The New Danish Factbook

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The Factbook of New Denmark
===
Faktumbogen af Nyt Danmark

Contents

Overview
Geography
History
Politics
Military
Economics
Society
Foreign Relations
Q&A


Note: Subject to revision, WIP

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Overview

OOC: Overview

New Denmark was imagined as what I'd see as a utopian state, or at least a state that had aspects I found appealing. New Denmark is a fictionalised former Danish colony that, due to events in its history, ended up surpassing Denmark as the senior realm of the Danish Empire, and home to the remnant branch of the Danish Royal family. In play, I try to make it function as best as I can to what I think real-world states behave like, as such there is little humour or parody with things such as the Royal Family, the government and society in general, although I will pander to romanticisms, stereotypes and false knowledge from time to time.

IC Overview

Official Name: The Kingdom of New Denmark/Der Kongeriget af Nyt Danmark
Short-hand name: New Denmark/Ny Danmark
Official Language: Danish
Population (IC:) 66 million
Population (in game): 874 million (at time of post)
Capital: Gotkrift

Government: Semi-constitutional monarchy
Head of State: King Harold I
Speaker of the King's Thing: The Rt. Hon. Susanne Nissen
Speaker of the People's Thing: The Rt. Hon. Hans Holst
Judicial Centre: The General Thing/Alsting
Legal System: Danish

National Anthem: Arise, Arise New Denmark!
National Animal: The Grey Deer
National Flower: The Water Rose

State Religion: Lutheranism

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Geography

Relative Location: Mid-Atlantic
Precise Location: (Shall be filled in later)
Area: 38, 261 sq miles
Highest point: Mount Kristus (1021m above sea level)
Lowest point: Gata Valley (75 ft. below sea level)


Terrain
Situated on a sizeable island within the Atlantic ocean, the face of New Denmark is dominated mostly by rolling hills and mixed forests, with the Gotkrift mountains running within the centre. The flat lowlands used for farming and agriculture compromises only a mere 19.7% of the landscape, mostly located near the coastline. Most cities are thus clustered around the coast, although a good number, including the capital are built near the mountains, mostly as a result of the mining economy that dominated the land during the early 19th c.

The longest river within New Denmark is the River Holst, which runs from the Gotkrift mountain range and out to the sea, travelling across fifteen hundred miles in the process and breaking off into other smaller rivers thrice along the way. The largest lake is Lake Krystalvand, a crater lake that has formed atop Mount Dagmar, although some claim Lake Klar is in fact larger in terms of water content.

There are currently concerns about the amount of logging taking place; even though New Denmark has numerous national parks and nature reserves, the forests of the country are disappearing at an alarming rate. Likewise, there are also fears of overfishing in seas around New Denmark, which has left local marine life stricken and threatens the national fishing industry. These are issues currently being addressed by both the Kongeting and the Folketing.

Flora

Although not as extensive as they once were, forests still cover much of New Denmark’s territory and the amount of plant life to be found is nothing short of impressive. Plants unique to New Denmark include the New Danish water rose (vand rose), the little maid (lille jomfru), the Hostman pine (gennembor) and the rabbit’s foot (kanins fod).

Over the course of its colonisation, numerous Old and New World plants have been introduced to the land, such as corn, wheat, lavender, grapes, hawthorn, foxgloves and tropical fruits such as bananas, oranges and pineapples. Within the cities, a variety of trees are grown to bring colour and shade to the city and gardening is a popular pastime amongst many New Danish citizens.

Due to its largely temperate climate, there are few evergreen forests or desert plants within New Denmark although coniferous plants do exist in the higher mountain ranges and in thin groupings on the northern-most fringes of the New Danish landmass.

Fauna

The national animal of New Denmark, the grey deer, is but one of many species unique to the country, with over 30 species of mammal, 102 species of bird, 7 species of freshwater fish and over 1700 species of insect counted by taxonomists so far and considered unique to New Denmark.

The grey deer, found mostly within the many forests of New Denmark, is in fact a bovine rather than a cervidae, much like a gazelle or antelope. It’s gentle, docile nature, soft pelt and noble bearing made it attractive to the New Danish settlers, although the astine (a small, brightly coloured bird) and the New Danish boar were also contenders.

