Sedunn (Pacifica)

Kingdom of Sedunn Devtoved Sedunn (Sedunnic)
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Jeme'leō lanleun vrass simmleis" "In forebears' tracks for future victories"
Anthem: Ryll raluom gjī aks Flutter proudly and free
Location of Sedunn (dark green)
Capital and largest city	Grovne 26°15'S 24°55'E
Official languages	Sedunnic
Ethnic groups	93.2% Sedunners 6.8% other
Religion	84.8% Non-religious 10.1% Christian 1.1% Lievvism 0.9% Muslim 3.1% Other/unknown
Demonym(s)	Sedunnic · Sedunner
Government	Unitary parliamentary republica
• Dellm (King)a	Vimmru II
• Speaker of the Parliament	Gety Flutslok
Legislature	Mannared
Formation
• Consolidation	c. 700 BC
• Settlement of the Remetull Islands	c. 680 BC
Area
• Total	93,493 km2 (36,098 sq mi)b
• Water (%)	1.4
Population
• 2021 estimate	26,016,343
• Density	278/km2 (720.0/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)	2021 estimate
• Total	$1.53 trillion
• Per capita	$58,653
Gini (2019)	25.1 low
HDI (2019)	0.949 very high
Currency	Sedunnic tenn (TEN)
Time zone	UTC+2 (CBT)
Date format	dd/mm/yyyy CE
Mains electricity	230 V–50 Hz
Driving side	right
Calling code	+189
World Forum Code	SD
Internet TLD	.sd
Sedunn is called a kingdom in Austral for historical reasons. Sedunnic kings and queens were always both head of state and head of government, although elected. Bailtem-Sedunn: 83,502 km2, Remetull Islands 9,991 km2.

Sedunn (Sedunnic: Sedunn ['seːd̪ʉn̪ː]), officially the Kingdom of Sedunn (Sedunnic: Devtoved Sedunn ['d̪eːvt̪uːveːd̪ 'seːd̪ʉn̪ː]), is a sovereign parliamentary republic whose territory consists of mainland Sedunn (also called Bailtem-Sedunn) in the southwestern corner of Bailtem and the overseas province Remetull Islands in the South Pacific Ocean. Mainland Sedunn is situated between the Limmvasd and Jytann mountain ranges and the South Pacific Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Stoinia to the north, Ezervulge to the east, Jytann to the south-west and Ikoania to the southeast. It is characterized by an arable rolling landscape with a cool-summer Mediterranean climate in its coastal and central regions and steep mountains with varying climates towards the northern and eastern borders. Situated in the South Pacific Ocean, the Remetull Islands have a humid subtropical climate. Mainland Sedunn has a total area of 83,502 km², and including the Remetull Islands, Sedunn has a total area of 93,493 km², and a population of 26 million (as of 2021). Sedunn is a unitary parliamentary constitutional republic with its capital in Grovne, the country's largest city and main cultural and commercial centre. Other major cities are Flered, Goends and Lomared.

Sedunn emerged as a unified nation at the end of the Mediterranean Iron Age around 700 BC. Several important Duric cities had emerged in what is today's mainland Sedunn, predominantly south of the Setru River. The cities were part of an extensive trade network stretching across the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. They were in fierce competition with each other, but also with other large cities in the trade network. To consolidate their resources and end the internal Duric competition, the five most powerful city states chose a common leader, a king, to rule the lands which the Dures inhabited, thereby initiating a consolidation process that was to incorporate all lands inhabited by the Dures, forming the elective monarchy of Sedunn. The country remained a competitive part of the intricate Mediterranean trade network and a major maritime power into the early middle ages. Some time not long after the unification process, the Remetull Islands were discovered and settled.

Between the 15th and the 19th centuries, Sedunnic explorers and merchants expanded Sedunn's trade network to Cordilia and Crabry, then to all the other continents, asserting itself as a major naval and trade power. This lead to several conflicts and wars with other nations. Sedunn notably never tried to conquer or colonise new land and remained a democracy.

