Eutopia 4 background: Population, Places, Provinces

[unmerged(1522)]

[ETP] Background: Population, Places, Provinces

This thread will be used as a repository for all background information concerning Eutopia's population and geography.


THE ISLAND

Maps of Eutopia
Description of provinces
Major cities of Eutopia


THE PEOPLE

Year 2000 census for the island of Eutopia (population size, language groups, urbanization)
Topa: The Native Eutopians and their history
Topa FAQ
Topan language school

 

[unmerged(1522)]

Maps of Eutopia

[Originally posted by Havard]

After the modern discovery of the island of Eutopia, Eutopia quickly became a strategic point of interrest for the Spanish, French and English colonisers. The Spanish sketched the first maps of the south coast around 1500, and the French and English had soon mapped the entire coast. The first published map of Eutopia is the well known map by Samuel de Champlain, engraved in 1627 and published in Paris the following year. The map showed basically only the southern and eastern coast, and very little detail inland.

It was not until 1757 we got the first map of the entire island, published by Jacques-Nicolas Bellin. The mapped coastline was fairly accurate for the time, but it showed very little detail inland. Since then the Island has been partly surveyed by the Spanish, French and English governments in connection with the colonisation of the island.

In 1791 the British ministry of Defence - the Board of Ordnance - established a permanent national military survey for the UK. Equipped with a brand new Ramsden Theodolite they started a survey of southern England. Soon a branch of the British Ordnance Survey was established in New Lancaster City, and the first major survey of British Eutopia was started by Edmund Hall in 1804. Hall was then Colonel and vice director with responibility for British Eutopia. Based on these surveys a serie of one-inch maps was published over coastal area of Jacobia, New Lancaster and Gloriana in the years 1809-1813.

Following the establishment of the Kingdom of Eutopia in 1814 the British Ordnance Survey office was reorganised as The Royal Eutopian Ordnance Survey under the directorship of Hall. Over the next 30 years most of the settled areas on the Island was surveyed and published in the continued one-inch serie.

Following the example of the British the Ordnance Survey in 1851 commenced work on a new six-inch serie, providing the accuracy needed for the building of the New Lancaster Railroad between New Lancaster City and Douglas. By the end of the century a serie of twentyfive-inch maps was started for the more rural areas, completed in 1927. By then the old techniques of surveying was made obsolete by aerial surveying. In 1935 a new National Grid reference system was introduced, using the metre as its measurements. An experimental new 1:25,000 scale was launched, based on aerial survey.


Map of Topography:

For a larger map see here


Political Map (some minor cities missing):

For a larger map without international boundaries see here


Map of Eutopia Rail System:

For a larger map see here


Map of Eutopia Freeway System:

For a larger map see here

 

[unmerged(1522)]

Description of provinces


[Originally posted by Demetrios]


United Provinces of Eutopia

The Western Eutopia Territory: Stormy and mountainous, this area is sparsely populated. It is the traditional home of the Native Eutopians and the Nordic Eutopians, though in recent years several boomtowns have grown up around newly-discovered natural resources. Many of the mountains are volcanic, and many of the nation's National Parks are found here. This area is the main point of contention between enviromentalists and business, who respectively want to protect and to exploit the natural resources here. Both the Natives and the Nordics clamor for more autonomy or outright full provincial status for the area, but that propostion is frought with political problems...

Jacobia: Named after James I/VI of England and Scotland, this province is the most heavily urbanized and industrialized on the island, with large cities along the northern shore. A good amount of coal is mined in the mountains in the west, but excessive coal burning has resulted in serious pollution. Pollution also threatens the lucrative fishing industry, as the seas to the north of the island are rich in underwater life. The population is of mainly British descent, though many Hindus live in the cities, as well as others of other ancestries. Jacobia has by far the most radical politics on the island.

New Lancaster: This province is also quite urbanized and industrial, but not quite to the extent that Jacobia is. Some areas to the south are quite rural. Again, much of the popualtion is of British descent, though virtually every nationality can be found in cosmopolitan New Lancaster City, the largest city on the island. New Lancaster City is a serves as the rail and road hub of the entire nation. It is a great international transport center, as airplanes use its airport and ships use its harbor as a useful stopping-over point while crossing the Atlantic.

Gloriana: Named in honor of England's Elizabeth I, this province is much less urbanized than the last two, with most of the population in the north. The southern part of the province is quite rural and fairly conservative. Much of the island's "Old Money" are from this area and many still make a home there. The population is again mainly British, with old English bloodlines quite prominent.