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History

New Denmark was discovered by the French explorer Guy d’Lasignon, who was sailing on an expedition to the Americas in 1525 and ran aground unexpectedly during the night. He named the land mass Ile de Choc as a result of the unexpected landing. It was mostly forgotten until the New Denmark Company, a band of Danish explorers, prospectors and pioneers, banded together to secure the island for Denmark. They landed on what would be called Håb Lander on the 5th of June 1567 and established the colony of Ny Danmark.

Unlike the Americas, New Denmark was not inhabited by an indigenous population when Europeans arrived, although archaeologists have recently uncovered the remains of what appears to be several watercrafts on the westernmost coast and remnants of a rudimentary settlement, along with preserved tools and several incomplete skeletons. The remains are being tested to determine their date and ethnicity. If they should predate the European landings, then it would suggest that New Denmark may not have always been as empty as first assumed.

For a while the Danes had uncontested dominance of the island, until a band of English colonists landed on the northern coast (Port Elizabeth) and founded the New Mercia colony. Tensions and rivalries grew between the communities, and eventually the English (later British) and Danish governments until they finally culminated in the Anglo-Danish Wars, which eventually resulted in the British acquisition of New Denmark (which was absorbed into New Mercia). This is a period commonly referred to as Den Britisk Periode in New Danish history. British rule lasted for over a century, New Mercia proving an invaluable way-station during the American Revolution and the later War of 1812 (allowing Britain to secure greater concessions from the Americans than they did in our timeline – the South remained in British hands and the USA never expanded beyond the Appalachians and remained a small trading republic).

Danish rule was restored in 1842 with the treaty of Cologne, in which Danish territories in Africa, India and New Zealand were exchanged for full holdings in New Denmark. Whilst at first apparently a bad deal for the Danes, it is worth noting that Denmark was finding it impossible to maintain their hold on these lands, whilst Britain was facing bankruptcy from the constant rebellions the fiercely patriot New Danes threw up. The agreement was ratified in Cologne and was met with utter jubilation from the people of New Denmark, whilst the English populations were outraged by what they perceived to be a betrayal by their government. Regardless, troubles were few and far between and New Denmark resumed its place as Denmark’s most prosperous and valuable territory until well into the 20th century.

The New Denmark act in 1919, in recognition of New Danish services during the First World War, granted the island full self-sovereignty as a Dominion after the British precedent, which whilst junior to Old Denmark, was nevertheless much more independent from it. Full independence was vehemently opposed by the people of New Denmark, and King Christian X was dubbed “King of Denmark, New Denmark and Iceland”.

World War Two saw most of the Danish royal family massacred by a confusion of communications during the Nazi invasion of Denmark, leaving only a single branch, the House of Østergaard, alive to claim the throne. Fleeing to the relative safety of the United Kingdom to co-ordinate the liberation of their now occupied country (although the monarchy was never abolished under German rule), the Danish government-in-exile hoped to one day return to their homeland and resume things as normal. During the ending months of the war, however, Denmark fell under the sway of Soviet agents and sympathisers, which led to the monarchy being overthrown in a bloodless coup as King Christian XI attempted to reclaim his throne.

The Royal Family ended up in political exile in what was still the Dominion of New Denmark, whilst all other Danish territories became republics in a period now called the Forræderiet by New Danish historians. They remained like this until King Harold I of New Denmark renounced his claims to the thrones of Iceland, Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands, declaring New Denmark a kingdom in its own right.

Shortly after its establishment, the country joined the World Assembly, developing itself as a standard free-market, capitalist western nation in opposition of communism. Religion, monarchy and freedom were held sacrosanct. Industry and commerce boomed, especially during the late 70’s and 80’s when oil was discovered off New Denmark’s northern shores. During this time, New Denmark attempted to re-establish ties with the other former members of the old Danish colonial empire.

Entering into new millennium, New Denmark, with the ascension of King Harold I upon the death of his father on the 6th August 1990, New Denmark continues to expand and develop. Currently, its main aims are to expand its influence politically and economically and establish itself as a major player in global politics.

