National Information
The Kingdom of Banija is a country that classifies itself as a semi-constitutional monarchy. A nation that is freshly a member of Atlantian Oceania, it is led by the Kabaka(which translates to King), and the current monarch is Kabaka Mwanga. The Kabaka, alongside with the Waziri(translates to Foreign Minister), whom he picks and dismisses solely at his pleasure, is the Head of State and responsible for the country's foreign affairs. Upon reaching age 25, the Isebantu(Crown Prince), becomes the Waziri by constitutional right. The current Isebantu is Isebantu Mutungi. The full list of members of the Royal Family can be found
here.Kabaka Mwanga ascended into power after the assassination of his father, Kabaka Albert III during World Cup 82 Qualifying. This is, of course, a government with an elected element. The elected unicameral legislature is the Lukiiko(Parliament), and the Lukiiko is responsible for governance of domestic affairs. The Katikkiro(Prime Minister) is elected by the Lukiiko. Currently, the Social Democrats, Banija's most left-wing major party, has won the most recent elections, a strange notion for this traditionally conservative nation. Their biggest accomplishment to date is eliminating gender segregation laws in the country when it comes to collegiate and professional sports. The present Katikkiro is Kizza Makoni, whose two terms have provided the only periods of single party majority government in Banijan history. The established church is the Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, most commonly known as Puritan Mormonism. Well over 90% of Banijans identify as adherents to the state church, though freedom of religion is generally respected by the law and the populace. There is very little patience and open disdain, however, for atheism among the general populace.
Due to the massive influence of Puritan Mormonism in this nation, they are relatively socially conservative. Abortion in this country is outlawed unless the mother's life is in danger, and polygamy for males is legal. The church's Universal Call to Motherhood, which teaches that the destiny of each and every woman is to give birth to children and raise faithful Puritan Mormons, has heavily shaped the nation's view on the role of women in society, forming the basis for Banija's prior sports gender segregation laws in the first place. Consumption of alcohol and the recreational use of marijuana in Banija is legal. Due to Mormon tradition, however, the purchase/sale of coffee products is illegal within Banija- however, the consumption is not. Fans and teams are allowed to bring in their own coffee products as long as they are declared at customs, where it is then taxed per pound. Any attempt or effort to sell the product, however, can and will result in arrest.
Most people in the country speak both Olusanke, the local dialect, and English. There is a smattering of Korean spoken within the country, thanks to Banija's Quebecois roots. Banija's currency is the shilling. The exchange rate to the NationStates Dollar is 1,000 shillings to 1 NSD. Conversion kiosks will be available at all hotels and at airports to exchange your money, as well as any banks. However, using the NSDs directly to purchase items is only guaranteed at stadiums and hotels- vendors outside of stadiums or hotels are not required to accept NationStates Dollars. Fans are also advised that street vendors will only take cash, according to Banijan law- as an issue of security to prevent against credit card theft.
Of course, Banija is a developing country by modern economic standards. However, due to a recent discovery of large oil deposits in Hangaza, there is movement within the country on building better infrastructure. A general lack of development in Banija, we are a country with excellent sporting infrastructure, but little else. Most roads are dirt, and public transit within cities is via the
boda boda, though each team will have a trio of 45 passenger busses to transport players, coaches, staff, family, etc... To and from the hotel to the games and practices. The climate of Banija has a lot of natural rainforest and jungle, which means that there is no winter, only wet season and dry season. Temperatures generally range at their coldest around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and at their hottest around 110 degrees Fahrenheit. For the duration of the tournament, average high temperatures will range from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Banijans have a
tendency of being relaxed about time. While, of course, things like flights and matches will run on time, this is something that is observed generally, especially at restaurants. It is considered standard to arrive about 15-20 minutes late for a restaurant reservation, which is something Banijan authorities would like to make note of for travelling fans and visitors to the country for this tournament. This is very true for hangouts with Banijans, dates, weddings, etc... Within the country.
