Legionas
Kingdom of Legionas | |
|---|---|
 Flag
 Coat of Arms
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| Motto: In Varietate Concordia United in Diversity | |
| Anthem: God Save the King | |
 The Kingdom of Legionas in 2020 | |
| Status | Kingdom |
| Capital | Aunistria |
| Largest | Bayview |
| Official languages | English |
| Recognised regional languages | Rhandi
Ardaphian Merdevan |
| Religion | 51% No Religion
38% Christianity 10% Other Religions 1% Not Stated |
| Demonym(s) | Legionite |
| Government | Constitutional Monarchy |
• King | Alexander II |
• Prime Minister | Nicholas Moretti |
| Legislature | Imperial Parliament |
| Senate | |
| Assembly of Representatives | |
| Independene | |
• The Eight Kingdoms | 1095- 1538 |
• The Great Game | 1547- 1775 |
• The Union of the Crowns | 1786 |
• Era of Expansionism | 1854-1914 |
• Legionite Civil War | 1929-1936 |
• The Great War | 1961-67 |
| Population | |
• 2020 estimate | 116,000,000 |
• 2013 census | 114,374,590 |
| GDP (nominal) | 2020 estimate |
• Total | ₳7.95 trillion |
• Per capita | ₳68,545 |
| Gini (2018) | 37.3 medium |
| HDI (2017) | 0.895 very high |
| Currency | Legionite Aureus (LE₳) |
| Time zone | UTC+5 to +7 (West Legionas Time (UTC +5), Central Legionas Time (UTC +6), East Legionas Time (UTC +7)) |
| Driving side | left |
| Calling code | +132 |
| Internet TLD | .lg |
Legionas, officially the Kingdom of Legionas, is a sovereign nation in the International Democratic Union located in Eastern Caxcana bordering two nations namely Arcadia Dazeber to the West and Huenya to the East as well as maritime borders with the Aegir Sea, Nereus Sea shared with Xiomera and Eiria and Horadam Sea shared with Arcadia-Dazeber and Ceryana. Legionas has a few international territories namely the Indigo Island in the Tenebric Ocean and Shizizhen, a legation city in the Allied Cities and dependent territory.
With its eight regions and one Executive-controlled Capital Territory (CT) containing an estimated population of around 116 million residents, it is considered an economic, social and political power in the region. The capital, Aunistria, was officially proclaimed on the 11th of October 1995 after over two decades of planning and development. The largest city and former capital, Bayview, is considered the gateway into Legionas and with a population of 6.5 million in the city and adjacent suburbs and 18 million in the metropolitan area, is one of the largest cities on the continent. Other cities that have populations of above 3 million residents include Moense, Wasedron and Verdesia. Verdesia was the first capital of Legionas when it proclaimed independence in 1780 and is still the seat of the royal family, The House of Verdesia. The population is mostly situated on the coast but the inland population has grown exponentially over the last 50 years as a result of government initiatives to populate the sparsely populated interior as well as decongest the coastal cities.
Etymology and Terminology
While many theories surmise as to the etymological origins of Legionas, the name is now accepted as originating from Caxcanan-based traders and merchants traders as referring to the main military unit of the ancient Merdevan state located on Southern Legionas (i.e the Merdevan Legions), and main militaristic presence (with several legions often hired by traders and merchants as mercenaries when not protecting Merdevan interests) on the Horadam Road, a trade route that moved through a sizeable portion of modern day Legionas. The name attained official significance following the union of the Merdevan and Ardaphian crowns as the Kingdom of Legionas.
The term "Legionite" is commonly used to refer to matters relating to the Kingdom of Legionas and is used legally to refer to citizenship and nationality, therefore the standard and official designation of a citizen of the Kingdom of Legionas is Legionite, with "Legionasian" being used throughout history but recently falling into disuse and no longer recognized, although mistakenly used sometimes by foreigners.
History
(UNDER EXTENSIVE REWORK)
Pre-History and Antiquity
The first human settlements in modern-day Legionas are believed to date back to the Middle Paleolithic Period, with thousands of elaborate obsidian and flint-based tools as well as other artefacts dating as far back as 250,000 years ago. Excavations throughout Legionite archaeological sites reveal a Neanderthalian presence dating as close as 150,000 years ago, with radiocarbon dated fossil specimen estimating that the oldest Neanderthal lived around 200,000-220,000 years ago, with early modern humans appearing in the region about 35,000 years ago during the Upper Paleolithic Period. The inhabitants during the Paleolithic Period up to the Upper Paleolithic Period were essentially hunter-gatherer bands with gradual temperature reduction in the region into an estimated century long cold-spell and emergence of forests and woodlands slowly rendering hunting and gathering unsustainable, especially in Central Legionas.
Archaeological sites that have had significant findings include Careri, Lyshall Caves, Lower Rosmana Complex and Arnager Gorge. In 1989, Arnager Gorge was the site where the most complete early modern human skeleton was excavated. Named Winston, the fossil specimen was dated to 10,000 years ago as being that of a ≈10 year old male, torso wrapped in disintegrated material, possibly animal skin or leaves, and buried with yellow ochre and shell beads in what appeared to be a burial ceremony.
Early migrations from Western and Southern Caxcana, as well as from Southern Hesperida by various tribes during the Neolithic Period to Eastern Caxcana contributed greatly to the demographics of the region. These migrants brought new ideas and technologies leading to rapid, radical societal and landscape transformation in what is known as the Eastern Caxcanan Neolithic Revolution. Early Merdevans, Ardaphians, Ashadis, Theparians, Kustanites, Wasedrites and Mayeni made up the bulk of what is now regarded as the Early Mainland Eastern-Caxcanan (EMEC) group of peoples following tribal interactions and cultural assimilations with these migrants. Peoples of possible Hesperidan origin populated what is now Northern Legionas, with the Ostilucians being the most significant. Nomadic Pastoralism developed on the Vicdun Plains, south of Mount Rosmana, with early agriculture developing in Western Legionas. Trade began to develop into an important activity in Eastern Caxcana, with local and regional trade becoming increasingly practiced. During the Chalcolithic, a simple trading route originating from the early river city of the Mayeni people, Neshad, on the Tyria River estuary, where early copper deposits were located, developed to become the Horadam Road.
