CrowdedWorld™ - International Travel Guide (OPEN)

by **Reloria** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 6:39 am

Have you ever wanted to travel, but don't know where to start?

It's a crowded world out there.

There's so much to see, so much to do, so many different people to meet and languages to learn that the very notion of travelling seems daunting to a first-timer.

Where should you go? What should you do when you get there? How do you avoid offending the people who live there?

That's where crowdedworld™ comes in.

We aim to be your indispensable guide to the world and everything in it. From the incredible national sights you should see and the cities you should stay in, to the cultural quirks and currency problems you may run into, you'll find everything a budding tourist needs to know in your copy crowdedworld™.

Available as pocket guide for individual countries, or as a bumper volume of every nation we have covered so far, you'll wonder how you ever travelled without crowdedworld™!

Get published in crowdedworld™!

Tourism is a vital industry in so many countries, and there's no better way to grow it than providing information. We need you to tell us everything that a visitor needs to know about your country - from tips to staying safe, to places they should go.

To have your nation entered in the next edition, please provide us with as much information as you can in the following format:

Code: Select all
[spoiler=CrowdedWorld entry - YOURNAMEHERE][img]http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e41/Reloria/crowded-world-logo.png[/img] [size=200][b][color=#0000BF]Your Nation's Name Here[/color][/b][/size] [Replace this text with a brief summary of your nation (a link to your national factbook may be appropriate here)] [size=150][b]Regions[/b][/size] [hr][/hr] [Replace this text with a brief overview of the main regions in your nation. A list with summaries or more detailed exposition is fine - make it tourist-friendly!] [size=150][b]Cities[/b][/size] [hr][/hr] [Replace this text with a brief overview of the popular towns and cities in your nation. A list with summaries or more detailed exposition is fine - make it tourist-friendly!] [size=150][b]Other destinations[/b][/size] [hr][/hr] [Replace this text with a brief overview of other points of interest in your nation - national parks, monuments outside of towns, and the like. A list with summaries or more detailed exposition is fine - make it tourist-friendly!] [size=150][b]Understand[/b][/size] [hr][/hr] [Replace this text with any general factoids that don't fit the following categories, such as the etymology of your nation or its regions - delete this if you don't need it.] [size=125][b]Climate[/b][/size] [Replace this text with details on the weather visitors should expect in your nation. This will help them to pack the right clothing and equipment!] [size=125][b]People[/b][/size] [Replace this text with an overview of the people in your nation, their customs, traditions, hobbies and quirks.] [size=125][b]Respect[/b][/size] [Replace this text with a brief overview of tourists are expected to conduct themselves. Be sure to note down any gestures or phrases that may cause offence, as well as what manners are expected - you'll save a tourist a lot of trouble!] [size=125][b]Talk[/b][/size] [Replace this text with an linguistic information that a tourist may need. What languages are spoken? Are there accents or idioms that may be tricky to understand? This is a reversal of the Respect category above too - could locals say something that might offend visitors unintentionally?] [size=150][b]Get in[/b][/size] [hr][/hr] [Replace this text with any details about special entry requirements - passports, visas, etc.] [size=125][b]By plane[/b][/size] [Replace this text with any information about entering your country by plane.] [size=125][b]By boat[/b][/size] [Replace this text with any information about entering your country by sea.] [size=125][b]By land[/b][/size] [Replace this text with any information about entering your country by train / road.] [size=150][b]Get around[/b][/size] [hr][/hr] [Replace this text with general information on how easy it is for tourists to move around in your country, both within settlements and between them. Are intranational plane flights cheaper/faster than trains, can you get around by car easily, is car rental available, etc. Use the sub-categories from 'Get in' if you wish.] [size=150][b]Eat and drink[/b][/size] [hr][/hr] [Replace this text with details on your nation's cuisine, and any famous restaurants or bars that may be worth a visit. Are there any unusual foods that visitors may like to try, or drinks unique to your country?] [size=150][b]Stay safe[/b][/size] [hr][/hr] [Replace this text with details on how to stay safe in your nation. Include any crimes which may be common, or any areas that are particularly dangerous to visit, and how one might avoid these problems if possible.] [size=150][b]Stay healthy[/b][/size] [hr][/hr] [Replace this text with details on any health risks that may be present. Is it safe to drink the water, are there any problems with disease? Include any recommendations for vaccinations that a visitor may need before setting off for your nation.][/spoiler]

If you need any guidance, feel free to contact us, or simply wait for the Relorian entry to be published in the near future for inspitation!

crowdedworld™ guides

Please find below a list of all published entries in the crowdedworld™ guide so far, sorted alphabetically by national name:

.: A :.

.: D :.

.: G :.

Gandoor, The Democratic Republic of

.: H :.

Hyudasia, The People's Republic of

.: L :.

Lichtenstein

.: N :.

Northern Glacier League

.: O :.

Otulia, The Federal Republic of

.: P :.

Pays den Haut

.: R :.

Reloria, The Constitutional Matriarchy of

.: S :.

.: T :.

by **Reloria** » Tue Jan 20, 2015 4:12 am

The Constitutional Matriarchy of Reloria
See also: The Constitutional Matriarchy of Reloria - National Factbook

The Constitutional Matriarchy of Reloria, commonly known as the Constitutional Matriarchy or simply Reloria, is a large island nation located in the Elryssian Ocean. It was formed in the early 14th century by the peaceful union of a number of smaller states on the island, initially called the Royal Matriarchy of Reloria before being given its present moniker in the late 18th century.

Reloria is a developed country, with a well-developed infrastructure that makes it safe and easy to visit and explore.

Regions

Reloria is a large island nation, shaped a little bit like a diagonal hour-glass that can be divided in half roughly evenly across its narrowest point. The northern regions of Reloria are cooler, more mountainous, more heavily forested and less heavily populated than the rest of the country. Holidaymakers looking for environmentally-stunning views and rambling excursions may wish to start here.

Further south, the temperatures reach peaks of 30 - 35°C or more during the summer. The landscape is flatter and more grassy. Most of the country's population can be found here, particularly in the central counties of Nucélterral and Comainéterral. Most of Reloria's major ports - air and sea - are located in the south, as well as a number of coastal resort towns.

Cities

Mélarissa - Reloria's largest city, Mélarissa, has a population of over 40 million people and is also the seat of political power in the country. Located in the central county of Nucélterral, it is a true world city with an interesting pastiche of new and old architecture, and an immense amount of history. Whether you're intending to visit libraries, do a little shopping, dine at award-winning restaurants, or simply go sight-seeing around an ancient city, Mélarissa has a little something for everybody.
Jullanos - Often dubbed 'Mélarissa's twin', Jullanos lies further north in the county of Jullané, and is similar in a lot of ways - a world city with myriad museums, restaurants, galleries and other attractions, Jullanos has the attraction of being slightly less expensive to visit.
Allios Nestled in a coastal bay at the edge of the county of Peutéterral, Allios is home some of the most beautiful beaches and luxurious beach-front hotels in the world.
Pártivéllum - Located on a northerly coastline in Comainéterral, Pártivéllum is less metropolitan than most Relorian cities, and is thought of as being 'stuck in the past' by most Relorians - which means it offers a more 'authentic' experience for tourists!
Duéra - The 'technology capital' of Reloria, Duéra has a higher concentration of technology firms than any other city. As such it is also home to numerous, year-round expositions, which are open to the public - and to visitors.

Other destinations

Nucélterral National Park - an area of outstanding national beauty in Reloria; a 3,000 sq mi expanse of completely untouched wilderness. Carefully managed nature trails are available to tourists.
Grand Naalist Temple - this stunning building, open to female members of the public, is located in south Mélarissa, and is the principle building of worship for the native faith. Painted a deep hue of purple and featuring magnificent quad-obelisks around its domed roof, it is a unique building worth a visit.

Understand

Climate

Reloria experiences a warm Mediterranean climate all year. Even in the middle of winter the average temperature is unlikely to dip below 15°C. While there is light rainfall interspersed throughout the year, you're unlikely to need a coat or an umbrella unless you visit during the September -> November period, which is affectionately known as 'monsoon season' by natives - though this is an exaggeration, as it rains only slightly more than usual.

If you try to climb any of the mountains in northern Reloria, however, wrap up warm. While it's rarely below freezing in these ranges, it gets close.

People

Relorians are, by and large, a collectively friendly bunch. Short of straying into cultural taboos (see also: Respect), it's difficult to provoke them - though, as with any other people, deliberately offending either them or things they care about, or generally being a nuisance, will elicit a cold reaction.

You'll find them to be willing to help should you get lost, and most people are willing and able to speak English if your Relorian isn't as strong as you'd like.

Respect

Relorian people are generally friendly and polite, and although they have some unusual cultural traditions which may not be entirely comfortable for all visitors, they are generally informal. Naalism, the native religion to which more than 90% of the population subscribe to, encourages them to think of complete strangers as friends or even family, which can lead to unusually intimate greetings from complete strangers. Friendly hugs are not an uncommon form of greeting, and women are known to kiss the hand and forehead of men as a more 'formal' greeting. It is at this point that social convention in Reloria can become somewhat confusing.

Uniquely, women are the dominant gender in Relorian society, due to religious beliefs and cultural traditions dating back thousands of years. For this reason there are many things women can do without causing offence, but that men should avoid. For example, a woman can greet men and women with a hug or a kiss on the hand, but men should not attempt to greet women in this fashion under any circumstances, however. Instead, men greet women with a simple bow of the head. In some rural areas, where traditions are followed to much stricter degrees, it is even considered polite for men to avoid eye contact with women until greeted. Men typically greet other men with a friendly hug or a clasp of the shoulder - the traditional handshake does not exist in Reloria.

Additionally, men should refrain from attempting to initiate any sort of romantic relationship with women, which can be seen as offensive to many, though this is a social convention which is slowly disappearing. A man commenting on the appearance of a woman, no matter how complimentary or well-intentioned, is something of a faux pas, though the reverse is perfectly acceptable. While Relorians are not particularly uptight about sex, it is socially expected that the woman will suggest that it happens.

Public nudity is not something which is a great taboo nor is it illegal in any way, and visitors should prepare themselves for a much more relaxed attitude towards this sort of activity. If visiting a Naalist temple, be aware that all clothing is not permitted during services.

It should be noted that most Relorians are quite tolerant of differing sexualities, and polygamy is not uncommon, so one should try and avoid negative comments about either of these subjects. Public displays of affection are also fairly acceptable and commonplace (within limits, of course).

When dining the more conventional rules of etiquette apply - do not put your elbows on the table, always use cutlery, do not speak with your mouth full, etc. If you are dining at the same table as a Relorian, it is customary for them to recite a short prayer to their Goddess before eating, though they are not offended if you abstain from doing so. It is also customary not to start eating until all present have received their food, nor should one leave the table until all present have finished eating. Typically you can signal that you have finished your meal by placing your cutlery together across the centre of the plate. It is not considered offensive to leave food on your plate. If you do not want something, don't offer it to somebody else.

Shouting, swearing and slang are considered fairly offensive as anywhere else, though if you must do so for whatever reason it is not likely to generate a violent reaction, you'll just be dismissed and ignored.

Punctuality is fairly important, but you will be forgiven for missing an appointment if you let the person waiting for you know that you're going to be late.

Talk

The national language of Reloria is Relorian, which is also their first language. There are some regional accents, but the general content of the language is largely universal no matter which area of the country you're visiting. The Relorian language has an exotic accent and some fairly precise pronunciations, which can be difficult to replicate - foreigners attempting to speak Relorian with the wrong accent may be difficult for Relorians to understand.

English has been a compulsory subject in Relorian schools for the last 10 years, and most Relorians who are capable of speaking it will do so to make visitors feel more comfortable (only if the visitors themselves speak it, of course). They will be impressed if you can throw in a few Relorian phrases of your own, but they are not offended if you're completely clueless.

When speaking English, Relorians have an exotic, strong accent which sounds like the bizarre offspring of French, Spanish and Russian accents, making it difficult to understand at times. However, in cities where they are more practised in speaking English, this is not so much of a problem. Relorians in more rural areas may not be comfortable speaking English, usually due to a lack of practice. Additionally, some older Relorian citizens may not have received any education in English at all.

Manners and general politeness are expected within Relorian society. Strangers may greet you frequently, and may be more informal with you than you may be used to. It isn't unheard of for a friendly hug to be used as a greeting, though they will take care to avoid such contact if you make them aware that it makes you uncomfortable.

When entering an establishment such as a restaurant or a bar the patrons may all greet you as though you are a regular visitor, and it is best to greet everybody in return. Shouting, unless speaking over a loud noise of some kind, is considered rude.

Due to the unusual nature of Relorian societies there are some unwritten rules regarding communication between men and women as detailed in 'Respect', and a breach of these unwritten rules can be considered offensive. Men should expect, essentially, a reversal of gender roles that may be difficult for them to adapt to.

Get in

Under the Relorian Neutrality Act, citizens of all nations are covered by the same entry procedures, with no favouritism or special conditions. Passports from all countries are recognised by Relorian border control, and only a standard tourist visa is required, which is easily obtained from any outpost of the Relorian Diplomatic Service.

By plane

Mélarissa International Airport is a very large, modern facility that has recently been expanded, and includes all the amenities and services expected of an advanced 21st century airport. 65% of all international flights to Reloria arrive at Mélarissa International. Many well-known airlines have recently flocked to the airport, and it now offers flights to most nations. Mélarissa is home to the newly-established Relorian Luxury Airlines, which offers premium flights to and from the country.

Jullanos National Air Hub is the second-largest airport in the country, though deals more with domestic flights. International flights are available, however, and it serves millions of visitors each year.

Cellius is the preferred entry point for tourists hoping to visit northerly areas, with Covidia being the preferred southern airport.

By boat

Roughly 30% of visitors to Reloria arrive by cruise ship, and nearly 70% of those arrive at the city of Réna déla Oceéno, with its impressive international shipping services. Many pleasure cruises and direct cruises will stop here, and the facilities within the harbours are extensive and impressive. It has an intra-national airport and good rail connections.

By land

Reloria has no land connections to foreign countries. It is strongly advised that you do not attempt to drive to the country.

Get around

By car

A car will get you to most places in Reloria, though it can be expensive. Fuel prices are well past $5/per litre, and city centres are often subjected to congestion charges. Biofuel is subject to significant tax breaks, and is mostly cheaper than standard petrol or diesel. All cars are subject to road tax, which is quite expensive and based entirely on emissions. If renting, it is advised that you take a small, clean, economical vehicle, or rent one of the increasingly-popular hybrid models which receive tax breaks.

Congestion is not really a problem, as Relorians generally do not appreciate cars. A surprisingly small number of Relorians owned a vehicle even before the government began to promote alternatives. As a result, even inner-city roads are generally free flowing, and traffic is only a problem on Friday rush hours.

Inter-city road networks are well-developed, with 8 - 10 lane motorways being the order of the day. All roads within Reloria are toll-free, and all but the most rural roads are of a high quality, with smooth high-grip surfaces and well-marked lanes. Road signs are used sparingly (primarily due to aesthetic concerns), but they are used effectively. Although all road signs are written in Relorian, most of them use logical pictographs as well.

Speed limits in Reloria are quite strict and enforced zealously by local highway police and city wardens, and are measured in kilometres per hour. Motorway speed limits are 85kph. The national speed limit, which applies to most main roads, is 70kph. Residential and retail areas carry speed limits of 35kph, while other inner-city main roads are usually limited to 45kph. Bear in mind that some roads may carry unique speed limits for unique conditions (roads near schools, roads undergoing construction work, etc), and will be signposted accordingly. Fines are high, and speed limit enforcement cameras are used in numerous locations - including mobile cameras.

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is entirely illegal. Random spot-checks are not unheard of, particularly around holidays, and jail time is almost certain for offenders. It is best to avoid drinking at all when driving, or simply take a taxi home.

Relorians drive on the right.

By taxi

Although most taxi companies are quite expensive, subject as they are to the above costs, their drivers are generally friendly and well-versed in the local geography, making them an excellent choice for inner-city travel, especially if you are lost! Mélarissa taxis are recognisable due to their deep blue colour, the same shade of blue as the national flag, and there are a number of cab services in most cities.

By thumb

Relorians are generally friendly and helpful, and Relorian drivers often subscribe to the principle of car pooling. However it should be noted that Relorians do not drive as much as foreign counterparts. So although hitchhikers should not have much trouble hitching a ride when they find someone going in their direction... it may be quite a while before they do actually find someone going in their direction. Don't count on it!

By train

Rail is by far the easiest way to travel between cities; Reloria has one of the most well-developed and technologically-advanced publicly-funded mass transit systems in the world. Large cities are particularly well-served, being as they are connected to every major city in the country. Once in a city, electric trains and subways operate in tandem, along with a more recent, and unique, mode of personal transport - personal mass transit; a Relorian innovation that allows individuals to order a 'pod' which arrives at their location and then takes them directly to their destination along a series of overhead monorails.

Trains are fairly priced and run consistently on time; refunds are available if your train is more than 15 minutes late. Some stations, particularly in smaller towns and villages, are not manned, and you must buy tickets from touchscreen dispensers. Be wary that these systems will be written in Relorian.

By bus

Buses are a happy medium between cars and trains, and are typically deployed in that fashion. Buses are used where trains are unavailable. As there buses only travel to nearby cities, you'll still rely on rail for inter-city travel.