The three major international airports within Banija are Istria International, Jinja City International, and Busukuma International. These serve the country's two largest cities, and the nation's capitol. All teams and dignitaries, upon their arrival to Banija, will fly into Gonzaga International Airport in Busukuma before reaching their final destination. Gonzaga International has long been known as the 'VIP' airport, catering to the royals, high-ranking government officials, and those deemed of special importance by the Government of the day. Jinja City's airport status was recently converted to international status after the discovery of oil within the Hangaza region. Like World Cup 83, All cities within the country hosting Cup of Harmony games will have their airports equipped with at least temporary international status, from the period of 10 days before the tournament begins to the period of 15 day after the Finals end.
In terms of food, Banijans are very heavy meat eaters, and you'll find plenty of chicken, goat meat, beef, pork, and turkey options on your localized menus. In terms of non-meats, popular staple foods are
jollof,
matoke,
Chapati,
a rolex, and
samosas. Strictly vegan restaurants within the country, outside of Istria and Busukuma, are almost non-existent, though of course you'll find non-meat options everywhere.
LocationsIstria, MoravicaBanija's largest port and largest city by population, this is in the Moravica region, in Northwestern Banija. It is a city of 3 million people, and it is known as Banija's economic capitol. It is largely considered Banija's most diverse city. Historically, this city served as the second capitol city of the Kasanke Tribe, the historical predecessors of the modern Banijan nation. It is one of two Banijan cities with a major foreign population- the other being the nation's capitol, Busukuma. There is even a Kalactanian Hockey League team hosted in the city. Nearly a third of the city holds citizenship of a country other than Banijan. More of those come from the Royal Kingdom of Quebec or the Busoga Islands, but people come from all over Atlantian Oceania and the rest of the multiverse. It is also known as Banija's wealthiest city and primary economic hub. It is home to Banija's oldest university, the University of Loyola-Istria, and to the country's biggest airport.
StadiumThe stadium in Istria is Eastern Stadium, with a capacity of 39,000. The stadium is owned and operated by Rukunbi FC, who are located within the Eastern ward(called Rukunbi) of the city. The stadium has previously hosted Baptism of Fire matches. The city's other major outdoor stadium, Kabonero III Stadium, has hosted matches in AOCAF LVIII, World Cup 81, and World Cup 83, however, Rukunbi FC placed the winning bid for Banija's largest city this time. Rukunbi is away from the oceanfront, and a more working class area, and Rukunbi fans have the reputation of being the country's rowdiest fans. Police are known to be lax with crowds in Rukunbi, and they'll allow all sorts of instruments into the stadium.
Matches Held HereGroup E Matchday 1: Busoga Islands v. Trolleborg
Group G Matchday 2: Poafmersia v. Savojarna
Group F Matchday 3: TJUN-ia v. Sarzonia
Group E Matchday 4: Busoga Islands v. BOLGANO
Group G Matchday 5: Euran Oceania Territories v. Kandorith
1 CoH Round of 16 Match
Herzegovina City, MoravicaBanija's oldest city, the city by its current name is over 800 years old, when it was first conquered by the Kasanke people. It is a city with a population of 1 million people. It is the heart of the Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The national religion was started in this city, and the church's world headquarters, the Herzegovina Temple, is the multiverse's largest Puritan Mormon church. The Bishop of this church, formally titled the Patriarch of Herzegovina, is the most senior member of the church, and the joint head of the global church, alongside His Majesty, the Kabaka. It is home to Banija's largest university, Northern Moravica University. It served as the seat of government for the Kasanke Tribe. It is also the capitol city of the Moravica region. As the original home of the predecessors of the Banijan monarchs, all reigning monarchs are buried on the grounds of the Herzegovina Temple.
Herzegovina City had their own airport finally open just prior to World Cup 83. It is the only airport that has not been granted temporary international status, due to the 'lack of airport capacity'. While still a relatively small airport, flights from abroad will land at Istria International, and then either take the train ride north or connecting flight north.
Stadium- Star FieldThe stadium in Herzegovina City is Star Field, and it has a seating capacity of 70,000. This stadium was, of course, a shoe-in to host games- when you consider capacity, ease of transportation, and size of the city, it was a no brainer. The stadium is home to Herzegovina City FC, Banija's most successful side since the establishment of the BSL, with 5 league titles in the past 8 seasons. The stadium has long hosted major events, including two World Cup Quarterfinals and an AOCAF LVIII quarterfinal.
