Volkia

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Volkian Federative Republic Волкскийская Федеративная Республика
Flag of Volkia Coat of arms
Motto: "Мы всегда свободны." "We are always free."
Anthem: "Nasha Rodina" "Our Motherland"
Volkian Federative Republic (dark green) -in Itur (green)
Capital and largest city	Volkgoroda
Official languages	Volkian
Ethnic groups (2019)	98.7% Volkian lupine 0.6% Vulpine 0.6% Human 0.1% Other
Demonym(s)	Volkian
Government	Federal presidential constitutional republic
• President	Yuliya Surkova
• Vice President	Vladimir Burmakin
• Speaker of the Chamber	Stefania Nevzorova
• Chief Justice	Yuliya Danilova
Legislature	National Assembly
• Upper house	Federal Council
• Lower house	Chamber of Deputies
Formation
• Grand Duchy	365
• Grand Principality	November 9, 1154
• Kingdom	July 8, 1577
• Federation	April 17, 1888
• Current constitution	March 2, 1975
Area
• Total	1,396,700 km2 (539,300 sq mi)
• Water (%)	5.2%
Population
• 2020 estimate	80,242,175
• 2012 census	75,464,183
• Density	54.03/km2 (139.9/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)	2021 estimate
• Total	$4.35 trillion
• Per capita	$57,643.24
Gini (2019)	27.1 low
SDI (2019)	0.889 very high
Currency	Korona (Ӄ) (VOK)
Time zone	UTC+4, +5
Date format	MM/DD/YYYY
Driving side	right
Calling code	+57
ISO 3166 code	VOL
Internet TLD	.vol

Volkia (Volkian: Волкия, tr. Volkiya), officially the Volkian Federative Republic (Volkian: Волкскийская Федеративная Республика, tr. Volkskiyskaya Federativnaya Respublika), is a country situated on the western part of the continent of Itur, with a population of approximately 80.2 million as of 2019. Volkgoroda is the capital and largest city; other major urban areas include Kursavka, Georgiyevsk, Volsk, Zarinsk, Likhoslavl, Kataysk, and Zuyevka.

Volkia is located on the entirety of the western half of the continent of Itur, and shares a land border with the South Hills to the northeast and Kurikia to the southeast. The Volkian Sea lies to the north, the Iturian Sea to the southwest, and the Gulf of Itur to the southeast. Volkia includes 26 administrative divisions that span across an area of 1,396,000 square kilometers (539,268 sq mi) with a temperate climate. The western region of the country is largely oceanic while the rest of the country falls within a continental climate.

As the birthplace of the lupine species, modern Volkia has been inhabited by various tribes since antiquity. The current capital and largest city, Volkgoroda, was founded during a second set of migrations to the coasts as a stopping point in the 2nd Century. By the 4th Century, some lupine territories around Volkgoroda had been consolidated and formed the Grand Duchy of Volkgoroda. The Grand Duchy continued to expand militarily and economically, eventually declaring the Grand Principality of Volkia in 1154. The Kingdom of Volkia rose in 1578 following territorial acquisitions and growing economic and military dominance on the continent. The Volkian revolution of 1886 led to significant democratic rights and the abolition of the Volkian monarchy.

The monarchy was officially dismantled in 1887 and was replaced by a federation made up of the former provinces of the Kingdom of Volkia. Monarchists launched several attempts to reestablish the monarchy, culminating in the Volkian Civil War from 1925 to 1926. The civil conflict resulted in a victory for the federal government and marked the end of major monarchist unrest in Volkia. Growing corruption and economic instability in the late 1960s and early 1970s destabilized the country, leading to widespread incidents of civil resistance which resulted in the amendment of the constitution.

Today, the sovereign state of Volkia is a federal constitutional republic led by a president. It is a highly developed nation with a very high standard of living, and maintains a strong social security and universal healthcare system, environmental protection, and tuition free university.

Etymology

The name Volkiya is derived from the name of the ancient Volkiplemeni, one of four western Iturian lupine tribes (along with Yekarians, Vyalovians, and Orlikians) which formed the ethnic core of modern Volkians. Volkiya came into use to refer to the land populated by the Volkiplemeni which is part of modern day Zhukovsky Oblast, Baksansky Oblast, Abarsk Oblast, and Volkgoroda Oblast in 1154 with the creation of the Grand Principality of Volkia.

History

Prehistory

Archaeological finds uncovered in the Silver Caves located in Zhukovsky Oblast revealed that the lupines inhabited Itur at least around 120-130,000 years ago, though it is believed that they have inhabited Itur for far longer. These lupines left behind artifacts that present characteristics common with artifacts found throughout Volkia. The earliest lupines were hunter-gatherers who used stone tools.

