Packilvania
Sultanate of Packilvania | |
|---|---|
 Flag of Packilvania
 Coat of arms
| |
Anthem: Packilvanian: LuHiva lunashtar ludu. Qamdanku ishmadan lushimilayat luterna Staynish: The Hive needs you. Join now for everlasting unity | |
 Map of Packilvania | |
| Capital and largest city | Bingol |
| Official languages | Packilvanian |
| Ethnic groups (2021) |
|
| Religion |
|
| Demonym(s) | Packilvanian, Pax |
| Government | Unitary theocratic absolute monarchy |
• Sultan | Thumim V |
| Vacant | |
• Deputy Crown Prince | Vacant |
| Prince Luwadeen | |
• Sultana | Saga of Tynam |
| Legislature | Parliament of Packilvania |
| Legislative Council | |
| Consultative Assembly | |
| Establishment | |
| 675 | |
| 1275 | |
| 1675 | |
| 1917 | |
| 1985 | |
| Area | |
• Total | 6,392,850 km2 (2,468,290 sq mi) (1st) |
• Water (%) | 2.1 |
| Population | |
• 2022 estimate | 1,171,526,998 (1st) |
• 2010 census | 1,123,345,000 (1st) |
• Density | 183.26/km2 (474.6/sq mi) |
| GDP (PPP) | 2022 estimate |
• Total | 20.546 trillion KRB |
• Per capita | 17,538.14 KRB |
| GDP (nominal) | 2023 estimate |
• Total | 12.53 trillion KRB (3rd) |
• Per capita | 10,695 KRB |
| Gini (2021) |  39.76medium |
| SDI (2021) |  0.689medium |
| Currency | Packilvanian dinar (PXD) |
| Time zone | UTC+3 UTC to +7 UTC (West Packilvanian Time (WPT), Central West Packilvanian Time (CWPT), Central East Packilvanian Time (CEPT), East Packilvanian Time (EPT)) |
| Date format | yyyy/mm/dd |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code | +2 |
| ISO 3166 code | PAX |
| Internet TLD | .pax |
 | For the same article in Packilvanian, go to Bakhilfaniya |
Packilvania, formally known as the Sultanate of Packilvania (Packilvanian: luShultaniyat aBakhilfaniya, colloquially known as Pax) is a unitary absolute monarchy in Yasteria Major surrounded by Allegheny and Drakkengard to the north east, Vekaiyu to the east, Free Pax States and Pacific Ocean to the southeast, the Packilvanian Ocean to the south, Kalatya to the north and Musetszna to the northwest. Additionally, it contains island territories in the Pacific Ocean that are located close to Fortuna, Sorentavia and North Crencello.
Packilvania has been inhabited by sentient beings since time immemorial. In the 2nd millennium BCE, Prophet Besmali documented local myths in the Ichtmar and founded Paxism (with Noi as the sole deity and Pax as her champion) as we know it today. A century later, his followers built the Memorial of the Jovian Gate in Akas Akil, Ashura, arguably one of the oldest religious monuments in history and the holiest site in Paxism. In the 11th century BCE, King Suleiman of Yehudah commissioned the second major religious text, the Vagumar which was commemorated with the construction of the Temple of the Restoration in Adrien in the 1st century BCE and is considered the second holiest site in Paxism. In 0 BCE, Packilvania was struck by a meteor which gave rise to the Paxist Liturgical Calendar (which today is coextensive with the Common Era calendar).
The History of Packilvania (characterised by a long line of rulers) formally started in the 7th century CE, when Iktan the Devout united the tribes of Central Yasteria Major (Naliya), catalyzed by attempts by King Obed III of Bingol to introduce religious reforms to Paxism, thereby establishing the Iktanite dynasty and constructing the Bingol Royal Palace (the third holiest site in Paxism, one of several Packilvanian World Heritage Sites and arguably one of the oldest continuously inhabited royal palaces on Urth). In the 10th century BCE, High King Melkezedek the Great commissioned the Bas Magdamar, the third major Paxist scripture, and established the Magisterium of Paxism, one of the oldest continuously functioning religious institutions in the world (led by the Supreme Magister since its founding). The Iktanite dynasty ended and Packilvania was dissolved in the 12th century CE, but was restored in the 13th century CE by Ishak I under the Zubraynite dynasty.
The Zubraynite dynasty was deposed by the Demirite dynasty (originating from Fidakar and led by Saidun the Conqueror) in the 17th century CE, which established overseas territorial holdings which today comprise Albanares, Sorentavia, Hadena and North Crencello. Inspired by the ideals of Nikobar Luden, the Demirite dynasty was deposed by the Packilvanian Communist Party led by Gideon Muktan in 1918 following the Great War and botched personal union with Great Morstaybishlia under Zerah Demir IV. Originating from Ukanar and led by Sultan Amhoud I, the Bedonite dynasty (at the head of Carriers of Mercy) deposed the specist Communist regime in 1985, reestablished a theocratic absolute monarchy under the Sultan of Packilvania (currently Thumim V aided by the Prime Minister and to be succeeded by the Crown Prince), entered into a personal union with Drakkengard known as Pax-Draconica and annexed Tasselvalta in 2010.
Comprised of 9 provinces and 1 overseas territory, it spans an area of over 6.134 million km² (approximately 2.372 million miles²), it is the largest country in the world. The geography of Packilvania spans 4 timezones (+3 to +6 UTC) and 12 climatic zones including the largest hot and cold deserts contained within a single country, giving rise to such a wide variety of biological diversity that Packilvania is considered a megadiverse country. However, it is prone to natural disasters such as urthquakes, drought and monsoons and faces ecological degradation due to deforestation and pollution.
Today, Packilvania is a newly industrialised emerging market (as per the Packilvanian Development Index) and a developing nation (according to the Auroran Monetary Fund) that is the 3rd largest economy in the world by nominal GDP, the largest by PPP GDP and the Packilvanian dinar is a world reserve currency. Coupled with the fact that it is a nuclear weapons state, and its military, the Packilvanian Armed Forces, has the third largest military budget and third highest number of military personnel in the world, it is considered a superpower. Nevertheless, the foreign relations of Packilvania remain fraught (despite being part of the International Forum) partly due to ideological differences and the support of terrorists by the Packilvanian Expeditionary Force. Under several intelligence agencies, it is one of the most heavily surveilled countries in the world, in part giving rise to a comparably poor sentient rights record with the country ranked among the least free in the world. Despite possessing a nominally independent judiciary and Parliament, the Sultan and Council of Ministers control the state and the law of Packilvania represses political opposition. With a population of over 1.1 billion people, it is the most populous, religiously diverse and ethnically diverse nations in the world (despite being majority inhabited by Packilvanian speaking Felines) and its largest city, Bingol, is the second largest metropolitan area and third alpha world finance centre after Sani Bursil, and Kemer is a major global tech hub.
Etymology and terminology
The name Packilvania is a Staynisation of the word 'Bakil-afhana'. The term 'Bakil-afhana' was created by King Saidun Demir in 1676. The name 'Bakil-afhana' is composed of two Middle Packilvanian words: Bakil and Afhana. Afhana mean a realm usually composed of smaller nations and groups. Bakil was another name for the Central Packilvanian Desert (also known as the Ashura Desert). The name Bakil is believed to originate from the Old Packillvanian word Vagir which is believed to mean flowing water. The word 'Vagir' was first seen in 8000 BCE. Vagir is believed to have been the name of the Ufrata River when it used to flow in that area of the desert. Geologists believe that the Ufrata River has moved over 100 kilometres south from the desert area such that the name Vagir (and its descendents Bakil and Pakil) came to refer to the desert instead of the river.
History
In the 21st century BCE, a document emerged which is called the Ichtmar (the first of the Writings of Paxism) that records the traditions and beliefs of folk religions of the semi-nomadic iron age civilisations of Central Yasteria, specifically in the area of modern-day Ashura Province. This document is the foundation of the modern religion of Paxism which attributes its authorship to Prophet Besmali although modern historians suggest that it might have been written by his associates after his death. Nevertheless, the earliest manuscripts of the Ichtmar are not only the earliest written examples of Packilvanian, but among the oldest examples of written language in history. Furthermore, the Vagumar is arguably one of the oldest religious documents in history. Around the same time, a group of followers of Besmali's work known as Besmalites constructed the first iteration of the Memorial of the Jovian Gate to commemorate the founding myth of Paxism. This structure was destroyed in a war between the Kingdoms of Wala and Tsuhe and reconstructed by the Kingdom of Yehudah.
