View source for Belmonte

{{Region icon Kylaris}}
{{Infobox country
|conventional_long_name = Belmontese Republic
|native_name =        República Belmontesa ({{wp|Portuguese language|Luzelese}})
|common_name =        Belmonte
|image_flag =         [[File:Belmonte flag.png|141px]]
|alt_flag =           Flag of Belmonte
|image_coat =         [[File:Brasão belmonte.png|94px]]
|alt_coat =           Coat of arms of Belmonte
|other_symbol_type =  {{wp|cockade|National cockade}}
|other_symbol =       [[File:Laço de Belmonte.png|100px]]
|national_motto =     ''Non ducor, duco'' ({{wp|Latin language|Solarian}})<br><small>"I am not led, I lead"</small>
|national_anthem =    {{wp|Cisne Branco (march)|''Hino Nacional Belmontês''}}<br><small>"Belmontese National Anthem"</small><br>[[File:MediaPlayer.png|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baYLc9FVRbQ|210px]]
|image_map =          [[File:Belmonte map3.png|255px]]
|alt_map =            Belmonte (green) in [[Kylaris|Asteria]] (grey)
|map_caption =        Belmonte (green) in [[Kylaris|Asteria]] (grey)
|capital=             {{flagicon image|Flag federalcapital.png}} [[Castelonovo]]
|largest_city=        capital
|demonym =            Belmontese
|ethnic_groups =      41.3% {{wp|White people|White}}<br>40.2% {{wp|Multiracial people|Mixed}}<br>14.6% {{wp|Black people|Black}}<br>2.6% {{wp|Asian people|Coian}}<br>1.3% {{wp|Indigenous people|Asteridian}}
|ethnic_groups_year = 2020
|religion = 86.9% {{wp|Christianism|Sotirianity}}<br>-67.4% [[Solarian Catholic Church|Solarian Catholicism]]<br>-19.5% {{wp|Protestanism|Amendism}}<br>11.8% {{wp|Irreligious}}<br>1.3% other
|religion_year = 2020
|government_type =    {{wp|Federalism|Federal}} {{wp|Parliamentary system|parliamentary}} {{wp|republic}}
|leader_title1 =      [[President of Belmonte|President]]
|leader_name1 =       [[Caetano Villa-Lobos]]
|leader_title2 =      [[Premier of Belmonte|Premier]]
|leader_name2 =       [[Rita Maurino]]
|legislature =        [[National Congress of Belmonte|National Congress]]
|upper_house =        [[Senate of Belmonte|Senate]]
|lower_house =        [[Chamber of Deputies of Belmonte|Chamber of Deputies]]
|sovereignty_type =   Independence from {{flag|Gaullica}}
|established_event1 = [[Asterian War of Secession|Declared]]
|established_date1 =  07 August 1764
|established_event2 = [[Asterian War of Secession|Recognized]]
|established_date2 =  21 November 1771
|established_event3 = [[Confederation of Belmonte|Confederation]]
|established_date3 =  15 August 1764
|established_event4 = [[First Belmontese Republic|Republic]]
|established_date4 =  18 April 1792
|established_event5 = [[Constitution of Belmonte|Constitution]]
|established_date5 =  06 July 1935
|area_km2 = 1,003,144
|area_sq_mi = 
|percent_water = 0.5
|population_census = 36,334,190
|population_census_year = 2020
|population_density_km2 = 36.2
|population_density_sq_mi = 
|GDP_PPP = {{Increase}} $865.9 billion
|GDP_PPP_year = 2020
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = {{Increase}} $23,832
|GDP_nominal = {{Increase}} $577.2 billion
|GDP_nominal_year = 2020
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = {{Increase}} $15,888
|Gini                        = 36.9
|Gini_year                   = 2020
|Gini_change                 = decrease
|HDI                         = 0.784
|HDI_year                    = 2020
|HDI_change                  = increase
|currency =           [[Belmontese Cruzado|Cruzado]] (BEC, ₡)
|time_zone =          [[Belmontese Central Time]]
|utc_offset =         +13
|cctld =              .be
|calling_code =       +57
}}
'''Belmonte''' ({{wp|Help:IPA/English|/ˈbɪlˈmærˈtɪ/}}; <small>{{wp|Portuguese language|Luzelese}} pronunciation:</small> {{wp|Help:IPA/Portuguese|[''bewmɔnte'']}}), officially the '''Belmontese Republic''' (Luzelese: ''República Belmontesa''), is a {{wp|sovereign state}} located on the continent of [[Asteria Inferior]], sharing borders with [[Nuvania]] to the west, [[Azure Coast]] to the east, [[Aucuria]] to the northwest and [[Satucin]] to the northeast.

It's known that the current Belmontese territory is inhabited by several {{wp|indigenous peoples}} since 10,000 BCE, with [[Euclea|Euclean]] {{wp|colonization}} beginning after the landing of explorer [[Duarte Bórgia]] in 1503. In 1683, Belmonte was annexed by [[Poveglia]] in the aftermath of the [[Luzelese-Poveglian War]] and would be annexed again in 1721 to the [[Gaullica|Gaullican Empire]], whose ill-treatment towards the local population served as the principal reason for its [[Independence of Belmonte|independence]] in 1764 amid the [[Asterian War of Secession]].

