by Max Barry

Latest Forum Topics

Advertisement

78

DispatchFactbookOverview

by The Unified Electorates of Ainslie. . 6,233 reads.

The Unified Electorates of Ainslie


The Unified Electorates of
Ainslie (ANE)
Constitutional Diarchic Republic
Unilectare Ahnerai (Arnish)

"Karra Berrinse Abrandere"
Care Brings Abundance






FAST FACTS
....
  • Capital: LinkAhnerten (3.5 Million)

  • Largest City: Arborai (4.9 Million)

  • Population: 22,925,506

  • Official Language: Arnish

  • Head of State: Judicial-General Ander Kentarre/Prime Minister Tobius Turrena

  • Head of Government: Prime Minister Tobius Turrena

  • Establishment (Unification) Day: June 27, 1867

  • National Anthem: Our Blessed Land.

  • Motto: Karra Berrinse Abrandere - Care Brings Abundance

  • Currency: Ahnsens

  • GDP (nominal): 1.02 Trillion IAD (Isles Accounting Dollar)

  • GDP (nominal) per capita: 44,834 IAD

  • Average Tax Rate: 32%

  • Timezone: UTC +8 (In Norlands, Arlanah and Dallara), UTC +9 (In Wesland, Burnessa and Mannen)

  • Drives on the: left

  • Internet TLD: .an

  • Dialling Code: +43


OVERVIEW
....

See also: Collaborating with Ainslie (OOC Factbook)

Ainslie (pronounced ['ɐn.ʂɭɘ]), known officially as the Unified Electorates of Ainslie is a constitutional diarchic republic situated on the Aiterran Peninsula in northeastern Gael. It is also known by its Arnish name, Arnerai or more fully Unilectare Ahnertai. It shares a land border with Great Altera to the north and east and Lesva to the northwest. It shares maritime borders to the west and south with Thromsa and Warfburg. It shares a maritime border to the east with Biaten. To the north of the nation lies the Eterna Sea, whilst the Merenesian Strait separates Ainslie from the Southern Sea. The city of Ahnerten, in the nation's east, is the national capital and seat of government for the republic. The largest city in the nation by population is Arborai, in Ainslie's northwest. There are six subdivisions, called electorates, in Ainslie - Norlands, Arlanah, Dallara, Wesland, Burnessa and Mannen .

Many of Ainslie's 22 million residents have ancestry that is considered 'native'. This means that they are ethnically Arnish, Tesselian, Merenese or Norlan. These people collectively are known as being ethnically Ahnslen, having inhabited the area now making up Ainslie for thousands of years.

Ainslie's history is largely made up of the rise and fall of smaller States than the modern Unified Electorates of Ainslie such as the Arno-Renderen Commonwealth, the Kingdom of Norland, the Merenesian Empire and the Kingdom of Tesselia. Facing stagnation in the late 19th century, increased collaboration between the ethnic groups behind these smaller States paved the way for a unified nation-state based on common long-term occupation of the land that now makes up Ainslie. Early in the unified nation's history, the four cultures faced a combination of organic and at times forced assimilation - forming one fairly common culture with regional variants as opposed to the distinct civilisations the modern nation's land had hosted for centuries up until then. Today, the nation of Ainslie is a thriving democracy which carefully pursues a moderate approach in much of its affairs. One of the key tensions, at least politically, is the balance it attempts to strike between egalitarian, liberal social democracy and meritocratic, authoritarian communitarianism. These broad thought patterns have openly been contested in the public domain and are even evident in the Ahnslen Constitution - which creates an intentional tension in power between a meritocratic judiciary and a liberal legislature.

Ainslie has a dynamic and sizeable economy, which is one of the largest and steadiest both in the Gaelitic subregion and The Western Isles at large. Whilst the boom and recession cycle is much less apparent in the nation, steady yet small growth results in high measures of economic development, quality of life and sustainable development in the country. The nation is a founding participant of the Gael Four Agreement and is a member-state of the League of the Western Isles. The nation also hosts The Western Isles Climate Response Council and is a key participant in the East Gael Emergency Management Mechanism.


ETYMOLOGY
....

The reason for why Ainslie is called that is unclear. The English name for the country diverges fairly significantly from the word used by the Arnish in the 19th century: Ahnerai, the Norlans who at the time called it Ahnere, and the Tesselians who called it Arnessie. The common explanation, though is merely folklore, is that the linguists who were attempting to anglicise a native name for Ainslie attempted to morph the Arnish and Tesselian names for the nation into something that was more visually appealing. It is said that Ahnslie, Ahnslee or Ahnslei were suggested as options but the decision was made to simply pick the next letter in the English alphabet after 'h', giving the nation its name: 'Ainslie'. Informal names for Ainslie, particularly colloquial ones, situate Ainslie in its natural environment more than its urban setting - being described as 'the place over the mountains', 'plateau country' or 'the sticks'.

The origin for why the nation title is 'Unified Electorates' is more clear cut and less open to contestation. It is merely a translation of the word 'Unilectare' in Arnish - the major language of Ainslie, particularly in the 19th century. Roughly speaking, Unilectare means something similar to 'one voting bloc of democratic peoples'. Given lectare was similar to the word electorate and uni similar to unified and consistent with the Arnish meaning, it was settled that the nation's pretitle would be the Unified Electorates. Using the phrase 'Unified Electorates' on its own typically refers to the government and its institutions, or a vague refrain to the national spirit of the Ahnslen people.


TIMELINE
....

  • 47,000BC - Rock art suggests existence of the first humans in modern day Ainslie, with these records being found in the modern-day Asher Plains, in the Barradar Valley in eastern Ainslie.

  • 41,000BC - First known tools used in Ainslie, in the Asher Downs region.

  • 23,000BC - Humans spread from the Barradar Valley out to all areas of Ainslie by this time.

  • 12,000BC - Early humans begin creating and using pottery and tools more extensively.

  • 11,320BC - Humans in the Barradar Valley begin building a network of huts which support a mix of agricultural and nomadic hunting. The latter particularly was the case in the colder north and northeastern parts of the Valley.

  • 10,932BC - First evidence of wheat and barley in the Barradar Valley.

  • 10,430BC - Potato farming begins in the Wesland Ranges and the Derreten Region.

  • 4113BC - Some of the agricultural societies on the central plain begin creating copper and bronze tools, fashioning many of them into weapons which would be sold to their agricultural neighbours.

  • 4010BC - By this time, five distinct groups form in modern-day Ainslie - the forest dwellers of the north, the agricultural societies on the vast central plain, those in the lowlands of the south, those in the rough, windy country of northern Dallara and those who settled in the hills to the east of the Wesland ranges.

  • 4005BC - Formal settlements establish themselves along the Barradar River and in Fishtail Bay in northern Ainslie. The rest remain to be either somewhat nomadic hunters, or semi-nomadic generally with the exception of a few groups scattered amongst each of these people groups who had established settlements.

