Packilvania
Packilvania Packilvanian: Bakhilfaniya | |
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 Flag of Packilvania
 Coat of arms
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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) |
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| Religion |
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| Demonym(s) | Packilvanian, Pax |
| Government | Unitary theocratic absolute monarchy |
• Sultan | Namdun III |
• Crown Prince | Prince Thumim Bedon |
• Deputy Crown Prince | Prince Abuyin Bedon |
| Prince Luwadeen a-Harim Bedon | |
| Legislature | Parliament of Packilvania |
| Legislative Council | |
| Consultative Assembly | |
| Establishment | |
• Iktanite dynasty | 680 |
• Zubraynite dynasty | 1275 |
• Demirite dynasty | 1675 |
• Packilvanian Communist Party | 1917 |
| 1985 | |
| Area | |
• Total | 6,143,888 km2 (2,372,168 sq mi) (2nd) |
• Water (%) | 2.1 |
| Population | |
• 2022 estimate | 1,171,526,998 (1st) |
• 2010 census | 1,123,345,000 (1st) |
• Density | 186.94/km2 (484.2/sq mi) |
| GDP (PPP) | 2022 estimate |
• Total | 20,546,400,000,000 KRB |
• Per capita | 17,538.14 KRB |
| GDP (nominal) | 2022 estimate |
• Total | 11,187,680,000,000 KRB (3rd) |
• Per capita | 9549.66 KRB |
| Gini (2021) |  39.76medium |
| SDI (2021) |  0.689medium |
| Currency | Packilvanian dinar (PXD) |
| Time zone | +3 UTC to +7 UTC |
| Date format | yyyy/mm/dd |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code | +2 |
| ISO 3166 code | PAX |
| Internet TLD | .px |
Packilvania, formally known as the Hivemind of Packilvania (Packilvanian: LuHivakron aluBakhilfaniya) is a unitary absolute monarchy in Yasteria Major surrounded by Allegheny and Drakkengard to the northeast, Free Pax States and Pacific Ocean to the southeast, the Packilvanian Ocean to the south and Kalatya to the north. 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 as we know it today. A century later, his followers built the Memorial of the Jovian Gate in Akas Akil, 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 formally started in the 7th century CE, when Iktan the Devout united the tribes of Central Yasteria Major, 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 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. The Iktanite dynasty ended and Packilvania was dissolved in the 12th century CE, but was restored in the 13th century CE under the Zubraynite dynasty.
The Zubraynite dynasty was deposed by the Demirite dynasty in the 17th century CE, which established overseas territorial holdings which today comprise Albanares, Sorentavia, Hadena and North Crencello. 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. Led by Sultan Amhoud I, the Bedonite dynasty deposed the Communist regime then under Thawal Yaladir in 1985, reestablished a theocratic absolute monarchy under the Sultan of Packilvania (currently Namdun III) and entered into a personal union with Drakkengard known as Pax-Draconica.
Spanning an area of over 6.134 million km² (approximately 2.372 million miles²), it is the second largest country in the world by total land area after South Hills and before Great Morstaybishlia and the largest by contiguous landmass, followed only by South Hills. It 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. Coequally, it is also the subject of 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 (according to the Auroran Monetary Fund) that is the 3rd largest economy in the world by nominal GDP and the largest by PPP GDP. 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 partly due to ideological differences and the support of terrorists by the Packilvanian Expeditionary Force. It is one of the most heavily surveilled countries in the world, in part giving rise to a comparably poor sentient rights record. Despite possessing a nominally independent judiciary and Parliament, the Sultan and Council of Ministers control the state and political opposition is repressed. With a population of over 1.1 billion people, it is the most populous, religiously diverse and ethnically nations in the world and its largest city, Bingol, is the second largest metropolitan area after Sani Bursil.
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 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 18th 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 Sorentavia further weakened the Demirite dynasty. After being expelled from the Parliament of Packilvania, Muktan and his followers the Muktanites 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 and the colonial government of the Commonwealth of Albanares, 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. Their reign has seen accelerated economic growth, military expansion, political influence etc. Nevertheless, modern Packilvania remains a relatively isolated protectionist theocratic absolute monarchy under its current Sultan, Namdun III.