Iron and bronze swords found in central Volkia.

The first pottery appeared in 12,000 BCE, and the Cord Pottery culture rose between 2500 BCE and 2000 BCE. It is believed that the rise of the Cord Pottery culture coincided with the start of agriculture. Hunting and fishing remained a key part of the subsistence economy even as agriculture was introduced.

The Bronze Age brought about year-round cultivation and animal husbandry that rapidly spread along the coasts, though the colder climate in the northern reaches of Volkia slowed the change. Cultures in Volkia shared common features in their pottery and tools, but local features existed. Commercial contacts that had so far been local lupine tribes in Volkia extended to the rest of Itur and Yasteria, which brought in bronze artifacts between 2100 BCE and 1900 BCE. Domestic manufacture of bronze artifacts started in 1700 BCE with the introduction of Zalari-style bronze axes.

The Iron Age saw a massive expansion of population across Volkia, especially in modern Zhukovsky Oblast. Cultural contacts to the rest of Itur and Yasteria became more frequent. Commercial contacts throughout the Gulf of Itur grew and extended during the 7th and 8th centuries.

Main exports from Volkia were furs, precious metals, and castoreum to nations in Yasteria. Imports included silk and other fabrics, and, to a lesser extent, glass. Domestic production of iron began in 700 BCE.

At the end of the 3rd Century, indigenous artifact culture - especially in women's jewelry and weaponry - had more similar features than ever before. This has been interpreted as expressing a common Volkian identity which was born from an image of common origin.

Grand Duchy of Volkia

According

Politics

Governance

See also: Constitution of Volkia

Political system of the Volkian Federative Republic.

The country is a federation and a presidential constitutional republic, where the president is both head of state and government. In the Volkian federalist system, citizens are subject to three levels of government: federal, provincial, and local. The local government's duties are commonly split between raion and municipal governments. In almost all cases, executive and legislative officials are elected using instant-runoff voting. The Volkian Federative Republic is fundamentally structured as a multi-party representative democracy, with the federal government composed of three branches that regulate each other by a system of checks and balances:

• Executive: The President is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Forces, can veto legislative bills before they become law, and appoints the Government of Volkia (Cabinet) and other officers, who administer and enforce federal laws and policies.
• Legislative: The bicameral National Assembly, made up of the Federal Council and the Chamber of Deputies, makes federal law, declares war, approves treaties, has the power of the purse, and has the power of impeachment, by which it can remove sitting members of the government.
• Judiciary: The Federal Supreme Court and lower federal courts, whose judges are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Federal Council, interpret laws and overturn those they find unconstitutional.

The president is elected by popular vote for a four year term (eligible for a second term, but not a third term).

The Chamber of Deputies has 472 voting members, each representing an electoral district for a two year term. Seats are apportioned among the provinces by population every eight years and, if necessary, seats are added to the Chamber of Deputies. Seats are added, if necessary, following the conclusion of the National Census that occurs every eight years. At the 16th National Census taken in 2012 Kurilsk Oblast, the least populous oblast, had one representative while Zhukovsky Oblast, the most populous province, had 34. The Federal Council has 78 voting members with each oblast having three, elected at-large to six-year terms; one third of Federal Council seats are up for election every other year.

The Federal Supreme Court, led by the Chief Justice of Volkia, has 16 members with a mandatory retirement age of 70. The Chief Justice, as well as the Court's associate justices, are selected by the President and confirmed by the Federal Council.

The oblast governments are structured in a roughly similar fashion. The governor (chief executive) of each province is directly elected. Some provincial judges and cabinet officers are appointed by the governors of the respective provinces, while others are elected by popular vote.

Foreign relations

The foreign relations of Volkia are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry is currently headed by Foreign Affairs Minister Nikolai Skorobogatov.

Volkia maintains diplomatic relations with nearly all independent nations, and hosts a multitude of foreign embassies in its capital. It is a largely neutral country, though in recent years the country has participated in military engagements near Volkian territory and is a founding member of the Kerilo Accord. The nation leans towards independence in foreign policy.

Volkia maintains close ties to North Dveria following the end of the 2014 Dverian War which saw the breakup of the sole Dverian state.

The country is a member of the International Forum.

Military

Main article: Volkian Defense Forces

The Galyorkin Aerospace GA-75 Klyk is Volkia's primary multirole fighter.