  • 3980BC - Humans who formed settlements along the Asher and Harless Rivers find a way to domesticate horses, making transport and warfare far easier for the central plains settlements whom they freely traded with as opposed to other areas.

  • 2415BC - Anersin peoples, who resided along the central plain, developed a writing system based on pictographs which would spread out to most of modern-day eastern Ainslie in the decades afterwards.

  • 2130BC - The Anersin develop into a civilisation, with its core focus being the settlement of Tek - which is said to be in the northern area of modern-day Burnessa though records are not very clear. This is because it would later be destroyed in its entirety by the Merenesians. They adopt the writing system they invented three hundred years ago as their formal means of communicating, educating all of the elite in eastern Ainslie in what they would refer to as ‘Tekla’. For the first time, they bring together the mining and metallurgical capabilities of the western plain civilisations with the agricultural Barradar Valley - though largely through loose alliances rather than any centralised State.

  • 2010BC - The Anersin gradually move west into the vast area between what is modern-day Upper Wesland to the edge of the plateau.

  • 1580BC - Hunters in eastern Ainslie who were in the foothills of the Wesland Ranges successfully create the first flood mitigation and water management system in the modern-day area of Ainslie, largely mimicking on scale what they saw the beavers they hunted do.

  • 1465BC - The Anersin civilisation falls, presumably either as a result of bushfire, drought or an opportunistic invasion from the south. However, in its wake a small civilisation remains set around the lake where Anertah now sits on - centring on what is now the Aners River. What was once the outpost of the Anersin civilisation would then become known as the Latter Anersin civilisation, developing in somewhat isolation from other groups for a thousand years.

  • 1410BC-1100BC - Large expeditions sets out from the lowlands of Ainslie for more stable, less flood prone land to settle in that would support a larger population. These people would become known as the Ipachi people, splitting them from the Merenesian peoples who stayed behind during these initial migrations.

  • 1386BC - Eustah the First declares himself the first emperor of the Merenesian Empire.

  • 1322BC - The Merenesians become the first amongst the Ahnslens to build effective large scale weirs and flood barriers, and also the water wheel. This allows them to build a system of aqueducts which allows for farming both close to the Barradar River and further afield.

  • 1055BC - In response to Merenesian expansion, the settlements across the central plain north of them rally together. These settlements generate a large mounted military force, which through a number of wars and skirmishes effectively keeps the Merenesians back from getting itself up onto the plain.

  • 984BC - Amidst the success of the settlements working together to fight against the Merenesians, the settlements in the general vicinity of what is now central Wesland continue their alliance - becoming the Allari peoples.

  • 982BC - Through election and negotiation, the Askar hereditary line is declared as the new monarchs of the Allari Kingdom - forming a new State to counterbalance the Merenesians.

  • 973BC - A warrior class defects from the Merenesians, moving northwest along the coast to create nomadic settlements focused on hunting, trade and soldiers-for-hire.

  • 922BC - The northern forest people, known from this time as the Wellinians, successfully navigate the rivers in and around the Sapphire Coast - allowing them to build trade and diplomatic links with nearby people groups as well as the warrior defectors from the Merenesians.

  • 894BC - A large centre forms amongst the settlements of what is now the Cove Coast, Blacken Valley and Port Blacken and declares itself Wanara - the capital of the Rathai people group, a distinct group from the Allari along the tablelands and the Merenesians. In truth, this group was largely the outcome of intermixing between these two groups - nevertheless, the Merenesians and Allari would spend much of their existence attempting to get control over the Rathai’s resources and settlements.

  • 685BC - Gold, iron and copper mining takes place in Allari holdings extending from the Wesland Ranges through to Upper Wesland.

  • 599BC - The Allari form an overland trade route with the Wellinians, opening up prosperity and development for both of the groups - who would increasingly be unified in their distaste for the Merenesians.

  • 542BC - The groups in the Harless Valley separate from the Allari peoples, naming themselves the Telliri people. Whilst small in size, their ability as talented soldiers and blacksmiths made them better friends than unnecessary enemies. After a brief war of independence, they turn the first ground on the crown of their civilisation - the Great City of Harless.

  • 538BC - Orinen is proclaimed king over the Telliri - forming the Kingdom of Telliria.

  • 284BC - A system of fires on Cape Tellaway which was Rathai territory at the time, simplifies and prevents maritime trade from crashing into land. Rather, it signifies a welcomed approach to the Rathai’s core settlement of Irva, near the modern-day city of Irvin.

  • 208BC - With the assistance of the Allari, who they had formed a bond with, the Chiefdom of the Rathai - led at that time by Yenari Teslik, build a wall to make its largest settlements more difficult for the Merenesians [then called the Merrenah] to attack.

  • 195BC - The Rathai develop paper - being the first in Ainslie to do so, and through trade initially with the Merenesians [then called the Merrenah] and then Allari and then the Wellinians expand their enterprise and means of communication.

  • 177BC - The settlements of the Lower Barradar form an alliance with one another, forming a decentralised State led more so by power dynamics and diplomatic endeavours rather than any other form of succession or certain central authority.

  • 159BC - Latter Anersin rapidly decreases in size, becoming only a collection of city-states in and around the Aners River and Barka Lake that became relatively minor in prominence.

  • 42BC - The important Rathai centre of Tellawa, located on Cape Tellaway, is stormed and razed by Merenesians - sparking concerns that Irva may soon be under attack.

  • 34BC - Kingdom of Telliria falls after an invasion by the Kingdom of Allari. The Great City of Harless and its satellite settlements of Levow and Aldia are the only parts of their territory that remain under their control. The last King of Telliria, Tisri IV declares the formation of the City State of Harlessie, declaring Levow and Aldia as its vassals.

  • 100AD - Three distinct groups arise out of the Karline peoples - the Arnish, Rathai and Wellinian.

  • 1104AD-1428AD - Skirmishes between the Arnish people and the Wellinian people establish the ethinc borderlines between the Qa’dhir, the Tesselians, the Arnish and the Norlander Wellinians.

  • 1438AD - Various city-states across the east Ahnslen coast unify to form the Republic of Arnerai, with Herriden named as its capital two years later.

  • 1532AD - Britain begins to exert its influence on Arnerai, who move towards adopting the cultural practices and traditions of these people.

  • 1568AD - Kingdom of Tesselia is declared.

  • 1608AD - Kingdom of Norland establish

  • 1617AD - Southern Sea Trade Network established, connecting Tesselia, Arnerai & Norland to Southern Sea nations and Argean powers through trade, commerce and economy.

  • 1622AD - The city of Mandara, built upon Merenese slave labour, is declared as the Tesselian capital.

  • 1654AD - Arnerai becomes majority protestant.

  • 1699AD - Arnerai’s government signs the ‘Bill of Wrongs’ which outlines the key rights and duties of citizens to one another and what the government needs to be restrained from intervening into people’s lives.

  • 1712AD - Arnerai collapses into self-governing city-states.

