Virswa

Virswa, officially known as the La République de Virswa, is a in the central portion of the continent of Artemia in Anterra. The country maintains a very large degree of autonomy simply because it is surrounded by enemy nations. The purpose of the government is to keep Virswa running as well as dealing with matters of state such as foreign affairs. As of 2019, the estimated population of Virswa is 60,432,100 people across an area covering km2.

As the first homo-sapiens became more sedentary they settled down in the area with the most potential. One of these area was the land that was to become Virswa. They settled down in the land due to the high abundance of natural resources such as; fish, wood, ore, and wild game. After many years they began to form primitive societies. In the 1760s a man named Émile Jooseppi united them under a single flag. In the next years there where many conflicts and deaths. But still Virswa stood strong.

Virswa is an absolute monarchy where the monarch holds supreme autocratic power. That said the monarch must tread very carefully to avoid another bloody civil war. Which would ultimately end the country for good as neighboring nations would take advantage and attack Virswa. Due to the country be surrounded by enemy nations a very strong military tradition was born. Most men having served in the Armed forces. Most civilians own firearms purely for self-defense reasons. Because of its geographical position it has developed the tendency to try to keep and enforce peace.

Gastronomy is taken quite seriously in Virswa. There are also many traditions with parades being held to honor them all. There are also Hundreds of statues of Émile Jooseppi left from the 1800s. These statues are almost as sacred as the Imperial Palace. The economy of Virswa is highly developed and free-market-orientated. The Economy mainly revolves around the export of Biological weapons, Wine and Other finished products.

Etymology
The origins of the name Virswa are highly disputed. The more recognized origin is from the word Virtuous signifying conforming to moral and ethical principles; morally excellent; upright. The other suspected origin is and the more likely one was uttered by a very drunk Émile Jooseppi. Most likely asking for the regional wine Vigne-de-la-loire.

Early History
The earliest settlers where the nomadic Homo Erectus passing thru the bountiful lands. After many years they transitioned to a more sedentary life style and the years they decided to settle down near the forests. Thru the years they branched out into to forests and the grasslands and thrived. They lived without much contact from the outside world until the 1400s. There where a few exceptions where they were raided by other parties. Such as the vikings. Until the 1400s they where vastly lagging behind on the current technologies such as gunpowder, windmills, glasses and astrolabes. In the span of 200 years they had to cach up on around 600 years of technology. This did not cause to many problems as they were very resilient people.