New Schleswig: Named after the German immigrants who were encouraged to settle there, this area is very much mixed agricultural and industrial. Large farms growing corn and wheat cover the plains, especially south of the river, while medium-sized cities dot its length. The area around Neuwestbaden is Eutopia's educational center and "Silicon Valley". The area was heavily settled by Central Europeans, especially Germans from Schleswig, Hannover, and Baden, and many of the cities to this day maintain a Central European flavor, though the population is now English-speaking. This area is the most conservative (though it is an intellectual conservatism) of the English provinces, though the young professionals in the high-tech jobs around Neuwestbaden, and its Stock Exchange (NSEX), tend to be much more progressive than their more staid neighbors, causing quite a bit of political strain in this province...

St. Brendan: Named after the Irish saint who supposedly landed on Eutopia, this area is also mainly rural. Irish and Scottish immigrants made up a larger portion of the British settlers in this province than elsewhere, giving it a distinctive feel. As a result, this province has the highest number of Catholics in among the English provinces (with New Schleswig a close second), among whom the cult of St. Brendan is wildly popular. The great Neo-Gothic cathedral of St. Brendan in St. Brendanstown is a popular deestination for both tourists and pilgrims...

Nouvelle Anjou: This province, though traditionally French, is becoming more and more anglicized with each passing year, much to the dismay of the Latin part of the island. Huge sandy beaches warmed by the Gulf Stream have made the "Eutopian Riviera" an extremely popular tourist destination as well as a popular retirement area. The influx of young Anglos seeking jobs and old Anglos retiring is shifting the balance of power in both the province the island. Many ancient ruins, such as Native Eutopain-built megaliths and Greek and Phoencian trading posts, are located in this province as well, further boosting the tourist trade, though some more militant Native Eutopians have recently begun to protest the use of their sacred sites as tourist attractions...

Nouvelle Aquitaine: This province is the heart of the French population on the island. It is the most progressive of the Latin areas (though Latin nationalism is on the rise here), and a fair amount of industry is located in and around Hurteau. Much of the province is dedicated to agriculture, however, most notably tobacco, which puts Nouvelle Aquitaine and Saint Esprit at odds with those who wish to curtail the use of the crop. Most of the population here is of French descent, though there is a small but distinct minority descended from imported African slaves.

The Capital District: Location of the great capital of Eutopia, Eutopia City, this area was chosen to be the capital in a compromise reached shortly after independence, as it lay at the intersection of the English, French, and Spanish sectors. The capital lies on the shores of a small lake in an isolated mountain valley, almost entirely surrounded by majestic peaks. For many years, Eutopia City was a small, almost provincial, town, but the second half of the 20th century saw incredible growth. Now the capital is a sprawling, polluted mess, as over a million people are crammed into a valley from which smog cannot easily escape. Many of the inhabitants aspire to full provincial status, which is a thorny political issue...


Reino del Tilapia

Isabela: Named after the great Spanish queen, this is a prosperous Spanish province. The great port of Buen Puerto is the oldest settlement on the island and its colonial buildings are a great tourist attraction. Buen Puerto is a sprawling city, well known for its grand festivals in the model of Rio's Carnivale. Many here are also of African descent, though by no means as many as in Saint Esprit. There is some light industry in Buen Puerto, but much of the economy is agricultural, focusing on fruit and vegetable farming. Isle Real off the west coast is the property of the monarchy, and its grand Summer Palace and royal mausoleum are huge tourist attractions....

Nueva Rioja: This is the most Spanish of the provinces, with most families with old bloodlines dating back to the early days of the colony. It is also relatively poor, as a stormy, rainy climate and generaly rocky soil make agriculture a tough propostion. The temperate rain forest covering much of the province makes for the main industry - logging, though this has come under increasing fire from enviromental concerns. Many of the latter point out that the habitat of the West Eutopian Skeletal Platypus, the symbol of the nation, is in danger from logging activities. Their protests are looked upon with disdain by the locals, who fear abject poverty if the logging is forced to stop. This area is the most conservative of the Spanish areas, and Latin nationalism is very popular here...


Republique Latine de St. Esprit

St. Esprit: This province is probably the poorest on the island. Much of the southern portion is made up of swampland, while the north contains now-suffering tobacco farms. Still, some areas of cultivation of tropical crops such as cotton, sugar, and rice (this portion of the island enjoys an unusually warm climate due to the Gulf Stream) does account for some significant revenue. Much of the poluation here is of African or of mixed Spanish/French-African ancestry, giving the area a unique culture, very similar to the Caribbean. This area is the most xenophobic and conservative area on the island...


Other

Bermuda Territory: In the Treaty of Vienna, Eutopia was made into a full-fledged neutral state in the mid-atlantic including Bermuda. Originally governed from Eutopia, Bermuda was made into colony in everything but name by Britain at some point soon after this by de facto economic & military power. The fact that the newly installed King was too timid to protest at his elder family members' actions, is somthing contested to this day in historical circles. Eutopia's claim on Bermuda continues to this day, unresolved (think of it as our version of the Falklands) . Eutopia has continued to be one of Bermuda's major trading partners, and there is a strong "Eutopian" identified populace in Bermuda, which was historically involved in piracy and often came to hide in Eutopia. In all official Eutopian documents & maps Bermuda is depicted, and there is some demand for action to be taken to reunify the nation.

