Gälja (Gal-iya) Is a country in the Central part of the continent of Europpa. Its terrain varies from flatlands to mountain ranges, and from dense forests and wetlands to dry, arid regions to the Southwest.


DEMOGRAPHICS:
The population is primarily Human, with a comparatively small number of mostly Human anthros. (Nekomimi, although they don't call them that, instead referring to them by the name of the creature their animal parts come from. Wolf, Fox, etc.) These Neko were originally brought into the country from other regions, some across the Ocean. Humans are obviously in control, being the vast majority, and the Neko live mostly as servants (Originally as slaves, although slavery has officially been banned for over 100 years.)


GOVERNMENT:
Officially the country is a Democratic Republic, although the leader is called Emperor, or 'Kaesar' in their language, and its government is very authoritarian, borderline fascist.


GENDER ROLES AND CULTURE:
All jobs in the country are carried out by both genders, as gender roles were largely abolished after the revolution (More on that later), and so both men and women serve in the military, in government, etc. Before the revolution, it was a largely patriarchal society. Society tends to be very nationalistic, as citizens are indoctrinated from a very young age. Religion has become very rare since the Revolution, as the leadership feels that Science and innovation is very important to the growth and maintained superiority of the Empire. Their language is similar to Finnish.


EDUCATION:
An emphasis is placed on mathematics and the sciences. History is also very important, as it is taught in such a way as to glorify the Empire and the Civilizations that they're trying to emulate. Currently, the arts are also very encouraged, music in particular, as this is also a special tool to carry the Nationalistic messages of the leadership.


ON TRAPS (AND PEOPLE IN GENERAL):
Native Gäljans have several different skin colors, the Northerners being pale skinned, with people in the Southern part being slightly more tan, due to the sunny, hot climate of the South. Any natural hair color can be found here, with the most common being brown and blonde. The males of this region have much more feminine features compared to other regions, and the ideal image of a young male is much more elegant and less 'masculine' than in other countries. This is mostly due to the fact that post-Revolution Gälja is trying its best to emulate the standards and culture of the Ancient empires of old. As such, it is not at all uncommon to mistake a young male citizen of Gälja for a girl, as their clothing is also interchangeable. Most males choose to wear clothes that, although still elegant, are less obviously feminine. However, there are those who prefer, for example, to wear the uniform Skirt of the military rather than the trousers. Despite this, a male of Gälja will most definitely refer to himself as such, likewise for a female.


REVOLUTION, AND CALENDAR:
In the past, Gälja was an absolute monarchy run by a single King or Queen. Tensions rose, and eventually the people, including the military, overthrew the government and set up a democratic system. Originally in this system, the individual regions (States) Had a much larger say in the government of their own affairs. However it was soon revealed that this system had its issues, and so they moved to a much more centralized government. The calendar is based entirely around the revolution. As the previous calendar was based around the religion and Royalty, it was decided to create a new calendar. The Calendar starts on the date the new Government was established. December in what would become the year 0. It's devided into Before Revolution, or BR, and Post Revolution, or PR. The current year is i the 120's.


TECHNOLOGY:
The technology is basically the technology of the 1870's in our world. Electricity is well established due to the emphasis on technological advancement. Telegraph machines are very commonly used, and the first rudimentary telephone has been invented (Not in Gälja). Powered dirigibles are around, and are at a stage in their development where they can be useful, finally able to sail against all but the harshest of winds. Mostly used for observation and exploration. As the emperor is fascinated by new technology, new inventions are often rushed along into service before they're ready. For example, the first airships pressed into military service were sluggish and hard to control, and easily swept far away by harsh winds.


MILITARY:
The Empire of Gälja has a strong military, necessary in the eyes of the leadership. Conscription is in effect, all civilians required to serve in the military except those who are involved in Scientific or medical research practices, nobles, or those wealthy enough to buy their way out of it. All conscripted soldiers are required to serve two years, but are in for the duration of any wars that might be going on at the moment. The minimum age of conscription is 16, however in times of war, it's dropped lower. However, combat soldiers are often over the age of 16, the younger conscripts often being used for non-combative rolls. However many of them end up on the front lines regardless.

Their standard service rifle (And its derivative Cavalry carbine) Is a single shot, breech loading long arm fed by metallic brass cartridges. A few other rifles do exist, including repeating rifles, and officers and NCO's may carry a pistol if they choose, generally the .44 caliber service revolver. Officers carry swords as well, and every soldier carries a bayonet for his or her rifle. Emphasis is put on bayonet and sword training, despite its relative obsolescence at this point.

Rapid firing weapons similar to gatling guns are used commonly, the Gäljan Army and Navy realizing their effectiveness. These are hand cranked like the gatling gun, with 3-8 barrels, ranging in caliber from standard 45-70 caliber all the way to the massive 1.5 inch bore rotary cannons firing explosive rounds, used primarily in Naval applications.

Cannons and other artillery are also used, for direct and indirect applications.

As far as ships go, the Navy of Gälja is steam powered, and make heavy use of rotating turrets on their decks as well as broadside guns below decks. These ships are often large, and therefore vulnerable to smaller, faster boats. The large caliber rotary cannons were adopted by the Navy to help counter this new threat.

Cavalry is still commonly used, and the military has adapted cavalry tactics to fit with modern doctrine. Horses are primarily used to get the soldiers to a location quickly, where the Cavalry soldiers then fight dismounted.


GALJA AND OTHER COUNTRIES:
Gälja mostly has uncomfortable, but peaceful relationships with bordering countries. Primarily choosing to ally itself with Roma. It has the most uneasy relationship with Orussi, and the two countries have been adversaries for centuries.

Gälja also has several colonies in distant lands. One in the deserts of the far South, another across the ocean to the West. And several others besides. From these colonies it obtains several resources necessary for trade.