Overview

Etymology

The native term for Waffland, that being Waffish Wevkanja, derives from the Old Norse roots vekja, meaning "start" or "beginning" and land, meaning "land". When the island of Waffland was discovered by the Vikings in 1021 AD, they gave it the name Vekjand meaning "land of a new beginning"... however, the word soon lost its meaning and began the process of naturally evolving as time progressed. Thus, the word would evolve into Vekjana, then Vekanja, and finally Wevkanja as it is known in modern Waffish. Later, this gave to the demonym for Waffish people: Weccja (both the noun and adjective in modern Waffish).

The foreign terms for Waffland differ. The original English term for Waffland which was used in the 16th Century was Fekania which was borrowed from the Manderin Fekânyá (Latinized script) during The War of Firm Trade. However, the term eventually died out with the Waffish isolation of the 17th century, until Waffland's reappearence onto the global stage in the 18th century (primarily with Russia). The native word for Waffland (Wevkanja) was passed on into Russian as Вефкана in the early 18th century and to other languages under the control of the Russian Empire during its existence too. Examples include Вефкена in Ukranian and Belarusian, Łefánja in Polish, Fekenja in Estonian, Vekänjä in Finnish, and more.

Differing terms for Waffland also traveled through the Americas via trade routes along The Obsidian Trail from the 14th-16th centuries. In particular, in Pre-Columbian America, the Aztecs often referred to Waffland as Huappehuel and Waffish merchants and travelers as Huappe. Though modern linguists debate the origins of the word, the root most likely came from the Nahuatl word hua huatl, meaning dog or wolf. The name was likely attributed to the large number of dogs the Waffles took with themselves while traveling.

After the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in the 16th century, the name Huappe was then passed into Spanish as Huápe, but later evolved into the term Huáfeterra by the time it had reached Europe. As European colonialism in the Americas continued to expand throughout the time period, many other European languages borrowed the Spanish term for Waffland as they came into contact with the Waffles. The English term, borrowed from the Spanish term, then became Waffeland, which was later shortened to Waffland as it is known in modern English. Terms with the same Spanish root include Weufterland in Dutch and German, Ouáfterre in French, Vatterra in Italian, Buáterra in Portoguese, and Huáferra in modern Spanish.

However, the term for "The Waffle Empire" (used commonly from the 14th-20th Centuries) has a slightly different origin. Although the demonyms coming from the word for Waffland were brought over into use with the Empire as normal, instead of being called "The Waffish Empire" (like the names for many other empires, using the adjective for the demonym) the Waffles most often referred to it as "The Empire of The Waffles" (or, in Middle Waffish, Vekkjar Stóríki) as they centered themselves more around a  people group rather than simply a nation. Thus, the noun (though usually in the nominative and not the genitive in English) is most often used alongside the term for the Empire, instead of the adjective.

Demographics

Despite its small size, Waffland has had plenty of strong differentiating demographics all across the nation since its beginning. In the late 14th century, the government of Waffland created its own districts in order to give power to local authorities across the nation. The eight districts, as shown in the image, today are East and West Waffleton, Norseland, Vullwu, Ineska, Amaggi, Tulni, and the Kingwu Islands Districts.

Population

The Waffland-National Census Bureau counted precisely 252,571 people as of 2024, that being an increase of 1.6% (+4,041) since 2022. Both the East and West Waffleton Districts make up the majority of the nation's population, at 71% of Waffles (~179k) living within either one. The next highest district in population is the Ineska District, with about 11% of the population (28k) living in the district. The rest of the 18% of the population (45k) is distributed amongst the other districts in the following in order: Vullwu, Norseland, Amaggi, Tulni, and Kingwu Islands Districts. The five largest cities in Waffland make up nearly 98% of the population, each with their respective metro areas included. These cities are Waffleton (179k), Inseka (28k), Sjére (11k), Vjara (9k), Ilettwi (8k), Kwássi (6k), and Gwettinnu (4k).

(2024 census): Roughly 95% of Waffland's populace identified with having Waffish heritage--that being of both ancient Norse and Emak descent. About 32% of the population identified with having some sort of Indigenous heritage in their blood, most of which admitted to being mixed. Another 5% identified with immigrating from or having a family member that immigrated from the U.S. or Canada. 2% of the population identified with having some Russian heritage and about 1% of the population admitted to having some East Asian descent. The remaining less than 1% identified with having anything else.

Language

Linguistically, the nation has been the home to the majority of Waffish speakers since the language first began to form in the 11th century. The Waffish language has most of its roots in Old Norse and Emaken, but heavy influences from Indigenous Alaskan languages are also present too. Small influences from languages such as Hawaiian, Mandarin, Nahuatl, and many others also exist, mostly due to trade routes that existed during the times of the Waffle Empire.

Naturally, the Waffish language has evolved throughout its existence. However, it has still retained its presence in Waffland and has very rarely seen other languages attempt to compete within Waffish soil. Today, an estimated more than 99% of the population can speak Waffish, and roughly 98% of the population can read and write in it (2024 census).

Religion

Religiously, the Waffish populace primarily identifies with Kritzoccism, it being one of the many Christian denominations followed on the island, followed by Protestantism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Catholicism. Kritzoccism branched off of Russian Orthodoxy in the 18th century following the War of the Broken Promise and the Great Russian Purge, where Russian cultural values were often persecuted, dismembered, or changed to fit Waffish cultural norms. In Waffish, Kritzoccism literally means "Waffish Christian" (Kritzoccjavár). Though it is regarded as the national religion, it is in no way enforced. 