The president holds the title of Commander-in-Chief of the country's armed forces and appoints its leaders: the Minister of National Defense and the General Staff. The Ministry of National Defense administers the armed forces, which is divided into the Army, Navy, and the Air Force. The number of active duty soldiers in 2020 was 323,018. The Reserves and National Guard brought the total number of troops to 570,217. Additionally, the Ministry of National Defense employed 55,000 civilians, not including contractors in 2020.

Military service is voluntary, though conscription may occur "when a crisis has overwhelmed the voluntary military force", through the Emergency Draft System. Forces can be rapidly deployed through the extensive transport aircraft fleet of the Air Force, or through the two aircraft carriers currently in service with the Navy.

In 2014 Volkia signed the Kerilo Accord, a military partnership with the nations of South Hills, Vekaiyu, and Listonia following the end of the 2014 Dverian War. Following the establishment of the Republic of North Dveria, the Defense Forces maintain approximately 10,000 troops in the country to assist and train the security forces. Plans to withdraw the majority of these troops are currently in the works.

Political divisions

Main Article: Administrative divisions of Volkia

See Also: List of Volkian oblasts by population

Volkia is a federation comprised of 26 oblasts and a federal city. Oblasts are further divided into raions for administrative purposes while the federal city of Volkgoroda is divided into wards.

Oblasts hold all power not delegated to the federal government according to the Constitution, though it mandates several requirements the oblasts must obey. This means that they must have a representative, republican style of government, obey the Constitution, as well as remain subordinate to the federal government. They are not allowed to unilaterally secede from the federation. Beyond this, they are fully autonomous: they ratify their own constitutions, freely organize their local governments (in accordance with the Constitution), and own and manage their own natural and financial resources. Every province has a bicameral legislature, similar to that of the federal legislature.

Law enforcement, judiciary, and crime

Main article: Law enforcement in Volkia

Law enforcement in Volkia is generally the responsibility of local police and sheriff's departments, with oblast police providing broader services. The Volkgoroda Metropolitan Police Department, which serves the Volkgoroda metropolitan area, is the largest in the country. Federal agencies like the Federal Investigative Agency (FSA) and the Border Guard Service have specialized duties, including protecting civil rights, investigating federal and international crimes, and protecting national security. At the federal level and in every province, the legal systems operate on common law. Provincial courts conduct most criminal trials; federal courts handle certain designated crimes as well as certain appeals from the provincial criminal courts. Plea bargaining is very common; the vast majority of criminal cases in the country are settled by plea bargain rather than jury trial.

Judiciary

Main article: Judiciary of Volkia

Volkia's judiciary is the system of courts responsible for interpreting and applying Volkian law. The Volkian legal system is based on common law, and employs an adversarial system for determining the outcome of cases.

Crime statistics

Main article: Crime in Volkia

Geography

Mt. Belyzub is the tallest mountain in Volkia, standing at 11,002 ft (3,353 m) and is the centerpiece of the Belyzub National Park.

Main article: Geography of Volkia

Volkia's core territory is situated on the western half of Itur, and the archipelago of Kurilsk to the north is also part of the republic. Lying between latitudes 50° and 70°, and longitudes 60° and 90°, Volkia is one of Urth's northernmost countries. The capital city, Volkgoroda, is one of the world's northernmost capitals. The positioning of Volkia has afforded it a large, rugged coastline containing numerous bays, inlets, and fjords. To the east, Volkia is bordered by South Hills and Kurikia.

Volkia's landscape varies greatly, with the northern reaches of Volkia dominated by mountains and high terrain, the west by hills, and the south with its large, flat areas and beaches. Volkia's north contains a great deal of natural features caused by prehistoric glaciers and also contains the Iturian Mountains. This mountain range is home to the highest point in Volkia, Mount Belyzub, which is 11,002 ft (3,353 m) above sea level. Permafrost is present year-round in higher mountain areas. Multiple glaciers can be found in Volkia's north.

The number of islets and islands across Volkia are estimated to be some 5,712 (including those in lakes). Two of the largest islands in Volkia are Shimanovsk and Khorovstrov, which make up Shimanovsk Oblast. The Kurilsk Archipelago are the northernmost islands in Volkia and support a subarctic climate.

Volkia has over 1,300 lakes. Most of them are very small, with the largest being Lake Chisvoda in the north of the country. There are also many rivers. The longest of them are the Wolf, Tar, and Pine Rivers.

Volkia's land is largely made up of granite and gneiss rock, but slate, limestone, and sandstone are also common. Significant natural resources include iron ore, coal, potash, timber, uranium, copper, natural gas, salt, and nickel. The lowest levels of elevation in Volkia contain marine deposits, and several large fossils have been uncovered in these areas. Due to prevailing westerlies and warm sea currents from the Sea of Itur, Volkia experiences higher temperatures and more precipitation than expected at such high latitudes, especially along the country's western coast.