In Peter I's War between 1884 and 1885, Ezervulge invaded Sedunn to attempt installing a regime more favourable to king, fearing that Sedunnic liberal ideas would gain more ground in Ezervulge, but Ezervulge was decisively defeated. In 1915 imperialist Ubesii declared war on Sedunn with the same goals. The war ended inconclusively, but Ubesii failed to achieve its goals. During the Great War, Sedunn was part of the Democratic Alliance. After these costly wars, many Sedunners started to question what was called the "extraversion" and Sedunnic involvement in international affairs. As an effect Sedunn employed a non-interference policy until the beginning of the 21st century where the policy was reversed. Sedunn hosted the summit which founded the World Forum, and Grovne is the seat of its Headquarters and the Assembly. The headquarters of the CPSC is also located in Sedunn. The country plays a prominent role in regional and global economic, military, cultural and diplomatic affairs, being a strong proponent of international law and democracy. It is a founding member of the Concordia Entente.

Sedunn has a well developed welfare system that provides universal health care and tertiary education. It ranks very high in quality of life, health, education, protection of civil liberties, economic competitiveness, equality, prosperity and human development. The Sedunnic mixed-market economy is export-oriented and is an important producer of ships, vehicles, machinery, pharmaceuticals, electronics and various agricultural products. Sedunn is a secular state.

Etymology

By the end of the Iron Age, the leadership of several important Sedunnic cities consolidated their power and elected a king to rule all the lands that they controlled, which were located between the South Pacific Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Limmvasd and Jytann mountain ranges. The new nation became known as Skayimmend Seidŭned (the Realm/Land Between). In later phonetic changes, all diphthongs disappeared, and "realm/land" was dropped from the name, resulting in today's Sedunn.

The formal name of Sedunn in Sedunnic is Devtoved Sedunn, which roughly could be translated as the Democracy Sedunn. However, in Austral the formal name is Kingdom of Sedunn, due to the fact that (elected) kings and queens ruled Sedunn when it came into contact with nations speaking Austral. A more correct term today would be Republic of Sedunn, since the kings/queens have no more power than ordinary prime ministers in parliamentary republics.

History

Main article: History of Sedunn (Pacifica)

Geography

Topography and hydrography of mainland Sedunn

The territory of Sedunn includes an area on the southwestern corner of Bailtem, referred to as the mainland or Bailtem-Sedunn, and the Remetull archipelago to the west in the South Pacific Ocean. The mainland includes the island of Deri in the Sea of Sedunn. The mainland is located between the Mediterranean Sea, the South Pacific Ocean, and the Limmvasd and Jytann mountain ranges. The mainland lies between latitudes 24° and 29° S, and longitudes 23° and 28° E. The Remetull Islands lie between latitudes 30° and 31° S, and longitudes 8° and 12° E. Sedunn's northern and eastern borders are roughly delimited by the Limmvasd watershed. To the north it borders Stoinia, to the east Ezervulge, and to the southeast Ikoania. To the southwest, Sedunn borders Jytann along the Gobyv and Taksd rivers. These rivers are artificially connected by canals and locks, forming the Ilva Canal which makes it possible to save time by sailing directly from Myttenst to Flered instead of going around the Jytann peninsula.

The northern and eastern landscapes of the mainland are mountainous and indented by river valleys, whereas the central landscapes are characterized by rolling plains. The highest point is located on Mount Vetres at 4378 m or 14,634 ft. Another well-known mountain is Mount Skolyt at 3717 m or 12,195 ft. The lowest elevation, called Tapne, is in the bay of the Lomann marshlands, near Lomared, at −2.41 m (−7.91 ft) below sea level. Mainland Sedunn has an extensive river system consisting of the five major rivers Setru, Dybd, Taksd, Gobyv and Avna. The Dybd is Sedunn's longest river at 219 km or 136 miles. It empties in the Sea of Sedunn. The coastlines offer contrasting landscapes: coastal cliffs such as the Gra Coast and Essela Bay, and wide sandy plains on the south coast.

Most of the Remetull islands are characterised by a mountainous interior and sandy shores. The largest island, Piel, has a plain, the Skor Valley in the southwest, indented by the rivers Frodd and Skor. The mainland is predominantly agricultural with increasing forest coverage northward and in the mountains. The Remetull archipelago is largely deforested.

