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The Kingdom of Arransia
Population: 13,209,800 (October 1998 census, revised estimate April 2005, further amended February 2006 to include South Holburn)
Land Area: 25,213 sq. miles
Capital City: Danby
Currency: Arransian Dollar (=100 pence)
Head of State: His Majesty King Malcolm VII
Chancellor: The Hon. Edward Douglas (Labour Party)
Introduction
Arransia is an independent country in the north-east of the continent of Sabrantia. On its western side, it shares a long, twisty land border with the neighbouring country of Brunswick. From its north-west to its south-east extremity it is about 275 miles long. The capital city of Danby is situated in the south-east of the country. Arransia has been independent of Brunswick since 1326, and is a constitutional monarchy with a system of Parliamentary democracy. The current King, Malcolm VII, was born in 1932 and has been on the throne since 1965. Arransia formerly held joint sovereignty with Brunswick over the now independent principality of Serenity Island, which lies to the North-West of Brunswick. Arransia also controls the enclave of St Cuthbert on the north coast of the country of Denhulme, which lies to the south.
Although over half its trade is with Brunswick, and the two countries share a common language, Arransia has long had something of a chip on its shoulder over its larger and more prosperous neighbour. Many of its laws and customs seem to derive from a desire to be as different from Brunswick as possible. Arransia has been described as a country that defines itself by what it is not, that is, it is not Brunswick.
On at least five occasions in its history, Arransia has made alliances with foreign powers to fight Brunswick, with results varying from disappointing to disastrous. However, since its defeat in the Great War of 1942-49, Arransia has been an at times uneasy ally of Brunswick.
Arransia has a range of modern industries, being especially strong in heavy engineering, but is best known for fishing, whisky distilling and coal mining.
Although its history contains many false dawns and broken dreams, most Arransians maintain a somewhat dewy-eyed pride in their native land, which is intensified once several whiskies have been consumed. However, this is usually tempered by a wry, self-deprecating sense of humour.
The Arransian national character can be described as at the same time extremely stubborn but extremely resourceful, which helps explain their enthusiasm for keeping in operation such a variety of unusual and obsolescent transport and military hardware, and their surprising success in doing so. Arransia is not a poor country, as at international exchange rates its GDP per head is about 85% of that of Brunswick. However, public bodies of all kinds, and many private sector companies, seem to have a chronic shortage of money for new capital projects.
The following pages give further information about the country:
General Information
Historical Background
Government and Politics
Geographical Notes
Counties
Industry and Economy
Food and Drink
Media (Newspapers, TV and Radio)
Armed Forces
Colonies
Transport
Roads and Traffic
Motor Vehicles
Expressways
Public Transport
Transport Politics
More sections and additional information will be added over the course of time.
A complete map of the country has now been completed, in two sections: North and South (last updated 9/10/05)
If you would like any further information about Arransia, please send me an e-mail.
So why have I never heard of this country?
Site last updated 6 November 2009.
Recent additions: A brief history of Arransian Paddle Steamers, Arransia's dramatic military intervention in Lower Mumba on Ugglesby Head Day 2009, a description of Arransian accents, more details added to the page about the Great War, information about some of the most famous Marchwood Tourist Attractions, details of of the Arransian banking system added to the Industry and Economy page.