By plane

Travelling across Reloria by plane is doable, and for long journeys it is cheaper than renting a car. With high-speed rail networks linking all major cities together, however, there are easier options.

By boat

A cruise around Reloria's coast is not the fastest or cheapest way to get from one place for the other, but it is sure the most beautiful and entertaining. Cruises can most easily be booked from Réna déla Oceéno, while smaller tour boats operate from Allios - but all coastal cities have a maritime heritage and, therefore, some degree of naval tourism. We recommend a cruise, one that stops at each of the major coastal settlements, as you'll get a great variety of locales and entertainments.

Eat and drink

Cuisine in Reloria is generally quite good and they enjoy their food. It should be noted that the vast majority of Relorians are vegetarians, so finding a restaurant that serves meat will be tricky, though you can find them if you look hard enough (especially in tourist areas). Dairy products and bread are also quite popular, with cheese and various types of fresh white bread and pastry being served at most restaurants.

Relorians typically have upwards of five meals a day; breakfast, their equivalent of brunch, lunch, a meal mid-way between lunch and dinner called 'lepichino', usually at around 3 to 4pm, and dinner later in the evening. Don't worry about putting on weight, as while they eat more frequently than most, they eat less too.

Fast-food does not really exist in Reloria, with most restaurants being fairly traditional in style, though there are a few sandwich bars dotted around in most cities. Even though restaurants look quite expensive for the most part, especially those in coastal cities, prices are usually fairly low thanks to large-scale domestic agriculture and high demand.

Wine is a cultural drink, with Relorians almost entirely drinking domestic brands. White wine is quite popular, and unusually sweet, though their favourite is a local variety known colloquially as 'spring wine' - fresh, rich, bubbly and served cool. Unique local alcoholic cocktails are also served at most bars, which are generally in the 20 - 40% volume range and with a variety of tastes. Wine is an all-occasion drink, and even the most upmarket brands are quite inexpensive. Ale, beer and the like are fairly unpopular.

Bars are quite popular especially on the coasts, and you shouldn't have trouble finding one. During the day bars will often serve sandwiches, and at nights they transform into veritable parties, often with music and elegant lighting.

The legal age for buying alcohol by yourself is 16, though it is legal to drink at any age if under the supervision of a legal guardian.

Stay safe

Reloria is a largely-crime free country, and a common joke within the Relorian Poligéza Auctorilasté (their police force) is that "crime is an occasional diversion from our paperwork".

This is not to say that crime never occurs, however, and tourists should take the usual precautions just to be on the safe side. Be particularly wary in tourist-laden areas of Reloria, where pickpockets operate.

Stay healthy

The Relorian Selodé delá Socieli is a nationally-funded healthcare organisation which has developed quite a reputation over recent years as being clean and efficient, with low fatality rates, adequate doctors and beds, and fairly low waiting times, bolstered by a recent redesign of service delivery. Should the worst happen during your stay, we don't anticipate there being any problems getting help.

Relorian tap water is perfectly safe to drink, and all Relorian food - whether served in restaurants or bought in stores - is regulated heavily for public safety, and we anticipate no issues here.

Contact

The general emergency services switchboard can be reached by dialing 0000. More specific numbers exist for each branch - the police can be directly reached by dialing 0002, an ambulance can be called by dialing 0001, the fire service can be reached by dialing 0003, and the coastguard can be reached by dialing 0004. Highway Recovery services can be reached by dialing 0005. In major cities and on inter-city highways there are emergency telephones which can only be used to call local emergency services directly (bypassing the national call centre).

Payphones exist in most major cities, though they are dwindling in number as the majority of people have mobile telephones. Most payphones take coins, however some new services will only accept cashcards.

Most major cities and surrounding areas, and major main roads and highways, have mobile telephone coverage. Some rural areas have spotty coverage, but several satellite telephone companies operate in Reloria and these will work all over the country - and you can rent the handsets at a fairly low cost. Next-generation mobile coverage (e.g. 4G) is good in most major cities. We recommend obtaining a local network SIM card, which are available in most stores for pennies.

Internet access is good across Reloria. Many hotels provide broadband internet as part of your fee. Many bars and restaurants have wireless networks available for free too. Public libraries will generally have broadband-enabled PCs and open wifi connections.

There are several Relorian postal services, with the main one being the state-owned Relorian Coristula. Relorian Coristula is generally reliable and cheap, and also much easier to use as they are the only service to use stamps and mailboxes - other services require you to go to their branch and pay on the spot.

Buy

The jehano is the national currency of Reloria, which is a metric currency and available on the foreign exchange. One hundred pecintos are equivalent to one jehano. The exchange rate of the jehano is currently J-1.00 -> $1.60 NSD. It has paper denominations of J-5, J-10, J-25, J-50, J-75, and J-100. It has coin denominations of J-5, J-1, J-0.50, J-0.20, J-0.10, J-0.05, and J-0.01. Some high-street stores will accept NS Dollars, however most stores will refuse foreign currencies.

Most major credit and debit cards are accepted by stores within cities, as well as a few cheques from various international banks, and your cards should work in most major banks' ATMs. Some international banks have established branches in most major cites.

by **Teddy Bear Republic** » Sat Jan 24, 2015 3:52 am

Teddy Bear Republic Empire

The Teddy Bear Republic Empire is a constitutional republic located in the Toy Islands. Environmentally stunning, open-minded, and diverse; the TBRE is a recognized regional "middle" power with a long history of engaging with the world outside our region in the social, academic, and economic fields. All this makes the TBRE a safe and welcoming place for tourists from any nation.

Regions

The TBRE is roughly divided into two areas: its 'Home Territory', primarily composed of its provinces and capital; and its much smaller imperial possessions. Its 'Home Territory' stretches through the middle of the region in a U-hook shape. The provinces, going anticlockwise from left to right, are Nordica, Toylando, Grenatia and Nordwerbaren.

Even after the unification of the bear states that make up the TBRE, each province has retained its own unique flavour. Nordica is famed for its free-minded, independent spirit. Mixed with its stunning natural Alpine beauty, this province is perfect for thrill-seekers looking to engage in activities such as skiing, mountain climbing or kayaking as long as they don't mind the cold - it has near glacial conditions in the far north, while a more "mild" tundra-like climate awaits visitors down south. A good wind-breaker and lots of layers are advised for travelers coming here.

For those of a more reserved nature, Toylando province and the capital city of Toyland boasts some of the best museum collections and libraries in the region. For shopping and a vibrant arts scene, there's no place like Nordwerbaren, located on the easternmost end of the country. Both also host large regional trade exhibitions that are open to all visitors. With the TBRE being a leader in the field of technology, these exhibitions can be a chance for the savvy tourist to get a glimpse at the latest electronic gizmo before they hit the stores. Toylando and Nordwerbaren are located on a chain of forested islands with a continental climate and, relatively speaking, the highest precipitation in the country. Umbrellas are sold in all shops for the unwary traveler.

If you just want a quiet, rural holiday surrounded by nature, then centrally situated Grenatia province is perfect for your needs. A hilly island with the most arable land in the TBRE, its peaceful nature is represented through its temperate climate. A light jacket is all that is needed for this fairly warm area.

The imperial possessions, or Overseas Territories, are exotic locations for tourists wanting to go off the beaten path. The Arctic Overseas Territory gives tourist a view of the extreme north while still in civilization, while Bah Island and Dhambia and Gavinsky both have warm, pristine waters and beaches that are perfect for swimming.

Cities

The majority of TBRE citizens live in cities, and they form the focal point of life and tourism in the TBRE.

Poleemonland (Nordwerbaren province) is the largest city with a population of 4 million in a country of 25 million. Being the largest financial and trade center even by TBRE standards, it is a perfect place to find fashionable, high-end gifts and dine at world-class restaurants. Another must would be a stroll down its many seaside promenades where many niche shops are located. The nearby Teddy Island is also a popular place for campers and park-goers, and features a 36-hole golf course where multinational tournaments are held.

Toyland (Free Imperial City of Toyland) is a relatively new planned city having been built in 1905. However, it still has a historic charm, especially in its eastern Old Town district. It is the most global and cosmopolitain city in the TBRE, and a wide range of cultural groups and activities can be encountered here. Aside from the previously mentioned museums and galleries covering topics from natural history to transportation, it also has the Marples Sports Complex that hosts widely watched sports games, a zoo and fairground, and the Toyland Tower, the tallest building in the TBRE.

Archiva (Grenatia province) is considered the spiritual home of the TBRE. Here, one can find the oldest buildings in the country and visit places of spiritual significance, including the Teddy Schools Laltofia, to get a feel for the TBRE's past. For a more modern touch, Archiva is also home to one of the largest national archives in the world, a large part of which is open to the public and scholars. It's also at the center at a number of National Parks for those who simply want to get away from it all.

Paddington (Nordwerbaren province) is best known for its arts scene and nightlife, hosting the annual Paddington Film Festival where regional films are usually screened ahead of public release. It has many independently run galleries, and artists can be found on virtually every main street.

Other destinations

A few destinations not located near major settlements are well worth a day-visit or two. Tours around the area west of Barentinvargenville allow tourists to visit the tallest mountains in the TBRE from the safety of a specially designed caravan "bus". Hiring a canal boat and sailing down the Vanhichen River in Grenatia is also a popular local alternative to camping, although boat registration with the authorities is required beforehand.

Understand

People
The phrase "Teddies" is used to refer to all TBRE residents, regardless of species. Teddy bears in particular are members of a cultural group called Laltofians, which are best described as sapient stuffed toys. They tend to be community-minded and polite, so don't be afraid to approach one if lost or in need of advice. Compared to other Laltofian countries and as a result of extensive trade relations, the TBRE is very outward-minded and Westernized, and so there tends to be very little that a Teddy can't help a tourist with. Teddies and Laltofians in general come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and subsequently the TBRE is very accessible to people of all needs, with many automatic doors and ramps.

Nevertheless, a large native and expatriate human population also resides in the TBRE, making up some 16% of the population. They tend to better understand the difficulties that one face when coming to the TBRE for the first time, and so are a good source of advice as well.

Respect

Do not hug the teddy bears. Yes, they are cute and fuzzy, but bear in mind that teddy bears are sapient, thinking beings. Exceptions may be granted to small children. Additionally, a few Laltofian species, such as spiders, have been known to trigger phobic responses in people. No offense is generally taken.
Smoking is forbidden in many public places; these include restaurants and transportation hubs. Smokers are advised to follow smoking area signs to stay in compliance with the law.
Tying in with smoking, strong smells and odors like perfume tend to be frowned upon while in public; owing to the generally better olfactory capabilities of Laltofians as a leftover of their animalistic heritage.
The TBRE is an open-minded and polite society; so lining up for queues, saying "please", "sorry" and "thank you", and opening the door for people goes a long way to being liked and accepted.

Talk
English is the most commonly spoken language in the TBRE, and it is currently the country's only official language with 97% of the population having a working knowledge of it. Generally, it is older residents who either have limited or no knowledge of English, preferring to stick to their cultural roots by keeping the national language of Tedofian, but they rarely live in the cities. Nordicans, by virtue of their German and Russian immigrant backgrounds, have thicker accents, so listen closely when having a conversation with them.

Being community-sensitive, Teddies tend not to talk straight-forwardly to avoid hurting feelings - expect an answer to a simple question to be subtle, long and nuanced. Most sayings and idioms are derived from nature and traditional ways of life: common ones include "Happy hunting" for good luck, and "At least the rivers still flow" for exasperation.

Get in

Citizens of most Western countries do not require a visa to enter the TBRE. Additionally, passports are not required of citizens of the Barbergen Community and the Protectorate Republic of Valresia, only proof of identity and citizenship. To find out if you do require a visa, and to apply for one if needs be, either visit the local TBRE diplomatic mission or visit foreign.gov.tb. Applications are usually processed within seven working days, and one simply needs to present a print-out or quote a number when they reach Immigration.

By plane
There are six international airports in the TBRE. In order of decreasing size, these are: Toyland Central, Poleemonland International, Archiva-West Grenatia, Paddington Warco, Nordica City, and Barentinvargen Civilian. Most major international air carriers fly to at least Toyland Central. Conversely, Teddy air carriers, such as Air Toyland, also fly to most major world airports. Generally, the more indirect the flight, the lower the ticket price, and most Air Toyland flights fly to Toylando Central before heading on to other domestic airports. Budget airlines, such as Ladybug Airlines and Air Bear, have good safety records and can offer better prices compared to mainstream air carriers, especially for regional flights, but may offer less options in the way of comfort, child-friendliness, meals and booking cancellations.

By boat
Ferry services between close regional neighbors, such as the Laltofian Confederation, Svaltestein, and the McFluffle Bunny Empire, are often cheaper than flying, although it may take several days depending on the distance needed to travel and may only run every other day. Nevertheless, it is one of the few options that allows you to bring a (rental) car over. Long-distance cruises from outside the region to the TBRE are few and far between and tend to be pleasure cruises rather than travel ones. Like airline pricing; the slower the boat, the lower the price.

By land
Most land borders that the TBRE has are shared with more ... independently minded nations, including Tabi'atstan and Mountainland, and border controls are quite tight in these areas. However, a border control-free crossing exists at the border with the McFluffle Bunny Empire on Tonka Island, as both are members of the Barbergen Community - only proof of legal entry into the MBE is required. You can also enter the TBRE indirectly via the TBRE's protectorate of West Valresia, which shares a land border with East Valresia, but immigration controls do exist between the Valresias and the TBRE.

Get around

When traveling, it is very important to remember which province you're in. Apart from one-way streets, the provinces of Toylando and Grenatia drive on the left, and everywhere else (including the Overseas Territories) drives on the right. This is a relic of the pre-Federation days, when each individual bear nation developed their own laws of the road independently.

Within the cities, it is probably better to take public transportation owing to congestion charges enforced during peak hours and the difficulty in finding parking space. Different cities have different types of public transit: Poleemonland has a bus rapid transit system, while Toyland has a metro. The only catch with public transit is that there are often multiple routes within the same line, so make sure that you check the list of major destinations that the vehicle is stopping at - often displayed on a matrix board - to see if you are taking the correct route. For instance, on the Toyland Train System (TTS), the Forkal-Banswaph line splits in two midway before rejoining at the terminus, so it is important to make sure if you are on the train traveling via Forkal or Banswaph. Taxis are a little less frequent in the TBRE compared to other tourist destinations, and their prices often mean they are best for making long-distance journeys. Taxicab drivers should only charge according to the meter.

A nationwide smartcard system exists, and a week-long tourist card can be purchased; although you do need to credit it with money before you journey. Beyond paying for public transit journeys, the smartcard can also be used to make purchases at places like convenience stores. Walking is also more economical for shorter journeys, and during the winter months most cities have an extensive underground network connecting major buildings. Jaywalking is not technically illegal, but the burden rests on the pedestrian in an accident when not at a zebra crossing.

Three main methods exist to travel between provinces: By car, bus and train. For cars, the Teddy inter-provincial Autoway system is extensive and well-maintained, and a large number of road-stop stations exist to cater for drivers who need a bite to eat or a rest. For quality service, check for a green government license at road-stop stations; these are usually advertised on roadside billboards. Driving during the winter months, however, is not advised owing to the weather. Those who prefer to let someone else do the driving can buy a ticket on an inter-provincial coach, including Blue Bear Bus and Nordic Coach, although times can be a bit more erratic and less predictable. Another method would be via the Teddy Regional Rail or Teddy National Rail services. They offer a fast, if more costly, way of getting from A to B, and are often best if you are simply crossing from one city into another.

Cars can be rented from a number of agencies, and usually an international driving license is all that is required. Familiarizing yourself with the local traffic code is well-advised. Cars can also be brought into the country, but must be licensed with the local authority and receive a temporary license plate. Cars hired or owned from countries within the Barbergen Community do not require this temporary licensing, provided the plate indicates that is from a Barbergen country.

Eat and drink

Teddy cuisine is heavily based on native bear cuisine, and so features protein and berries. Piping hot pastries are also common street food, especially during the winter. The TBRE's more outwardly-minded nature also means it has a much more cosmopolitan tastebud, and fusion restaurants can often be found in the trendier parts of town. Expect larger portions as Teddies have large appetites; most restaurants will happily accommodate requests for smaller sizes. Vegetarian, kids' and dietary meal plans for those with allergies are also commonly available, even at family restaurants, owing to the diversity of the Laltofian population. For a quick bite, large shopping chains such as Céczer's often offer fast food outlets with hamburgers and fries.

The national drink is lemonade, and ancient wars have been fought over land where lemonades can be grown. The reason why can only be guessed at. A wide variety of blends exist, ranging from the sensible and cheap to the outright weird, and prices can also range from a few dollars to a significant investment. Nevertheless, water is readily available from public fountains, which are generally safe to drink in the cities.

