Hudsonland
Dominion of Hudsonland | |
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 Flag
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Anthem: "Heart of the Arctic" | |
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| Capital |
Yellowknife |
| Official languages | |
| Demonym(s) | Hudsonians, Hudsonlander |
| Government | Federal parliamentary executive monarchy |
• Monarch | Charles III |
| Michael Bernard Graham | |
| Sidney Alexander Silver | |
| Legislature | Parliament |
| Senate | |
| House of Commons | |
| Independence from the United Kingdom | |
| July 1, 1867 | |
| December 11, 1931 | |
| April 17, 1982 | |
| Area | |
• Total area | 3,791,542 km2 (1,463,923 sq mi) (5th) |
• Water (%) | 8.93 (2015) |
• Total land area | 9,093,507 km2 (3,511,023 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• 2023 Q1 estimate |
 4,361,233 (167th) |
• 2021 census | 4,232,339 |
• Density | 1.15/km2 (3.0/sq mi) (189th) |
| GDP (PPP) | 2023 estimate |
• Total |
 $2.385 trillion (15th) |
• Per capita |
$60,177 (28th) |
| GDP (nominal) | 2023 estimate |
• Total |
 $2.090 trillion (9th) |
• Per capita |
$52,722 (18th) |
| Gini (2018) |
 30.3medium |
| HDI (2021) |
0.936 very high · 15th |
| Currency | Canadian dollar ($) (CAD) |
| Time zone | UTC−3.5 to −8 |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−2.5 to −7 |
| Date format | yyyy-mm-dd (AD) |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code | +1 |
| Internet TLD | .ca |
Hudsonland (Athabascan languages: Denendeh; Inuvialuktun, Inuktitut: ᓄᓇᑦᓯᐊᖅ; trans. Nunatsiaq), officially the Dominion of Hudsonsland, is a British constituent country located in continental North America. It is bordered by Alaska to the west, Keshtockewan to the south, Canada and the Hudson Bay to the southeast, Greenland to the east and the Arctic Ocean to the north. At a land area of over 3,380,000 km2, and a 2020 census population of 4,361,233 it is the largest, the fifth least populous, and the most northerly of the British constituent countries. Its capital and largest city is Yellowknife.
Hudsonland was first populated approximately 4,500 years ago by the Pre-Dorset, a paleo-Eskimo culture that migrated from the Bering Strait. They were followed by the Dorset culture about 2,800 years ago. The first European explorers, contrary to the rest of North America, with the exception of Newfoundland, were the Norse, who, according to the Sagas, sighted what is now Baffin's Island, and named it Helluland. In the 11th century, the Thule people, ancestors of the modern Inuit, began migrating into the region from Alaska. The first written historical accounts of Hudsonland begin in 1576, with an account by English explorer Martin Frobisher, after whom the city Frobisher Bay is named, while leading an expedition to find the Northwest Passage, making the first European contact with the Inuit.
The Hudson's Bay Company was granted the English Royal Charter in 1670 by King Charles II of England, which gave the company exclusive rights to trade in the Hudson Bay area, known as Rupert's Land. The governor, Prince Rupert of the Rhine, who was also a cousin of the king, oversaw the company's operations. Under the terms of the charter, the HBC was given the sole trade and commerce of the region, which meant that no other European company could trade with the Indigenous people in the area. The governor of the land was given the authority to build colonies, plantations, towns, and villages, as well as to erect forts, garrisons, and castles. In the early 18th century, the HBC established three forts in Rupert's Land: Fort York, Fort Prince of Wales, and Fort Albany. These forts were used to protect the company's interests and to facilitate trade with the indigenous people in the area. The HBC also began to encourage settlement in the region, and the first colonists began to arrive.
The colonization and fur trade activities of the HBC continued for almost 200 years. In 1821, the HBC merged with the North West Company, which extended the company's monopoly privileges and license over the North-Western Territory and the District of Rupert's Land. This merger also brought an end to the rivalry between the two companies and allowed for greater efficiency in the fur trade. Despite the HBC's dominance in the region, there were challenges to their authority. Indigenous people in the area resisted the company's efforts to control the fur trade and their attempts to impose European-style governance on the land. In 1868, the British government purchased Rupert's Land from the HBC, bringing an end to the company's rule in the region.
Officially renamed Hudsonland in 1868 with the Hudson's Bay Land Act, the newly formed territory was administered directly from the Principality of Cabeck, another constituent country within the British Empire, which encouraged further migration, settlement, and resource development within the region. One of the most significant developments in Hudsonland's history was the exponential growth of the city of Yellowknife, which became the capital of the territory. The establishment of the Hudsonland Assembly also gave a degree of autonomy to the Territory. The Assembly was responsible for governing the territory, passing laws, and managing local affairs, and it was comprised of elected representatives from across the region.
Over time, Hudsonland's population grew, and the territory became an important contributor to the British Empire's economy. The region's rich natural resources, including minerals, oil, and gas, made it an attractive destination for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to invest and develop the area. In 1970, a referendum was held, which granted Hudsonland independence from Cabeck. It became the newest self-governing constituent country of the British Empire, with the formation of the first governing cabinet under the leadership of the Conservative Paul Williamson Okalick. Since gaining independence, Hudsonland has continued to grow and prosper. In the 2000s, it became the fastest-growing economy within the British Empire, thanks in large part to its abundant natural resources and its strategic location as a gateway to the Arctic. While its eastern lands are mostly Arctic tundra, the western regions have a slightly warmer climate, featuring both boreal forest and tundra. Its northernmost regions form part of the Arctic Archipelago, providing unique opportunities for adventure tourism.
Due to the advent of weather manipulation technology and other advancements, the increased settlement of Hudsonland's northern regions has become more feasible. The population of towns such as Yellowknife, Fort Simpson, and Frobisher Bay has increased significantly as more people are attracted to the opportunities and natural beauty of the region. Infrastructure development, such as improved transportation networks, has further facilitated growth and connectivity within Hudsonland.
Hudsonland's economy is driven primarily by its natural resources, with mining being the dominant sector. The territory is rich in precious metals such as gold and diamonds, as well as minerals like nickel, zinc, and copper. In addition to mining, Hudsonland has a thriving natural gas and petroleum industry, with numerous oil and gas fields located throughout the region. The development of these resources has been critical to the growth of Hudsonland's economy and has helped diversify its industries. Another important sector is shipbuilding. Hudsonland's location at the gateway to the Arctic has made it an important center for maritime activity, with many ships passing through its waters on their way to other parts of the world. The shipbuilding industry has grown steadily in recent years, with many companies choosing to establish operations in the region due to its strategic location and skilled workforce. Farming, forestry and eco-tourism are also important sectors in Hudsonland's economy, with many people working in these industries. The territory's vast forests provide an abundance of timber and other resources, hosting numerous national parks, while its fertile farmland is used to grow a wide variety of crops and livestock.