Matches Held HereGroup E Matchday 1: Vdara v. Newmanistan
Group F Matchday 2: Sarzonia v. Kelssek
Group G Matchday 3: Euran Oceania Territories v. Poafmersia
Group F Matchday 4: Hapilopper v. Schottia
Group G Matchday 5: Poafmersia v. Hampton Island
1 Cup of Harmony Semifinal
Busukuma, National Capitol RegionThis is the nation's capitol, located on the country's Southern coastline. Puritan Mormons believe that their God told the-then chief of the Kasanke, Kabonero III, that he should conquer all of the land that is currently Banija, gave the country it's name(therefore killing the name of the Kasanke nation), and put the capitol in the South. He did it, made Busukuma the capitol, and declared himself Banija's first Maharaja, or Emperor. As the nation's capitol for over 400 years, the city has been the spot for many major events in Banijan history, and the seat of plenty of foreign embassies, a large foreign population, and Banija's first airport.
The city, of course, is known for having two airports- the public, international airport, called Busukuma International, and also the non-public airport, named Gonzaga International Airport- reserved for the royal family and their guests, elected national politicians, foreign diplomats, and the point of entry for high-ranking officials to avoid the general public. Heads of State/Government, Foreign Ministers, AOCAF officials, host committee members, and national teams, upon their first arrival into Banija, will fly into Gonzaga International.
Stadium of the RestorationThe national stadium, the Stadium of the Restoration, sits 91,835. It is the country's largest soccer stadium, and, of course, it is the national stadium. On the stadium's site, in 1835, the Banijan monarchy was restored at this site in Banija's first declaration of independence from the Royal Kingdom of Quebec. When the RBSA was formed, it was the obvious site to build the national stadium. The original facility sat 69,000, and was then, as it is now, Banija's largest soccer stadium. It was home to the Banijan national soccer and gridiron teams, and hosted plenty of international tournaments, including the Finals of a UICA Globe Cup, World Bowl and a Baptism of Fire. However, the ageing facility needed to be rebuilt so that one could fit the WCC's 80,000 seater minimum requirement to host a World Cup opening match, as required when the country co-hosted World Cup 81.
The
bid from AEP, an architectural firm from Siovanija & Teusland, won the bid to build a new Stadium of the Restoration on the same site in time for World Cup 81. The brand new stadium's capacity, according to the bid, is a nod to Banija's history, of the year that made the site famous in 1835. It has a retractable natural grass surface, used for soccer, and a retractable articifial turf surface, used for gridiron football and during ceremonies like coronations. There are no gaps between the stands, while the South Stand is a single tier, designed to amplify crowd noise. The stadium contains 35 suites, 1 of which is always reserved for RBSA executives, and the second always received for His Majesty, the Kabaka.
Since the rebuild, of course, it hosted both the opening match and one of the semifinals of both World Cup 81 and World Cup 83, the AOCAF LVIII Final, as well as the coronation ceremony of Kabaka Mwanga.
Matches Held HereGroup F Matchday 1: Sarzonia v. Hapilopper
Group G Matchday 2: Squornshelous Remnant States v. Euran Oceania Territories
Group F Matchday 3: Kelssek v. Hapilopper
Group G Matchday 4: Kandorith v. Savojarna
Group E Matchday 5: Newmanistan v. Busoga Islands
Cup of Harmony Final
Jinja City, HangazaThis city of 2 million people is Banija's largest inland city, and the second largest city in the entire country, in terms of population. This city is the economic center of the Hangaza region, even if its political capitol lies towards the East, in Aissa. Being an inland city, of course, it is not know for its diversity- nearly the entire city are native Banijans, even if many are from rural Hangaza. Historically, the city is known for being the spiritual home of one of Banija's minority ethnic groups- the Akamba. It is also sight of the first battle of the Kasanke conquest, when they moved from the Moravican coast to take over the entirety of what is now Banija.
Stadium- BCEL StadiumThis stadium has a capacity of 52,400. Sponsored by the soft drink company BCEL from Baker Park. It was built to attract matches for the previous Baptism of Fire, and is considered one of Banija's premier stadiums. It is home to Banijan club Jinja City FC, one of Banija's Super 5 clubs. The stadium has consistently been known to host major matches at international tournaments.