Independence was recognized years later and a [[Confederation of Belmonte|decentralized confederation]] was established. As republican and liberal ideas arose, the confederation was replaced by a [[First Belmontese Republic|federal presidential republic]] in 1792 after a short [[Federalist Revolt|civil war]]. Tensions between {{wp|Liberalism|liberals}} and {{wp|Conservatism|conservatives}} led to a successful [[1828 Coup|military coup]] which established a [[Durão Era|conservative authoritarian dictatorship]], however, its inability to govern resulted in its [[1836 Revolution|overthrowing]] in favour of a [[Third Belmontese Republic|parliamentary republic]], with an [[Riachuelo Agreement|oligarchic agreement]] allowing long-term stability. The breaking of the agreement years later caused [[1906-1913 political crisis in Belmonte|large-scale political unrest]] throughout the country, resulting in another [[1913 Coup|military coup]] which ceded power to far-right politician [[João Berquó]], who ruled as a dictator for the next 20 years. 

Belmonte was [[Operation Palmier|invaded]] and [[Occupation of Belmonte|occupied]] by the [[Entente|Entente Powers]] during the [[Great War (Kylaris)|Great War]], its infrastructure completely ravaged and most cities destroyed, being only fully liberated at the late stages of the conflict. The end of the war made the democratic opposition gain support from large parts of the Armed Forces, which ousted Berquó and allowed the creation of the [[New Republic (Belmonte)|current democratic regime]].

Belmonte is considered to be a {{wp|developing country}} with an {{wp|emergent economy}}, having a high {{wp|Human Development Index|HDI}} and a medium {{wp|Gini coefficient}}, even though the country still suffers from alarming levels of {{wp|poverty}}, {{wp|social inequality}}, {{wp|corruption}} and {{wp|crime}}. Its political system is a {{wp|Federalism|federal}} {{wp|parliamentary republic}} composed of six [[Provinces of Belmonte|provinces]] and the [[Castelonovo|Federal District]]. The {{wp|legislature}} is the bicameral [[National Congress of Belmonte|National Congress]], which is composed of the [[Chamber of Deputies of Belmonte|Chamber of Deputies]] and the [[Senate of Belmonte|Senate]]. Its {{wp|Capital city|capital}} and {{wp|primate city}} is [[Castelonovo]]. Belmonte is a member-state of the [[Community of Nations]], the [[Asteria Inferior Common Market]], the [[International Council for Democracy]], the [[International Trade Organization (Kylaris)|International Trade Organization]] and the [[Global Institute for Fiscal Affairs]], [[Foreign relations of Belmonte|among others]].
==Etymology==
The word ''Belmonte'' is from both {{wp|Portuguese language|Luzelese}} and {{wp|Italian language|Vespasian}} origin and means "beautiful mountain." The most likely theory is that the name was first used to designate [[St Paul's Mount]], which was the first piece of land seen by [[Duarte Bórgia]]'s 1503 expedition, being officially adopted as [[Colonization of Belmonte|colonization]] began years later. During the [[Gaullica|Gaullican]] [[History of Belmonte|period of rule]] in the region, its name was {{wp|Francization|Gallicized}} to ''Beaumont'', however, it saw few use by the majoritarian Luzo-Belmontese population, changing back to Belmonte once [[Independence of Belmonte|independence]] was achieved in 1764.

Before the arrival of Euclean peoples in Asteria Inferior, the several indigenous peoples present in Belmonte's modern territory, most of them from {{wp|Tupi people|Tupi origin}}, gave two different names for the region: ''Apiraby'' - pointy land, referring to the region which is today the coastal provinces of [[Favônia]] and [[Laranjeiras]], and ''Araxaiby'' - high land - further inland.

==History==
{{main|History of Belmonte}}
===Pre-Asterian era===
{{main|History of Belmonte#Pre-Asterian era}}
[[File:Serra_da_Capivara_-_Several_Paintings_2b.jpg|thumb|left|200px|A {{wp|Cave painting|prehistoric cave painting}} at the [[Mourinhos National Park]] near [[Cintra]], in [[Juazeiro]].]]
[[File:Burian_urn,_AD_1000-1250,_Marajoara_culture_-_AMNH_-_DSC06177_b.jpg|thumb|right|100px|A {{wp|Urn|native burial urn}} dated from 1000 BCE, present in the [[National Museum of Belmonte]] in Castelonovo.]]
The oldest {{wp|Archaeology|archaeological evidence}} about the presence of the {{wp|Human|homo sapiens}} in Belmontese soil dates back to 60,000 thousand years ago, but {{wp|Village|permanent human habitations}} only exist for 10,000 years. The {{wp|Indigenous peoples|indigenous population}} was based around {{wp|Tribe|tribes}} that had an extended knowledge of {{wp|Linear Pottery culture|pottery cultures}} and had a {{wp|Indigenous peoples|complex political system}} based around the image of the tribe's leader, the {{wp|cacique}}, and its religious and spiritual chief, the {{wp|Shaman|pajé}}.

Before the arrival of Duarte Bórgia's expedition in 1503, it is estimated that the indigenous population living in Belmonte was comprised of two million people, with the majority of them being part of {{wp|Ethnolinguistic group|ethnolinguistic groups}}: the {{wp|Tupi-Guarani languages|Tupi-Guaranis}} and the {{wp|Macro-Jê languages|Macro-Jês}}. These two ethnolinguistic groups are divided into the {{wp|Tupi people|Tupis}}, {{wp|Guaraní people|Guaranis}}, {{wp|Jê languages|Jês}}, {{wp|Tupinambá people|Tupinambás}} and {{wp|Tupiniquim|Tupiniquins}}, which, in turn, are subdivided into smaller groups based on local cultural and societal differences.

