Aspects of YN's culture which tend to cause culture shocks

[Belarusball]

Here are the major culture shocks in Belarusball:

1. A major culture shock is that boats are a common way of transportation, even though the country is nearly landlocked. This is because droughts have always been a problem in Belarusian history, and many of the great leaders in Belarusian history have dedicated a lot of resources and wealth into digging man-made rivers. During the late-19th to the early-20th century, these rivers have been touched up and made easier for transportation.

2. Because of the above fact, cars are banned in many of Belarusball's big cities, such as Toramica, Elkirva, and Anatopiat. However, cars are still widely used in many mountain towns/smaller cities. This culture difference can come as a shock to foreigners.

3. The massive difference in food culture in different regions of Belarusball, although Belarusball isn't a big country. This is because of Belarusball being many separated tribes in the past, before combining into "The Prednian Union".

4. The large LGBTQ+ population- most people are not confined to binary gender norms.

[New Texas Republic]

Here’s a few interesting facts about Texan culture that can cause culture shocks.

1. Our food. While many people might at first expect the stereotypical standard — fat people holding cheeseburgers in their hands — Texas’ cuisine is not all about that. While there are many fast food restaurants around the nation, there is a major cultural influence that has caused a blending of culture. Many Tex-Mex restaurants can be found as well, alongside foreign restaurants as well.

2. Our music. Some tourists might expect country music everywhere, but many famous Texan musicians also dabble in pop, rock, rap, and many more music genres.

3. Our political parties. Unlike our U.S. neighbors, we have three political parties — the Conservopublican Party (like the Republicans, but more conservative), the Moderate Party (kinda like a centrist party of sorts), and the Pro Party (like the Democrats).

4. Informality. In Texas, many people — sometimes even government officials — are seen wearing t-shirts, jeans, sneakers, and other clothes that many would otherwise deem as too overly informal for business. Many Texans find this more liberating and comfortable.

[Alpinumtia]

A tourist visiting Alpinumtia may find the following rather peculiar:


Law Enforcements

Alpinumtia is notorious for its disjointed policing system. Disregarding the security services of the National Government such as the Bureau of Public Security, Alpinumtia has 4 independent uniformed law enforcement agencies, the Prefectural Police, the Civil Police, the Federal Guard, and the Military Police (all branches included). Most tourists find this very confusing as they'll find many police officers wearing different uniforms and patrolling the street. However, civil police and the military police are generally the most common in big cities, whereas the prefectural police have a monopoly on rural areas. The federal guards are few and far in-between, and only appear on-mass when situations like riots get out of control and civilian leaders don't want the military police to get involved.

Drug Laws

Alpinumtia has gained infamy around the world for its exceedingly uncompromising drug laws and strict enforcement. Many foreigners have been arrested, tried, and executed in Alpinumtia for drug trafficking. Medicinal marijuana is legal but heavily restricted and usually followed by long therapy sessions to remove any potential for addiction. The distribution of drugs, including marijuana and LSDs, almost always results in the death penalty, and a guilty verdict is almost always given to those charged with drug trafficking. While foreigners who use illegal substances are immediately deported from Alpinumtia and forever barred from entering the country. Opioid prescriptions such as OxyCodone are also only used in extreme circumstances, while more powerful painkillers such as morphine are only prescribed for relief when someone in the process of dying (such as severe combat wounds).

Clothing

Alpinumtia does have prudism laws in place, although it is almost never enforced. However, Alpinumtians are often seen dressing very formally in public. Your average man will probably wear a dress shirt, dress pant, and belt at the minimum, and suits are fairly common in public. Women are expected to wear dresses on most occasions. However, Alpinumtians are free to wear whatever they wish in private, and many opt for more comfortable clothing in their homes. While military uniforms are uncommon, signs of military service, such as a lapel for men and a hairpin for women, are extremely common. that T-shirts and sneakers are becoming increasingly popular among young people, but they have little broad appeal. Uniforms in school are mandatory and are often gender distinguished. In recent years, with the rise of the LGBTQ+ community in Alpinumtia, more gender-neutral and casual clothing are becoming common, yet formality still remains the norm.

Healthcare

Healthcare is not free in Alpinumtia. However, vaccinations are. Vaccines are viewed as a cost-effective method of preventing contagious disease, and the government sees the cost of vaccination to be far cheaper than that of fighting a public health crisis. As such, vaccines are heavily promoted and some highly effective ones such as rabies and measles are mandated by law. The Alpinumtian pharmaceutical industry is a colossus in its own right, with cutting-edge laboratories. However, many foreigners come to Alpinumtia in hopes of receiving high-quality medical treatment or vaccinations, only to discover that the state's welfare vaccination system only applies to its citizens or permanent residents.