Stay safe

The crime rate in the TBRE is very low compared to most tourist destinations, and violet and organized crime is virtually non-existent. Nevertheless, common sense prevails to defend against petty crimes that all large urban areas face, such as pickpocketing: stay to well-lit areas, keep your money in sight or well-concealed, and don't travel in train carriages late at night with just one other group of people.
Although it has been considered a terrorist target in the past, this threat to the capital city has mitigated somewhat in recent years, even with the recent surges in terror attacks.
If something is stolen, it is strongly advised to report it to the nearest police station, especially if you intend to make an insurance claim.
The emergency number in the TBRE is 112 (although 999, 911 and other common equivalents work as well); for non-emergency inquiries, the number is 101.
Be aware of civil defense procedures. We border a few ... independently minded nations, so we still maintain a civil defense network. Please read the issued guidelines and familiarize yourselves with the warning system and related actions. Don't get in the way of National Home Guard during an emergency. Ask first to take pictures of any military hardware stationed on the roadside. Do not step across the border between the TBRE and another country without clearing their immigration and customs, unless it is a Barbergen Community country.
We don't tend to carry firearms for self-defense, and the possession of firearms by foreigners is often more trouble than is worth. The usage of magic is generally prohibited (we're not a FanTech nation, but the legislature had the foresight to pass legislation in advance), and don't bring Future Tech stuff (post-2020s, Earth Common Era) owing to the Treaty of Archiva agreement with The Peace Isles.

Stay healthy

No particular vaccinations are required to enter the TBRE, but being immunized with routine vaccinations or boosters before entering is still advisable.
24-hour drug pharmacies do operate in most TBRE cities, although one may need a prescription from a doctor in English for some medicines.
As with all destinations, take out an insurance policy before traveling. Costs may be incurred for non-emergency medical services rendered to non-Barbergen citizens.

General Tips

Most major international credit cards are accepted in the TBRE. Prices are always in the local currency, the Teddy Dollar, subdivided into 100 Teddy pennies.
As with all Toy Islands countries, the TBRE operates on the UTC+9:00 timezone. Daylight savings time is still used, so check news broadcasts regularly during the change of seasons to check when it is in force.
Electrical plugs in the TBRE have three pins. Adapters are sold in most convenience stores.
The TBRE uses the metric system both officially and in common vernacular.
Automated, unisex public toilets are scattered regularly throughout cities in the TBRE and usually charge a small fee, and a time limit usually exists on the locked door.

by **SJT** » Mon Feb 02, 2015 5:07 pm

See the full travel guide here.

SJT Travel Guide
SJT, officially The Kingdom of SJT, is an island constitutional monarchy in the Atlantic Ocean, roughly 660 miles northwest of France, 150 of Ireland, 400 southwest of Iceland, and 400 southeast of Corunia and Mironor. The country is divided into 12 provinces (regions), with the capital, Ashkabia, being located in the center of the island on the river Hapert. SJT's population of 62 million live mostly in the cities and towns, with only about 46% located in rural areas. Despite its isolated location away from the rest of the European continent (which it is considered to be a part of, much like Iceland), SJT is a major political and cultural center among its neighbors.

Understand

Geography
SJT is a geographically diverse island, although most of it is plains and fertile land. The Kostmontans (Creez: "Coastal Mountains") are located in western SJT. Other minor mountain ranges include the Hapertmontans (near the river, north of the capital, Ashkabia) and the Saltmontans (Creez: "salt mountains", named for the area's salt mines, on the north-eastern coast).

History
Main article: SJT/History

SJT has had a turbulent history in the past, with disputed and fighting over religion and territory. The country was in decline after the last heavily theocratic monarchy fell in 1899, but began to steadily increase after the World Wars, and continues to do so today.

Economy
SJT's economy has been described as "booming on the inside but still on the outside", referring to how it is still one of Europe's largest despite having little activity compared to other industrialized countries. SJT has the largest GDP per capita in its region of Eos, with $30,816 USD. The country imports slightly more goods than it exports (with $3,293,701,488,000 and 3,237,947,581,320, respectively), with its main trading partners including Germany, the United States, China, Japan, Iceland, and Corunia/Mironor. SJT also has a relatively low unemployment rate, with about 2.5% of the population.

Politics
SJT is a constitutional monarchy with King Alexander IV as the current head of state (although he has no political power, like in all constitutional monarchies). The country's national parliament is called the Shafmthauze (Creez for "central house"), at the head of which there is the President office, currently held by Markus Witten. Elections are held every four years, with the next one taking place in SJT. The three main political parties are the Nevobersendel (New Transition Party), the Grenparti (Green Party), and the Liberals (People's Liberal Party), with the New Transition currently ruling. (although the different houses of government are usually made up of representatives from multiple parties, the one of the current president is formally called the "ruling party")

Regions

SJT has several cities - here is a list of the seven most notable ones.

Ashkabia (Ashchkabia/Ashkabie) - The federal, financial, and cultural capital, SJT's largest city has a rich history and a diverse culture.

Pervône - The capital of Francophone SJT and often called "the Sicily of the Atlantic", SJT's second-largest city located on an island on the Hapert river at the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean is renowned for its unique architecture, nightlife, and nude beaches.

Edom - The capital of the Vaszar region, Edom is one of the greenest cities in the world and features several parks and open spaces.

Ommels - A major port and the capital of Ommels, SJT's richest city is nicknamed the "Portland of Europe".

Kalgven - The quaint and historical capital of Alttanland, SJT's "scenic heaven".

Halbed - A quiet university town and the capital of Genum-Ogur, with a sharp contrast to the region's touristic and warm-weather atmosphere.

Kigayra - Capital city of the overseas Temlale Islands territory.

Other destinations

Genum-Ogur coast - Another popular tourist destination on the northern Atlantic coast with resorts and beaches.

Saltmontans - A mountain range near the Genum-Ogur coast, famous for its springs and salt mines.

Temlale Islands - A territory of SJT off the coast of Sierra Leone.

Climate

Climate is the same throughout SJT, with warm summers, cool and wet springs, and chilly winters. The two exceptions are the two "banana belts" in coastal Genum-Ogur and the Francophone coast (including Pervône) which have what is called an exclave climate being somewhat similar to that of the northern Mediterranean.

Excluding the banana belt areas, the best climate occurs from May to September when the weather is pleasant most of the time but can get extremely hot depending on the cloud cover. Rain is somewhat uncommon during this time but the occasional cool air makes up for it.

Get in

SJT's isolated location makes travel to and from the European mainland essentially difficult except for air or sea travel, however, it has an extensive presence in both these departments.

Entry requirements
Although it is not an EU member, SJT is still a part of the [url=en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Agreement]Schengen Agreement[/url], allowing for open travel to and from other EU members who have signed it. Also, an open border act signed between SJT and Corunia and Mironor also allows for open travel between the two countries, although security checks are still done on Mirinorese citizens in most cases due to a history of terrorism from the area. Identification, however is still required in both of these cases. In addition, a visa is not required for travelers from any Eos nations. Citizens of all other nations where SJT has an embassy (with the exception of Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand) can stay for up to 30 days without a visa. Anyone in all other nations can apply for a visa (around 10 USD per person) online or at any special-interests embassy.

By plane
The largest airport and main point of entry into the country is [url]Ashkabia International Airport[/url] (IATA: AIA, which is the hub for national flag carrier Starblast Airlines. It isone of the busiest in Europe and handles around 35 million passengers a year. The airport is located outside north of the city in the suburb of Olympvs with a number of transport options to Ashkabia proper:
-city taxis have a flat fare of 20 platz (approx. 35 USD) to go to and from the airport
-the Orbais line of the Ashkbia Metro System has an automated service between the airport and Grundershaufm (Grunder Central Station)
-the zing bus line has service from the airport to Grundershaufm for only 4pt (7 USD), however, taxis are a much better but more expensive option for travellers with luggage.

Reitan Airport (IATA: UPL) is another, much smaller airport in the south part of Ashkabia, handling mostly budget and regional airlines. Make sure you know which airport you are arriving at as the term "Ashkabia Airport" is used interchangebly for both Reitan and the main international airport.

The second largest international hub in the country and another base for Starblast Airlines is Pervône Airport (IATA: PVN) has service to several European destinations and some in North America, Africa, and Asia. Le bus rouge (the city bus service) has a line to the airport (see schedules for exact timings), and a taxi to the city center will cost around 12 platz (21.24 USD).

Ommels-Herman Ofvten International Airport (IATA: OEL) also handles a significant number of European and overseas flights.

By boat
There are a large number of water routes between SJT from the European mainland connecting it to several cities like London, Southampton, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bruges, and Copenhagen. Perhaps the most notable boat service from SJT is the Vestkanaal Dins (Western Channel Service), which connects Altis Island off the coast of eastern Vaszar to Westport in Ireland, then onto Galway in a two-hour ride. Reaching Ashkabia by boat on the Hapert is an option but is only limited to the southern areas of the city due to the bridges not able to make way for large boats.

By land
Due to SJT's location there is currently no train service to or from the European mainland, however a major tunnel project allowing for a new rail link from Altis Island to Galway is under cunstruction and expected to open by 2020. Another option is to drive or take a bus to Galway and then take the Vestkanaal Dins to SJT as it is primarily a cargo boat and can handle passenger luggage.

Get around

By plane
Domestic flights are a convenient way to get around although land or rail travel is much cheaper. Starblast Airlines and budget carriers such as Eurofly and Jett.st connect the major cities to virtually every public airport in the country.

By car
SJT has an extensive road network and automotive industry for a country its size, and cars are highly valued. There is a large road and highway system due to rapid construction projects in the past decade. There are three major roads: the SJTs Autobelt (Motor Beltway, running around the island's circular shape, through Pervône and Ommels), the Kapitalvey (Capital Highway, runs north from Pervône to Ommels, and through Ashkabia), and the Ostwest Belt (East-West Highway, runs across the country as its name implies.) Road signs are written in either Creez or French depending on the area (and bilingual around Ashkabia). Similarly to the German Autobahn, speed limits are usually in place only within construction zones or partially closed areas (of around 50-70 km/h), the rest of the highway only has a minimum of 60kmh.

Rental cars are available through several agencies throughout the country: any EES license or international card enables foreigners to drive in SJT, however, the minimum age to rent a car is 23.

Traffic laws are rather strict: drivers can be fined 90 platz (159 USD) for not wearing a seatbelt, 150 for driving past red lights or zebra crossings, and 180 upwards for speeding (traffic cameras are almost everywhere and offenders are billed on their license plate number)

Petrol is very expensive: on average, it costs 1.11 platz/litre; diesel (and surprisingly) biofuels are more reasonable. Fuel can also be purchased with a prepaid Petrolkart, available at most stores. Filling stations are widespread on the highways: however it is illegal for customers to pump gas from the nozzle (similar to the law in the US states of New Jersey and Oregon) and it warrants a fine of around 30pt (53.10 USD). Filling stations usually have attendants who will pump the petrol for customers, tipping is not necessary as the high price includes not only the lack of oil but part of the attendants' pay.

Although drivers aren't as notorious as in Jabela or Yuandistan and traffic is usually safe, renting a car is generally not a good idea as there are many other road travel options available. Ashkabia and its surrounding motorways are dangerous for driving, however, driving in the countryside or smaller cities and towns is fine for beginners.

Open road tolling exists on nearly all the highways; they can be paid either with transponders (called an SJTicket and mounted on the front dashboard; rental cars have them included) or billed from the license number. Usually taxi drivers will add the toll amount to the ending fare.

By bus
SJT has good bus systems thanks to its extensive roads. There is no nationally-operated bus line; the two best and most reliable companies are metroWheels and Autobelt 10 with intercity travel. Each city or town has a central bus station (called either Shaufmstasion gare centrale or denoted by a blue bus icon.) Fares are generally cheap, but will vary depending on the type of bus and travel season (Christmas and summertime are the most expensive).

By train
The train system in SJT is small compared to the busses, but the nationally-owned SJT Nationaljervey (SNJ) operates several intercity trains, with run on a unique "elevation" system with track platforms that can be either raised or lowered for either underground or above stations. SNJ trains have three classes (first, second, and third, availability varies by type and length of route).

By boat
There are several boat cruises on the Hapert, Edom, and Grasiland rivers operated by private companies, however boat travel between cities using rivers is uncommon except for recreation.

The cruise ship Millhimmen runs from Pervône to Kigayra in the Temlale Islands.

Talk
See also: [url]Creez phrasebook[/url]
There are two official languages in SJT: Creez and French. The latter is spoken by about three-fourths of the population, mainly in the north and north-central areas, while the southern Atlantic coast is almost entirely Francophone.

Creez is a Germanic language moderately based on Dutch and Icelandic (although not mutually intelligible), and has several dialects throughout the country (although it is commonly referred to under two umbrella dialects: the "Kapital" (capital, spoken around Ashkabia) and "Utanen" (outside, basically the dialect spoken outside of the capital region). They have little difference except for varying informal words, although people can still generally distinguish between the dialects* and can tell which region a person is from by their tone.

French is more or less the same as standard European French, although Sjtian francophones do not look down on Quebecois as much as people from France do. Francophones, have a strong regional identity and culture and see themselves as rivals to the Creez-speakers of the country. While people in Creez-speaking regions will commonly know a good amount of French, a Francophone in SJT will not learn Creez unless they absolutely need to.

English is a compulsory language in school, and is spoken fluently or at least to a good extent, or understandable by around 85% of the population. Most locals will try their best to communicate in English when they see you are a tourist, even if they have trouble with speaking. There is no absolute need to know a good amount of phrases in Creez or French as locals always try to make foreigners feel comfortable and will go out of their way to try and find an English-speaker if they aren't themselves.

Other European languages, such as German, Russian, Turkish and Spanish are also commonly spoken in the urban areas due to a large international business sector and influence of immigrants.

Do

-Take a driving tour on the Autobelt and "circumnavigate" SJT.
-Work a paddleboat on the Hapert River through Ashkabia.
-Climb the Heiligehuevel (Saint's Hill) and visit the spot where Saint Philip's spirit is said to live.
-Visit the salt mines of Genum-Ogur.
-Bask in the sun on the nude beaches on the Francophone coast.
-Rent a bike and pedal your way through the vast countryside.
-Attend the Stringfest, one of the world's largest music festivals, in Ommels.
-Sample a variety of beers at the Alttanland Breuerie in Trangovel.
-Visit the country's many [url]castles[/url].

Buy

SJT's currency is the platz (abbreviated pt), which is subdivided into hundertein (100's). Banknotes comes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 , coins come in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 1 platz.

Exchanging or withdrawing money is easy; ATMs (called either Automat or atm in Creez and French, respectively) are scattered throughout the country and can be used with foreign credit or debit cards; some located in banks also accept Euros. Money can be exchanged to platz at viselpunte (exchange points), which are available in most large public areas.

A lot places will also accept Euros (check the price listings if they are listed in both platz and Euros), however, be wary of the lower exchange rate that the platz; common scams include saying that the price in a foreign currency and then saying it was actually in platz.

Credit cards are accepted almost anywhere; including taxis and street stalls, however, non-European cards may not work in some places and you may be asked to provide an ID.

Service charges are always included in the bill so tipping is not necessary unless you have exceptional service. Sales taxes (called the SVS, essentially the same as the EU's VAT) are almost always included on price tags, but receipts still show the original price with the tax added. Non-EEA residents can get a partial SVS refund on products taken out of the country if they spend over 100pt on shopping; however this can vary greatly depending on type of goods and where they were purchased.

Business hours
Most municipalities officially have shops closed on Sundays, but most of them except for the businesses, are open seven days; the only times when most places are closed is on Christmas Eve/Day, Easter, and St. Phillip's Day (Ashkabia only). General opening hours are from 8 in the morning to 9 or 10 at night; shops are rarely open 24 hours except for pharmacies, filling stations, and high-end departments.

Products

Cheese
SJT has a wide assortment of cheeses from different regions. The most famous are either Edom cheese, Illoud blanc, or gaarkas (smoked cheese, can be made from any type). Make sure to sample cheeses in shops before buying, and also try cheese butter (exactly what it sounds like, is made by churning soft cheese along with butter)

Beers
Beer is an important part of Sjtian life and there are many to try (see "Drink" above), get canned brews if you are bringing it home. Note that there is a hefty 20% tax on any alcohol brought out of the country.

Chocolates
Although to a lesser extent than the Swiss and Belgians, SJT is also famous for its chocolates. Similat to preference for strong and unsweetened liquors, Sjtians prefer dark to milk chocolate. Some famous brands are Alttaner, Chokolatto, and Dremen.

Arts and crafts
Painting is a large pastime and artwork is widely available; artists are one of the country's "aristocrats" because they receive 60% of proceeds on their work. Handicrafts, such as woven baskets, pots, cups, ceramics, and glassware can also be found almost anywhere.

Glassware
Another Sjtian skill, products like cups, vases, and lights can be found in special "glass centers" (Glaaschaufmen)

Books
Sjtians love to read, and nearly every city and town has a bookstore. Publications are also found in department and even convenience stores. Selections are rather limited, but still worth it, in smaller areas, but large cities like Ashkabia, Pervne, and Ommels have upscale bookstores with many selections in different languages.

Cigarettes and alcohol
The legal age to buy alcohol (see "Drink" section) is 18 (19 for spirits) and 16 for cigarettes, although there is currently no official smoking age. By law, shops are not permitted to have cigarettes visible to customers behind the counter, and a photographic ID is required before the clerk takes the package out. Most tobacco vending machines require photographic ID to be unlocked and may accept credit cards only to discourage underage customers; the same applies for beer machines.

Eat

Main article: SJT/Cuisine
Sjtian cuisine is a well-mixed blend of local traditions, Scandinavian, German, and a hint of British and Mediterranean. Being an island nation, seafood is a main staple, as well as meats, grains and dairy products. There are four mealtimes: breakfast, lunch, kaffetim (a light meal or snack in the early evening, similar to English teatime), and dinner.