In the 12th century BCE, around the Bronze Age, the Vagumar was written which expanded upon the Ichtmar. Its authorship is largely attributed to Jerome of Damaclion who is believed to have been commissioned by Suleiman of Yehudah in the area of what is today Adrien. The document's role as a major part of the growing Paxist religion under Suleiman's followers known as Yehudites was firmly established through the construction of the Temple of the Restoration.
Circa 0 CE, a part of the meteor that struck the Great Tear of the Moon (an island near modern-day Tavaris) broke off and struck the Memorial of the Jovian Gate , giving rise to the start of the Paxist Liturgical Calendar, one of the oldest continuously used calendars in the world (which has evolved to coincide with the Common Era calendar). Around the 7th century CE, the King of Bingol, Obed III sought to create his own addition to the Vagumar, which is believed to have offended surrounding tribes to the extent that King Iktan the Devout of Bakil mustered a coalition to defeat and dethrone King Obed and expunge his followers the Obedites. He united surrounding tribes and founded the first iteration of what we today know as Packilvania which at the time was called the United Kingdom of Bakil.
During the reign of Iktanite King, Melkezedek the Great, around the 9th century CE, the Bas Magdamar was commissioned and the Magisterium of Paxism was formally founded. The Iktanite dynasty collapsed and Packilvania disintegrated around in the 12th century CE. In the late 13th century CE, Prince Ishak of Tashkar, angry about the expensive tribute demanded by his suzerain the King of Bingol, amassed a coalition of equally frustrated states and usurped the Kingdom of Bingol. Moving his court from Tashkar to Bingol, he reestablished Packilvania under the rule of the Zubraynite dynasty. In the 14th century, Prophet Sohadek, a then obscure Paxist religious figure, portended the rise of a human ruler over Felines. In the 17th century CE, the Kingdom of Fidakar under the leadership of King Saidun the Conqueror invaded the politically and economically dysfunctional Zubraynite dynasty. Basing the invasion on the teachings of Prophet Sohadek, Saidun assumed the title of the first Sultan of Packilvania. Moving his court from Halaler to Bingol, he established the Demirite dynasty's rule over Packilvania.
In the late 19th century, Sultana Zerah Demir IV contrived a political union between Packilvania and Great Morstaybishlia through a marriage to King Thadeus I. Although there was increasing cooperation and mutual trade between the two nations, economic and social conditions for the feline majority were deteriorating. These circumstances were accelerated by the Great War. Predicated on the Communist ideals invented by writer and philosopher Nikobar Luden, a movement emerged under the leadership of Gideon Muktan. Military defeat in foreign nations further weakened the Demirite dynasty. After being expelled from the Parliament of Packilvania, Muktan and his followers started the First Packilvanian Civil War whereby the Demirite dynasty was overthrown and the Packilvanian Communist Party ruled the newly established People's Republic of Packilvania.
Communist rule was characterised by considerable economic growth, military expansion and political influence abroad. Nevertheless, the country pursued the systematic extermination of human beings. Working with the government of the Packilvanian puppet state Drakkengard, the Carriers of Mercy under the leadership of Amhoud I rescued millions of humans and built up armaments. In 1985, they started the Second Packilvanian Civil War and defeated the Communist Party. They reestablished the Sultanate of Packilvania as a Feline-led Paxist dominated political order under the Bedonite dynasty.
Just before the Packilvanian Communist Party handed power over to the Bedonite dynasty, they granted independence to Tasselvalta. In 2009, Allegheny called a conference between Vekaiyu, Listonia, Packilvania, Drakkengard and themselves to resolve various disputes and improve ties. As a result, Packilvania's claims over Tasselvalta were recognised. Packilvania invaded and annexed Tasselvalta in 15 May 2010 with the ensuing Tasselvalta War ending in 22 May 2010. In 2020, Rodenia invaded Puntalia in what was known as the 2020 Puntalian Crisis prompting Packilvania to join the war on the side of Rodenia The war ended with the signing of the Puntalia Compromise Treaty but tensions flared again in 2022 when Axdel, followed by the rest of the Union of Commonwealth Alliances, seceded from the Treaty. .
Geography
Packilvania is the largest country in the world by surface area. It spans an area of approximately 6,400,000 square kilometers. The most folliage-rich part of the country is the stretch of thickly forested and rainy areas along the Southern coast of the country. The eastern part of the country consists of rolling hills, massive grassy plains, lightly forested areas and shrub land. The north east corner consists of the Jumhur Mountains which provide the sources of many great rivers and forms the border with Allegheny and Drakkengard. The Ufrata, Meked, Jumhur and Ubrahamahan Rivers are referred to as the Mother Rivers because they are the biggest and longest rivers and sources of other major rivers. They all originate from the Jumhur Mountains controlled by Packilvania except for the Ubrahamahan River which originates in the Packilvanian side of the Uliveru Mountains (in Tasselvalta) and the Ufrata River which originates from the Ta'lavero Mountains controlled by Vekaiyu. The Daughter Rivers (which are enormous and long tributaries of the mother rivers) are Abaxahad, Lashakhan, Datsahud, Sadaqer, Chihal, Yukud, Kaswahel, and Ebron Rivers.
Biodiversity
Packilvania is a megadiverse country, a term employed for countries which display high biological diversity and contain many species exclusively indigenous, or endemic, to them. 36% of its plants, 28% of its fungi and 14% of its animals are endemic. It contains 5% of plants, 4.6% of fungi and 3.9% of all the animal biodiversity in the world. Of the extant biodiversity hotspots (which are areas that display high habitat loss due to high endemism), about 10% are in Packilvania. This arises due to Packilvania's incredibly diverse topography, mineralogy and climate as well as its long geological history which includes meteor strikes, ice ages and other natural phenomena. Fidakar, Jumhurikesh, Rigaryat, and Mekedesh and Iganar are the most biologically diverse provinces yet they suffer from the greatest biological damage.
Forest cover can be grouped according to canopy density as follows:
- High Density: 60% to 100% canopy density which comprises 2% of the total area, can be found in Fidakar, and to much lesser extents in Mekedesh and Rigaryat.
- Medium Density: 30% to 59% canopy density which comprises 10% of total area, can be found be found in Fidakar, Mekedesh, Rigaryat, Iganar and Jumhurikesh.
- Low density: 5% to 29% canopy density which makes up 25% of the country’s area can be found in all the above mentioned-provinces and Ukanar and Kharyat.
- No density: 0% to 4% canopy density makes up 67% of the surface area. All provinces mentioned above as well as Ashura, and Shakar have areas of no density. Shakar, has by far, the least amount of canopy cover.
The country is home to animals such as zebras, tigers (the national animal), lions, oryxes, leopards, deer, wolves, black bears, tapirs, wild horses, giant pandas, antelope, wild dogs, foxes, jackals, caracal, gorilla, mongoose, and otters. Birds include birds of paradise, frigatebirds, oyster catchers, swans, ducks, pheasants, peafowl (the national bird), Guinea fowl, ostriches, eagles, hawks, owls, weavers, shoebills, and flamingos. Plants include teak, ebony, mahogany, acacia, fevertree, tree ferns, umbrella trees, pine, and succulent trees. Packilvania has the largest fungal structures in the world, with the Giant Armilaria. The country has a diverse marine environment which includes whales, dolphins, porpoises, sharks, molluscs, coral and crayfish among other species. Scientists estimate that less than 60% of Packilvania's biodiversity has been discovered and cataloged and many fear that environmental issues will result in their extinction before they could be known.
The government has created areas called marine and terrestrial nature conservation areas where hunting, habitation, agriculture, industrial, commercial and other sentient activity is forbidden and punishable by up to life imprisonment. Nevertheless, there are many areas that are not protected and continue to be exploited for their natural resources or polluted by human habitation and economic activity at the expense of the biodiversity in those areas. Packilvania has suffered the highest loss of its natural habitat in the world over the past 100 years with habitat loss peaking between 1990 and 2010. The country has signed the International Convention on Environmental Conservation and committed to protecting its natural environments. Anti-desertification projects such as the Great Green Wall of Packilvania have been undertaken and rural and nomadic communities are allowed and encouraged to undertake forest horticulture (practices which span thousands of years).