By the end of the Iron Age, the people of Eastern Caxcana had already begun to develop systems of writing, and with the development of more effective iron tools, weaker tribes and peoples begun to be systematically peacefully assimilated or forcefully subjugated and assimilated, with polities that may be considered to be early Eastern Caxcanan states being developed by the stronger peoples and tribes. These early states participated in trade while also practicing economic activities such as pottery, blacksmithing, early agrarianism, as well as pastoralism (in regards to the Ashadi people) among other activities, with policies such as early taxation developing as a result. The Ostilucians formed the first recognized Eastern Caxcanan state on the Greivania Peninsula, known as Ushana. The Ostilucian were a seafaring people that established fortified settlements on coastal areas bordering the Aegir Sea, becoming the first truly dominant civilization, with it establishing tributary states and dependencies as far inland as the Tyria River trading cities. Its fall in 750AD occurred due to a combination of attacks by the Merdevans, Mayeni, Wasedrites and Ardaphians, as well as division of the state due to internal power struggles and economic malaise.
The Middle Ages
The fall of the Ostilucian Ushana coincided with the emergence of the Merdevans, Wasedrites and Ardaphians.
The Union of the Crowns
In 1150 A.D King Rumius passed away at the ripe old age of 91 years old. His son, King Suamira, was crowned later that year. Within a decade, he managed to squander a large portion of the national coffers. Discontent began to rise in the Kingdom and some began to plan the overthrow of the Hedonist King. In 1199, the Merdevan separatists began a civil war that lasted a year, in which King Suamira was killed by an ambush while leading his army to siege the Merdevan headquarters. His Grand Vizier defeated the Merdevan separatists and ruled for 5 years as a regent until King Suamira's son became of age. When King Suamira's son, King Rumius II, turned 20 years old he was instated as the third Ardaphian King in 1205 A.D.
King Rumius II was almost exactly like his father, although more incompetent. He was manipulated by all his advisors, his court, and his wives as well as concubines. His reign signified the gradual downfall of the Ardaphian Kingdom. The city of Domgarza was a cesspool of prostitutes, criminals, and conmen yet the only thing the King cared about was his welfare. He never left his palace for the last five years of his reign because the situation in the city became deplorable. In 1220 the Grand Empire of Shen invaded the North of the Ardaphian Kingdom and offered to vassalize the state. King Rumius II refused and committed suicide in his palace on the 13th of August 1220. His brother, King Huamzia, saw no other alternative than to submit to the will of Empress Liu. The area of the Kingdom was severely diminished and the vast gold and silver mines were taken over by the Shen Empire. Thus the Age of Humiliation began.
Formations of a Legionite State
On the 12th of April 1780, The Kingdom of Legionas was born. Early on, the state was divided after the independence war. Various groups had occupied traditional Legionite land and the King set to work to assimilate them. The coasts of Legionas were also full of pirates and illegal whalers. The Kingdom bought and upgraded several Man-o-Wars and Ships-of-the-Line. A Shen Admiral, Admiral Zhou-Li was hired by the King to head the first Legionite Navy as well as train the King's nephew, Prince Samuel, the Prince of Wasedron, as a competent admiral and his successor.
Instability caused by the Legionas War of Independence left the Shen Empire weak and ineffective leaving it's border regions, especially in the East ripe for the taking. In 1790, the Legionite Imperial Army launched an offensive capturing large swathes of land to the North and North West. A peace settlement was agreed upon in 1801, two years before the Rhandi War of Independence which was funded heavily by King William I. In 1810, King William I sent an offer to the Heavenly Throne to finalize the borders of the two nations which were agreed upon on Christmas Eve, 1810. For about a decade the Kingdom embarked on consolidation of the newly-acquired lands. Massive public works were undertaken to the North and North West of the nation and assimilation of smaller communities was performed as a matter of National Security. Iron, copper, silver and salt mines were discovered and exploited relentlessly by the Kingdom. Trade routes traversing the entire region originated from coastal cities like Bayview(called Kiraçan at the time) and Wasedron, which grew exponentially as a result of the volume of trade passing through them. The Kingdom prioritized its own economy adopting protectionist policies and imposing tariffs on foreign goods. In 1832 King William I made English the official state language and decreed that all laws must be written in English, inexplicably led to increased integration of the minor cultures by undermining the three dominant cultures. Around this time the possibility of establishing a colony in Hesperida was being seriously considered in the King's Court. In 1851, King William I ordered his top Admiral, Captain Allan Erickson, to organize an expedition to Hesperida and find a suitable location for the establishment of a Legionite settlement on the continent. Captain Allan Erickson had heard of the riches in Hesperida and decided to create a trading company to exploit the resource rich lands to the north before embarking on his maiden voyage. In 1852 an expedition 20 ships strong set out to conquer virgin lands in Hesperida for the King. Along the way one ship, a frigate, was shipwrecked off the coast of Iustitia City leading to the deaths of 10 crewmen. The expedition was also attacked by pirates off the Gladysinthian coast in the Strait of Vulkaria forcing the expedition to beach on an island in the Elkjop Bay. The land was somewhat barren except for a large population of wild boars that lived on small patches of grass on the island. The Island was uninhabited although various broken weapons were found on the island indicating the presence of human activity on the island, most likely hunting expeditions. The expeditioners managed to repair their ships using crude materials and headed to the city of Tofino, believed to be south of their current location.
Two ships were separated from the expedition in a storm in the Horseshoe Bay and were shipwrecked off the coast of Point Tarin. Captain Erickson managed to meet Zamastanian President Avi Taures who allowed the Legionites to repair their ships and restore their supplies for no cost whatsoever. The expedition returned to Bayview in 1854, almost two years after they embarked on their mission. They were received warmly at the Palace of Verdesia by King William I, Captain Erickson being knighted for his actions. Captain Erickson's expedition led to the official declaration of interest by Legionas in obtaining a colony in Hesperida.
