Social: Donovia

This page is a section of Donovia.

Arabs make up 70% of Donovia’s total population, with Limarians, Gorgans, and Atropians being the predominant minorities. Small populations of multiple ethnic groups account for the remaining 10% of the total population. Donovian Arabs view themselves as superior to other cultures and are often discriminatory when interacting with others. Donovia has a long history of military prowess and nationalistic fervor. In the past few decades, Donovia’s influence over neighboring countries was reduced by financial collapse due to embezzlement by the notorious Four Traitors and aggravated by a negative population growth rate. This perceived weakening of Donovia resulted in an increase in militarism and nationalism amongst much of the Donovian Arab population.

Donovian is the official language of Donovia and is the sole language of public administration, the armed forces, and the scientific and technical communities. The literacy rate in Donovia is 98% except in some areas dominated by ethnic minorities, where the rate may be considerably lower.

Donovians are predominately Muslim in faith, with 80% being Sunnis, nearly all of whom follow the Hanafi madhhab, or school, of Islamic jurisprudence. The Hanafi school is the  oldest and most  liberal madhhab. Donovian Hanafi scholars do not believe in human control of religious or spiritual destiny, and refuse to give that right to any human institution. Due to the Hanafi influence, the majority of Donovians do not believe the state should be involved in deciding relationships between humans and God. Donovia’s government is secular, but many of its laws, policies, and officials ensure preferential treatment for Donovian Sunni Arabs.

Regional history accounts for the exceptionally close relationship between Donovia and Limaria. Over several centuries many groups identifying as Limarians fled turbulence in their homeland and found sanctuary in Donovia. Although Donovian culture is predominantly Arab, the country proved reasonably tolerant of other cultures and religions, provided they accepted the legitimacy and authority of the Donovian state. Primarily for this reason, the Limarian population in Donovia grew to more than twice the size of the population in Limaria.

Social Statistics for Ariana, Gorgas, Limaria, and Donovia

Statistic	Data			Rank
Age distribution (%)	0-14 years: 15.2	15-64 years: 71.8	65 years and over: 13
Median age	Total: 38.7	Male: 35.5	Female: 41.9
Life expectancy at birth in years	Total: 66.29	Male: 59.8	Female: 73.17	162
Literacy rate (older than 15) (%)	Total: 98.0 Male: 98.0 Female: 98.0
Population	82,008,765
Growth rate	-0.47%			223
Birth rate per 1,000	11.05			174
Death rate per 1,000	16.04			5
Net Migration rate per 1,000	0.29			68
Urban population	67%
Annual urbanization rate	-0.2%
Fertility rate (Children per woman)	1.42			197
Infant mortality rate	10.08			147
Ethnic groups (%)	Donovian Arab: 70.0 Gorgan: 5.0 Atropian: 5.0 Limarian: 10.0 Other: 10.0
Religions in OE (%)	Sunni Hanafi Muslim: 80.0 Shia Sufi Muslim: 5.0 National Orthodox Christian: 15.0
Major diseases in the OE	0 Diarrheal diseases 0 Typhoid 0  Hepatitis A 0 Cholera 0 Salmonella 0 Tuberculosis 0 HIV/AIDS 0 Encephalitis 0 H5N1 avian influenza
Languages	Donovian (official, 72) Limarian (10.0) Atropian (5.0) Gorgan (5.0) Other (8.0) Minority language speakers are usually bilingual

Population Movement (Migration/IDPs/Refugees)

Contemporary international migration in Donovia is composed of the inflow of immigrants from other countries with a lower standard of living than Donovia and an outflow of emigrants into more economically developed countries, such as the US and the European Union. Oftentimes, such transit migrants end up staying in Donovia instead of moving on as planned. The majority of irregular migrants in Donovia are labor migrants from neighboring countries. Donovia does not have an IDP population.

The main refugee population consists of persons displaced by the continuing conflict between Donovia and Gorgas over the latter’s breakaway provinces of Zabzimek and South Ostremek.  Refugee levels have varied greatly, reaching as high as 40,000 during peak fighting periods. Current refugees number approximately 10,000 and consist mainly of ethnic Zabzimeks and Ostremeks, with small numbers of ethnic Gorgans.

