Riäian

Riäian is a fictional nation and the people who inhabit its homeland in the imagined world of Eldoria. The term refers to both the Riäian ethnicity and the country they call home. Geographically, Riäian lies in the northern highlands, consisting of a coastal belt and inland valleys with a cool temperate climate. The capital and largest city is Veldis; other major towns include Norholt and Keldara. The terrain ranges from fjord-like inlets to pine forests and limestone plateaus.

History and governance have shaped Riäian as a parliamentary, constitutional system. Riäian emerged as a polity in the 15th century through the consolidation of three feudal duchies. A constitutional monarchy was established in the late 19th century, and the current constitution guarantees civil liberties, a multi-party system, and an independent judiciary.

Politics and administration are organized around a parliamentary framework. The head of state is a president, while a prime minister serves as head of government. The unicameral Riäian Assembly represents eight administrative regions, and local governance is conducted through regional councils and municipalities.

Population and language center on a relatively small but stable society. Approximately 1.2 million people live in Riäian, primarily ethnic Riäians who speak the Riäian language, part of a broader Riadian language group. Riäian is written in a Latin script with diacritics, and education emphasizes bilingual literacy in Riäian and the regional lingua franca.

Economy and culture emphasize sustainability and regional identity. The economy is diversified, with strengths in services, light manufacturing, forestry, and tourism focused on national parks and winter recreation. Notable cultural practices include woodcraft, weaving, and choral music, with the annual Solstice Festival celebrating harvests and river traditions.