In 1856 a large expedition led by Captain Erickson returned to Hesperida, first docking at Tofino, Zamastan's capital, to resupply and finally landing at present day Asmena in Zerphique. There they established a settlement known as Pheasant's Point due to the large amounts of Zerphiquean Pheasants in the area. The settlement was, from the onset, a target of the local native tribes who were hostile to the Legionite settlers. Captain Erickson initiated a series of punitive expeditions to pacify the locals culminating in the capture of 30 locals in total. An understanding was established between the settlers and the locals, although after months of frequent conflict. Captain Erickson returned to Legionas in 1860 after the settlement became self-sustainable and started to expand. He left with the crew of his flagship, The Lützos. The total population of the settlement was 203 people with 15 ships and 100 barrels of gunpowder and 50 crates of ammunition which could last them for two years. Captain Erickson docked at Providence, Zamastan and made an agreement with a local group of farmers to supply the settlers with grain and other agricultural goods on a bi-annual basis. He finally returned to Legionas and informed the King on the success of the settlement and the diverse fauna and flora present in the region. The King gave Captain Erickson's trading company, The South Hesperida Company, a mandate to control the development of the colony for 20 years and would receive an annual grant of 17,500 dollars from the Government and an initial loan of 50,000 dollars to buy the required items and trading licenses as well as establishing a Headquarters in Bayview to coordinate all activities of the company.
At this time another naval officer, Captain Otto Von Helmer, saw the possibility of increasing his prestige and status by exploring the Southern Tenebric Ocean. Unfortunately his expedition was far less successful than Captain Erickson's. The hostile environment of the South Tenebric Ocean led to the overall failure of the expedition with only the Indigo Islands and Alszar Archipelago claimed for the King.
The Early 20th Century (1900-1920)
The 20th Century was one of, if not, the most hectic centuries in the nation's history. It entered the century as a relatively stable monarchy with a colony in Hesperida and emerged from the century as a rapidly growing kingdom.
Early into 1900, on the 12th of January, the long-reigning King William I passed away in his sleep at Trazmera Palace in Rinfer. He was buried at the Ertonrough Cathedral in a ceremony attended by all remaining monarchs of the IDU as well as a few heads of state. His son and heir-apparent, Prince Christian-Louis of the House of Verdesia assumed the throne and was coronated on the 12th of March 1900 following Royal Protocol. He assumed the name Louis at his coronation and was known as King Louis II of the House of Verdesia during his reign. Over 750,000 visitors came to Verdesia for the celebrations. He became the first Sovereign to take up residence at the brand new Palace of Verdesia. In the first year of his reign he managed to enact several social and economic reforms as well as ordering the demolition of several slum dwellings in the major urban centres such as Bayview and Moense. King Louis II's coronation also coincided with the Second Legionite Industrial Revolution in which massive industrial projects such as the Horadam and North Legionas Railroads which saw the laying of around 37,500 miles of track, the massive Ordstead Iron and Bauxite mines and steel works, electrification works and the laying of the East Caxcanan Telegraph Line. The South Hesperidan Protectorate, later known as Zerphique, was officially placed under the administration of the crown in 1900 via nationalization of the South Hesperidan Company after reports of mismanagement of the protectorate which led to the Leofer Rebellion that resulted in widespread destruction of infrastructure in the protectorate: many condemned the South Hesperida Company for letting the situation devolve to the point of rebellion. In the aftermath of the rebellion, under the provisions of the South Hesperidan Act of 1878, the Legionite Government nationalized the company.
The protectorate was officially established into a colony on the 17th of March 1901. The administrative capital was thus moved from Marasa to New Horadam, situated in the mainland. Slavery was abolished in the colony and small scale mechanization of plantations was enacted, although the natives were still utilized in the plantations as paid laborers. The fertile Eastern Highlands of the colony were reserved for exclusive Legionite utilization by the colonial government, a move intended to encourage Legionites to move to the colony and aid in its development thus generating the necessary funds for colonial administration.
In search for new markets, King Louis II mandated Lord Durgall, one of his advisors to outfit a series of trade expeditions all around the IDU in search for untapped markets. Lord Durgall, after deliberation with other key advisors of the King, decided to outfit two trade delegations towards Hesperida. Several convoy ships belonging to the Legionite Royal Navy were prepared as well as a crew of 1150 men and a few hundred tonnes of Legionite industrial goods.The two Trade Delegations set off towards Eastern Hesperida where they landed in Libertas Omnium Maximus and Laeral respectively. The delegation which landed in Libertas Omnium Maximus was led by Captain Andrea Friuli. The delegation landed in Iustitia City on the 11th of June 1902. The Laeral-bound delegation was led by Captain Fiumicino Grimaldi and landed at Auvergne on the 17th of May 1902.
Captain Friuli managed to secure a deal with the Maximusian Government led by Bernard Marshall in which Legionas would supply the Maximusians with Steel, textiles and technological expertise in the production of electricity in exchange for livestock, logs and technological expertise in the improvement of the mining sector as outlined in the Legionite-Maximusian Trade Act of 1902. Captain Grimaldi managed to begin talks with the Laeralite Premiere, Ferdinand Saulignac, which led to the signing of a series of treaties in which Legionas would supply the Laeralites with weapons, paper and machine tools in exchange for agricultural products, textiles and technological expertise in the improvement of the agricultural sector as outlined in the Laeralite-Legionite Trade Act of 1902.
The two delegations were successful and the returning captains were received by the King at Wasedron Harbour. Two ambassadors, Lord Wilkinshire and Lord Rechenburg to the respective nations were soon appointed by the king to maintain diplomatic relations in Laeral and Libertas Omnium Maximus respectively.