(2024 census): Christianity as a whole is by far the most followed religion in Waffland, with over eight in every ten Waffles affiliating with it. Within the Christain denominations, 91% identified with being Kritzoccist, 5% Protestant, 2% Eastern Orthodox, 1% Catholic, and less than 1% others. The other 5% consists of those who follow either the tradional Waffish folk religion or another folk religion. About 3% of the population identified as Atheist and 1% identified as following Judaism. Less than 1% consisted of those who follow religions such as Islam, Buddhism, and others. 5% chose not to answer.

Urbanization

As of 2024, an estimated 89% (~180k) of Waffles live in urban and suburban areas, with just about 72% (179k) of which living in the capital city of Waffleton. The city of Ineska accounted for the other 12% of urbanized Waffles. Compared with rural areas (which is far more homogeneous), those in metropolitan areas are far more likely to have foreign blood in them. Those in metropolitan areas are also more likely to follow a slightly wider range of religions, while those in rural areas are to probably follow either Kritzoccism or the Waffish folk religion. Urban cities in Waffland are steadily growing every year, but after the 2016 City Expansion Act, in an effort to protect Waffland's native wildlife and rural areas from being absorbed, the amount metropolitan cities can expand each year has been limited.

Health

The average median life expectancy in Waffland is 82.34 years of age, that being 80.11 for men and 84.57 for women. Waffland's life expectancy is ranked 29th in the world, behind New Zealand and just ahead of Austria. The most common causes of death include old age at 42% of deaths, cancer at 17%, heart disease at 8%, respiratory illnesses at 7%, drowning at 5%, diabetes at 4%, infections at 4%, and biking accidents at 2%. The remaining 11% consists of others. Waffland's infant mortality is very low at just six deaths per 1,000 live births. According to a 2019 census, 15% of Waffland's overall populace was cited to be obese or overweight.

The Waffish government also provides a universal healthcare system to all Waffish citizens. Paid maternity leave for six months for married couples and six months maternity and paternity leave for single parents is funded by the government also.

Education

The school system in Waffland is federally regulated by the state, but each district operates the public schools independently. However, anyone from ages 4-21 are allowed to attend charter or private schools, may be privately homeschooled, and are allowed to attend universities if they meet the requirements needed, usually that being a high-school degree. Highly influenced by both the American and Canadian school systems, schools are divided into three parts: lower, middle, and upper school. There are five years in lower school (first year, second year, third year, fourth year, and fifth year), three years in middle school (sixth year, seventh year, and eight year), and four years in upper school (ninth year, tenth year, eleventh year, and twelfth year), reflecting the traditional American grade system. Children are allowed to join optional Pre-Schools and Kindergarten, but must attend lower school by their first year. While students usually graduate in their twelfth year, they are allowed to leave school by their ninth year if they so choose and with parental approval. The typical Waffish school year lasts from September to June, but it can vary by district.

Most Waffish universities are public institutions funded by the state. Thus, student tuitions are free, leading the majority of Waffles to attend some sort of college. Some of the most popular universities in the nation include [universities], and [university], with [university] being the oldest, founded in [year] by [king], after [event]. (WIP!)

According to a 2021 survey comparing Waffish adults, 95% of Waffles graduated from upper school, 84% of Waffles graduated from some college, and about 55% of Waffles received some sort of degree.

Military and Defense

The Waffish Defense Forces (WDF), established in 1848, are the national government's official military forces of Waffland, operating under the authority and direct control of the Waffish government. The WDF participate in national defense, peacekeeping operations, and support to allied nations through international military cooperation.

Personnel and Equipment

According to the 2022 national consensus, the WDF employs 2,500 active troops and 150,000 conscripted reserve troops. The military equipment consists of:

• 22 main battle tanks

• 500 military vehicles

• 12 naval vessels

• 90 military aircraft

Waffland possesses no weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), due to a number of international treaties and ongoing concerns with the environment.

Conscription

Civilian national service is mandatory in Waffland under federal conscription legislation. Both male and female citizens are required to serve a minimum of six months with the WDF at age 21.

Military Spending and Budget

Waffland allocates 20% of its government budget to the defense, which is one of the best-funded industries in the country. It is used for personnel, purchasing and repairing equipment, research and development, as well as foreign deployments.

International Presence and Alliances

The WDF maintains several international bases in allied nations, including:

• The United States

• Canada

• Germany

• Norway

• Japan

• Australia

They provide strategic partnerships and joint training exercises, and are all part of Waffland's general commitment to international peacekeeping and regional security cooperation.

Economy

The Commonwealth of Waffand operates as a predominantly capitalist nation with a mixed economy that incorporates selected elements of socialism, primarily within the sectors of public welfare and services. The nation's economy is highly centralized at the national level, with the federal government having moderate control over major sectors while allowing most industries to operate independently. As a whole, Waffland's GDP is approximately ₩1.7 trillion (USD $9.2 billion) and its GDP per capita is ₩8.6 million (USD $46,000).

Structure 

Although the majority of companies in Waffland are private and not subject to direct state control, the government holds on to the ownership or part-ownership of certain key industries that are of significant national interest, such as communications, transport, and energy. There are many economic liberties for Waffish citizens, such as the right to work in the line of business or company of their choice.

Welfare and Public Services

In the sector of public welfare, Waffland subsidizes universal access to primary and secondary education, heavily subsidizes university education, and includes a minimum income guarantee for all citizens. The nation also provides access to universal healthcare and maternity/paternity leave for all Waffish citizens.

Taxation and Government Expenditure

Waffland's tax system is relatively straightforward and has a flat 20% income tax rate for individuals and most businesses. It also has a 1% property tax, a 2.5% sales tax, and a 10% capital gains tax.

The government expenditure of Waffland amounts to around 20-30% of its GDP and is largely spent between the following sectors, which include:

• Arms and Defense

• Public Education

• Law and Order

• Healthcare

• Public administration

• Industry and economic development

• Environmental sustainability

• International aid and diplomacy