsland's status, Larsland is heavily dependant upon. Interstate trade within Larsland is also particularly strong. Larsland's key export is research and associated services, followed by arts and information technology. Most finished products, however, are imported into Larsland. "Brain Drain" has been largely avoided, however, due to the strong Larsland culture and quality of life satisfaction. Larsland tends to avoid free trade agreements, and has ample market protections in place.

Natural advantages ensure that Larsland has strong food and water security. Much of Larsland's research focuses on ensuring the continued safety, in particular, with regard to water quality and supply as a result of these economic activities.

Infrastructural networks are generally strong, with Larsland maintaining good quality roads and rail services around the country. Energy supplies are fairly secure and largely from renewable sources, while Larsland's internet is free by law and available almost everywhere. Satellite routers are common. Most international visitors arrive by air or ship, with each state maintaining at least one major international airport.

Demography
Larsland has a rapidly growing population, the majority of which live in urban areas. This has been largely put down to a high fertility rate and government incentives to grow families. It also has one of the largest populations in Pluviostan, the massive labor force largely employed in the service sector, and agricultural work. Net migration is, on average, zero. A large number of international students, however, travel to Larsland's legendary universities and schools to study for a period of time.

Although each state has their own individual cultures, the shared sense of "Larsland" identity has developed a few common traits, including an aversion to violence and a strong sense of compassion as well as tolerance. Despite the cultural homogeneity, the country is somewhat ethnically diverse, with about a third of the country belonging to a minority culture. Such cultures typically integrate with others, as the government takes active policies to prevent foreigners from isolating their communities or attacking other cultures, even when the two cultures are opposed outside of Larsland.

Larsland is predominantly non-religious, but religious freedom is generally high. Like companies, religious groups and other organizations are the subjects of numerous bureaucratic laws.

Social Issues
Larsland has a strong record on human rights, civil and political freedoms. However, many social issues remain.

There is a strong accusation that Larsland is soft on crime. Crime rates are moderate to low, with theft and rape being not uncommon. However, many other kinds of crime - in particular, assaults and murders - are virtually unknown.

The urbanization of the population and high unemployment are causing concern for both population health and the possibility of homelessness, especially as the population continues to grow faster and faster.

International trade shocks are a significant vulnerability to the Larsland economy.