 

[unmerged(1522)]

Major cities of Eutopia


[Originally posted by Dark Knight]


United Provinces of Eutopia


Western Eutopia Territory

Farpoint (42,000): The administrative centre of W.E.T., Farpoint is also this territory's only settlement of significance. It is primarily noted for the existence of the sole American military base on Eutopia and is located in a sheltered bay in the north, not far from the border with Jacobia.

Jacobia

Harton (370,000): The capital of Jacobia, Harton is situated on the shores of the lake in the northwestern part of the province. Although it was overshadowed by younger industrial cities in the early part of the century, it eventually regained a place of economic prominence through the development of a chemical industry.

Dunwich (330,000): Located in the foothills of the mountains in the southwest of the province, Dunwich has served as the locus for Eutopia's coal industry, although in recent decades it has experienced economic stagnation and high unemployment. It has also developed a major plastics industry.

Gilford (510,000): Gilford, the largest city in Jacobia, resides alongside the river Conder in the southeastern part of the province and is traditionally the centre of the Eutopian automobile industry. It is also the headquarters of Goodwhere Tires.

Kirby (390,000): A major port in northeastern Jacobia, Kirby has long been a major ship-building centre and now is an important producer of machinery. It also serves as the refining centre for off-shore petroleum.

New Lancaster

New Lancaster City (1,800,000): The largest city of Eutopia, near the mouth of the Conder, it serves as the centre of international commerce for not only New Lancaster province, but also Gloriana, New Schleswig, and much of Jacobia. In the post-war era, it has also emerged as the headquarters for most Eutopian media companies.

Douglas (380,000): On the River Conder in the southwestern part of New Lancaster, Douglas is the second-largest city of the province, but a distant second to New Lancaster. The inhabitants have long felt under that city's shadow and thus pride themselves on their supposed greater independence and freedom. The cities most notable industries are electronics, electrical equipment, and pharmaceuticals.

Uxbridge (120,000): Lying on the Foss river in north-central New Lancaster, Uxbridge has varied manufactures including chemicals, railroad equipment, scientific instruments, and chocolate. A well-preserved colonial wall rings the inner part of the city.

Landfall (110,000): The oldest English settlement in Eutopia, Landfall lies at the extremity of northeastern New Lancaster. The local area is an important source of tin, and much of the city's industry concerns smelting and processing this metal.

Gloriana

Witney (210,000): Located just south of the central mountains, Witney is home to much of Gloriana's comparatively slight industry as well as to Witney University, Eutopia's oldest English university.

Huntington (140,000): Huntington, situated in the extreme south-western part of the province, is chiefly known for being home to Eutopia's second-oldest English university. Recently, members of its university have begun to develop information technology industries in the city in collaboration with corporations operating from Neuwestbaden.

Spalding (170,000): Lying on the left bank of the river Orange across from Wrexford, Spalding is the capital of Gloriana province. Its main commercial/industrial purposes are as a port and petroleum refiner.

St. Brendan

St. Brendanstown (410,000): St. Brendanstown is home to much ofEutopian spirits production and is the major source of vitality in the otherwise sleepy province, which it serves as capital. Perhaps not coincidentally, it still retains a particularly large Irish population, although they are no longer an absolute majority of the city's population.

Wrexford (140,000): Wrexford, lying on the right bank of the Orange river (stubbornly called the Cork by Wrexford's Irish inhabitants), is sister city to Spalding.

Derry (110,000): On the opposite shore of the lake from Chateauvallon, Derry is the marketing centre for the agricultural products of southern St. Brendan and is also known for its textile manufacturing.

New Schleswig

Neuwestbaden (350,000): The population of Neuwestbaden has boomed in recent years as the city's technology industry has expanded dramatically. The city is also known for being the home of ETI (Eutopian Technical Institute). It lies on the eastern side of the Königsee. It is also home to the Neuwestbaden Stock Exchange (NSEX).

Heorot (310,000): Located in the foothills of the northern mountains, Heorot has traditionally been a steeltown. Although the steel industry in decline, Heorot still produces a variety of metal products including automobile parts, machine tools, and household utensils.

Hafnia (240,000): A riverside city in the southwestern part of New Schleswig, Hafnia was founded by Scandinavian immigrants and still retains an unusually large Scandinavian population even for New Schleswig. Notable manufactures include forest products, paper, and electrical machinery.