Climate
Packilvania consists of 12 climatic zones as follows:
| Climate type | Primary locations | Rivers and tributaries of Packilvania |
|---|---|---|
| Cold desert | Shakar | 
|
| Cold semi-arid | Shakar | |
| Hot desert | Shakar, Ashura, Fidakar, Mekedesh, Ukanar, Kharyat | |
| Hot semi arid | All provinces | |
| Dry summer | Jumhurikesh, Fidakar, Iganar | |
| Grassland | Jumhurikesh, Fidakar, Iganar | |
| Continental | Jumhurikesh | |
| Oceanic | Jumhurikesh | |
| Savannah | Fidakar, Mekedesh, Rigaryat, Ukanar | |
| Sub-tropical | Fidakar, Mekedesh, Rigaryat, Ukanar | |
| Tropical | Fidakar, Mekedesh, Rigaryat, Ukanar | |
| Alpine | Jumhurikesh |
Politics
The politics of Packilvania take place in the framework of a nominally theocratic constitutional hereditary monarchy. Although the Constitution of Packilvania (Packilvanian: LuKhanongur a-Bakhilfaniya) sets out the structure of the government, in reality it grants the Sultan of Packilvania supreme legal authority. As such, the Sultan of Packilvania is currently Thumim V, who succeeded Namdun III on 24 December 2022.
At the end of the Second Packilvanian Civil War in 1985, senior leaders of the Packilvanian Communist Party signed an armistice with the Carriers of Mercy. Although the party and the Carriers were dissolved and formal political control was ceded to the Bedonite dynasty, many Communist bureaucrats and politicians were granted amnesty and allowed to remain in the Civil Service and Military and the Carriers were replaced by the Association of the Friends and Veterans of the Carriers of Mercy. This precipitated a situation whereby the Bedonite dynasty has shared power with other state institutions. Nevertheless Princes of the Bedonite dynasty were appointed to important political positions to enable them to have ultimate control of the country and political system.
The Bedonite dynasty also retained many policies and institutions created by the Communist Party. For instance, they retained the inquisitorial criminal justice system and the Procuratorate on which it was built. Despite some privatisation and providing for the formation of privately-owned for-profit companies, the state retains considerable economic control through large state-owned corporations and continues to direct government policies through 5 year plans.
The executive branch comprises the Council of Ministers of Packilvania. Government ministers control various elements of state policy. The Prime Minister of Packilvania, currently Prince Luwadeen is the head of government. The Council of Ministers proposes and executes legislation and oversees the running of the country. Through legislation, Ministers have the power to issue regulations and directives. Ministers are appointed by the Sultan at his pleasure. Under Prince Luwadeen and Thumim V, the Council of Ministers has enforced a campaign of modernisation, political consolidation and limited liberalisation.
The legislative branch of Packilvania consists of the Parliament of Packilvania. The Parliament is a bicameral body that consists of the Consultative Assembly and the Legislative Council and together with the Sultan administers the legislative process of Packilvania. The Legislative Council is the upper house. It consists of approximately 200 to 300 members. It is responsible for scrutinizing legislative proposals and making recommendations. Its members are appointed directly by the Sultan as he sees fit. The members of the Legislative Council are usually the most powerful and influential political figures in the country, and it mostly consists of Princes, clergymen and senior former members of the Carriers of Mercy. As such, the Legislative Council has significant influence over legislation. In contrast, the Consultative Assembly is a body of 3,000 to 5,000 members who debate important national issues, listen to the State of the Empire address and votes on the annual budget. It meets once a year and consists of a spectrum of representatives from all corners of life. Although de jure appointed by the Sultan, its members are selected from specific groups and hold their seats ex officio. There are no elections at national level and political parties are banned.
When the Packilvanian Communist Party was dissolved, Paxism resumed its status as the official religion of Packilvania and the Magisterium of Paxism was given an official role in daily life. Most of its activities relate to social and religious matters, but it has a persuasive voice in the political system. The Supreme Magister of Paxism, currently Tawak Mudawaheen, is the symbolic head of Paxism on Urth, and enjoys the ear of the sovereign. The Sultan is required to be a Paxist and to uphold Paxism, as such Paxist religious dogma permeates the legislative process. When the monarchy was restored, so too was the nobility of Packilvania restored. Old aristocratic families were restored to their titles and new titles can be created by the sovereign. Despite enjoying social and ceremonial privileges, they have no direct role in politics. The Bedonite dynasty preserved the decentralised system of government of the PCP, as such the central government delegates considerable legislative and executive authority to provincial, regional and local political authorities.
Judiciary and laws
The judiciary is the third branch of the Packilvanian government as stipulated in Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Packilvania. The Constitution stipulates that the judiciary shall consist of the Supreme Court of Packilvania and courts as established by the Sultan of Packilvania. The judiciary is charged with the duty of resolving disputes and carrying out justice in the name of the Sultan. The Minister of Justice is responsible for supporting and administering the judiciary. The highest court in the country is the Supreme Court and its decisions are binding on all courts in the country. It is the last court to which cases can be appealed. It consists of 21 justices appointed by the Sultan for life terms. The Judicial Appointments Advisory Panel usually advises the Sultan on the appointment of justices. Below the Supreme Court are the High Courts. The High Courts have the power to receive appeal and they handle cases that are too severe for lower courts. These justices are also appointed by the Sultan and they are seated in the capital city of each province. Furthermore, they have authority over the courts within their jurisdiction including their decisions being binding on those courts unless overridden by statute or the Supreme Court.
There are Religious Appeals Courts that have the same level of authority as the High Courts. They have similar powers and duties to the High Courts, but their scope is restricted to cases arising from the canon law of Paxism. Religious Appeals Courts consist of judges with training in religious law. The Sultan usually enlists the advice of religious authorities in the appointment of these judges. Certain religious minorities have RACs of their own but they are appointed by a council of religious leaders recognized by the Sultan in line with standards dictated by the Supreme Court to ensure judicial professionalism. Below these courts are courts of first instance. Judges in these courts are considered civil servants except for those in the military courts who are members of the armed forces. There are Magistrates Courts which handle most criminal and civil cases outside the scope of other courts. The Religious Courts handle cases of religious law. Military Courts handle cases related to the armed forces.
The law of Packilvania consists of various sources, the highest of which is the Constitution followed by statute. These are followed by case law which arises from judicial precedents. In religious cases, especially in Paxism, religious edicts issued by religious authorities recognised by the Sultan have the force of law insofar as they are consistent with statute. Provincial governments have the power to pass laws as delegated by national law. Ministers and the other officials within the government have the power to issue regulations and rules within the scope of statute. The traditions and customs of ethnic minorities can be recognised as legally binding by a judge within the scope of the law. The laws of Pakilvania have to an extent been inherited from previous regimes stretching back centuries and are legally binding insofar as they are consistent with the Constitution and statute. Capital and corporal punishment are used, and religious laws apply to their adherents. Packilvania boasts a rich tradition of legal terminology with use beyond its borders. Law enforcement in Packilvania is mostly under the Minister of Public Safety.
Foreign Relations
The Sultan of Packilvania has supreme authority over the foreign relations of Packilvania. He has the power to ratify treaties, recognize foreign nations, join international organizations etc. The daily management and political oversight and immigration in Packilvania lies with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, currently Prince Alawadun a-Jibrael Bedon. Packilvania is currently a member state of the International Forum (represented by Prince Faijil), International Cultural Heritage Organisation, International Banking Exchange Cooperative, International Electrical Committee and Commercial Cooperation Partnership. It is a signatory of the Puntalian Compromise Treaty. Its allies are Drakkengard (with which it has a personal union in the form of Pax-Draconica), Stratarin, Iphelklori, Kalatya, Nystatiszna, and Rodenia. It has positive diplomatic relations with Great Morstaybishlia, Peregrinia, Sorentavia, Albanares, Phoenixia, and Hadena. It has negative relations with Fortuna, Sokala, Norgsveldet, Volkia, and New Puntalia. It has hostile relations with Vekaiyu (largely due to clashing geopolitical interests), 1 Infinite Loop, South Hills, North Dveria, and Free Pax States (largely due to territorial disputes over Cuttersville). It does not recognize Lyon as an independent country and claims its entire territory. Thus, it requires that nations which wish to maintain formal relations with it must not recognize the independence of Lyon.
