Ojibwe (The Kalmar Union)

The Democratic Republic of Ojibwe, Ojibwe, is a large constitutional republic in north central Leifia. It is bordered by Keewatin Territory, Atikamekwia, Mamaceqtawia, Isanyathimark, Nakotaland and the Cree Republic. The capital is Baawating and the population is around 1.2 million.

The Head of State is President Wawaazisii. The official language is Ojibwa.

The currency is the Ojibwa Wahna (OJW).

History
Settling largely in the plains and forests between Gichigamívatn and Lethjafyllvatn the Ojibwa tribe did not rely entirely on the bison migration as some other groups did, and they practiced not only settled agriculture but also embarked on long trading missions. Their towns along the main rivers became vital trading points for not only the Leifian tribes, but also Vinlandic traders eager to capitalise on the fur trade. The growing trading towns were soon vital waypoints for the cross-Leifian trade that followed in the wake of Hjortur Elvarsson's first crossing in 1281. Slowly too the Ojibwa around the river came to politically dominate those of the plains and forests. This did not last for long however, the more densely populated river towns were hit hard by the Black Death and its repeated outbreaks. Therefore rather than building a strong central government the Ojibwa divided themselves into a shifting alliance of tribes.

Inevitably the divided tribes became easy prey for the more dynamic and centralised nations to the south and east. Mamaceqtawian dominance during the 15th century was replaced by Lakotan and Neshabekian conflict over the coastlines and trade routes. Lakotan supremacy was smashed by Vinland during the First Lakota War (1676-1681). The entire territory was briefly run as a Fylk of Vinland however a motion to annex it in 1683 was defeated in the Althing after many, including the crown, baulked at the potential cost of defending it.

The Ojibwa were therefore left to their own devices once more to develop the lands and they concentrated their efforts on turning the plains into a wheat producing powerhouse, supported by a growing economy. While this paid dividends to begin with and allowed the development of a strong central republican government and a coherent 'nation' it also meant it became a target during the Second Mexic-Leifian War (1774-1793). In 1775 much of Ojibwe was occupied by Mexica who forcibly emptied the towns to work the farmlands, exporting the entire produce southwards to feed its armies leaving no food for the Ojibwa themselves. The subsequent years, even after liberation by the Vinlandic army, were characterised by famine and severe hardship. Reforms to farming, banking and the armed forces eventually stabilised the country and it was one of the few countries to escape massive disruption during the Leifian Crisis.

Today the country is stable and devoted to raising the standards of living for its population. It is a important stakeholder in the Trans-Leifian railway whilst its own rail network is geared to funnel its considerable produce towards friendly markets. Meanwhile the more isolated and forested eastern fringes has welcomed foreign settlement (mostly Finns, Hordalanders and Icelanders), a contrast to much of Leifia which is relatively xenophobic (see Emigration to Leifia. This especially took off once copper and silver began to be mined from the 1920s onwards. Almost 80% of Leifia's copper comes from the mines of eastern Ojibwe. Whilst only Ojibwa is recognised as an official language nationally, locally Finnish and Vinlandic are widely spoken, and more and more the foreign-descended population urges for more say over their government and at the extreme end, self-determination.

Government
Ojibwe is governed as a republic with elections for its single chambered council held every four to five years. The office of President, holding executive power and with terms of seven years, is also directly elected by its citizens. It practices full suffrage of all adults over the age of 24.

The current Head of State is President Wawaazisii and the Head of Government is Chief Minister Oonind Pegahmagabow.