Hannover (210,000): Located in the foothills of the western mountains, Hannover is the centre of a region known for coal production. Its industries concentrate on motor vehicles, rubber products, and printed materials. The city also boasts a magnificent royal palace that for most of the 20th century has served as the summer home of the ruling dynasty.

Tabor (160,000): Originally founded as a religious commune by Czech immigrants, Tabor ultimately emerged as the major city of southern New Schleswig. In addition to serving as the processing centre for food products, Tabor produces ceramics and hardware.

Capital District

Eutopia City (940,000): As the government of Eutopia has expanded its powers in the last half-century, so has the capital expanded to meet the requirements of the growing bureaucracy. Eutopia City is now the third-largest city in Eutopia, but the growth has not come without a price in pollution and traffic.

Nouvelle Anjou

Chateauvallon (420,000): Surrounded by picturesque scenery, Chateauvallon is one of Eutopia's primary tourist attractions, especially since it retains an interesting nightlife and a charming Old French Quarter. It additionally rivals Neuwestbaden as a centre for software development.

Villefranche (280,000): This inland city, far to the south of Nouvelle Aquitaine, serves as the economic centre for an agricultural region known for its production of beef, milk, and cheese. Relatively little affected by the influx of non-French speakers into the province, Villefranche is the destination of tourists who seek a more authentic experience than can be found along the lake or by the seaside.

Eauze (250,000): Lying on the Garonne river (which separates Nouvelle Anjou from New Schleswig), Eauze is home to an especially large number of Poles, Czechs, Slovaks, and other Central Europeans as well as Germans. As a result, its name is pronounced and spelt in a variety of ways. An industrial centre, is produces larger than usual amounts of vehicles (whether automobiles, locomotives, or light aircraft) and also armaments.

Rochefort (120,000): Guarding the great bay, Rochefort in colonial times was the location of a major French garrison, and its military harbor today still holds a sizable portion of the Eutopian navy.

Castellar (130,000): West along the bay from Rochefort, Castellar is the most popular seaside tourist destination and home to Eutopia's most notable film festival (both French and English language).

Nouvelle Aquitaine

Hurteau (670,000): Situated on a peninsula jutting into a bay, Hurteau is the largest French-speaking city in Eutopia. In addition to serving as capital and major industrial centre of Nouvelle Aquitaine, Hurteau also is known for its textile manufacures and refined petroleum and has recently developed a number of technology companies, particularly in the field of biotechnology. Hurteau also serves as the center of the W. Saharan exile community, and where the seat of the W.Saharan Govt. in Exile.

Verneuil (190,000): Located where the Saint Martin river empties into the Saint Martin bay, Verneuil is the oldest French settlement on Eutopia and capital of Nouvelle Aquitaine. It is also located as the southern end of the Canal Royal that connects the Saint Martin with the lake to the north. While Verneuil retains a picturesque atmosphere, it is today also a major commercial and cultural centre and is noted for its chemical and optic industries.

Montaigu (270,000): A lakeside city near the border with St. Esprit, Montaigu resides deep in tobacco country. As a result the city is a major tobacco market, although it also serves as a centre for distribution of other agricultural products.

Grandville (140,000): A port city in northeastern Nouvelle Aquitaine, Grandville serves as the base for a large fishing industry. It also manufactures ships and electronic equipment.



Reino del Tilapia


Isabela

Buen Puerto (1,100,000): The largest Spanish-speaking city in Eutopia and capital of Isabela, Buen Puerto is also the second-largest city on the island. In addition to being a major port and the fashion centre of the island, it is known for its tourist attractions, nightlife, and (in)famous Carnaval.

Capistrano (430,000): Located inland in eastern Isabela, Capistrano is both a trade centre for the local fruit industry and a major industrial producer of refined copper, vehicles, and hand-crafted items.

Matamoros (170,000): The major city of Isle Royal, in addition to serving as the island's port Matamoros manufactures crystal, glass, pottery, and cement. It serves as the gateway to the island's increasingly popular tourist attractions and a sizable majority of its population is non-Spanish.

Nueva Rioja

San Martin de Porres (150,000): Located at the intersection of the most important lake and river of Nueva Rioja, San Martin de Porres processes the lumber from the province's thriving logging industry.

Nueva Córdoba (90,000): The main settlement on the island of New Bengal, Nueva Córdoba contains a large South Asian population, who call the city 'New Panjim'. Half of the provinces South Asian population live on the island, which is sparsely populated outside of the city.



Republique Latine de St. Esprit

Fort-aux-Francais (220,000): Capital and largest city in Saint-Esprit, Fort-aux-Francais is known for its use as a fishing port and position as a clothing manufacturer.

Philippeville (130,000): Situated in the centre of the province, Philippeville is known for its large native Eutopian population. Its manufactures include food products, tobacco, and textiles.

