Northland

The Republic of Northland is a nation that sits in central portion of the Red Continent. It borders Lacoria and Abudar to the west, Kadistan to the north, Morca to the south, and Kallkar to the east.

History
Bloody, very bloody.

Politics
Main Article: Politics of Northland 

Northland first had a democratic government in 1298, when Tagdh McMannick was elected First Consul. Consular rule continued until 1704, when then First Consul Ardghal O'Daolyn declared himself King Ardghal I and founded the House of Ardgh. Democracy only returned in 1870 after Protestant militia ousted King Ronan II in the Green Revolution.

The legislature in Northland is called the Daon-Comhdhail (People's Congress). Each of the 160 Baill na Comhdhala (Members of Congress or BNCs) is elected by simple plurality in a electoral district or riding. There are 10 ridings in each of the sixteen counties of Northland. Four parties have representatives elected in the Daon-Comhdhail as of the 2009 election: the Pairti Naisiunta (governing party), the Pairti an Lucht Oibre (official opposition), the Daoin Deiscirt Phairti, and the Oibrithe Comhghuailliocht. The current President is Artur Glanorgan (Pairti Naisiunta).

Demographics
A national census in 2010 counted a total population of 24,274,946 people. It's been said that one must not look at Northland's ethnic origin, but religious origin. Immigration to Northland is almost non-existent.

Culture
Northland's culture dates back to the period of Tagdh McMannick. It differs between the Protestants and the Catholics, who deem their traditions to seperate apart from some areas. Protestants tend to hold onto ancient Northlandic customs, both pre- and post-Christianization. Catholics strayed away from the old customs, regarding them as pagan.

Sport
Main Article: Sport in Northland 

Sport is considered the lifeforce of Northland, seen as a distraction from all the religious sectarianism and violence that for centuries plagued the nation. Football is the most popular sport, and the Northland national football team has won the World Cup three times. The top flight is Division One. Hookball became popular in the 1900s when Lacorian troops brought with them during the Great War. Northland's national hookball team famously beat Lacoria in the 2001 final. The top professional hookball league in Northland is the Super 10. Ice Hockey is a popular winter sport, and the Northland men's national ice hockey team famously beat Kadistan in the 2009 World Cup.

Northland is the arguable the most successful, at international and club level, at rugby union. Northland's national team has won five world cups, and the County Championship is consider the most competitive of all domestic leagues.