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Politics

May be revised and ret-conned in the future.

The Kingdom is a semi-constitutional monarchy, and politically is split into three areas; the King, the King’s Council (Kongeting) and the People’s Council (Folketing). Despite popular perception abroad, the General Council/Meeting (Alsting) is not actually a branch of government, but instead is the New Danish equivalent of a High Court.

The current monarch is His Majesty King Harold I of the House of Østergaard, who ascended the throne upon the unexpected death of his father, King Christian XI, on the 6th August 1990. Upon his coronation, he was also crowned King of Old Denmark, Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, the historic realms of the Danish monarchy (all are now republics), however on the 2nd April 2010, King Harold formerly renounced his claims to these lands. There are also talks that the King may be revising his role as monarch in the future, most probably through the introduction of a written constitution. The decision is meeting with opposition from more conservative members of the government, who see this as an erosion of New Danish principles.

Politically, the King retains most of the powers, and thus the responsibilities, of a monarch that his ancestors have enjoyed since New Denmark’s founding. The King can pass, abolish and amend laws through formal declarations, is Commander-in-Chief of the New Danish Army, High Speaker of all Things and is officially the physical embodiment of New Denmark as a nation and (de jure) God’s representative. That being said, his power is checked by the Things and King Harold is conscious that, as politically active monarch within the western world, he will be held to higher scrutiny than most of his peers and thus usually ensures that he has the full backing of both Things before passing any formal proclamation. For their part, the Things have undefined roles.

Traditionally, the Kongeting, or King’s Council, is merely an advisory board that traditionally was made up of local nobles and family members, but today is largely elected by the Folketing, with the Prime Minister, or the Speaker for the Kongeting, being appointed by the King. The current Prime Minister is the Rt. Hon. Susanne Nissen, appointed by King Harold on the 1st June 2006. It is the Kongeting’s duty to advise and warn the monarch, keep him updated on current affairs and to put in effect any legislation on a national level. An emergency power has also been afforded to the Kongeting by King Harold’s father King Christian XII; in cases of the King severely abusing his powers or else being destructive towards the stability, prosperity and/or security of the realm, the Kongeting can vote to have the monarch declared unfit to rule. This requires unanimous support and a petition from the Folketing. Upon effect, the King’s powers are stripped from him for a year and a half, in which a referendum is expected to be held to decide the King’s fate and, if need be, the future of the monarchy itself.

The Folketing, or People’s Council, is a completely elected body, and operates on a local level independently from the monarch. They may adjust taxes, set regulations and pass laws and decrees that only effect regions or districts as opposed to New Denmark as a whole, provided they do not conflict with already established laws. The head of the Folketing, commonly referred to as the People’s Speaker, is Mr Hans Holst. It is from the Folketing that the ministers who sit on the Kongeting are drawn from and just as the Kongeting advises and warns the King, the Folketing advises the Kongeting. It is in the Folketing that most people find their democratic representation within the government.

The Royal Family

The House of Østergaard

HM King Harold I
HM Queen Henrietta of Skane
HH the Crown Prince David, Duke of New Mercia
HH Prince Gunther, Duke of Håb Lander
HH Princess Katrine, Grevinda of Christiansfjord
HH Prince Christian, Duke of Gotkrift

Other members of the Royal Family

HH the Duke of Andersland, Prince Otto Østergaard (the King's brother)
HH the Duchess of Andersland, Princess Inga Østergaard (the Duke's wife)
HH Prince Frederick,
HH Prince Vilhem, (The King's nephews)

HH the Duke Ny Arhus, Prince Frederick Østergaard (the King's brother)
HH the Duchess of Ny Arhus, Princess Mary Østergaard (the Duke's wife)
HH Princess Kristine (the King's niece)

TH Greve of Oxbridge, Karl Karlsen (the King's brother-in-law)

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Military

The New Danish armed forces, usually dubbed the Royal Army but also referred to as the King’s Army or the New Danish Armed Forces, operates under the supervision of the monarch under law. In practise, however, actual administration falls under the Minister of Defence and his department. Most decisions are made by the Martial Council, chaired by the Royal Marshal, the current being Royal Marshal Carlson. It operates under a volunteer recruitment policy and, for the most part, is used only as a defensive force. Operations abroad, even as WA peacekeepers, are rare. In times of emergency, conscription can be authorised, convicted criminals may also be pressed into National Service as an alternative to prison.

