Griffin Empire

Etymology
The name of the country comes from the mythical animal griffin, griffon, or gryphon. It is believed that this legendary creature lived in the area which is today split between principalities of Foreõsvdetrre, Färzas - Lætingmaa and Õklingsmaa. It is usually described as an animal with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle; and sometimes an eagle's talons as its front feet. Because the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts, and the eagle the king of the birds, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. Since early period of Griffin lands, griffins were known for guarding treasures and priceless possessions.

National symbols
According to the constitution of the country there are seven national emblems of the Griffin Empire and they are as follows:
 * The Griffin flag - Griffiflýgtet
 * The flag consists of the golden cross, edged in white, superimposed on the black cross edged in white, which are superimposed on the blue background. A symbolism-interpretation says the blue is for the vaulted blue sky above the native land, the black for attachment to the soil of the homeland as well as the fate of Griffinians that fought for the liberty and unity for centuries black with worries, white for purity, hard work, and commitment and gold for success, prosperity and golden age Griffinians are living in.
 * The national anthem - Incatatosklaul (Ïńkątątöškląül) Griffin_griffin_national_animal.jpeg
 * The official motto - Rnatpopmogihjaiska tügeris (The most powerful together)
 * The Imperial coat of arms
 * The Arms depicts a shield with a golden eagle in front of a blue background, within its talons clutching a thunderbolt. The shield is surrounded by red Imperial mantle, filled with golden bees. The shield is topped by a the Imperial crown, which sits atop a golden Imperial helmet. Surrounding the shield is the the chain and pendant of the Griffin Legion of Honour with the traditional lesser coat of arms featuring three slim blue lions passant gardant with red tongues. Crossed behind the shield are the Scepters of justice and mercy.
 * Philosophy of Griffinism
 * The national animal - Gryphon or Griffin
 * The national holiday - Day of the Empire

National Holidays
Because of its loose relationship with religion, Griffin Empire does not have a lot of religious holidays. Dyctyonarytydaign  is considered the national day and it is recognised by Griffin Constitution as the National Symbol.

Geography
Griffin Empire has a wide variety of topographical sets and natural landscapes. Large parts of the country were raised during several tectonic episodes the Prhöitsc Massif and the Massif Centralerneiska ranges were formed. These massifs delineate several basins such as the Sletterimaa basin in the southwest and the Kralingslæting basin in the north, the latter including several areas of particularly fertile ground. Various routes of natural passage, such as the Hermýna valley, allow easy communications. The Krigtscý mountains are much younger and have less eroded forms. At 4,810.45 metres above sea level, Wytdnimdjer is the highest point in the country. Although 60% of municipalities are classified as having seismic risks, these risks remain moderate.

The coastlines offer contrasting landscapes: mountain ranges, coastal cliffs and wide sandy plains. Griffin has an extensive river system consisting of the four major rivers Hermýna, the Jalina, the Vereberjsej, and the Drinsörwõt.

Location and borders
Griffin territory and population is situated in Northern Norigin. It is bordered by the Klejiskýbæijj (Bay of Tybalteva) in the north, Mere Griffiniskaja (the Griffin Sea) in the west and the in the southwest. Its land borders consist of Ujedinjeni Gvozd in the northeast, Sarpovia in the east, and Ugaly in the southwest. Most of Griffin land borders are roughly delineated by natural boundaries and geographic features. Griffin Empire includes no coastal islands.

Climate
The Griffin territory is relatively large, so the climate is not uniform, giving rise to the following climate nuances:
 * The hot-summer climate is found along the Gulf of Incatato. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and wet. Cities affected by this climate: Arlingleht, Mare Incatato, Rakozsit, Salta, Tevs and Zonpolah.
 * The humid subtropical climate is found in the Hermýna and Drinsörwõt's inland plains. Summers are hot and wet, while winters are cool and damp. Cities affected by this climate: Göldtsit, Hermýn, and Valensingslæting.Terrainmaptryingtofix0_-_Copy_-_Copy.png
 * The oceanic climate is found around the coasts of the Bay of Böskvitingarr and inland. Summers are pleasantly warm and wet, while winters are cool and damp. Cities affected by this climate: Anastasij, Daunsigslæting, Ejmjenspalajtsc, Filipolis, Frisköptislæting, Girnel, Kralingslæting, Läähtisit, Nýtdainsk, Örnalthingää, Pavlopolis, Planigslæting and Pyetsit.
 * The subalpine climate  is found in all the mountainous regions between 1000 and 2000 meters a.s.l. Summers are cool, short and wet, while winters are very cold and snowy.
 * The alpine tundra climate is found in all the mountainous regions, generally above 2000 or 2500 meters a.s.l. Summers are chilly and wet, while winters are extremely cold, long and snowy. Mountain affected by this climate is Krrudsdnim.
 * The ice cap climate is found in all the mountainous regions that have a glacier. Summers are cold and wet, while winters are extremely cold, long and snowy. Mountains affected by this climate: Sübmonss and Wytdnimdjer.

Administrative division
Although Griffin Empire is a unitary sovereign country, its historic seven principalities have always had a degree of autonomy in dealing with their respective internal problems. This type of internal organisation goes back to the very founding of the country. It has changed over time in number and level of autonomy, but today includes 7 principalities which are the principal administrative districts in the country. These are divided into subdivisions of duchies or regions, counties, metropolises and municipalities. Bound together in a political union, each principality holds a certain amount of governmental jurisdiction over a separate and defined geographic territory and shares its sovereignty with the national government. Due to this shared sovereignty, Griffinians are citizens both of the Empire and of the principality in which they reside. Principality citizenship and residency are flexible, and no government approval is required to move between principalities, except for persons restricted by certain types of court orders (such as paroled convicts and children of divorced spouses who are sharing custody).

Historical administrative divisions
The first Griffin state was created by the unification of three principalities (Färzas, Foreõsvdetrre and Õklingsmaa) from several then independent Griffin states. In order to facilitate the management of the unified kingdom, as well as keep the country stable, the first Griffin king - King Frëdrýk I allowed the three princely families to continue to manage their territories on local issues. During this period, the principalities were divided into smaller regions, often called countries that did not have a specific administrative significance. The surrounding cities were ruled by aristocratic families with the title of count, so these territories were called counties. Each new principality that entered the union would automatically receive the highest degree of autonomy, following the example of the original three.