Packilvania has participated in various wars that have strained its relations with foreign nations. Its relationship with Vekaiyu was strained by the Tasselvalta War of 2009, and the Alleghenian War of 2017, as well as Vekaiyu's theft of classified technology from Packilvania. It relationship with the Union of Commonwealth Alliances, Vistaraland, and Axdel is strained by its support of Rodenia's invasion and occupation of Puntalia due to the 2020 Puntalia Military Intervention. Its relationship with 1 Infinite Loop was strained by the Pax-Looplite War. The 2014 Dveria War, Kerilo Accord and the annexation of Tano by South Hills strained relations with South Hills, Vekaiyu, and Volkia.
Packilvania has cold relations with Fortuna due to anti-Feline ethnic cleansing during the Purification Period of the 1970s and 1980s. Furthermore, the two nations have territorial disputes especially over maritime waters and resources. Packilvania maintains a constant military threat and has used aggressive tactics such as flying jets over Fortuna's area of control and sailing ships close to Fortuna's territory. Packilvania is a close ally of Kalatya and Iphelklori. Packilvania supported Iphelklori during the 2021 Yadylika War, giving rise to strained relations with Yadylika and Sokala. Kalatya allowed Packilvanian forces to pass through its territory during the 2014 Dverian War. Packilvania is a signatory of important treaties such as the Treaty of Culoria, Pax-UCA Trade Partnership, Commercial Cooperation Partnership, International Convention on Climate Change, Nuvrenon Convention, and the Puntalian Compromise Treaty.
Military
The military of Packilvania consists of the Packilvanian Armed Forces (PAF). The PAF is arguably the largest armed forces in the world by total number of active and reserve personnel. Because of the prestige and social status affixed to military service, the PAF has attracted a total volunteer force of 2,482,750 troops. Furthermore, conscription is legally permissible but not actively enforced. Because the population is so large, many exceptions are given for most privileged social classes so that conscription falls entirely on the lowest caste of society. This means that males of non-exempt groups are subject to compulsory military training upon turning 18 years and are required to serve in the armed forces for at least 2 weeks every year until they turn 52. This has resulted in a reserve force of 14,890,250 strong. However, almost all reserves are capable of terrestrial combat. Despite its incredible size, the PAF has a vastly smaller contingent of pilots, engineers, sailors and medical personnel. Yet, simply because of its massive scale, it is still able to field competent forces on air, land, sea and in space. The PAF consists of the Packilvanian Army, the Packilvanian Air Force and the Packilvanian Navy.
The Sultan of Packilvania, currently Namdun III, is the supreme commander of the armed forces. This means that the Chief of Defence Staff is appointed by and accountable to the Sultan for the running of the armed forces. Although the Minister of Defence, currently Prince Kiran, is responsible for defence policy, ultimate authority over military matters rests with the Sultan who retains the power to declare, raise armies and navies and deploy military forces abroad. Thus, the Department of Defence simply oversees the day-to-day administration of the armed forces. The Chief of Defence, however, is an incredibly powerful post that shapes the country's ability and willingness to project power. The Packilvanian Army, which consists of 1,985,400 troops, 230,700 of them are part of the Packilvanian Gendarmerie (which is basically a paramilitary police force). The Packilvanian Air Force, consists of 297,315 members. The Packilvanian Navy consists of 200,035 members, of whom 55,250 members are part of the Packilvanian Coast Guard. During peace time, the Packilvanian Gendarmerie and the Packilvanian Coast Guard are under the authority of the Minister of the Interior and are responsible for largely civilian tasks. This brings the peacetime combat strength of Packilvania down to 2,196,800. The Packilvanian Expeditionary Force has been known to train and support foreign non-state actors with weapons. It is declared a terrorist organisation by most countries and is known for cold-war style operations in foreign nations.
The PAF relies on a budget of 300 billion KRB, the third largest on the planet. The PAF invests large sums into procurement, research and development. This includes investing in a large nuclear, chemical and biological weapons program. The Packilvanian Military Research Institute is a leading institute in military research and development and its discoveries in nuclear physics among others have been revolutionary. It is believed that the country keeps most of its military research secret and its capabilities are as yet unknown. The Packilvania is a nuclear weapons state with the largest stockpile of nuclear warheads of any country in the world. Packilvania has successfully tested nuclear bombs before, yet it has never deployed nuclear weapons in combat situations. Nevertheless, this arsenal acts as a major deterrent to foreign attacks. The Packilvanian Military Intelligence Agency has been reported to have advanced cyberwarfare capabilities. It has repeatedly deployed cyber attacks on foreign nations such as Distributed-Denial-of-Service attacks on critical foreign information systems.
Packilvania maintains its own domestic arms manufacturing sector. Analysts argue that the systems developed do not match with the most advanced systems used by South Hills and Great Morstaybishlia. Nevertheless against most minor powers, these are comparably some of the best in the world. The arms sector has full-capability production capabilities, able to make its own naval vessels, aircraft, military satellites, terrestrial combat vehicles, artillery and infantry weapons systems. The country operates over 7 military satellites for reconnaissance, communications and research purposes. Inconclusive reports have claimed that Packilvania has explored kinetic energy attacks and anti-satellite systems. The country has developed an anti-missile shield. Although it is indisputable that its scale is incredible and unrivalled by most countries except the most powerful, it is unknown whether it can successfully defend the country from the most powerful missile attacks. Packilvania has reported working on asteroid defence systems to protect the Urth from large extraterrestrial falling objects. There are rumours that Packilvania is part of a secret alliance of powerful nations preparing for asteroid strikes.
Administrative divisions
Packilvania is administered by sub-national authorities as follows: Provinces, autonomous cities, regions, autonomous territories, dependent territories, regions, municipalities and districts.
The list of provinces and aqutonomous cities of Packilvania is as follows:
| Province | Capital | Population | GDP (KRB) | GDP per capita (KRB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iganar | Zukaril | 146 million | 2,108
billion |
14,438 |
| Fidakar | Halaler | 152 million | 1,917 billion | 12,611 |
| Mekedesh | Meker | 139 million | 1,578 billion | 11,352 |
| Jumhurikesh | Everyet | 135 million | 1,242 billion | 9,200 |
| Ashura | Akas Akil | 128 million | 1,121 billion | 8,757 |
| Rigaryat | Derengol | 100 million | 880 billion | 8,800 |
| Kharyat | Yukader | 97 million | 786 billion | 8,103 |
| Ukanar | Abdeker | 94 million | 732 billion | 7,787 |
| Shakar | Sharkol | 86 million | 621 billion | 7,220 |
| Bingol Capital Region (excludes metropolitan area which extends into Mekedesh) | Bingol | 26 million | 651 billion | 25,038 |
| Kemer Autonomous City | Kemer | 18 million | 456 billion | 25, 333 |
| Gezer Autonomous City | Gezer | 15 million | 310 billion | 20,667 |
| Subakil Autonomous city | Subakil | 12 million | 152 billion | 12,667 |
Economy
After the Packilvanian Communist Party under the leadership of Gideon Muktan took over Packilvania from the Demirite dynasty under Sultana Zerah Demir IV in 1918, the economy of Packilvania was restructured a state-run command economy based in part on the ideology and writings of Nikobar Luden. The government controlled most of the economy, owned most of the land, set all the prices and wages, and limited private ownership and entrepreneurship. The communist government limited imports of foreign goods and a large black market emerged.
When the Carriers of Mercy defeated and replaced the Packilvanian Communist Party with the Bedonite dynasty, they began to privatise state-owned enterprises, allow private ownership and entrepreneurship, and open the economy to foreign investment and trade. The government retained some elements of the Communist system such as quintennial economic planning and large state-owned companies, however it has loosed restrictions on private commerce As such, taken together with abundant labour and natural resources, the country began to grow exponentially.