The Donovian government attempts to keep track of its population by requiring all Donovian citizens to register at the local police department. There are two kinds of registration for Donovian citizens: permanent and temporary. Permanent registration is obligatory for all Donovian citizens, and is completed in their home cities or towns. If Donovian citizens leave their place of permanent  residence and stay in another Donovian city/town/village for more than 14 days, temporary registration is required. The procedure of temporary registration is complicated, and Donovian citizens prefer to avoid it, making them officially irregular internal migrants.

All foreign citizens must register in regional branches of the Donovian Immigration Service (DIS) within three working days after their arrival in Donovia. The registration procedure is complicated for many types of migrants. Donovian Arabs view themselves as superior to others and have enacted laws that selectively discourage other racial and ethnic groups from living in Donovia. As a result, the majority of labor migrants work in the shadow economy.

Population Distribution

Sixty-seven percent of Donovia's population is urban. The annual urbanization rate is -0.2%. A number of factors contribute to the negative urbanization rate, with Donovia’s negative population growth rate being perhaps the main factor.

Demographic Mix

Donovian Arabs make up 70% of the total population, with Limarians (10%), Gorgans (5%), and Atropians (5%) being the predominant minorities. Small populations of multiple ethnic groups account for the remaining 10%. Most of the smaller ethnic groups live in their own neighborhoods or communities, as Arab Donovians are openly prejudiced against others.

Gender disparity is a problem for Donovia, with 53.7% of the population being females. This disproportion is primarily caused by the high rate of premature death among men. Cardiovascular diseases, cancer, traffic accidents, and violence are major causes of death among working-age men. Many premature deaths are attributed to excessive smoking rates, and Donovian men are known for their almost non-stop smoking. The culture of honor often leads to violence by Donovian Arabs over perceived slights.

Donovia has 20,174,157 males and 20,666,209 females age 16-49 available for military service, with 12,055,288 males and 15,581,665 females fit for military service. Annually, 410,043 Donovian males and 385,441 Donovian females reach military age.

Social Volatility

Widespread ethnic and religious discrimination contributes to the Donovian social stratification. Governmental bodies systematically discriminate or encourage discrimination against certain categories of the population. Despite a secular government, most of the Sunni majority does not care for Shia or Christians. Donovian Arabs see themselves as a distinct group, superior to others, and as the “true” Donovians. Ethnic minorities are subjected to restriction of rights throughout the entire country. Discriminatory treatment of ethnic minorities by law-enforcement agencies is a significant problem.

The residence registration system is a major tool of discrimination. Additionally, the government provides for direct support and a number of privileges to extreme nationalist organizations. Some of these groups are responsible for violent actions against ethnic minorities.

The most significant social disruption in modern Donovian history was the economic crisis resulting from the actions of the Four Traitors. In a well-coordinated operation, MP Yassar Akbari, General Ibrahim al-Fatem, Ismail Jinat of the Jinat crime family, and Viaprom CFO Muhammad Hafiz embezzled approximately 20% of the Donovian government’s total annual revenue for eight years, funneling the money into various financial institutions and assets outside Donovia while maintaining false financial records to cover the theft. When the massive siphoning of funds was discovered 20 years ago, the conspirators fled the country. The Donovian government spent considerable time and effort in attempts to apprehend the Four Traitors and to recover the stolen funds, but the results of these efforts have been negligible.

When the Four Traitors’ conspiracy was finally revealed, the effect on the Donovian population was enormous. Massive government spending cuts and layoffs were instituted, unemployment tripled overnight, and government aid became all but impossible to obtain. Considerable social unrest resulted, with the military being utilized to maintain order.

Donovia’s government turned to free-market principles to recover from the economic collapse. While significant progress occurred in the past two decades, the crisis still resonates through Donovian society in the form of unemployment, poverty, distrust of officials, and increased criminal activity.

One spin-off of the Four Traitors incident is a series of minor internal wars that have taken place during the past 20 years. Gamrun, a Donovian republic in the North Caucasus area, decided to use the general chaos after the Four Traitors incident to flout the national government and exert local authority instead. While part of this initial decision was due to the Donovian government’s general strong-arm tactics, the Donovian Arab disdain for the large ethnic minority population in the republic—primarily Gorgan—played a significant role. Donovia’s military response only exacerbated the issue in the minds of the local population, leading to a greater willingness to take up arms by the latter. The level of armed conflict in the region has varied during the past two decades, but the republic has yet to fully acquiesce to the national government.