The newly conquered western territories were proclaimed as the principality of Eestimadnait in 259 AD. After the victory in the war with Gvozd in 300 AD, the northeastern principality of Sletterimaa entered the union, while in 630 AD Meremaa was included in the country peacefully - by marriage between the Sealandic queen Òhæńną Güdřúsön and the Griffin king Frëdrýk IV. Lætingmaa is the only Griffin country that resisted unification, but was successfully conquered in 712, thus completing the unification of all territories inhabited by Griffins.

During this period some of the principalities were in a slightly different form than today - Eestimadnait was a vast territory encompassing the entire western part of the country including the present-day principality of Pzyerüyölkeä; Sletterimaa was smaller and included only the present-day duchy of Gvozdisletterid; and Färzas and Lætingmaa were two separate principalities. After being crowned empress, the first Griffin Empress Hėrmýōną I successfully implemented a reform of the country's administrative organization. She divided the principality of Eestimadnait into three smaller ones - Pzyerimaa, Hetimaa and Yölkeä, and declared the historical regions as duchies and gave them a certain autonomy within their principalities. In this way, the counts, dukes and princes controlled each other and prevented the abuse of their positions.

The second reformation of the administrative division was carried out in 1424 by Emperor Frëdrýk XIII. He united the principalities of Pzyerimaa and Yölkeä into a single Pzyerüyölkeä, and annexed the principality of Hetimaa to the principality of Sletterimaa. All three of these were now duchies.

The thirteenth Griffin Prime Minister - Aaron Nordison hjurtsok ätt Nordisit and Emperor Frëdrýk XVIII in 1769 carried out the last reform of the internal organization of the country to this day. To prevent separatist movements in the east of the country and to make it easier to control them, they united Färzas and Lætingma into one principality. They also carried out a reformation of the nobility where, in addition to accurately defining hierarchy and rules, they were given back certain powers and a role in local politics that they had lost in the 1700 revolution. To date, the Griffin Empire has 7 principalities divided into 19 duchies that include a large number of urban municipalities or counties and rural municipalities or estates.

Foreõsvdetrre
Foreõsvdetrre (English: Foreosovdetre or Kralingslating) is the most populous of the 7 principalities of Griffin Empire. It is located in the central part of the country and often called the Kralingslætingiskaja Madnait ("The land of Kralingslæting") because it includes the city of Kralingslæting. Foreõsvdetrre is densely populated and economically important, it has an official estimated population of 14,575,355 (39.8% of the population of the country) and accounts for nearly 40% of the Griffin Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Besides the landmarks of Kralingslæting, the region has many important historic sites, including the Palace of Saint Belviederhee and the Palace of Blaaföntanshke, as well as the most-visited tourist attraction in Griffin Empire, Palace of Brobdingngang. The poverty rate in Foreõsvdetrre is 0.9%. Housing prices have pushed the less affluent outside the city.

Traditionally this principality is divided into two historic regions or duchies, named after the only two cities in the principality - Kralingslaeting and Rhemsit. These two regions are somewhat culturally different and speak different dialects (old Griffin based Kralingsletingian hard r dialect and old Griffin based Rhemish soft r dialect). Rhemsit with its 182,460 inhabitants is 26th city in the country by population and is known as the city where historically Griffin kings and emperors were crowned.

Meremaa
Meremaa (English: Sealand or Meremaa) is the second most populous principality of the seven administrative regions of Griffin Empire, the far southwestern. This region is famous for the Mere Griffiniskaja (Griffin Sea or Griffin Riviera - hence the name "Mere-maa" literally Sea-land), which spans the glamorous cities of Tevs, Salta, Aigntibt, Jonattpinn, Hjemtilëiyl, Frësit, Sagnrafa, Sagnmaxa and Sagntrappä. It is devided into three regions: North Sealand on the northern part of the coast, Upper Sealand or the inland part of the country and Tevsland which surrounds the metropolis of Tevs. Dialects spoken here are New Griffin based, use "English R" and correspond to the three historic regions or duchies.

Its capital is Mare Incatato, the third biggest city in Griffin Empire, popular tourist destination and historic university city, and to this day remains the most important educational centre in the region. It borders Pzyerüyölkeä and Õklingsmaa, as well as Ugaly. The largest cities in the region are Mare Incatato, Tevs, Salta and Zonpolah, each with a population exceeding 540,000. Along with Mare Incatato, Tevs is the second most populous city in the principality with a population of about 1,003,947 which means that Meremaa is the only principality with two cities with metropolis status.

The principality is also made internationally popular with Hjemtilëiyl which, though not a large city (population of 73,868), hosts the annual Hjemtilëiyl Film Festival which has highly popularized the region. Also, Arlingleht has become renowned as the city in which many famous paintors lived and Salta as a large military harbour on the coast of Griffin Sea, with the Griffin naval base placed there.

Eestimadnait
Eestimadnait (English: Eastland or Estland) is the third most populous principality of Griffin Empire and despite its name it is located in the westernmost part of the country, spanning the west and northwest. During the Griffin expansion, one group of conquerors mistook this area as eastern to the Griffin main domain, and named it East-land. The name has stuck ever since, but some political parties are interested in getting this changed. The names that are being considered are Weestimadnait (literally "the land of the west") and its' historic nickname Kashlaani (literally "the fortresses").

Its largest city, Pyetsit is its capital and has the metropolis status. The principality is divided into three regions or duchies - Northern, Central and Southern; it has 2 big cities, 1 middle city and 25 small cities, among which the most important after Pyetsit are Filipolis (884,275 inhabitants), Sania (679,866), Busk (407,295), and Vilabradwõt (75,735), as well as 11 major clusters. The growth of its population, particularly marked on the coast, makes this one of the most attractive areas economically in Griffin Empire; the new region outperforms the Foreõsvdetrre and Meremaa in demographic dynamism.