Matches Held HereGroup F Matchday 1: Kelssek v. Schottia
Group F Matchday 2: Hapilopper v. Sajnur
Group G Matchday 3: Savojarna v. Hampton Island
Group F Matchday 4: Sarzonia v. Sajnur
Group G Matchday 5: Savojarna v. Squornshelous Remnant States
1 CoH Quarterfinal
Busembe, KitaraThe first four cities on this list were shoes-ins. Absolute guarantees. You couldn't ever hold a tournament in Banija and ignore those four cities. As for the last cities, there was a lot of debate. One of the four winners of this debate, of course, and one of them was Busembe. Busembe is the capitol of the Kitara Region, with nearly 300,000 people within the city limits. It is, of course, on the country's west coast- but not a port city, like Istria, Herzegovina City, or Busukuma. The city, in fact, isn't what's memorable. The reason it was chosen, of course, was because of the stadium. The Kitara Region is known as Banija's hottest region, however, and so that means expect both the temperatures and the humidity to climb very high in games that are played at The Wolf's Den.
Stadium- Tiones Lumber Field at the Wolf's DenThe stadium's name pays homage to the stadium's operators, the Busembe Timberwolves of the Banijan Soccer League. It has a capacity of 44,000, so it is one of the smaller stadiums awarded CoH matches- however, it is also seen as one of Banija's highest quality stadiums. It is one of Banija's most intimate stadiums, with the fans being extremely close to the field. The intimacy, as well as ease of access from Busukuma International Airport(just a 45 minute train ride to the Northwest) are some of the major reason why this stadium was chosen. The Stadium, as well as the team, is owned by Taeshani pizza company Fadron Pizza, one of three foreign owned sides in Banijan domestic football. The stadium is sponsored by Tiones Lumber, a lumber company from the Vilitan Cove.
Matches Held HereGroup E Matchday 1: Brusseldorf v. BOLGANO
Group F Matchday 2: Schottia v. TJUN-ia
Group E Matchday 3: Vdara v. Trolleborg
Group G Matchday 4: Hampton Island v. Euran Oceania Territories
Group F Matchday 5: Schottia v. Sarzonia
1 CoH Round of 16 Match
Mynda, AksumAs mentioned above, there was a lot of debate over the last four stadiums that would be picked. Which ones would they be? With legitimately competitive bids from 7 different stadiums to be in that final group of four, of course, there were bound to be disappointed cities and regions. Aissa, the regional capitol of Hangaza, was chosen to host matches in the last World Cup thanks to their large stadium, but this time around, the Banijan half of the host committee wanted to go in a different direction. Look at a much larger city, even if it has a smaller stadium. Mynda is the country's 6th largest city, with an urban population of about 855,000 people, and it is the largest city in the Aksum region.
Stadium- Electra StadiumElectra Stadium has a capacity of 47,000 for the tournament, a permanent expansion from its former 41,000 seating capacity. Electra Stadium is the home to Mynda Electra, and both are owned by Electra, a public utility company from Damukuni. This team was the first ever foreign owned team in the Banijan Soccer League, purchased before Dukuma SC was purchased by an Al Qurijan family, and before Fadron Pizza's purchase of the Busembe Timberwolves.
Matches Held HereGroup F Matchday 1: TJUN-ia v. Sajnur
Group G Matchday 2: Hampton Island v. Kandorith
Group E Matchday 3: Brusseldorf v. Busoga Islands
Group E Matchday 4: Trolleborg v. Newmanistan
Group F Matchday 5: Sajnur v. Kelssek
1 CoH Round of 16 Match
Dodoma, BunyoroThe Bunyoro Region got a rude awakening with Bwubanza City Soccer Club's recent relegation, in stunning fashion, from the Banijan Soccer League. Previously seen as a lock to host World Cup matches, that relegation threw it all into doubt. Would Bwubanza City's revenues fall enough to prevent them from making the necessary upgrades to host World Cup football? There was, of course, the other city in the region to consider- Dodoma, a city with almost 800,000. Locals joke that while in the rest of Banija, there is dry season and wet season, in Bunyoro, there is wet and wetter season- it has some of the highest rates of rainfall in all of Atlantian Oceania.
But where to put the matches? The existing stadium in the city isn't big enough, with a capacity of 33,000. Then, of course...