  • 1793AD - Kingdom of Norland falls into a civil war over a succession dispute.

  • 1797AD - Keverai declares its independence for the first time from the Kingdom of Norland, but receives no acknowledgment from Norland.

  • 1797AD - Tesselia and what is left of Norland agree to fight and eventually destroy the Qa’dhir nation and their culture.

  • 1803AD - Norland reforms itself into a Republic.

  • 1804AD - Slavery ends in Tesselia, marking the end of slavery in Ainslie.

  • 1852-1867 - The leaders of the ‘predecessor states’ - the Northern Belt, Renden Lands, North Arnerai, Norland, Karder and Dallarn - begin to theorise what it would look like for them to form a unified state.

  • 27 June 1867 - The leaders of the predecessor states announce the creation of the new Ahnslen sovereign - Ainslie, and declare the establishment of it as a new nation-state.

  • 1868AD - Electoral Council gives formal assent to the Ahnslen Constitution, solidifying the existence of the Unified Electorates of Ainslie

  • January 1870AD - Wellen Antertan becomes Ainslie’s first Prime Minister

  • 1887AD - Mannen negotiates treaty with Merenese tribes which sees the native communities cede sovereignty in order for benefits and special treatment from the government.

  • 1892AD - Ainslie formally abolishes slavery

  • 1917AD - A revolt of native Merenese communities in Dallara’s east (which is modern-day Burnessa) is brutally crushed by the Electoral Government

  • 1919-1922AD - Drought occurs and deepens across Ainslie’s east, sparking tensions between the eastern electorates and exacerbating the plight of Dallara’s oppressed Merenese communities.

  • 1930AD - Dillen Macaste, who would become known as one of the greatest Prime Ministers in Ahnslen history and a father of the Ahnslen model of governance, is elected into office following PM Sturt’s decision to not run in the next election.

  • 1935AD - Seven days of tense negotiations amongst the Electoral Council culminates into the establishment of Burnessa - Ainslie’s sixth electorate.

  • 1943AD - As Neo-Imperialist forces invade Keverai, then Ahnslen Prime Minister Cameren Manara abandons the former Ahnslen colony and announces ‘Active Neutrality’ - a policy which would see the Unified Electorates take fervent actions to prevent itself from entering into a state of war.

  • 1951AD – The ‘Green Ahnerten’ initiative would see the revitalisation of the city’s centre and the acceleration of the major settlements of Narara and Menindara.

  • 1969AD - Joel Gisbourne is elected as Prime Minister after eight years of social democratic government; all electorates agree to equal pay regardless of gender.

  • 1980AD - Gisbourne announcs his government will undertake a bold neoliberal economic experiment without giving the people an opportunity to endorse it through the ballot box. The policy package would backfire and result in the Judicial-General dismissing of one of Ainslie’s longest serving leaders and forcing an election.

  • 1982AD - Archer Condor’s newly formed ACEGAD Party takes office in November and introduces strict immigration policies and begins to implement its radical Keynesian policies alongside a nationalisation agenda which sees multiple government corporations saved from privatisation.

  • 1985AD - Condor organises the Future Summit which sees prominent Ahnslens, experts on economies and societies and leaders in Ahnslen politics to discuss where Ainslie’s future prosperity lies and how to build a stronger and more resilient nation. The summit is a success with several bipartisan plans and roadmaps being announced in the wake of the conference.

  • 1991AD - Gresswell Island votes 65% in favour of staying with Ainslie rather than declaring its independence or ceding to another nation’s sovereignty.

  • 2007AD - Future PM (from 2011-2015) Eleanor Renten delivers the famous ‘we can do more’ speech which criticises Ainslie’s socially conservative policy settings and endorses further freedoms for LGBT people and ushers in a new era of Ahnslen feminism.

  • 2017AD - Ainslie signs the Mandara Accord, becoming a founding member of the Gael Four Agreement.

  • 2019AD - Elliana Gifford, from the conservative wing of the ACEGAD party, is elected as Prime Minister - making her the second female Prime Minister in Ainslie’s history.

  • 2023AD - Tobius Turrena, from the Ahnited party, is elected Prime Minister - the first leader in fifteen years to not come from the centre-right ACEGAD bloc.


GEOGRAPHY
....

Ainslie’s geography is broad and diverse, owing to its position in an area which transitions from temperate to cooler temperate climates. Ainslie borders Great Altera to the north, Lesva to the northwest, Thromsa to the east by land borders and Venatu and Suvurnia share maritime borders with the nation. The national capital of Ainslie, the city of Ahnerten, stands on the banks of the Barradar river in the southeast region of Ainslie not too far from the northern border. The nation’s largest city, Arborai, is a key industrial hub located in the north of the nation. The highest point of the nation is Mount Serrelon, in the southeast of the nation - along the main range which forms a significant part of Ainslie’s eastern border. It stands at 3,425m above sea level. Ainslie can be divided into six electorates - Norlands (NL), Arlanah (AR), Wesland (WL), Mannen (MN), Burnessa (BN) and Dallara (DL).

The electorate of Norlands, in the nation’s north, is predominantly cool temperate forest. Much of the area is a cool oceanic (Cfb) climate. The three major cities in Norlands are Arborai, Kennedai and Mortren. Near the nation’s northwestern border lies the town of Denarow, also in Norlands, alongside the town of Virane in the northeast near that border. Norlands is relatively susceptible to flooding and generally receives higher rainfall alongside colder temperatures than the rest of the nation. Cloud cover is also higher and as a result, temperatures tend to be less extreme and cooler during the year. Snow is uncommon in this electorate, largely because of its elevation rather than its latitude.

The electorate of Arlanah, immediately southeast of Norlands, is a mixture of forest in the north, plains in the east and grassland in the south. Most of the northern half is Cfb climate, although in the west this is more oceanic and the east it is more owing to being a highland, higher elevated climate. Generally as one heads east, the elevation gets higher - particularly towards the north of the electorate. The three major cities in Arlanah are Anertah, Menindai and Badara. Arlanah is exposed to drought and bushfire and less so to flooding, owing to its comparatively lower rainfall. The Great Ahnslen Basin, a vast system of aquifers across Ainslie’s central north, supplements the overall water supply in the electorate. The weather in this electorate is typically clearer and warmer, with the exception of the north which shares its climate patterns with Norlands. Snow is uncommon in this electorate, however widespread frost in the north is common.