Due to the wide variety in varied topography and climate, Volkia has some of the most diverse habitats in Itur. There are roughly 75,000 species in Volkia and its adjacent waters (excluding bacteria and viruses). The Volkian shelf marine ecosystem is considered highly productive.

Climate

Lopatino Oblast's beaches are a favorite summer getaway spot for Volkians.

Volkia experiences a wide variety of different climates, ranging from oceanic maritime to subarctic and experiences four distinct seasons. The western and southern coasts are fully exposed to the Sea of Itur's storm fronts and as such have more precipitation and milder winters than the country's north. Some areas around the Iturian Mountains are within a rain shadow, and as such receive less precipitation than the rest of the country. The western coast is typically the wettest while the southeast experiences the highest temperatures throughout the year.

Köppen climate classification types of Volkia.

Volkia has several climate zones but is mostly temperate, ranging from oceanic in the west and continental throughout the north and south. Winters range from cold and snowy to mild and generally overcast with little precipitation in the north, while summers tend to be cool and rainy. The country's western regions have prevailing westerly winds that bring in moist air from the Sea of Itur, moderating the region's temperature and increasing the amount of precipitation. A small area of the country's south, mostly Lopatino Oblast, has hot summers and cool winters and has less precipitation than the west. The north experiences the most extreme temperatures.

The highest temperature ever recorded was 113.3 °F (45.2 °C) in Sharlyk on July 1, 2006 and the lowest was -51.6 °F (-46.4 °C) in Erzin on January 12, 2002.

Biodiversity

The gray wolf, Volkia's national animal

The golden eagle, Volkia's national bird

Main article: Wildlife of Volkia

The territory of Volkia can be split up into three ecoregions: Volkian coastal conifer forests, Iturian mixed forests, and Iturian taiga. The north is covered by boreal forests while the western coast contains conifer forests, of which have some small areas of temperate rainforest. The rest of the country is dominated by Iturian mixed forests, which contain broadleaf and conifer forests. As of 2015, 45% of Volkia's land is dedicated to agriculture, while 37% is forested and 18% is covered by settlements or infrastructure.

Volkia also has an extensive and diverse range of fauna. There are at least 80 native mammalian species, 315 breeding bird species, over 150 fish species, and 20 reptile and frog species present today. Many of these species have migrated from neighboring countries thousands of years ago. Large and widely recognized mammal species found in Volkia are the gray wolf (the national animal), brown bear, moose, and wolverine. Some of the more striking birds include the golden eagle, which is the national bird of Volkia, the snowy owl, and the gray heron. Of the more than 150 fish species, the northern pike, perch, trout, and others are plentiful in Volkia's rivers and lakes. Fish present along the coast include cod, flounder, turbot, and numerous others. Iturian salmon remains a favorite of fly rod enthusiasts.

The largest predator found in Volkia's waters is the sperm whale, and the largest fish is the basking shark. Both species are protected under Volkian law. The brown bear is Volkia's largest terrestrial predator, while the moose is the largest animal found on land in Volkia.

Much of Volkia's land is protected in national parks and nature reserves, compromising nearly 27% of the country. There are 35 national parks and 125 nature parks in Volkia. More than 250 zoos operate in the country, the largest of which is located in Nikolayevsk.

The midnight sun seen in Kologorsk Oblast.

Environment

Attractive and dramatic landscapes can be found throughout Volkia. The northern coast presents some of the most visually impressive coastal sceneries in the world, which is made up of numerous fjords and dramatic terrain. The northern regions of the country experience the natural phenomena of the midnight sun (during summer) and the aurora borealis, attracting thousands of tourists a year. TravelVolkia, a domestic tourism magazine, consistently rates the country's north as a top tourism destination for domestic travelers.

Much of Volkia's environment is protected in the form of national parks and nature reserves, and numerous endangered species receive protection from the government under the Protecting Endangered Species Act of 1965. Volkia has received praise in some international studies for its protection of such species and their environment, though it has also received harsh criticism for its over-exploitation of fisheries and gas and oil drilling.

Economy

Izumrud is a major shipping port of Volkia.