The country's total area is 93,493 square kilometres (36,098 sq mi), of which roughly 1.4% is water.

Climate

The cool Aiksi Current from Keyli, upwelling and high altitudes give Mainland Sedunn a mainly Mediterranean climate, predominately Csb, but Csa in certain areas along the coasts with low elevation, and thin bands of Csc at higher altitudes. Higher altitudes are characterised by a temperate maritime climate (Cfb), and at the highest altitudes, a tundra climate (ET). In most of mainland Sedunn, summers are warm (but not hot) and dry. During the summer the daily average temperature is 15-27°C, with no average monthly temperatures above 22 °C (72 °F). Winters are rainy and can be mild to chilly. Sometimes snow can fall on these areas. At higher altitudes, such as in the Limmvasd Range, temperatures are significantly cooler. Winters are cold and snow is frequent.

The Remetull islands have a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) characterized by hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms, and foggy, damp and chilly winters with sudden bursts of frost and snow. At higher altitudes, the climate is characterised by continental types (Dfc, Dfb/Dsc, Dsb) with cooler summers and cold winters with frequent snow. Typically the daily average high temperature is 26-30°C and the low temperatures around 20°C during the summer. During the winter the daily temperature ranges from around 3-10°C. at higher altitudes the temperature varies more.

Flora and fauna

Due to its geographical location between the South Pacific Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, proximity to Bareland and due to its varying climate, Sedunn has a high rate of biodiversity on land and at sea. The tivus, a forest lion, is a notable endemic species. The natural potential vegetation of the coastal and central regions of Sedunn includes evergreen trees such as eucalyptus, pine and cypress, deciduous trees such as oak and sycamore, and fruit trees like olive, grape and walnut. At higher altitudes, broadleaf trees are more common. The forests have been extensively cleared since antiquity for growing crops and other agricultural products. Remaining forests account for roughly 32% of the land area. Sedunn is notable for several large marshlands and forested wetlands, especially in the Setru valley.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Sedunn (Pacifica)

Administrative divisions

Main article: Administrative divisions of Sedunn (Pacifica)

Military

Main article: Sedunnic Armed Forces (Pacifica)

Economy

See also: List of companies of Sedunn (Pacifica)

Sedunn has an export-oriented mixed high-income economy, with a highly skilled labour force, a low level of corruption, and a high level of innovation. It has for its size a large nominal GDP of $1.53 trillion ($58,653 per capita). The nation plays an important role in the Mediterranean and the Sub-Capricorn since antiquity. Major industries include manufacturing of various vehicles, ships, foodstuffs, aircraft, machinery and electronic products. IT and shipping and transport services are other important sectors. Tourism is an important part of the Sedunnic economy, in 2016 Sedunn was the world's most popular tourist destination. Major imports include petroleum, metals, pulp, petrochemicals and electronic goods. The historically significant fishing industry entered a period of decline in the 60s due to overfishing. The government is now increasing fishing quotas on certain species after having let them recover.

As of 2021, the key trading partners of Sedunn were Stoinia, Sallodesia, Karnetvor, Huawan, GI-Land and Ryccia. Izaakia is also an important trade parter, but following the annexations of Brodlancia and Montacia, as well as the 2021 Missile Incident, Sedunn has placed sanctions on Izaakian individuals and a ban on exporting certain goods. Sedunn is part of the CMEC single market.

Some of the world's largest companies were founded and have their seat in Sedunn, including Derī, Stream, Vis, Levea and Limma. The Sedunnic economy benefits from major CPSC research facilities and the WF headquarters being located in the nation. Sedunn is regarded as a global hub for aerospace, consumer electronics and IT.

Sedunners have a high minimum income and a low level of income inequality. Sedunn has no minimum wage legislation, the high wage floor has been attributed to the power of trade unions.The national currency of Sedunn is the Tenn which is one of the world's oldest currencies.

Agriculture and natural resources

Farmland near Fysstred.