Geography
Packilvania is the second largest country in the world by surface area, following the United Confederation of Concordian States, and followed by the United Kingdom of Great Morstaybishlia and Justelvard. It spans an area of 6,143,888 square kilometres (roughly 2,372,168 square miles). The north of the country comprises the North Packilvanian Cold Desert, which is among the largest cold deserts in the world. This area is almost entirely flat and cold, and the ground is usually stone hard. The interior and west of the country consist of the Great Packilvanian Central Desert which is among the largest hot deserts in the world. It has some of the highest sand dunes in the world and the South Packilvanian Oceanic Winds carry much of this sand to other parts of the world which enables ecosystems such as the Great Morstaybishlian rainforests to east. There is a massive difference in elevation between the hot and cold deserts. There is a sudden increase in height on the boundaries of the two, such that the cold desert is several hundred metres above sea level, but the hot desert is on average at or below sea level. The North Packilvanian Desert is surrounded by a thin strip of cold dry arid regions, which are characterised by cold temperatures and undulating hills and protruding giant rock formations.
The most folliage rich part of the country is the stretch of thickly forested and rainy areas stretching along the Southern Coast of the country. The east part of the country consists of rolling hills, massive grassy plains, lightly forested areas and shrub land. The north east corner consists of the Great North East Mountains which provide the sources of many great rivers. The country's longest river and the longest river in the world is the Ufrata River which stretches several thousand kilometres from the Uliveru mountains in Vekaiyu, along the eastern parts of the country heading to its mouth in Kharyat. There are many other great rivers such as the Kiliktan River, Revawar River (which is allegedly the origin of the word "river"), Muden River and others. The tallest mountain is Giryat Maked Mountain which is over 8,900 ft, followed by Upinda Mountain (8,370 ft), Hubdin Mountain (8,190 ft) and Fibran Mountain (8,003 ft).
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, lions, leopards, deer, wolves, bears, tapirs, wild horses, wild goats, wild donkeys, wild buck, wild dogs, foxes, jackals, caracal, weasels, 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'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 area called marine and terrestrial nature conservation areas where hunting, habitation, agriculture, industrial, commercial and other human 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. Progress has been steady but slow.
Climate
Packilvania consists of 12 climatic zones as follows:
| Climate type | Primary locations | Rivers and tributaries of Packilvania |
|---|---|---|
| Cold desert | Shakar | 
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| 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 an absolute unitary theocratic monarchy. Although the Constitution of Packilvania as the nominal Supreme law, it decrees that the law arises through decrees issued by the Sultan, giving him absolute authority. Although nominally unitary, the Sultans have devolved considerable autonomy to the provinces over their internal affairs.
Government
The Sultan has absolute control over the political system; all the political authority of the state emanates from and resides with the Sultan. The Sultan is the head of house of Bedon, the royal family of Packilvania. With over 12,000 members, it is the largest royal family in the world. Its members occupy all the senior posts in the government. The Sultan rules the nation by decree. Technically there hundreds of thousands of people with the surname Bedon as they descend from Bedon, the founder of the family however only his descendants who occupied the titles of Duke of Makobar are considered part of the Royal family.
The Sultan appoints a Council of Ministers to oversee the daily running of the country and to advise him on the exercise of his authority. The Prime Minister chairs and controls the work of the Council of Ministers. Members of the Council of Ministers are called Ministers and they oversee different executive government agencies which control different areas of the national government's work. The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers serve at the pleasure of the Sultan i.e., the Sultan can dismiss and appoint them at will. The Crown Prince (assisted by the Deputy Crown Prince) is the closest adviser to the Sultan and his designated heir apparent. The incumbent Prime Minister is His Imperial Highness (HIM) Prince Luwadeen a-Harim Bedon, the Crown Prince is HIM Prince Thumim a-Namdun Bedon and the Deputy Crown Prince is HIM Prince Abuyin a-Namdun Bedon.