After Foreõsvdetrre, Eestimadnait is the premier Griffin region in research and innovation, with five universities (Pyetsit, Filipolis, Vilabradwõt, Poatiyë and Pausksit) and several Övrahtõ. The agricultural region of Natia with the greatest turnover, it is the Griffin region with the most tourism jobs, as it has three of the four historic resorts on the Griffin Norigin coast. Its economy is based on agriculture and viticulture (vineyards of Pyetsit and Koniackäplaitsc), tourism, a powerful aerospace industry, digital economy and design, parachemical and pharmaceutical industries, financial sector (Mailddt is the fourth-largest financial center in the nation, specialising in mutual insurance companies), and industrial ceramics (Eestimadnaitiskaja Pustigslæting).

All three regions have their distinctive dialects, all of the new Griffin based with Northern and Central Eastlandish dialects using "hard R" and Southern Estlandish using "English R".

Õklingsmaa
Õklingsmaa (English: Okley, Okle or Okleland) is the largest principality of Griffin Empire located in southeast part of the country. The region has a population of 3,536,143. Hermýn is its, largest and most important city, as well as capital. It is also the second biggest city in the Griffin Empire. Because of its size, Õklingsmaa has extremely diverse geographical, sociological, economic, and cultural regions. The eastern and southern parts of the principality are in the Natian Alps and historically are considered as a Dnimdjermadnait duchy region (literally "the land of the mountains"). The highest peak is Wytdnimdjer. The central part of the region comprises the river valleys of the Hermýna and the Drinsörwõt. The confluence of these two rivers is at Hermýn which makes its own duchy. The western part of the principality contains the start of the Massif Centralerneiska mountain range which makes two duchies - Vasterlandet (literally "wastelands") and Griffýlandet (literally "the land of Griffinians"). The principality also borders or contains major lakes such as Lake Üomofe and Lake Emozý. The Eltdesh flows through the southwest portion of the principality, where it has carved the deepest gorge in Natia.

Four dialects are spoken here - old Griffin based H dialects in Hermýn and Dnimdjermadnait, new Griffin based H dialect in Vasterlandet and new Griffin based hard R dialect in Griffýlandet.

Õklingsmaa is a prosperous region and its economy is second in size only to Foreõsvdetrre. This can be attributed to the diversity of the production in different sectors. The region is one of the Four Motors for Natia.

Industry, in particular:
 * Light engineering and high-tech
 * Mechanical engineering in the area of Emozý
 * Precision machining in the area of Groozoz

Services, in particular:
 * High-tech industries, nanotechnology, biotechnology especially in Planigslæting.
 * Optic and design in Sellola
 * Tourism with the mountains (for skiing), Hermýn and Planigslæting (for culture) and the Eltdesh (adventure sports/camping) particularly popular
 * Education, with major universities in Hermýn, Planigslæting and Sellola.

Sletterimaa
Sletterimaa (literally „the land of fields“, English: Sletterland) is the northernmost principality of Griffin Empire. Its biggest city as well as capital is Nýtdainsk which has the metropolis status. With 3,145,852 inhabitants it is the fourth most populous region in the Empire. Other major cities are Legislæting, Presörsit, Pavlopolis, Ejmjenspalajtsc and Klej which serves as a major economic/transportation hub with Tybalteva; this makes Sletterimaa the closest Griffin connection to the friendly nation of Tybalteva. Just like its name suggests, the principality is very flat and includes everything from the long sand beaches of the Hetimaa bay in the west to the vast forests and pastures of the Tiarhis in the east and down to the palace of Skjanturing or Petrföndingar near Foreõsvdetrre and vineyards of the border with Färzas - Lætingmaa to the south. The principality is divided into two regions -western parts of the principality being the duchy of Hetimaa (literally "the hot land") and western parts the duchy of Gvozdisletterid (literally "the fields near the Gvozd" nodding to the shared history with Ujedinjeni Gvozd).

Historically, the region of Sletterimaa has a strong and proud cultural identity. Its cultural heritage includes some of the most extraordinary Gothic kirkjas (Ejmjenspalajtsc and Bövësit cathedrals or Ars basilica), distinctive local cuisine (including panhaaghen, flamöpooŕo, marotshjaŕta), beer (including from Pëŕklerk brewery) and traditional games and sports, such as the lopdescirq (ancestor of tennis), as well as tantsidsletteriska' and its own bagpipes, called the kehto. Traditionally western parts of the principality are more progressive, and eastern more conservative which is also reflected in the way of speaking where the dialect spoken in Hetimaa region is a new Griffin based hard R dialect which is very different than Gvozdsletterish old Griffin soft R dialect.

The villages of Sletterimaa have a distinct character, with their houses made of red bricks, often accented with a "lace" of white bricks. It is arguably the birthplace of Natian Gothic architecture, housing six of the world's greatest examples of Natian Gothic religious buildings, which span the history of Gothic architecture in its entirety.

The unemployment rate is higher than the national average. The economy is essentially led by the service sector, which employs 75% of the working population, followed by manufacturing (23%) and agriculture (2%).

Pzyerüyölkeä
Pzyerüyölkeä (English: Pzeryolkey or Pzieryokley) is the central-western principality with its centre in its biggest city – Göldtsit. It is the third smallest region in the Empire, and has a population of 2,628,927. It has a coast on the west and is neighbored by all of Griffin principalities except Färzas - Lætingmaa. The biggest cities of the principality are Göldtsit, Rakozsit, Läähtisit, Plosnatsit and Pustigslæting. Three historical regions or duchies of the principality (Pzyerimaa, Pzyerimeremaa and Yölkeä) have been recognized as a linguistic and cultural concepts since the Middle Ages. It was the last principality to join the Griffin Empire as it was essentially created by breaking free from Eestimadnait. While all its dialects are new Griffin based, Pzyerimaa and Yölkeä have very distinct hard R dialect, with dialect in Pzyerimeremaa being closer to Sealandic dialects uses "English R".