A full Sjtian meal consists of a soup or salad, with bread, to start, followed by a meat dish, cheese, and a stew or bake. Schelmtrank is consumed after meals so that the booze can help "break down" the fatty foods.

Restaurants are abundant throughout the country, and many of them will serve some kind of fusion food and are not "purely Sjtian". While vegetarianism is on the rise among the native population, vegetarian restaurants are still hard to find outside of urban areas. Menu items in most restaurants are usually marked with letter symbols like "V" or "K" to denote vegetarian or kosher foods.

Popular foods

Gaarkas, a smoked cheese. Varies throughout the country: in the Ketafoss area or Esthofenland it is usually Edom cheese, while in the Francophone regions it is made from either Illoud blanc or white cheddar.

Rakenbif, smoked beef in a cream sauce.

Krustgedd, crust filled with vegetables and meat; somewhat similar to a Cornish pasty.

Bakdfisk, perhaps the most famous Sjtian delicacy: fresh fish, fried and breaded with a coat of butter.

Fahtbaun, literally "fat beans"; green beans cooked in pork grease.

Drink
The official drinking age in SJT is 18, or 19 for spirits. An ID is required to buy it in any public establishment although this is rarely enforced in bars or clubs. Buying or consuming alcohol while underage can lead to a fine of 300pt.

Drinking is a major part of Sjtian life, as the saying goes; Leve haff on gatt, nub te vill met on trop driken, or "life has a pit that can only be filled with a drop of drink". Alcohol is very common, with the most popular drinks being beer, wine, whiskey, and Schelmtrank, the national drink (a hard liquor made from rye and consumed after heavy meals).

Sjtians like hard liquor, and schelmtrank is a perfect example, often considered too strong by many outsiders. Another potent drink is hops unt kaffe (commonly reffered to by its abbreviation "Huk") is a very strong beer with caffeine content.

Beer is the drink of choice next to hard liquors, and options are never limited due to around 500 breweries in the country. It is widely available in cans, glass bottles, or in large mugs at bars or pubs. Huk is the most famous, but some "pure beers" are Trangovel (a dark shade which gets its name from its native city in Geisdam), Kallvenster (golden-brown with a high foam content, from Esthofenland), Tokener (a lighter brew with less foam, made in Edom), and Le Puissance (moderate taste, from Illoud).

Wine is also popular but not commonly produced outside of the southern coastal regions as it is not ideal for grape-growing. Losange Rouge, a red wine produced in the Temlale Islands, is the only export. French, Italian, and Spanish wines are commonly imported and are found at restaurants along with Losange Rouge.

The most common non-alcoholic drink is coffee, often jokingly considered as booze because of its popularity. Despite having a preference for strong and bitter drinks, Sjtians like their coffee light with milk, although black coffee is still widely available. Kaffetim, similar to teatime in the Commonwealth, is a light evening meal with coffee and snacks. Tea is also growing in popularity, although coffee is still favored.

Stay safe

Overall, SJT is a safe country and enjoys a low crime rate. Certain areas in Ashkabia (especially the district of Nord-Hapert) and Pervone have higher rates of crime and should be avoided at night, but other than that it is generally safe to walk anywhere without worrying too much. Pickpocketing, like anywhere, is common: take care not to leave any valuables like your wallet or phone visible in your pocket. Also, the "ask for directions" trick is increasingly common: criminals will stop a driver and ask for directions or some other information, and carjack, rob, and/or beat the victim when they are caught off guard. Make sure not to pull over for anyone looking suspicious, and don't ask drivers for directions yourself (although most people will recognize and trust tourists) The national emergency number is 112 (general emergencies) or 109 and 110 for the police or fire brigade, respectively.

Exercise caution when swimming in water bodies; swimming in the Hapert river is prohibited and carries a fine of 60 platz; the same applied to the Edom river. Minor lakes and streams, however, are generally OK for swimming; make sure to watch the current flow and look out for any fish or organisms. Do not swim in the Atlantic Ocean unless near a beach area due to strong currents (such as Pervône's Plage d'Or), where the areas that are safe to go in are marked off.

Hitchhiking is illegal by law in all provinces with the exemption of Genum-Ogur and Upper Ketafoss, but not widely tolerated: trying to hitch a ride is both frowned upon and potentially dangerous, and many truck drivers will call the police later even if they do give you a ride.

Marijuana is "legal" but heavily restricted: including that it cannot be grown within SJT and it must be legal wherever it is imported from as well. Travellers over 18 are allowed to bring up to ten grams for personal consumption with a 15pt (26.55 USD) "import tax"; however, sale and use of pot grown in the country or any other place where it is not legal is still a criminal offence.

Major cities, especially Ashkabia; are very politically active, and this has been fuelled by the growing rivalry between political parties. Avoid any and all demonstrations; even if they seem like a peaceful public rally; it can quickly turn violent.

Recently, Muslims and people of Middle Eastern or North African descent have faced discrimination by locals; wearing a burqua or hijab (headscarf or body covering) is not permitted in workplaces.

SJT is a safe place for LGBT travellers and attitudes toward gays are tolerant, although same-sex public displays of affections should still be avoided outside of public gay areas. Gay clubs and bars are widespread in large cities.

Stay healthy

SJT has an excellent medical and dental care system (the latter of which is free, even for non-residents). Most towns have a vastklinik (centre de soins rapides in French), or a "quick care" center that can treat minor conditions without appointment, and are usually attached to regular clinics or hospitals.

Medicines, including over-the counter drugs, can only be sold in licensed pharmacies (usually have a green cross and an Apotheker (apothecary) sign.

A "health card" is available from any health insurance organisations in the country and can be bought online; a European Health Insurance Card is also accepted at clinics or pharmacies but costs 3.10pt (5 Euro or 5.60 USD) to activate for use within SJT. Other foreign health insurance depends on the providing organisation.

Drinking water is clean and safe except on trains and boats; however still avoided by many locals who prefer mineral or sparkling water for taste and health benefits. Do not drink or fill bottles from what might look like water fountains in public street areas, unless they have a green sign; there are used as a water source from the pipes and are not always purified for drinking. In restaurants, ask for bekkevater, or tap water, beforehand; most places will bring customers a bottle of mineral water first and then charge for it.

Public restrooms are clean, however the name "public toilet" (ovenbar toilette) only applies to either portable toilets or underground restrooms, which will usually charge a 0.50pt free to use. Other public toilets in restaurants and stores are free even if you don't make a purchase.

Respect

Overall, Sjtians are a laid-back and lax group, although there are still some things to keep in mind:

In public
-Sjtian people are very hospitable as hosts; if you are invited to someone's house, make sure to bring a small gift, such as flowers, chocolates or (even better), alcohol.
-When entering a private home, some people may or may not tolerate shoes being worn inside, watch the host first and then take off your shoes if they are already not wearing them.
-Don't smoke in the company of a host unless they smoke too or say it's OK.
-The elderly and people with disabilities are treated with great respect; give up your seat in a bus or train if you need to or help them carry their bags.
-When approaching a stranger for help in Creez, always start with the statement "halte" (which means literally, to "wait"), this will let them know that you do not know each other or they might confuse you for someone else. As previously mentioned, most people do speak English and if you approach them in English, they can tell you're a tourist and not used to the stanger-addressing concept.
-The main greeting is to shake hands (for both men and women)
-The peace sign (both backwards and forwards) is fine, but the two-finger "OK" gesture should be aavoided as it has sexual connotations. Don't even interlock your fingers with the area between your other thumb and pointer finger, even if you're not gesturing.

Ettiquette
-Don't lick your fingers after eating, even if there is a lot of food stuck to them; just wipe it off.
-Don't eat gum or candy while talking to people, if you have it in your mouth while talking, then stop chewing on it.
-Don't pick your teeth or nose in public. This is especially seen as disgusting.
-Don't get drunk in public; while Sjtians drink a lot of alcohol it is only really accepted to drink within bars or restaurants and not leave until you are sober enough to behave properly. (Some bars have a limit of how long customers have to wait to exit after consuming alcohol)
-Do not litter, although there are no strict laws against it (varying by area); most Sjtians take pride in their country's environment and are especially hostile to outsiders littering.
-When visiting churches or religious buildings, don't wear short-sleeved attire or open toed shoes.

Sensitive issues
-SJT has had a long history of conflicts over the Protestant and Catholic sects of Christianity; the country is mainly Protestant today by a slight majority. The two sects are not necessarily hostile towards one another today, but still view the other as a rival, overall. As a foreigner, don't bring up the issue at all; although Sjtians (including of different sects) do discuss it somewhat frequently, it is not acceptable for a foreigner to "butt in" on it, even if you're just giving your stance.
-Take extra care if you're in either the Francophone region or Ashkabia; "French Sjtians" (who are actually descended from French people after France had control of SJT for a short time) take pride in their unique culture and see the Creez-speaking majority as a rival. Just don't say anything about either group.

See also

History
Regions
Cuisine
Holidays
100 Facts

*In this guide and its corresponding phrasebooks, all Creez words and phrases are that of the capital dialect.

by **Hyudasia** » Mon Feb 02, 2015 9:36 pm

The Federal Republic of Hyudasia
The Federal Republic of Hyudasia, formerly known as the Holy Region of Hyudicium and then Federal Republic of Hyudasia, lies on the southeastern coast of the continent Korskiza. Gaining independence in 1700, Hyudasia has grown to be a major exporter of navigational equipment and electronic consumer goods.

With high-speed optical fiber covering 96% of Hyudasia and recent developments on Hyudasia's Hyudalink A1 and A2 railway lines and expressway systems, commuting between cities and towns has become much more convenient for citizens and travellers alike.

Regions

Hyudasia is almost completely surrounded by the South Korskizan Ocean. However, 70% of Hyudasia's land is covered by forests, save for the southern, eastern, and western coastal areas of Hyudasia, covered with tropical greenery and golden-sand beaches, ready for tourists and Hyudasians to take a dip in!

Closer to Hyudasia's interior and the north, Hyudasia becomes a mountainous and heavily forested region with mild to cool and dry weather. Many tourists that come to Hyudasia flock to the northern parts instead of the beaches.

Hyudasia is divided into four regions.
-Hyasikull (containing the capital, Seralium) (South)
-Edriktii (East)
-Peoktiiherr (West)
-Oris (North)

Cities

In Hyasikull Region...
-Seralium: Seralium is the capital of the Federal Republic of Hyudasia, home to approximately 3.4 million people. Declared the new capital in 1974, most of the city's buildings and infrastructures are modern and up-to-date. Shopping districts such as Barasoju and Indelmann are stocked with high-tech and luxury goods. Cultural and art districts such as Heitak are home to many of Hyudasia's finest museums, such as Hyudasia's Musiiak Oe Aarte I Szteienk (Museum of Arts and Sciences). The city is linked by Hyudalink A2 Monolines 1, 2, and 4, making transportation between districts quick and hassle-free.

-Serralia: A recent development starting in 1990, Serralia is home to many new and revolutionary architecture designs. The South Korskizan Beach lines this coastal city, making it a popular tourist destination in the summer seasons, along with the famous Serralia Boardwalk. Many international companies have made Serralia their home, with business expected to boom in the next few years. Serralia is only 30-40 minutes away following the Hyudalink A1 I-160 Expressway.

In Edriktii Region...
-Altrena: Altrena is home to Hyudasia's finance and navigational equipment businesses. Known as the "New York City" of Hyudasia, Altrena is filled with a mixture of industrial buildings from Hyudasia's financial heydays of the 1950's-60's and modern architecture. The city contains many attractions, such as Popuola Square (site of the 1988 Hyudasian Mass Games) and Quola Street-three whole city blocks influenced by modern pop culture and home to many famous artists such as Anthony de Huillo and Margaret Krozznie.

In Peoktiiherr Region...
-Adrudem: Adrudem is regarded as Hyudasia's first true city, officially established around the year 1704. Visitors come to see the early-era architecture, navigate the city via Adrudem's own tram line, via the many boats navigating Adrudem's numerous waterways, and via foot on the historical cobblestone paths walked on by Hyudasia's very first leaders and residents. With the Hyudalink A2 8 Underground Metro line recently constructed,
tourists can now view Altrena's many beautiful buildings, such as St.Mark's Cathedral and the Hyudasiik Oru Erii (Hyudasian High Court), no longer in use, but still open to visitors wishing to learn more about Hyudasia's rich history.

In Oris Region...
-Brenton: Breton is Hyudasia's educational center, with the IdEaS Triangle located here (Idree University, Easton Overland University, Srilli University), consisting of Hyudasia's top three most prestigious centers of higher learning. A vibrant indie and tech culture resides in this city, with nearby Mount Hining being a popular recreational destination, Brenton is known to have Hyudasia's second fastest internet, only beaten by Altrena.

Other destinations

-Oris Regional Nature Preserve: Taking up 1/3 of Oris' area, this nature preserve is home to over 80% of Hyudasia's native wildlife population, including the national animal, the Himmslo-King spotted deer. Lush evergreen trees and rivers dot this area.

Climate

During the Fall and Winter seasons, temperatures range from 10 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit with occasional LIGHT snowfall. Moderate amounts of rainfall are not uncommon during this period. In the Spring and Summer seasons, Heavy rainfall is common, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Severe weather is uncommon during this time, and heavy rainfall is often short, averaging from half an hour to 50 minutes.

People

Hyudasia contains an extremely diverse population; however, the Oris region of Hyudasia contains a majority 40% of Haeglisian peoples. These people are natives of the region, with physical features resembling those of Slavic origin. These peoples are extremely friendly, making an average trip to Hyudasia's Oris region a memorable one to most travelers. Hyasikull is noted for having a relatively high concentration of citizens of East Asian descent. Despite this, the Hyudasian people are known to follow the Three Hyudasian Deeds, as they have pledged in exchange for their Hyudasian citizenship:

1) I shall work to the best of my abilities to support my family and my community.

2) I shall not cause intentional harm and grief to those who do not deserve it.

3) I shall act to support Hyudasia in times of need when I am called upon to do so.

Respect

DO:
-Give the right-of-way to elders. If elders allow you to go ahead, refuse. It is considered rude for elders to walk behind their younger counterparts.
-Be charitable. The Hyudasian way of life demands frequent instances of charity.
-Volunteer to assist whenever the need arises. This is common sense to many Hyudasians.
-Refrain from smoking and drinking in public. This is out of social respect for others, as well as due to laws that ban public drinking and smoking.
-Shake hands often on the street. It is common for Hyudasians to greet passerby and others by handshake.
DON'T:
-Point in public unless it is absolutely necessary. To many Hyudasians, it is seen as a rude gesture, as many Mediscyii revolutionaries (during the Cludian Revolts of the 1000's) had their index fingers cut off as a punishment for revolting against the Cludian king, and is seen as a sign of humiliation even to this day.
-Arrive early to meetings or gatherings. Hyudasians are known to be very punctual.
-Get involved with protests. Protests are banned by the Hyudasian Central Congress.
-Take photos of others without authorization.
-Deface the Hyudasian national currency, the P-Coin. Defacing the currency (containing the face of Krizzig Bor Heudassi, the founder of Hyudasia) carries a 100 P-coin fine.

Talk

While German, Spanish, Korean, French, Japanese, Russian, Arabic, Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese are nationally acknowledged languages, the official language of Hyudasia is known as Heutasik (Hoytasik) and English. Heutasik's origins are largely unknown, and spelling and pronunciation varies widely from region to region, so many Hyudasians use English as their main language instead.

English is a standard course in all Hyudasian schools from grades 3 to 13. English is also a preferred language for many national businesses and Hyudasian national services. If needed, an English phrasebook for travelling around Hyudasia can be obtained at any regional visitor center, or a digital version can be downloaded from the Hyudasian National app, eHyudasia (on Android, iPhone and Windows!)

Free Visitor SIM cards which can be used until your departure can be obtained from local mobile phone stores using your IFIN.

Get in

Entry Visas for Hyudasia can be obtained from your local Hyudasian consulates. Durations last from 2 weeks to up to 3 months. Visitors must submit a copy of their birth certificates, medical records, and any form of national identification prior to entering Hyudasia. Extended entry visas can be obtained for those looking to attain permanent residency in Hyudasia, or for students and skilled workers.

All visitors will be provided an Incoming Foreigner Identification Number (IFIN) on arrival, which can be used for a variety of Hyudasian services.

By plane

Hyudair is Hyudasia's national airline service. Hyudair services international cities, such as Los Angeles and Tokyo, as well as a few domestic locations such as Seralium. GoguAir is Hyudasia's top domestic flight provider, with low airfares and good reliability. All international flights arrive at Seralium International Airport (SIA), with domestic flights arriving at their respective regional airports.

By boat

Miunzo Seastar provides for all international and domestic maritime travel needs. Ports can be found at all major regional cities, with Hyudasia's many rivers allowing for quick commerce.

By land

Hyudasia's national government service, Hyudalink, provides Hyudasia's railways and expressways. Hyudalink has over 150 national expressways connecting major cities and over 1,000 regional roads connecting towns effectively for efficient commerce between different cities and towns. Hyudalink Metro, which provides Hyudasia's railway lines, is divided into two sections: A1, consisting of intranational and intraregional routes, and A2, consisting of inter-city and urban routes. Hyudalink Metro's trains are energy-efficient and efficient, averaging a delay time of only around 30 seconds in between departures and arrivals.