The Parliament of Packilvania comprises the bicameral legislature of Packilvania. The lower house known as the Consultative Assembly is appointed by the Sultan directly or in line with a Decree issued by the Sultan and can consist of between 3,000 to 5,000 delegates. They meet once a year for 2 weeks to listen to the Speech from the Throne, to discuss national issues and to make recommendations to the sovereign. The Legislative Council (the upper house) is appointed by the Sultan and consists of 210 to 380 members who serve full time throughout the year. The Sultan usually appoints prominent people in society who serve at the Sultan's pleasure. The Legislative Council is primarily responsible for ensuring that the executive branch rules the country in accordance with the will of the Sultan. As such most of its work consists of scrutinising the executive including asking Ministers questions. Furthermore, it can review and make recommendations to decrees before the Sultan signs them and it can conduct public consultations on proposed decrees or legislative issues. There are no elections in Packilvania for national government posts and political parties are illegal nevertheless a wide demographic of people are represented in both the Consultative Assembly and Legislative Council. The members of the Legislative Council have a fixed salary and staff and relative autonomy in exercising their duties.
Aristocrats are wealthy families to whom the Sultan has granted land and titles in return for their loyalty and enforcement of the Sultan's will on the nation. Due to efforts at modernisation and the complexity of governing, much of the everyday running of state affairs has shifted to the government and civil service. Thus, the aristocracy serves as a way for the the Sultan to dispense patronage for people loyal to him and in turn uproot those who oppose him. Aristocrats continue to oversee large estates, send courtiers to the Bingol Imperial Court and administer the affairs of the tenants within their control. Whereas civilians pay taxes to the state, aristocrats pay taxes directly to the Imperial Court as tribute. Failure to pay tribute can result in removal. Although aristocrats have favorable access to state business opportunities and are exempt from the oversight of ordinary police, they are under the constant surveillance of the Packilvanian Secret Service.
The religious authorities of Packilvania consists of scholars (who receive their training from and are in turn appointed by other scholars) who have the power to issue religious decrees (official interpretations of religious concepts) and priests who administer the daily religious needs of their communities such as burials, marriages, gatherings, upkeep of religious buildings and related roles. All of these are financed by the incomes that temples make from offerings as well as a state grant under the control of the Magisterium. The Magisterium acts as the central authority and official bureaucracy of Paxism in Packilvania. Its functions include managing religious funds, universities and other organisations as well as operating a religious police to enforce religious law. The Magisterium is legally independent from the government of Packilvania.
Judiciary and laws
The judiciary is the third branch of the Packilvanian government as stipulated in Chapter 5 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 religious cases. 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 highest form of laws are statutes in the form of the Constitution and decrees issued by the Sultan. 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 ordinances. 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.
Foreign Relations
Packilvania has abysmal relations with most countries. Although most countries recognise its independence and the legitimacy of its government, it maintains territorial disputes with almost all of its neighbours. Furthermore, many unresolved disputes mar relations with neighbouring states. For instance, the treatment of war criminals, the use of chemical and biological weapons in warfare, historic revisionism and other acts relating to past wars, make it especially difficult to bridge relations and form allies. Packilvania does not participate in most international conventions and bodies and continues to carry out practices that violate international law such as the encroachment of Alleghenian airspace. Many nations have openly declared that they not only perceive Packilvania as a threat but they are building up military forces to prepare for future wars such as Vekaiyu and South Hills. Ironically, it has one of the most unique and effective policies of foreign intervention on Urth. It actively supports secessionist movements, terrorist organisations and other non-state actors in many nations, allowing it incredible diplomatic leverage. It has also leveraged its incredible economic clout, as the third largest economy in the world, to sign trade and economic agreements with many nations. Thus, most nations maintain some form of official representation and have some sort of formal trade arrangements with Packilvania. Opinion polls have found that most countries' citizens have a negative opinion of Packilvania. Due to historic links and the sense of prestige associated with the Morst-Pax Union, Great Morstaybishlia has the most positive and friendly relations with Packilania. The Packilvanian passport is regarded as one of the weakest in the world, as its holders require visas and face challenges travelling to almost every country on Urth. Foreign relations are administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs under the Minister of Foreign Affairs, yet the Sultan retains control over foreign policy including the ratification of treaties.