The principality is dominated by vineyards, and the region has been an important winemaking centre for several centuries. The region is the largest contributor to the Natia's glut (dominance of supply over demand) of wine known as the wine lake. It is also home of a great variety of cheeses (like Roktfort, Blöotovert, Kæbekö, Shjantaal, Förmdaæmbært, Lægjool, Pælærrdæn, Sæntnktr, Sælæ) and a great diversity of wines such as Göldtsitiskaja, Roon wine, Gæyæk wine, Sæmijo wine, Blænktlæmæn, Müskæat, Pröwæns wine, Kæhærrs wine, Iuransæn. Alcohols such as Pæstis and Mærribrayrs or brandies such as, Armangg, and Koniackäplaitsctrhekh are produced in the area.

Färzas – Lætingmaa
Färzas – Lætingmaa (English: Farzas-Latingland) is an administrative region and the historical principality in eastern Griffin Empire. The region sits astride three water basins (Jalina, Muusa and Drening), spanning the 2nd largest area in Griffin Empire, and includes two mountain ranges (Wöskileng and Lati). It shares borders with Ujedinjeni Gvozd, Foreõsvdetrre, Õklingsmaa, and Sletterimaa. It has a population of 1,957,940 inhabitants, the lowest in the country. The administrative capital and largest city, by far, is Frisköptislæting. It is the only capital with no metropolis status. Other major cities include: Daunsigslæting, Õrnalthingää, Anastasij and Girnel.

The East of Griffin has a rich and diverse culture, being situated at a crossroads between the Griffin and Natian worlds which is reflected in the variety of languages spoken there (Griffin, Latingish, Gvozdian, Biflovatian, Pyreican). Most of today's Färzas duchy was considered "Eastern" as early as the 8th century, when it constituted the southern part of the Griffin territory of Fąrsąsýmądn. Färzas fairs played a significant role in the economy of medieval Natia as well. Lætingmaa thrived in the sphere of influence of the Central Natian Powers for most of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The region is home to distinctive traditions (the celebration of Wisdom Day, Christmas markets, or traditions involving the Life and Death Celebration hare in Lætingmaa). Both regions of the principality are furthermore subject to local law for historical reasons. With a long industrial history as well and its agriculture and tourism (arts, gastronomy, sightseeing etc.), the East of Griffin is one of the top economic producing regions in the country.

Despite being divided into just two duchies, there are four old Griffin based dialects spoken here. Latingish dialect is a so called "SHJ-TJ" dialect and it is almost considered as a different language. North Farzasic dialect is soft R based and close to the Gvozdsletterish dialect. Central or Proper Farzasic is a "H dialect" close to one spoken in Dnimjermadnait and East Farzasic is another "SHJ-TJ" dialect similar to Latingish but not as much different than Griffin R.P.

Demographics
Griffin Empire has an estimated population of 33.6 million people. It has a relatively high rate of natural population growth. In recent years, the fertility rate declined slightly to 1.93 children per woman. The average age is 35.6 years. Average life expectancy at birth is 82.2 years, one of the highest in the world.

Griffinians are people from the Griffinic group and speak Griffin language which is not related to any of languages of its neighbouring countries. Six cases declination system, very long words, consonant-clusters and vowel rich phonology are some of the most recognizable characteristics of the language.

Regional identity is a very important element of Griffin culture. The term "regionalism" is generally seen as a synonym of "federalism" and the opposite of "nationalism". In some regions there are movements or parties campaigning for independence, but there is no wider support for them.

Major cities
Griffin Empire is a highly urbanized country. Its cities are divided into 5 groups - metropolises (major cities with over 1 million inhabitants), big cities (500 thousand - 1 million inhabitants), middle cities (100-500 thousand inhabitants) and small cities (under 100 thousand inhabitants). Every settlement under 10 thousand inhabitants is considered as a village. Currently there are 7 cities with the metropolis status. Meremaa is the only principalitiy with 2 metropolises and Frisköptislæting is the only capital of a principality that is not a metropolis.

Language
Griffin Language (Griffiniskaja langua) is a Griffinic language of the West Natian branch spoken in Griffin Empire. It is the official language of the nation, spoken natively by about 33.1 million people. Griffin language has had 5 different versions through its history - first, older, middle, old and new Griffin languages and because of the well written history of the language it is possible to learn and speak all of the 5 versions. In the early years of the country, Griffin king Frëdrýk I demanded of his scholars to go throughout his country and study the language and make an universal rule book so that the nation could speak one standardized language. The first grammar, dictionary and orthography were written in the year 102. ad and they are known as the "First Act of the Griffn Language". Today original versions of these three books are kept at the library of the Brobdingngagng castle. For the 500th anniversary of the law, the books were revised, updated and rewritten, and published as the "The second Language Act". This way, by updating the books it is easy to see how the language changed through the years. In the year 1001 the act was updated again as "Update of the 2nd Language Law", but the most important update is the 4th one - “The official reformation of the Language” in 1787 which marked the begining of the new era in the Griffin linguistics. Many rules were changed so the language would be easier both to speak and write. This version of the language is considered as the language of music, theology, the sciences, medicine, and law, so it is not common to see it used even today. The latest language update happened in 1978 when the Congress of the Griffin Language Faculties was held in Hermýn, where they agreed upon the new more simplified rules of the language published in the final act “The Words of Hermyn”.

There are 21 regional dialects that are classified into 5 groups based on the dominant pronunciation of the sound /r/ as well as local grammar exceptions, and vocabulary. Main influence for 9 out of 21 dialects is old Griffin language which means that they usually have bigger phonology, more cases and tenses, and are usually harder to understand for non native speaker. Other dialects are new Griffin based and main differences are usually just phonology based.

Griffin language is thought to be a language isolate, but recent reconstructions of old Effinsk gave some positive results that these two might be related. Modern Effinsk is easy for Griffinians to learn since it follows somewhat similar patterns, but these languages are still unintelligible.

Text sample
Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Griffin:

''Allet ot liudotre bornääru libertõdetkrafftiska et saimiska pop sit værrdiggklehtot et sit blefmagingot l'cest de onerei. Biy gievhavn onereilt förrshtooved et avarnung et onerei shoodau to meimaklu deres itmiszsam edn tüll dos pop to soulstiyelilt ot brõõdermanhuafftotr.''