Education Level

Education plays a crucial role in determining social status in Donovia. People who complete no more than eight years of school can usually find only unskilled jobs. Those who complete secondary school often rise no higher than skilled labor or low-level white-collar work. Higher education is necessary for most professional and bureaucratic positions and is desirable for positions of political power.

The literacy rate in Donovia is 98%. However, in some areas dominated by ethnic minorities, the rate may be considerably lower. Wide variations in education level exist between urban and rural areas, with two-thirds of Donovia's urban population age fifteen and older finishing secondary school as compared to slightly less than half of the rural population.

Until relatively recently, Donovian schools stressed the primacy of the State over the interests of the individual. Teachers taught standardized materials to the students and the students memorized those materials, all of which were put in the context of nationalist ethics. Creativity and individualism were discouraged for both teachers and students. Twelve years ago, a reform philosophy was set forth in the Law on Education. Current educational policy stresses teaching objectively, thus discarding the narrow, institutional views that had dominated the previous era.

The current philosophy also seeks to integrate education with the economic processes into which graduates will pass in adult life. New systems of education for farmers and various types of on-the- job training for adults have been introduced, and new curricula in economics stress understanding of market economies. Universities place great emphasis on science and technology education. Donovian medical, mathematical, scientific, and space and aviation research is generally high-quality.

Ethnic Diversity

Arabs constitute 70% of the population of Donovia. The next largest groups are Limarians (10%), followed by Atropians (5%) and Gorgans (5%). The remaining 10% of the population is made up of dozens of various ethnicities.

Religious Diversity

Eighty percent of Donovians identify themselves as Sunni Hanafi Muslim. The Donovian constitution provides for freedom of religion, the equality of all religions before the law, and the separation of church and state. Christians and Shia, however, often encounter prejudice and discrimination. While it might seem to the casual observer that this prejudicial attitude is based on religion, it is in fact a symptom of Donovian nationalist culture. The Arab Donovians believe their culture is superior, and they discriminate against Christians and Shia on cultural, rather than religious, grounds. Some local officials prevent certain religious minority groups from registering locally or acquiring property. Jews, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Scientologists traveling to Donovia have reported the uncooperative attitude of authorities and even harassment by public officials.

Common Languages

The Donovian language has dominated cultural and official life throughout the nation’s history. Donovification campaigns in past centuries suppressed the languages and cultures of all minorities. The government of Donovia attempts to use the Donovian language as a means to promote the superiority of Arab Donovian culture throughout the country's population.

The Donovian language is a compulsory subject in the primary and secondary schools, and it remains the sole language of public administration, the armed forces, and the scientific and technical communities. Nevertheless, many minority peoples continue to use their own languages. While 95% of the populace can speak Donovian due to the country’s heavy emphasis on the language, 28% of residents claim a different native tongue—primarily Limarian (10%), Atropian (5%), or Gorgan (5%).

Criminal Activity

Crime occurs in various forms in Donovia, such as arms trafficking, drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, extortion, fraud, and black marketeering. Criminal groups may also engage in corruption, terrorism, abduction, export of contraband, and smuggling of radioactive substances.

Incidents of unprovoked, violent harassment against racial and ethnic minorities regularly occur throughout Donovia. People of African or Asian descent find themselves most at risk. Police often harass these same minority groups. It is not uncommon for foreigners, in general, to become victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by law enforcement and other officials. Police do not need to show probable cause in order to stop, question, or detain individuals.

Extortion and corruption commonly occur in the Donovian business environment. The economic crisis precipitated by the actions of the Four Traitors serves as the prime example of the detrimental effects of Donovia’s systemic corruption. Business disputes may involve threats of violence and even acts of violence. Organized criminal groups and sometimes local police target foreign businesses in many cities and have been known to demand protection money. Small businesses find themselves particularly vulnerable to extortion demands.

Some activities that would be normal business activities in the United States and other countries are either illegal under the Donovian legal code or are considered suspect by the Donovian security services. There are particular risks involved in any commercial activity with the Donovian military- industrial complex, including research institutes, design bureaus, production facilities, or other high- technology government-related institutions. Any misunderstanding or dispute in such transactions can attract the involvement of the security services and lead to investigation or prosecution for espionage. Rules governing the treatment of information remain poorly defined.