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. Kalatya allowed Packilvanian forces to pass through its territory during the 2014 Dverian War.
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 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 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 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 Front 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 210.895 billion KRB, one of the largest on the planet. Because the PAF is allowed to raise its own funding through investments (which it is not obliged to publicly disclose), the income of the PAF may be considerably larger. 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 at the highest level have limited legislative powers and they control internal matters such as housing, healthcare, law enforcement, land distribution and urban development, internal transport routes and other similar issues. They are ruled by Emirs appointed and answerable directly to the Sultan.
- Regions further divide provinces and they manage many issues concerned with rural affairs, environmental protection, water resources and electrical power.
- Districts further divide regions.
- Local governments rule over clusters of villages, towns and cities. They have the greatest influence people's every day lives.
- Metropolitan governments rule over areas the size of local governments, but they have the status of provinces. They control the largest and most important cities in the whole countries and they wield the same power as provinces do over their internal affairs.
- Special economic zones are parts of the country that are exempt from the regular legal system. They are governed exclusively by the central government and they are created specifically to attract foreign investment by circumventing restrictive national laws.
The list of provinces and metropolitan governments of Packilvania is as follows:
| Province | Capital | Population | GDP (KRB) | GDP per capita (KRB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidakar | Halaler | 150,750,200 | 1,130,626,500,000 | 7,500 |
| Iganar | Zukaril | 145,370,700 | 1,130,984,046,000 | 7,780 |
| Mekedesh | Meker | 138,920,500 | 1,112,753,205,000 | 8,010 |
| Jumhurikesh | Everyet | 134,230,120 | 1,026,860,418,000 | 7,650 |
| Ashura | Akas Akil | 127,110,600 | 919,009,638,000 | 7,230 |
| Rigaryat | Derengol | 100,230,100 | 766,760,265,000 | 7,650 |
| Kharyat | Yukader | 97,250,120 | 774,110,955,200 | 7,960 |
| Ukanar | Abdeker | 94,210,660 | 772,527,412,000 | 8,200 |
| Shakar | Sharkol | 86,230,120 | 700,188,574,400 | 8,120 |
| Bingol Capital Region | Bingol | 25,180,890 | 632,543,956,800 | 25,120 |
| Kemer Special Economic Zone | Kemer | 17,870,120 | 427,095,868,000 | 23,900 |
| Gezer Special Economic Zone | Gezer | 15,200,110 | 302,026,185,700 | 19,870 |
| Subakil Special Economic Zone | Subakil | 12,120,890 | 145,793,875,000 | 18,500 |
Economy
The economy of Packilvania functions as a middle way between socialism and capitalism. The state controls key economic sectors such as transport, water, power and healthcare. Moreover, it heavily regulates business activity in many sectors and has average to above-average tax rates on its citizens and businesses. On the other hand, regulations on medium to small businesses are virtually non-existent, property rights are protected by relatively modern legal systems and contracts are dearly respected and upheld by the law. The intrusion of state institutions in many economic areas has, however, led to mismanagement and misallocation of resources, growth-stifling macroeconomic ineffiencies and the entrenchment of disproportionate wealth and prosperity in the 3 metropolitan areas and 2 special economic zones. Packilvania has a GDP of 11,187,680,000,000 KRB, the third largest on the planet. It grew by 12% in 2022 from 9.989 trillion KRB in 2021. It is larger than the economies of Kuthernburg, Norgsveldet and Tretrid combined. Nevertheless, it has a relatively low GDP per capita of 9549.66 KRB, making it a developing country. Despite its flaws, the economies of its provinces individually rival the most wealthy and powerful nations in the world. In fact, Bingol is one of the richest metropolitan areas in the world by total GDP despite falling short of major metropolitan areas such as Aura and Sani Bursil. However, the median income of the country lies around 5,300 KRB, which reveals that the wealth of the nation is very unevenly distributed. This highlights another major issue with the Packilvanian economy: gaping caste and geographic structural inequalities. Regardless, compared to most developing countries incomes, especially among its province is surprisingly evenly spread.