Volkia has a mixed economy, which has resulted in a prosperous capitalist welfare state with a combination of free market activity and large state ownership in certain key sectors. This was influenced first by liberal and socialist governments in the early 1930s and fully implemented by Social Democratic administrations starting in 1973. Public healthcare is free and parents receive 40 weeks of paid parental leave. Volkia also guarantees its workers a minimum of 32 days paid vacation (20 paid days off, 12 public holidays). The unemployment rate is 3.4%, with 66% of the population aged 15-74 employed. Nearly 8% of the population aged 18-66 receives a disability pension and 25% of the labor force are employed by the government. The vast majority of workers are unionized, totaling nearly 70% of the labor force in 2018.

The wage difference between the lowest paid worker and the CEO of most companies has been kept relatively low compared to other industrialized economies due to Volkian society's egalitarian values.

Volkia has a highly skilled workforce, low levels of corruption, and a relatively high level of innovation. The service sector contributes approximately 68% of the total GDP, industry 30.5%, tourism 1.8%, and agriculture 1.5% as of 2019. Volkia holds significant timber, mineral (iron, chromium, copper, nickel, and gold), and freshwater resources. Forestry, paper factories, agriculture, and mines are important for rural residents and the national economy. The Greater Volkgoroda area generates more than a quarter of Volkia's GDP.

The state maintains large ownership positions in key industries such as the forestry sector (Kirishi Group), mining sector (Vyska Group), hydroelectric energy (Volkiya Hydro), natural gas sector (VorkutaGas), Volkia's largest bank (VSB), and the largest telecommunications provider (Volktel). The government controls roughly 25% of the stock values at the Volkgoroda Stock Exchange through these large companies. When non-listed companies are included, the state has an even higher share in ownership. Volkia is a major shipping nation and controls a sizable merchant fleet, with over 1,600 Volkian owned vessels.

Around 90% have a mobile phone and 85.7% have internet connection in their home. Cities and towns are encouraged to build their own broadband networks with technical and financial assistance from the federal government and Volktel.

Agriculture

A farm near Zarevo, Vladinsk Oblast

Roughly 45% of Volkia's land is dedicated for agricultural uses. For the most part Volkia's agriculture has been efficient and productive when compared to farming in neighboring countries. Agriculture in Volkia has been characterized by the northern climate and self-sufficiency in most major agricultural products. Large farms are responsible for the majority of agricultural goods produced, though small, family owned plots still play a major role in the growth of Volkian agriculture. Agriculture's share of GDP has declined in recent years when compared to other industries.

A wide variety of crops are grown in Volkia, including wheat, rye, barley, oats, potatoes, sugar beets, turnips, peas, hay, and silage. Volkian wheat, rye, and to a lesser extent potatoes are used in the production of Volkian vodkas.

Agriculture in Volkia's north is mostly restricted to animal husbandry due to the colder climate that makes it difficult to grow crops. Cattle and chickens are the main species preferred by Volkians, though other animals raised in northern Volkia include pigs, sheep, goats, and horses.

Energy

Popov Nuclear Power Plant near Popov, Akusha Oblast

Volkia produces a large amount of electricity thanks to the country's natural gas reserves, which has been used for export and for fueling its own power plants. There is also a large network of hydroelectric power that powers roughly 35% of the country. Natural gas plants produce 40% of Volkia's electricity, while nuclear power plants produce the remaining 25%.

Volkia's first nuclear power plant was built in 1990. Since then it has become one of five currently operating nuclear power plants in Volkia. Four of the nuclear power plants in Volkia are privately owned, while Popov Nuclear Power Plant was built and is currently owned by the state. All nuclear power is highly regulated and monitored by the Ministry of Energy. The Ministry of Energy has supported increasing the amount of hydroelectric and nuclear power produced, seeking to produce 80% of Volkia's electricity through renewable means by 2050.

Currently under construction is the Polskala spent nuclear fuel repository located in northern Norindzhik, which will be used as the national spent nuclear fuel repository. In early 2020 the Ministry of Energy approved an application for two additional reactors at the Yozhikov Nuclear Power Plant, located in Kalinibinsk Oblast.

Transport

Terminal A at Volkgoroda International Airport, the largest airport in Volkia.

Volkia's roadways are utilized mostly by internal cargo and passenger traffic, and as of 2015 totaled about 620,000 miles. The Volkian federal highway system is known colloquially as the Шоссе (Shosse). It is officially known as the Федеральная система автомобильных дорог (Federal'naya sistema avtomobil'nykh dorog, abbreviated FSAD), which translates as "federal highway system." It connects the major cities and is marked by blue colored signs and their own numbering system.

An example of a highway entrance sign.

The main international passenger gateway is Volkgoroda International Airport, which handled about 30 million passengers in 2015. Poltovka International Airport is the second largest airport, handling about 21 million passengers in 2015. The country has 32 major airports, though the total number of airports and airfields total over 250. The flag carrier and largest airline in Volkia, Air Volkia, is based at Volkgoroda International and provides both domestic and international services.

