User:Pauulthefair/sandbox

= The Coldlands =

The Coldlands is a country in southern Azulia. It is the southernmost country in the world and the closest to Antarctica, taking up the majority of the Azulian Isthmus and the southern parts of western Azulia. With an area of 2,646,989 square kilometers, it borders Plaats to the north and Nova Roma to the east. The Coldlands is the coldest and windiest country in the world, with winters often reaching below -40 °C (-40 °F). The capital and largest city is Glacier City, and the national language is Coldlandic.

The earliest evidence of human habitation dates back to 6,000 years ago, when the Eweke people crossed the Drake Passage from Tierra del Fuego. They then spread throughout southern Azulia, then to Round Island. The Eweke people and their descendants were the only inhabitants on the continent until 2,000 years ago, when Bantu people arrived in eastern Azulia. Due to their isolation from the rest of the continent, the inhabitants of the isthmus had thousands of years to develop cultures and languages isolated from the rest of the world. Its first contact with Europe was in 1616 when Dutch navigator Willem Schouten was beached on the northern shore during his journey through the Drake Passage. The Coldlands was mostly spared from colonization due to its perceived lack of value, however it did come in conflict with Chile and Argentina in the 19th century. As a result of the Occupation of Araucanía, Coldlandic nationalism arose as a means to protect from potential South American aggression. The Coldlands underwent growth in the early 20th century, and secured its sovereignty from outside powers. It experienced a technological boom after unobtainium deposits were discovered. The Coldlands found itself diplomatically isolated during the Cold War, as with much of Azulia. The Unobtainium Crash of 1979 and 1980 led to economic devastation and a resulting famine, lasting until 1986. The Coldlands was again devastated during the Coldlands Conspiracy in 2010, leading to the presidency of Awbro Ke Llo Ve, which saw a speedy recovery from the disaster.

The Coldlands is one of the richest countries in the southern hemisphere, with a highly developed economy and high social stability. It has the lowest homicide rate, highest Global Peace Index rating, the highest reported happiness and second highest quality of life in Azulia. It has been a member of the United Nations since 1951, is a founding member of both the Azulian Union and the East Azulian Cooperation Council, and has been a member of OECD since 2011. It has been militarily neutral since its founding, not participating in any external armed conflict for its entire history. It was deeply affected by the wave of terrorism in eastern Azulia in the early 2010s, which started the country's largest military buildup since its founding.