Laigheann

Laigheann is a country in the Zendari world.

Etymology
The etymology of the name Laigheann comes from the ancient Gaelic word 'laighean', meaning spear. An ancient tribesman, Laigheann Mac Cómhaltáin formed a tribe in the area that would eventually become An Tír Laigheach, or Laigheann for short. In English, Laigheann is known as Lyon, but attempts to implement this name were not a roaring success.

History
The country remained a hermit state from its formation in around 583 until the 1800s. Around this point, Thearian merchants began to arrive from the nearby nation of Éimi, which formed a small minority around the city of Prod, which eventually grew into a majority. This led to English being installed as a main language in the country, and a parliament being formed in the year 1844. Before that, the country had been ruled largely by pogues, who were priests who had been trained in both law and medicine.

Culture
Laigheann has a rich history of culture. Since the 1200s, the old style music tradition of Shan-Nos singing has remained a tradition in many a household, with the Cashlawn Barr Shan-Nos Singing Fleadh attracting thousands of visitors per year. Examples of these kinds of songs include Sean Ó Bhearghá's rendition of the old folk song, Amhrán an Bó and the Bríd Nic Craith written Cá Bhfuil Mo Gheansaí.

Outside of this, Laigheann is known for its famous dancing traditions. The national dance of the Uiscedamhsa, written by an expatriate of Laigheann, Mike Yanke in 1977, has been a famed part of Laigheach culture and is performed at every major football game that the Laigheach national football, rugby or cricket team plays, along with the national anthem.

Government
The main party in the current Laigheach cabinet is the Labour Party, who are a left-wing party with pro-immigration, anti-gun and pro-drug laws. Other parties include the Nationalist Party (right wing), Na Daoine (centre left) and parties with no representation such as the Christian Party (far right), Obair Laigheach (far left) and the Pirate Party (syncretic, pirate politics).

Since its parliament was formed, the main party in Laigheann has been the Labour Party.

The parliament consists of 100 members: 5 from each constituency.

Transport
There is a small road system in Laigheann, but it is rarely used by anyone, as very affordable metro transport has been made readily available.

Laigheann is served by the LL (Líne Laigheach), a metro service connecting major towns and cities in all of the districts apart from the Islands. All of the routes are profitable due to the popularity of the metro line. There are ferry services available to the residents of the Islands to connect them with the nearest city, which is Ballyfinn (located within Kilcolman).

There are five airports in Laigheann: the largest of these is Loch-Sweeney International Airport, located in An Loch. The other airports are Ardagh Crowntree Airport, Kingsland Airport (located within IMPO), Clonkilly International Airport and Portlinnock Jan Swillen Airport.

Laws

 * Drinking age: 16 for beer, cider or any other drink below 5% ABV, 17 for all other. ID is necessary to purchase alcohol if you are presumed to be under 21. Though it is illegal to sell to underage customers, it is not illegal to attempt to buy.
 * Smoking age: 18. Though only 2% of the Laigheach population regularly smoke, tobacconists must ask for ID when selling tobacco to those presumed to be under 21. The same applies for vaping.
 * Legality of drugs: Marijuana is legalized and widely available in distributories around Laigheann, however it must only be sold to those 18 and over. Other drugs are illegal and strictly criminalized.
 * Voting age: 16 for all elections.
 * Age of candidacy: 18 for local elections, 21 for party leadership or leadership of the country.
 * Driving age: 16 when accompanied by an adult, 18 otherwise.
 * Working age: 15, however exceptions apply where someone is working within a family business.
 * Age of consent: 18, but not strictly enforced.
 * Censorship laws: Virtually non existent. Extreme hate speech is banned.
 * LGBT rights: Special protection laws for LGBT+ people.
 * Gun laws: Very strict. Those who wish to purchase guns must go through rigorous training and background checks, and then will be able to purchase a hunting gun.
 * Faouzia: legal, contrary to Alirie, Yakolira and Violia’s laws.

International relations
Laigheann’s closest international ally is Violía, who they signed the historic Dha Sirrel Ssael Srif Agreement in 2018, strengthening diplomatic ties between the countries. Other countries with which they have good relations include Marnos, Yakolira and Alirie.