Niuachiland (The Kalmar Union)

The Republic of Niuachiland, Niuachiland, Missouri Republic, is a democratic republic in central north Leifia. It is bordered by Otoewa, Baxojeyuh, Inokian Federation, Osageland and Kawlegawaho. The capital is Wacuxca and the population around 127,000.

The Head of State is Chief Wimihsoor.

The official language is Niuachi.

The currency is the Inokian Daloe (IKD).

History
The early history of the Niuachi is confused; their own oral traditions suggest they lived to the north of Fraeburt Votnum until pressure from the Sauk (themselves experiencing rapid culture changes thanks to the advancing Vinlanders) forced them to move in the early 13th century but the Vinlandic records, normally quite thorough and accurate in their dealings with native Leifians, makes no mention of them. Wherever their origin point they would find a homeland between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, taking hunting grounds by force from the Osage. It was once assumed the Missouri is named after them (their Illini exonym is 'Ouemessourita') but the river seems to have already had its current name before their arrival.

The Niauchi came to an early agreement with the all-conquering Aniyunwiyans under Edoha and were granted dominion over the Missouri reaches of his empire, an authority which lasted until his death. Thereafter the lands under Niuachi control shrunk as the Illini and then Inokia solidified their territory to the east. Again, preferring agreement rather than conflict, the Niuachi agreed to define their borders thereby essentially becoming a barrier to the more nomadic tribes of the west raiding the settled Illini and Inokian lands.

As a relatively major city Wacuxca became a regular target for Mexic raiding parties in the later medieval era. This triggered a mercenary force collected from the eastern Leifian countries to repel the raids and it received a small but influencial influx of foreign settlers all geared around this yearly cycle of war. Despite this Niuachiland found itself woefully unprepared for the advances of the full Mexic army during the First Mexic-Leifian War and would be occupied for most of the conflict's duration.

To support their own war effort the Mexic left much of the country intact to exploit its position on the Missouri and, after its liberation by Vinland in 1631, life largely returned to normal. Its status as a 'free city' on the river meant it attracted a diverse population of traders, explorers and militia from multiple backgrounds. A 'Missouri Company' modelled on the Manx or Icelandic mercenary armies of Europe had their headquarters in Wacuxca and were free for hire for any cause in the region, more or less this meant it was chiefly deployed against Lakota.

This brief flourish as a cosmopolitan and prosperous chiefdom (sometimes dreamily referred to as the 'Golden Years') was decisive ended by the outbreak of the Second Mexic-Leifian War. Despite valiant defence from the 'Missouri Company' Wacuxa fell in 1774 to the advancing Mexic. The city would repeatedly change hands during the conflict and by the close of the war the land was throughly ruined. By some measurements the Niuachi lost close to 70% of their people either to direct military involvement, Mexic slavery or permanent emigration to safer eastern Leifian countries.

A republic was established in the war's wake but merchants and investment were slow to return. It would take nearly two centuries to regain its pre-war population.

Government
Niuachiland is governed by a single chambered council elected every two years. The office of Chief (though hereditary) is essentially honorary with no executive power and succession is ratified by a council vote.