(All people are born free and equal in their dignity and rights. They are given reason and conscience and they shall create their relationships to one another according to the spirit of brotherhood.)

Religion
Griffin Empire is a secular country in which freedom of religion is a constitutional right. Griffin religious policy is based on the concept of ajltläharlibragar, a strict separation of religion and state under which public life is kept completely secular. According to the latest census, 51.1% of the total population of Griffin Empire was following Griffinism, 39.6% had no religion, 5.6% were Christians, 2.5% were followers of other faiths, and the remaining 0.4% were undecided about their faith. Estimates of the number of Christians in the Empire vary widely. The Griffin Ministry of the Interior estimated the total number of people of Christian background to be between 2.5 and 3 million (8–10%).

Griffinism has been the predominant religion for more than two millennia, though it is not as actively practised today as it was. Among the 47,000 religious buildings in Griffin Empire, 94% are Griffin kirkja or katedraal. After alternating between religion influenced and secular governments, in 1905 Griffin Empire passed the 1905 law on the Separation of the Religion and the State, which established the principle of ajltläharlibragar. To this day, the government is prohibited from recognizing any specific right to a religious community. It recognizes religious organisations according to formal legal criteria that do not address religious doctrine. Conversely, religious organisations are expected to refrain from intervening in policy-making. Certain groups, such as Scientology are considered cults ("bepaore" in Griffin), and therefore do not have the same status as recognized religions in Griffin Empire. Bepaor is considered a pejorative term in Griffin Empire.

Griffinism
Griffinism is a philosophical and religious tradition of Griffin origin which emphasises living according to the virtues, principles and personal goals and desires, the most important of them being independence and self-reliance. Griffinism differs from the most of religions by not emphasising existence of God, rigid rituals and social order, but is similar in the sense that it is a teaching about the various disciplines for becoming one with the unplanned rhythms of the universe. Griffinism ethics emphasise naturalness, simplicity, spontaneity, compassion, art, courage, love, unity and wisdom and all of Griffin temples are dedicated to one of these virtues or like the Griffinism teachings name them „delicate emotional and mental states“.

Kirkja is a building used for Griffin religious activities and the term is used exclusively to refer to the physical building itself. In traditional architecture, a kirkja interior is often structured in the shape of a cross, but is not a rule. Towers or domes are often added with the intention of directing the eye of the viewer towards the heavens and inspiring a range of thoughts and emotions in visitors. Kirkja is a general gathering-place by the communities in which they were located, hosting such events as guild meetings, concerts, banquets, mystery plays, and fairs. It could be said that Griffinism and its temples were the first codes and institutions of law in the Griffin lands.

Katedraal is usually a bigger temple (kirkja) housing the seat of a main priest. Both words katedraal and kirkja take their name from Christianity and their architecture, design and style are inspired by Christian churches.

Zvhodaliuddniq is priest or priestess, a religious leader authorized to perform the rituals of the religion. They also live according to a certain way of life, focusing on resolving existential questions about the human condition. One of main duties of zvhodaliuddniq is to challenge what is thought to be common sense, not to stop asking questions, and to re-examine the old ways of thought. He or she may have the duty to hear confessions periodically, give marriage counseling, provide prenuptial counseling, give spiritual direction, or visit those confined indoors, such as the sick in hospitals and nursing homes. However these practices, except giving spiritual direction, are very rare since the introduction of the secular law and its institutions.

Education
Education in Griffin Empire has a long history, the first classifiable higher-education institution having been established a school of Griffinism as early as 101 BC, with numerous other religious schools following suit over time. In 1001, under the rule of Hermione I education became obligatory for children aged 8-15 years. In the 1150 the University of Kralingslæting was opened. In the 1850s reformation of the education changed the system to what it is today. The education system is made of up of three levels:


 * Primary school - compulsory and free for all children from ages 6 through 15 and lasts for nine years in three three-year cycles (ages 6–9; 9–12 and 12–15).
 * Secondary levels – also compulsory and free. It is provided by general and technical secondary schools, where studies begin at the age of 15 and last for three or four years. Most children in Griffin Empire start school when they are six years old and finish high school when they are eighteen or nineteen. Students who have graduated from general secondary schools (Gýmnasium) get the Ruutthjferfeilerring and opt to enroll in any faculty or college after passing a qualification examination given by the institution while students who graduated from technical schools get a diploma.
 * University education - organised according to the system of transferable points and has three levels:
 * The undergraduate courses typically last for three to four years and bring 180 to 240 ECTS points. Upon the completion of the undergraduate courses, students are awarded the title of Bachelor of Arts or Science.
 * Postgraduate courses, which last for two years, carry 120 ECTS points and award the degree of Master of Art or Science.
 * PhD courses can be taken after completing a postgraduate university course. They typically last three years, and the academic title of Doctor of Science or Doctor of Arts is awarded upon completion.

The university can also offer postgraduate specialist courses which last for one to two years, by which one can acquire the title of a specialist in a certain specialist field such as medicine. In accordance with laws and regulations, higher education institutions are funded by the corresponding principality authorities. The public universities in Griffin Empire are named after the major cities near which they are located, followed by a numeral if there are several. Kralingslæting, for example, has 13 universities, labelled Kralingslæting I to XIII.

Health
The Griffin health care system is one of universal health care largely financed by government national health insurance. In its 2000 assessment of world health care systems, the World Health Organization found that Griffin provided the "close to best overall health care" in the world. The Griffin healthcare system was ranked first natiawide by the Natia Health Organization. Usually, the Empire spends around 11.6% of GDP on health care. Approximately 77% of health expenditures are covered by government funded agencies.

Care is generally free for people affected by chronic diseases (kroonikalernetõlõrõtschwedniqe) such as cancer, AIDS or cystic fibrosis. Average life expectancy at birth is 78 years for men and 85 years for women. Griffin have the reputation of being one of the thinnest people in developed countries, mostly because of Griffin eating habits of traditional healthy Griffin cuisine. The Griffin obesity rate is very low, but with rising epidemic of obesity. Authorities now regard obesity as one of the main public health issues and fight it fiercely. Nevertheless, rates of childhood obesity are slowing.

