The modern flag of Sylvania
The culture of Sylvania is difficult to speak of as there is a strong amount of cultural regionalism within the State however there are similarities between the regional cultures. These cultures are composed of the traditions, human activity and symbolism shared by the people of Sylvania or the individual regions. Sylvanian culture is heavily influenced by it's position as an island state and the liberal approach to democracy taken by the state. The fractured culture was produced by the early history of the state, in which the first settlers had been divided up between the followers of Arthur Noble, settlers employed by the corporations of Collinia and independent settlers (who were further split up).
Despite a fractured beginning a state culture started to form out of the similarities that Sylvanians found with each other. Although most people from outside of Sylvania simply consider Sylvanian culture to be the Baysider culture that is found in the Noble City bay area, despite its greater dilution due to heavy immigration to the capital. This attitude has created animosity between Baysiders and the other regional cultures and made them much more upstart in the defence of it. This attitude has lead to most Sylvanians identifying as their regional culture then their state culture and also has increased support for a separate Sylvanian state from the capital.
Despite internal divisions Sylvanians have contributed greatly to Lovian culture, mainly through the economic and political influence that they exert. Sylvania is famous for its writers, actors and politicians who have had great social power over the years, although this has waned recently, especially as Oceana and Kings have grown in social and political status in comparison to Sylvania. It's businesspeople are also famous for their hyper-independent attitude and pushes for high tech industries which have greatly influenced the Lovian economy. Although Sylvania has failed to have the same kind of social influence on the rest of the nation that other capital regions around the world have, it's economic influence is unquestionable as it remains as the largest state economy in Lovia and houses almost all of the financial businesses in the country.
Language[]
Main article: Languages of Sylvania.
First Languages in Sylvania
While the official language of Sylvania is English, only 54.8% of the population speak it as their first language. This is due to heavy immigration, no pro-anglophone policies (like were used in the united states) as well as other major languages such as Dutch, French and German having historically competed with English. However 95.6% of Sylvanians speak English as a language, followed by Dutch at 48.9%. Due to this historically multilingual situation, most Sylvanians are very well educated in languages and almost all Sylvanians are bilingual and close to half are trilingual. This phenomenon has lead to Sylvania being an influential state in foreign affairs due to trading and communication links.
Literature[]
Main article: Literature of Sylvania.
Sylvania has inherited many literary traditions of the original immigrants to the State.
Architecture[]
- Main article: Architecture of Sylvania.
The architecture of Sylvania is diverse and historical architecture is shaped by the major immigrant cultures. Modern Sylvanian architecture however is focused on post-modernist, sustainable and natural architecture.
Folklore[]
- Main article: Sylvanian Folklore.
Sylvania has a small amount of folklore that mainly dates from when the State was first settled.
Science and technology[]
- Main article: Science and technology in Sylvania.
Since the islands were first settled Sylvania has played a prominent role in developing Lovia technologically.
Religion[]
- Main article: Religion in Sylvania.
There is no official religion in Sylvania and 37.8% of the population is atheist, the largest religious denomination is Roman Catholicism followed by Protestantism, Eastern Orthodox, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Sikhism and Hinduism.
Philosophy[]
- Main article: Sylvanian Philosophy.
Politics[]
- Main article: Politics of Sylvania.
Sylvania as part of Lovia uses a proportional representation system to elect members of congress along with the four other states. However the local government operates under a presidential system where a governor is elected via a first past the post system.
Cuisine[]
- Main article: Sylvanian Cuisine.
Sylvanian cuisine has traditionally heavily drawn upon local ingredients due to the fertile lands and bays of peace island. The Italian diet as well as other Mediterranean diets are heavy influences upon Sylvanian cuisine. Seafoods and cereal grains are Sylvanian staples heavily consumed across all of the state.
Sport[]
- Main article: Sport in Sylvania.
There are three main team sports in Sylvania, in order of popularity they are rugby, football and basketball, popular individual sports are cycling, tennis and golf.
Education[]
- Main article: Education in Sylvania.
Education in Sylvania
Regional Cultures[]
Regional Cultures Within Sylvania
Baysider[]
- Main article: Baysider culture.
Woodlander[]
- Main article: Woodlander culture.
Headlander[]
- Main article: Headlander culture.
Highlander[]
- Main article: Highlander culture.
Islander[]
- Main article: Islander culture.
Plainish[]
- Main article: Plainish culture.
Influence from Oceana culture[]
- Main article: Influence of Oceana culture.
Due to the early influence of Collinia on Peace island and eastern european immigration along with the strong promotion of Oceana culture, Sylvania is now home to a substantial minority who consider themselves Oceana.