The Rhandi State neighboring Legionas was in a state resembling anarchy after a brutal two year-long civil war. King Louis II invaded the territory with the desire to incorporate it into the Kingdom. The War of the Hills began on September 15th 1903, led personally by King Louis II. Three armies marched into Rhandi territory, capturing the fishing city of Grizal within weeks of the campaign. The advance of the armies was halted at the Agorith River, where the Rhandis had created a series of fortifications on the other side. The Brutal Battle of Agorith River commenced on the 21st of October 1903 with a series of artillery barrages followed by the main assault. The Rhandi resistance at the river line was crushed and the Legionites engaged them in a series of melee battles as they tried to retreat towards the fortified city of Saxinavre on the Okburg Pass. The King, a graduate of the Royal Military College, led his men valorously in the battle alongside Lord Truszad and Lord Durgall. Unfortunately, the armies were unable to destroy the Rhandis who managed to retreat to a more favorable position on the Okburg Pass. The three armies surrounded the Okburg Pass and prepared for a bloodbath of a battle. The Rhandi Troops periodically enacted raids on the Legionite troops in the hopes of weakening them. The Legionites were however undeterred and King Louis II ordered an ambitious amphibious landing behind the city. A Fourth Army was thus created and placed under the leadership of Lord Hindenburg. Lord Hindenburg's Army replaced that of King Louis II which took position at the recently captured city of Grizal.
On the 30th of November 1902, in the middle of freezing weather, King Louis II began his amphibious assault. He landed unopposed with his men, 50 miles North-East of Saxinavre. After organizing his troops, King Louis sent a telegram to the three other army leaders ordering them to shell the Fortress City. He began to advance towards the city, wary of his supplies which were quickly dwindling. When he arrived he found a huge battle ongoing, the Battle of Okburg Pass. The King Ordered his men to hit the Rhandi troops at their rear and managed to completely breakdown the Rhandi communication and supply lines. The battlefield quickly became a sea of bodies from both sides as the Legionites managed to enter the city. The battle continued for days as the city was increasingly destroyed. Frustrated at the resolve of the Rhandi troops, King Louis ordered that city be set fire to. The ensuing blaze almost completely destroyed the entire city and led to the surrender of the Rhandi Forces. King Louis entered Christiania, the Capital of the Rhandi state, victorious after months of war. The Treaty of Christiania was signed on the 21st of January 1903 and the Rhandi state was officially incorporated into the Legionite Kingdom, as the brand new province of Erysea.
Legionas also participated in the Golden Flag Rebellion of 1903, with King Louis II sending a large army under Lord Hindenburg as well as the Royal Home Fleet under Admiral Otto von Manteuffel to protect Legionite interests in the nation. Admiral von Manteuffel blockaded the nation allowing for Laeralite, Maximusian and Zamastanian forces to safely land in the Shen Empire. Lord Hindenburg's army took part in the Biaking Assault that led to the occupation and burning down of Biaking, suppression of the revolt and formation of the Allied Cities as outlined in the Treaty of Biaking. Legionas received the Legation City of Shizizhen,a Seat in the Allied Council and vast war reparations from the Shen Emperor. King Louis II bought and renovated the Weiyang Manor in Shizizhen from the Heavenly Throne, renaming it to the Shizizhen Autumn Palace.
The 1910's was a mostly peaceful period in Legionas, with the government focusing more on the welfare of the population as well as consolidation of new lands instead of territorial expansion. In 1911 after a coordinated lobbying effort orchestrated by the Liberal nobles present in the Royal Court led by Prince Albert, the King issued a decree regarding the establishment of an advisory body filled by elected upper-class businessman and nobles too low in rank to be invited to the King's Court, that would be known as the Imperial Assembly. The King also initiated a review of the decades-old Supreme Constitution. A Review Council was formed with members from both the King's Court and the Assembly. Several amendments were proposed but it was agreed unanimously that a new constitution was not yet required.
The Golden Twenties & Black Thursday (1921-1928)
The 1920's saw a dramatic shift in national identity in Legionas; with several cultural, social and artistic revolutions leading to the Kingdom creating a distinctive cultural edge. The decade also saw unprecedented economic prosperity and growth, coinciding with the nation's expansion of formerly underdeveloped industries such as oil exploitation, Aircraft manufacturing among others. This growth was however halted, during the devastating Stock-Market crash, Black Thursday.
The Golden Twenties
The Golden Twenties were a period of economic growth and prosperity, coupled with a dramatic shift in national identity in the nation, following the prior decades of national upheval, domestically and internationally under the reign of King Louis II
Black Thursday
The Legionite Civil War
Reconstruction Era
The Great War (1961-1967)
The Late 20's & Early 21st Century (1968-2005)
Modern Day Legionas
Geography, Climate and Environment
Climate
Pedology
Forests
Topography
Ecology
Major water bodies
Wildlife
Demographics
Population
The Legionite Census Bureau estimates that the population of Legionas is 114,374,590 as of the 2013 Census, and is increasing at the rate of 1 person (net gain) every 12 seconds or about 6600 people a day. The population of Legionas is on average 39 years old, 40.5 years for men and 38.5 years for women. The population has almost doubled over the last 75 years from an estimated population of 66.2 million as of 1938. In the 20th century the average woman had 4.35 children which played a major factor in the rapid increase in population. The nation did adopt family planning policies later on in the century which led to the decrease in number of children. Since the early 1970's the average number of children in families was 2.7 children per family. To increase the population even further the Legionite government has heavily promoted immigration of citizens of less developed nations which has led to the immigration of around 10 million people as of 2013, mainly for work and education. The foreign born population of Legionas is estimated to be 13.94 million people as of 2013. The National Institute of Statistics, in a 2018 report, reported that, on Legionites aged 16 years and above, around 3.9% of the population identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, with the bulk of respondents identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual.
Legionas has always exhibited a unique amount of diversity among ethnic groups thanks to its strategic position on the Horadam Road, with thousands of merchants, slaves, mercenaries and farmers flocking to the Nation.