Castries (110,000): A port in the southwestern part of the province, Castries is a true mixing bowl of French, African, Spanish, and Native influences. In addition to being the chief trade centre for the wines of southwestern St. Esprit, it produces machinery and processed food.

 

[unmerged(1522)]

Term XIV census for the island of Eutopia


All numbers are rounded to the nearest 10,000
Percentages rounded to the next full number; may not add up to 100



Population

Area                     Population

[b]United Provinces of Eutopia[/b]

Jacobia                  3,960,000
New Lancaster            3,990,000
Nouvelle Anjou           3,470,000
Nouvelle Aquitaine       3,010,000
New Schleswig            2,790,000
St. Brendan              2,560,000
Gloriana                 1,940,000
Capital District         1,300,000
Western Eutopia          510,000
[i]Total                    23,530,000[/i]

[b]Reino del Tilapia[/b]

Isabela                  4,630,000
Nueva Rioja              1,170,000
New Bengal               150,000
[i]Total                    5,950,000[/i]

[b]Republique Latine de St. Esprit[/b]

St. Esprit               2,020,000

Area	       English (%)      Topa (%)       French (%)       Norse (%)      Spanish (%)   Other (%)

[b]United Provinces of Eutopia[/b]

Jacobia        3,480,000 (88)   120,000 (3)    10,000 (1)       120,000 (3)    10,000 (1)     220,000 (6)
New Lancaster  3,530,000 (89)   70,000 (2)     10,000 (1)       120,000 (3)    20,000 (1)     240,000 (6)
Nouvelle Anjou 1,360,000 (40)   50,000 (2)     1,690,000 (49)   70,000 (2)     0 (0)          300,000 (9)
Nouv Aquitaine 520,000 (18)	10,000 (1)     2,280,000 (76)   20,000 (1)     50,000 (2)     130,000 (5)
New Schleswig  2,540,000 (91)   30,000 (1)     10,000 (1)       30,000 (1)     0 (0)          180,000 (7)
St. Brendan    2,410,000 (95)   30,000 (1)     0 (0)            70,000 (3)     0 (0)          50,000 (2)
Gloriana       1,860,000 (96)   0 (0)          0 (0)            30,000 (2)     0 (0)          50,000 (3)
Capital Dist.  1,020,000 (79)   60,000 (5)     20,000 (2)       40,000 (3)     10,000 (1)     150,000 (12)
W. Eutopia     250,000 (49)     140,000 (28)   0 (0)            60,000 (12)    10,000 (1)     50,000 (10)
[i]Total          16,970,000 (73)  510,000 (3)    4,020,000 (17)   560,000 (3)    100,000 (1)    1,370,000 (6)[/i]

[b]Reino del Tilapia[/b]

Isabela         890,000 (20)     40,000 (1)     30,000 (1)       0 (0)          3,520,000 (76) 150,000 (4)
Nueva Rioja     30,000 (3)       100,000 (9)    10,000 (1)       10,000 (1)     1,010,000 (86) 10,000 (1)
New Bengal      10,000 (7)       20,000 (13)    0 (0)            10,000 (7)     30,000 (20)    80,000 (53)
[i]Total           930,000 (16)     160,000 (3)    40,000 (1)       20,000 (1)     4,560,000 (77) 240,000 (4)[/i]

[b]Republique Latine de St. Esprit[/b]

St. Esprit      150,000 (8)      90,000 (5)     1,090,000 (54)   30,000 (2)     500,000 (25)   160,000 (8)

Urbanization

Area           Urban (%)        Rural (%)

[b]United Provinces of Eutopia[/b]

Jacobia        3,400,000 (86)   560,000 (14)
New Lancaster  3,290,000 (83)   700,000 (17)
Nouvelle Anjou 2,670,000 (77)   800,000 (23)
Nouv Aquitaine 1,990,000 (66)   1,020,000 (34)
New Schleswig  2,070,000 (74)   720,000 (26)
St. Brendan    1,330,000 (52)   1,230,000 (48)
Gloriana       1,180,000 (61)   760,000 (39)
Capital Dist.  1,150,000 (89)   150,000 (11)
W. Eutopia     250,000 (49)     260,000 (51)
[i]Total          17,330,000 (74)  6,200,000 (26)[/i]

[b]Reino del Tilapia[/b]

Isabela        2,960,000 (64)   1,670,000 (36)
Nueva Rioja    390,000 (33)     780,000 (67)
New Bengal     40,000 (27)      110,000 (73)
[i]Total          3,390,000 (57)   2,560,000 (43)[/i]

[b]Republique Latine de St. Esprit[/b]

St. Esprit     900,000 (44)      1,120,000 (56)

Year 2000 census for the island of Eutopia (for historical refence)