New Denmark fields one of the most modern, best trained and up-to-date armed forces of its age (MT), however the army is very small and less than 1.9% of the national GDP is dedicated to its upkeep. There has been much political commentary about this, with numerous political parties recommending that the military budget be expanded, with the argument that such a budget could leave New Denmark unable to defend itself should the need arise. This is countered by pacifists, who argue that New Denmark does not require a large army, as it is not a warlike nation.

Having forsworn its rights to them, New Denmark maintains no nuclear weapons or nuclear capability. Research is currently underway to find a suitable defence against nuclear attack (current methods include interception and destruction by specified missiles and electronic warfare).

Current manpower (including officers and high-tier command structures): 88,750
Current troops: 78,270
Current number serving: 60,000
Population percentage: 0.13%


Specific Regiments of the New Danish Army

His Majesty’s Royal Huscarls

Trivia: Huscarls have the tradition of singing whilst in combat (operations in which stealth is crucial is the exception of course), usually as a means of intimidation and a means of raising morale. Songs vary from epic medieval sagas to songs composed and agreed upon in the mess hall the day before.

New Danish Rangers

The Prince of Gotland’s Royal Hussars

The Princess of New Denmark’s Own Rifles

The Royal Grenadiers

The King’s Regiment of Foot

Osterland Royal Rifles

The Queen's New Mercian Dragoons

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Economics

WIP

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Society

WIP

Demographics

Population (2009 census): 66 million

Age structure
0-12: 19.9%
13-64: 58.3%
65+: 21.8%

Median Age

Overall: 36.9
Male: 37.0
Female: 36.8

Male to Female ratio

.89 males/female

Infant Mortality Rate:

Overall: .88 deaths/1000 births
Male: .92 deaths/1000 births
Female: .81 deaths/1000 births

Average Life Expectancy

Overall: 89.4 years
Male: 87.8 years
Female: 91.6 years

Ethnicity and Nationality

Demonym: New Danish or New Dane/s

Ethnicity:
New Danish: 79.2%
European: 8.7%
Afro-Danish: 5.1%
Arab: 3%
Other: 4%

Education:

Literacy (ages 11 and up can read and write at the 6th national level*):

Overall: 99.6%
Male: 99.7%
Female: 99.6%
*Books at the 6th level include children’s literature such as Harry Potter, the Chronicles of Narnia and the Famous Five

Average School Life (compulsive education only):

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Foreign Relations

Embassies:

The Far-Reaching Holy Empire of Windica

The Mancunian Territories of Astholm

The Republik of Solm

The Democratic Republic of Lancov

The Holy Empire of Konataland

The Most Serene Republic of Aquilinia

The Empire of Tulon

The Republic of Hearthome

Embassies in New Denmark:

The People's Republic of Polska Rzczpolspolitq

Kingdom of Kwunjin

Republic of Hearthome

The Grand Duchy of Kyhtenna

The Most Serene Republic of Aquilinia

The Kingdom of New Imperial England

The United Provinces of Southern Yugoslavia

Federal Republic of Kaputer

The Far-Reaching Holy Empire of Windica

The Kingdom of The Harrowlands

The Holy Empire of Skorzenia

The United Kingdom of San Pallegrino Romana

The Most Serene Republic of Gloria Regis

The Federation of the Kangaroo Republic

Treaties: (NOTE: Presented treaties must be formally written and delivered either in an RP or through a telegram)

Ongoing Wars

None.

Past Conflicts (In Game):

The Grand Beringian Civil War: Capitalist Faction

Outcome: New Danish withdrawal, conflict ended.

Foreign Operations

None on-going.

Past Operations

Operation Exodus (Espantio): Concluded when Espantio ceased executing religious population.

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Questions and Answers

If you have any questions you'd like to ask about New Denmark and its ways, please send a telegram to the New Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs; we will be happy to enlighten you.