Sedunn has a large arable land area and agriculture is since antiquity an integral part of the economy. Of the total surface area in agricultural use, 30% is used for grain, 7.9% for olive tree orchards, 5.3% vineyards, various fruit orchards 4.5%, sugar beets 1.8%, and horticulture 2.4%. The remainder is primarily used for pasture. Sedunn is a leading exporter of wine and fruit liqueurs, and also exports grain, fruit and vegetables.

Large deposits of iron, REEs and uranium still exists in Sedunn, while copper and coal deposits have been depleted. Oil and gas resources are scarce and not economical to exploit.

Tourism

Sedunn is one of the most visited countries in international tourism (in 2016 it was the world's most popular tourist destination), with some twenty million international arrivals annually, contributing to up to 10% of the GDP. Sedunn offers a rich history, culture, architecture and cuisine. Seaside and hiking tourism are widespread. Popular destinations include Grovne with the Old Forum, Loennvem Old City, Giensallu's observatory, the CPSC Experience Center and the tunnels of Setra. The tiny Minnasi figurine, a blackbird handmade of glass, is a common souvenir.

Domestic tourism is also important for the industry, and hiking tours in the mountains as well as visiting historical sites are the most important activities for Sedunners.

Energy

Sedunn has a mixed energy market with public companies having exclusive right to hydropower and nuclear power, which account for around 42% and 30% respectively of the total electricity generation. Private companies have invested heavily in solar and wind power since the early 2000s. In 2019, wind power provided 19% and solar power almost 5%. Biofuels and waste accounted for almost 3%. A large reserve capacity based on fossil fuel is maintained in case of national emergencies.

Household recycling is well developed in Sedunn, and large investments for the industry is on its way. Sedunn is a net emitter of greenhouse gasses and has committed to a plan to have zero net emissions by 2045.

Infrastructure

Sedunn is a traditional maritime hub with some ports of global significance, the largest being the container port in Ullenst. Other major ports are located in Grovne, Tarvem, Tavenst and Flered. In addition, Sedunn has an extensive road and railroad network that connects the nation with the rest of Bailtem. The three largest metropolitan areas of Grovne, Flered and Goends have subway systems. International airports are located in Grovne, Goends, Flered and Gafsred (Remetull Islands). The Ilva Canal near Sedunn's southwestern border enables travelling by ship from the Sea of Sedunn to the Mediterranean Sea. Cycling is popular in Sedunn, and the country has an extensive segregated bicycle lanes.

There are several domestic and international ferry lines. RoRo ferries from Grovne and Ullenst connect Deri Island with the mainland, and larger ships connect the Remetull Islands with Bailtem Sedunn. Ferries also depart Flered for several of the Ikoanian islands and destinations around the western shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

Science and technology

Sedunnic Space Agency

Demographics

See also: Sedunners (Pacifica)

Population of the municipalities of Bailtem-Sedunn.

Sedunn is among the most densely populated nations in Bailtem, having an estimated population of 26,016,343 as of 10 November 2021, or 278 per square kilometre (720.0/sq mi). The annual population growth rate is between 0.4 and 0.5%, to which natural growth is the main contributing factor. Life expectancy is high in Sedunn: 81.9 yeas for men and 85.1 for women. The average age is 42.1.

Sedunn is a comparatively homogenous nation. Immigration to Sedunn has historically been relatively low, but has been increasing since the 90's. Sedunners are the largest ethnic group at about 93% of the total population. Other large ethnic groups include Karnetvorians at 2.0%, Ikoanians at 1.1%, Reizerners at 0.45%, Transsunerians at 0.41%, Ezervulgs at 0.32% and an additional 2.72% of other ethnicities. Some 500,000 people living in Sedunn are expatriates, mostly concentrated in Grovne, Flered, Goends and Ullenst. Except for Sedunners, there are no other indigenous groups.

Urban areas

See also: List of cities in Sedunn (Pacifica)

Almost 77.6% of the population lives in urban areas. Sedunn has three metropolitan areas with over one million inhabitants: Grovne (5.6 million), Flered (1.8 million) and Goends (1.1 million).

