Maritime Republic of Hansa

Summary
The Maritime Republic of Hansa is a nation-state that comprises of the Isle of Hansa as it's capital and only land holdings as of current, it's capital being an an artificial island south east of Aatyeli off the northern coast of Rohel in Sparwood. It is an independent Republic and is ruled by Chancellor Henry Chamberlain. It has a small population of between 16-22 residents and an economy that consists of mostly shipping, agriculture, mining as well as a domestic alcohol and beverages industry.

Founding (Dec 19-Jan 8)
The original date of it's settlement is unknown, but the Isle historically has been claimed by the old Escharian Empire's trade companies before its collapse in January of 2021; the only record of previous settlement being the three original structures and a sign that read "This small town was nice. Might make one like it. - PBDIII, Oct10,21". On December 19th, 2021, the since long abandoned island was discovered by Henry Chamberlain, who claimed and resettled the island the same day. Henry subsequently named the island 'Hansa', as there is no name known to have previously existed. The political status of the island however is unclear as it was not actually annexed by Lunaris in the Dubrian Crisis that lead to the subjugation of Dubris by the Kingdom of Lunaris. On December 26, 2021; the disputed Isle of Hansa had it's legal status reaffirmed as part of the Fjarldom of Aatyeli, of which Henry Chamberlain became it's vassal and was granted the title of Baron and given official rule of Isle. The Isle remains under the rule of Henry Chamberlain to this day. Since Henry's official reign over the island, it has been developed and grown significantly with the addition of infrastructure, buildings, housing and domestic industries and a steady increase in population; as well as a gradual expansion of the island itself due to land reclamation projects that continue today. The founding of Hansa is defined by the rapid initial growth of the town and the slow building of a foundation that would go to define Hansa in the future as well.

Early Stages (Jan 8-31)
The beginning of the 'Early Stages' of Hanseatic history post it's foundation can be considered to be when the Hanseatic Sveiland Mercenary Company, a mercenary enterprise run by Henry Chamberlain himself; first fought in the 2nd Siege of Adwa in the Alamaynian War of Independence. Effectively an extension of Hansa's influence and presence in a military form abroad. This excursion by Hanseatic forces and influences into the lands and domains of other nations, especially in a military fashion; is seen as Hansa's first real entrance into the wider geopolitical sphere of Rathnir. It also began expanding it's diplomatic influence, forming alliances with the Osterium Pirates, the Kingdom of Thalassi among others as well as establishing links with Bardonia and Astyllea. In addition the growth from the foundation period continued as although population growth slowed, large quantities of new buildings and infrastructure were built in this period. Including the establishment of the hierarchy and culture that would go on to define Hanseatic society; including the foundation of it's government/elite and landowner class as well as it's distinct Hanseatic culture and geopolitical influence outside that of it's then overlord the Fjarldom of Aatyeli.

Post Independence (January 31 - February 5)
On January 31, 2022. The now Chancellor Henry Chamberlain paid an agreed $150,000 in full to the Fjarldom of Aatyeli who granted full independence and sovereignty to the new Maritime Republic of Hansa, with Henry Chamberlain as it's first chancellor and Head of State. After which the Declaration of Independence of the Maritime Republic of Hansa was signed and agreed upon by both Hansa and Aatyeli. Leading to the official creation of the sovereign Maritime Republic of Hansa. Since then, Hansa's main focus has been the expansion of it's capital city of Hansa in terms of economic development infrastructure. In addition to extending their diplomatic and commercial interests elsewhere, establishing the Hanseatic Trade Company to represent Hansa's commercial interests abroad. On February 5, 2022 the republic held it's first formal election, confirming Henry Chamberlain as the official democratically elected chancellor of Hansa.

Development (February 6 - )
Since gaining independence and establishing a government, the republic and it's citizens have spent most of the time since then building and developing the capital city of Hansa. Hansa's government and society has remained remarkably stable thus far, and has been steadily building it's wealth and domestic economy; mostly by the increase in trade as well as increasing production and export of goods. There has also been a gradual increase in trade and the introduction of foreign merchants, but the overall economy of Hansa and it's growth still remains comparatively small and limited.

Economy
The economy of Hansa according to it's Chancellor Henry Chamberlain consists almost entirely of exporting products and goods such as experience bottles and mining/agricultural goods. Hansa has access to a large underground deep-sea mining complex that produces mostly stone and iron as well as the occasional gold, diamonds and other such rare earth materials. It's agricultural production consists entirely of sugarcane, wheat products such as bread and some animal produce (wool and eggs), although it is planned to expand into pumpkin farming; as well as the development of a domestic beverage industry of mostly beer, wine, vodka, whiskey, rum and coffee; all of which are made of natively grown produce. These beverages are usually exported to foreign markets to direct buyers or sold at the Hanseatic Theatre & Tavern, a state-enterprise owned by the Chancellor. Hansa has recently constructed a large experience bottle factory in it's capital city, which make up a significant portion of it's exports. The factory is also a privately owned property of the chancellor although he allows Hanseatic citizens to use it freely.

Culture
Hanseatic culture is a blend of Northern seafaring cultures related to the Osterium Sea and south South Western influences. Although there is no clear culture, Hansa is slowly developing it's own culture based on Northern influences related to seafaring and trade as well as ancient Latinate influences. The isle is slowly developing it's own local lingual dialect(s), those being High and Low Hanseatic respectively. High Hanseatic which is spoken by government officials and/or the educated elite, and Low Hanseatic for commoners and everyday use.

Government
The government of Hansa is very small. Comprising of the official Chancellor Henry Chamberlain as head of state and government as well as Chamberlain Hanase Atoere and Grand Admiral Kapitan Bach as members of Henry's cabinet and the Hansestag; the central governing body of the republic. Hanase occupied the office of chamberlain, in which he under the approval and supervision of the Chancellor could manage internal affairs related to finance, the economy, laws and resources. Hanase however died on March 6 and has yet to be replaced. Kapitan Bach occupies the office of Grand Admiral of the Hanseatic Navy and can manage naval and maritime affairs. The government generally has very liberal internal policy and allows free-trade between it's people domestic and foreign, the only exception being that citizens are not allowed to trade with wartime enemies of Hansa. On February 5, 2022 the republic had it's first formal election, officially confirming Henry Chamberlain as it's first elected chancellor. Thus making it a genuine and functioning democratic state.

Military
The only official military force of Hansa is that of the Hanseatic Navy or 'Mara Hansae' in High Hanseatic. It is a naval force with it's main purpose being that of coastal defense and protection of trade interests abroad. It's commander is the Chancellor Henry Chamberlain with Admiral Bach as it's 2nd highest officer. It as of current possesses no ships although is currently currently in the process of designing their first ship known as the 'Mare Nostrum'. It has no standing army and relies on volunteer soldiers from it's citizenry or the Sveiland Company run by Chancellor Chamberlain for military purposes on land.

Geography
The Isle of Hansa is located at 6000, -1700 off the northern coat of Sparwood in the Osterium Sea. It is an artificial island surrounded by the Osterium Sea in the unnamed North-Eastern Ocean. The island is small, consisting only of approximately 10-15 chunks of land.