The Donovian Mafia is well-organized and has branches and contacts in many nations, including the United States and the European Union. With former security service and military personnel amongst its members, the Donovian Mafia possesses a wide range of capabilities, including  electronic surveillance, human intelligence networks, explosives and firearms expertise, and associations with government officials in Donovia and neighboring countries. It is rumored that the Donovian Mafia also controls smuggling tunnels into neighboring countries. One popular theory is that none of the tunnels has been discovered due to corruption or intimidation.

Three phony social and labor organizations are representative of the criminal activity rampant throughout Donovia. Foremost among these groups is the Pan-Donovian Law Enforcement Brotherhood. Publicly this group purports to champion charitable causes as a means of cementing partnerships between police organizations and their respective local communities. In reality it is a national network that ensures citizens remain willing to bribe police officials in order to avoid harassment, arrest, incarceration, and physical abuse. Another important phony organization present in Donovia is the National Inter-Business Cooperative. Although this organization’s written charter suggests nothing more sinister than a Donovian version of the Chamber of Commerce, its members are often steeped in government-corporate corruption (typically involving bribes to avoid taxes), extortion, and almost universal corporate espionage. Finally, the Pan-Caucasus Miner’s League has less to do with improving the lot of downtrodden miners than facilitating wildcat mining that pays slave wages under atrocious working conditions. The League has been thoroughly infiltrated by the Donovian mafia, which is notorious for smuggling, extortion, and extra-legal mining, hydrocarbon, and timber operations. For this reason, many in Donovia view the Miners’ League as little more than an extension of the mafia.

Human Rights

Donovia's human rights record remains uneven and poor in some areas. Although the government has recognized the legitimacy of international human rights standards, the institutionalization of procedures to safeguard these rights lags behind. There are some indications, however, that use of the law to protect human rights is increasing. Recent well-publicized arrests and trials of police and correctional officers for assault on suspects and prisoners demonstrate Donovia’s resolve to curtail abuses.

The judiciary is not independent, is often subject to manipulation by political authorities, and is plagued by large case backlogs and trial delays. Lengthy pretrial detention remains a serious problem. There are credible reports of abuse of inmates and detainees by law enforcement and correctional officials, and brutality perpetrated by the prisoners themselves, some of whom are informally granted authority to enforce order within the prisons. Prison conditions fall well below international standards, and extreme overcrowding is common.

There are legitimate allegations of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law committed by both government and nongovernment forces. Donovian authorities have introduced some improvements, such as requiring the presence of civilian investigators during all large-scale military operations and targeted search and seizure operations. Human rights groups and nongovernmental organization (NGO) leaders, however, claim that most abuses remain uninvestigated and unpunished.

A law on NGOs, introduced five years ago, created a burdensome registration process with stricter requirements for foreign-funded NGOs. Authorities have used a separate law against extremism as a pretext for closing opposition NGOs and media entities.

The constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press; in practice, however, the government exerts pressure on the media. The government uses direct ownership (or ownership by large private companies with links to the government) to control or influence the major media  outlets, especially television, through direct control and through self-censorship by editors and journalists. This influence results in restricted access to information about issues deemed sensitive, such as coverage of opposition political parties and movements. Unsolved murders and beatings of journalists have caused significant international concern and increased the reluctance of journalists to cover controversial subjects.

The constitution guarantees citizens the right to choose their place of residence and to travel abroad. The freedom to travel abroad and emigrate is respected, although restrictions may apply to those who have had access to state secrets, or who have court orders against them for default on debts.

Centers of Social Power

Donovia enjoys a privileged ruling class, which consists of key personnel in the government and  other important sectors such as industry. Many members of the ruling class use their connections with industry and finance to enhance their own financial situation. A subclass of young bankers and stockbrokers has arisen that runs trading and investment markets in Moscow. Members of the working class live a meager existence. Although there is no rigid class structure, social stratification based on wealth is evident and growing.

Basic Cultural Norms and Values

Donovia is a proud nation with a militaristic and nationalist tradition. Donovia was once the unquestioned dominant military power in the region. Subsequent to the economic damage caused by the Four Traitors, however, Ariana emerged as a major Donovian rival. Many among the Arab Donovian majority feel threatened by the perceived weakening of their nation. This has fueled an increase in Donovian nationalism.

