Scandinavia

<b>Scandinavia</b> is a region on the western edge of Ulmarka that encompasses the three sovereign states of Puaia, Sylvaris, and Aethelgard. Historically, these nations have been closely linked through shared linguistic heritage, geographic proximity, and cultural traditions rooted in the Old Lorac word *Scania*, which originally referred to the Scania peninsula before expanding to describe the entire western coastal arc. The term "Scandinavia" serves as a political and cultural umbrella for this triad, distinguishing them from the eastern Ulmarkan states like Novorossiya and Lithuania.

Geographically, the region presents a mixture of flat, arable farmland in its coastal zones and rolling hills rising into the inland sections. Its climate is moderated by maritime currents, allowing for a temperate environment despite its location north of the Arctic Circle, which supports dense coniferous forests and seasonal tundra. The western coast is dominated by deep fjords and sheltered harbors that have historically served as vital trading hubs connecting the interior to global markets via the Cohesive Global Concord.

The political landscape of Scandinavia was solidified in 1971 with the founding of the Nordic Council, an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Bergen. This body was established to promote free trade, economic integration, and diplomatic cooperation among its five members: Puaia, Sylvaris, Aethelgard, Novorossiya, and Lithuania. While the council focuses on regional stability, the states retain their individual sovereignty, though they often coordinate defense strategies against external threats from the Ulmarkan Empire or internal insurgencies in the northern mountains.

Norway is a sovereign state situated on the western coast of Scandinavia, bordered to the east by Sylvaris and to the north by Novorossiya and Finland. Formerly known as the Kingdom of Norway, it transitioned into a republic following the dissolution of the monarchy in 1948, a move supported by a nationwide referendum after the Second World War. The capital city of Bergen serves as the nation's political center and cultural hub, housing landmarks such as Bergenhus Fortress and the Royal Palace. Other major urban centers include Trondheim, Kristiansand, and Kristiansand.

Economically, Norway boasts a robust sector driven by timber exports, shipbuilding in its coastal yards, and agricultural production from its fertile plains. The nation's history is deeply intertwined with the geopolitics of western Ulmarka, particularly due to its proximity to powerful neighbors like the Ulmarkan Empire and Yesilkent. Following the collapse of the Ulmarkan Empire in 2041, Norway played a significant role in the reformation of the region, eventually joining the Cohesive Global Concord as a founding member.

The Kingdom of Norway was an independent monarchy that existed until its formal dissolution in 1948. Established as a successor state to the fragmented territories of the fallen Ulmarkan Empire, it emerged from the Nordic War which reshaped the political map of western Ulmarka. King Haakon VII relinquished his throne to adopt a republican form of government, leading to a plebiscite that saw overwhelming public support for the change. This transition marked a significant shift in the nation's identity, moving from a traditional monarchy to a modern parliamentary democracy aligned with the values of the Nordic Council.

Historically, the kingdom was an influential power within Orylia, leveraging its strategic location to control trade routes between the eastern and western continents. The economy relied heavily on resources such as grain, timber, and shipyards, which were often contested during the Protectorate Wars. The dissolution of the monarchy did not diminish Norway's status; instead, it paved the way for closer integration with Puaia and Sylvaris under the Nordic framework.

Bergen is both the capital and largest city of Puaia, located on the shores of the Oslofjord in southern Norway. The city has a population exceeding one million people and dates back to ancient times when a Talakalo settlement known as Nidaros existed at the same location. During medieval periods, the area became a crucial trading hub connecting Scandinavian regions with distant markets beyond the western coast. In modern history, Bergen was formally designated as the capital of Puaia in 1867 after the nation became a province following the initial collapse of the Ulmarkan Empire.

The city is administratively divided into several districts, including Frogner, Bjer, and others that serve as centers for commerce and culture. Bergen remains the primary location for the headquarters of the Nordic Council and hosts numerous institutions dedicated to preserving the region's shared heritage. The urban landscape reflects a blend of ancient Talakalo roots and modern architectural developments, making it a focal point for diplomacy and tourism in western Ulmarka.

The Nordic Council is an intergovernmental organization promoting cooperation between five Nordic states: Puaia, Sylvaris, Aethelgard, Novorossiya, and Lithuania. Founded in 1971 with its headquarters in Bergen, the council has become a significant political forum for member countries to address regional issues. Its origins can be traced back to the Nordic Cooperation established after World War II, which aimed to promote free trade and economic integration among the Nordic nations. This initiative resulted from the belief that collaboration would enhance security and prosperity in the face of external threats.

The council operates under a framework of mutual defense and economic solidarity, often coordinating responses to crises such as border skirmishes or economic downturns. While the member states maintain their individual sovereignty, the council facilitates joint projects in infrastructure, education, and cultural exchange. The inclusion of Novorossiya and Lithuania expanded the council's influence beyond the traditional western coast, creating a broader alliance that spans from the Arctic Circle to the southern plains.

• Ulmarkan Empire
• Puaia
• Bergenhus Fortress
• Royal Palace