Language

See also: Sedunnic language (Pacifica)

The sole official language of Sedunn is Sedunnic, spoken by over 97% of the population. Sedunnic is a Teggic language, however, the degree of mutual intelligibility with other Teggic languages such as Varallic spoken in Ikoania is medium to low. There are several dialects of Sedunnic, but they differ little from the standard Sedunnic spoken around Grovne. Sedunn has a large community of Karnetvorian immigrants, making Karnetvorian the second most spoken language in Sedunn.

Sedunn has a high proficiency level in Austral, which is the first secondary language taught in school from first grade. Studying a third language of the student's choice is compulsory from the seventh grade. Karnetvorian and Alman are always offered, but additionally Stoinian, Ezervulgish and Hinomoto are often available depending on location.

Religion

Until the 18th century, the vast majority of Sedunners practised Lievvism. Being a very decentralised religion, it rapidly lost ground as enlightenment and liberalism spread. From the late 15th century, Christianity and Islam was brought to Sedunn mainly by Sedunnic and foreign merchants and sailors. By the first half of the 18th century about 15% of Sedunners were Christian and 15% Muslim, but the number of people practising Islam plummeted as relations between Sedunn and Huawan deteriorated during the Age of Pirates.

Today, Sedunn is one of the most secular nations in the world and officially a secular state. Freedom of religion is granted by the Sedunnic Constitution. About 84.8% of the population is atheist or non-religious. Christians comprise about 10.1% of the population, Lievists 1.1% and Muslims 0.9%.

Education

Main building of the Southern Grovne University.

The Sedunnic education system is divided into preschool (Sedunnic: brammdavab) for those under age 6, compulsory basic education (Sedunnic: saldavb) for 9 years, secondary education (Sedunnic: beldavb) for 3-4 years, and higher/tertiary education (Sedunnic: gavopdavb) (university). All these stages of education, including higher education, are publicly funded. Living expenses during higher education are to a large extent financed by the government through student benefits. Avmeruldavab (abbreviated AD) is a form of both private and public secondary education for specific trades such as truck driver or machine operators, or adults that did not get secondary education.

Literacy in Sedunn is 99.9%. 34% of Sedunners hold a tertiary degree. Sedunnic universities generally have a high reputation abroad and are popular among foreign students, who in most cases can study in Sedunn for free.

Health

Healthcare in Sedunn is universal, mainly tax-funded, and similar in quality to other developed nations. Private healthcare insurances exist, mainly covering some physiotherapy and dental care. Sedunn spends about 11% of its GDP on healthcare and has 39.2 physicians per ten thousand people.

Life expectancy is steadily increasing, although obesity and some lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and cases of youth mental disorders, in particular depression, are also increasing. Sedunn is ranked as one of the world's happiest countries.

Immigration

Due to its relative geographic inaccessibility and stability of its neighbours, immigration to Sedunn has limited for most of its existence. Until the late 19th century, immigration was largely limited to merchants settling down in the coastal areas. Then, as ideas of liberalism and socialism spread, dissidents and their families from nations like Ezervulge and Karnetvor were often granted asylum in Sedunn. As long distance travel became easier, refugees have been coming to Sedunn from various nations around the South Pacific Ocean, like Transsuneria, Tasternine, Valkyria and Reizen.

Sedunn has large expat communities, mainly coming to work for tech companies or international organisations such as the WF and the CPSC, but also for retired life. The government estimates that the number of immigrants and expats will increase significantly until 2050.

Requirements for work permits and citizenship have been reduced significantly since the 1990s.

Famous Sedunners

See also: List of notable Sedunnic people (Pacifica)

• Arrjo Giensallu, philosopher and astronomer during antiquity
• Hasst Eipp, contemporary football player
• Hejerr "Qwerty" Opalen, entrepreneur, actor
• Karel Grunberg, contemporary football player
• Linnerse, early Age of Sail explorer
• Matts Afsienn, director
• Tynn Lierjnienn, pre-Age of Sail explorer
• Vimmru Innienn, dellm of Sedunn

Culture

Main article: Culture of Sedunn (Pacifica)