New Acadia

New Acadia is a nation that participates in the Nation Song Contest, debuting in version 52.

Etymology
The name "New Acadia" comes from the historical region of Acadia, the English name for the former French colonial region in northeastern North America, which is today typically referred to as The Maritimes, the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, along with the American state of Maine.

History
The story of the Acadians is unique, in that they are a historically peaceful and tolerant people who share a rich culture and a special bond.

The settlement of Port-Royal (present day Annapolis Royal) in 1607 was originally founded by the Acadians, and is the oldest continuous European settlement to ever have been founded in North America. Their early history was that of subsistence and harmony, developing bonds with the local aboriginal tribe, the Mi'kmaqs and learned their hunting and fishing techniques. Their location, though, was on the frontier of a power struggle between French and British territories. Their land was repeatedly ceded between nations, and the Acadians learned to live productively through neutrality and refused to choose sides. This led to their nickname 'the French neutrals.'

After the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, the Acadian territory (minus Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia) was permanently ceded to the British. Thus, the Acadians were forced to sign an oath of allegiance to the Crown. In a trade for their loyalty, they stipulated that they would remain neutral in conflict against the French and Aboriginals. In the mid 18th century, with the British and French conflicting again, the Crown demanded the Acadians take an absolute oath of allegiance to the British, meaning they would have to take arms against their French neighbours and family. Not wanting to turn against their family in French territory, along with believing their allegiance would compromise their religious beliefs, they refused.

In response to their insistence on neutrality, the British Colonel Charles Lawrence ordered the mass deportation of the Acadians. In what was known as "Le Grand Dérangement" (The Great Expulsion), over 14 000 Acadians were removed from their territory, with their homes burned and lands confiscated.

Modern History and Culture
The land that is today known as New Acadia is historically neutral, and the New Acadian population are a welcoming group of people. In the west, there are large populations of Swedish, Russian, Ukrainians, and Serbians, who are often allowed to create their own local laws in towns where they constitute a majority of the population. There are also schools which cater to these minorities.

New Acadia is the pinnacle of the modern Acadian movement, where Cajuns and Acadians alike went searching for a new land in which they could lead and enjoy a life of freedom, tolerance, and prosperity. Native New Acadians live peacefully with minorities in the country, and New Acadians are consistently ranked as the happiest people in the world.

Demographics
There are approximately 2 400 000 people living in New Acadia, the majority, 73%, of which are of Acadian and Cajun descent. In the west, many towns also comprise of large Swedish (10.7%), Russian (7.2%), Ukrainian (5.4%), and Serbian (3.0%) populations. Other populations make up 0.7% of the total population of New Acadia.


 * Note: Cajuns and Acadians are historically the same people. Cajuns are those people who, after Le Grand Dérangement, resettled to the American state of Louisiana.

Languages
The official languages of New Acadia are English and French, although Swedish, Russian, Ukrainian, and Serbian are regionally accepted languages in cities where they constitute a large portion of the population.

French and English are compulsory for all students from primary school until secondary graduation. Thus, 90-95% New Acadians are bilingual in French and English. The status of both official languages are important in the culture of New Acadia. All laws, along with sessions of Parliament, are written and conducted entirely in French, and translated into English.

Flag
The flag of New Acadia holds special importance to the people of the country. The mountain is Mount Nagol, which holds a special significance in the region. Not only is it the largest mountain in the region, but according to legend, the first New Acadian settlers followed the peak of the mountain from their boats for two weeks, through dangerous waters, to this promising land. The seven stripes on the flag represent the seven provinces (regions) in the country. The red stripe running vertically represents the bond to their original Canadian homeland.