All numbers are rounded to the nearest 10,000
Percentages rounded to the next full number; may not add up to 100



Population

Area                     Population

[b]United Provinces of Eutopia[/b]

Jacobia                  3,570,000
New Lancaster            3,440,000
Nouvelle Anjou           3,110,000
Nouvelle Aquitaine       2,730,000
New Schleswig            2,350,000
St. Brendan              2,300,000
Gloriana                 1,720,000
Eutopia City             1,090,000
WET                      200,000
[i]Total                    20,510,000[/i]

[b]Reino del Tilapia[/b]

Isabela                  3,830,000
Nueva Rioja              1,100,000
[i]Total                    4,930,000[/i]

[b]Republique Latine de St. Esprit[/b]

St. Esprit               1,700,000

Language Groups

Area	       English (%)      Topa (%)       French (%)       Norse (%)      Spanish (%)   Other (%)

[b]United Provinces of Eutopia[/b]

Jacobia        3,110,000 (87)   100,000 (3)    20,000 (1)       120,000 (3)    20,000 (1)     200,000 (6)
New Lancaster  3,010,000 (88)   50,000 (1)     20,000 (1)       120,000 (3)    30,000 (1)     210,000 (6)
Nouvelle Anjou 1,110,000 (36)   40,000 (1)     1,630,000 (52)   70,000 (2)     0 (0)          260,000 (8)
Nouv Aquitaine 420,000 (15)	10,000 (0)     2,110,000 (77)   20,000 (1)     70,000 (3)     100,000 (4)
New Schleswig  2,150,000 (91)   20,000 (1)     10,000 (0)       20,000 (1)     0 (0)          150,000 (6)
St. Brendan    2,170,000 (94)   20,000 (1)     10,000 (0)       60,000 (3)     10,000 (0)     30,000 (1)
Gloriana       1,640,000 (95)   0 (0)          0 (0)            30,000 (2)     10,000 (1)     40,000 (2)
Eutopia City   830,000 (76)     30,000 (3)     50,000 (5)       30,000 (3)     20,000 (2)     130,000 (12)
WET            30,000 (15)      110,000 (55)   0 (0)            50,000 (25)    0 (0)          10,000 (5)
[i]Total          14,470,000 (71)  380,000 (2)    3,850,000 (19)   520,000 (2)    160,000 (1)    1,130,000 (6)[/i]

[b]Reino del Tilapia[/b]

Isabela         970,000 (25)     30,000 (1)     30,000 (1)       0 (0)          2,670,000 (70) 130,000 (3)
Nueva Rioja     70,000 (6)       100,000 (9)    10,000 (1)       10,000 (1)     830,000 (75)   80,000 (7)
[i]Total           1,040,000 (22)   130,000 (3)    40,000 (1)       10,000 (0)     3,500,000 (71) 210,000 (4)[/i]

[b]Republique Latine de St. Esprit[/b]

St. Esprit      130,000 (8)       90,000 (5)      890,000 (52)     30,000 (2)     420,000 (25)   140,000 (8)

Urbanization

Area           Urban (%)        Rural (%)

[b]United Provinces of Eutopia[/b]

Jacobia        3,050,000 (85)   520,000 (15)
New Lancaster  2,750,000 (80)   690,000 (20)
Nouvelle Anjou 2,350,000 (76)   760,000 (24)
Nouv Aquitaine 1,810,000 (66)   920,000 (34)
New Schleswig  1,720,000 (73)   630,000 (27)
St. Brendan    1,230,000 (53)   1,070,000 (47)
Gloriana       1,040,000 (60)   680,000 (40)
Eutopia City   940,000 (86)     150,000 (14)
WET            40,000 (20)      160,000 (80)
[i]Total          14,930,000 (73)  5,580,000 (27)[/i]

[b]Reino del Tilapia[/b]

Isabela        2,460,000 (64)   1,370,000 (36)
Nuvea Rioja    390,000 (35)     710,000 (65)
[i]Total          2,850,000 (58)   2,080,000 (42)[/i]

[b]Republique Latine de St. Esprit[/b]

St. Esprit     730,000 (43)      970,000 (57)

 

[unmerged(1522)]

Topa: The Native Eutopians and their history


[Originally posted by Blade!]


Historical overview

Between 5,000 and 3000 BCE, Eutopia was settled by several waves of colonization. From the north-east in Europe, relations of the Basques, and from the south-east in North Africa relations of the Berbers. After this period, very little contact has been uncovered between Eutopia and the rest of the world. In fact very little is known about this period at all, though several Stonhenge-like megaliths and pyramids dot the island, built during this early era. The decendents of these immigrants have today come to be known as the "Topa"; The modern Native Eutopians.