Packilvania has an unemployment rate of 14% and a labour participation rate of 93%. This difference in unemployment versus labour participation arises because people are allowed and often work as soon as they reach the age of 15. Moreover, most people are not able to access higher education, thus they opt for low-skilled and informal work. Furthermore most families are large and cannot afford to have many of their members at home or in school for long periods. Thus, most people will actively seek work. Although the unemployment rate seems high by developed-country standards, it is surprisingly healthy especially given that it does not fully account for informal and seasonal labour. Some academics believe that unemployment could sit as low as 8%, comparing favourably with most nations. This ability to attract high rates of employment lies in the incredibly low cost of labour. Coupled with the poor worker protection policies and one of the youngest populations in the world, the country is able to outcompete almost every country in the world on labour costs vs productive output. Moreover, Packilvania benefits from access to the biggest and busiest waterway on the planet: the Packilvanian Ocean. Coupled with highly affordable access to power, close and easily accessible supply of abundant natural resources, poor environmental regulations and a decent level of infrastructure, the country is the locus of low-cost and low-value-added manufacturing on Urth.
Packilvania is the most resource-rich nation on Urth. It is a major producer and exporter of coal, natural gas and petroleum. It is among the biggest producers of rare earth metals, gold, platinum, chromium, uranium, palladium, iron, nickel, copper, boron, titanium, vanadium, phosphorus, potassium and silicon on Urth. Its strengths also lie in its ability to process these resources, being a major producer of chemical and plastic products and materials which come from petroleum such as hydrogen and helium. Although it is misleadingly known as a desert country (as it contains both the largest cold and hot deserts in the world), it is one of the largest sources of timber and wood products in the world. Moreover, it has arguably the highest amount of agricultural land in the world, especially on its coasts and east. It is a major producer of grains such as millet, sorghum, maize, wheat. It is the largest exporter of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, saffron, tumeric, ginger and aniseed. Meat products are regarded as a specialty with the nation producing about 100 million tonnes of beef, veal, pork, mutton, lamb, chicken and other poultry annually. Furthermore, it produces 180 million litres of milk annually, coming from a range of animals such as camels, cattle, goats and sheep. It is internationally renowned for its cheese and butter, among its foremost exports. In the area of fabrics, it leads the world in the production of jute, sisal, flax, cotton and other plant-fibre based textiles. The nation is also notorious for the production of opium, catnip and tobacco, and estimates suggest it is the largest producer of these substances. With its incredibly lush southern coast, the nation is also a major producer of tropical fruits such as durians, jackfruit, dragon fruit, passionfruit, bananas, mangosteen, and tamarind.
In the service sector, the nation does not fail to disappoint. It has incredibly massive financial services, shipment and logistics, telecommunications and information communication technology services and tourist sectors. Notwithstanding travel warnings and animosity by other nations, Packilvania attracts at least 25 million tourists annually who flock to the sand dune rallies, underground markets, ancient temples, museums and ruined cities, and the incredibly diverse and delicious cuisine. Despite the challenges in the legal system, the financial services sector has benefit from the rise of average wealth as many people have invested their income in property that has raised one of the most attractive mortgage market in the world. Sadly, the stock exchanges of the country struggle against restrictive laws against foreign investment. Nevertheless, the largest stock exchange in the country, the Bingol Stock Exchange remains formidable and comes in the top 10 largest on Yasteria. The Packilvanian Central Bank controls the nations gold and foreign exchange reserves which sit around 340 billion KRB, some of the largest in the world. Along with an annual economic growth rate of 12% in 2022, one would expect the Packilvanian currency, the dinar, to be worth more. However, the PCB has kept the currency artificially low and has used capital controls to restrict the exchangeability of the Packilvanian dinar, thus critics argue that the currency is undervalued and has led to Packilvania enjoying massive trade surpluses against most of its trading partners. Nevertheless the Union of Commonwealth Alliances and the Kirib Monetary Union successfully got the PCB to raise its value which inadvertently raised the GDP (PPP) to 20,546,400,000,000 KRB.