Legionas has several major populated areas which have developed over years based on various factors such as Trade, Government Intervention and Natural Resources extraction just to name a few. The largest city of Legionas is Bayview, the former capital city of the nation. Recent large scale immigration into Legionas has led to the rapid growth of formerly small cities such as Sherfield, Limprostanz and Tromzosa.
The table below shows the largest cities in Legionas:
|
Largest Cities of Legionas based on Population | |||||
| No. | City | Population | |||
| 1. | Bayview | 11,543,870 | |||
| 2. | Moense | 9,215,090 | |||
| 3. | Wasedron | 7,447,000 | |||
| 4. | Verdesia | 6,350,000 | |||
| 5. | Sherfield | 5,439,000 | |||
| 6. | Aunistria | 4,500,000 | |||
| 7. | Horadam | 3,887,050 | |||
| 8. | Drugamvy | 3,694,770 | |||
| 9. | Limprostanz | 2,190,500 | |||
| 10. | Konigsberg | 1,579,600 | |||
| 11. | Tromzosa | 1,354,000 | |||
Language
The English Language is the official and most spoken language in the Kingdom of Legionas. It is estimated that around 72% of Legionites are monolingual speakers of English, with the remaining 28% being a combination of bilingual, trilingual and multilingual language speakers. As the official national language English is exclusively utilized during governmental proceedings, laws, court rulings and deliberations, as well as in the administering of examinations within the Legionite Education System.
Religion
The Kingdom of Legionas is currently a secular state, with no religion receiving special treatment or undue privilege from the state. State secularism is enforced strictly with government business being conducted under the concept of strict separation between church and state. The Supreme Constitution of Legionas, following the Great Amendment of 1971, guarantees the free exercise of religion and religious practices as a constitutional right, and forbids the Government from passing laws regarding religion so as to respect its establishment. The Great Amendment of 1971 was a pivotal moment in Legionite history as it heralded the end of the state religion privileged status of Christianity. Before 1971, and all the way back to the formation of the Kingdom itself, Christianity dominated religious life and society in the nation, with agnostics and non-religious people being viewed with contempt up to around the Early 20th Century when the Legionite secularist movement began to gain popularity. The Church of Legionas was the state religion up to 1971, and it still maintains an important presence in religious debate and cultural identity in the nation. It is headed by the Supreme Archbishop, a title held by the reigning monarch of the Kingdom, currently King Alexander II.
Legionite religious policy, following the end of the Great War, has been described as one promoting a post-Christian, multi-faith society, that treats the freedom of thought as sacrosanct. Religious apathy is mostly predominant with the youth in large urban centers with Sherfield being the most irreligious city in the nation based on a 2020 report by the National Institute of Statistics. Between the 2003 and 2013 census, there has been an 8% decline in the number of people who identified as Christian, with the number of non-religious people growing by 6%. A survey by the Church of Legionas reported that only around 1 in 4 Legionite Christians attended weekly mass.
As indicated in the 2013 Census, apart from Christianity, there are other various, yet minor religions in practice within the Kingdom of Legionas, with the Minjian Faith, Unitism, Zongongism, Secadualism, Joanism, Celestialism and Huenyan Indigenous Religions have a presence in the nation, of which a significant portion of believers being first-second generation migrants. Religion plays an important role in cultural tourism in Legionas, with millions of tourists passing by iconic religious buildings during their stay.
Health
The Healthcare System in Legionas is Universal and single payer that is devolved to the respective provinces of the nation funded via taxation, a healthcare and public welfare levy, as well as input from the Federal Government. Universal access to publicly funded health services "is often considered by Legionites as a fundamental value that ensures national health care insurance for everyone within the country". The Public Healthcare Safeguard Service (PHSS) is the nation's publicly-funded healthcare system and primary healthcare provider. Every Legionite citizen and resident of Legionas above the age of 18 is eligible to register into it. Created in 1972 as part of major social reforms following the Great War, the PHSS has continued to evolve into the gargantuan public entity that it is today. The Kingdom also allows privatized healthcare in tandem with universal, public healthcare, however the private healthcare sector is smaller in size and patient count.
The average life expectancy in Legionas is 76.32 years, with women having a slightly longer life expectancy of 78.65 years as compared to the Men who have around a 74.03 years.
Education
Education in Legionas is overseen by the Ministry of Education. Regional governments are responsible for the implementation of policy for public education and state-funded schools at a local level. The Legionite education system is organized into four main stages based on age namely Early education(Ages 3-5), Primary education(Ages 6-13), Secondary Education(Ages 14-18) and Higher Education (Ages 19+). After the conclusion of each stage an examination is undertaken to assess all students and facilitate transition to the higher level. Early, primary and secondary education are free and accessible to all families while higher education is subsidized by the federal government.
Economy
The Legionite economy is very diversified, highly developed and market oriented. It is one of the largest economies in the IDU measured by nominal gross domestic product (GDP), purchasing power parity (PPP), and GDP per capita.
The economy of Legionas was dominated by natural resources for centuries and small arms manufacturing for its own needs, bolstered by mercantilist and borderline isolationist trade practices that aimed at safeguarding the nation's prosperity. Following the resolution of the Legionite Civil War (1929-1936), autarkic policies were enacted in a bid to ensure that the nation's resources were solely dedicated to the rebuilding and growth of the state, especially during the relatively volatile era of the mid-20th Century. The end of the Great War coincided with a global wind of change, commonly regarded by Legionite economists as a Free Trade Revolution, where nations that had formerly tried to subjugate each other commence free trade on a level never before seen.
Infrastructure
Transportation
Legionas has a total road network of approximately 1.05 million kilometers on which 72% of Legionites drive their personal vehicles, one of the highest rates in the IDU. Public transportation is prevalent in urban centers and subsidized as well as managed by regional governments. There are around 167 million registered motor vehicles in Legionas as of 2020. The maintenance of roads is managed by the regional governments and coordinated by the Public Roadways Administrative Authority (PRAA). Roads are classified in Legionas on an alphabetical basis, conforming with World Assembly regulations. The nation is connected with other IDU nations by continental highways such as the Horadam road which moves from Horadam all the way to Southern Caxcana as well as a connection to Xiomera. Trucks are less common in Legionas as compared to other IDU nations thanks to an established rail and pipeline transport network which have been subsidized by the government and developed to accommodate large volumes of goods as well as passengers. Bicycle use for transport, especially over short distances within urban centers is minimal but expanding at a rapid pace thanks to lobbying efforts by environmental activists.
