zemalja

Zemalja is a fictional sovereign state used in world-building and speculative fiction. The name derives from zemlja, a root meaning earth or land in several Slavic languages. It is depicted as a landlocked republic in the eastern portion of the fictional continent of Rosara.

Covering roughly 120,000 square kilometers, Zemalja features central plains, northern highlands, and a network of rivers. The population is about 5.4 million. Ethnic Zemaljani form the majority; minorities include the Karan, Lovi, and several regional communities. The official language is Zemaljan; minority languages include Karan and Lovi.

Zemalja is a parliamentary republic with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government. The unicameral National Assembly has 120 seats. Elections are held every four years. The constitution enshrines fundamental rights, and an independent judiciary provides checks and balances.

The economy is mixed, with a strong agricultural sector (wheat, barley, dairy), forestry, light manufacturing (textiles, furniture), and services. The currency is the zemal (ZL). Major exports include grain, timber, and machinery. Trade partners include neighboring states and regional blocs.

Zemalja is known for folk music, crafts, and regional cuisine featuring rye bread, root vegetables, and mushroom dishes. National holidays celebrate harvest, regional saints, and historical milestones. Education emphasizes literacy and rural development, while regional languages are culturally significant.

Zemalja traces its modern institutions to a medieval duchy that achieved formal sovereignty in the 19th century, followed by democratic reforms in the late 20th century. In recent decades, it has focused on modernization and regional cooperation.