The total length of common-used railway tracks exceeds 35,000 miles (56,327 km). Most of this railroad is electrified, and additionally there are more than 18,641 miles (30,000 km) of industrial non-common carrier lines. Like most of the world, Volkia uses the standard gauge for their railroads. High speed rail serves most major cities, and plans are in place to expand the system.

The majority of international cargo shipments are handled at Volkia's ports. Major sea ports of Volkia include Izumrud, Volsk, Shipunovo, Korkino, and Zuyevka which are located on the Gulf of Itur and the Mahigan Sea. In 2015 the country owned over 1,600 merchant marine ships. Icebreakers keep the northernmost ports of the country open year round. Ferry services connect mainland Volkia to its island possessions.

Major Volkian cities typically have well-developed systems of public transport, with the most common varieties of exploited vehicles being bus, trolleybus, and tram. Most major Volkian cities have underground metros. The Volkgoroda Metro and the Kursavka Metro are the oldest in Volkia, opened in 1925 and 1935 respectively. These two are among the fastest and busiest metro systems in the world, and are famous for rich decorations and unique designs of their stations.

Tourism

Auroras attract tens of thousands of visitors to northern Volkia every year.

Tourism in Volkia grossed $78.5 billion in 2018 with an increase of 4% from the previous year. Of this, $19.9 billion (41%) came from foreign tourism. In 2018 there were 21.8 million overnight stays of domestic tourists and 12.7 million stays of foreign tourists. Much of the growth can be attributed to increasing globalization of the country and increasing awareness. Yasteria is still the largest market for foreign tourists, though the biggest growth came from Borea and Aurora. Tourism contributes roughly 1.8% to Volkia's GDP.

Tourist attractions in Volkia include the natural landscape found throughout the country as well as urban attractions. Volkia is covered with thick pine and conifer forests, hills, and lakes. Mountains are present in the northern reaches of the country. There are 35 national parks present throughout Volkia from Shimanovsk Oblast's shores on the Gulf of Itur to Kurilsk Oblast's frozen tundra in the north. Outdoor activities include skiing, snowboarding, golf, yachting, lake cruises, hiking, kayaking, among others. Bird-watching is a favorite of those fond of avifauna, though hunting and fishing are also widely popular. Moose, hare, and deer are common game while trout, pike, and perch are common freshwater game fish. Cod, salmon, and flounder are common saltwater game fish.

Volkia's urban areas also host numerous cultural events and activities. Volkgoroda's tourist attractions include the Forest Temple, the Petrenko Theater, and the Volkian Museum of HIstory. Sretensk in Lopatino Oblast hosts the annual Sretensk Folk Festival, and the old towns of Kursavka, Georgiyevsk, and Okha attract thousands of visitors.

Demographics

Population

Races in Volkia (2020 est.)
Race			Percentage
Volkian lupine			98.7%
Vulpine			0.6%
Human			0.6%
Other			0.1%

According to the 2012 census the total population of Volkia is 75,464,183, with the population estimated to be 80,242,175 as of September 2020. The population density in 2012 was estimated to be 139.93/sq mi (54.03/km2), while in 2020 it was estimated to be 148.79/sq mi (57.45/km2). Volkia's population has an average age of 38.1.

Volkia's population has always been concentrated in the southern and central parts of the country, a phenomenon which became more pronounced with urbanization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The capital and largest city, Volkgoroda, is located in the center of the country. About 83% of Volkian citizens live in urban areas (including suburbs); about half of those reside in cities over 50,000. In 2012, 74 incorporated places had populations over 100,000. There are four metropolitan areas with populations greater than one million, one of which has a population of over three million. Of the 25 fastest growing metropolitan areas, 15 are located in the southern half of the country.

The vast majority of Volkia's population is made up of Volkian lupines. Minority races make up 1.3% of Volkia's population and include vulpines and humans, who tend to live in the bigger cities.

Largest cities

Main article: List of cities in Volkia

According to the 2012 Volkian National Census, 21.63% of the country's population lives in one of the nation's top 20 largest cities.

Family structure

As of 2012, 54% of Volkian citizens were married, 6% were widowed, 10% were divorced, and 30% had never been married. Women now mostly work outside of the home and earn a majority of bachelor's degrees.

The teen pregnancy rate is 15 per 1,000 women. The Legal Abortion Act legalized abortion nationwide in 1982. Since legalization the abortion rate has continued to decline, the ratio being 132 abortions per 1,000 live births in 2008. In 2015, the average age at first birth was 24 and 37.8% of births were to unmarried women.