Stadium- Albert III StadiumThis was built for World Cup 81 under a different name, and is currently used by Bunyoro RSC. However, after the assassination of the Kabaka's father, Albert III, it was renamed after him. It will debut in this tournament, and, of course, be the future home of Bunyoro Regional Sporting Club. With a stadium capacity of 48,600, and with revolutionary field drainage technology, thoughtful considering the amount of rain that this region gets, this will be some of Banijan engineering technology on full display. Due to the unique structure of the roof, the sound is made to go down onto the ground, and many expect this will be the tournament's loudest venue due to that stadium design.
Matches Held HereGroup G Matchday 1: Hampton Island v. Squornshelous States
Group E Matchday 2: Trolleborg v. BOLGANO
Group F Matchday 3: Sajnur v. Schottia
Group G Matchday 4: Squornshelous Remnant States v. Poafmersia
Group E Matchday 5: Brusseldorf v. Trolleborg
1 CoH Round of 16 Match
Aissa, HangazaAs mentioned above, there was a lot of debate over the last four stadiums that would be picked. Which ones would they be? With legitimately competitive bids from 7 different stadiums to be in that final group of four, of course, there were bound to be disappointed cities and regions. The Hangaza region, of course, is not one of them. The region, dominated economically by its economic core in Jinja City, will provide a second host city, in its regional capitol, Aissa. A city of 477,000, it is nothing remarkable on its own. This is a notoriously difficult city to access, just a few miles from the country's eastern border with Geisenfred. It is a one hour bus ride from Jinja City, although people will certainly be able to fly directly into the city.
Stadium- Hangaza Unified StadiumThis is stadium is not that new, but it is one of the top 5 largest in the BSL. It is the largest stadium for a team that is not in the Super 5, showing how even though they have high attendance and strong fan support, that doesn't always translate towards on-field success. Even though it's not that large of a city, the stadium has always been an excellent piece of infrastructure, right on the outskirts of the regional capitol.
Matches Held HereGroup G Matchday 1: Savojarna v. Euran Oceania Territories
Group E Matchday 2: Newmanistan v. Brusseldorf
Group G Matchday 3: Kandorith v. Squornshelous Remnant States
Group E Matchday 4: Vdara v. Brusseldorf
Group F Matchday 5: TJUN-ia v. Hapilopper
1 CoH Quarterfinal
Lwanga, BugandaCitizens of Lwanga, Buganda are excited for this moment- this is the first time that the City of Lwanga has been chosen to host a major tournament match in this sport, and locals are excited. They were passed over in prior major tournaments, but after good reviews on their being a host city in World Bowl XXXVII, they were given matches for this Cup of Harmony. Lwanga is the capitol of the Buganda region- a city with 646,000 within its city limits. The RTC has heavily invested in this area to ensure public transit is up to par for the arrival of the Finals. And yet, like Aissa, this Southeastern city does not have the easiest access. To get there directly, you fly into Busukuma International Airport, and then fly to Lwanga. But the highways in Buganda are known for being poor, and it is generally known as the region with the weakest freeway network not only in the country, but throughout the GSW(though, of course, this does not count places like Valanora where citizenry doesn't drive at all).
The city is famous for being host to the remains of the House of Mageba, rulers of Banija from 1618 to 1815.
Stadium- Lwanga City ArenaThis stadium is home to the Lwanga Lions. Longtime BSL members, in the past season of the Banijan Soccer League their tenant was relegated from the league after finishing the season in last place. The RBSA had to vote to give the stadium an exemption to their newly adopted minimal capacity requirements, as 26,500 can fit into this stadium. However, even though it is on the smaller side, it was seen as the 'best option' to ensure that Buganda gets games, considering no soccer-specific stadia within the region reach the RBSA's minimum 35,000 requirement. It beat out bids from elsewhere in the region(specifically Umbazi and Hawabark) because of the stadium's quality, and because many believe the city itself is a better tourist destination than either Umbazi or Hawabark. It will be the only stadium on the Banijan side that will not host knockout stage matches.
Matches Held HereGroup G Matchday 1: Kandorith v. Poafmersia
Group E Matchday 2: Busoga Islands v. Vdara
Group E Matchday 3: Newmanistan v. BOLGANO
Group F Matchday 4: Kelssek v. TJUN-ia
Group E Matchday 5: BOLGANO v. Vdara