National Currency: Sterling Silver Crown
The Sterling Silver Crown was first devised for use by Duke Wayne shortly after he issued the Declaration of Secession from the United States and Canada. Initially, the coin was struck in sterling silver; however, the scarcity of silver has lead to a change in composition in which silver is only a trace element. By law all government transactions must occur in sterling silver crowns and no person seeking payment may reject its use. Typically, many businesses will also except U.S. and Canadian dollars on an even exchange rate, although this is not advantageous to consumers.
National Animals: Moose and Squirrel
The Moose and Squirrel are the two most prominent national symbols in the Grand Duchy of Frostbite Falls. Specifically, the moose in reference is the bullwinkle species (Alces bullwinklus) of moose which are native to the grand duchy, but the American moose (Alces alces) also receives special protection as the national animal. Hunting of moose is restricted to all but members of the Wilderness Service who do so to prevent issues of over-population and herd control. As with the moose, all species of squirrel benefit from protective laws, but the species officially regarded as the national animal is the red-headed snow sqirrel (Sciurus rockeus). The red-headed snow squirrel does not hibernate and can be found foraging year round. It is noted for its reddish fur on its face and paws and its long spiky ears.
National Bird: The Alouette
The Alouette (Eremophila alpestris), also called the Horned Lark, is one of the few non-migratory birds in Frostbite Falls. The bird can found in the mountains and forests, though it is most common in the fields. These small songbirds, noted for their melodic chirps and trills, were once highly prized as pets, and captivity and hunting nearly drove the species to extinction in the wild. It is illegal to own or capture alouettes, so many residents build feeders and nesting boxes to draw wild birds to their property.
National Language: Latin
Latin is the official language of the nation and the language in which all government is conducted. All school children are taught exclusively in Latin during primary school, with English being taught as a foreign language. By high school this switches and they are taught in English with Latin being taught only to further one's reading and writing ability. This is done for two reasons. The first so that the citizens are better able to communicate with its neighbors in Canada and the United States, and citizens in Pottsylvania who all speak English. The second is to honor the roots of the original settlers who were immigrants from Canada and the United States. All laws and government policy is printed in exclusively in Latin. However, many companies print information in both languages for the aid of tourists and most people can speak in either language with ease.
National Plant: The Mooseberry Bush
The Mooseberry Bush (Vaccinium alcesbacca) is a plant that was originally found only on Mooseberry Island, but due to widespread cultivation and transplanting, it is now found throughout the Grand Duchy. The mooseberry bush takes its name from the fact that the berries have large seeds which make them difficult for humans to eat but easy for moose which are fond of the plant. The berries of wild mooseberry bushes will ripen year round providing animals a constant food source. A cultivated version of the plant exists with small seeds, but the berries only ripen only in summer and autumn, and require special greenhouses to survive the harsh winters. The berries are used to make many traditional desserts, but can also be used as an ingredient in homemade rocket fuel. Due to the later use, a special license is required to grow or store large quantities of berries.
National Tree: The Evergreen
Due to the abundance of coniferous forests that exist in Frostbite Falls, the evergreen was declared the national tree by Duke Wayne I at the founding of the nation. Therefore, all species of evergreen that grow in Frostbite Falls are granted status of national tree. However, most depictions of the evergreen show the Frostbite Fir (Abies gelumorsus), which is the only species of evergreen that is native exclusively to the nation.