Get around

For tourists, renting a car is very easy, with the national average rent cost at about 150 P-Coins per day. All public modes of transportation can be paid for using a Hyudasian C-Pass, which can be obtained and recharged at nearby convenience stores and rest stops, allowing tourists to just scan and go wherever they please.

Regional tolls have a flat fee of 20 P-Coins. This also covers the cost of leaving the region if you have already entered. Expressway cameras are put up on the expressways about every kilometer. Please follow the Hyudasian national traffic laws while on the road.

Eat and drink

In Hyudasia, foreign dishes such as German currywurst and Korean galbitang are very popular. Hyudasia does not have really have a national food culture, and what little remains of it is fusion food mixed with different dishes from other cultures. There are no national drinks, as drinking is heavily restricted by Hyudasian law.

Stay safe

-Hyudasian expressways follow almost the same rules as German Autobahns. Do not stop on the autobahn for any reason at all. There is no mandated speed limit on national roads. Please stay to the right lanes if you are not passing other vehicles.
-The Oris region has recently been the source of moderate ethnic conflicts from the neighboring Volchidians. Do not, FOR ANY REASON, attempt to get close to the Haegleisian/Volchidian border.
-In the event of an emergency, call 001-0 (Hyudasian National Medical Emergency Line).
-Make sure your Hyudasian travel visas and any form of identification are on you at all time.
-Recently, there has been an increase in terroristic activity in Hyudasia's major cities. If you suspect any form of terroristic acts, please call 001-2 immediately (Hyudasian National Internal Threats Hotline).

Stay healthy

-It is usually not encouraged that travelers drink the tap water. If possible, please stick to bottled water.
-Visiting Health Passes can be obtained from international airports which covers any emergency cost for tourists.
-While crime is extremely low in Hyudasia, please make sure any valuable goods are locked up at all times or out of sight in public when possible.
-Hitchhiking is discouraged in Hyudasia, while not illegal. Be cautious when accepting a ride.
-Pornography is heavily regulated in Hyudasia. While rules may be lenient in some regions, refrain from viewing any lewd forms of pornography on the internet.
-Do NOT attempt to cross the expressways on foot at all.
-General medication can be obtained for free by using your IFIN from local pharmacies.
-Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date. Not having all of the required vaccination requirements can be punishable with deportation or a hefty fine.

by **Gandoor** » Mon Feb 02, 2015 11:03 pm

The Democratic Republic of Gandoor
The Democratic Republic of Gandoor is a large constitutional republic located in the Pacific Ocean on the continent of Gandoor. It was established near the end of the 16th century, reached it’s current borders during the 19th century, and the current government was established in the year 1904, following a peaceful revolution which led to the abdication of the monarch and the dissolving of the almost 200 year old throne. Gandoor is regarded as an extremely liberal and open-minded nation, albeit one that tends to stay out of international affairs, due to it’s long-standing stance of neutrality in most foreign matters.

Regions

Gandoor is a large nation, consisting entirely of the mainland of the continent of Gandoor and several smaller islands off the coast of the continent. Gandoor is divided into eight administrative divisions, called yons (a word which comes from one of the native people of Gandoor and roughly translates to “regions”), along with Capital District that’s considered to be legally the same thing as a yon.

The northern regions of Gandoor are less populated than the rest of the nation, along with being cooler on average (snow is common during winter months). In addition, the northeastern part of Gandoor is famed for it’s ski resorts and mountainous terrain, so if you’re someone who enjoys the cold, the northeast is for you.

The southern regions of the nation are much more populated, with most major cities being in the southwest. However, temperatures in the south never get too hot, averaging around 25 Celsius during the summer.

Cities

Osaka – Osaka is the largest city in Gandoor, with a population of 9.6 million, and is the cultural and economic capital of Gandoor. When visiting Osaka, one can find stores selling expensive and fancy gifts, many world-class restaurants offering both local cuisine and international cuisine, as well as visit the many museums in the city.
Nzardgrad – Nzardgrad was the capital of Gandoor during the era of the Nzard (Gandoor’s monarch) and is regarded as being a very historic city. In Nzardgrad, one can visit the former royal palace, now a museum opened on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm; spend a day at Old Nzardgrad, a living history museum that depicts life in Nzardgrad (and Gandoor as a whole) during the mid-1800’s, the era that was regarded as the height of the reign of the Nzards; or visit the many other historic areas of the city.
Peninsular – Located in south-east Gandoor, Peninsular is famed for it’s beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, surfing, or just relaxing.

Other destinations

The Great Forest is an almost 3700 square metre National Park located in central Gandoor. Various trails are available for tourist usage, including guided tours which will take you to the Great Forest Waterfall, a 457 metre tall waterfall located near the eastern part of the park, among other beautiful locations only accessible on guided tours.

Understand

Climate
Weather in Gandoor is generally mild, with chilly winters (with snow common in northern Gandoor, as stated above), mild and rainy springs, warm summers (average temperatures around 25 Celsius), and falls are cool and windy. Typhoons do hit Gandoor, but they are somewhat uncommon, with usually only one or two each year, usually minor ones.

People
The people of Gandoor are some of the most friendly and tolerant people in the world. There are very few ways to insult them, short of just being rude or insulting, but there are still some things in Gandoor that are done for respect that, if you don’t do, won’t insult them, but might still elicit an odd reaction.

Respect
As stated above, the people of Gandoor are generally a friendly and welcoming bunch, but there are still some things in Gandoor that a tourist should be aware of, if they want to follow customs of respect in Gandoor.

When greeting people in Gandoor, it is customary for the person who first greets to bow towards the receiver, followed by the receiver of the greeting to reciprocate the bow.
In Gandoor, people are usually referred to by their family name, rather than their given name. Exceptions are if the person you are referring to is a family member or a close friend.
It is customary in Gandoor to remove your shoes when in a private residence (and in certain buildings, most will inform you before you enter, but still check for a sign that says TAKE OFF SHOES UPON ENTRY if you are not sure, or just ask)
While smoking is legal in Gandoor, it is illegal in many public places such as restaurants, and is highly unpopular with the populace. So if you smoke, please do not be alarmed if people give you looks when they walk by. The same applies to drinking in public places, other than in bars.
Marijuana is legal in Gandoor, however it’s usage in public, just like tobacco, is regulated and restricted, with most citizens viewing it as something you do in private, rather than out in the open.

Talk
The Democratic Republic of Gandoor has three official languages. In decreasing order of importance they are: English, Japanese, and Russian. English is the most commonly spoken language in Gandoor with 97.3% of the populace speaking it (in addition, things such as road signs, maps, etc. are predominantly written in English), with Japanese and Russian having 91.4% and 63.3% of the population speaking them, respectively.

Gandoorese people have an accent that is similar to what is viewed as the “general” American accent slightly mixed with an accent of a speaker of Japanese who also speaks fluent English. (While Gandoorese people do not mix up L and R, their pronunciation of the letters “V” and “B” are very similar, with both letters sounding like a half-way point between the two of them when spoken)

There is very little slang terms in Gandoorese English that could slip up a tourist, but be aware that there are more words of Japanese-origin used in Gandoorese English than other dialects. (And there are some words that are ‘Wasei-Eigo’ or ‘Japanese-made English’ that have been adapted in Gandoorese English, for example: mansion in Gandoor refers to a modern apartment)

Get in

In order to enter Gandoor, a passport is required, however a visa is only required if staying for longer than 60 days.

By plane
About 70% of flights to Gandoor land in Osaka International Airport, with other international airports being Gandoor City International Airport, Descar City International Airport, Nzardgrad International Airport, Peninsular International Airport, and New Yordin City International Airport. Most international flights from foreign countries will land at one of these airports and most Gandoorese airlines, including Air Gandoor will fly almost all foreign countries.

By boat
While entering Gandoor by boat is uncommon, it is still a valid way to enter Gandoor, with about 20% of all travelers entering via an international port. Most foreign cruises (about 85%) enter Gandoor via Osaka International Port, with the remaining entering Gandoor either via Peninsular International Port or Jun-Tun International Port.

By land
Since Gandoor exists on it’s own continent, we recommend NOT attempting to drive to Gandoor.

Get around

Before anything else is stated about getting around in Gandoor it must be stated that Gandoor drives on the right.

Due to Gandoor’s large size (8.313 million km²), domestic flights are highly recommended if you want to visit multiple areas of Gandoor and do not have time to drive or travel via train or bus to the areas.

However, if you do not need to travel far, it is highly recommended you travel by bus or train, as Gandoor’s public transport system is very well-funded and cheap (in terms of money you’ll have to spend, not in terms of quality).

Car rentals are available for people who wish to do so, but please be aware of the speed limits in Gandoor. (60 km/h for urban main roads and urban local roads, 55 km/h for suburban main roads, 35 km/h for suburban local roads, 25 km/h for school zones, 100 km/h for rural roads, and no speed limit for highways, but it’s recommended to not drive faster than 120 km/h or so, with most people driving between 100 and 120 km/h)

If you need to travel from the mainland to the island of Descar (or vice-versa), the Mainland-Descar Ferry carries passengers the 50 kilometres from the mainland to Descar (with the Descar-Mainland Ferry doing the reverse) every hour from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM.

Eat and drink

Gandoorese cuisine takes a lot from the cuisine of Japan, with rice being very common, however influences from British and (less commonly) Russian cuisine are also common. While Gandoorese cuisine is by no means meatless, in most meals, meat is used as an accessory, rather than the main focus. The exception to this are meals made with fish, as it’s estimated that fish is the most commonly eaten meat in Gandoor. In addition, there are many meals in Gandoor that are completely meatless and suitable for those who are vegetarian, vegan, or have other dietary restrictions.

If one is in the mood for fast food, Ichiban Burger is recommended, as they are the largest and most popular fast food chain in Gandoor, with their signature Ichiban Burger being recommended (the Ichiban Burger is a large burger similar to the Big Mac)

Tea is regarded as the national beverage of Gandoor and is traditionally drunk during dinner and almost all restaurants will give you a teacup with hot water and tea leaves without you asking.

Stay safe

Crime in Gandoor is incredibly rare, but one should still be careful to protect themselves from petty crimes such as pickpocketing.
In the event that you need to report a crime (or have any other emergency that requires immediate attention) dial 111, which is the number for immediate emergency use and can dispatch the police, fire department, and ambulances.

Stay healthy

Gandoor has a large and well-funded national health service which will help any person in Gandoor in the event of a medical emergency.

No vaccines or immunizations are required to enter Gandoor, but it is highly recommended that you have been vaccinated with the most up-to-date vaccines prior to entering.

All food and water in Gandoor is safe to consume, as it is heavily regulated for public safety.

General Tips

If you need non-emergency help, dial 222
For tourist information, dial 333
Gandoor’s currency, the gdyn (shortened to GDY), is divided into 100 cendyns, with current minted coins being 5 cendyns, 10 cendyns, 20 cendyns (due to cease minting by June of the current year [2020], but will remain legal tender), 25 cendyns, 50 cendyns, 1 gdyn, and 2 gdyns and currently printed banknotes being 5 gdyns, 10 gdyns, 20 gdyns, 30 gdyns, 50 gdyns, 100 gdyns, 200 gdyns, and 300 gdyns. The current exchange rate is 1 GDY = 1.95 USD
Most stores in Gandoor will take most major international credit cards,
Every city in Gandoor provides publically accessible WiFi, so virtually no matter where you are, you can get connected.
Gandoor utilizes the metric system as it’s sole official system of measurement, however the general population still uses the customary units for a few things, such as using feet and inches to state their height or pounds to state their weight, and slang terms using the customary units are still use
Gandoor is very open for LGBT tourists, with the vast majority of citizens (more than 98%) having no issues with LGBT people.

by **Dragomerian Islands** » Tue Feb 03, 2015 5:24 pm

The Holy Monarchy of Dragomerian Islands
The Dragomerian Islands is a 5,515 year old nation. It is a cultural paradise with many ancient cites and natural and man-made wonders. The citizens here are very friendly to tourists and and very devout in their faith.

Regions

Dragomere Island
Dragomere Island has the central government. It is popular for its numerous national parks, its hot springs, and its architecture. Many tours are open to tourists to view ancient ruins of this great nation.

Dragnier Island
Dragnier Island has a massive desert with gigantic mountains around it. This island is most famous four its massive canyon; however, it is also known for its ski resorts in the mountains, as well as its large oasis numbers.

Dratiar Island
Dratiar Island is the main hub of the Dragomerian fishing industry. Along with a number of campsites, this island has many large theme parks and zoos.

Dragoni Island
Dragoni Island is known for its lush forests and natural caves. It also is the island were the majority of ski resorts are located. This island offers a scenic view of nature. Campsites are a common sight on this island.

Barrier Islands
The barrier Islands are a set of islands that lay outside of the main nation and the national border line 400km from the main islands that make up the nation. This area experiences frequent light showers; however these islands are known for their sunny weather. These islands have many condos, luxury beach hotels, and many commercial tourist locations. These islands are best known for their sandy beaches and surving.

Cities

The Ancient City
Built in ancient times, it served as the capital of the newly united Dragomerian Islands in 10AD. After it was sacked in 1000AD, it was rebuilt in 1013AD by the descendant of its original founder. The Ancient City, which now contains all government ministries, has many ancient temples, and ruins. The Ancient City consists of evrything within a 10km radius of Dragomere Castle. In 1013AD, Dragomere City was built around it. Eventually in 1700AD, the Ancient City was officially annexed into Dragomere City to creat a single large city as the nation's capital.

Other destinations

Dragnier Ruins
The Dragnier Ruins is the site of the remains of the ancient Kingdom of Dragnier. This kingdom built many monuments, such as the Draconic Pyramid, which is a massive pyramid made of granite and marble. The pyramid is well know for the way that the sun reflects off of the pure gold capstone that rests at the pyramid's top. This pyramid stands at 140 meters tall. Another monument that stands high above these ruins is the Draconic Grave, a 100 meter tall tower made of granite, marble, and other various colorful stones.

Understand

Dragomerian Islands, started out as four separate kingdoms called Dragari, Dragoni, Dratiar, and Dragnier. These kingdoms eventually united to become the nation that we know today as Dragomerian Islands.

The standard way to refer to a citizen of the Dragomerian Islands is as a "Dragomerian".

Climate

Dragomerian Islands has climates that differ between each island. Dragomere Island is a Deciduous Forest Biome. Dragnier Island is a Desert Biome. Dratiar Islands is a Grasslands Biome. Dragoni Island is a Rainforest Biome.

People

Dragomerian Islands culture is based off of thousands of years of tradition and history. Religion has played a key role in creating modern culture in the Dragomerian Islands.

Family is held as very important an is revered. Men are the head of the family, women are the caregivers, and children are to respect their parents. Death is treated as a celebration instead of mourning. Sex is held sacred and reserved for marriage. Divorce is completely illegal.

Literature, art, screen writes and other media enjoy massive amounts of public and private funding and support. Scientific advancement is heavily accepted and encouraged, even by the major religions in the Dragomerian Islands.

Dragomerian Islands has a diverse amount of sports including Dragomerian Football, Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Baseball, Racecar Races, and the most popular Dragomerian islands games.

Respect

The Dragomerian population is very friendly to tourists. Many Dragomerians take it upon themselves to greet newcomers. The Dragomerian population is very religious, so never insult any Dragomerian God or religious figure, as that could get you killed if you do it around the more conservative population. Also, never openly support atheism, as atheists are often murdered by the conservative population.

Talk

The Dragomerian Islands recognizes two languages, Dragomerian and English. Dragomerian is spoken by 100% of the populace, while English is taught as a second language and claims 50% to be proficient.

Dragomerian has twenty consonants and six vowels. The basics of the language are similar to English; however, the Dragomerian language does not have as many rules and exceptions as compared to its English counterpart. It takes between four to six years before a person may usually be considered as proficient in the Dragomerian language.

As per common accepts, all letters are only pronounced a single way. Dragomerian dictionaries are available to tourists upon request.

Get in

To enter the Dragomerian Islands, a person is required to have a passport of no older than 7 years. To have an extended visit , a person needs to get a Visa, which requires a valid form of identification, a passport, and valid proof of legal entry into the Dragomerian Islands.

By plane

The main method of entry into the Dragomerian Islands is by plane. To enter, a person needs to have a valid passport of no older than 7 years old. He or she must then present his or her luggage to be checked by security officials, scanning of the person is then required. Attempting to skip any part of this process will lead to arrest and possible charges.

By boat

This method is most popular in the Barrier Islands. To enter, a person needs to have a valid passport of no older than 7 years old. He or she must then present his or her luggage to be checked by security officials, scanning of the person is then required. Attempting to skip any part of this process will lead to arrest and possible charges.

Get around

Driving is done on the right side of the road. If a person does not have a car, he or she may use any of the public or private transportation methods, such as train, bus, taxi, or by plane. Private transportation is very cheap, and public transportation is free.

Eat and drink

Dragomerian quinine varies between the islands; however, there are many spicy and cultural based foods in the Dragomerian Islands. Dragomerians typically have four meals per day, with three large meals and one light snack. Dragomerian food is well known for being spicy and containing lots of meat. Dragomerian beverages widely vary. Dragomerian alcoholic beverages may be consumed once a person turns 13. Dragomerians take pride in their alcohol.