Topan tribes were put in contact with medeterranean trade in 720 BCE, when a Punic trader discovered the island and reported his findings to the Counil in Carthage. By 590 BCE, a thriving port town on the south-eastern coast named Qart Hadasht (New City, latin: Carthago) was established. It was abandonned during the time of the Second Punic war. The island had been visited regularly until then, and some cultural influences were left behind with the Topa as well as trading post ruins on the east coast, giving rise to (unwarranted) speculation that it may be the basis of Plato's Atlantis. At this point Eutopia's native people again entered a period of isolation.

Thir isolation, however, was a time of productivity, as from 200 BCE to 190 CE saw a renaissance of of temple building and sculpting flourish on the island, as well as an organized cross-island economy. Records of massive tectonic activity coinciding with a plague seem to have ended this historical period of growth, and reduced much of the island's populace to meager numbers who fled inland and away from urban living.

After 500 years, the Topa people again began to build up major urban centers, and in the 8th century CE Muslim missionaries arrived on the island, bringing with them several other inovations which earned them warm receptions. Until 1100 CE, Muslim missionaries converted much of the population to Islam. Though very dominant, in reality it was integrated into a continued belief in an indigenous polytheistic expression of a monotheistic faith. This gives the Topa people one of the more unique and esoteric branches of the Judeo-Islamic family of religions, which some would call heretical.

During the end of this period, starting around circa 1000 CE, Vikings from Iceland landed on the north coast of the island and settled there. With little ability to travel the long distances between Iceland and their new homes regularly, they never grew to a substantial community, always on the verge of being wiped out by the Topa tribes. They did, however, eventually become an unoffical trading post of the Danish Crown, which resulted in a lucrative trade of furs for the Topas in the area until European colonists and trappers began to arrive, shortly after Columbus's discovery of the island.

Disease, and warfare with the hordes of newcomers decimated most of the most "urbanized" Topa peoples, forcing them to head for the wilds where generations of Topa were hunted by white men for refusing to end blood feuds sparked at initial contact. Today's Topa people occupy the bredth and width of EUtopian society, from National Assembly Pers to buisnesspers. Many Topans, however, have concerns about their cultural heritadge and rights to live in a traditional Topan lifestyle. Some tribes, notably the A'rai have been completely Urbanized, whie others such as the Kuravas have held tenaciously to traditional wilderness living. The Topan nations can be divided in 3 ways; those "Major" nations, which usually participated in the pact of 1816, were deep in the wilderness, and recieved Royal Holdings as reservations, as well as rights to utilize most of the Royal holding for travel and some use rights (Now all tribes have this contract with the Royal estates).. they usually have extensive internal governance and organization as well as communal property throughout Eutopia; "Scattered" nations... most being originally from eastern Eutopia for the most part and suffered the onslaught of colonialism at its harshest, usually do not have property collectively held (though a few have very succesful corporations), and are smaller in number; finally, the "Disappearing" nations who have been destroyed or are on the verge of extinction... our anthropologists work extensively and rapidly to record the last bits of their cultures.


The National Topa Council

In 1769, long after the initial clash and introduction to the colonists from the west for most of the coastal Topa nations, several tribes began to hold annual meetings on the shores of Lake Konigsee to hold council and better inform themselves about the plans and ways of the newcomers. A few times, these became councils of war, or as in 1816 a time to ratify the extent of Royal Holdings and Topa lands with the new King of EUtopia.

Generally, all tribes in the modern era send "official" delegates to the Council; each tribe gets at least one vote, and as the larger tribes have considerably more clout, the "Major Nations" recieve 1 to 4 additional votes. In general, the Council has been remarkably cohesive in the modern era, promoting a common Topan identity and awareness.

The meeting is not just social and political in nature, but it is a chance for the specific form of Islam influenced by ancient Topan traditions to hold ceremonies, and for traditional artisians to find new apprentices & display their art. Also, young children are taught traditional hunting skills and lore, in addition to dying languages. It has become a major economic event, that various parts of the island, and tribes, bid to host, as hosting it means lots of opportunities for wealth.


Major Topan Nations~ Major concentration

Kuravas~WET, Nueva Roja, New Schleswig, Capitol District
A'rai~ North WET, Jacobia, Capitol District (urban)
V'ashtus~ New Schleswig, New Lancaster, Gloriana, Jacobia
Manx~ Saint Esprit, Nouvelle Aquitaine, New Schleswig
Parle Bleu~ Nouvelle Aquitaine, Nouvelle Anjou
Kre'laws~ Nouvelle Anjou, St. Brendan
Dravidasthas~Isabella, Nueva Roja , Saint Esprit, WET
Pan'dach~ Gloriana, St. Brendan
Keralese~ Jacobia, New Lancaster, WET
Victorias~ New Lancaster
Amigitos~ Isabela


Scattered Peoples

33 smaller tribes... numbering between 30 and 100 members. Usually, their traditional lands have been usurped, and hold no property communaly as a nation, but may have elections to send delgates to the Topa Council. Mostly originally from the coastal areas


Disappearing Tribes

B'dhu - one member, aged 88
Eldri'li - one member, aged 97
Zaktarao - 6 members, none under the age of 60

 

[unmerged(1522)]

Topa FAQ


[Originally posted by Blade!]


