Luat na-Bonswi

'loo-AT nuh BONZ-wee'
/luː.ˈat nə ˈbɒnz.wiː/

“We are very proud as a nation to be able to work collaboratively with those who are responsible for bringing prosperity to this nation. Only through collaborating with the industries that created us will we survive.”

– Parliamentary Member

“Of course, some would ask why the workers are not in the committee – but the truth of the matter is that they want us here. When the industries grow, the workers are benefited and so-forth; if there was no government position, why would anyone try to own a business? We build up our industries for the benefit of the people, not ourselves.”

– Trade Union Committee Member

Luat na-Bonswi [or colloquially called 'Bonswi'] had the largest economy out of all the nations, with a booming trade economy and large industries. Within the government, owners of trade routes and industries worked in a governmental committee advising the government on decisions that would impact trading. Citizens of Bonswi had a generally positive outlook on this system, with the large industries being able to fund improvements in living standards.

“We are a peaceful nation, we have made that clear through our acts of support and charity; it is only due to the large amount of wealth we hold that we require such a strong military force.”

– Chief of the General Staff

Due to the high volume of assets and trading posts, Bonswi had a large military presence – with several stations and outposts. If it was deemed strategically necessary, they offered military support to other nations. Additionally, the military was able to afford a large volume of technology and provide free training and housing support to soldiers.

“To those infected with this 'contagion', you will stand down and follow military personnel to receive medical treatment. I repeat you will- hold your fire! You will stand down! Do you understand? You will-”

– Unknown soldier

Education was standardised across the nation, making it easier for students to enter career pathways. Some industries were also known for having large-scale graduate schemes that recruited entire student populations from various towns and cities. There was a strong collaborative culture between cities and investors, with investors providing jobs and donations, and cities producing well-educated workers that understood the various requirements of major businesses.

Bonswi was a secular nation, but a large population of traders worshipped Cuan, and asked for blessings for cargo ships and trading vessels. The Bulwark of Devotion also originated in Bonswi, however, they were never formally recognised by the government – even after attempts by members of parliament to do so.

As the End progressed, the economic pressure on businesses forced many into lay-offs and solvency, especially after the oil fire of 2088. The resulting increase in unemployment led to many emigrating elsewhere, though few places were better off.

“I guess I can understand why people don't understand our system…or our way of life. It's natural to not want to put your life in control of others, but we are used to this kind of co-operation.”

– Student at The Huntley Technical College

Bausana: 3%

Evidentiality: 23%

Three Goddesses: 9%

Cuan: 3%

Dearr: 5%

Talamh: 1%

The Time Being: 12%

Other: 7%

No faith declared: 46%

Of which Spoilt Ballots: 5%

– The published Faith results of the annual 'Luat na-Bonswi Census' (2074) – There was controversy on including 'The Bulwark of Devotion' in 'Other' rather than its own category.

Luat na-Bonswi had a relatively temperate climate, but an abundance of green land and rivers. They also had a mountainous region where mining operations took place – with a transport system from the mines to the various ports in order to export materials abroad.

These transport systems were adapted during the flash floods of 2090 to provide mass evacuation from coastal regions. The second set of geomagnetic storms heavily damaged the systems and they have remained dormant since the beginning of the contagion.

'It is only natural that Luat na-Bonswi managed to develop such a thriving economy. With abundant resources, and highly productive workers being made by their education system, they had an easier time establishing trade and spending compared to other nations.'

- Excerpt from 'A Beginner's Guide to the Development of the World'

Bonswi words tend to be fairly short, rarely longer than two syllables. While the order of these words in sentences is mostly flexible, it can be informed by non-linguistic factors; for example, sentences starting with verbs are more informal, and sentences starting with adjectives are common in adverts or persuasive speech.

– From 'Languages of the World' by J. Finch

Surnames were viewed as more important in Bonswi, due to trading companies having long-standing family names and workers being referred to with their last name. Maintaining a family name was relatively uncommon, with most families (who didn't own a major company) choosing a new surname for them and their children when they married. These chosen names often had a lot of meaning, and children tended to look up to their parents and try to live as their surname intended. It was fairly common for people to also change their first names, as they had less attachment to them. Additionally, surnames were often written before their firstname, i.e. Arnold Harry.