East of Arlanah lies the electorate of Wesland - Ainslie’s most populous electorate. The electorate can largely be divided into three areas - the south which is typically warmer and drier, whilst the north is cooler and wetter and the east is even cooler but less wet. The east is typically temperate highland climate (Cfb), the west also Cfb and the south also this, albeit tending towards temperate subtropical (Cfa). As one moves north or east, the elevation typically gets higher - rising to its peak along the northern border and in the Wesland Ranges, near the southeast corner of Ainslie. Other than this, much of the electorate is either hilly or is a plain - largely owing to the rivers that flow into Barradar and the Barradar River itself. The four major cities in Wesland are Ahnerten, Harlessie, Herriden and Port Blacken. Wesland is the only electorate which regularly experiences snow, typically in areas of elevation above 1,000m and more consistently in areas above 1,400m. Elsewhere, frost or events that may look like snow but are not are more common than snow itself. Wesland is susceptible to flood, drought, bushfire, severe thunderstorms, blizzards and the odd avalanche. Wesland has a more seasonal climate than the other electorates, with four well defined seasons. The extensive amount of river valleys in the area make it particularly conducive to agriculture and urban development. The weather in this electorate, as stated prior, largely follows typical seasonal patterns rather than having some general trend. Snow is common in the elevated areas in this electorate, and at least one or two frosts a year can happen anywhere around it.

Immediately south of Wesland are the electorates of Burnessa and Mannen, which are more exposed to weather systems from the Southern Sea - this makes them typically more subtropical in complexion than other electorates and the wettest electorates in the nation. Almost all of the area is humid subtropical Cfa climate although some areas in northern Mannen are temperate oceanic Cfb climate. The two electorates are relatively flat, with the exception of the ascent that takes place as one moves towards Wesland from either of the two electorates. The major cities in these two electorates are Renderra, Banjirai and Watarah. Frost is relatively uncommon in these areas. Both electorates are susceptible to severe thunderstorm, flood, drought and in some instances experience small tsunami-like events. Mannen and Burnessa are generally warmer although more consistent in temperature through the seasons. With the exception of the eastern side of Mannen, much of the area is floodplain.

Dallara is in the area bounded between Arlanah, Wesland and Burnessa. It is a drier climate with much of its interior being semi-arid Bsh climate whilst the coast is mostly warm dry-summer/wet-winter climate (Csb). The north of the electorate is windier and colder than the rest of the electorate whilst the weather along the coast as it takes a diagonal curve towards Burnessa is very hospitable, alternating between low cliffs which get higher as one heads north and wide beaches bounded by gentle headlands. The electorate is largely quite flat, but gently increases in elevation as one heads north. The major cities in this electorate are Mandara, Menindai, Karderi and Caranoor. Dallara is prone to bushfire, drought, severe thunderstorms, the odd sandstorm and very rarely tornadoes. Frost is relatively uncommon and snow is virtually unheard of. Dallara is the warmest electorate, although it has a wider gap between the seasons unlike Burnessa and Mannen.

The nation has reserves of lithium, rare earth metals, coal, bauxite and iron ore and has relatively large amounts of natural gas reserves - particularly in Dallara and Arlanah and off the coast of Dallara. However, these are typically used for domestic markets rather than being available for purchase. The nation, owing to its relatively high amount of sunshine hours, is also a major solar energy user whilst it also maintains hydroelectric projects in Mannen and Wesland.

Notable species include:

Ainslie is a member of the East Gael Emergency Management Mechanism and is an enthusiastic participant in the space of disaster response, owing partially to its expertise in responding to the various and diverse natural hazards that occur in the nation. They are also involved in the space of environmental conservation and preservation whilst it has also ratified the Kirsdoff Climate Change Agreement - a key international document which involves emissions reduction pledges. It also hosts and serves in The Western Isles Climate Response Council and regularly collaborates with the International Parks and Nature Organisation. Long-term environmental issues that the nation faces are the increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters that are induced by climate change, erosion of coastal areas, desertification in Dallara and soil degradation.

Ainslie has had a long history of environmental policy being a core concern of a government, owing to the rich traditions of the native peoples of the country and the ongoing concern their descendants have for the environment - a group who form the majority of Ahnslens. The first landmark policy implemented was the Green Ahnerten project which sought to increase the greenery across the capital city in the 1950s which led to the Beyond Ahnerten project in 1987 which sought to replicate its success in other areas of the country. A carbon tax was introduced in 2000. A fuel excise remains in place and many environmental protection taxes and fines reroute money back into the Department for Environment.


GOVERNMENT
....

Government power in Ainslie is divided at three levels and separated into three different branches. The three levels of government are local, electoral and federal whilst the three branches are the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature. Citizens above the age of 25 can vote, whilst those who have completed their national service prior to this or have received a waiver can vote from age 20 if they either hold full citizenship or permanent residency.

At the local level, shires, municipalities, city councils and regional councils help deliver public services that directly support households such as garbage collection and the maintenance of parks. Local Governments also wield a significant amount of power in Ainslie. Ainslie maintains one overseas territory - Gresswell Island who vote as a part of an electorate in Wesland and function effectively as a local council with wider powers From their ranks, the Governor appoints various Ministers and delegates to the Electoral Council. At the electoral level, the Governor is directly elected by the people through a mandatory preferential vote. There is no well defined legislature at the electoral level, with laws passed through the Electoral Council - the collection of all of the ‘delegates’ who were voted in by each individual electorate. Through the collection of six delegates per electorate, the Electoral Council - the unicameral legislature of the nation at the electoral level, pass pieces of legislation. Electorates by themselves can only pass delegated legislation, whilst so long as legislation achieves a simple majority in the Electoral Council, each group of delegates from each electorate can determine whether they will opt out from the legislation governing their people.

The parties which currently represent each electorate are as follows:

At the federal level is the unicameral Ahnslen Federal Assembly (Arenessé Elessar), with each Representative elected by a simple majority of one of the 331 Districts through a mandatory preferential vote. By way of a simple majority, the Federal Assembly can pass laws unimpeded and override legislation made by the Electoral Council through the same means. Out of the Representatives, the Prime Minister is to appoint their Cabinet of the Federation, who are responsible for affairs of state and form the vast majority of the Federal Executive Council. The Cabinet of the Federation is typically made up of the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Attorney-General, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Treasury-General, the Director for Civil Contingencies and a number of Ministers (Arowcas) who are assigned portfolios in a way akin to a Ministry in Anglosphere nations. They join the Prime Minister, who is elected through a simple majority based on a full preference count, and the Judicial-General, who is appointed by a ¾ vote of the Judicial Council of Ainslie. Elections occur every four years. The Cabinet Offices are as follows:

  • Executive Office of the Prime Minister led by Tobius Turrena

    Executive Office of the Judicial-General

    • Leader: Judicial-General Ander Kentarre

      • Judicial Council

      • Ahnslen Justice Commission

    Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

    • Leader: Deputy Prime Minister Meraine Karvali

    Office of the Attorney-General

    • Leader: Attorney-General Darcy Terrelow

      • Ahnslen Justice Commission

      • Ahnslen Law Reform Commission

      • Ahnslen Corruption, Ethics and Integrity Commission

    Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    • Leader: Minister Rebecca Marin

