Algonquinland (The Kalmar Union)

Algonqinland is a large but sparsely populated republic in north-east Leifia. It borders Vinland to the north and in a small strip to the south-west, Atikamekwia to the West and to the south across the Breidurras lie Abernakriga and Passmaquoddia. The capital in Quebec and the population is around 1.7 million.

The Head of State is Chief Donnacona. 'Chief' is an honorific akin to 'President' and not hereditary as in many Leifian monarchies.

The official language is Eastern Algonquin.

It uses the Algonquin Quebec (AQQ).

History
The Algonquins and their closely related tribes were first discovered in the mid-1000s by Vinlandic explorers travelling along the Breidurras river. The main tribe was quick to being to use the new farming techniques filtering out of Vinland. After Vinland occupied the island of Konunglegursaey the Algonquins on the opposite shore in their settlement of Quebec begin to feature much more in the histories.

In 1127 they converted to Christianity avoiding a probable annexation by Vinland and enjoying the proceeds of increased trade they eagerly followed Vinland and Álengiamark into their wars with the Aniyunwiyan Empire. However the expansion of Vinland into Hafsvaedaland led to a series of brief wars as the Algonquins attempted to storm Fjallasay.

The protracted Vinlandic Civil War led many fur traders to move their business from Fjallasay to the neutral port of Quebec which enriched the Algonquins and allowed them to invest in the latest European technologies. Quebec was fortified in the latest Imperial style whilst Italian armorers turned the tribal warriors into a model medieval army.

Finally feeling strong enough to take Vinland on directly Algonquinland attacked several Vinlandic outposts on the Ottawa River. The subsequent Great Northern War (1493-1501) saw the new techniques learnt by Algonquinland put into practice with devastating efficiency. Cutting Vinland in two it held off the collective armies of North-East Leifia for 7 years before Álengiamark's large army could be brought to bear. Defeated, Algonquinland was reduced to rump state around Quebec. It would regain the majority of the land taken by Atikamekwia, buying it back in 1655, but the loss of the south shore of the Breidurras would be permanent.

During the 1700s it fell into a period of misrule. The central authority of the kings was largely undermined and various competing factions took up arms. Eventually the city of Quebec formed a republican commune and ousted both the weakened royal family and the squabbling factions. With assistance from Passamaquoddia and Vinland the republican forces slowly cleared the country of the factional armies and recreated central authority.

Having largely pacified itself by the 1810s Algonquinland would be relatively unscathed by the 'Leifian Crisis' that engulfed their southern neighbours. Instead its recent history has been largely taken up with political struggles in the senate chamber and the strive to curb the power of the industrial magnates.

It is likely to submit a formal application to join the Kalmar Union in 2013.

Government
The government is run as a single chamber with veto powers for the head of state. For the previous 40 years it has been dominated by the Democratic party who have liberalised much of the economy, improved the health and environment of the towns and introduced a limited welfare program.

Elections for the senate are every 4 years, those for the office of chief are every 7.

The head of state is Chief Donnacona and his head of government is Prime Minister Jenniss Tessuat.