Regarding their expertise on the region they lived in, the natives knew extensively about their local {{wp|fauna}} and {{wp|flora}} and lived through the {{wp|Subsistence economy|subsistence}} of {{wp|hunting}}, {{wp|fishing}} and {{wp|Gather|gathering}}, with tribal boundaries being demarcated through war. Slavery was widely practised, although under a different meaning than the one used by [[Euclea|Euclean powers]], and religious rituals involving {{wp|cannibalism}} were common. {{wp|Indigenous religion|Religion}} was characterized by being {{wp|Polytheism|polytheist}} with each tribe having its variations, while leadership was hereditary and decided among the tribe's warriors.

===Colonial era===
{{main|History of Belmonte#Colonial era}}
{{see also|Luzelese Belmonte|Poveglian Belmonte|Gaullican Belmonte}}
[[File:Oscar_Pereira_da_Silva_-_Desembarque_de_Pedro_Álvares_Cabral_em_Porto_Seguro,_1500,_Acervo_do_Museu_Paulista_da_USP.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Discovery of Belmonte'' by {{wp|Oscar Pereira da Silva|Pedro Passos Guimarães}}]]
[[File:Henrique_Bernardelli_-_Ciclo_da_Caça_ao_Índio,_Acervo_do_Museu_Paulista_da_USP.jpg|thumb|right|150px|During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Belmontese society was built around the image of the {{wp|bandeirante}}.]]
In 1503, after two failed attempts to colonize the [[Asteria Superior|Arucian]], the [[Luzela|Luzelese Crown]] decided to launch another expedition to the southern tip of the continent, led by explorer [[Duarte Bórgia]]. Bórgia's fleet, composed of 17 caravels, departed from [[Precea]] in January 1503, reaching [[St Paul's Mount]] near [[Pinheiros]] six months later on June 29th, with other expeditions being launched in 1506 and 1509.

At first, [[Luzela]] didn't have any interest in populating the area but, after [[Hennehouwe]] and [[Gaullica]] started to proclaim land nearby as theirs, the Crown established the first settlements in 1517, although true colonization only began two years later. In 1521, the colony became divided into {{wp|Captaincy|captaincies}} and shared among the [[Luzela|nobility]], which was empowered as {{wp|Local government|local governments}}. The colonization process was slow and costly, leading to further disinterest by the Crown who gave more powers to the captaincies and {{wp|Religious order (Catholic)|religious orders}} to act autonomously. As a result, the nascent Luzo-Belmontese population launched several independent expeditions called {{wp|Bandeirantes|bandeiras}} and, over the years, colonial society was shaped and based around the {{wp|Bandeirantes|bandeirante}}, contributing to the creation of an early [[Culture of Belmonte|Belmontese identity]] and [[Belmontese people|people]].

In 1683, after the Luzelese defeat at the [[Luzelese-Poveglian War]], the country was forced to give Belmonte to [[Poveglia]], which allowed the continuation of the {{wp|Portuguese languase|Luzelese language}} and [[Luzela|culture]] in the region. The aftermath of the [[Ten Years' War]] led to the annexation of Belmonte by Gaullica - unlike the Luzelese and the Poveglians, the Gaullican colonial administration was widely unpopular, fueling {{wp|Nationalism|nationalist}} and {{wp|Enlightenment|illuminist}} movements. The harsh oppression and high taxes were the main reasons for the rural aristocracy with the support of the lower classes to [[Independence of Belmonte|declare independence]] in 1764, thus beginning the [[War of Belmontese Independence]].

Soon after the declaration of independence, the revolutionary forces were organized into a single army under the command of General [[Sebastião Mascarenhas]]. The first years of the campaign were harsh for Belmontese revolutionaries due to the lack of equipment and experience, but the tides of the war changed in 1766 with the [[Battle of Humaitá]], where Belmontese soldiers defeated a major Gaullican army. The war only ended with the [[Treaty of Vicalvi]] signed 5 years later in 1771, with independence being guaranteed by Gaullica and other major world powers. A {{wp|confederation}} system of government was adopted, with Mascarenhas serving as its first [[Captain-Regent of Belmonte|Captain-Regent]]. 

===Post-independence===
{{main|Confederation of Belmonte|First Belmontese Republic|Durão Era|Third Belmontese Republic|Berquó Era}}
{{see also|Federalist Revolt|1836 Revolution|Riachuelo Agreement|1913 Coup}}
[[File:Victor_Meirelles_-_'Battle_of_Guararapes',_1879,_oil_on_canvas,_Museu_Nacional_de_Belas_Artes,_Rio_de_Janeiro.JPG|thumb|left|200px|''Liberty being triumphant'' by {{wp|Victor Meirelles|Inácio Loya}} shows Belmontese troops standing victorious at the end of the [[Battle of Humaitá]].]]
{{multiple image
 |align     = right
 |direction = vertical
 |width     = 150
 |image1    = Proclamação_da_República_by_Benedito_Calixto_1893.jpg
 |caption1  = The [[1836 Revolution]] ended Durão's authoritarian rule and sentenced him to {{wp|exile}}.
 |image2    = João_de_Deus_Menna_Barreto,_General,_1931.tif
 |caption2  = [[João Berquó]] ruled Belmonte as a dictator over 20 years
}}
The [[Confederation of Belmonte|confederation]] was characterised by its autocratic oligarchic regime ruled by slave traders and the rural elite, causing disaffection among many {{wp|Liberalism|liberals}} and {{wp|Radicalism|radicals}} influenced by illuminist ideas. In 1788, after state-sponsored crackdowns towards liberal and {{wp|University|academic centres}}, a series of low-ranking officers {{wp|Mutiny|mutinied}} against confederal rule, erupting into the [[Federalist Revolt]]. After 3 years of civil war, the [[Federalists (Belmonte)|Federalists]], under the command of [[Jorge Aranha]], won and abolished the confederation, establishing the [[First Belmontese Republic]]. Following a provisional government, the first elections were held, with Aranha becoming the country's first [[President of Belmonte|president]].