Legionas has an extensive railway network of 28,546 km, with railway infrastructure being state controlled under the National Railways Management Authority (NRMA), a public organization that also oversees rail transport in Legionas. The rail industry in Legionas is a mix of public and private railway companies, with LegionRail, the nation's state owned railway company, exclusively operating passenger rail services within the nation. Several privately run railway companies, in tandem with LegionRail, operate freight rail services in the nation. LegionRail is a state-owned group consisting of a parent company (LegionRail) with several independently operated subsidiaries, with the group also operating an international subsidiary that operate passenger services to neighbouring nations, of which their railway lines are fully integrated with Legionite lines. Urban rail plays a key role in many Legionite cities, they consist of several railway lines connecting city center stations of major cities to suburbs and surrounding smaller towns. Five cities in Legionas have Urban Rapid Rail Transport systems, Aunistria, Wasedron, Sherfield, Moense and Port Lutzos, with smaller cities such as Lecmond, Grizal, Saxinavre, Limprostanz and Tromzosa utilizing light rail and tram systems. These urban rail services are fully integrated with the national rail network and are not considered separate. The Legionite Rail Industry has seen a steadily rising amount of passengers based off trends over the past decade, with rail passenger journeys hitting an all-time high in 2021, at 2.93 billion.
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There are three main pipeline networks in Legionas, two of which transport natural gas and the other which transports oil. They all end at Port Lutzos Oil Refinery and Terminal. Rail Transportation is relatively cheap and developed in Legionas, the network covering all regions in Legionas. Approximately 60% of goods and 32% of passengers travel by rail over long distances. Use of rail transport by passengers is slowly decreasing though with a decrease of 1.3% expected in 2020. New rail lines are being laid to connect the new capital, Aunistria, to the national rail network. The Legionite rail network is completely electric powered and the trains move at 245 Kilometers Per Hour at top speed. Light rail and tram networks have also been incorporated in many urban area transport grids to supplement existing subway and overland Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) networks. Water transport in Legionas is well developed and is mainly focused on freight transport, with a significant portion of imports coming in by sea. As of 2021 there were 21 major seaports in the nation, with main ports being The Port of Wasedron, Bayview Port, Port Lutzos, Port of Verdesia and Port of Grizal. Legionas maintains an established, yet declining (mostly due to the utilization of flags of convenience), merchant marine, with a total ship count of 563 ships with above 1000 Gross Tonnage (GT). The national inland navigable waterway network has a length of around 12,600 km. Over 80% of Legionite freight cargo comes into the country via water transport.
Air transport in Legionas is very developed and supported by the local aerospace manufacturing industry which is one of the largest in the IDU. The civil airline industry is mostly privately owned and has been largely deregulated since 1992, while most major airports are publicly owned. Legionas' national carrier, LegionAir is one of the largest in the world having been expanded massively since its privatization in 1987, with the government maintaining a minority 33.3% stake. Legionas has six major international airports in the largest cities namely Bayview, Wasedron, Verdesia, Horadam, Moense and Limprostanz and a dozen or so regional airports as well as a large number of privately and publicly owned airstrips. Legionas' largest airport, Bayview International Airport is one of the busiest in the world by passenger and freight traffic and is connected to every other major airport in the IDU. Between 2019 and 2020, Legionite airports handled a total of 176.9 million passengers and 4.61 million tonnes of freight cargo
Recent innovations in transport technology notably electric cars have been wholeheartedly embraced by the Legionite population due to their subsidization by the government. Most Legionite families own at least one car, with many opting to switch over to electric cars, especially over the past decade. Electric car charging stations have cropped up in most urban centres, with poorer areas lagging behind. Metro systems have also received increased attention as a reasonable path to the decongestion of cities and reducing the carbon footprint of the nation. . The Legionite Government has partnered with Xiomera in the development of a system of bridges and road networks connecting the Zarmesa-Netcoatl border islands to the mainland to foster increased sustainable development.
Energy
Legionas produces approximately 764 TWh of energy, making it a minor energy power in the global energy market. In 2022, 27% of this energy came from nuclear power, 23% from hydrothermal power, 19% from natural gas, 16% from geothermal sources, 15% from coal power, 12% from oil and the rest (3%) from solar and wind sources. The Kingdom of Legionas is the world's largest producer of geothermal power and is at the forefront of pioneering new geothermal energy-based technologies. Legionas has 7% of global natural gas and 3% of global oil reserves, leading to its dependence on the global petroleum and natural gas market for imports to satiate its domestic market. The Energy Protection and Development Act (EPDA) of 1960 aims to safeguard the Legionite energy industry from foreign influence in a bid to secure national energy interests initially during a period of global unrest, ensuring that the energy sector remained in domestic control and, by design, promoting self sufficiency. The EPDA sets a limit on foreign ownership of energy corporations based in Legionas at 32.5%, following several amendments from the initial 7.5% set in 1960.
The Legionite government passed an environmental accord which pledges to reduce Legionas' carbon footprint by gradually decreasing reliance on coal and oil powered plants and increasing reliance on solar powered and wind powered plants which have been planned to contribute a total of 12% of Legionas' energy by 2015. Projects such as the Alexandros Range Wind Power Project and the Zarmesa Islands Solar Power Projects Phase I and II have so far been completed by the government which have increased the percent of solar and wind power contribution to the power grid from 0.2% to 3% allowing the Government to retire the aging Ulton Rock Petro-Thermal Power Plant and Ross Ridge Thermal Power Plant which were noted as one of the largest pollutants in the nation.