    Ministry of Defence and National Security

    • Leader: Isaac Berin

    Ministry of the Treasury-General

    • Leader: Aren Neslen

    Directorate for Civil Contingencies

    • Leader: Tarrin Sevarne

    Ministry for Business, Finance and the Economy

    • Leader: Minister Cameren Arrins

    Ministry for Education

    • Leader: Minister Jarisin Berava

    Minister for Energy and Climate Action

    • Leader: Minister Elane Tevarow

    Ministry for Home Affairs

    • Leader: Jarred Karane

    Ministry for Infrastructure

    • Leader: Marus Senastiane

    Ministry for Health

    • Leader: Minister Rian Herane

    Ministry for Social Matters

    • Leader: Minister Alissa Perris

    • Department for Social Services

    • Department for Accessibility & Digital Transformation

    Ministry for Communications and Culture

    • Leader: Minister Karia Patine

    Ministry for Science, Industry and Innovation

    • Leader: Minister Archer Rassine

    Ministry for the Environment

    • Leader: Minister Josiah Karri

    Ministry for Good Governance

    • Leader: Minister Dannel Arriton

    Ministry for the Regions

    • Leader: Minister Marra Arensin

Judicial power is exercised by courts at the federal and the electoral level through a strict separation of powers. In the electoral system, In the electoral system there is the local courts which are presided over by a Ketura (Chief). They have jurisdiction over most summary offences and can sentence up to 18 months imprisonment. They deal with civil cases up to $100,000 and deal with administrative issues for all courts in the electoral system. They also conduct committal offences and operate under an adversarial system. There is also the coroner's courts which investigates suspicious and/or unnatural deaths and are inquisitorial by nature. They can send cases to trial in the Referral Courts if they think a crime has taken place. A coroner conducts the investigation. On the intermediate level of the court system, there are the Referral Courts, the District Court or Regional Court, the resource courts and the Young Citizens' court. The Referral Courts are presided over by a Ketura (Chief), in contrast to judges at all other intermediate courts, it is the first court of reception for appeals and refers matters to the appropriate courts at the intermediate level. This is where committal hearings happen for cases where the original jurisdiction lies in any of the intermediate courts. No trials take place in referral courts. The District/Regional Courts are the main court in the Electoral system. They are called district courts in metropolitan/urban regions and regional courts in rural areas. They deal with civil cases involving $100,000 - $850,000 in damages and they hear bail applications. They also have jurisdiction over most indictable offences and listen to appeals from the local courts. It operates under the adversarial system. Presided over by a judge, the Resource Courts deal with cases involving the environment, serious industrial relations law breaches, intermediate and serious property offences and matters involving intermediate-serious scale financial crimes. Presided over by a judge, the Young Citizens' Court deals with indictable offences and serious summary offences involving people under the age of 21. They have specialised court personnel and law professionals.

The Higher Courts are the highest courts in one single electorate and consist of the Electoral Courts and the Court of Appeals. Presided over by a Justice (a level above a judge), the Electoral Courts listen to appeals from the district and regional courts and serious indictable offences. They also deal with matters involving the interpretation of electoral council (A government body, separate to the Judicial Council) decisions. The Court of Appeals with appeals from the electoral courts and is the last step for appeals for crimes under electoral law.

The Federal system includes the Federal Referral Courts who deal with small matters and hear preliminary proceedings and the Federal Courts who handle most issues that arise under federal legislation. The Court of the Ancients hears appeals from some professional disciplinary boards, and hears matters that predominantly are of equity. The Collective Court of Ainslie deals with appeals from federal courts and electoral courts by way of an approved special leave application by the court. It is typically the final court of appeal in Ainslie. The Collective Court also resolves contentious disputes between laws in each electorate. The Judicial Council of Ainslie stands above this court and can hear appeal cases from the Collective Court of Ainslie by special leave although it rarely intervenes in the modern-day. The Judicial Council’s activities are largely in the field of administrative and constitutional matters as well as holding major public inquiries that are fully independent from the government itself. The Judicial Council can adopt either an inquisitorial or adversarial stance where necessary.

The major political parties are as follows:
ACEGAD - Ahnslen Centrists for Economic Growth and Development
Parliamentary Leader: Thomas Wilton
Chairperson: Noah Redecki
Ideology: centre-right: centre-left economic policy, socially conservative.
Overview
ACEGAD are a centrist, socially conservative yet economically leftist political party in Ainslie which enjoys healthy support across the southwestern coast and the east of Ainslie. It has been the dominant party in Ahnslen politics since the early 2000s. It is commonly regarded as the most conservative party in the country that can get a majority, although it is barely right of centre. The party has a focus on evidence-based policy and sustainability across all areas of government policy. Further, the party is known to be bipartisan in order to ensure certainty that overarching policy goals will be implemented effectively.

ACEGAD is in support of a welfare state yet is not as enthusiastic to stretch the government expenditure, particularly when the budget is in deficit. The party is also known to collaborate and go into coalitions with the Science and Technology Party, as both political groups recognise that economic growth in Ainslie should and does rely heavily on innovation, science and technology. 4/6 Governors in Ainslie belong to this party - Brianna Hailes of Wesland, Emma Mansell of Dallara, Chelsea Pescott of Burnessa and Nathan Collicot of Mannen.

Ahnited - Ahnslens United
Parliamentary Leader: Meraine Karvali
Chairperson: Berren Harslen
Ideology:centre-left: left-wing economic policy, socially liberal

The Ahnited Party are a centre-left, socially liberal and leftist economics party in Ainslie which has been receiving a surge in support across traditionally ACEGAD voting electorates such as Wesland, Dallara and Arlanah. It is the rising power in Ahnslen politics and has a complexion similar to the unusually liberal, globalist and free-trade focused Kenzai administration of the ACEGAD party. As ACEGAD currently drifts back to its roots with policies and stances similar to the Prime Ministerships of Condor and Stratten, Ahnited appears as being similar to more recent ACEGAD governments such as that of Eleanor Renten and Andrew Kenzai.

It is one of the most popular parties in the country. The party, similar to ACEGAD, is focused on evidence-based policy yet does not have the same intergenerational focus as the the other major centrist party in Ainslie. The party does not yet have a proven record of bipartisanship.

Ahnited are supporters of the welfare state and have similar policy to the APC in the fields of education, health and welfare yet it is not fully known to what extent yet that they are. The party seems open to ruling in coalitions. One Governor from Ainslie is associated with this party - Aurelia Garver of Arlanah.

APC - Ainslie People's Congress
Parliamentary Leader: Tyson Runere
Chairperson: Michael Hawkin
Ideology: centre-left: left-wing economic policy, socially centrist

Overview
APC are a centrist, socially centrist yet economically leftist political party which has had a collapse in support in recent years due to the rise of the Indenats and the Ahnited Party. It is the longest running party in Ainslie and is the key party responsible for the development of major public utilities in the country such as its hospital system, its welfare safety net and its infrastructure. Its traditional voters mainly come from the west of the country and from middle class manufacturing backgrounds throughout Norlands and Arlanah. The party's focus is on the key public-facing government services such as health, welfare, education and infrastructure. The party openly engages with other parties in order to attain a bipartisan approach on these areas however is not shy to reject doing so.