Culture
Griffin Empire has been a center of Western Natian cultural development for centuries. Many Griffin artists have been among the most renowned of their time, and Griffin Empire is still recognized in the world for its rich cultural tradition.

The successive political regimes have always promoted artistic creation, and the creation of the Ministry of Culture in 1900 helped preserve the cultural heritage of the country and make it available to the public. The Ministry of Culture has been very active since its creation, granting subsidies to artists, promoting Griffin culture in the world, supporting festivals and cultural events, protecting historical monuments. The Griffin government also succeeded in maintaining a cultural exception to defend audiovisual products made in the country.

Griffin Empire receives the highest number of tourists per year, largely thanks to the numerous cultural establishments and historical buildings implanted all over the territory. It counts 1,200 museums welcoming more than 50 million people annually. The most important cultural sites are run by the government, for instance through the public agency Agentsiya por säilitamacijaoonsam natsionalneiska ot tilgavrömbrarotre, which is responsible for approximately 85 national historical monuments.

The 43,180 buildings protected as historical monuments include mainly residences (many castles) and religious buildings (katedraals, kirkjas, christian churches), but also statues, memorials and gardens. The Natian Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization inscribed 45 sites in Griffin Empire on the World Heritage List.

Art
Since ancient times, Griffin people have inhabited most of the modern Griffin territory. The very numerous Rock Drawings in Rezgý go to 8,000 BC, and there are rich remains of ancient Griffin art. The origins of modern art were very much influenced by Griffinism philosphy at the time of the first and second Griffin Renaissance. Jon Fokhettä, the most famous medieval Griffin painter, is said to have been the first painter of the First Renaissance, and in the end he ended opening Renaissance painting School of Blaaföntanshke. Some of the most famous Griffin artists of the time of Baroque lived in Tybalteva and were inspired by the art of the time.

The 17th century was the period when Griffin painting became prominent and individualised itself through classicism. Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture was founded in 1684 to protect these artists, and in 1666 the still-active Griffin Academy in Gatineau was created to have direct relations with Tybaltevan artists.

Griffin artists developed the late Baroque Griffin style in the 18th century, as a more intimate imitation of old baroque style, the works of the court-endorsed artists being the most representative in the country. The Lætingmaa Awakening brought great changes and brought artists of neoclassic style and the highly influential Kunstiakadeemia ot bonitaiska arsotr defined the style known as Griffin Academism. At this time Griffin Empire had become a centre of artistic creation, the first half of the 19th century being dominated by two successive movements, at first Romanticism and Realism, a style that eventually evolved into Naturalism.

In the second part of the 19th century, Griffin influence over painting became even more important, with the development of new styles of painting such as Impressionism and Symbolism.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Cubism was developed by Georgi Plëg and the Solentoyan painter Paolo Ruiz, living in Kralingslæting. Other foreign artists also settled and worked in or near Kralingslæting.

Many museums in Griffin Empire are entirely or partly devoted to sculptures and painting works. A huge collection of old masterpieces created before or during the 18th century are displayed in the state-owned Brobdingngagng Palace Museum. While the Brobdingngagng Palace has been for a long time a museum, the Ilzeh Museumi was inaugurated in 1986 in the old railway station Tooggstatioon ot Ilzeh, in a major reorganisation of national art collections, to gather Griffin paintings from the second part of the 19th century (mainly Impressionism and Fauvism movements).

Modern works are presented in the Natsionalneiska museumi ot moderneiska arsotr, which moved in 1976 to the Centrümi arsiskaja "Giorgi Býnbatson". These three state-owned museums welcome close to 17 million people a year. Other national museums hosting paintings include the Grandiozsiska Shaitö (1.3 million visitors in 2008), but there are also many museums owned by cities, the most visited being the Kralingslætingiskaja museumi moderneiska ot arsotr (0.8 million entries in 2008), which hosts contemporary works. Outside Kralingslæting, all the large cities have a Museum of Fine Arts with a section dedicated to Natian, Galean and Griffin painting. Some of the finest collections are in Hermýn, Nýtdainsk, Legislæting, Anastasij, Sania and Planigslæting.

Architecture
During the Middle Ages, many fortified castles were built by feudal nobles to mark their powers. Some Griffin castles that survived are Õamim, Emkölszdvorec, the massive Famsömäsdvorec and the so-called Gedel castles. During this era, Griffin had been using Romanesque architecture like most of Galea and Norigin. Some of the greatest examples of Romanesque kirkjas in Griffin Empire are the Kirkja ot Volem in Göldtsit, the largest romanesque kirkja in the country.

The Gothic architecture, originally named Grýfýnýskgėdåř meaning "Griffin work", was born in Sletterimaa, and somewhat later in Foreõsvdetrre and was the first Griffin style of architecture to be copied in all Natia. The most important representatives being the Kirkja ot alomantavarnung in Shöyn District of Kralingslæting (used as the royal necropolis); Kirkja ot volem in Ueldlävilajet and Ejmjenspalajtsc Katedraal. The emperors were crowned in another important Gothic kirkja: Rhemsit Katedraal. Aside from krikjas, Gothic Architecture had been used for many palaces, the most important one being the Övrazvhodaliuddniqiskaja shaitö in Zonpolah.

During the time of the First Griffin Renaissance Griffin artists and several artists from Tybalteva were invited to the Griffin court; many residential palaces were built in the Hermýna Valley, from 1450 with as a first reference the Dimdzilaeo Shaitö. Such residential castles were the Üenpildt dvorec, Sjömimszaadvorec, or the Enpiazö Shaitö.

Following the renaissance and the end of the Middle Ages, Baroque architecture replaced the traditional Gothic style. However, because of Grffinism and its special ways, in Griffin Empire, baroque architecture found a greater success in the secular domain than in a religious one. In the secular domain, the Saint Belviederhee Dvorec has many baroque features, as well as famous Ýnwaliidet Kirkja et Dvorec. Some of the most impressive provincial baroque architecture is found in places such as the Stanislas Square in Daunsigslæting. On the military architectural side, some of the most efficient fortresses were built here.