Hospitality

Alpinumtia is seen as a fiercely patriotic nation, even jingoistic to some degree. Most foreigners are aware of this reputation. However, many are surprised when they actually come to Alpinumtia, and are received with the utmost hospitality and respect. Continental Alpinumtia - a hotspot for tourists due to its unique vegetation and spectacular nature, is particularly welcoming. Despite the presence of international resort chains and hotels, local inns remain prevalent in Continental Alpinumtia, especially among more primitive areas. Staying in one of these accommodations is far cheaper when compared to international resort chains, but it is an experience no less fulfilling. Hosts will usually provide the tourist with meals free of charge, and often share their stories of the Alpinumtian nature. Many too act as tour guides for tourists. It is said that while the glowing forests are a spectacle for once in a lifetime, the conversation with an Alpinumtian grandma next to a fireplace in a local inn is the true Alpinumtian experience.

[Borders]

• Language and Communication: Visitors might find it unusual to encounter Latin as the primary language spoken in Borders, both in everyday conversations and official settings.
  
• Government Structure: Borders' unique government structure, with a semi-absolute monarchy guided by a council of former and future monarchs, may be unfamiliar to visitors.
  
• Formality and Etiquette: Borders places importance on formalities and etiquette, particularly in official and formal settings, which may differ from visitors' cultural norms.
  
• Public Interactions with the Monarch and Council: The accessibility granted to the general public to meet the council within the royal palace, voice concerns, and propose changes to laws may be unexpected for visitors.
  
• Age Requirements and Roles: The presence of individuals as young as 10 years old participating in decision-making processes as council members may be unusual for visitors.
  
• Public Bulletins and Communication: Borders' practice of regular bulletins to communicate decisions and updates from the council and the monarch to the public ensures transparency and citizen awareness.
  
• Limited Public Presence of the Monarch: Visitors may observe that the monarch is rarely seen outside of the royal palace, maintaining a more secluded lifestyle. It is also important to note that direct communication with the monarch is forbidden, and any interaction with the monarch must be conducted through the council or other appropriate channels.
  
• Lack of Holidays: Visitors may notice the absence of traditional holidays or festivals in Borders, as the nation primarily focuses on its major annual event, the Sacrificium Annuum. This unique event involves participants sacrificing personal belongings for a chance to win various items, ranging from basic possessions to luxury goods.

[Purpuria]

The fact that everybody literally worships the Princess, no matter what outrageous antics she may be up to. To even suggest that she should be held accountable to the people, is treason.

And the extravagance—the Purpurians are known for their lavish and opulent taste in architecture, fashion and cuisine.

And finally, the obsession with the color purple.

[Valehart]

in culture.dispatch
THE DOS AND DO NOTS WHEN VISITING VALEHART
BY: anonymous.user

...

So, you've landed in New Xian District. You need to ask for directions. Or maybe you've found yourself with a throbbing hangover in a Concord police station cell. Either way, you need to talk to someone in a way that won't put them off, or think that you're a corpo (working for one of the major inter-solar corporations, such as Argo-Navis, CSDC, Virgin-Origin, etc.). If you are, and can't hide the fact, be prepared to pay high prices, get funny looks, or just get ignored.

There are certain shocks to the system that foreigners experience when first getting accustomed to Valehartine society. First, to grab someone's attention, wave your hand in front of your face. It's the same as flashing a smile or saying "excuse me." Don't ask why, just do it. Some say when the first colonists settled Venus, cleaning their masks free of rain was a sign of distress. Or maybe that's just urban legend. Either way, great! You got someone to come over. They might speak in Chinese or Portuguese, but everyone knows at least a little bit of English, and at the spaceport, you're more likely to get someone who's fluent in several languages.

Greet them with a handshake or a nod — body language is crucial. It's not like everyone needs to sit up straight or strut like a gentleman, but be aware of what your hands are doing at all times. Gesturing while you talk will be extremely helpful in conveying your point, even if you two do not speak the same language. Valehartines are pretty telepathic when it comes to understanding hand gestures. And if you know ASL, then you're already halfway there. Again, they say it comes from the lineage of astronauts and bulky protective suits, but it could've just been a fad that caught on. Now it's time to wave goodbye. Oh- wait, you forgot something! To get someone's attention from behind, tap hard on the back. Touching and body contact among strangers is a fairly common practice. For instance, grabbing someone's arm doesn't carry any negative connotations. Grabbing someone's arm may cause them to look around or ask what's wrong — some say it's because some of the first settlers walked in their sleep and almost fell to their death until a friend grabbed their arm to wake them up!