Part of its policies involved leveraging the massive industrial capacity that the Communist regime cultivated and convert it into manufacturing of consumer goods. Packilvania became the leading outsource centre of manufactured goods from richer countries. Coupled with the economies of scale and agglomeration that such a large concentrated population provided, Packilvania became the foremost exporter of manufactured goods in the world. This happened alongside continued exportation of raw materials and foodstuffs.
The government felt that Packilvania was losing ground in research and development and gradually began to transition the country from an export-oriented low-cost manufacturing hub to a consumption-led high-value added manufacturing and services hub. The country is gradually and steadily moving in this direction. Although raw materials, foodstuffs and fossil fuels as well as low cost manufactured and semi-manufactured goods continue to make up about half of export value, the exportation of higher value goods such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and industrial machinery have grown to make up the other half of exports.
In 2023, Packilvania has a nominal GDP per capita of 10,700 KRB which was 9,500 KRB in 2022. In 2023, Packilvania has a nominal GDP of 12.53 trillion KRB which grew by 12% from 11.19 trillion KRB in 2022. As of 31 December 2022[update], Packilvania is the 3rd largest economy in the world after Great Morstaybishlia and South Hills. The country is a developing nation that is characterised by the Auroran Monetary Fund as an emerging market and middle-income economy. It is the largest developing country by GDP in the world. It is the largest economy in the world by purchase power parity due to the low cost of comparable goods and services relative to wealthier foreign markets. The country has an investment grade sovereign credit rating of A1 from Preston & Cole.
In 2023, unemployment rate is 12% down from 14%. The labor participation rate declined from 93% to 91% as more people between 18 and 15 remained in the education system instead of going to work. In Packilvania, people are allowed to work starting at the age of 15. In 2022, the government introduced laws that limited the types of jobs that people between the age of 15 and 18 could do. The country has increased the proportion of is population with a formal education by rates of 15% to 18% annually. When coupled with a hardworking and highly energetic and youthful population, the country is set to experience a substantial population dividend over the next 10 years.
The services sector has grown to make up over half of the economy. This includes internet services, telecommunications, media and entertainment, finance, tourism and consulting. The manufacturing sector makes up about two fifths of the economy. This includes consumer goods, consumer electronics, industrial machinery, steel, chemicals, cement, pharmaceuticals and armaments. The mining sector makes up about 8% of the economy and produces oil, coal, natural gas, ferrous metals, rare earth metals, precious metals, quarried stone and precious, construction sand and semi-precious stones. Agriculture makes up about 2% of the economy and produces rice, meat, wine, tropical fruits and crops, animal feed, fish, and lumber.
There are some industries that the country is a leading producer of that it is not proud of. It is a leading producer of illegal intoxicating substances and counterfeit goods. The country is one of the last in history to ban bonded labour. Bonded Labour was a system whereby heavily indebted people could enter into contracts whereby their labour was exploited by the creditor. This policy was formalised by the DRONE policy with a view to granting people some protections and enabling debt relief through bonded labour but the policy tarnished the country’s image and the government eventually disbanded the policy in the 2010s.
The country has produced some of the largest companies in the world and is home to leading global centres. Bingol is an alpha international financial centre while Kemer is a major global tech hub. This is usually because industries are highly consolidated under a oligopoly. The largest four banks in the country (of which the top three are globally systemically important financial institutions) are the Industrial and Commercial Bank of Packilvania (the largest bank in the world by total assets under management), Agricultural Bank of Packilvania, the Export-Import Bank of Packilvania and the Packilvanian Development Bank. The country is also home to arguably the largest energy company in the world, the Packilvanian Coal and Gas Corporation, and one of the largest engineering firms in the world, the Packilvanian Steel and Construction Corporation. Other than these predominantly state-owned entities, there are large private companies such as Chatter (one of the largest mobile communications companies), Buddy (one of the largest taxi hailing and food delivery applications), Debby (one of the largest mobile payment companies), Masul Pharmaceuticals, Telesat Telecommunications, and Teigo Business Management and Logistics.
The country's largest sources of imports and exports are the United Nations of the Auroran Continent (especially Great Morstaybishlia), League of Novaris, North Concordian Economic Forum, Peregrinia, United Confederation of Concordian States, Vekaiyu, the Red Crown Economic Union, and Volkia. Packilvania imports a lot of manufactured goods from foreign nations especially high-end luxury goods, foodstuffs, automobiles, aircraft, semi-conductors and scientific equipment, refrigeration equipment, chemicals and medical equipment. The country maintains trade agreements such as the Commercial Cooperation Partnership with the League of Novaris and the Pax-UCA Trade Partnership with some members of the Union of Commonwealth Alliances.
The country has maintained a substantial trade surplus over the past 30 years compared to its trade partners as such it has raised over 2 trillion KRB of foreign exchange and gold reserves. Coupled with the Packilvanian Central Bank's control over the exchange rate of the national legal tender, Packilvanian dinar (a beta world reserve currency), and control of capital movement, Packilvania has achieved monetary independence. The government struggles with tax collection and relies on substantial borrowing as such the country has over 7 trillion KRB in public debt and over 5 trillion KRB in private debt, over 80% of which is owed to domestic lenders. The country attracts 500 billion KRB of foreign direct investment annually and it in turn invests over 400 billion KRB abroad.
Infrastructure and energy
Infrastructure in Packilvania is administered largely by the provincial and local governments under the national government via the Ministers of Housing and Urban Development, Mining and Energy, and Transport in the Council of Ministers of Packilvania. When the Bedonite dynasty took over from the Packilvanian Communist Party they continued and amplified the reliance on infrastructure and real estate expenditure to encourage economic growth.
This spending has been a crucial driver of the high rate of economic growth that the country has seen in the past 30 or so years. Unfortunately, most of that spending has been fuelled by heavy debt, and projects are often directed by political interests and susceptible to corruption. Nevertheless, by adopting and scaling prefabrication and leveraging their skilled low cost labour, the country has experienced arguably the largest construction boom in the history of Urth.
The country has approximately 1.5 million km of roads, of which approximately 890,000 are paved and 340,000 consist of highways, for which the signage conforms to the Nuvrenon Convention. Road infrastructure is heavily concentrated in urban areas and is often the primary means of transport for mid-distance travel for low-income citizens and for trucked goods. The country has over 100,000 km of rail networks, of which 70,000 km are electrified and 25,000 km consists of high-speed rail with a magnetic levitation line connecting Bingol and Kemer (one of the longest in the world).
The country has over 500 civilian airports serving over 40 Airlines of which the three largest (Air Pax, Sultan and Imperial Airlines) are members of the Vindens Pust Airline Alliance. The largest airport is the Sultan Amhoud I International Airport (also known as the Bingol International Airport) in Bingol which handles 30 million passengers followed by the Sultan Amhoud II International Airport in Kemer. The largest container port is the Port of Bingol which handles over 200 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. The country benefits from large navigable waterways specifically the Ufrata, Meked and Jumhur Rivers on whose banks many cities and inland ports have been built.
The country's energy comes from coal (40%), natural gas (30%), hydroelectric power (20%) and 10% from a mixture of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. The country is arguably the largest producer of natural gas, coal and petroleum in the world. It is almost entirely energy independent and sells electricity to surrounding nations such as Drakkengard. Coupled with government subsidies of electricity costs, cost of electricity is extremely low. Nevertheless, the country is attempting to reduce its reliance on coal and eventually natural gas and petroleum to meet its carbon emissions targets as set by the International Forum in the International Convention on Climate Change proposed by Prince Faijil. A lot of the coal and gas resources in the country are controlled by the Packilvanian Coal and Gas Corporation, arguably the largest energy company in the world followed by Embask.
Science and technology
The Department of Defence (which oversees and administers the Packilvanian Armed Forces) has often been a driver of scientific research for military applications which have often fed into industrial and commercial applications. Universities in Packilvania produce highly skilled scientists and engineers. The country has been a leading source of scientific and industrial research and development despite being a developing country. Nevertheless, there are areas in which Packilvania lags behind larger and more developed economies such as Great Morstaybishlia and South Hills. Despite having the third largest nominal expenditure on research and development, per capita expenditure is only slightly above average.
