Hara no Kuni

A poet once described Hara no Kuni as being 'flat as the stillest ocean.' To an extent, the man's assessment was correct. Hara features a gently rolling landscape, dotted by small stands of trees and is perfect for agriculture. Lakes and streams interrupt the otherwise perpetually verdant landscape, allowing a constant supply of water to keep the greenery fresh and new almost constantly. Kusagakure no Sato is located in the southern half of the country, overshadowed by the magnificent Haragake's tree. Wildlife is abundant in this country, with vast herds of grazing beasts forming seas of life, the only ruckus in an otherwise peaceful nation.

Hara no Kuni, Political

Hara no Kuni; The Country of Grass

• Also See Five Great Shinobi Countries

Hara no Kuni, often referred to as those who are not from it as 'The Country of Grass', is one of the minor shinobi countries in the continent. It holds a shinobi village, Kusagakure no Sato, and is known primarily for it's lush pastures and farmland, and it's varied landscape despite it's size. It is one of the breadbaskets of the country.

It is ruled by a Daimyo, as are most countries, and is diverse enough despite its size to necessitate an explanation of the specific topics of it's country.

Politics

The Harakage, or 'Grass Shadow', is is the title which the singular primary leader of the Country of Grass's Hidden Shinobi Village -Kusagakure no Sato- bears. It follows the tradition of the leaders of every village being referred to as the most important element to the village, and 'Shadow' at the end.

The Harakage is quite likely the most powerful title in Hara no Kuni. Because of Hara no Kuni is so small and slightly less developed than its larger neighbors, the Daimyo of the country tend to respect the Harakage as their superior. This is not only because Kusagakure no Sato happens to be the capital of the entire country, but is also the seat of military might. Of course, given the state of the city itself the title may or may not be a good thing to hold.

Economy

The economy of Hara no Kuni strictly revolves around agriculture: the exports of cotton, fruits, vegetables and grains that are prompted to grow in this lush area. Though its northern neighbor is more apt for growing rice, Hara no Kuni is also capable of exporting rice to a lesser extent. The strains grown in Hara no Kuni is innumerable, and some species of fruits, vegetables and grains are endemic to the country and are regarded internationally as delicacies. Even non-endemic plants grown in this area are said to be different, as in bearing sweeter fruits and larger vegetables.

Also related to Hara no Kuni's fertile lands is botany. Not as much of an economic powerhouse as agriculture, the nation is capable of growing a vast array of medicinal and decorative plants. As a result of the medicinal plant types Hara no Kuni can culture, the nation is also at the forefront of pharmaceutical research.

Lumber is also one of the country's main exports, given the great productivity of the forests. In additional to raw materials, centuries of working with wood and reeds has produced exceptional artisans of carpentry, weaving, papermaking, and textiles among others skills.

Livestock account for a smaller number of Hara no Kuni's exports, but many breeds are bred easily on the land.

Tourism has been increasing in popularity as foreigners yearn to sample Hara no Kuni's famed foods. Sightseeing is also popular among the abnormally large forests, as well as prize hunting native animals.

Demography

Hara no Kuni has become quite a melting pot of people, given its plentiful economic possibilities, crossroads location, as well as its lenient laws towards foreigners and even criminals. Generally it is believed the original settlers of the village were merchants who traveled without a home, and one caravan settled within the lands and soon more accrued.

However, there is an indigenous population of plainsmen that reside within the nation, and have generally existed unbothered as both populations operated with mutual disinterest.

Culture

Easygoing and forgiving, the people of Hara no Kuni are often pragmatic with a natural sense for time and seasons. People of Hara no Kuni are very future oriented, and focus less on one's past when judging one's character. They are not too concerned with glamorous lifestyles, and it's reflected in their mannerisms, their architecture, and even their food. Stemming from the demand for farmhands to run the farm, villagers value family bonds and wholeness. The most celebrated festivals, as a result, celebrate the unity of family. It is not uncommon for native villagers overseas to travel by foot, cattle, or any means necessary to make it back home, even if travel takes longer than the few days they return for. The nation's people are also known for their hospitality towards strangers, often adopting them into their own families if the newcomer arrived alone. Familial ties are also shared among the residents, as the successes and failures of one individual is regarded as the community's.

Architecture

The architecture of Hara no Kuni is based around its primary environment. The people cut out great trees for homes and dwellings, used great vines as irrigation and wells, along with contemporary buildings and structures that one might find anywhere, especially on the plains on open grass. Nature didn't hold out on decking this land out, as life itself seems to be more of the artist than man. Despite Hara no Kuni's agricultural productivity, its landscape is not forgiving as it appears. Rather than bend nature to the will of man, humans had to learn to live and work alongside the flora and fauna that inhabited it first. Crops are planted in conjunction with the terrain, and soils were tilled around the trunks of great trees that are not to be slashed and burnt down.

Cuisine

The food of Hara no Kuni celebrates the natural flavors of their bountiful yields, with very little alteration of the dish's taste. Salts, spices, and herbs are welcomed but not centerpieces at the table and are used very sparsely. As a general rule, the less ingredients that go into a meal, the better. Processed foods, such as bread and pastas are avoided due to this, but have become increasingly popular as international commerce continues. For large dinners, dishes are prepared on massive platters and kept in the center of the table for everyone to help themselves. Ordering a personal dish and not sharing it with others is thought to be strange, and at times rude.

Geography

As in its name the Country of Grass is surrounded in plains of green grass and lush plants. Woods inhabit the core parts of the country, wherem ost of the villages and cities were originally established due to natural shelter. Though, deep crevices in the earth may be found in this country, meaning that bridges had to be created in order to establish a thriving nation.

Climate

Hara no Kuni contains two main climate types: it consists mainly of humid subtropics and pockets of tropical savanna. Winters are cooler than summers, but are still temperate, with average annual lows of 12°C and highs of 25°C. Summers range from an average annual low of 23°C to highs of 31°C. Rainfall comes in rainy and dry seasons, with precipitation low throughout winter (25-78mm) and peaks in the summer (217-300mm), with a chance of regular monsoons. (217-300mm)

Hidden Village

• (See Kusagakure no Sato)

Neirol, Capital of Hara no Kuni

Neriol, Street View

Perhaps best described as a kid's tree house gone mad. This city is for the birds - literally. It is built in the eaves of the great redwood trees, as a sort of giant interconnected tree house. Quite surreal. In fact, this city really doesn't have any problems to be mentioned. Oh, except people do fall out of the trees once in a while. You don't get up after that.

Notable Locations in The Country of Grass

• Stillshrine of Ibuuj

Important Events of The Country of Grass

• Kumogakure Invasion (2107)

• Destruction of Kusagakure (2115)

Notable People of The Country of Grass

• Haramatsu Korin [Elite Ninja; Hachinin]