Due to the DRONE policy, Packilvania is the largest exporter of sapient labour in the world. The DRONE policy is a debt relief policy that has enabled millions of poor people who have defaulted on their debt repayments to be put into virtual slavery (known as drones). system has resulted in over 50 million Pax Drones serving as mercenaries, domestic labourers, miners, construction workers and other low wage, high risk in both Packilvania and foreign countries. Packilvania is also the largest source of sapient organs in the world as people on death row as well as Pax Drones have their organs harvested for sale domestically and overseas. Packilvania is also the largest exporter of sapient bodies for medical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and other scientific research and education. Packilvania is also the largest importer of trash and recycler of materials in the world.
Some of the largest companies in the world originate from Packilvania including the following: Export-Import Bank of Packilvania, Packilvanian Steel and Construction Corporation, Packilvanian Agricultural Bank, Packilvanian Development Bank, Packilvanian Industrial and Commercial Bank and Packilvanian Coal and Gas Corporation.
Infrastructure
Packilvania has one of the top ten largest rail, road, and optic fibre networks in the world (despite the fact that it does not reach most if its population). The total length of the roads on Pakilvania is 520,340 km. The country has an extensive highway system of 110,230 km that connects the largest urban areas and most developed population centres. Unfortunately rural areas especially in the arid regions, are left behind, relying on small poorly maintained single lane roads and gravel roads. The most advanced and largest cities have underground rail and provide punctual and highly affordable train services to their citizens. These services even include some of the fastest bullet trains in the world. The country is exploring magnetic levitation technology to create even faster trains. Unfortunately the remote arid regions are rarely accessible by rail, with most of the rail network consisting of freight transport to and from major mines.
The nation also benefits from the longest and one of the deepest navigable rivers in the world: the mighty Ufrata, which is so long, it is very difficult to measure. It provides transportation for ships to the inland. The nation also relies on several other rivers such as Tigris, Pishon and Gihon rivers for inland transport. There are canals which connect some major cities, but canals have larger fallen out of use and they are being integrated with water supply systems. The country has over 230,450 km of aqueducts and pipes. People in the east enjoy access to over 50 deep natural lakes. The great rivers have also been dammed and provide water to the many other regions of the nation. The desert regions rely on rain water and even more on aquafirs for their water needs. Unfortunately these resources are not infinite and overuse has led to declining access to water especially for industrial activity.
The Bingol International Airport is the largest airport in the country, receiving over 2 million passengers daily. The Port of Bingol is the largest and busiest port in the country and arguably one of the largest ports in the world. Over 10 million tonnes of goods move through its docks. Moreover, there are many other ports and airports in the country which connect its vast regions. The country's flag carrier and largest airline is Pax Air. It has been flying for over 6 decades and has links to every region in the world. It uses Bingol International Airport as its hub. With Bingol International Airport sitting at close to major world regions, it is becoming an increasingly important nexus for connect different regions of the world.
Science and technology
Packilvania, despite being a low-income developing country, has an incredibly advanced science and technology sector. The country has produced internationally recognized scientists and engineers. Scientific research in Packilvania began at least in 1000 BCE. The ancient Packilvanians invented the pulley systems that form the basis of modern cranes. They had complex and well-developed water management and irrigation systems such as aqueducts and sluice gates. The ancient Packilvanians were known for their love of astronomy and invented the astrolabe to help them interpret the course of celestial objects. They developed the most accurate solar calendar at the time which remains in use. Their civilization also mastered masonry and they constructed the some of the largest and oldest structures of the ancient world: The Great Pyramids. During the Paxist Golden Age, scientific study was thought to be crucial to understanding the deity Zora. Thus a community of scholars emerged who established some of the oldest extant universities in the world such as the University of Bingol which was founded in 840 CE.