Stay safe

Most places are incredibly safe; however, it would not be wise to be out in the city between 22:00 and 5:00, as criminals come out at that time. Also, never insult the Dragomerian religion or proclaim atheism in public, as you may not last long afterwards.

Stay healthy

The Dragomerian population is largely resilient against diseases. Medications are available 24/7 and hospitals accept any patients. The Dragomerian Islands has the best medical treatments and healthcare available.

Currency

The Dragomerian Islands uses a currency called the Credit (C$). This currency is equivalent to the worth of ten universal standard dollars. All currency needs to be exchanged into Credits in order to make purchases of any kind in the Dragomerian Islands.

Contact Us

Emergency Services
To reach an Emergency Services Operator, call 7-137-777-1313.

Dragomerian Tourism
To contact us for more information or to set up a vacation/trip, call 7-137-137-1313.

by **Lzherusskia** » Tue Feb 03, 2015 6:27 pm

I'll do this bit by bit and unspoiler it once it's complete.

by **Nocturnalis** » Tue Feb 03, 2015 9:22 pm

Also tagging for later.

by **Reloria** » Wed Feb 04, 2015 2:50 am

[Great entries so far, enjoyed reading them! Slow burning thread I guess! I've updated the list with the new submissions.}

by **Agrarian England** » Wed Feb 04, 2015 9:26 am

Agrarian England
The Burkean-Socialist Monarchy of Agrarian England is a nation in The Democratic Socialist Union. It is located in the British Isles and is bordered by Ireland and Scotland.

Regions

Agrarian England has 3 regions.
England:England is the most populous and is the main part of Agrarian England. It is dominated by countryside and towns. While Agrarian England does not have lots of factories (we have some, but they are quite rare. Instead, we make stuff on our own), England is a nice place to visit.
Wales:Wales is the second most populous region of Agrarian England. It is known for its cuisine and landscape. There are many sites to see in Wales and things to do.
Channel Islands:The Channel Islands are made up of 2 main islands; Jersey and Gurnsey. While there are smaller islands, these two are the main. They are famous for their weather and cows.

Cities

London:The powerhouse and capital of Agrarian England. London has many musuems, theaters, opera houses and eateries. The River Thames cuts through London, and you can ride through it on a boat. There are also many palaces in London, the most famous is Hampton Court, where the Royal Family stays.

Bristol:Bristol is the main port of Agrarian England and is filled with trade. Here, you can find many traders, and buy cloth, silver, gold, spices and more. While London is the centre of trade within Agrarian England, Bristol is filled with International Trade.

Other destinations

Stonehenge, England:Stonehenge is an ancient site in Agrarian England. It was and is still used by Pagans (While Christianity, all types, are the predominent religion, Paganism is allowed too). Tourists are allowed to visit and can be accompanied by a tour guide.

The Midlands:While the Midlands are built on industrialisation, they are still a powerhouse. with great cultural buildings, they are known as the 'London of the Midlands' or simply 'The Second London', except much The Midlands are a region.

Climate

The climate of Agrarian England is unpredictable. It can rain or be sunny, or possibly snow. In East Anglia, there are a lot of marshes, so be careful when visiting.

People

The people of Agrarian England are nice and welcoming. It is a marriage of two cultures; English Culture and Welsh Culture, however English Culture is mainly predominent. The people come from many backgrounds, some are Celts, some Vikings, some Saxons and others French. There are many ethinicites in Agrarian England, and get along well.

Respect

Do's:
Do take your hat off when you're in a building (for men).
Do say 'Please' and 'Thank You' in the appropiate situation.
Do say 'Excuse me' when needed.
Always shake hands when meeting a person.
Say sorry in the correct situation.
When yawning or coughing, please cover your mouth.
Open doors for other people.
Donate to charity when you can.

Don't:
Don't ask a lady her age
Don't spit
Don't speak while you're eating.
Don't intrude others privacy (ie:taking a picture of them without their permission, asking personal questions)

Talk

Citizens of Agrarian England speak Modern English, and must learn at least 2 languages when in school. However, Scottish Gaelic, Cornish, Welsh and Norman are recognised languages.

Get in

In order to aquire a tourist visa to enter Agrarian England, you must go to Agrarian England's embassy/high commision in your country. Ask for a form or alternativly you may fill in a form online. It will be reviewed and you will recieve a visa in 2-4 weeks. Even then, visitors must fill out a form when in Agrarian England.

By plane

Plane is not a mode of transport in Agrarian England.

By boat
English ports are up-to-date and have adequate facilities. You may book with any company you wish.

By land
Agrarian England does not have cars, however horse is a popular transport. You may get a rental cab for £100 (minimum rate) with a driver if you wish. Rental cabs work as taxis (if you hired a driver) or rental cars, they drive you to your destination. Roads are up-to-date and have many links to towns and cities.

Get around

See the 'By Land' post. Also, we drive on the left.

Eat and drink

The cuisine of Agrarian England, as said with the culture is a marriage. Restaraunts serve good food and have great standards. Because we are agricultural, we have a lot of meat and crops. Ale, Beer and other alcoholic drinks can be consumed from the age of 13 (watered down), while the legal age to have fully alcoholic drinks is 22. You can find pubs (Public Houses) anywhere in Agrarian England, even in rural areas.

Stay safe

Crime is relatively low, however watch out for pickpockets (they are not common, however just in-case). Police is always nearby and patrol the area a lot. Also, it is wise not to insult the King and his family (you may criticise how they are, however hate speech is not tolerated) as this can end up getting you deported and permanently banned from Agrarian England.

Stay healthy

We have state-of-the-art hospitals and walk-in clinics. Foreigners, however must pay to use service (the cost is low if you have travel insurence). Pharmacies are open 24/7, 365 days of the year. There are no diseases in Agrarian England, however colds and the flu are common. If you come to Agrarian England in winter, be prepared and carry some medicine if you fall ill.

Currency

Agrarian England uses the Pound Sterling (£). You can convert it at a bank or ATM. Credit and Debit cards are common in Agrarian England. The exchange rate of the Pound Sterling to the Nationstates Dollar (when wrote) is £1=$3 NSD. Demonynations are: (Coins: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p) (Notes:£1, £1, £5, £10, £20, £50)

Other advice and numbers

Telephones and mobiles are used in Agrarian England a lot. The calling code is +44. Here are some important numbers.

Emergancy services:328
[/b]Visit Agrarian England:+44 2047 1991[/b]

Advice:
The English are quite homophobic even if nice, so avoid touching on that subject.
Public nudity is outlawed, however you can show affection in public (as long as it is heterosexual)
Swearing is allowed in Agrarian England, but excessive swearing can result in a £500 fine.

Other information:
Internet, TV and Radio are common in Agrarian England. You can use wifi anywhere.
Agrarian England uses the metric system, however the imperial system is still used in cities, towns, villages and rural areas.

On IIWiki · by **Astholm** » Wed Feb 04, 2015 3:00 pm

OOC: Being edited.

The United Kingdom of Astholm

Although the United States, Canada, Lucembeorg, Kilcanada, Thorpenswyre and Lichtenstein are part of Astholm, for the purposes of this article they are considered as separate nations. This is not a political endorsement.

The United Kingdom of Astholm is a vast nation, which is multicultural, yet it has its own distinct culture. English people are the most common; native individuals are referred to as Astholmian, or British.

It is a large nation.

Regions

Greater London
The capital, and also a county, encompassing the former county of Middlesex. Also has extraterritorial enclaves which are non-contiguous. The centre of the Astholm empire, and home to royalty.
Surrey
One of the wealthiest parts of Astholm, a popular commuter hotspot, and likewise, has exclaves.
Kent
A large county, with rural areas, and the Downs. Coastal, and popular with London commuters.
Middlesex
Formally known as Middlesex-Harlingford, and not to be confused with the Middlesex which is now in West London, it is two unitary authorities merged into one as of April 1993, and is multiethnic, with English being the most common population; but there are enclaves of Afro-Caribbean, American, Canadian, Geadish, Indian, Van Luxemburgian, Turykh and Bosnian people within the area. Known for its council estates.
Watfordshire
An urban county, this was first "created" in late 1988, officially becoming a county in 1989, replacing parts of Hertfordshire and Middlesex. Not contiguous either. Home of middle-class people, and known for good food and shopping. Also home to one of Astholm's biggest race tracks. Not to be confused with Watford in Hertfordshire, named for another Watford within the borough.

Cities

London
The capital city, which also has territories not physically contiguous with it. Part of the Greater London area, and has multiple boroughs.

Other destinations

[Replace this text with a brief overview of other points of interest in your nation - national parks, monuments outside of towns, and the like. A list with summaries or more detailed exposition is fine - make it tourist-friendly!]

Understand

[Replace this text with any general factoids that don't fit the following categories, such as the etymology of your nation or its regions - delete this if you don't need it.]

Climate
The climate in Astholm, is, for the most part, fairly "British" in climate, and there are risks of snow in some areas.

People

Astholm has a diverse range of ethnic groups, but it can be distilled down into five major ethnic groups:

Astholmians: This is a catch-all term for anyone from Astholm. Ethnically, they are a Germanic ethnic group, and similar to Anglo-Saxons, also related ethnically and linguistically to English, Scottish, Irish, German, Belgian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish and Norwegian peoples.

Turykh: This group have their own culture and speak their own language, which is a hybrid of Saxon and their own language. Not to be confused with Turkish people.

Kuzei: Named for the Turkish word for Northern, this ethnic group are half-Astholmian, and of Turkic descent. They speak a dialect similar to Turkish.

British: Anyone from the United Kingdom part of Astholm; includes Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish people as well as English.

American: The American diaspora also constitutes a large part of Astholm's population, with many being of either British American, German American, Irish American, Chinese American, Russian American, Slavic American, Mexican American, Danish American, Norwegian American, Finnish American, Swedish American, Taiwanese American, Portuguese American, Canadian American, African American, Puerto Rican American, Samoan American, Indian American, Pakistani American, Cajun, Metis or Native American heritage.

Canadian: Canadians also make up a large part of Astholm's population; they are mainly British Canadian, German Canadian, Irish Canadian, French Canadian, Chinese Canadian, Norwegian Canadian, Danish Canadian, Black Canadian, Indian Canadian, Pakistani Canadian, Japanese Canadian, Croatian Canadian or Quebecois heritage.

Indian: The Indian community is one of the longest-established in Astholm. There are also Anglo-Indians as well.

Astholmian people are friendly, gentle and helpful people, who are sociable, and tolerant of others' foibles and flaws. Due to the multiracial nature of the nation, laws concerning equality are in place, and racism is a sensitive issue.

Respect

In Astholm, criticizing the automobile is considered offensive; it is part of Astholm's culture. Don't discuss electric cars, since they are not popular here, and hydrogen cars are not either.
Self-driving vehicles/driverless cars are legally prohibited in Astholm, and electric cars are legally prohibited in Astholm; any brought in must be exported within 24 hours.

Racist actions are considered a criminal offence, and you will or can be fined for them; this law is taken seriously.
Religion is considered a private affair, so don't ask, unless they talk about it.

Sensitive issues
-Don't mistake a Canadian for an American, or vice versa; be aware they are two very different cultures.
-The military is not a topic that is often discussed, unlike some nations. Aside from respect for veterans and WWI and WWII, or the plight of veterans and PTSD, discussing military matters is considered boring or rude. There is respect for the military, but that is as far as it goes.
-As with the American/Canadian example above, do not confuse Chinese or Japanese people with each other. The Taiwanese and Singaporean diasporas find this particularly sensitive.
-Attempt to discuss drug-related issues; it is not something that the populace talk about. Being pro- or anti-drugs is not considered a safe topic, the laws on this are complex.
-Do not discuss self-driving cars, this will be ignored as a topic of conversation, and the nation prohibits people from owning one or importing them, due to cultural reasons.
-Criticizing the automobile industry will not win you friends. Making constructive criticisms of it, however, is acceptable, even from foreigners.
-Astholm is multiracial, and race-related topics are an area to be sensitive about when in polite conversation.
-The Turykh worship tribal gods. Do not mock this practice at all. Ask by all means, but be sensitive. Their gods are similar to Norse gods, but it is a unique religion in itself.
-The Kuzel do not see themselves as Turkish, but as Turkic. Be sensitive about this, and don't call their language a Turkish dialect, they are proud of it.

Talk
English is the de facto official language; but also spoken are Welsh, French, German, Turykh, Chinese and various other languages. Hindi is also commonly spoken amongst the Indian diaspora.

In certain areas, American English and Canadian English are better understood than standard English; Quebec French is also spoken too, but mainly in Canadian-diaspora areas.

Basically, English is the main language, but if you're multilingual, expect it to be put to good use.

Get in

Visitors from all countries (except the United States, Canada, Lichtenstein, Thorpenswyre, Australis Australia, Kilcanada, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Maren, Croatastholm, Balstenia and) require a visa.

United States citizens entering Canada (and all other parts of Astholm, except the United Kingdom, where a visa is accepted), need only proof of citizenship and identification for short-term visits. In addition to a driver's license, a number of other documents may also be used to cross the border:

United States Passport Card (issued by the Department of State)
United States Passport Book (issued by the Department of State)
Enhanced Drivers License or Non-Driver Photo ID card (currently issued by Michigan, New York, Vermont, and Washington State)
Enhanced Tribal ID Card
Trusted Traveler Cards issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the Canadian Border (NEXUS and FAST).

Character concerns

The United Kingdom of Astholm is known to be somewhat more lax than some other countries when it comes to character concerns of visitors. Landing cards do not ask about prior convictions and border/ visa personnel seem to be more concerned about convictions inside the UK rather than those abroad. That said, if the border officer questions you about criminal history, you must answer truthfully.
If you're applying for a visa or entry clearance, you will have to list any criminal convictions as part of the application, although there are no hard and fast rules regarding who is admissible and who is not: each case is viewed on its own merits and a minor conviction long ago is unlikely to cause problems, especially if your behaviour since then has been good.

By plane

[Replace this text with any information about entering your country by plane.]

By boat

[Replace this text with any information about entering your country by sea.]

By land

[Replace this text with any information about entering your country by train / road.]

Get around

You will NEED a car to get around Astholm. Even if you don't drive, it is still essential, since this is a huge country, and public transport is limited in some areas of the country.

Hire car firms are common, and most tend to offer Celsan (a popular national brand, equivalent to Vauxhall, Holden or Opel), or Rauwe (a Rover/Toyota/Opel brand which is an every man's car); or, even more commonly, the Pontiac G5, which, although it ceased production in 2009, continues across Astholm to this day.

Shop around online before getting your hire car; don't rent the first one you see.

Self-driving cars/autonomous vehicles are legally prohibited in Astholm, so if your nation has them, DON'T expect them in Astholm.

Taxis are the other way to get around, and there is no standard vehicle; but it being Astholm, and the nation where the car is king, you can expect to see designs that may be outdated in their native countries getting a new lease of life as a taxi in Astholm. The 1996-2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the most common, and many tend to be the old 4-cylinder diesel engine versions; these are often finished in a yellow-and-white shade.

Eat and drink

Food and drink is a mixture of British, American, Indian and

Stay safe

This varies.

However, public nudity is a criminal offence, for which you can be fined between £500 and £2,500. It is only acceptable in 2 places:

Medical facilities
Saunas

Drugs are, officially speaking, illegal, but the law on this varies. Medical drugs are exempt from this law. Foreigners should be warned, though, bringing drugs into the country may prevent you entering Astholm, unless they are medical drugs.

Homophobia is still prevalent, despite the Equality Act 2010. Public displays of affection between a couple of the same sex may not get a positive reaction, even though Astholm does have a gay scene, and there are laws on equality. In short, be careful. This is particularly true in places like The Wolds and also rural Surrey towns.

Interracial couples will have no issues for the most part, except for rural towns where the population is mainly white.

Stay healthy

[Replace this text with details on any health risks that may be present. Is it safe to drink the water, are there any problems with disease? Include any recommendations for vaccinations that a visitor may need before setting off for your nation.]

by **Reloria** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 5:06 am

{Updated!}

by **Alizeria** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 8:29 am

[OOC: Work in Progress]

The Kingdom of Alizeria
The Kingdom of Alizeria is an island nation located in southwestern Cornellia. The island is very sparsely populated, with a population of less than 4 million people, however it famously contains more than 100 million sheep. The Kingdom of Alizeria dates back to 810AD when the island was unified under the rule of John the Conqueror. It was a client state of The Cornellian Empire from 1607 until 1868 when it became fully independent. Alizeria is the oldest democracy in the region, enjoys one of the highest standards of living and is considered one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world.

It is known for its friendly but eccentric locals, quirky traditions and amazing hospitality. The country has a pleasant if rainy climate, a stunningly clean environment and beautiful scenery. It is very compact with a well developed infrastructure, making it a very easy country for visitors to explore.

See also:

Regions

Historically Alizeria was divided into three small ancient kingdoms; the Latin-speaking Palatine in central and eastern Alizeria, the Celtic kingdom of Chiridia in the north and west and the Germanic/Nordic Kjörk in the south. Today these have no administrative significance, but there is a slight cultural difference between the three regions.

