Isanyathimark (The Kalmar Union)

The Kingdom of Isanyathimark, Isanyathimark, is a large constitutional monarchy in North-Central Leifia lying mostly between the Missouri and Upper Mississippi rivers. It is bordered (clockwise from North) by Ojibwe, Mamaceqtawia, Ochangaramark, Inokian Federation, Baxojeyuh, Omahaghenu, Poncaland, Lakota Federation, the Triple Principality (Sahnishland, Ruptareland, Hiraacaland) and Nakotaland. The capital is Minnetonka and the population around 1 million.

The Head of State is King Taoyateduta.

The official language is Isanyathi.

The currency is the Isanyathi Hinah (IYH).

History
The area now occupied by Isanyathimark was once inhabited only by roving bands of native Leifians. The Isanyathi tribe of Leifians were pushed permanently out onto the plains following the sudden expansion of the Aniyunwiyan Empire in the mid 1200s though it appears the area was well within their migratory patterns anyway. The massive herds of bison (now much reduced) fuelled the tribe and many others through the lean periods. On their new homeland the populous but disunited tribe came under attack from its northern and eastern neighbours who had absorbed Norse know-how to a greater degree. The tribe was divided between Ojibwe and Ochangaramark however the Lakota increasingly took advantage of weakness on the plains and effectively annexed the tribe and its lands in around 1700.

It would be the right for Vinlandic traders to pass freely through Isanyathi territory that would spark the series of (Lakota Wars in the 1700s. The defeat of the Lakota and creation of a native run kingdom after the 2nd Vinland-Lakota War (1733-1736) spurred the division of much of the country into small farms. Whereas previously the Isanyathi were reliant on the migration of the bison now they embraced a sedentary lifestyle. Vinlandic support was crucial throughout this era in providing hard crops and underwriting markets for produce, however many saw their influence as overbearing, especially after a further Lakota War was fought, often with dire consequences for outlying Isanyathi farms and towns. The farmland suffered again during the Second Mexic-Leifian War (1774-1792) as armies crisscrossed the plains attempting to force either side into a set-piece battle. In response to this threat the Isanyathi army was reformed into a massive cavalry force with a crack dragoon core, officers trained in Vinland and new small artillery pieces bought from Ktunaxa. It was said a Isanyathi mounted musketeer could, at full gallop, hit a target 200 metres away. Meanwhile roads were consciously built for the first time allowing the smooth passage of armies and trade.

The expense of the new army plus Vinlandic interference led to problems during the 'Leifian Crisis' as taxes rose and incomes fell. In 1839, the Vinlandic-run bank effectively became bankrupt and, after several months of unrest, King Thanka'hba was forced out by the army and he fled to Vinland. After the success of the Vinlandic-Eriac War politicians in Vinland were more open to intervention and, probably inventing incidents with merchants being harassed and killed, invaded beginning the Isanyathi Revolutionary War.

Vinland hoped for a short war to avoid the seasonal extremes of weather which had proved so devastating to the army during the Lakota Wars. However they were hampered by poor intelligence, especially maps of the flat featureless terrain, and the well-drilled Isanyathi force. Overwhelming numbers eventually wore down resistance however the poor conduct of the war and subsequent occupation caused outrage back in Vinland. King Thanka'hba was reinstated ushering in a reactionary regime, though this soon gave in to various demands to reform government and widen the electorate to all (male) property owners. Since then Isanyathimark has devoted itself to quiet prosperity, though it still maintains a large military and extensive fortifications along its southern borders to protect against potential Mexic invasion.

The Isanyathi economy is mostly reliant on agriculture and cereals grown for livestock takes up much of the farmable land. It is also a massive exporter of ethanol for use in fuel, especially for lamps and before the widespread adoption of electricity it was said that Isanyathimark 'kept Leifia lit'. Automobiles can run on ethanol too which promises good growth in the future as does the slow creep of railways across the large open country.

Government
Isanyathimark is governed by a single chambered Diet with regular (but not fixed) elections. The Isanyathi royal familt has little say in everday politics but is often crucial in solving differences between the governing parties.

The current head of state is King Taoyateduta and his Chief Minister is Sapa Wanbdi-Sa.