The APC are vocal defenders of the welfare state and whilst hesitant to expand the amount of money spent by the government in times of deficit, it will do so if necessary. The party is in decline, as much of its base moves from voting for it to the other three parties in Ainslie. Only one Governor in Ainslie is associated with the APC - Eslen Marcen, who enjoys a healthy majority in Norlands. It is likely in coming years that the APC will move from being a national party to strengthening its grip on this electorate.

STEP - Science, Environment and Technology Party
Parliamentary Leader: Elijah Harlen
Chairperson: Kai Parrie
Ideology: left-wing: leftist economic policy, environmentalism, liberal social policy

Overview
The STEP party has positioned itself at the intersection of science, the innovation economy and the environmentalist movement as advocates for the advancement of Ainslie in these areas. Further, it has a noticeably more humanistic complexion and less of an interest in religious protections and stances on social issues. It often rules in coalition with ACEGAD as a junior partner, particularly in the south of the nation when ACEGAD gets the most votes in places like Burnessa and Mannen. The party does not rule in majority anywhere across the country.

Indenats - Independent Nationalists Party
Parliamentary Leader: Adarne Yenda
Chairperson: George Fessaire
Ideology: right-wing: right wing economic policy, socially conservative social policy

Overview
The Independent Nationalists party is a right-wing, nationalist and conservative party in Ainslie known for its commitment to traditional values and the role of church in what they would understand as a healthy, well-functioning society. They are a protectionist party whose focus on agricultural issues finds them particularly popular with the central-west of the nation. Their party was led by the outspoken founder of it, Lawrence Jackson, whose name brought the Indenats to the point where they held the balance of power in Arlanah until a major political scandal discredited Jackson and prompted snap elections in the electorate. This caused the appointment of the first Ahnited Governor to office, Aurelia Garver, in Arlanah. The party has gone from a viable minority force to a fringe party due to ongoing revelations of its members' potential collaboration with criminal organisations.

Foreign Affairs and Military
See also: Ainslie in an International World

Ahnslen foreign policy focuses on ensuring a collaborative, prosperous and pragmatic international order based off of mutual interest and not ideological divides. It is committed to multilateral endeavours however will act unilaterally if necessary. Ahnslen foreign policy can often seem perplexing, as the worldview of its people largely advocates for soft power as a means of promoting its values rather than hard power or being involved in long-term efforts to restabilise nations.

The nation is keenly interested in strengthening neighbouring nations and those vulnerable to de-escalation in order to create a strong, interconnected global community that respects the international rules-based order and the rule of law. The nation signed the Kirsdof Agreement in April of 2017, making Ainslie a founding member of The Western Isles Climate Response Council. The nation was also integral in founding the Gael Four Commission and regularly participates in the Association of Culture, Economics and Science in the Isles and the League of The Western Isles, albeit in a jaded manner.

Ainslie has no active mutual defence agreements. It maintains one overseas base in the International District, used predominately by the navy and by peacekeeping units. The Ahnslen Government also hosts a Vancouvian base in Renderra. Ahnslen defence policy is oriented on the defence of the mainland, albeit provision has been made for smaller scale expeditionary operations. Whilst Ainslie does possess considerable defence industry and hard power capabilities, these are predominately reserved for the aforementioned worst case scenario of an invasion being levied against Ainslie. Ahnslen defence personnel are far more commonly seen in peacekeeping operations but in particular when responding to major humanitarian crises - especially after natural disasters.

Ainslie's armed forces are comprised of three branches : the Ahnslen Army (AHNARM), the Ahnslen Navy (AHNAV) and the Ahnslen Aerial Forces (AHNAF).


ECONOMY
....

Ainslie has a mixed-market economy, a high GDP per capita and a low rate of poverty. It is a wealthy country with a diverse, resilient and balanced economy. It consistently ranks as one of the wealthiest nations when considering the median incomes of Ainslie. The Ahnsen is the nation’s currency and its exchange rate typically hovers around 0.85 IAD. It ranks as average amongst comparable economies in economic freedom and consistently ranks highly in HDI measures. Ahnerten, Port Blacken and Herriden are amongst the most liveable cities. Government debt is below average, though marginal deficits are usually recorded by Ahnslen Governments. Household debt to equity ratios are low and household debt is quite low. The Ahnslen economy has not suffered a major recession since the 1980s, in wake of the Gael Crash. The nation has experienced a steady, but on average lower, amount of economic growth than its counterparts in the 90s - owing partially to lightly contractionary fiscal policy.

Ainslie has a wide breadth of industries, owing partially to government policy which has invested significantly into technology and research and the development of supply chains. The nation has significant gas reserves though much of this is used for domestic markets rather than for export. The nation also has small, yet growing industries in uranium extraction, rare earth minerals and lithium. The coal industry has been declining in recent years. Besides resource extraction, Ainslie also has a large agricultural base particularly in wheat, sorghum, barley as well as apples, strawberries, lychees and a range of other cool temperate fruits and vegetables.

The nation has a strong manufacturing sector, particularly in defence industry, pharmaceutical production and research, renewable technologies and has a growing electric vehicle sector. This is boosted through a strong construction sector, healthy public investment in large-scale projects, a thriving international education sector and a large services economy, with these industries being bolstered by medical research and healthcare. Major utilities are largely administered through a mixture of government bodies and business enterprises alongside a small number of large private corporations. Taxation is predominately levied at the federal level, though small surcharges and levies are also collected at the local government level. Since 1998, a Goods and Services Tax of 10% has applied to most goods and services.

As of March 2022, the national unemployment rate was 4.3% with the unemployment rate being particularly low in Wesland and Norlands whilst relatively higher in Burnessa, Arlanah and Dallara. Interest rates are set by the Ahnslen Central Bank at 4.25%, based on an inflation target of 2-3%. Ainslie is a major exporter of wheat, meat, wool, defence equipment, pharmaceutical products, international education and rare earth minerals. Ainslie’s creative and cultural sectors make a relatively small contribution to the economy - much less than tourism and recreation does.

In 2022, Ainslie’s energy sources were natural gas (48.5%) wind and solar power (23.1%), hydropower (14.3%), coal (14.1%). Since the 1980s, Ainslie has made a marked shift from coal to gas, due to the greater availability of natural gas reserves and the limited disruption to communities offshore gas projects would have. This was further accelerated in the early 2010s when growing evidence emerged that coal produced more emissions than gas. At that time, Ainslie declared that natural gas would become the central transition fuel. Ainslie’s government has regularly met its renewable energy source targets.

Ainslie is consistently one of the largest investors in research and development, with private sector enthusiasm matched with above average government spending into the sector. Investment inflows into the medical and pharmaceutical, renewable technology and defence sectors are particularly high. The startup ecosystem is increasingly finding its home in the nation, with Renderra and Herriden particularly becoming fertile ground for young tech companies. The nation remains one of the most innovative nations, with much of its economy derived from the commercialisation of the ideas and research of its thriving education and research sectors.


