National Information The Kingdom of Banija is a country that classifies itself as a semi-constitutional monarchy. A nation that is 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. After over a decade of rule by the left, this traditionally conservative nation has shown its true colors again by electing a coalition led by the center-right People's Protection Movement. The Katikkiro is Kobe Azizi, who is currently serving in his second term as Head of Government. 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. Courts are sometimes known not to enforce freedom of religion laws when it comes to those preaching atheism, which is considered an 'evil' view by many Banijans.
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 100 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 was for a long time known as a developing country and more of a backwater Economically. However, due to a recent discovery of large oil deposits in Hangaza during World Cup 82, the country has been engaged in an economic miracle since then, with the country almost reaching true developed country status. Public transit within cities is via the
boda boda, though each team/delegation will have passenger busses provided by the
RTC 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 largest international airports within Banija are South Moravica/Istria International(called SMI 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. Most flights will go to one of those three airports before flying to the host city.
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.
Per the
latest Census, the national population of Banija is 133 million.
The lack of winter in Banija, of course, has made for challenging conditions for the sport of ice hockey in Banija. While the Banijan Hockey Federation has made great inroads among various Banijan migrant populations in countries that actually have winter, making the sport popular at home has proven to be more of a challenge. The hope is that a World Cup, on home soil, can really launch the sport here at home.
LocationsOf course, as previously explained, Banija does not have a ton of ice hockey history. Ergo, finding rinks has proven difficult, and existing arenas are small. But, after retrofitting some existing basketball arenas, building one brand new ice hockey stadium, and using a variety of college and even prep school arenas, Banija has 6 stadia, up to par, for use here at the World Cup of Hockey. While these venues are certainly on the smaller side, officials emphasize that the venues are all 'intimate' and will be some of the 'best ice you will ever see at the stadium'.
Istria, MoravicaBanija's largest port and largest city by population, this is in the Moravica region, in Northwestern Banija. It is a city of 4,728,000 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. It has risen in status since its designation as an
Olympic City, having co-hosted the XIV Summer Olympiad with Orean, Liventia. 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. It is also home to the Regional Transit Corporation, as well as the Istria Stock Exchange.
South Istria Ice Hockey CenterCapacity of19,700The stadium used in Istria is the South Istria Ice Hockey Center, the brand new stadium built for this tournament. With a seating capacity of 19,700, this is the largest stadium in use for this tournament, and will host the Final, among other games.
Matches Held HereTwo Ro24 Matches
Two Ro16 Matches
One SF Match
WCoH 49 Final
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 over 2.9 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 not the largest airport, and much traffic is still directed through Istria. Still, it has permanent international status, and is a city looking to continuously place themselves on the map.
Obuo Family ArenaCapacity of 5,500Obuo Family Arena is the on campus ice hockey arena at Northern Moravica University, with a seating capacity of 5,500. The smaller, intimate venue is a popular one among ice hockey fans in the Kingdom.
Matches Held HereOne Ro24 Match
One Ro16 Match
One QF Match
Mynda, AksumMynda is the country's 11th largest city, with an urban population of about 1.1 million, and it is the largest city in the Aksum region. It has very few, truly metropolitan expansion in terms of suburbs beyond the city limits, and therefore, does not have a top 10 metropolitan area in terms of population. This being the center of what is otherwise a very rural region, it will provide fans with plenty of chances to experience nature- safaris and nature preserves galore throughout the Aksum Region.
North Star ArenaCapacity of 4,400North Star Arena is an ice hockey rink in Mynda, Aksum, with a seating capacity of 4,400. This was built with the World Cup of Hockey in mind, although to say it was purpose built for this tournament would be a mistake. It was built in anticipation that Banija would eventually bid to host this tournament, and voila- here it is.
Matches Held HereOne Ro24 Match
One Ro16 Match
One QF Match
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.
Capitol ParkCapacity of 8,600Capitol Park has a seating capacity of 8,600, and is a shared public use ice hockey arena. Busukuma AC plan to join the Greater Banijan Hockey League using this arena, and it is a joint venture with the two major capitol city universities- Kizza I College and Loyola-Busukuma, who both will be starting varsity ice hockey programs at their Universities.
Matches Held HereTwo Ro24 Matches
One Ro16 Match
One SF Match
Moroba, AnkoleA city nobody has really heard of- just north of what anybody could reasonably call the Busukuma suburbs. Located 55 miles north of Busukuma, this small town of 28,000 quite obviously lacks an airport. But public transit options exist to reach this town- a direct bus route from Busukuma International to Moroba's town center has been added for this tournament, as well as existing commuter train routes reaching Moroba. Why has anybody ever heard of Moroba? It is on the southern edge of the Moroba-Rumoga Safari, an integral part of Banija's famed National Park System. Much of the town is built off of tourism related to that safari, which means that it has many more hotel rooms and other facilities for visitors relative to a city of its size.
But why was it chosen to host the World Cup of Hockey?
Simply put, the city's local Bishop is a big time fan of the sport, having grown up in Siovanija & Teusland, and got the church to invest money to build an ice hockey arena. Mordoba, and the surrounding rural areas, have a vibrant youth hockey scene as a result.
The Southern TundraCapacity of 3,800The Southern Tundra has a seating capacity of 3,800, and will host games for the city in this tournament. It is a stadium that is 10 years old, and the city, which lacks any sort of professional sports teams in any sport, as well as not having a University within city limits, is beyond excited to bring an international sporting tournament to the country's borders for the first time.
Matches Held HereOne Ro24 Match
One Ro16 Match
One QF Match
Byakado, BunyoroThe Bunyoro Region is now primarily seen as a basketball region, as basketball is the region's highest rated sport in terms of attendance, youth participation, and TV ratings. And Byakado is no different. The people of Byakado, and the surrounding rural areas, go crazy for Bunyoro A&M hoops- one of the most popular basketball brands in the country. And one of the few true basketball schools in this country. But, the college town, and the surrounding rural area, saw the opportunity to bring a major, international tournament to home soil. So they did exactly that, investing in the campus basketball arena to make it a dual purpose basketball and ice hockey arena.
Obama FieldhouseCapacity of 11,202This is an arena named after Zion Obama, Bunyoro A&M's first ever President. With a seating capacity of 11,202, it is certainly one of the larger stadiums in use. And while it does not have an airport, there are direct trains to Byakado from both Dodoma and Bwubanza, both Bunyoro cities with airports.
Matches Held HereOne Ro24 Match
Two Ro16 Matches
One QF Match
Third Place Playoff