The Space Agency of Packilvania (luAjhensia aluHiva aBakhilfaniya) is responsible for overseeing the terrestrial and extraterrestrial telescope infrastructure of the country. Packilvania is one of the few countries capable of launching vehicles into space and often leases its space ports in Antimovo & Samokov to foreign nations. Furthermore, the country has contributed to international space research programs. The Atomic Research Agency of Packilvania (luAjhensia aluBahath aleDharat aBakhilfaniya) is the government agency in charge of civilian nuclear research and some of its programs include maintaining one of the largest particle colliders in the world, the Sultan Namdun III Particle Accelerator. The country is also home to some of the most powerful supercomputers in the world and it has made quantum computing, simulation and measurement, priorities for its forthcoming five-year plans.
Packilvania has also extensively contributed to research and development in biology. This includes the development of pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers and irrigation techniques, genetically modified crops, vaccines, and cancer research. The Fidal Prize for Mathematics awards the most accomplished mathematicians with special attention paid to people who can solve the so called Millennium Problems. The Shameel Prize in Chemistry, Engineering and Computer Sciences is also a highly prestigious prize for the recognition of scientific achievements.
Demographics
Population distribution
Packilvania has a total population of 1,148,555,880 people and an average population density of 186.9428 people per square kilometre (484.2 per square mile). 56.7% of the population (651,231,184) lives in urban areas and 43.3% of the population (497,324,696) lives in rural areas. 50.1% of the population (575,426,496) consists of females and 49.9% of the population (573,129,384) consists of males. The population has an average annual growth rate of 1.56%. The average fertility rate is 3.1 births per woman. The government has started a family planning scheme to lower the birthrate as Packilvania suffers from overpopulation. Furthermore, migration to the affluent but heavily congested cities is heavily restricted to prevent overpopulation. Nevertheless, there are no hard restrictions on the number of children that families may have as the government wants to keep labour costs low. The country has an annual internal migration of 100,250,400 people (the amount of people who settle in another part of the country). Contrastingly, the total annual emigration is 10,120,340 people (usually people on fixed term contracts) and the total annual immigration is 11,349,000 (usually people returning from fixed term contracts and fixed term contract workers).The population across provinces is very evenly distributed, with the least populated province, Shakar, only being smaller than the most populated province, Ashura, by 57.2%. The most populous cities are as follows:
Bingol
Kemer
Subakil
Sharkol |
Rank | City | Population | % of total population | 
|
Halaler
Everyet
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bingol | 44,180,890 | ||||
| 2 | Kemer | 25,870,120 | ||||
| 3 | Gezer | 18,200,110 | ||||
| 4 | Subakil | 15,120,890 | ||||
| 5 | Halaler | 11,880,750 | 0.69% | |||
| 6 | Zukaril | 10,560,345 | 0.66% | |||
| 7 | Meker | 9,908,100 | 0.60% | |||
| 8 | Everyet | 9,700,850 | 0.50% | |||
| 9 | Akas Akil | 8,560,110 | 0.40% | |||
| 10 | Sharkol | 8,230,100 | 0.37% |
Religion
The official religion of Packilvania is Paxism which was established over 4,000 years ago and has been the dominant religion of the area that presently forms the country for at least 2,000 years. Its fundamental tenets originate from the Writings of Paxism. It is under the control of and its dogma is supplemented by laws of the Magisterium of Paxism whose highest religious figure is Supreme Magister Tawak Mudawaheen. The Packilvanian Communist Party heavily repressed religious practice in the country from 1918 to 1985. When the Carriers of Mercy defeated them and the Bedonite dynasty took over the nation, they made Paxism the official and reduced the restrictions on religions. Minority religions are allowed to set up places of worship but they can only proselytise in predetermined places and through prescribed channels. Various courts exists to adjudicate disputes and provide other judicial services for religious minorities. The country's religions are as follows:
| Religion | Religion in Packilvania | Percentage | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paxism | Paxashme | 98% | 1,125,584,762 |
| - Melkedezekist | Melkedekishme | 97.5% | 1,119,841,983 |
| - Sohadekist | Sohadekisme | 0.25% | 2,871,390 |
| - Yehudist | Yehudashme | 0.15% | 1,722,834 |
| - Obedist | Obedishme | 0.07% | 803,989 |
| - Ipstist | Uptashme | 0.03% | 344,567 |
| Vayanism | Vayanashme | 0.3% | 3,445,668 |
| Akuanism | Akanashme | 0.2% | 2,297,112 |
| Akronism | Akronishme | 0.1% | 1,148,556 |
| Lunarism | Lunarashme | 0.065% | 746,561 |
| Ademarism | Ademarishme | 0.045% | 516,850 |
| Other | - | 0.29 | 8,154,747 |
Ethnic groups
The countries population consists of the following species:
| Species | Species in Packilvanian | Binomial nomenclature | Percentage | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feline | Gateen | Gatis gatis | 98% | 1,125,584,762 |
| Hominine | Primine | Primus primus homo | 1% | 11,485,559 |
| Vulpine | Alepeen | Alepis alepis | 0.3% | 3,445,668 |
| Kemonomimi | Kiomaan | Primus chaimanis | 0.2% | 2,297,112 |
| Elvine | Driyaad | Primus primus dryadalis | 0.1% | 1,148,556 |
| Orcine | Khavleen | Primus primus chavliodontus | 0.085% | 976,272 |
| Lupine | Lykhaan | Lycanis lycanis | 0.065% | 746,561 |
| Ailurine | Lureen | Kokkikopantis kokkikopantis | 0.055% | 631,706 |
| Ursine | Arkoud | Arcoudis arcoudis | 0.045% | 516,850 |
| Dwarvine | Pumeel | Primus primus pumilio | 0.035% | 401,995 |
| Other | - | - | 0.1150% | 1,320,839 |
Health
The average life expectancy of a Packilvanian is 67 years - 65 years for men and 69 years for women. Because elves are naturally long-lived some calculations factor out elves oor readjust their natural lifespan to account for living conditions etc. The median age for a Packilvanian is 25 years of age and people considered off working age (15 to 65) make up 40% of the population. Children (15 and below) Comprise 35% of the population. The elderly (65 and above) make up 5% of the population. The country is experiencing a massive demographic dividend, however, the group of elderly who require care and state subsidies is growing. In response, different regions and provinces have enacted compulsory savings and pensions schemes so that people can take care of themselves as they age, and laws have been enacted requiring young people to take care of their elder relatives. At a national level, coordination of pensions is poor and most elderly people in rural areas will struggle to access care. The leading causes of death are respiratory diseases, obesity, diabetes, motor vehicle accidents and communicable diseases. Packilvania has a fairly problematic disease burden. Despite, implementing some of the most ambitious vaccination, hygiene, sanitation and contraceptive drives in history, it continues to struggle with cat scratch disease, campylobacteriosis, Cryptosporidiosis, Hookworm and MRSA. The country has eradicated the bubonic plague, rabies, smallpox, leprosy, polio, malaria, yellow fever, typhoid, and tick borne diseases. Polluted air is increasingly becoming a concern as a cause of respitory diseases with the government aiming to cut carbon emissions by 2060. People entering Packilvania are required to be immunised and to have medical coverage. The Minister of Health is responsible for administering and coordinating health policy at a national level.
Education
Each province has substantial control over primary and high school education. Primary education is compulsory and free up to 12 years of age. Due to access issues especially in rural areas, enrollments rates fall below global standards. This has stifled attempts to reduce the illiteracy which stands at a stubbornly high 10% of the population. To combat this, different regional and provincial governments have enacted a traveling teacher scheme, whereby teachers from privileged and urban areas travel to rural areas and poor communities once a week to offer students there some kind of education. Despite the weaknesses of this approach, it is bearing considerable fruit, with literacy rates among children aged 9 to 12 showing considerable improvement. More work needs to be done in building and maintaining schools and training teachers. Enrollment rates for high school education are worryingly problematic as most 15-year-olds opt to work instead. Thus, the government has implemented a Vocational Training Certificate which is the equivalent of the Matriculation Certificate that is received by those who complete high school and is acquired through on-the-job training under a recognised artisan. The country's universities are controlled by the provincial and national governments. Despite challenges faced at lower levels, the Packilvanian high education sector goes head to head with other systems, producing the top 5 highest number of journal articles and other research papers in the world. Universities such as the University of Bingol and the University of Kemer are among the top 100 universities in the world while the Imperial University of Packilvania is probably the largest by enrollment. Nevertheless, the Packilvanian higher education system is criticised for failing to encourage academic rigour and critical thinking.
