Draft:Principality of Erstavik

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Principality of Erstavik
  • Furstendömet Erstavik (Swedish)
  • Principatus Erstavicum (Latin)
Flag of Example
Flag
Coat of arms of Example
Coat of arms
Motto: "Gloria in excelsis Deo"
"Glory to God in the highest"
Anthem: "Marcia Pontificale"
Location of Erstavik (green)
Location of Erstavik (green)
StatusActive
CapitalÄlta
Official languagesEnglish (administrative)

Swedish

Latin (ecclesiastical)
Religion
Catholicism (official)
Demonym(s)Erstavikan
GovernmentUnitary Catholic theocratic absolute monarchy
• Monarch
Luke I
Formation
• Twenty-sixth Risk summit
6 December 2014
• Independence from Sweden as the United Risk Confederation
7 August 2015
• Republic of Erstavik
1 February 2020
• Monarchy established
1 February 2022
• Principality of Erstavik
9 July 2022
Area
• Total
288.15 km2 (111.26 sq mi)
• Water (%)
4.9
Population
• 2023 estimate
915
GDP (PPP)2023 estimate
• Total
$163.32 million (192nd)
• Per capita
$178,492 (1st)
GDP (nominal)2023 estimate
• Total
$138.19 million (193rd)
• Per capita
$151,032 (3rd)
Gini (2023)Steady 20.4
low
HDI 0.987
very high
CurrencyU.S. Dollar
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
Date formatdd/mm/yyyy
Driving sideright
Calling code+1
Internet TLD.ek
Website
erstavik.org

Erstavik, officially the Principality of Erstavik, is a sovereign state and micronation located on the Scandinavian Peninsula and on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. It is made up of three duchies: Erstavik Proper, bordered by the Kingdom of Älta to the north and west, Sweden to the north, south, and west, and the Baltic Sea to the east; Gotland, bordered by Sweden to the north and the Baltic Sea to the south, east, and west; and Härjedalen, landlocked within Sweden. With an area of 288.15 km2 (111.26 sq mi), Erstavik is ranked as the 188th largest nation globally, making it one of the smallest countries but one of the largest micronations in terms of land area.

The Principality of Erstavik has a rich history, beginning as a member state of the United Risk Confederation (URC) when the confederation gained independence from Sweden on 7 August 2015. Erstavik was the largest and principal constituent of the URC and became its successor state following the dissolution of the United Risk Confederation, which began on 29 January 2020, and finalized on 9 July 2022.

The capital of Erstavik is Älta. The principality is divided into three significant subdivisions. Erstavik Proper, the oldest and most populous duchy, is known for its vast forests, lakes, cultural landscapes, and archipelago, forming part of the larger Stockholm Archipelago. The duchy holds historical significance due to the Erstavik manor, which has been owned by the Petersen family since its purchase by Herman Petersen, director of the Swedish East India Company, in 1763. However, the history of Erstavik dates back even further. It is mentioned for the first time in 1356 when it was the manor of the nobleman Bengt Larsson. In 1364, King Albert pledged the estate to the Pope to cover the significant debts incurred by its previous owner. The Erstavik Manor house, an architectural masterpiece from the 18th century designed by Jean Eric Rehn, is a prominent landmark in the region.

Gotland, the second duchy, encompasses the Storsudret peninsula, the southernmost part of the island of Gotland. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Gotland became a major center of trade in the Baltic Sea during the Middle Ages. Erstavik asserts a partial claim of sovereignty over Gotland, citing two main justifications: First, as the only Catholic state in Scandinavia, Erstavik considers itself entitled to the sovereignty that was once offered to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Second, Erstavik's claim is supported by land purchases it has made from Sweden. Gotland is known for its well-preserved medieval churches, distinctive alvar landscapes, spectacular shoreline, and rauk areas. Burgsvik serves as the largest city on Gotland and the second-largest city in Erstavik.

Härjedalen, the third duchy, encompasses the Sonfjället National Park, one of the world's oldest national parks, established in 1909. The park derives its name from Mount Sonfjället in the Scandes, the highest point in the Principality of Erstavik, reaching 1,278 m (4,193 ft) above sea level. Härjedalen is renowned for its beautiful mountains, surrounding forests, and distinct geological formations shaped by the meltwater from the last inland ice sheet. The region serves as a significant bear refuge in Scandinavia.

The Principality of Erstavik operates as a unitary Catholic theocratic absolute monarchy under the Holy See, with Prince Luke I as the ruling monarch. The government maintains a traditionalist Catholic approach to social issues and a low-tax free market economic policy. Erstavik, being one of the wealthiest places in the world, ranks highly in key social indicators, including education, healthcare, quality of life, personal safety, infrastructure, and housing. Erstavikans enjoy one of the longest life expectancies, fastest internet connection speeds, lowest infant mortality rates, and lowest levels of corruption in the world. The state religion is Catholicism.

Erstavik shares a special relationship and maintains close ties with the former member states of the United Risk Confederation. It also maintains a close relationship with Sweden and the United States. While adhering to a policy of strict neutrality, Erstavik actively pursues a dynamic foreign policy and engages in diplomatic initiatives, cultural exchanges, and international cooperation.

Erstavik has three official languages: English, Swedish, and Latin. Swedish and English are the most commonly spoken languages, with English serving as the sole administrative language. Latin is an official language limited to ecclesiastical matters.

Erstavik experiences a climate ranging from humid continental in the south to subarctic in the north. The principality's diverse geography, including forests, lakes, archipelagos, and mountains, contributes to this climatic variation. The natural beauty and cultural heritage makes Erstavik a major tourist and recreational destination, attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually.

Erstavik