Upsalla

Summary
Upsalla is a verdant planet used primarily for farming. It is the home world of the Upsallans.

Joining the Federation
Upsalla joined the Federation in 2843 after uncharacteristically short negotiations for the Upsallans. When the Federation arrived, they already had a list of demands for any galactic community they encountered, despite never having made interplanetary contact. Upsalla's fertile soil make for excellent farming, though the locals hadn't attempted to do so. For over two centuries, Federation teams have been clearing jungle to make way for more farmland. As the demand for foodstuffs in the Federation increases, so too does the need to expand. Luckily, there is plenty of jungle left.

Climate
Upsalla is known for its tropical temperatures, reaching highs of 50 degrees Celsius on the equator and lows of 20 at the poles. The planet is covered in thick jungle and marshland with relative humidity between 60 and 100%. These conditions, in addition to excellent soil, allow for the local flora to thrive. One of the most noteworthy plants on Upsalla is what the locals refer to as a great tree, or what Federation lumberers refer to as celestial mahogany. These trees can be up to one hundred meters tall and are capable of breathing fire. This flame clears out other flora to deal with competition and add nutrient rich ash to the soil, as well as defends the tree from predators. The fruit from this tree, called dragon fruit, is only safe for consumption by the hardiest creatures of the jungle floor before it falls. Upsallans then must leap in, grab the fruit, and leap out before they are incinerated. This is the strategy they adopted in place of agriculture.

Politics
Upsalla uses a system of direct democracy for all policies, allowing all persons affected by the decision to vote. This means that some decisions require the direct input of every person on the entire planet. Needless to say, policy decisions are not resolved quickly. Community leaders have no roles beyond being in charge of informing people of what policies exist to be voted on. This leads to a low stakes political sphere without parties and where the only concern officials need have to be reelected is ensuring that they are seen as trustworthy and vigilant.