Culture
Society
Packilvanian society is shaped by a combination of economic, religious, geographic, historic and demographic influences. Over the years a fundamentalist interpretation of Paxist religious ideals has emerged and taken root that has shaped the society fundamentally. Social, economic and political power is structured to favour men over women. Men are regarded as the head of the household, thus while on one hand they are regarded as the protector and provider of the family, on the other they have social and legal authority and responsibility for all the members of their household (servants, children and wives). Women are considered as helpers and supporters of men and their role in society is to raise children and get married. Packilvanian society not only accepts but encourages polygamy resulting in wealthy males marrying several females as a symbol of wealth and status. Children are highly regarded as a gift from Noi and infertility is regarded as a curse. Parenting duties fall on women, but men wield all the power in making decisions about the child’s life.
Because of these norms, the vocations and occupations that men and women occupy are divided along gender lines such that women typically earn less and it is a requirement that if a woman works, she must work half a day, to ensure she has time to take care of her family. Most parents will select marriage partners for their children. However, after the first wife, men are free to choose their own wives. Family plays a big role in Packilvanian society, with three or four generations often living in the same compound or in close proximity. Adult children are expected to take care of their elderly parents and to support unemployed or poor siblings. Families often pool resources to help children through high education or to finance a wedding or car purchase. At the same time, this system gives disproportionate power to the older and wealthier members of the clan, who are able to make decisions that intrude upon the private affairs of a household.
Loyalty to the country and loyalty to the Sultan are regarded as fundamental tenets of being a good citizen, thus children are taught at a young age to revere and defend the reputation of the Sultan. Packilvanian society also values discipline and obedience. Workers will often exhaust themselves or accept low wages or undesirable working conditions in order to be seen as dependable and reliable. Unfortunately, this ethos does not permeate the wealthy and powerful, who thrive on circumventing social expectations of integrity through the impunity that obedience grants them. Thus, many Packilvanians will work 6 days a week for 8 to 10 hours a day. Children, especially those from families who can afford an education, are expected to study hard, cultivating a culture of cramming. Nevertheless, Packilvanian children from poor households, despite facing developmental challenges, tend to have more time to play, resulting in higher happiness and creating a large difference between them and their urban counterparts. The temple is the centre of social life, serving as a place of worship, gathering and communal support, with week prayers being zealously attended and the last week day being a day of rest on which most government services, shops and businesses close.
Excessive displays of romantic affection are frowned upon. Physical contact between men and women who are not of the same family are strongly discouraged and frowned upon. Furthermore, only specialised personal and limited situations allow physical contact between men and women. People who are not married are expected to remain celibate. Physically intimate romantic contact outside of marriage is considered shameful and such contact between a married person and another person is a crime.
Clothing and Appearance
In Packilvania, people are expected to dress modestly.
Women are usually expected to cover their heads with a headscarf. This can be in the form of a hijab (loose fitting scarf covering the head and shoulders but leaving the face exposed), niqab (a headscarf and opaque veil covering the entire face excluding the eyes) or a buraq (a headscarf and veil covering the entire face including the eyes with a thin mesh over the eyes to allow the woman to see). The hijab is an everyday headscarf that most women wear. The niqab is worn during very special occasions and religious rituals. The buraq is hardly worn anymore except by extremely religious and strict people. The hijab can be worn in a variety of styles: shemad (tightly wound around the head and neck), faliz (around the head but pinned in the front instead of tied or wound), harbiq (loosely wound around the head) or a sareeh (draped over the head leaving the neck and potentially shoulders exposed usually fastened to the head with a pin or hairband). Head and shoulder covering is mandatory in religious spaces but strongly encouraged for men.
The male equivalent of a headdress is a turban (a tightly wound bundle of cloth that sits on top of the head). These are worn in highly formal events and men can sometimes put a bejeweled and elaborate pin on the front known an irsan which can be decorated with an ostrich feather as well. Men sometimes wear a separate cloth known as a shemaq which covers the nose and mouth like a mask. It can range from aesthetic to functional. This can be due to heat or dust. Men also wear a looser variant of the turban which resembles a hijab but does not cover the neck known as a kufi. This is considered business formal to smart casual appropriate attire. A small cap known as a fez is also quite common and is considered informal attire.
Womem in Packilvania usually wear an abaya. This is a class of floor length robes/dresses. The sleeved abaya is called a tarmouk while the sleeveless version is called a medayin. The abaya can be loose or form fitting or somewhere in between. A modern variant known as an upsarion is fitted at the bust and waist but loose as it goes down. Abayas are worn all the time. The style and decoration on the abaya will determine the formality of the event to which it is worn. Women also wear elaborately decorated dresses known as a khaftan to fancy occasions. A knee-length variant known as the rabyad exists which is worn as casual or working clothes.
A male variant of the abaya is called a thawub (thobe). This is knee length non-form fitting robe. It is worn on formal occasions. The kurtha is a variant of the thobe that is worn as business formal to smart casual attire. Sometimes men wear a formal button-up shirt and a small jacket which can be sleeved or sleeveless and resemble a unbuttoned cropped waistcoat known as a yahtun. Men normally wear harem pants most of the time even under their thobe. Men are allowed to wear shorts in informal situations and when working. Women typically wear knee length skirts in informal situations. Unless explicitly required such as when working in a factory, hospital, or somewhere where significant physical exertion is required, women do not wear trousers or shorts. Men also wear a bisht, a cloak, to formal occasions.
Men in Packilvania do not typically put on make up or cosmetic products. Tattoos are not allowed for either gender and foreigners who have them are expected to cover them. Decorative temporary skin paint known as hunan is applied usually to women and children. Some women put a red dot on their forehead known as a binid. Women do and can wear cosmetic products on their face. Facial fur is expected to be kept neat and short but there are no hard and fast rules.
Music
Packilvanian musical tradition spans a variety of traditions and values. Traditional Packilvanian music is based on Packilvanian Musical Modality. This is a system of organizing and representing traditional music and differs from Auroran musical tradition through the types of rhythms, harmonies and scales that are used. Instruments that are used in traditional Packilvanian music include the following: Packilvanian lute, Packilvanian lyre, Packilvanian sitar, Packilvanian flute, and Packilvanian frame drums.
In the 19th century, during the reign of the Demirite dynasty, the Auroran Classical Style entered the Packilvanian mainstream and gave rise to the Packilvanian Classical Style through the importation and proliferation of instruments such as the pianoforte. As such orchestral and operatic music emerged and became popular. In the 20th and 21st century CE, electronic dance music has arisen that has become popular in Packilvania such as Packilvanian Urban House Music, Packilvanian Deep House Music, Packilvanian Rhythmic House Music, and Packilvanian Pop Music. Laws and social norms dictate that musical content must be modest, there must be no blasphemy, insults of the Royal family and government, defamation of others, lewd references or inappropriate jokes and there must be no profanity.
Packilvanian music is consumed primarily through compact disc retail. Through the proliferation of the Internet, streaming of music has become increasingly popular and is experiencing substantial growth especially in urban areas. Traditional music has not experienced significant commercialization compared to music genres starting from the 18th century. There are Provincial and National Music Academies which exist to support and education traditional and classical musical traditions. Various corporations called Record Labels exist to manage, and disseminate music and related media for musical artists, but in reality most artists are independent and maintain small careers compared to their foreign peers.
Architecture
The architecture of Packilvania spans a variety of styles based on the time period and location. From the 1st millennium onwards to the early 20th century, Paxist architecture dominated Packilvanian architectural tastes. Starting in the early 20th century, modernist styles of architecture became prominent. Packilvania is the home of internationally recognised and protected architectural landmarks such as the Bingol Royal Palace, Temple of the Restoration and the Memorial of the Jovian Gate.