{{wp|Conservatism|Conservative}} inaptitude to attract voters and general hostility to the past confederacy and its conservative nature made Belmonte a ''de facto'' liberal {{wp|one-party state}}. Further progressive policies led to total repulse from conservatives towards the democratic regime, leading to a [[1828 Coup|military coup]] that successfully put conservative politician [[Joaquim Durão]] in charge. Durão's dictatorship was characterised by a state of perpetual unrest followed by violent crackdowns against the political opposition. By 1836, however, his position became unsustainable, and a [[1836 Revolution|revolution]] led by General [[Augusto Cintra]] overthrew his government and sent him to exile, establishing the [[Third Belmontese Republic]].

To avoid the errors that led to the end of the First Republic, moderate conservative and liberal politicians met and created the [[Riachuelo Agreement]], a political pact to ensure that their core interests would be protected, creating an {{wp|Oligarchy|rotative system}} where both groups always stay in power. A new constitution was drafted in the same year, establishing a {{wp|parliamentary system}} and having Cintra as its first premier. The stability of the Riachuelo Agreement allowed the beginning of {{wp|industrialization}} in Belmonte, which in turn led to [[Immigration to Belmonte|massive immigration]] of [[Euclea|Euclean]] and [[Coius|Coian]] peoples in the late-19th century.

The rapid transition of Belmonte to an {{wp|Industrial society|industrialized society}} caused social strife and dissatisfaction towards the oligarchic regime. In 1913, the [[Belmontese Section of the Workers' International]] held both the presidency and premiership simultaneously for the first time and, combined with the [[Great Collapse]], a military junta [[1913 Coup|took power]] and closed [[National Congress of Belmonte|Congress]], establishing a military dictatorship. Claimed to be provisory, the junta abolished all political parties and cracked down on socialists and other left-wing radicals. Two years later, power was given through rigged elections to far-right politician [[João Berquó]], who ruled as a [[Berquó Era|dictator]] for the next 20 years. Berquó unified far-right and ultranationalist groups as his base of support and banned any opposition, establishing a {{wp|cult of personality}} around himself.

===Great War===
{{main article|Great War (Kylaris)}}
{{see also|State of Belmonte|Belmontese resistance}}
{{multiple image
| align = left
| image1 = Combatentes paulistas em Amparo em 1932.jpg
| width1 = 135
| image2 = Schneider-Canet_150mm_na_Revolução_de_1932.jpg
| width2 = 185
| footer = From left to right: Belmontese troops engaging in {{wp|trench warfare}} against Nuvanian soldiers in the initial days of the invasion; a  Belmontese XPL-150mm cannon during the [[Spring Offensive]].
}}
Although the Berquó regime had various similarities with the [[Entente|functionalist powers]], Belmonte declared its neutrality on the ensuing conflict but continued trading with both sides of the war. However, Belmonte's constant refusal to join the war as an [[Entente|Entente member]], strategic geographical value and allegations of sending arms to the [[Aucuria|Aucurian National Redoubt Government]] led to [[Operation Palmier]], the invasion of Belmonte by [[Satucin]], [[Azure Coast]] and [[Nuvania]], on February 7th 1932.

The [[Belmontese Armed Forces]], which hadn't seen any combat since the end of the [[War of the Arucian]], combined with the invasion day set at the height of {{wp|Carnival|Carnival festivities}}, were crucial factors for the fast movement of Entente troops through Belmontese soil. Three weeks after the initial attacks, [[Castelonovo]] was declared an {{wp|open city}} and the government set a {{wp|national redoubt}} at [[Paquatinga]], with the entirety of the remaining army being relocated. In occupied Belmonte, an authoritarian [[State of Belmonte|collaborationist government]] led by [[Inácio Cohen]] was established by the occupying forces - soon after occupation began, a series of [[Belmontese resistance|resistance movements]] erupted troughout enemy-controlled areas.

The first three years of the front were characterised by {{wp|Low-intensity conflict|low-intensity battles}} and acts of terrorism and unrest against enemy forces, but this changed in 1933 when a series of [[Operation Fátima|strategic attacks]] against Nuvanian targets became a crucial factor for the removal of their troops. During the moving of Nuvanian forces, the government, in coordination with resistance cells, launched the [[Spring Offensive]], leading to the total capitulation of the remaining of the Entente forces within Belmontese soil at the beginning of 1934.