Modern-day Packilvania continues to excel in scientific innovation. The Packilvanian Space Agency has independently developed and launched satellites into space. It has successfully put sapient beings in space with Maksum Abdakir being the first feline in history to do a spacewalk in 1972. Exploiting the clear skies and cold temperatures of the Ashura Desert, it has constructed the massive Grand Desert Telescope Array. The country also has an independent nuclear physics research program that has made incredible discoveries about sub-atomic particles and dark matter. In mathematics, its scientists have contributed to some of the hardest and most important mathematical problems in history, the most famous of whom was Fidalkavir Sukharjil who is said to have been able to conjure mathematical theorems with such ease and grace, some believed he was a sorcerer.
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 million people (the amount of people who permanently 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 12,349,000 (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 | 25,180,890 | 2.19% | |||
| 2 | Kemer | 17,870,120 | 1.56% | |||
| 3 | Gezer | 15,200,110 | 1.32% | |||
| 4 | Subakil | 12,120,890 | 0.71% | |||
| 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 specifically the Madvinist school of the Melkezedekite sect. Other sects of Paxism are outlawed and are not recognised by the state as valid religions. Of the schools in the Melkezedekite sect, the Sohadekist school is forbidden and is not recognised as a valid religion. Apostasy, i.e., the conversion of a Paxist to another is forbidden and punishable by death and this includes other sects and the Sohadekist school of the Melkezedekite sect. Other schools of the Melkezedekite sect face discrimination and persecution at the hands of the state. Akronism, Tunseism, Vayan Catholicism and Thaerism are recognised as valid religions however practicing these religions outside of one's home or spreading these religions is punishable by death. The state does not collect statistics on religion in the country. An anonymous study of Packilvanian expatriates in Great Morstaybishlia, the largest destination of Packilvanian expatriates on Urth, was conducted in 2018 by Lambertupol University found that 96% are Paxist (Madvinist), 1% are Yehudite, 0.8% are Obedite, 0.5% are Sohadekists, 0.4% are Thaerist, 0.3% are Akronist, 0.1% are Tunseism and 0.05% are Vayan Catholic.
Ethnic groups
Felines make up 98% of the species in Packilvania, but minorities include all other sapient species on Urth. Minorities face discrimination especially humans who were victims of the largest genocide in the history of Urth under the Communist government of the 20th century. About 60 million humans were killed or starved to death under Gideon Muktan and his communist successors. Although the first Feline Sultan Amhoud I established and led the organization known as the Carriers of Mercy which rescued and repatriated 10 million humans to other nations, humans continue to face discrimination and persecution.
The Feline species of Packilvania are highly ethnically diverse with 200-300 known ethnic groups and over 1000-1600 sub-ethnic groups. Fur colours range from white, black, gray, to ginger red, golden blond, chocolate brown. Fur patterns range from monochrome to mottled, spotted, striped and patches. Fur length ranges from as thick as sheep to non at all. Ethnic intermixing is discouraged and mixed Felines face stigmatisation.
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,and tick borne diseases. 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. 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 place 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.
Cuisine
Packilvania has a rich gastronomic heritage that spans thousands of years. Packilvanian cuisine is characterized by spicy and meaty 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.
Calendar
Packilvania uses the Common Era calendar. The work day is usually Sunday to Thursday. Friday and Saturday are weekends. 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 abuSultan | 12 January | Celebrates the coronation of Sultan Amhoud I and the proclamation of the restoration of the Sultanate |
| Melkezedek the Great's Day | LuYam abuMelkezedek buBas | 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 abuMadvin | 17 April | Celebrates the proclamation by Prophet Madvin that a Feline Sultan would rule over Packilvania |
| Besmali's Day | LuYam abuBesmali | 27 May | Celebrates the writing of the Ichtmar by Prophet Besmali (non-historical) |
| Suleiman of Yehudah's Day | LuYam abuSuleiman aluYehudah | 19 July | Celebrates the adoption of the Vagumar by the Council of Adrien (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 abuSohadek | 8 December | Celebrates the proclamation by Prophet Sohadek that a Sultan would reunite the realms of Zubrayn and bring Paxist rule over Packilvania |
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 |