Modern Alizeria is divided into 19 counties, which form the top-tier of local government. Most of these counties are based on historical divisions which have remained unaltered for centuries and historically counties were ruled by Earls (formerly known as 'Counts') or sometimes by Marquesses, although the cities of Krostuk, Norskeberg and Auckonto have been considered the equivalent of Counties in their own right since the passage of the Local Government Act, 1985.

For tourism purposes, the main regions of Alizeria are:

The King's Counties: (Consisting of Metropolitan Krostuk, County Palatine, County Belslough and County Wellington) The heartland of Alizeria, containing half of the country's population and home to Krostuk, the capital and largest city. The area is known as "The King's Counties" due to the counties surrounding Krostuk traditionally being where Alizerian Kings, royals and aristocracy would have their secondary homes and palaces.

The Lakes Region: (Consisting of County Auckland, County Avonhead, County Centerbury and County Ianshire) A cosmopolitan area well known for its natural beauty and its many waterways including Lake Auckonto and the Long River, upon which lie the major cities of Auckonto and Centerton respectively.

The Northwest: (Consisting of County Chiridia, County Kingsbay, County Liversea and County Wichbury) An area known for its warm, sunny climate frequented by tourists from Alizeria and abroad and home to Alizeria's "cultural capital" of Everton.

The Mountain Region: (Consisting of County Williamshire, County Westfield and County Christchurch) Alizeria's least populous area, but home to the stunning Alizerian Alps and Westland Forest

The Deep South: (Consisting of Metropolitan Norskeberg, County Albion and County Otago) A rainy and slightly colder area of the country well known for ancient castles and cathedrals

Cities

Alizeria has five main cities, being the only urban areas with populations of more than 100,000 people, while the rest of the country dwell in small towns and villages of only a few thousand.

Krostuk: The capital of Alizeria and by far the largest city, with over a million people living in the conurbation - more than a third of Alizeria's total population. The city is famous for "the three 'P's: Palaces, Parliament and Pubs". Originally built by Roman settlers, it is sometimes nicknamed "Little Rome" and features a mix of ancient Alizerian architecture and Cornellian-era buildings alongside brand new 21st century skyscrapers. There is everything from nature reserves, to museums, to politics, shopping and some of the best restaurants and nightlife in the region on the famous waterfront.

Norskeberg: Alizeria's second largest city, located in southern Alizeria on the west coast, is famous for its cathedrals and architecture, its more "Scandinavian" atmosphere and its proximity to ski fields and the Alizerian alps.

Everton: Known as "the sunshine capital of Alizeria" or alternatively as "the culture capital of Alizeria", Everton is located in County Kingsbay on the southern edge of the peninsula on Alizeria's west coast. It is famous for its warm and sunny climate, the beautiful surrounding scenery as well as for its "hip" and "arty" vibe.

Auckonto: Situated on the eastern end of Lake Auckonto, after which it is named, Auckonto is a leafy and orderly city known for its more modern architecture, the "grid" layout of the city's streets as well as the outstanding natural beauty and greenness of the surrounding area which includes mountains and forests. It is the largest "New Town" in Alizeria, with most of the city having been built in the 20th century.

Centerton: Built on the banks of Alizeria's longest river (the imaginatively named "Long River" which runs from Krostuk all the way up to Lake Auckonto), Centerton is located in a rich and fertile farming area and is famous for its pubs, good food and sports teams as well as for containing Alizeria's oldest railway station and first electric power station.

Other destinations

Alizeria has a wealth of national parks, rural areas and off-the-beaten-track places to explore, though sadly we can only list nine of the best (in alphabetical order):

The Abnormal Stone of Clynesdown - located in County Belslough, three hours south of Krostuk. The stone itself isn't that impressive, but the quirky tourist industry and theme park that has sprung up around it is worth seeing - a fine example of Alizerian humour and eccentricity. A great family destination, featuring clowns, candy floss and of course sheep riding for the kids.

Cape Eden - located in County Otago, Cape Eden is the southernmost point in Alizeria. While it is known to be cold and windy for most of the year, on a rare clear day it features a beautiful view, while the area is often visited by albatross and even penguins. According to local legend the area is very haunted, and if you're brave you can stay a night in the very spooky Eden Castle nearby.

County Kingsbay - this is the third time that County Kingsbay has been mentioned, and it really is must-see. Leaving Everton City to one side, the County also features an amazing coastline with golden sandy beaches, spectacular cliffs and an amazing hiking trail through the Cracroft and Eastmorland forests.

The Isle of Sheep - located in Krostuk Harbour, just a short ferry ride from the CBD, the Isle of Sheep is like another world despite lying within Krostuk City. While true to its name, the Isle features a healthy population of sheep, it also features ancient ruins, black sand beaches, forests and wineries where you can leave your cares behind for a day or two.

The King Country - located in County Wellington, on the surface the King Country may appear to be nothing more than another bucolic green farming area filled with sheep, but if you dig a little deeper and explore a little further you will learn that it is an area of great historical significance, featuring manors and mansions of current and former nobility, the ruins of ancient castles and the sites of ancient battles and conflicts. To find yourself a piece of treasure or history in the King Country, sometimes all you have to do is to literally dig.

Kjörk - located in County Albion, Kjörk is one of the oldest towns in Alizeria and has retained its Medieval character to this day. The town remains one of the only places left in southern Alizeria where German is spoken as a first language. The town has excellent cuisine and the locals host tours that explore the long history of the area, with the town founded in the year 59BC and almost every building in the town protected by law as being of national historical significance.

Mount Aborea National Park - located in County Westfield, Mount Aborea is Alizeria's tallest mountain and the Alizerian Alps area is a great place for hikers, skiers and anyone looking for adventure.

Shadow Valley National Park - located in County Chiridia, Shadow Valley is an area of unparalleled natural beauty and caters to hikers or simply those wishing to go on a scenic drive. The area passes through green, forested hills, coves, caves, mountains, a few ancient ruins and then ends at a golden sandy beach on the north coast of the country.

Westland Forest National Park - located in County Westfield, north and west of the Alizerian alps, Westland Forest is one of the finest national parks Alizeria has to offer, featuring the rocky and rugged coastline of the west coast, giant rainforests and leading up to glaciers.

Understand

"For should it be that the Kingdom of Alizeria survives this darkest of hours, then from henceforth until the end of time immortal,
history shall utter in hushed tones the tale of Brave Little Alizeria.” - The Rt. Hon. Duke of Everton, Prime Minister of Alizeria 1855 - 1864

The Kingdom of Alizeria is often referred to by a number of nicknames, including "The Island Kingdom", "The Edge of the Empire", "The Land of Emerald and Grey" and "The Woolly Island".

The country is a constitutional monarchy, but the King has no executive power and is entirely ceremonial. Alizeria is also the oldest democracy in the region, with Parliament (which dates back to the 12th century) making all the major decisions, and citizens having had to right to vote in free in fair elections since 1773 (although admittedly women didn't get the vote until 1920).

While the right to freedom of religion is guaranteed by law, the Church of Alizeria is the established church (and therefore official religion) of Alizeria. The Church of Alizeria is a form of Christianity, except that its Bible has one extra book - the Gospel of Ian - which teaches that Jesus Christ had a brother named Jeff who worked in a pub.

Although it is a constitutional monarchy, Alizeria doesn't actually have a constitution - or at least, not a codified one. Rather the constitution consists of several documents, pieces of legislation and conventions (traditions) that have all somehow formed into a stable and working democracy. Some Alizerians might proudly say the country is "making it up as we go along".

In the 19th century Alizeria fought bitterly against the Cornellian Empire for its independence and over 600,000 people were killed in this time, known as "the Alizerian Genocide". More than a quarter of the population were slaughtered, more per capita than any other nation in the former Cornellian Empire. Many of these people were killed for religious reasons, while others were killed as a result of the policy of "non-violent resistance".

Since then, Alizeria has remained a peaceful and neutral country, and has not participated in any war since 1868, including the Great Cornellian War of 1912 - 1919. It is a post-industrial country with an advanced welfare state and enjoys a high standard of living - in the 1950s and 1960s it had the region's absolute highest standard of living, although the economy has declined somewhat since then.

Alizeria houses the Cornellian Peace Committee who since 1874 have awarded the Cornellian Peace Prize every year.

Climate

Alizeria has a mild oceanic climate with plenty of rainfall but no extremes of temperature as a result of the moderating effect of the Occidental Ocean. Temperatures rarely exceed 30°C or fall below 0°C. The average daytime temperature in summer is 18°C, while the average daytime temperature in winter is 12°C.

Alizerian rain is world renowned, although some parts of the country (such as the northwest) are drier than others. Rainfall occurs a lot more during winter than it does during summer. It's also worth noting that as Alizeria is in the southern hemisphere, winter is from June to August while summer is from December until February - Christmas Day is often the hottest day of the year.

Alizeria is one of the most difficult countries in the world in which to predict the weather - it is very volatile and you will often experience 'four seasons in one day'. It's not uncommon to see people carrying umbrellas on clear, sunny days in case of any sudden change in the weather.

Weather is a topic often talked about by the locals, and with a climate as volatile as Alizeria's it's little wonder why.

The north is slightly warmer than the south on average. Snow is all but absolutely unheard of north of Krostuk, while southern Alizeria experiences the occasional snowfall about once a year - although heavy snow is extremely rare except in mountainous areas.

Alizeria is famous for its often cloudy and overcast skies, while a high rainfall has contributed to Alizeria's lush green scenery - hence it is "The Land of Emerald and Grey".

People

Alizeria is a country where eccentricity is the norm, and widely celebrated, although Alizerians are probably the nicest and friendliest people in the world, and Alizerian hospitality is something truly legendary. As soon as they get wind that you're from across the water (foreign), be prepared for a pampering like no other.

Alizerians are some of the most generous people in the world (this is probably evidenced by the fact that despite its tiny population, it has one of the most comprehensive foreign aid programmes in Cornellia) and you'll almost certainly be offered a drink as soon as you land - usually from customs officials themselves, and it would be very unusual if you weren't offered a free ride, a free meal and somewhere to stay within the first day of your travels.

If you're stuck for money, just head to the local pub and tell them you're foreign - people will buy you food and drinks in exchange for stories of your home country and you'll probably have more offers of free accommodation than you can handle. Alizerians are very talkative - you'll never be lonely or short of conversation in Alizeria, and some might say they never shut up.

If you're willing to travel all those miles to come to Alizeria, then they will go the extra mile, nay, the extra lightyear, to give you a good experience - there are plenty of stories of Alizerians going to great extremes to help out tourists, including one incident involving a man donating his kidney to a tourist, and another of someone mortgaging their house to pay for someone to fly back to their home country after losing all their money.

There are some slight regional differences in culture, dating back to the three ancient kingdoms. For example, people from Krostuk and the "King's Counties" tend to be more formal, while people from the northwest are a lot more laid back. Southern Alizerians often appear quite distant at first, but will tend to loosen up once you start talking to them, or after a few drinks, whichever comes first.

Respect

It is socially acceptable to address absolutely anyone by their first name - from the King of Alizeria down (after being crowned in 2012, King Nikolas II's famous first words as King were "Call me Nick".) Not only that, but it's also quite common for friends or neighbours to have known each other for years without ever having learned the other's surname.

When passing a stranger on the street, it is customary to say hello. This is especially important in small towns and rural areas, but even on the busy streets of Krostuk a nod and a smile to passers by is considered the bare minimum of being polite. Often strangers may greet you with the phrase "Are ya right there?" to which to polite response is to say "I'm grand thanks, how would you be?" (Usually they would then respond by saying "Ah yes I'm grand" before then leaving you to your business.)

Don't be shy about receiving gifts, although do remember to say "thanks", "cheers" or "god bless you". Pay it forward is very much the rule in Alizeria - Alizerians are not shy about giving gifts and are not shy about receiving them. However, they are shy about asking for help and people tend to be very indirect about asking for things. Likewise, being too direct when asking a favour could be construed as rude - for example you are better off waiting for someone to notice you look lost than actually asking for directions outright (although rest assured that people will try to help you if you look lost).

While Alizerians tend to be very open and talkative, the four topics that should never be discussed openly are sex, money, religion and politics. In terms of the latter two, Alizerians tend to be very reserved about their beliefs in public - even if they are very religious or very political, although if you are invited to discuss those topics then feel free to. The only time it is ever considered acceptable to discuss sex or money with another person in Alizeria is if you are married to that other person, or if they are family. Otherwise it's strictly off limits.

A sense of humour is considered essential in Alizeria - you don't want to be considered a "brick wall" (see: Talk below). Alizerians tend to joke in any situation, even in very formal ones, and it is considered polite to either join in with a witty reposte to the joke, or else to laugh. Even if you found the joke lame, unfunny or even distasteful, you should at least fake a laugh - failing to do so would be considered extremely rude and would likely see you rapidly avoided by people in future.

Alizerian humour is extremely irreverent and often sarcastic, but can be perceived as rude by people not used to it. Alizerian humour is extremely politically incorrect and people may come across as bigoted and use or refer to you with terms such as "queer", "nigger" or "bloody woman". It is important to remember that these terms are not meant as insults or even to convey any hidden agenda of racism, sexism or homophobia - it is nothing more than the Alizerian sense of humour. A prime example of this is former Prime Minister Sir Edward Vermile who was often derided abroad for his frequent references to "queers and niggers" - which domestic audiences understood to be a joke, but which international audiences believed were statements of genuine bigotry.

While Alizerians will usually joke about any topic, and are often quite self deprecating, but there are two topics that should be avoided. One is making sheep jokes - Alizerians will usually just roll their eyes at these, not because they are offended but because they have heard them all before. (Of course, if an Alizerian makes a sheep joke to you then feel free to join in.) The other topic that is off limits would be to joke about the Alizerian Genocide in the 19th century - this would be considered highly offensive, akin to making jokes about the holocaust in Israel or about 9/11 in the United States.

You will often find yourself judged by the way you dress, so be very careful not to dress too casually (unless you are, say, a teenager only likely to interact with other teenagers). In the cities - especially in Krostuk - a bowler hat and a blazer would be considered 'casual wear' while a top hat, tails and three piece suit would be required in any situation with any degree of formality, for example a job interview. In rural areas things are less strict, but a tweed jacket is usually considered the minimum. Women should not expose themselves too much in public. While there hasn't been a formal public dress code since the 1980s, girls wearing skimpy clothing and miniskirts would be considered highly offensive in most parts of Alizeria, with the possible exception of major cities such as Krostuk or Everton (It might also be considered more acceptable at the beach).

Swearing isn't just considered rude in Alizeria - under the Vulgarity Act 1979 it's also illegal. While most Alizerians may sound like they swear constantly, if you listen very carefully most are actually saying "fook" or "shite" or very occasionally even "coont" as a way of bypassing this law (although their accent does make it sound as if they are swearing regularly). Most people will forgive a foreigner if they swear and you are highly unlikely to be charged unless you swear publicly and frequently. In fact you're probably safer to just say "fuck" than "fook" - Alizerians will be more forgiving of you swearing than of you attempting to imitate their accent.

Homosexuality was only recently decriminalised in Alizeria, and with much public opposition. Care should be taken by LGBT people - although the vast majority of Alizerians will be very tolerant towards you. The general rule, even in conservative rural areas, is "If you don't annoy us, we won't annoy you". It's fully possible you may experience some mild homophobia, although most of the time this is just the Alizerian sense of humour (see above). However if you do feel threatened, then you are advised to call the police. Similar rules apply to racial minorities and women travelling alone.

Talk

English is the official language of Alizeria, and the country spells words correctly (i.e. British spelling).

While there are a variety of accents in Alizeria, which usually betray one's social class and upbringing rather than region, for the most part the standard Alizerian accent, while very thick, is usually easy enough to understand even if some of the terminology is odd or archaic. Most Alizerians don't understand how peculiar their accent is, and some might take mild offence at being misunderstood or being made to repeat a word or phrase.

The Alizerian accent is most similar to the Irish accent, although it is slightly closer to Received Pronunciation and even has some traits that are similar to an Australian or New Zealand accent.

Some speakers of foreign languages could be confused by the Alizerian accent, again this is due less to pronunciation and more to vocabulary - being such a talkative nation, Alizerians are a wordy lot and to casually include complex, polysyllabic words in everyday speech, or even speak a rather archaic, almost 19th century form of English.

Not a lot of people speak foreign languages in Alizeria, so if you don't speak English you may have a difficult time - although Alizerians will usually be very patient with someone who speaks little or no English. The only other languages spoken in Alizeria, which are taught in school, are German and Latin, and very occasionally Hebrew, but very few people are fluent in those languages.

Slang and common expressions

There are a few slang terms and common expressions in Alizeria that are likely to raise a few confused eyebrows among those unfamiliar. If you don't understand, most Alizerians will be more than happy to explain.