===Contemporary era===
{{main|New Republic (Belmonte)}}
{{multiple image
| align = left
| image1 = Oswaldo_Aranha.jpg
| width1 = 100
| alt1 = Júlio Lobato
| image2 = Lourenço bittencourt.png
| width2 = 115
| alt2 = Lourenço Bittencourt
| image3 = Brizola.jpg
| width3 = 97
| alt3= Félix Bragança
| footer = Premiers [[Júlio Lobato]] (left), [[Lourenço Bittencourt]] (middle) and [[Félix Bragança]] (right) were the most influential politicians of the [[New Republic (Belmonte)|New Republic]].
}}
With the end of the Great War, Berquó's position in power became unsustainable as conservatives and liberals demanded a return of the [[Riachuelo Agreement|oligarchic status]] of the [[Third Belmontese Republic|Third Republic]] and the [[Belmontese Armed Forces|Armed Forces]] refused to maintain a dictator in power after spending years fighting the {{wp|Authoritarianism|authoritarian regimes}} of the [[Entente]]. These groups, under the leadership of [[Júlio Lobato]], decided to overthrow him in January 1935, with a provisional government taking place. A new constitution was ratified, and the [[New Republic (Belmonte)|Fifth Belmontese Republic]], also known as the New Republic, was established.

[[File:Protestos 1969.jpg|thumb|right|185px|The [[1969 protests in Belmonte|1969 protests]] were responsible for the end of the decades-long URN dominance.]]
During its initial years, the New Republic was dominated by the [[National Republican Union (Belmonte)|National Republican Union]] - initially a {{wp|Big tent|broad-tent}} party, the URN consolidated itself as a conservative right-wing party, being able to maintain itself in power for the next years under a heavy {{wp|Anti-communism|anti-councillist}} agenda, at the same time the country became embroiled with a series of [[Mauás' War|far-left paramilitary insurgencies]]. It was only in 1969, after the murder of journalist [[Anderson Figlioli]], that a series of [[1969 protests in Belmonte|protests]] caused the end of the 39-year URN dominance in national politics with a landslide victory for the oppositionist [[Democratic Front (Belmonte)|Democratic Front]]. 

The 70s were engulfed in social and political turmoil amid a strong recession, resulting in an expressive victory of the left-wing [[Social Democratic Party (Belmonte)|Social Democratic Party]] (PDS) in 1979, its leader [[Félix Bragança]] remaining in power for eleven years - the longest premiership of modern republican history. It was only in 90s that the URN came back to power under [[Jorge Castelo]], returning to the opposition in 1997 but gaining the premiership once again three years later, staying in power for the next 15 years. In 2015, the PDS came back to power under the leadership of [[Rita Maurino]], who became the country's first female premier.

==Geography==
{{main|Geography of Belmonte}}
With 1,003,144 km2 (387,316 sq mi), Belmonte stands as the 5th-largest country of [[Asteria Inferior]] by area and is entirely under the {{wp|Coordinated Universal Time|UTC+13}} {{wp|time zone}} - also known as the [[Central Belmontese Time]] or more colloquially the Castelonovo Time. Its territory is entirely located in the Asterian Inferior continent, sharing borders with [[Nuvania]] to the west, [[Azure Coast]] to the east, [[Aucuria]] to the northwest, [[Satucin]] to the northeast and the South Asterian Sea to the south. Alongside its continental holdings, Belmontese territory also includes the islands of [[Santa Helena Island|Santa Helena]] in the [[Juazeiro]] province and the [[Arquimedes Archipelago]] throughout Belmonte's western coast until the [[Azure Coast|Masseau Shire]] at Azure Coast.

Regarding its topography, Belmonte is characterized for high terrain that is divided into three topographic regions: the [[Coastal Plains]], the Central [[Highlands]] and the [[South Asterian Range]]. The Coastal Plains encompasses the coastal regions surrounding its coastline, with its height reaching 400 metres (1312 ft), while the Central Highlands occupies most of Belmonte's central holdings, with its transitionary areas closer to the Coastal Plains having elevations ranging from 400 to 800m (2624 ft) while further inland its height ranges from 800 to 2000 metres (6561 ft). The South Asterian Range is limited to the northernmost regions, with its general height always surpassing the 2000 metres mark.

Belmontese hydrography is centred on the [[Veracruz River]], the largest river of Belmonte, followed by the [[Paraguaçu River|Paraguaçu]] and [[Jaguaracambé River|Jaguaracambé]] rivers.
{{Gallery
|title=
|width=180 | height=160
|align=center
|footer=
|File:Velejando nas nuvens.jpg
|Tropical landscape at the [[Laranjeiras]] province coastline
|File:Neve na SC-438 em São Joaquim.JPG
|Snow near [[São Leopoldo do Oeste]] at the [[Piratini]] province
|File:Rio_Tietê_Barra_Bonita_150606_REFON.jpg
|The [[Veracruz River]]
|File:Aerial view of the Amazon Rainforest.jpg
|Aerial view of a tropical rainforest in [[Pindarama]], next to the Satucine border
|File:Caatinga_em_Uauá,_Bahia.jpg
|The ''Caatininga''
}}
===Climate===
Despite its small territory, Belmonte shows a large climatic diversity. The coastline has a mostly {{wp|tropical savanna climate}} with {{wp|Wet season|wet}} and {{wp|Dry season|dry seasons}} of equal length, with smaller areas whose original biodiversity has been preserved presenting a {{wp|tropical rainforest climate}} being scattered throughout the coast. Most of the country, however, has a {{wp|humid subtropical climate}}, characterized by wet hot summers and cold dry winters, with higher points near the coast having an {{wp|oceanic climate}}. The South Asterian Range has an {{wp|alpine climate}} while the Juazeiro province along the Nuvanian border has the {{wp|Caatinga|''Caatiniga''}}, a unique {{wp|semi-arid climate}} influential on the culture and society of that region.