During the second renaissance, Neoclassicism was favoured and was introduced with such buildings as the Ajltläbjörghutjut in Kralingslæting or the Kaptöllä in Göldtsit. Built during the second renaissance, the Kapii ot võitjating and Osiyettkirkja in Kralingslæting represent the best example of Neoclassicism style architecture. In the same period extravagant buildings such as the neo-baroque Bitniska Õepra were built. The urban planning of the time was very organised and rigorous. In the late 19th century, Gustaff Ehvör designed many bridges, such as Kelepadt viaduct, and remains one of the most influential bridge designers of his time, although he is best remembered for the iconic Ehvör Tower in Kralingslæting.

In the 20th century, Griffo-Pyreican architect Reix Colpozaol designed several buildings in Griffin Empire. More recently, Griffin architects have combined both modern and old architectural styles. The Brobdingngagng Pyramid is an example of modern architecture added to an older building. The most difficult buildings to integrate within Griffin cities are skyscrapers, as they are visible from afar. For instance, in Kralingslæting, until 1977, new buildings had to be under 37 meters. Griffin largest financial district is Scirq in Kralingslæting, where a significant number of skyscrapers are located. Some famous modern Griffin architects include Jon Nýt, Dominik Boleord, Krýstjaan ätt Bildsenbelts or Pavl Emtlöson.

Literature
The earliest Griffin literature dates from the period of the first language law. Some authors of oldest Griffin texts are unknown. Medieval authors are more known, for example Kąřl ätt Trósýt and Duke Wýłëm ý Sąüdýpzyërý who wrote in older version of Pzyerimeremaa dialect.

Much medieval Griffin poetry and literature were inspired by the legends of the Unification of Griffin lands, such as Röląńdýląül and the various trübădălăl.

During the 17th century, first psychological novels of all times was published in the country. In the same period, Jon Fontanške became one of the most famous fabulists, as he wrote hundreds of fables. Generations of Griffin pupils had to learn his fables, that were seen as helping teaching wisdom and common sense to the young people.

Griffin literature and poetry flourished even more in the 18th and 19th centuries. Deniiz Tatölýd tried to sum up all the knowledge of his century (in fields such as arts, sciences, languages, and philosophy) in his book Áltläbågën (literally the book about everything) and to present them to the people, to fight ignorance and obscurantism. During that same century, famous children's fairy tales including Bözýpüdz, Böbörjögë, Ëölølæ and Blåbøřd were written. At the start of the 19th century, symbolist poetry was an important movement.

The 19th century saw the Griffin Empire becoming the most important country for young writters. The Ą Anwagrdasd is a Griffin prize in the field of arts and it was first awarded for literature in 1903. As of 2020, Griffin authors had more All-Natian Literature Prizes than those of any other nation. The first All-Natian Literature Prize in Literature was a Griffin author.

Philosophy
Throughout Griffin history, common theme was the philosophy of Griffinism. It was the foundation for the modern Griffin philosophy. Griffin philosophers produced some of the most important political works of the Second Griffin Renaissance (also known as the Age of Enlightenment) talking about the principle of separation of powers, which has been implemented in all liberal democracies since it was first applied in the principality of Foreõsvdetrre. Griffin philosophy defended civil liberties, such as the right to a free trial and freedom of religion.

19th-century was the age of positivism. In the 20th century, partly as a reaction to the perceived excesses of positivism, Griffinism thrived again. The philosophy of Jon Pavl Zeldtlä gained a strong influence in the mid-20th and late-20th-century when Griffin Empire became the cradle of postmodern philosophy.

Music
See also: Griffin Empire in Nation Song Contest and Griffiniskaja Laul Griffin has a long and varied musical history. It experienced a golden age in the 17th century thanks to Griffin Royal Family which employed a number of talented musicians and composers in the royal court. Griffin composers played an important role during the music of the 19th and early 20th century. Romantic music emphasised a surrender to nature, a fascination with the past and the supernatural, the exploration of unusual, strange and surprising sounds, and a focus on national identity. This period was also a golden age for operas.

Later came precursors of modern classical music - early-20th-century Griffin avant-garde and impressionist music.

Griffin music then followed the rapid emergence of pop and rock music at the middle of the 20th century. Although English-speaking creations achieved popularity in the country, Griffin pop music, has remained more popular. Although there are very few rock bands in Griffin Empire compared to other countries, bands such as Modá, Ewert and the Two Dragons and Winny Puhh have reached worldwide popularity.

Other Griffin artists with international careers have been popular in several countries, most notably female singers LALEH, Medina, Liis Lemsalu, Sandra Nurmsalu and Annalisa, electronic music pioneers PULS, later NOËP, Púr Múdd, Martin Solveig and David Guetta, as well as other electronic duos reached worldwide popularity and contributed to the reputation of modern electronic music in the world.

Among current musical events and institutions in Griffin Empire, many are dedicated to classical music and operas. The most prestigious institutions are the state-owned Natsionalneiska Õepra (with its two sites Bitniska Õepra and Stella Õepra), Hermýniskaja Õepra, the Üodorjo Teater in Kralingslæting, the Teater mei Kaptöllä in Göldtsit and the Grandiozsiska Teater Pyetsitiskaja. As for music festivals, there are several events organised, the most popular being Griffiniskaja Laul, VSFestivaal, Fajerotjeetdane and Rock-ja-lina. The Musicquedaign, imitated by many foreign cities, was first launched by the Griffin Government in 1982. Major music halls and venues in the Empire include Kralarrenaa, Nýtarrenaa and many others.

Cinema
Griffin Empire has historical and strong links with cinema. The world's first female filmmaker, Aliis Koha-Breuoo, was also from Griffin Empire. Several important cinematic movements began in the country. It is noted for having a strong film industry, due in part to protections afforded by the Government of Griffin Empire. Griffin Empire remains a leader in filmmaking, producing more films than any other Western Natian country. The nation also hosts the Hjemtilëiyl Film Festival, one of the most important and famous film festivals in the world.