Across the water: Overseas, foreign
Automocar: Car
The Arch: Acheron ("Walking through the Arch" sometimes means travelling to Acheron)
Are ya right: How are you?
Aye: Yes
The Bell: Belisaria ("ringing the Bell" sometimes means "travelling to or in Belisaria")
The Big Fella: God
Brick wall: A person with no sense of humour, usually considered a severe insult. If used as a verb it means to be given the cold shoulder, as in "I tried to be nice to the new girl but she kept brick walling me."
Call the army and the leggy: To make a scene, to confront somebody, e.g. "If he doesn't shut up, I am going to call the army and the leggy on him!"
Cornies: Cornellians (still occasionally used to referred to citizens of the Late Roman Empire)
Grand: Good/fine sometimes just mediocre, depends on how it's said
Gobshite: A stupid or foolish person
Herm: The King (stems from the abbreviation "H.R.M.", "His Royal Majesty")
Lift: Ride ("I lifted the bus to get here")
Nay: No
Ram: Soldier (so named for the Royal Alizerian Military Service, or RAMS)
The Royals: Refers to the Police, not the Royal family
The Seat: Ceti ("I'm planning to sit on the Seat" could also mean "I'm travelling to Ceti")
Sheeptown: No, not a town that's just for sheep but a term to refer to the government of Alizeria (with Sheeptown being the name of the Krostuk suburb where Parliament is located).
Shiteholder: Toilet
Steam: Train ("I'll take the steam to get home tonight")
Swig: A drink (usually an alcoholic one)
Take it like a Ram: Toughen up, take it like a man
Terrid: "Terrible" and "horrid"
Yas: "You" but as a plural (like "Yous" or "Youse")

Get in

All people who arrive in Alizeria with a valid biometric passport (and who have no criminal convictions) will automatically be granted a three month tourist visa, which entitles them to stay in Alizeria provided they do not accept paid work. (For people from Cornellian nations, the period is for six months).

As Alizeria is a very remote island nation, travel by land is impossible.

By plane

Alizeria a long way from anywhere, so for most visitors the only practical way to enter Alizeria is by air. Even the shortest flights between Alizeria and Ceti (the nearest landmass) take over 8 hours.

Alizeria has four international airports: Harewood Airport in Krostuk City and Farkwit Airport in County Belslough both serve the Greater Krostuk metro area while Norskeberg International Airport serves the south and Everton International Airport in County Kingsbay serves the west coast.

Farkwit International Airport is by far the largest airport and is the only airport that services flights to and from outside Cornellia. The airport is located just over an hour south of the Krostuk CBD.

Because of Alizeria's remoteness it can be difficult to get direct flights there, and the vast majority of flights to Alizeria will be via Adiron, New Edom or the Late Roman Empire especially if you are coming from outside of Cornellia. If you are flying via one of these countries make sure you have the appropriate transit visas.

Departure tax is usually included in the price of plane tickets where it applies.

By boat

Travel by sea to Alizeria is very rare, but in the summer months cruise liners from Ceti and Belisaria do occasionally visit the ports of Krostuk and Norskeberg. Such cruises are not at all cheap, and if you choose to visit Alizeria via this method you can expect to be at sea for at least a month.

It is also theoretically possible to hitch a ride on a freight ship (or maybe even book) and enter Alizeria that way, provided you have the appropriate documentation.

Quarantine

Alizeria has very strict bio-security laws.

Alizeria has a delicate eco-system and an economy heavily dependent on agriculture and as such importing even small qualities of food, or of plant or animal material is very tightly controlled by customs to prevent the introduction of foreign pests and diseases.

All of your luggage will be x-rayed upon arrival or checked by sniffer dogs so make sure that you are honest on your declaration or you could be fined $1000 on the spot for making a false declaration - and if you are found to have deliberately and wilfully broken the law then you could be fined $100,000 or face up to five years in jail.

The best advice is to declare anything - including food items bought in flight which you have saved. You will not be fined or arrested if you have declared items, although customs officials may confiscate or destroy any contraband items.

Items that need to be declared includes any kind of food, plant material, any animals or animal material, dirty or soiled clothes and footwear, used camping gear and anything that may have been in contact with soil. Most of the time you will be required to clean any dirty items before they can be brought into the country.

Most recreational drugs, including tobacco and cannabis, are illegal in Alizeria and possession or importation of these substances will result in your arrest. If found guilty you will likely be heavily fined, could face two to five years in prison and will then be deported and prohibited from ever returning to Alizeria.

Get around

By plane

Domestic flights in Alizeria are fairly cheap, in some cases cheaper than driving or taking the train - particularly if you are travelling from the north to the south.

Airlines operate an electronic ticket system - in fact if you have a smartphone you might not need to use paper at all for the entire journey. However valid photo ID such as a passport or driver's license is required for travel, even domestically.

Royal Alizerian Airlines continues to be the dominant airline in Alizeria, despite its recent privatisation and recent deregulation of the air travel industry. It has by far the most extensive network and serves most towns with populations of more than 20,000 people. The airline allows 7kg of carry-on baggage and up to 25kg of checked baggage without any extra cost and usually provides an in flight meal.

Air Cheapo is the low-cost competitor to RAA, and has international as well as domestic routes. Delays and cancellations are commonplace and hidden costs are a plenty - including the cost of having a seat belt. Avoid unless absolutely necessary.

Mount Aborea Airlines: Offers mainly scenic flights over the Alizerian alps, but also services rural areas

Harewood Airport in Krostuk is prone to weather effects such as high winds, and tends not to take on planes that are too large (such as Boeing 747s and Airbus A380s) due to its smaller runway. (Hence most large international flights are redirected to Farkwit Airport in County Belslough, two hours south)

A reasonably fast commuter train runs an express service from Farkwit Airport into the Krostuk CBD for $15 one way, while bus services exist from Everton International Airport, Norskeberg International Airport, Auckonto City Airport and Centerton Airport. Other towns will usually require you to organise taxis or airport shuttles.

By car

Getting around by car is fairly easy as Alizeria is a compact nation with well developed roads - although the price of fuel can be quite high at times depending on the foreign situation, although electric cars are becoming more common especially in the cities.

Hiring a car is cheap and easy and can be done at the airport - in fact it is sometimes possible to hire a car for free (usually when the company requires their rental cars to be driven back to Krostuk from elsewhere), and hiring a campervan (RV/motorhome) is equally easy.

To legally drive in Alizeria you must be at least 15 years of age and hold a valid driver's license from your home country, although you will need an Alizerian driver's license if you stay in the country for more than a year.

Traffic and congestion is seldom a problem outside of Krostuk, although most highways in Alizeria are very narrow outside of cities, and often very winding. They usually have one lane in each direction and are undivided, and care should be taken to allow for extra time if caught behind a slow moving vehicle.

On the open road there is no enforced speed limit, although few people drive faster than 90km/hr because of the nature of the roads and also as a courtesy to other, less sober, drivers. Where speed limits do exist, signs are in kilometres per hour, and this also applies to distances.

One of the things that Alizeria is notorious for is the fact that it is perfectly legal to drive while intoxicated, and extra care should be taken in light of this (most Alizerians choose to drive more slowly for safety reasons). On rural roads you are highly unlikely to encounter another driver anyway (and if you do it's sometimes customary to stop and exchange pleasantries, see Respect above), while in Krostuk traffic jams and gridlock are so common that it's impossible to drive fast enough to pose any other driver a threat while driving drunk.

As a rule of thumb though, most Alizerian drivers - even the drunk ones - tend to drive at quite a leisurely pace. There's no rush and speeding is not really something that people do.

Alizerians drive on the left.

By train

Krostuk is the only city in Alizeria with a commuter railway, which is operated by the recently privatised Alizerian Railways (AR). The rail service in Krostuk is fairly quick and efficient, although not all parts of the city are covered by the network. It is usually the best and cheapest way to travel in the capital.

Travel by rail between the cities is mixed - for example in the King's Counties intercity rail to and from Krostuk is fast and reasonably reliable and cheap. However elsewhere in the country, many of Alizeria's once proud railways are in a terrible state of disrepair and some trains rarely travel faster than 50 km/hr as a result.

Although AR, in conjunction with the government, have announced that they will be focussing on improving the national rail service, for the most part rail in southern and western Alizeria is aimed at tourists wishing to enjoy a scenic trip.

The Coast-to-Coaster: Runs services once a day every day between Krostuk and Everton, via Centerton

The Capital Connector: Runs two separate daily services from Krystel in County Palatine to Paddytown in County Belslough and vice versa, both travelling via Krostuk.

The TransRiver: A short, twice daily commuter service that runs between Centerton and Auckonto

The Northern Explorer: Runs from Krostuk to Watev in County Chiridia via Centerton three days a week, with trains running northbound on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and southbound on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The service does not operate on Sundays.

The TransWestern: Travels from Everton to Norskeberg and vice versa daily, except in winter, via the Alizerian Alps. Considered one of the greatest train journeys in the world and covers spectacular mountain scenery and areas inaccessible by road. The service has stops at Enis Pass for people wishing to travel to Mount Aborea National Park, and there is a shuttle service from there to many of the local skifields (although the best time to do this is in early spring as the train service does not run from June to August).

The Great Southern: Runs through most of Alizeria's "rural heartland", from Southe in County Otago, via Norskeberg, up through Counties Albion, Westfield and Christchurch to Paddytown in County Belslough. From here it is possible to catch the Capital Connector to Krostuk.

Theoretically is is possible to take a train to most important towns and cities in Alizeria, with important junctions in Krostuk and Centerton.

However, while the Capital Connector, Coast-to-Coaster and TransRiver are reasonably priced and reliable, most Alizerians consider it cheaper and more reliable to drive or fly between cities.

By bus

Buses are a fairly cheap and reliable way to get from town to town, especially for people wishing to reach the smaller towns that don't have airports. Most cities and large towns also have a bus service.

Prices are sometimes as low as a $3 with most inter-city bus services charging based on the number of stops. So for example, a bus to the next town over might only cost $3, while a trip to the other side of the country with stops in ten towns might cost $30.

By boat

Krostuk and Norskeberg both have a commuter ferry service in their harbours, and in summer it is possible to take a cruise around the island of Alizeria, usually from Krostuk to Norskeberg or the other way around, with the cruise ships following the coastline.

The Long River cruises are also highly recommended and a good way of getting from town to town, with the cruises beginning in Krostuk and ending in Auckonto, travelling via Centerton and thus giving you access to three of Alizeria's largest cities.

By thumb

By far the cheapest way and if some sources are to be believed, the most reliable method of transport. It's rare to make it past the airport without some friendly stranger offering you a "lift" (ride) somewhere.

Hitch-hiking is perfectly legal in Alizeria and while pedestrians are not allowed on motorways, flouting this law is probably the easiest way to get a free trip - more often than not thanks to the highway patrol (Police in Alizeria are more concerned about your safety than about enforcing the law).

There is a long tradition in Alizeria of people giving and receiving rides to and from strangers, so there's very little stigma attached to hitch-hiking, and most Alizerians would feel guilty for driving past a hitch-hiker without stopping to pick them up (although this is not always possible on highways or in busier cities).

Buy

Blah blah currency

Electronic banking

Price Negotation

Taxes and fees

Tipping

Eat and drink

[Replace this text with details on your nation's cuisine, and any famous restaurants or bars that may be worth a visit. Are there any unusual foods that visitors may like to try, or drinks unique to your country?]

Stay safe

[Replace this text with details on how to stay safe in your nation. Include any crimes which may be common, or any areas that are particularly dangerous to visit, and how one might avoid these problems if possible.]

Stay healthy

[Replace this text with details on any health risks that may be present. Is it safe to drink the water, are there any problems with disease? Include any recommendations for vaccinations that a visitor may need before setting off for your nation.]

by **Reloria** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 8:15 am

{You're up too, Alizeria!}

On IIWiki · by **Astholm** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 8:28 am

Lichtenstein
Not to be confused with any other places called Liechtenstein, this nation is part of Astholm, yet entirely autonomous from it.

Regions

[Replace this text with a brief overview of the main regions in your nation. A list with summaries or more detailed exposition is fine - make it tourist-friendly!]

Cities

[Replace this text with a brief overview of the popular towns and cities in your nation. A list with summaries or more detailed exposition is fine - make it tourist-friendly!]

Other destinations

[Replace this text with a brief overview of other points of interest in your nation - national parks, monuments outside of towns, and the like. A list with summaries or more detailed exposition is fine - make it tourist-friendly!]

Understand

[Replace this text with any general factoids that don't fit the following categories, such as the etymology of your nation or its regions - delete this if you don't need it.]

Climate

[Replace this text with details on the weather visitors should expect in your nation. This will help them to pack the right clothing and equipment!]

People

Lichtensteiners are Germanic people; they are ethnically related to Astholmians, British, Turykh and German people.

Respect

Lichtensteiners do not appreciate being considered as Astholmian; they consider themselves as "brothers" or "sisters" to Astholmian people.

Talk

English is widely spoken, but German, French and Italian are all spoken here. Be aware the German spoken here is closer to

Get in

Travellers from within Astholm can enter with a visa, and stay for up to 90 days.

By plane

[Replace this text with any information about entering your country by plane.]

By boat

[Replace this text with any information about entering your country by sea.]

By land

[Replace this text with any information about entering your country by train / road.]

Get around

[Replace this text with general information on how easy it is for tourists to move around in your country, both within settlements and between them. Are intranational plane flights cheaper/faster than trains, can you get around by car easily, is car rental available, etc. Use the sub-categories from 'Get in' if you wish.]

Eat and drink

[Replace this text with details on your nation's cuisine, and any famous restaurants or bars that may be worth a visit. Are there any unusual foods that visitors may like to try, or drinks unique to your country?]

Stay safe

[Replace this text with details on how to stay safe in your nation. Include any crimes which may be common, or any areas that are particularly dangerous to visit, and how one might avoid these problems if possible.]

Stay healthy

[Replace this text with details on any health risks that may be present. Is it safe to drink the water, are there any problems with disease? Include any recommendations for vaccinations that a visitor may need before setting off for your nation.]

by **Otulia** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 7:00 pm

The Federal Republic of Otulia
Otulia is a federated republic split into several extremely diverse regions with a rich culture and history, including many great and large theological monuments.

Regions

The country is split into roughly three regions: The North, the South, and Kazuma. In the North, things are industrialized, urban, and richer. The South tends to be more traditionalist and rural. Kazuma is extremely poor and very cold.

Cities

Reko: The capital of Otulia, the city is known for its ritzy night life, cheap liquor, and abundance of prostitutes.
Reznik: The financial heart of the country, feel free to buy fancy new clothes and beautifully-made silk dresses for 10% of what you normally would!

Other destinations

National Cathedral: The headquarters of the state church, this Cathedral is absolutely massive, and covers 128 acres of space.
Kazuman Taiga Preserve: A massive boreal forest, this Preserve extends across most of the province and provides breathtaking sights, breath-freezing cold, and much more to excite the hitch-hiker traveller!

Climate

The Ministry of Weather maintains steady, controlled temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius throughout the year in most places. Contact the local Weather Patrol office to receive a full, 100% accurate monthly forecast for only Tl3 ($4.50)! The major exception is Kazuma, which has very, very cold temperatures.

People

Otulians are very diverse, ranging from small rodents to colossal dragons. Most will breath fire in your face to say hello, and seeing a free-wheeling group of youngsters getting drunk on the sidewalk is common.

Respect

It's recommended to prohibit any conversation on meat, dairy, or egg products and to avoid expressions that indicate humans to be superior to other animals. Negative hand gestures include flipping back the wrist. Tourists are asked to not comment on size or shape in any way, and to ignore any oddities with locals.

Talk

Italian is the lingua franca and will be understood, tough dozens of languages and dialects are spoken across Otulia. Expect throaty, squeaky, guttural accents.

Get in

Otulia is remarkably unregulated in terms of visas and passport control: Pay Tl10, and you will receive a passport stamp before being allowed to continue on your way. Prior to arriving in Otulia, it's advised that you get a travel visa, however.

By plane

The state airline monopoly, DragAir, will be flying you into Otulia, usually through its hub in Reko. All DragAir "vehicles" are dragons, so light, bobbing turbulence should be expected and warned against. Luckily, windows can be opened at an altitude below 1000 meters, so you should be fine!

By boat

No passenger ships are allowed to enter Otulia. You must either come in on a freighter or swim.

By land

All trains will be checked by customs officers when they cross the border. No cars are allowed in.

Get around

Transport by dragon is recommended as the fastest way to get around, with trains a close second. No private transport is available. Dragon-transport fairs are usually Tl20 per person, including baggage. Train tickets average Tl40 per person.

Eat and drink

Vodka is extremely popular, as is orange juice. Vegetables are prevalent, while meat is scarce and uncommon.

Stay safe

It's recommended that you not visit Kazuma, where social unrest is going on, or Locol and Sturma, provinces where racist laws may result in lynchings.

Stay healthy

Most things should be fine. Non-binding requests to be vaccinated with the swine flu and avian flu prior to entering are recommended, but voluntary.

by **Reloria** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 5:45 am

{Up to date!}

by **Davinhia** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 8:15 am

by **Reloria** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 7:29 am

{You're up to, Davinhia! Good idea with the spoiler code too, I think I'll integrate it into the form...}

by **Southern Democratic States** » Sat Feb 14, 2015 11:08 pm

by **Reloria** » Wed Feb 18, 2015 2:43 am

{You're in, Southern!}

by **Northern Glacier League** » Wed Feb 18, 2015 9:30 am

by **Reloria** » Fri Feb 20, 2015 8:32 am

{Northern Glacier League is up (though post links are acting funny!). Deian, I'll add you as soon as you edit in an entry!}

by **Allancia** » Fri Feb 20, 2015 2:59 pm

OOC: If I missed anything, or if there is a typo, please tell me so that I can fix it.

CrowdedWorld™ - International Travel Guide (OPEN)

CrowdedWorld™ - International Travel Guide (OPEN)

Who is online