Legionas has partnered with various nations in the development of more environmentally friendly power generation projects. The Global Development Investment Bank has also provided funds to the Legionite government to aid in the construction of the colossal King Huamzia II Dam project which is the final piece of the 20-year long Tyria River Dams Project (TRDP) on the Tyria River.
Water Supply and Sanitation
Access to improved water supply and sanitation in the nation is universal. It is estimated that 96.7 per cent of households are connected to the sewer network. Data compiled by the Ministry of Environment have shown that total water abstraction for public water supply in Legionas was 16,406 megaliters per day in 2010. Drinking water standards and wastewater discharge standards in Legionas, as in other countries of the IDU, were formerly determined by the IDU of which Legionas is a member state. Water and sewerage services are provided by regional public companies dependent on the Ministry of Environment the largest of which being the South Legionas Water and Sewerage Company (SLWSCo).
Communication Infrastructure
Communication infrastructure in Legionas has evolved from the early days of the telegraph to modern broadband and mobile phone networks with Internet services. Legionas is served by an extensive system of automatic telephone exchanges connected by modern fiber-optic cable networks, coaxial cables, microwave radio relays, and a domestic satellite system; cellular telephone service is widely available, expanding rapidly, and includes roaming service to foreign countries such as Xiomera and Arcadia Dazeber.
The primary regulator of communications in Legionas is the National Communications Agency. The NCA was formed by decree in 1940 and maintains jurisdiction over the areas of broadband access, fair competition, radio frequency use, media responsibility, public safety, and domestic security.
Government and Politics
Government
The Kingdom of Legionas is a Constitutional Monarchy based on the unique Verdesian System only utilized by itself. The Government of Legionas meets and deliberates daily proceedings at The Grand Parliament Square in Aunistria. The Government of Legionas is composed of three distinct branches namely the Executive Branch, Judicial Branch and Legislative Branch whose powers are clearly defined in the Supreme Constitution of the Kingdom of Legionas. Legionas maintains a bicameral Legislative system with an upper house known as Senate and a Lower House known as the Chamber of Deputies.
The Supreme Constitution
The Constitution of the Kingdom of Legionas is the Supreme Law of the land. It originally comprises of 10 Articles, delineating the national frame of government.
The Constitution of Legionas was officially promulgated by King William I on the 12th of April 1880, 100 years after securing independence from the Shen Kingdom. It originally only contained two branches namely the Royal Branch and Judicial Branch.
After the conclusion of the Legionite Civil war in 1940 the constitution was amended to drastically reduce the influence of the King, by birthing two new branches of government, namely the Legislative and Executive branches, in National Politics, effectively cementing him as a figurehead monarch, and the nation as a Constitutional Monarchy. The constitution was amended three more times since 1941.
Politics
Legionas has four main political parties and over ten more minor parties, with Legionite electoral politics dominated by the current "Big 4" quartet of political parties, based on a spectrum on the Left-Right political axis. The Legionite election cycle varies depending on the electoral seats being contested, with senate elections occurring every six years, representative elections occurring every three years. The Prime Minister is chosen after the representative elections with the leader of the party occupying the most seats occupying the position of Prime Minister. The nation operates under a First-past-the-post voting system, with the first party to gain a total of more than 50% of seats in the Assembly of Representatives winning the election.
Foreign Affairs and Military
Foreign Affairs
The Kingdom of Legionas maintains strong relations with most other nations in the IDU and is considered a Great Power and Beacon of Democracy in the IDU and East Caxcana in particular. Legionas' Foreign policy over the years has been that of promoting peace and stability in volatile regions of the IDU as well as maintenance of cordial relations with neighbouring countries and other influential nations. Legionas has a total of 85 Foreign Missions abroad of varying degrees ranging from small Consulates to massive Embassy complexes. The Kingdom of Legionas is a member of the World Assembly and is such bound by all legislation passed by it. Legionas is also a member of the Global Development Investment Bank, a multilateral development bank that works to promote global sustainable development in concert with environmental protection and labor rights. Legionas contributes a total of 0.5 Percent of its GDP to fund the operations of the GDIB which has managed to aid less developed nations improve their infrastructure.
Military
The Kingdom of Legionas maintains a strong military, mostly as a deterrent against foreign aggression and taking part in peacekeeping missions. A total of 1.35 million personnel are in active military service in all branches. The Legionite Military was first formed in the immediate aftermath of the Legionite civil war in October 12th 1940 as one of the first acts of parliament. Since then the force has continually grown and modernized into the efficient military that it is today. Most of the Military's needs are catered for by the Nation's thriving Arms Industry. The Military's expenditure amounted to 3.7 percent of Legionite gross domestic product (GDP) in the 2019-20 financial year and is expected to be decreased to 3.5 percent in the next financial year. The Imperial Army, also known as the Legionite Army, is a branch of the Legionite Armed Forces focused on land warfare operations. It is also the largest branch within the Legionite Armed Forces with an estimated 350,000 Active personnel as well as a further 1,950,000 in reserve, with the reserve numbers bolstered by the Home Guard. The Headquarters of the Imperial Army is based in The Okburg Complex, on the outskirts of Aunistria. The Royal Navy, also known as the Imperial Legionite Navy, is a branch of the Legionite Armed Forces responsible for conducting naval operations. The Royal Navy consists of a total of around 275,000 Active Servicemen with another 700,000 personnel in reserve as well as a total of 347 vessels. The Flagship of the Royal Navy the , the King Alexander I, part of the Hrímfaxi Class of Aircraft Carriers, officially commissioned in 2015, replacing the aging HMS Grandeur. In the Royal Navy, vessels are given the prefix "HMS", His/Her Majesty's Ship. The Headquarters of Naval command is located at Admiralty Crescent, in Bayview, and the head of the Naval Forces is known as the Supreme Admiral. The Royal AirForce, also known as the Legionite AirForce, is a branch of the Legionite Armed Forces tasked with aerial operations.