Before the 2nd millennium BCE, the people of Central Yasteria were nomadic. Thus, they lived in tents and caves. There preserved dwellings made of mud and branches still in existence in caves. Some of these evolved into settlements and evolved into tunnels and chambers carved from the rock such as the Putajaya Cave Complex. Cave dwellings were popularized by the need for cool places to live in the scorching arid regions. Nevertheless, they struggled to gain traction as the primary form of architecture due to the rise of agriculture and the need for space for crops, livestock and larger populations.
Pre-3rd century sedentary civilisations often built settlements with dwellings made from mud and thatch in areas that were close to rivers but those in arid regions built them from stone. The most prominent of these civilizatioms was the Shurian civilization in Ashura which built complexes and structures out of sandstone. These included massive temples and statues. Paxist religious architecture took root during the reign of the Iktanite dynasty, as new technologies and materials allowed the use of tools such as cranes and concrete to build taller buildings. Ceramics, porcelain and lacquer allowed for the creation of beautiful murals and tiles and the use of rare colours and dyes such as purple and blue.
The Zubraynite dynasty proliferated the use of minarets and domes in public architecture. Domes became more complex, giving rise to stacked domes, onion domes, mushroom and round domes. The Demirite dynasty absorbed more influences from other cultures specifically North East Yasterian and Cerenerian cultures. This included constructions in the Gothic, Baroque and Romantic styles. An affinity for the historical gave rise to styles such as the Classical Revival Style and the Shurian Revival Style. The Communist Party encouraged functional styles of architecture such as Modernism, Internationalism, and Brutalism. The Bedonite dynasty that took over after the Communist Party has encouraged Post-Modernism and Paxist Revival Style.
Cuisine
Packilvania has a rich gastronomic heritage that spans thousands of years. Packilvanian cuisine is characterized by spicy food. The national plant is the Pax Fruit and the tubers of the Pax Fruit are the national staple food of Packilvania. The country is the core producer of spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, aniseed, saffron and so on, so it naturally has incorporated spices into its cooking including desert. Absar is a spicy paste made from vegetables, animal fat and spices that has spawned many variations such bovril. The country has also produced relishes and garnishes such as Packilvanian pickles which is made from raw unripe mango and spices, but vegetables have also been used. The Packilvanian salad made from vegetables and spices especially beans and carrots are also renowned. The country is the home of the Packilvanian chutney, a sauce made from fruits such as peaches and coconut which has a tangy taste. Among the famous meat dishes are Packilvanian chicken which is chicken marinated in yogurt, cooked with butter and seasoned with a variety of spices. Another is the fodok which is a wheat or rice-based wrap stuffed with strips of meat. Even the seafood is acclaimed, with the kidjar crab made from a fattened crab, deep fried and garnished with a variety of seasonings. People in Pax also enjoy drinking Packilvanian buttermilk.
The country also excels in beverages, home to spicy teas such as saffron tea. People also enjoying a drink of coffee while smoking from a large vessel called shisha which people enjoy with a little catnip. Packilvanian coffee is known for its rich aroma and strong taste. Spices are also used in sweet treats such Packilvanian sweet meat which is made from condensed milk, flour, cardomom and fried. The country also originated the Packilvanian delights which are made from starch and gelatine and are regarded as the modern ancestor of the jelly bean. Among the sweet foods, caek is regarded as the greatest of all and is the national food of Packilvania. The Packilvanian sausage is a type of sausage made from a mix of beef and pork that is usually grilled. The country enjoys a strong culture of restaurants and small eateries especially in the underground and covered markets which facilitate socializing and expose one to a diverse range of food.
Sports
Packilvania has a mixture of foreign and indigenous sports. The nation has a highly active sporting scene. The national sport is horse racing. Packilvania is well known for its incredibly fast, agile and powerful, yet notoriously stubborn and aggressive horse breeds. Thoroughbred Packilvanian horses are the most expensive horses in the world. The Bingol horse racing circuit attracts a larger global audience including betting circuit. Camel racing is also a major sport, coming a close second to horse racing. Another is sand dune rallies. These are basically long motor vehicle races through the desert that test endurance and navigator skill. From overseas, the most widely played sports are association football and table tennis. Although Packilvania is a desert-dominated country, yachting is enjoyed by people living on the coast and in the east where there are many large bodies of water. The country has hosted international competitions such as the 2022 Series One World Championship in Kemer.
Calendar
| Today |
Using the Packilvanian Calendar |
Packilvania uses the Packilvanian Calendar which is a variation of the Common Era calendar. The day consists of 20 hours comprised of 72 minutes. A week consists of 12 days with 2.5 to 3 days of rest. The year comprises the same 12 months as the Common Era calendar with an additional day added during a leap year however the weeks consist of slightly over 2 weeks. Packilvania comprises 4 time zones from +3 to +6 UTC without daylight savings time. Public holidays are established by Imperial Decree and workers are entitled to a full day's wage as well as a full day's rest however exceptions can be made for certain sectors to have a half day or full day's work especially if the sector in question is an emergency service. The public holidays observed in Packilvania are as follows:
| Holiday | Packilvanian name | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | LuYam alu-Oor luNav | 1 January | Celebrates the start of the new year |
| Sultan's Day | LuYam amuShultan | 12 January | Celebrates the coronation of Sultan Amhoud I and the proclamation of the restoration of the Sultanate |
| Melkezedek the Great's Day | LuYam a-Melkezedek muBas | 21 March | Celebrates the adoption of the Bas Magdamar by the Council of Bingol as well as the formation of the Magisterium of Paxism (non-historical) |
| Madvin's Day | LuYam a-Madvin | 17 April | Celebrates the proclamation by Prophet Madvin that a Feline Sultan would rule over Packilvania |
| Besmali's Day | LuYam a-Besmali | 27 May | Celebrates the writing of the Ichtmar by Prophet Besmali (non-historical) |
| Suleiman of Yehudah's Day | LuYam a-Suleiman a-Yehudah | 19 July | Celebrates the adoption of the Vagumar by the Council of Adrien (non-historical) |
| Ishak the Great's Day | LuYam a-Ishak muBas | 23 August | Celebrates the founding of the Zubraynite dynasty's second United Kingdom of Packilvania (non-historical) |
| Salvation Day | LuYam aluShalvayat | 14 October | Celebrates the day Pax defeated Borg and sealed him behind the Jovian Gate (non-historical) |
| Sohadek's Day | LuYam a-Sohadek | 8 December | Celebrates the proclamation by Prophet Sohadek that a Sultan would reunite the realms of Zubrayn and bring Paxist rule over Packilvania (non-historical) |
| Iktan the Devout's Day | LuYam a-Iktan muSlamiya | 16 December | Celebrates the founding the first Packilvanian state by Iktan the Devout. (non-historical) |
Symbols
Packilvania uses the following national symbols:
| Type | Name | Image | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| National flag | The Crescent and Tiger (luKrasaan nadina luTagaar) |
|
The flag of Packilvania is the flag of the Bedonite Dynasty |
| National coat of arms | The Imperial Coat of Arms (LuVast luShultaniyat aleVapaan) |
|
The coat of arms of Packilvania is the Coat of Arms of the Bedonite Dynasty |
| National motto | Ashamiliyaku (Assimilate) | N/A | The imperative form of the verb Ashamiliya, this motto derives from an exortation by Besmali that people should strive to become one with Noi. People commonly greet each other with the phrase "Let us assimilate" or "Blessed assimilation" (Luashamiliyagum) |
| National anthem | LuHiva lunashtar ludu. Qamdanku ishmadan lushimilayat luterna
(The Hive needs you. Join now for everlasting unity) |
N/A | The national anthem is a Paxist hymn sung by the Bedonite Dynasty-led resistance to the Packilvanian Communist Party. |
| National plant | Pax Fruit (LuFarooth luPax) | 
|
Pax Fruites have been a staple food of Packilvania for thousands of years and are used as a sacrifice of choice in Paxist rituals |
| National animal | Fridge Owl (LuYool luFarjaa) | External link | TBD |
| National food | Caek (LuKayeek) | External link | Caek is the national food of Packilvania because in the Sacred Scriptures, it is said that Noi gave Besmali caek from Heaven on his travels |
