Scotland

Scotland is situated in the North of Europe, surrounded by the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, sharing its border with England. It's a part of the United Kingdom. He's not a very known Countryhumans character, but not entirely forgotten about.

Often represented as a cheery but angry and drunk guy, and typically seen shouting "Freedom!" One fact about him is that one of his official languages is Scottish Gaelic however most people don't speak it in modern times though it is increasingly being taught within the region.

Appearance
Scotland is depicted as both genders, however, it's leaning gender is male. The female version is usually quite similar to male but with some adjustments.

Depending on the time, sometimes he is seen in old-fashioned 1400s clothes. Mostly when he's represented in pieces of art to do with all the Anglo-Scots wars.

In modern pieces of art, he is stereotypically seen with a white shirt and tie (suit like) and wearing a kilt, a Scottish garment resembling a knee-length skirt of pleated tartan cloth. (Traditional highlands clothing.) sometimes though he is seen in casual attire, such as a hoodie and jeans. Sometimes a hat too, a bit similar to sometimes how Ireland is represented.

Though these might be how he is represented, you'll never see a Scottish person out and about wearing a kilt, unless it's a special occasion. Most typically a wedding or funeral. This is often to show respect.

Character
Scotland is a cheery and friendly person. He is very alike Ireland, a somewhat good friend of his, he is the life and soul of the party, especially if you know him. He likes drinking his Whisky (which his people invented) and he's that kind of person when he's drunk he gets a bit crazy and very humorous.

Though the not-so-good side of Scotland can be seen when he's angry, embarrassed, feeling emotional, he can increasingly get scarier. He might shout and slang words when in a state like this. He can also get very violent. Most typically again when he's drunk and crazy, however.

Interests
Scotland has a passion for playing the bagpipes at special moments. Though mostly stereotypical, he still loves it and some people are trained especially to play it. It is a very loud instrument that is played often at funerals and weddings mostly. Sometimes at New Year as well if you're out at a special event.

Scotland has some interest in poetry and songs too. "Auld Lang Syne." is a popular song (originally poem) played at New Year in Scotland, made by famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns. He is still famous to this day, being a part of the curriculum in the country. (More or less this topic is taught in Primary school though.)

Flag meaning
There are some legends and theories about the meaning behind the Scottish flag such as:

"'Walter Bower in his Scotichronicon (the 1440s) supplies a legend according to which Saint Andrew appears to king Óengus II in 832, on the eve of a battle against the Angles. The saint advises the king to watch for the 'sign of the Cross of Christ in the air'. The 'Cross of Christ' in this legend is later turned into the Saint Andrew's Cross or Saltire, in the account of George Buchanan (1506–1582), where 'a miraculous white saltire appeared in the blue sky' during the battle.'"

Etymology
"Scotland" comes from Scotti, the Latin name for the Gaels; Scotia initially referred to Ireland. From the ninth century, the meaning of Scotia shifted to designate Gaelic Scotland and by the eleventh century, the name was being used to refer to the core territory of the Kingdom of Alba in what is now east-central Scotland. The use of the words Scots and Scotland to encompass most of what is now Scotland became common in the Late Middle Ages, as the Kingdom of Alba expanded and came to encompass various peoples of diverse origins.

Independence and UK-EU Membership Referendum
In September 2014, there was a huge referendum in Scotland asking Scottish citizens if they wanted independence. This had been planned since November 2013 with the UK Parliament. The English gave reluctant approval of this referendum.

Voting took place between 07:00 and 22:00. Schools are used as polling stations so it was quite important as children got the day off. There were many campaigns supporting "Yes," and many campaigns supporting "No," Scottish towns had put up posters encouraging people to change their opinions on the vote.

On 18th of September 2014, the results were announced. The "No" side won with 2,001,926 votes. "Yes" had 1,617,989 votes. It was a very close referendum. This referendum is quite important to Scottish history as it could have changed the whole of the UK in the lead up to the present time.

By 2021 it is theorised that the Scottish parliament wants another referendum. This is because of the process of the UK leaving the EU. When the "Yes" side won, it was revealed most Scottish and Northern Ireland citizens voted "No" to this referendum.

However, it is also theorised though that an independent Scotland may not be allowed to enter the EU as it needs acceptance from the other 27 members. (If you don't include the UK.) and with the ongoing Catalonia problems in Spain, the Spanish government might not approve. However, these are just theories and nothing can be concluded unless "Yes" in the next (possible) referendum goes through.

In recent days, there has been growing urges for the independence of the country, polls suggest.

Friends

 * United Kingdom (sometimes); - We get along, but let me have a say in my opinions! Like seriously! I didn't want all this leaving EU stuff to happen, but I know you kind of regret it. Though I still do feel sour about you... my people wanted to stay, not leave!
 * Wales;- I mean, you're like a brother to me. Celtic brothers! Though - I don't support that you helped Brexit go through so you get a bit of the blame too.
 * France; - I mean, it was back in the day this happened, but currently, we both have sour-ish relations with England. I even helped ya' to fight the English. You're a good ol' friend to me! I won't forget our little friendship.
 * Republic of Ireland; - Good ol' drinking buddy, we both "dislike" the English. Though sometimes we don't get along as much as people think we do, in all honesty, I strain the relationship slightly. Though, saying that, he is a nice guy to chat to.. I mean we both kind of wanted independence from the United Kingdom at some point. Though I decided to stay, sorry friend.