The total fertility rate (TFR) was estimated for 2013 at 2.36 births per woman. Adoption in Volkia is common and relatively easy from a legal point of view. Same-sex marriage has been legal nationwide since 1987 and it is legal for same-sex couples to adopt. Polygamy is illegal throughout the country.

Language

See also: Volkian language

Volkian is the only official national language of Volkia. In 2012, roughly 74.7 million, or 99% of the population aged five years and older, spoke only Volkia at home. Codexian is the second most spoken language, Unonian being the third. The learning of Volkian is a requirement to become a naturalized citizen. Volkians tend to be multilingual: 64% of Volkian citizens claim to be able to communicate in at least one foreign language and 22% in at least two.

Religion

See also: Lunarism

Religion in Volkia (2012)
Religion			Percentage
Lunarism			82.25%
Christianity			1.2%
No Religion			0.9%
Unaffiliated			13.45%
Other religions			2.1%

The Constitution guarantees the free exercise of religion and forbids the government from passing any laws that violates this protection. By far, the lupine religion of Lunarism is the most commonly practiced religion in Volkia, with 82.25% of the population stating they practice the religion in 2012. The human religions of Christianity and Islam are practiced in minority human populations within Volkia, and additionally a small number of people consider themselves irreligious.

Health

The life expectancy in Volkia is 77.6 years for males and 80.1 years for females. Volkia has made many advancements in the healthcare industry, extending life expectancy nearly 20 years since the 1920s. The infant mortality rate is 2.9 deaths per 1,000 live births while the maternal mortality rate is 4.7 per 100,000 live births.

Volkia has a hybrid healthcare model, insuring everyone under a national single-payer system. Nearly 90% of citizens also have private, supplemental insurance, which is either provided by their employer or purchased on the market.

Education

Over 99% of Volkian citizens aged 15 and above are able to read and write. Responsibility for educational supervision in Volkia is primarily organised within the individual provinces. Primary and secondary education is required by federal law. Students often continue their education into the post-secondary level. State universities are tuition free, and are available to all citizens and documented residents. Citizens are encouraged to enroll in post-secondary classes and pursue degrees.

Culture

Main article: Volkian culture

Traditional Volkian pirozhki.

Folk culture and cuisine

Volkian culture is an amalgamation of the cultures of four western Iturian lupine tribes that inhabited Volkia: the Volkiplemeni, Yekarians, Vyalovians, and Orlikians. Volkiplemeni culture was the most dominant, thus many aspects of Volkian culture are directly taken from the Volkiplemeni.

Volkian handicraft, like vyra pottery, Uvat toys, and Tupik painting are important aspects of Volkian folk culture. Ethnic Volkian clothing includes khalat, kosovorotka, and ushanka for men, dzhempka, ochipok, and kokoshnik for women. Common shoes include lapot and valyaniye.

Volkian cuisine widely uses poultry, fish, berries, milk, and honey. Rye, wheat, barley, and millet crops provide the ingredients for breads, pancakes, and cereals, as well as for beer and vodka drinks. Soups and stews common in Volkia include shchi, borsch, ukha, solyanka and okroshka. Smetana (a heavy sour cream) is often added to soups and salads. Pirozhki, blini, and syrniki are popular dishes. Popular meat dishes include pelmeni and shashlyk, with chicken cutlets and various beef cuts making popular centerpieces for other meat dishes. Tea is popular with Volkians, as well as domestically produced beers and vodkas.

Volkians have distinct traditions when it comes to folk music. Typical Volkian ethnic musical instruments are gusli, balalaika, zhaleika, and garmoshka. Volkian classical composers were influenced significantly by folk music, and in modern times have influenced a number of popular folk bands, like Nasha Prekra.

In addition, Volkians have many traditions. These traditions include washing in banya. Old Volkian folklore takes its roots in the pagan religions that were once common throughout Volkia and Itur. Many Volkian fairytales and epic poems have been adapted for animated films.

Visual arts

Art has been an important part in Volkia's history, helping record important events through history. Early art depicted grand battles, leaders of Volkia's first states, religion and other important people. This continued into Volkia's history as it transformed into a fruitful kingdom and empire, glorifying its leaders and advancements. Volkian art grew dark in the years following the establishment of the junta. Enlightenment art rose with the foundation of the Federation, putting power into the hands of the people.

Post-federalization art saw bright colors and hope return to Volkian art. Scenes of battle were painted as well, showing the new army fighting for the people. This trend as continued into the 21st century, only bringing dark themes into it during times of trouble in the country.