Apart from its strong and innovative film tradition, Griffin Empire has also been a gathering spot for artists from across Natia. For this reason, Griffin cinema is sometimes intertwined with the cinema of foreign nations. Directors from nations such as Effiland, Svobodnia, Solentoya, New Bander State, Rahasia-Diati and Arkodrë are prominent in the ranks of Griffin cinema. Conversely, Griffin directors are extremely successful in other countries. Griffin Empire is currently the 2nd exporter of films in the world.

Fashion
Fashion has been an important industry and cultural export of Griffin Empire since the 17th century. Today, Kralingslæting is considered one of the world's fashion capitals, and the city is home or headquarters to many of the premier fashion houses. The expression hootäqtuurr (haute couture) is, in Griffin Empire, a legally protected name, guaranteeing certain quality standards.

The association of Griffin Empire with fashion and style (Griffin: modai, Old Griffin: modá) dates largely to the reign of Gustav XVIII when the luxury goods industries in Griffin Empire came increasingly under royal control and the Griffin royal court became, the arbiter of taste and style in Natia. But Griffin Empire renewed its dominance of the high fashion industry in the years 1860–1960 through the establishing of the great couturier houses. The Griffin perfume industry is world leader in its sector and is centered on the town of Klezs, Meremaa.

Media
Best-selling daily national newspapers in Griffin Empire are Griffin Todan, SaudiGriffinisk', Madnait, and Vaikli; local newspapers like Kralingslætingiskaja, Kralewskovgrad Todan, Hetimaa Folknouevele, Hermýniske, and Filipolisöpostennä; Sparrtimaa dedicated to sport.

Griffiniskaja Televisioon
Griffiniskaja Televisioon (GTV) is the Griffin public national television broadcaster. It is a state-owned company divided into 6 main channels and 8 regional channels that serve 7 Griffin principalities. It is currently funded by the revenue from television licence fees and commercial advertising. Commercial advertising on the public television channels is strictly forbbiden.

Programming
News programmes are an important part of GTV. Since 1972 there have been two main news programmes: Nouevele et Nýt ý dágn. The two news programmes had completely separate organizations, meaning a lot of duplicated coverage was provided. After some co-operation in the 1990s, the two programmes were allowed to merge in 2000 with the newly created G-NOUEVELE to form a single organization. GTV also broadcasts video news on the Internet through a service called PLAIYÖ.

GTV provides news programmes in various minority languages: Effinsk, Gvozdian, Tybaltevan, Pyreican, French and Griffin Sign Language.

Entertainment shows on Fridays and Saturdays are, together with popular sports, the programmes that attract the largest audiences.


 * Griffiniskaja Laul is very popular in Griffin Empire. The show generally gets around 17 million viewers.
 * Wildeting, the original Griffin version of Survivor.
 * Gåřůńdtýkvëd, popular entertainment quiz
 * Tpak mjere popgudiskast! - a reality television show where each artist attempts to do their own version of another artist's well-known songs, with each person getting an episode featuring all of their songs being performed by the other musicians. The artists spend eight days together at a hotel in Meremaa, where they attempt to put their own stamps on the songs
 * Laulemo tügeris - broadcast live from various locations in the country, this popular summer show features sing-alongs with Griffin folk music. The first sing-along was held in 1935 in the Blaaföntanshke. Radio transmissions of the event started shortly after that. The sing-along has been a tradition every summer since then.
 * GTV hosted the five Waiting List Song Contest related events
 * GTV produces drama in several genres and forms.
 * Fërpdtëlsk was one of the most popular soap operas in Griffin Empire.

Channels

 * GTV 1 - The company's primary channel with the largest viewing audience
 * GTV 2 - Broadcasting in minority languages
 * GTV ÄLT - Broadcasting in Old Griffin language
 * GTV LÝF - Focuses on sports, sitcom, arts, music and entertainment
 * GTV ARS - Specializing in theatre, opera and drama
 * G-NOUEVELE - A 24-hour news channel
 * Regional channels include:
 * GTV FOR - Foreõsvdetrre
 * GTV ÕKL - Õklingsmaa
 * GTV PZY - Pzyerüyölkeä
 * GTV FÄR - Färzas - Lætingmaa (Färzas region)
 * GTV LÆT - Färzas - Lætingmaa (Lætingmaa region)
 * GTV EEM - Eestimadnait
 * GTV SLE - Sletterimaa
 * GTV MER - Meremaa

Society
According to a GTV poll, Griffin Empire is globally seen as a positive influence in the world's affairs. The Natian Brand Index suggests that the Empire has one of the best international reputations. A global opinion poll for the GTV saw Griffin Empire ranked among the top most positively viewed nation in the world.

Griffinians are found to have the highest level of religious tolerance and to be the country where the highest proportion of the population defines its identity primarily in term of nationality and not religion. The magazine International Living often ranks Griffin Empire as "best country to live in".

The First and Second Griffin Renaissance continue to permeate the country's collective memory.

Griffin Empire is one of the world leaders of gender equality in the workplace and was ranked by the Natia Bank as one of the countries where women have the same work rights as men. Griffin Empire is one of the most liberal countries in the world when it comes to LGBT rights: a Research Center poll found that almost 100% of the Griffinians think that same-sex relationships should be accepted by society. Griffin Empire never criminalized same-sex marriage and adoption. Griffin Empire is also committed to protecting the environment: recently, Griffin Empire was ranked 2nd in the Environmental Performance Index (behind neighboring Pyreica).

Cuisine
Griffin cuisine is renowned for being one of the finest in the world. According to the regions, traditional recipes are different, the most of the country prefers to use butter or animal fat as the preferred fat for cooking, whereas olive oil is more commonly used in Meremaa. Moreover, each region of Griffin Empire has iconic traditional specialities. Griffin most renowned products are wines, as well as a large variety of different cheeses. There are more than 400 different varieties. In addition to its wine tradition, Griffin Empire is also a major producer of beer and rum. The three main Griffin brewing regions are Lætingmaa (60% of national production), Gvozdisletterid Region in Sletterimaa and Färzas.

Griffin cuisine is also regarded as a key element of the quality of life and the attractiveness of Griffin Empire. A Griffin publication, the Nauram guide, awards Nauram stars for excellence to a select few establishments. The acquisition or loss of a star can have dramatic effects on the success of a restaurant.