DEMOGRAPHICS
....

Ainslie has a relatively high population density, owing to its high rates of urbanisation and centralisation. The population of Ainslie largely resides in the southeast of the nation in the electorate of Wesland in the cities of Harlessie, Ahnerten, Herriden and Port Blacken. The other major population centre is in the north, focused on the city of Arborai and to a lesser extent to the centre in and around Mandara. Ainslie is highly urbanised - with Arborai, Ahnerten, Mandara and Port Blacken with over a million residents and Herriden just shy of this at around 930,000 people. Ainslie’s population is relatively balanced in age, although slightly shifted towards an older population. Ahnslens are not a common sight overseas, with a below average amount of citizens living in other nations - although there are many in nations like Dormill and Stiura and Roendavar.

Largest Cities in Ainslie

Rank

Name

Electorate

Population

1

Arborai

Norlands

4,324,200

2

LinkAhnerten

Wesland

3,528,878

3

Mandara

Dallara

3,104,243

4

Port Blacken

Wesland

1,542,453

5

Herriden

Wesland

930,425

6

Watarah

Burnessa

584,214

7

Renderra

Mannen

499,340

8

Anertah

Arlanah

400,210

9

Harlessie

Wesland

123,410

10

Badara

Arlanah

96,585

Ainslie was originally settled by the Merenese, Norland, Tesselian, Arnish and Rathai peoples and the five combined - known statistically as ‘Ahnslens’ remain to be the majority ethnicity in the nation. Whilst the nation has experienced waves of migration, particularly around the middle of the 20th Century, the nation’s migration rate has slowed up since then. Ainslie does not have high amounts of immigrant populations with many arriving being skilled migrants, family members of Ahnslens and students. The largest ancestries in Ainslie are Native (Ainslie), Doraltic, Keveraite, Pulantara Islander (Venatu, Suvurnia and surrounding islands), Magarati & Roendavarian.

Ainslie has one official language - Arnish. Ahnslens have a distinct English accent, a lasting legacy of the influence the native language has had on the speech of the nation. Arnish is the widely spoken language in the household setting. The vast majority of Ahnslens are bilateral - often speaking both Arnish and English fluently by age 16, whilst some in the south and north also learn their native tongue too. Ainslie also has a sign language known as Ahnsign.

Ainslie has no state religion and the Ahnslen Constitution ensures freedom of religion and the shielding of citizens from being forced to change religious status. Some 79% of Ahnslens nominate as Christians - with many of these belonging to the Association of Whindist Churches, a group similar to baptist, then Baptist, other protestant denominations and then Catholic. There are small amounts of Protacists and Muslims in the nation, owing largely to immigration rather than the domestic expansion of any other religion. Atheism has been slowly rising in Ainslie, although the most marked shift has been across denominations of Protestantism where the number of those belonging to Whindist Churches increasing and those from more traditional denominations declining. There is a high rate of church attending Christians in the nation.

Ainslie’s has a leading life expectancy of 81.2 years for males and 85.1 for females. Compared to similar nations, Ainslie has a relatively low amount of obesity yet relatively high skin cancer rates. Ainslie has universal health care, funded by a levy. The electorates of Ainslie manage the hospitals and associated services whilst the Federal Government oversees general practice, the provision, accreditation and funding of medicines and research and any crisis response or surge capacity that the electorates cannot muster themselves.

School attendance is compulsory in Ainslie. Primary and secondary education is the responsibility of the electorates whilst tertiary education is a responsibility for the Federal Government. Children are typically expected to attend school between the age of 5 to about 16, although many can instead opt to undertake vocational training from the age of 15. Ainslie’s adult literacy rate is 99.9%. Ainslie’s universities are leading universities for study, research and development. Their technical colleges are oriented towards corporations and boast strong industry links, making it easy for those who attend to find work. Ainslie has one of the highest rates of tertiary or vocational qualifications and Ahnslens widely rank amongst the most educated. Ainslie hosts some of the highest amounts of international students, although as compared to Ahnslen citizens studying, there is a relatively equal proportion. Despite this, international education is one of Ainslie’s largest exports and is a significant influence on the nation’s migration system as a result of a tendency to recognise and welcome those with tertiary qualifications that are in demand.


CULTURE
....

See Also: Ahnslen Culture (outdated)

Ahnslen culture draws on the dynamic and unique cultures of the native groups it had within its modern-day borders - the Arnish, the Norlanders, the Tesselians and the Merenese. What unites these groups is a strong connection to land, sea and water and to the protection of the environment. The culture also reflects the exchange that the French and the English had with the Norlanders and the Arnish. Whilst there used to be a diversity of languages, now English and Arnish are the predominant languages spoken in the country, although in recent years teaching young people their native tongue is increasingly becoming popular. Ahnslens typically speak informally and have a wide array of slang.

Ahnslens are typically quiet yet relaxed characters in their free time. It is a culture that prioritises loyalty, equality and friendship. One of these traits in practice is the shortening of people’s names which although seeming like belittlement is actually normally a sign of affection and social acceptance. Ahnslens, whilst typically quite conformist, openly critiques hierarchies and authority. Informal social hierarchies are not strong, a distinguishing feature of the Ahnslen state as opposed to more collectivist societies.

Stories and legends place a significant focus on nature and defying hostile situations - typically brought against the Ahnslen people through the harsh natural environment that Ainslie can be. This runs in parallel to a strong comedy culture, particularly in satire. Comedy also acts as a way to push social and cultural boundaries in Ainslie.

Literature reflects these trends, with the interaction of nature with society alongside comedy are strong themes portrayed through Ahnslen works.

This style of Literature is most prominent in novels such as Those People from Norlands (1886) by Martin Gonzen, which is a classic example of the Arnish doing this. Often regarded as a response to this text is Ferice Gontre’s Out East (1889). Over the Mountains (1920) was a pioneer of comedic Ahnslen literature in a newspaper format. It effectively shaped the modern Ahnslen identity through literature and accurately portrayed it. It painted Ainslie as an anti-war, moderately protectionist state with a combination of authoritarianism, liberalism and a strong sense of morality. Over the Mountains often highlighted the contradictions of Ainslie in a humorous light.

The development of the unique Ahnslen 'slang' owes itself to literature. He's a seajumper! (1994) poked fun at the Merenese people, coining the phrase for decades to come. Give a Drink (1982) by William Funare pointed at the inhabitants of Ainslie.Theatre is not very widespread. The theatre which did arise from Ainsiie typically followed the literature of the time, with its humour, format and appeal. In 1980, the Wesland School of Arts opened and since then it has been the major institution for Theatre.

Ahnslen architecture in modern times has been relatively consistent with popular trends, but some adaptations and styles have been created due to climatic and cultural factors. Up until the days of the Arnish Empire, tribes on Ahnslen land built wooden huts, due to the abundance of woodland. It was not until the formation of the Arnish empire that the full threat of bushfires was realised.