Modern art today is bright and uplifting, and depicts anything from people and important figures to abstract art.

Music and dance

Volkian music traditionally was made with stringed instruments, drums, and horns. Various instruments were brought in as the nation began to westernize, shaping the musical style of Volkia today.

Rock music has taken off in the country, with subjects from emotions to historically important events. Classical remains popular as well thanks to Alexander Yurov, a man many musicians consider to be one of the best composers of the century.

Laws passed in the early 1990s have restricted the censorship of music, as well as other art forms and television.

Media

Media has always been controlled by the people with little restriction. These freedoms are held near and dear to the hearts of the people, and almost all broadcasting companies belong to private citizens. Government does own some broadcasting services, but these are typically only for education or information purposes. Freedom of the press is guaranteed by the Volkian constitution, ensuring the people will hear from the people on matters, not the government.

Laws passed in the early 1980s have greatly restricted the censorship of media. However, the government has an ability to publish what is known as Ne translirovat' uvedomleniye, or a Do Not Broadcast Notice, which is an official request to news editors not to publish or broadcast items on specified subjects for reasons of national security.

Sports

One of the most popular sports in Volkia is ice hockey. Most high schools and colleges have their own hockey teams, and the Volkia Hockey League represents the professional level of hockey in the country. High school, college, and professional levels are followed closely by the populace. Basketball and soccer are the second and third most popular sports, respectively.

Each of these sports have a professional league established, and includes the Volkia Hockey League, Volkian Soccer Federation, and the Volkian Basketball Association. Smaller, less followed sports include baseball and gridiron football, which are represented by the National Baseball League of Volkia and the Volkian Gridiron League.

Volkia has also made its first Olympic Games appearance in the Tenth Winter Olympics. It finished seventh overall, winning six gold medals, one silver medal, and two bronze medals. Skater Alya Gagolin set a new Olympic record for the Women's 1500m short track event. The nation's flag bearer, Alexi Zaytsev, also won a gold medal in his event.

National holidays

All of the twelve federal holidays are also provincial holidays. A holiday that falls on a weekend is usually observed on the closest weekday. The official names came from the laws that define holidays for federal employees. While officially a secular nation, the federal government continues to observe major religious holidays.

Date	Official Name (Volkian)	Notes
January 1st	New Year's Day (День нового года)	Celebrates the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. Festivities typically begin the previous evening.
Last Monday of March	Labor Day (День труда)	Celebrates achievements of workers and the labor movement.
April 17th	Federation Day (День Федерации)	Celebrates the adoption of the Constitution of Volkia and the creation of the Federative Republic.
Last Friday of April	Zukov's Birthday (День рождения Жуков)	Honors Aleksey Zukov, the first president of the Federation.
First Friday of May	President's Day (День президентов)	Honors the presidents of Volkia.
Third Monday of May	Spring Festival (Весенний фестиваль)	Religious and federal holiday.
Third Monday of June	Defenders of the Federation Day (День защитника Федерации)	Honors all members of the Volkian Defense Forces, especially surviving veterans of wars.
Last Friday in September	Festival of the Sky (Фестиваль неба)	Celebrates the deity of Lunarism, Yelena. Religious and federal holiday.
Last Wednesday in October (Biennial)	Election Day (День выборов)	Public holiday held every other year for purposes of federal elections. The next federal elections are to be held October 28, 2020.
Third Friday of November	Autumn Festival (Осенний фестиваль)	Celebrates the autumn harvest in Volkia, has its roots in old Yarkiyism festivals.
December 29th	Eve of the Winter Festival (Фестиваль Зимы Ева)	Celebrates the eve of the Winter Festival, an important part of Lunarism. Religious and federal holiday.
December 30th	Winter Festival (Зимний фестиваль)	Celebrates the Winter Festival, an important part of Lunarism. Religious and federal holiday.

	Volkian Federative Republic
Main article: Volkia
Important Topics: Culture ♦ Lupine ♦ Volkian language ♦ Lunarism ♦ Volkian korona ♦ Defense Forces
Government: Federal Government ♦ President ♦ Cabinet ♦ National Assembly ♦ Federal Supreme Court ♦ Political Parties
History: Grand Principality of Volkia ♦ Duchy of Volkia ♦ Kingdom of Volkia ♦ Volkian Civil War ♦ Northern Revolt ♦ Volkian Revolution
Important Figures (Past and Present): Yuliya Surkova ♦ Aleksey Pushkarev ♦ Stefan Gurkovsky ♦ Ivan Ogarkov ♦ Vasily Tolmachyov ♦ Yulian Lebedev