Generally, the hottest month of the year is January while the coldest is July. The hottest temperature ever registered was 41,7°C (107,6°F) at [[Itaé]] on January 13rd 1937, while the coldest temperature ever registered was -12,3°C (9,8°F) at [[São Leopoldo do Oeste]] on July 25th 1922.
{{Weather box
|location= Castelonovo, Belmonte
|metric first= Y
|single line= Y
|Jan high C= 30.3
|Feb high C= 27.4
|Mar high C= 25.9
|Apr high C= 23.2
|May high C= 21.6
|Jun high C= 20.1
|Jul high C= 18.7
|Aug high C= 19.2
|Sep high C= 21.8
|Oct high C= 23.9
|Nov high C= 25.3
|Dec high C= 28.2
|year high C= 
|Jan mean C= 26.7
|Feb mean C= 25.5
|Mar mean C= 23.3
|Apr mean C= 20.8
|May mean C= 17.4
|Jun mean C= 15.6
|Jul mean C= 13.6
|Aug mean C= 14.8
|Sep mean C= 16.7
|Oct mean C= 18.5
|Nov mean C= 21.1
|Dec mean C= 25.2
|year mean C= 
<!-- Average low temperatures -->
|Jan low C= 21.6
|Feb low C= 19.4
|Mar low C= 17.3
|Apr low C= 15.9
|May low C= 13.2
|Jun low C= 10.5
|Jul low C= 8.1
|Aug low C= 9.7 
|Sep low C= 10.8
|Oct low C= 13.5
|Nov low C= 17.4
|Dec low C= 19.3
|year low C= 
|Jan precipitation mm= 293
|Feb precipitation mm= 278
|Mar precipitation mm= 211
|Apr precipitation mm= 184
|May precipitation mm= 131
|Jun precipitation mm= 98
|Jul precipitation mm= 76
|Aug precipitation mm= 83
|Sep precipitation mm= 107
|Oct precipitation mm= 134
|Nov precipitation mm= 196
|Dec precipitation mm= 237
|year precipitation mm= 
|precipitation colour=
|Jan precipitation days = 19
|Feb precipitation days = 18
|Mar precipitation days = 18
|Apr precipitation days = 13
|May precipitation days = 12
|Jun precipitation days = 10
|Jul precipitation days = 07
|Aug precipitation days = 11
|Sep precipitation days = 12
|Oct precipitation days = 13
|Nov precipitation days = 17
|Dec precipitation days = 18
|year precipitation days = 
|source 1= Belmontese Meteorological Service
}}
===Biodiversity===
When it comes to its biodiversity, Belmonte has been greatly affected by the {{wp|Habitat destruction|destruction of its fauna and flora by human action}}, with the few reminiscing natural vegetation being limited to {{wp|National park|national parks}} and protected zones.

Over the coast, there is a large presence of {{wp|Seasonal tropical forest|seasonal tropical}} and {{wp|mangrove forests}}, while over the Central Highlands {{wp|Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests|mixed temperate forests}} are present and in the South Asterian Range {{wp|Alpine tundra|alpine biomes}} are more predominant. The ''Caatininga'' region, located at the far west, is a {{wp|Deserts and xeric shrublands|xeric shrubland}}, being comprised of a dry and wet season. Belmontese fauna is mostly composed of small animals, whilst there is also the presence of {{wp|pumas}}, {{wp|jaguars}}, {{wp|bush dogs}} and {{wp|foxes}}.
[[File:EDUARDO MURUCI - PRAIA DO CACHORRO.jpg|thumb|center|1000px|The Ipaí Beach at [[Santa Helena Island]]. Belmonte presents a large diversity of climatic and environmental zones.]]

==Politics==
{{main|Politics of Belmonte}}
===Government===
{{main|Government of Belmonte}}
{{see also|Cabinet of Belmonte|President of Belmonte|Premier of Belmonte|National Congress of Belmonte}}
{{multiple image
 |align=right
 |image1=Ricardo Lewandowski 2011.jpg
 |width1= 162
 |caption1= [[Caetano Villa-Lobos]]<br>[[President of Belmonte|President]]
 |alt1= President Caetano Villa-Lobos
 |width2= 155
 |caption2= [[Rita Maurino]]<br>[[Premier of Belmonte|Premier]]
 |image2=Cármen_Lúcia_em_outubro_de_2019.jpg
 |alt2= Premier Rita Maurino
}}
According to the Constitution, Belmonte is a {{wp|Federalism|federal}} {{wp|parliamentary republic}}, with the [[President of Belmonte|President]] being the {{wp|head of state}} and the [[Premier of Belmonte|Premier]] being the {{wp|head of government}}. The {{wp|Executive (government)|executive}} is formed by the President, the Premier and their cabinet, the [[Cabinet of Belmonte|Council of Ministers]].