The Imperial Marine Corps, also referred to as the Royal Marines, is a branch of the Legionite Armed Forces responsible for conducting expeditionary and amphibious operations alongside the Royal Navy as well as the Army and Air Force. The Imperial Marine Corps was first formed as a part of the Royal Navy, but was separated from it in 1996. The Marines are often known as the primary support branch of the Armed Forces, in that it rarely ever performs operations on its own, but usually supports the larger branches such as the Army and Navy in their operations. The Marines consist of a total of 27,500 active personnel as well as a further 15,300 in reserve duty. The Albatross Legion is a contingent of the Imperial Army, classed as the military's Expeditionary Force. The Royal Legionite Armed Forces awards and decorations are primarily the medals, service ribbons, and specific badges which recognize military service and personal accomplishments of valour and bravery in the field while a member of the Legionite Armed Forces. Such awards are a means to outwardly display the highlights of a service member's career.
Culture
Over many centuries, frequent contact and assimilation of other communities and civilizations has led to the development of the unique Legionite culture today. Vestiges of other cultures such as the Ardaphian culture still remains although many analysts predict that the assimilation of these smaller cultures into the larger Legionite culture will be imminent. Legionite culture can be felt in almost every nation in the IDU especially its former colony, Zerphique.
Food
The rich blend of cultures in Legionas has led to the ascension of unique dishes enjoyed all around the IDU. Cuisine varies from province to province with neighboring regions share some culinary similarities. Popular international dishes such as Pizza, Xiomeran Fish, South Hesperidan Sushi, Laeralite Cuisine and Maximusian Food are also widely popular in the nation with restaurants serving the aforementioned dishes prevalent in most urban centres as well as continued preparation by immigrant families.
The Legionite Breakfast is one of the most popular dishes in the IDU. It typically includes bacon, sausages, eggs, black pudding, baked beans, tomatoes and mushrooms with a beverage such as coffee or tea. It comes in different regional variants and is referred to by different names depending on the area. While it is colloquially known as a "Full Fry" in the nation it is known as the "Legionite Fry" in other nations of the IDU.
The National Dish of the nation is Souvre a'le Rezgara, a Stir Fried Roast Beef platter accompanied with white Clove Rice and a generous side of vegetables or X'satre salad served together with Razgia Beer or Alexandros Wine. The dish was created by King William II and incorporated ingredients from all provinces in the nation. The original recipe is still taught today in culinary classes and ingredients are easy to find in all stores around the nation
Roast Mutton is also mainstay of Legionite cuisine is prepared in most homes especially during important holidays. The meat is usually accompanied with sides of rice, potatoes, X'satre Salad and Whole wheat Bread.
Although Alexandros Red Wine is historically popular especially in the Northern Regions of Legionas, the national Alcoholic drink is Clove Beer namely the Razgia and Friase Brands. Vineyards are still dominant in Kustana Province where tradition prevails and the City of Hartford is still considered the wine capital of the nation.
Sports
Sports in Legionas consist of a wide variety of games enjoyed all around the nation, and are an important part of the nation's culture. The national sport is Football, and Legionas has been at the forefront of promoting football culture and developing the sport within the continent, as well as globally. The most popular spectator sports in Legionas include Football, Basketball, Rugby, Golf, Swimming, Athletics, Boxing, Car and Horse Racing, Formula One, Racquet Games and Baseball, according to a 2020 poll. The Legionite Sports Market is estimated to be roughly ₳12.6 billion as of 2019.
Legionas hosted the 2019 IDU Football Championship, the pinnacle of competitive football globally. The headquarters of the Caxcanan Union of Football Associations is located in Sherfield, as well as the Football Association of Legionas. The FA administers the Legionite Football Pyramid, a series of interconnected football leagues, with the Legionite Premier League being at the top of the pyramid, and a system of promotion and relegation linking it to regional feeder leagues at the bottom, ensuring that, theoretically, even the smallest teams can rise up to the very top of Legionite football.
The administration of sports within the nation is conducted within the Ministry of Sports and Tourism, under the Ministerial Secretariat for Sports Affairs. Recent developments have seen sports become a more and more devolved matter, with the government encouraging and incentivizing grassroots level sporting activities, overseen by several organizations in collaboration with the Ministerial Secretariat. Sports in Legionas goes hand in hand with education, and as such, the Legionite education system places sports at the forefront of childhood physical and mental development. The Legionite Education system utilizes a sports calendar modelled to fit within the semesters of the overall school year (athletics and swimming being played within the first semester, ball-games, except for football, being played within the second semester, and the third semester set aside for the annual school and university football championships.)
Legionas maintains some of the most impressive sporting facilities on the entire continent, with exceptional improvement from mid-20th century facilities that were considered unacceptable by modern standards. The national stadium of Legionas is the public-owned Aunistria Arena (renamed from Martin T. Bradshaw Arena in 2023, completed in 2018), an 85,000 seater stadium, host stadium of the 2019 IDU Football Championships Final, as well as annual host of the Royal Cup and several other sports and entertainment related events such as being the finish-point of the Aunistria Grand Marathon. Other stadia, velodromes, racecourses, motorsport circuits, arenas and golf courses in the nation are a combination of publicly and privately owned.
Entertainment
The Legionite Entertainment Industry is one of the most dominant in the world.
Music
The Legionite Music Industry is one of the Largest in the IDU with hundreds of popular and talented composers, musicians and ensembles developed by the industry. Music broadcasting in the country is regulated by the Royal Music Regulatory Agency under the Ministry of Culture.
Movies
The City of Verdesia one of the leaders in motion picture production. The city hosts the annual Verdesia International Film Festival which runs for around two week each February showcasing over 250 films and is one of the larger film festivals in the IDU after the IDU Film Festival. The venue of the festival, The Grand Avenue Theater, consistently runs independent films throughout the rest of the year. Other theaters of significant importance in the nation include Hartford's Meridian Amphitheater, Moense's Onyx Grand Theater, Wasedron's Obelisk Theater and Bayview's Golden Gate Assembly Hall.