Now comes the trickiest culture shock for any foreigner. Oxygen masks. Sulfuric acid rain. Hand gliders. Since the atmospheric pressure is the same as on Earth at sea level, and temperatures vary from 0C to 50C from night to day, the only thing you need to wear outside is a mask. Masks are all prevalent in any Venusian society. For some, it's an extension of their body; they wear it while they sleep, and only take it off in front of loved ones or privately. For others, it's a fashion statement; they decorate it with their favourite anime characters, or make custom ones that resemble masquerade masks, wolf snouts, etc. Being a visitor, you'll be handed a generic oxygen mask. To fashion-conscious Valehartines, you'll look pretty drab. Visit any clothing retailer and they'll have an entire section dedicated to custom artisan masks and an outfitter to customize yours or refit it for maximum comfort.

Although the mask is pretty self-explanatory, to be sure, always, and I cannot stress this enough, always pack or wear an article of sulfuric acid-rated clothing even if it's clear out. The stuff can melt through your bones. Valehart is just an assortment of gigantic aerosats, and they use Venus' high altitude winds to 'orbit' Venus every fifty hours (making fifty-hour days and nights). So the settlement encounters rain very often. If you're allergic to raincoats or baggy clothing in general and want to expose some skin, feel free to do so in the interior of the city! The district of Concord is big enough that there's even an artificial beach, although entry is quite expensive.

Finally, hand gliders. Thanks to the recent administration, hand gliders are now free to use, and lessons are fairly affordable. If you're suave enough, you can get personal lessons for free if you can convince someone (Valehartines, as a whole, are pretty chill). Handgliders are used to get around everywhere, making it pretty convenient to get from one district to another without having to wait for the train. If you're rich, you can afford to rent an aerodrone, which is like a hand glider but powered by propellers, enclosed, and with air conditioning. I'm sure there's some old Earther word to describe those, but I'm too lazy to look it up. Anyway, the air around the settlement is very stable, although keep your eyes on the climate report; the assembly may decide to maneuver to avoid storms. Getting caught in bad air or simply getting lost — resulting in you having to be rescued — can get pretty expensive!

...

That concludes a very short guide to Valehartine culture. I didn't even mention the political shocks, such as having laisse-faire policies and few, if any, bureaucracy to stand in the way of doing things. And, of course, the lack of taxes and sporadic internet. But those are pretty self-explanatory and certainly isn't unique to Valehart or Venus. Unless you're from Earth, I guess.

MAXIMUM INTERNET ACCESS REACHED. DISCONNECTING USER.
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[Beefalo Bill]

1. Swearing and general lack of politeness. Beefalonians tend to look down on excessive politeness as uptight, smug, or (worst of all) elitist, and don't have the same taboos about swearing as a lot of other nations (e.g. it's considered OK to say "f***" in front of children). Beefalonians tend to distinguish "kindness" (which shows care for others, and is always a good thing) from "politeness" (which can be considered a sign of elitism).

2. Heavy drug use. Marijuana and LSD are both fully legal for adults, and marijuana use is normalized much like alcohol. Roughly 30% of Beefalonian adults regularly smoke marijuana (for comparison, 50% for alcohol, 30% for vaping, 10% for cigarettes and 5% for LSD and other drugs).

3. Informal and egalitarian work culture. E.g. dress codes tend to be lax (jeans, T-shirts, sneakers are acceptable office attire), it's considered rude to call your boss by anything other than first name, and there are few rules in general. The current president of Beefalo Bill was recently widely mocked around the world (but not so much at home) for wearing sneakers to a formal state dinner.

4. Unions. Most workers (roughly 70%) belong to a union in Beefalo Bill - this includes many white-collar office jobs that foreigners might think wouldn't need one. The rate is even higher among low-paid and blue-collar workers (around 90%). In many jobs, you can't even be hired unless you agree to join the union beforehand.

[Republica Federal de Catalunya]

I do not know May be that prostitution and marihuana legal and regulated.
So possession of less the 5g of Marijuana or 30gr if you have a medical receipt is legal. But, you can only consume in coffeeshops and your home.
You can contract sexual workers or go to brothels. but street prostitution is illegal and sexualworkers will charge you VAT with their services and they. Have to able of giving you an invoice.

[Ivartixi]

One cultural shock is how aircraft are banned, like what??? So you have to get on a ship to travel to Ivartixi, or just not travel there at all.
And also, cars are banned.
Not some random “anti-pollution” thing but it’s actually to protect a statue of Ajarna. You see, the state is actually made of the same material as the Taj Mahal. the statue is commonly referred to the Ajarusta.

Another cultural shock is the pronunciation of the country’s name, Ivartixi. It’s supposed to be pronounced Izartixi in court.