The President is the highest-ranking officer in Belmonte and the {{wp|commander-in-chief}} of the [[Belmontese Armed Forces|Armed Forces]], being elected through the popular vote for a five-year term that could be re-elected once, having as advisory boards the [[Council of State (Belmonte)|Council of State]] (State Council) and the [[National Defence Council (Belmonte)|National Defence Council]]. Over history, the presidency's powers have been decreased considerably, with the post holding little to no influence over the [[Politics of Belmonte|national political framework]] currently other than being a cerimonial figure that acts at the consent of the premier and the [[National Congress of Belmonte|National Congress]].

[[File:Rio-PalacioTiradentes.jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[Paranhos Palace]], seat of the [[National Congress of Belmonte|National Congress]].]]
The Premier is responsible for lead the [[Government of Belmonte|Federal Government]] and the cabinet and is appointed by the president after {{wp|General election|general elections}}, being the leader of the party with the majority of seats in Congress. The premier needs {{wp|Parliamentary system|parliamentary confidence}} to govern and must resign or declare new elections once this confidence is lost.

{{wp|Legislature|Legislative power}} is vested over the National Congress, which is the national legislature of Belmonte. As a {{wp|Bicameralism|bicameral parliament}}, the Congress is divided into the [[Chamber of Deputies of Belmonte|Chamber of Deputies]] and the [[Senate of Belmonte|Senate]]. The Chamber of Deputies is the {{wp|lower house}} of Congress, being composed by 206 deputies elected for a renewable term of 5 years through a {{wp|Party-list proportional representation|closed party-list proportional representation}} system. The Senate is the {{wp|upper house}}, being composed by 35 senators elected through a {{wp|single transferable vote}} system, with the role of representing all [[Provinces of Belmonte|provinces]] and the [[Castelonovo|Federal District]].

Belmonte has a {{wp|multi-party system}}, with various political parties exerting significant influence over the national political scene. The three largest parties are the {{wp|Centre-left politics|centre-left}} [[Social Democratic Party (Belmonte)|Social Democratic Party]] (PDS), the {{wp|Centre-right politics|centre-right}} [[National Republican Union (Belmonte)|National Republican Union]] (URN) and the {{wp|Left-wing politics|left-wing}} [[Socialist Bloc (Belmonte)|Socialist Bloc]] (BS).

===Administrative divisions===
{{main|Administrative divisions of Belmonte}}
{{see also|Regions of Belmonte|Provinces of Belmonte|Municipalities of Belmonte|Castelonovo}}
[[File:Mapa belmonte 2.png|right|thumb|175px|[[Regions of Belmonte]]:<br>
{{colorbox|#5599FF}} [[Regions of Belmonte|North]]<br>
{{colorbox|#FF0000}} [[Regions of Belmonte|Centre]]<br>
{{colorbox|#98DB11}} [[Regions of Belmonte|South]]
]]
As a {{wp|federation}}, Belmonte is divided between six [[Provinces of Belmonte|provinces]] plus the [[Castelonovo|Federal District]] comprising of the {{wp|capital city}} of [[Castelonovo]]. The provinces are within major subdivisions called [[Regions of Belmonte|regions]], subdivisions that, despite don't having any political power, were created to assist in the interpretation of statistics and help the Federal Government in enforcing regional policies. All provinces have its constitutions and governments, with the executive being lead by the province’s governor, the legislative by the legislative assemblies and the judiciary by regional courts. The second and lowest level of administrative divisions are the [[Municipalities of Belmonte|municipalities]], which are led by a mayor and has as its legislature the municipal chambers.

{| style="margin: 1em auto;"
|-
| valign="top" |
{| style="margin:auto;" cellpadding="10"
|-
| [[File:Mapa belmonte.png|350px|right]]
|style="font-size: 85%; font-weight:bold;"|
# [[Castelonovo|Federal Capital]]
# [[Anchieta]]
# [[Piratini]]
# [[Favônia]]
# [[Laranjeiras]]
# [[Juazeiro]]
# [[Pindarama]]
|}
|}

===Judiciary and law enforcement===
{{main|Judiciary of Belmonte|Law enforcement in Belmonte}}
{{see also|Supreme Court of Belmonte|Constitution of Belmonte|Civil Guard (Belmonte)|Federal Police (Belmonte)|National Force (Belmonte)|National Information Service}}
[[File:Plenário_STF.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The [[Supreme Court of Belmonte|Supreme Court's]] plenary.]]
{{multiple image
 |align     = left
 |direction = vertical
 |width     = 175
 |image1    = COT_(6883689782).jpg
 |caption1  = Members of the [[Federal Police (Belmonte)|Special Operational Division]] of the [[Federal Police (Belmonte)|Federal Police]] during a training.
 |image2    = Viatura_Polícia_Civil.jpg
 |caption2  = [[Civil Guard (Belmonte)|Civil Guard]] cars.
}}
Belmonte has a {{wp|Codification (law)|codified legal system}} based on the {{wp|civil law}}, an [[Luzela|Luzelese]] judicial heritage, and has as its magna carta the [[Constitution of Belmonte|Constitution]], which has been promulgated in 1935. Provinces and municipalities also have their constitutions, but they couldn't contradict federal law. The highest national court is the [[Supreme Court of Belmonte|Supreme Court]], which acts as a {{wp|court of last resort}} and as a {{wp|constitutional court}}. The legislation also allows the creation of regional courts to federal subdivisions, being subject to provincial law.

