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. Most of the country is occupied by the Great Griffin Plain which stretches from the high mountains in the east to the Griffin Riviera in the north and west. It is divided into three parts - the northwest "lowland" or Sletterimaa basin, the central or Kralingslæting basin, and the southwest or sea basin. To the west are the young high mountains - Krigtscý. At 4,810.45 meters 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 and earthquakes are relatively rare.

The coastlines offer contrasting landscapes: coastal cliffs in the north-east and wide sandy plains that are more common and found throughout the country. 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: Pyetsit, Arlingleht, Mare Incatato, Rakozsit, Salta, Tevs and Zonpolah.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: Ejmjenspalajtsc, Filipolis, Nýtdainsk, Rizsit, Klej and Pavlopolis.
 * The continental climate is found in the central and southern regions of the country. Summers are hot, and winters are cold and wet.Girnel, Örnalthingää, Planigslæting, Daunsigslæting, Anastasij, Frisköptislæting, Kralingslæting, Läähtisit, Göldtsit, Hermýn, and Valensingslæting.
 * 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
Griffin Empire is a federal republic of 7 principalities which are the principal administrative districts in the country. These are divided into subdivisions of counties, metropolises and municipalities. Bound together in a political union, each principality holds governmental jurisdiction over a separate and defined geographic territory and shares its sovereignty with the federal government. Due to this shared sovereignty, Griffinians are citizens both of the federal 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).

Foreõsvdetrre 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 was 0.9% in 2015, compared with 2.3% in 2006. Housing prices have pushed the less affluent outside the city.

Meremaa is the second most populous principality of the seven historic 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.

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 Vinsänt Dët Hooh lived and painted 300 paintings. Salta is a large military harbour on the coast of Griffin Sea, with the Griffin naval base placed there.

Estimadnait 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 mistook this area as eastern to the Griffin main domain, and named it East-land.

Its largest city, Pyetsit is its capital and has the metropolis status. The region 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).

Õklingsmaa 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. Õklingsmaa has extremely diverse geographical, sociological, economic, and cultural regions. The eastern as southern part of the principality is in the Natian Alps. 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. The western part of the region contains the start of the Massif Centralerneiska mountain range. The region 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.

Õklingsmaa is a prosperous region which can be seen by its per capita GDP of about 131,425 Kralaurums, which is higher than the Griffin average, and an average income of 135,910 Kralaurums, its economy 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: Services, in particular:
 * Light engineering and high-tech
 * Mechanical engineering in the area of Emozý
 * Precision machining in the area of Groozoz
 * High-tech industries, nanotechnology, biotechnology especially in Planigslæting with 62,300 jobs in these sectors thanks to the presence of the Scienshkepolýgoon, Ignogvaglegt and some large companies as Ëlektriktet Shnindershke.
 * 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 (literally „the land of fields“) 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 Grifýlandet 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.

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, flamöpoorro, marotshjarrta), beer (including from Përklerk brewery) and traditional games and sports, such as the lopdescirq (ancestor of tennis), as well as tantsidsletterisk and its own bagpipes, called the kehto.

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 Gothic architecture, housing six of the world's greatest examples of Gothic cathedrals, which span the history of Gothic architecture in its entirety.

The unemployment rate is higher than the national average. About 6% of the population was unemployed in 2014, particularly people aged between 18 and 25. The economy is essentially led by the service sector, which employs 75% of the working population, followed by manufacturing (23%) and agriculture (2%).

Pzyerüyölkeä 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. This historical region has been recognized as a linguistic and cultural concept since the Middle Ages. It was the last principality to join the Griffin Empire.

Its rhimish diallect of the Grififn language is very distinct and almost considered as an independent language. Currently about 200,000–800,000 people in the area are either native or proficient speakers of the diallect. Rhimish literature – still sometimes called Pzyerüyölkeän literature – is a body of texts written in Rhimish. It originated in the poetry of the eleventh- and twelfth- century troubadours, and inspired the rise of vernacular literature throughout medieval Natia.

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 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. As of 2020, it had 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, Shtyish Griffin etc.). Most of today's Färzas region 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.

Demographics
Griffin Empire has an estimated 2020 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, the ninth 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 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.

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.

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 preist. Both words katedraal and kirkja take their name from Christianism 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, and not someone who discourses upon theories or comments upon authors. One of main duties of zvhodaliuddniq is to challenge what is thought to be common sense, not to stop asking questions, and to reexamine 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 the country 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

Song selection
Up to the 195 contest, Griffin Empire used internal selection as a method of choosing its representative. In 196 Griffin national festival - Griffiniskaja laul has been introduced. The format of the competition is inspired by the historical regions of the country: Griffin principalities compete in a Eurovision-like show held in a city from the principality that won the edition before. Voting format is similar as well, a combination of Griffin principalities televoting and an international jury. The competition makes a considerable impact on the music charts in Griffin Empire.

Nowadays, national final and internal selection are used randomly. If internal selection is used as a method, it is common for Griffin national broadcaster to host a concert or a special televised show where the entry is revealed. Such concerts include 16th Birthday Celebration where all of Griffin entries were performed in the chronological order and LLLaleh - a concert with a mix of WLSC entrants, Griffin most succesful entries and Laleh's biggest hits.

Results
Griffin Empire was one of founding nations of the WLSC, debuted at its first edition, won that same edition and hosted the next one. Even though Griffin Empire was a moderately succesfull country, it took a few long breaks, returning for good in edition 195.