[Safiloa]

Common cultural shocks experienced by visitors include but are not limited to the following:
[*] Ethno-linguist and religious diversity and harmony: Persians, Austronesians, Bantus, Arabs, Europeans, Dravidians, and Aryans, all live in harmony. A reason for this is this Nunoko Venao Treaty established by Princess-Prophet Sorakh Gueli (“Red Flower”) to ensure peace between the various people and religions (as well as eliminate slavery) and the dominance of the three main religions, which are all ultra-pacifist in character. From the deistic Dorudinist Mazdakite Zurvano-Zoroastrianism (Zuruvana is a non-personal true neutral god of time and space) - which arrived from the 6th century Persia, the igtheistic/atheistic ahimsa-adhering Pushpambara Jainism - which branched off the 11th century Yapaniya Jainism movement in Tulu Nadu, India, or the Bornean/Austronesian animistic Fomban’ni Ražana, which can be described as a form of ancestor & nature worship. Many locals adhere to practices and traditions derived from all three main religions as they do not contradict each other. Any religion intending to be taken seriously by Safiloans are expected to adhere to the Nunoko Venao. (Some religions have in the past faced persecution and even expulsion). Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, non-religious, and Buddhist adherents are all expected to be strictly vegan while in Safiloa.

[*] Due to the Nunoko Venao, Safiloans are expected abstain from eating vertebrate (and octopus) meat, forced services, or any other byproduct, making Safiloa a very plant-based/vegan-friendly nation. Some arthropods are farm-raised on the side and consumed on certain holidays, however foreigners are forbidden from purchasing them and may only receive them (arthropod meat and products) as gifts from a local. Fungi, nuts, fruits, grains, tubers, seeds, and notably algae form a large portion of the daily consumption of the average Safiloan. Safiloan cuisine is rather unique but does share a lot of commonalities with places like Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, Ethiopia, India, and Indonesia. Fishing is one of the worst crimes in Safiloa and reason for immediate incarceration and other punitive measures.

[*] Safiloa does not allow for any personal requirements, as they believe all beings are sovereign, this means that contracts and marriages are considered non-binding and non-legal in Safiloa. Some do still get married but it offers no benefit, so many choose to forgo it. Children are raised communally from the grandparents often taking the responsibilities of the raising of children, while the actual parents usually focus on their careers or educational paths.

[*] Safiloans must complete a 6 to 9-month long course on sexual education to be allowed to become certifiably sexually active. Safiloans often carry and show these cards to prove to each other that they consent - they are often but not legally called “Promiscuity Cards”. There is theoretically no age restriction, but people anywhere between 16 and 21 generally complete the state-mandated course. There is no taboo on sex between card-carrying individuals and no cultural restriction on how closely related two individuals may be. The government has through the right of the sovereign citizens and the promiscuity cards no right to implement any restriction on consenting adults, which means that LGBTQ+, BDSM, as well as incest have never experienced political persecution. And modern society honours those who focus on giving pleasure and happiness, while shunning those who wish to harm or bully others.

[*] Animals are also sovereign and not allowed to be harmed, used, consumed, or confined. Any a great amount of care are also given to plants to ensure that the least amount of “suspected discomfort” is endured by fungi and plants.

[*] Cars and airplanes are banned, while trams, cableways, bicycles, boats/ferries, and airships are the main modes of transportation. Very little petroleum is imported for transportation usage and a great amount of renewable energy is produced through wave, geothermal, wind, and solar power. The air quality is routinely excellent and due to the lack of traffic lights after sunset, the starry night sky is amazing. Energy conservation is a big deal here.

[*] There are four “presidents”, each one focusing on a different “realm”; namely: Joy, Preservation, Comprehension, and Discernment. (The “Minstrel”, the “Warrior”, the “Priest”, and the “Judge”). The origin of this form of government comes from the prescribed ideals written in the Desnad by Mazdak, founder of Mazdakism, a pacifist communalist branch of Zoroastrianism. Each has a different method of election. For example, the Minstrel President (Gohulan Ramešgor) is democratically voted on by citizens age 12 and older through a televised game show competition, in which artists and entertainers try to win votes by playing in performances, creating art sculptures, designing playgrounds, or DJ’ing/hosting parties, while the “Judge” president is chosen based on a series of rigorous aptitude and intelligence tests.

[*] Though Safiloa has a clear agrarian collectivist/pseudo-Trotskyist or Communist agenda (one could even argue a form of Zoroastrian “Phalangism”), it also allows for and even partially owns Kambanu Island - a completely for-profit touristic haven where tourists gamble, play, eat, and drink themselves into a stupor. The island offers both locals and visitors a lot of permissibility here. Casinos, brothels, bars, music venues, comedy shows, performance theatres, spas, bathhouses, resorts, golf courses, nudist colonies, etc. cover the small desert island.