Neutral

 * Northern Ireland; - Sometimes we're friends, sometimes he ticks me off... He likes mistreating Ireland, and he's my buddy so, back off him! But I will agree with you in some senses; the United Kingdom is annoying me and all these Brexit shenanigans are hurting my head. Our people voted to stay.
 * England; - I don't even know about us anymore. Friends, enemies? I don't know. My people hate ya' - mostly for a joke, but still! I decided to stay. I thought you'd be happier. I guess though I can't really hate you all that much... we like to go for a drink once in a while and we fought together ever since me, he and Wales brought the Union into place. Hmm, at least you regret the whole Brexit process now that you've seen what a mess it is. I can respect that.
 * Orkney Islands; - We've had arguments in the past, but I think we can finally settle ourselves.
 * Shetland Islands; - We've also had a lot of arguments in the past, but we're better now and can settle.

Enemies

 * Third Reich (formerly); - Am more than glad that yer gone, Ah will remember you though, I will remember the atrocities you caused to my people and mah mates, and for that you will be the stepping stone fir us to not put up with anyone who would DARE attempt tae fill in yer blood soaked boots. You caused me... no, everyone to lose a lot of people, young lads sent off to war to never come back hame, children torn from their parents. You caused so much chaos that despite how long it has been, the remnants of the destruction you caused still linger. Me and England had to come together to fight yer arse, that's how badly you messed up. P.S. Bloody stay dead ya fascist prick!

United Kingdom
Scotland and the United Kingdom used to have really good relations back in the day. They still kind of do. However, nowadays, Scotland's a lot more distant, and you can only guess why. Scotland's independence dream still wavers. The United Kingdom isn't sure if he wants him to leave. The Scots just wanted more options and decisions open to them. All the Brexit stuff in recent years has made the Scots want independence more. It might not be long before they do something about it.

England
England and Scotland have a long history with each other, back in the days, they used to fight each other all the time. They weren't the greatest of friends. Their wars resulting in enormous amounts of bloodshed within their armies. They had a feeling of peace for a while, because of all the monarchy stuff that was happening and while this peace occurred, Scotland, unfortunately, went bankrupt and was going through a famine. In the past they had already attempted two unions, so they tried again, this time both parliaments agreeing and signed a treaty and it was put into place. Ever since then, England and Scotland have been "kind of" close with a "fun" little rivalry because of the past. Though their relations are kind of rocky (you know, with Scotland's independence shenanigans) chances are, they probably won't ever forget their pasts.

Geography
Scotland is situated in the United Kingdom, in the north of Europe. It is the most Northern part of the British Isles. Its total area is 77,933 km² so it is not big compared with other countries such as Germany or France. However, it is the second biggest country in the United Kingdom behind England. Scotland's highest point being Ben Nevis at 1345 m (4,413 ft). The only other country it land borders is only England, however, countries/islands nearby include: Scotland has almost 800 islands, (though the official number is 790.) These islands are mostly very small ones and most of them are northern. A lot of them are not inhabited by people.
 * Shetland (Islands)
 * Orkney (Islands)
 * Hebrides (Inner and Outer)
 * Ireland
 * Northern Ireland
 * Wales

Scotland also has three sections. The main places (and most populated) in Scotland are:
 * Lowlands (the most southern and populous part of the country)
 * Midlands (also a largely populated part of the country, located in the middle of the country)
 * Highlands (the most northern and least populated part of the country.)
 * Glasgow
 * Edinburgh (capital)
 * Dundee
 * Aberdeen
 * Inverness

Trivia

 * Though mostly depicted as noisy, drunk, loud and angry all the time, most of the people are not like that.
 * Scottish Gaelic is one of the official languages of Scotland, however, it is not spoken all that much by the population. Scots is sometimes considered one of their languages, however, most people would agree that Scots is more of a dialect to the English language itself.
 * Scotland might have another independence referendum by 2021 (mostly because Scotland do not want to leave the EU and are finally trying to do something about it).
 * Scotland is depicted usually drinking Whiskey. As they (presumably) invented it. It's not clear whether the Irish created it or the Scottish.
 * Scotland's national flower is the Thistle.
 * Scotland's national animal is actually a mythical animal, as it is the Unicorn.
 * Scotland's motto is: "In My Defens God Me Defend" (Eng: In My Defence, God Me Defend) with its national anthem being (unofficially) Flower o'/of Scotland.
 * Glasgow is the biggest and most populous city in Scotland despite Edinburgh being the capital.
 * Scotland is the largest petroleum producer in the European Union.