Donovian culture encourages aggressive behavior. A leading cause of the gender disparity in Donovia is the many men who meet violent deaths over matters of personal or family honor. Care must be taken not to offend Donovian men, as the common reaction to offense is to utilize aggressive force. Donovian Arabs wish to be treated as superior or at least equal to other parties in any affair. Donovian culture will not tolerate the appearance of weakness in its government or leaders. The aggressive culture influences international relations and government policy. The Donovian military actions against Gorgas in support of Zabzimek and South Ostremek serve as prime examples of Donovia’s willingness to use military force as a show of strength.

Customs and Practices

Meeting & Greeting	Initial greetings may come across as cool. Do not expect friendly smiles. Remove your gloves before shaking hands. Unless you are a woman, do not shake hands with a Donovian woman without her offering her hand first and do not make physical contact with Donovian women.
Visiting/ Hospitality	At formal functions, guests do not usually start eating until the host has begun. No one should leave until the guest of honor has left. If you are the guest of honor, do not stay too late. Donovians often put more food on the table than can be eaten to indicate there is an abundance of food (whether there is or not). Guests who leave food on their plates honor their host. Do not turn down offers of food or drink; to decline such offers is considered rude.
Manners	In public, Donovians can seem brusque and discourteous. “No” is the most common first response to any request; often flattery, money, or a gift is required to obtain a “yes” answer. It is important to convey that you appreciate the effort the person must make to fulfill your request. Do not eat with your left hand.
Cultural Dos & Don’ts	Do not expect to find smoke-free areas anywhere. Do not take a Donovian’s friendship lightly. It is an honor for a Donovian to consider you his friend. Donovians greatly appreciate any attempt by foreigners to speak their language. Do not stare at or make prolonged eye contact with a Donovian woman. Do not engage a woman in conversation unless you have been formally introduced. Do not ask a Donovian questions about his wife or other female members of his family.
Gifts	A small gift is appropriate, but the value of the gift should correspond with the status of the person receiving it. A gift to a Donovian woman can spark a violent reaction from male members of her family.
Taboos	Putting your thumb through your index and middle fingers and making the “OK" sign are both considered very rude gestures. Men should not approach women they are not related to unless they have been formally introduced. Some Donovians disregard this custom while others are extremely offended by infringement of it and may respond with violence to perceived affronts of family honor. Some Donovians drink alcohol while others consider it sinful. Do not drink alcohol unless it is offered to you. If it is offered, refusal is considered very rude.
Personal Space	Donovians stand close when talking. Do not move away from a Donovian if he enters your personal space while speaking to you. Donovian men may place their arm around your shoulder and lean in very close while speaking. This is a positive gesture and indicates fondness.
Displays of Affection	Public displays of affection are discouraged. Same genders may kiss each other on the cheek. A foreign man alone in the company of a Donovian woman is an invitation to violence.
Marriage Rituals	Donovian marriage rituals are primarily determined by the individuals’ religion and the degree to which they adhere to their religion’s doctrine and customs. These rituals may be as formal as Arianian rituals among fundamentalist Muslims or quite informal among the secular Donovian population.
Work Week/ Work Hours	By Donovian law, the work week is Monday to Friday; 40 hours per week for men and 35 hours for women.
Concept Of Time	Donovians appreciate punctuality when you meet them at their home or office. Donovians are notoriously not on time, but do not necessarily consider themselves late. When they arrive, there are a number of rituals before a meeting: First the small talk, then tea or drink, then talk of family and personal problems, then finally the business of the day.
Dispute Resolution	Donovians regard compromise as a sign of weakness. They will often out-wait impatient people to gain more concessions from them. A Donovian man must perceive that he gained some concession before he will consider a matter resolved.
Birth Rituals	Birth rituals are determined by the individuals’ religion and the degree to which they adhere to their religion’s doctrine and customs. These rituals range from elaborate among fundamentalist Muslims to informal among the secular Donovian population.
Death Rituals	Ethnic and religious groups will have varying death rituals.

Summary

Donovia’s nationalist culture serves to unify the Arab majority, but also alienates minorities whom the majority of the population views as second-class citizens. The dominance of Sunni Islam further unites the Arab majority, but due to the influence of Donovian Hanafi scholars, the nation remains secular. While those not of the Sunni faith may experience prejudice, it is more due to cultural rather than religious reasons. The economic turmoil created by the embezzlement scheme of the Four Traitors still resonates throughout Donovian society.