Q: Which nations are Basque in origin and which are berber?

A: Given that the majority of migrations took place btwn 5,000-3,000 BCE..... as a whole Topa share the same level of genetic differentiation and homgeneity w/ regards to those populations. In fact, genetic testing shows that there is more similarity btwn. modern day Basques and Berbers with Europeans and Maghrib Arabs respectively, than there is between the Topa people and any of those cultures. Significant genetic diversity was added to the island's eastern most nations first by Arab & Berber missionaries & traders and later European colonists.


Q: Could you tell us more about the introduction of Islam into different regions of the Island? Was Eutopia ever introduced to Arabic literacy and culture?

A: The message of Islam first began to arrive in Eutopia soon after the establishment of the dependent Emirate of Al-Andalus in 711 CE. Tarik Ibn Amru, in 712 CE, learned of a tale of an island to the west where gold ran in rivers, but busy subduing pockets of resistance, he sent his long serving Andalusian female slave Umm-Hakim, and with her a division of his troops into the western sea. They 'discovered' Eutopia, but found little value except in the opportunity for enlightenment. Umm-Hakim led 4 missions, the final with Tariq, to bring the Quran to Eutopian communities. Some learned men stayed and settled with Topan wives. The 2nd great mission was led by an Egyptian, Ibn Abd-el-Hakem in 862 CE, which in studying the history of Iberia followed the footsteps of Tariq. His voyage brought masons and more learned scholars, in this period many small mosques were built. After this point, turmoil in the Islamic world and EUtopia's distance and small material wealth did not allow for any other great missions, but during the next 5 centuries light trade and occasional journeys brought continued influence. Arabic script was introduced but was replaced with Roman script after the 1500s and the introduction of colonization. Literacy, however, was usually kept to those who studied the Quran.


Q: What about the evolution of their unique brand of Islam? What is the Eutopian brand of Islam called?

A: Topa Islam or Umm-Hakim Islam as it is known by various scholars, pays little regard if any to the issue that splits the great sects of Sunni and Shia Islam; that is in regards to succesion. Topa Islam practitioners had little exposure to the ideas of the Caliphate, and there is no recognized liniage of authority. Modern efforts have brought Topa Islam into the use of the same standardized Quran used dominatly worldwide, but traditions such as the Haj or Ramadan, have never been a factors of Topa Islam. Topa Islam also incorporates many pre-Islamic rituals and customs into its practice, including holidays such as New Year, which was previously the birthday of a Topan Sun God.... in this holiday the Sun is recognized and thanked as part of Allah's great plan. In such fashion, Allah is seen expressed in many ways.. expressed as various pre-Islamic dieties, and angels becoming minor spirits. Topa Chewing Root is used extensively in both mystical and secular rituals. Topa culture has preserved many secular customs from its pre-Islamic days, and seem to have very well defined non-conflicting secular and religious customs. Warfare and craftsmanship, historically, has always been seen as a secular matter, whereas marriage and scholarship have more Islamic traditions incorporated. Topa Islam has been very resiliant to conversion, which many explain as the reason for the great extermination of eastern Topans. Respect for pre-Islamic ways, their ancestors, and the practices of their ancestors are considered prime virtues.

 

[unmerged(1522)]

Topan language school


[Originally posted by Blade!]


Language rules: Subject-Object-Verb = Boy Girl Kisses.
(n) - nasalizations


Kurava~

Pronouns
1 Mai(n)
2 Tu(n) / Tusi(n)
3 Ih / Uh
4 Asi(n)
5 Tusi(n)
6 Ih / Uh


V'ashtu~

Pronouns
1 Mai(n)
2 Tu / Tum / Ap
3 Ye / Vo
4 Ham
5 Tum
6 Ye / Vo


Dravidastha~

Pronouns
1 Hu(n)
2 Tu(n) / Tame / Ap
3 Te / E / A
4 Ame / Apne
5 Tame / Ap
6 Teo / Te / E / A


Standardized Topan~

Based off of common root words, current languages, and circa 1300 language centered in the east. Now the most widely spoken Topan language. Most Topans with any education have knowledge of this.

Pronouns
1 Ami
2 Tui / Tum / Apni
3 E / O / Se
4 Amara
5 Tora / Tomra / Apnara
6 Era / Ora / Tara