This bushfire threat called for a new style, and material of housing to be formed. The Arnish observed that fire slowed down and became weaker on a downwards slope. This meant that the Arnish people favoured building towns and cities, as well as houses near downwards slopes. This can be seen in the placing of Ahnerten, which is almost surrounded by downhill slopes coming into the centre of the city. This idea was also applied to houses, as the Arnish began to build partially submerged houses to mitigate the threat of bushfires. In the 19th century, at the time of the modern unification, houses which are closer to the trends of other nations in the Isles were built.

Notable Ahnslen features are the Oberré and Wagstaffen ‘Waggie’ style of housing. Iconic Ahnslen designs include the Hope Spire in Ahnerten CBD, the Burnett Bridge in Herriden, Dockland House in Arborai and the iconic Armet Estate in Badara , which used the famous Oberré style.

Four main types of architecture can be defined in Ainslie. These are Traditional, Unification, Contemporary and Alternative Modernist.

The first notable period of architecture was in the 17th and 18th centuries, as the Arnish empire endorsed the beginnings of the Oberré style of housing, in order to cut costs and resources after large and frequent bushfires wiped out many Arnish settlements. The next waves of architecture came in the unification times, where the new nation embraced the two traditional styles of housing, as well as very much forwarding housing designs and plans very similar to nearby nations, and the regional trend. This new Ahnslen nation, forged between an alliance of goodwill and development between various city states meant that new settlements were being established.

Particularly on the southern floodplains of Ainslie, near Watarah a new style of architecture was formed. Ricard Staffen and Mark Wagsten pioneered the building of settlements on floodplains, which was a rarity before their times due to these adverse conditions. Staffen and Wagsten created homes which were elevated off the ground by concrete or wooden stilts, depending on the wealth of the future homeowners. This ‘Wagstaffen’ style became very popular in the south. This created an entirely new and innovative form of architecture, which was disconnected from the northern and western traditionalist designs. The Wagstaffen ‘Waggie’ design maximised outdoor space, with houses often being single storey on unusually large blocks.
As the decay and presence of natural disasters began to destroy the traditionalist ways of old, the new nation set forth on a journey back to its roots. Oberré style houses were being built once again in the highlands and tablelands.

As the 1950s approached, Ahnerten, then a small city of 1.2 million, was faced with a very large problem. Ahnerten was the capital of the nation, yet was significantly underdeveloped except for the northern districts. As the previously mentioned factors became very obvious in Ahnerten, the decision whether to renovate or rebuild was at the forefront of the government’s agenda. Up until the 1990s, the decision was to renovate these structures. Early in the 1990s, a new force entered the socio-political domain. A new religion spread across the nation, and new ideas, a renaissance of ideas to be exact, was sweeping the nation. The architectural movement of Alternative Modernism began in Ainslie.

Alternative Modernism sought to blend the modern ideas both domestically and internationally with the unificationist and traditionalist ideas of the past. Here we see a picture of a street in Ahnerten, where the early unification style of houses is combined with more modern nature-centric ideas.


Above: A street which features houses built according to the Alternative Modernist style

Outside of Ahnerten, The Oberré style gained more interest, as it was approached by Alternative Modernists who combined modern architecture with the unique and traditional style of the past. These houses to this date are still quite common in satellite towns of rural towns and cities, as well as more sparsely populated communities in the centre and north of Ainslie.


Above: A house following an alternative modernist - Oberré style


Above: A house built in the Oberré style, with a modern flare. It is a classic example of the Oberré renaissance which happened around twenty years ago in the nation

Visual Arts in Ainslie became most prominent from unification onwards, as famous artists such as Isabelle Benire, Cameron Cerent and Benjamin Lenette leading the way for Ahnslen art and achieving it a level of international acceptance. The Art Centre in Hauton was a major art school which produced prolific and famous artists such as George Rowanton, who produced Continuity (1976), currently on exhibit at the Lecaren Gallery in Herriden.

As with literature, nature is a major theme in Ahnslen Art. This is especially central to photography, which is the dominant art form in the nation. Nature photography and painting are the major defining areas of this art form. A major Ahnslen landscape painter was Liam Ardason, who painted Prospect (1984), and Belarn (1987)


Above: Prospect by Liam Ardason (1984)

Experiments in Ainslie regarding television began in the late 1930s, with television becoming more widespread in the Ahnslen home in the 1960s. The Atvie awards are the major annual rewards. Most programs shown in Ainslie are locally produced, particularly because of the Ahnslen Content Guidelines which mandate such a situation. Successful programs include nature documentaries, cricket matches, fitness-based game shows such as ‘One Hill’ as well as comedy, crime and legal reality shows. One particularly successful show in recent years is FedCore, a unique series which seeks to recreate the lives of Federal Corporals in a format that is part political drama, part crime fighting series. Ainslie’s news media coverage is widespread and international in its nature with media diversity being a core concern of Ahnslen Governments. There are no public broadcasters besides Ahnslen Federal Radio. There are four major news companies - Terkine, Fentren, Anaren and Arendai. The government holds sizeable stakes in many media companies, particularly Arendai.

A significant part of Ahnslen culture is public holidays, which are jealously guarded by Ahnslens. The Christian festivals of Easter and Christmas are public holidays in Ainslie as are Worker’s Day (14 August), New Year’s Day (January 1), Commemoration Day (September 8) and Establishment Day (June 27). The national anthem is Our Blessed Land.

Ainslie has no public broadcasters besides Ahnslen Federal Radio whose primary role is to provide emergency broadcasting. Beyond that, the Government provides funding and becomes a shareholder in some private institutions within the media landscape such as Arendai, which the government holds a 34% stake in. There are numerous television and radio stations and each electoral capital has at least one daily newspaper, with many regional areas having at least one weekly newspaper.

Whilst about 30% of Ahnslens say they participate in organised sporting activities, there are high rates of involvement in casual sports within the nation. Regardless, whether or not Ahnslens play sport regularly or not, they often hold watching it in quite a positive regard - especially the unofficial national sport cricket and its rival soccer. The early adoption of a domestic 20 over per side cricket tournament has solidified the fan base in the nation and the decision to have junior leagues in both T20 and longer form cricket have significantly increased participation rates. Cricket is the dominant sport in all of the electorates except the western parts of Arlanah and the electorate of Norlands, who generally prefer soccer. Korkoole, as it is called in Ainslie, or Corkball, is a sport which combines rugby and cricket. It has been growing in popularity in recent years at the grass roots level. Whilst it is not recognised as a national sport, it does have a formal association and is slowly gathering traction across the nation - despite not yet being a major spectator sport. Other popular sporting and recreational activities include swimming, hiking, kayaking, dirt buke racing and orienteering.


This information is a part of a range of factbooks discussing Gael. Click here to be sent to the category page, hosted by Twikipedia.

RawReport