The [[Civil Guard (Belmonte)|Civil Guard]] is the {{wp|law enforcement agency}} of the country, being under the responsibility of provincial governments with federal assistance through the [[Law enforcement in Belmonte|National Public Security System]]. With 100,000 officers, the Civil Guard is one of the biggest law enforcement agencies of the Asterias and acts as a {{wp|Preventive police|preventive}}, {{wp|Detective|detective}} and {{wp|Forensic science|forensic}} {{wp|police force}}. Other law enforcement agencies are the [[National Force (Belmonte)|National Force]], which is under federal responsibility and is used in cases of {{wp|Unrest|national unrest}} to restore {{wp|public order}}, and the [[Federal Police (Belmonte)|Federal Police]], which is responsible for combating crimes against federal institutions, {{wp|drug trafficking}}, {{wp|terrorism}}, {{wp|organized crime}} and others.

The [[National Information Service]] is the national {{wp|intelligence agency}} of Belmonte, being in charge of {{wp|espionage}} and {{wp|counter-espionage}} activities.

When compared to international levels, Belmonte has above-average levels of {{wp|violence}}, with [[Community of Nations|CON]] and [[International Council for Democracy|ICD]] reports showing a {{wp|homicide rate}} of 17 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2019 and crime being considered a major malaise among society. Nonetheless, homicide levels have been slowly decreasing since the turn of the century. Currently, the Belmontese prison system is under a major crisis due to its overcrowding, having a shortfall of almost 100,000 accommodations.

===Foreign relations===
{{main|Foreign relations of Belmonte}}
[[File:Brasilia-2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Bacaruty Palace]], seat of the [[Cabinet of Belmonte|Secretary of Foreign Affairs]].]]
[[File:Agulhas_Negras.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Belmontese Army]] troops in a {{wp|military parade}}.]]
Belmontese {{wp|foreign policy}} is based on the principles of {{wp|non-interventionism}} and {{wp|Cooperation|international cooperation}} with nations and foreign institutions, principles which have been in place since the establishment of the [[New Republic (Belmonte)|New Republic]]. Since the end of the [[Great War (Kylaris)|Great War]], Belmonte has as its most important allies [[Aucuria]], the [[North Vehemens Organization]] and the [[Euclean Community]], and has been a major sponsor of bigger integration among Asterian countries. Due to its opposition against South-South cooperation combined with support for [[Euclea|Northern Powers]], many specialists see Belmonte as a {{wp|regional power}} due to its efforts of impending a [[Satucin|Satucin-based]] hegemony in Asteria Inferior.

Currently, Belmonte is a member-state of the [[Community of Nations]], the [[Asteria Inferior Common Market]], the [[International Council for Democracy]], the [[International Trade Organization]] and the [[Global Institute for Fiscal Affairs]], among many others.

===Military===
{{main|Belmontese Armed Forces}}
{{see also|Belmontese Army|Belmontese Navy|Belmontese Air Force}}
The [[Belmontese Armed Forces]] are divided into three branches: the [[Belmontese Army|Army]], the [[Belmontese Navy|Navy]] and the [[Belmontese Air Force|Air Force]]. Together, they have a personnel of 175,000 people, both active and reserve soldiers, one of the smallest of Asteria Inferior. {{wp|Conscription}} was officially disbanded in 1973 and is in no longer use since then. Since the last time Belmonte was invaded was during the Great War in 1932, the Armed Forces shifted most of its operations to {{wp|Counter-terrorism|counter-terrorist}} activities and {{wp|Humanitarian aid|humanitarian missions}} worldwide, being present in various [[Community of Nations|CON-mandated]] {{wp|Peacekeeping|peacekeeping missions}}.

==Economy==
{{main|Economy of Belmonte}}
{{see also|Belmontese Cruzado|Bank of Belmonte}}
[[File:Sao_Paulo_Stock_Exchange.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Quotes panel of the [[Castelonovo Stock Exchange]], one of the largest in the Asterias.]]
[[File:Circolo_Italiano_Building_in_São_Paulo.jpg|thumb|right|100px|The [[Camperinni Building]], seat of the [[Bank of Belmonte]].]]
Belmonte has a {{wp|Economic diversity|diversified}}, {{wp|Developing country|developing}} {{wp|social market economy}}. According to domestic data, the national nominal {{wp|Gross Domestic Product}} for 2020 was estimated at $577.2 billion, while the national Gross Domestic Product through {{wp|Purchasing power parity}} (PPP) was estimated at $865.9 billion. The GDP per capita for the same year was estimated at $15,888 (nominal) and $23,832 (PPP), an increase compared to last year. The country has a {{wp|workforce}} of 21.3 million inhabitants, an {{wp|Inflantion|inflation rate}} of 3.7% and an {{wp|Unemployment|unemployment rate}} of 2.1%. The biggest economic partners are the [[Asteria Inferior Common Market|ASTCON]] and [[Organization of Asterian Nations|OAN]], which has Belmonte as one of its members, and the [[Euclean Community]].

In 2020, it was estimated that circa 56.3% of the national GDP comes from the {{wp|Tertiary sector of the economy|tertiary sector}}, 33.2% comes from the {{wp|Secondary sector of the economy|secondary sector}} and the remaining 10.5% from the {{wp|Primary sector of the economy|primary sector}}. [[Industry in Belmonte|Belmontese industrialization]] started relatively early when compared to neighbouring countries due to positive internal factors and heavy promotion by the State, seeing its height during the 1870s up until the [[Great Collapse]]. The Great Collapse, combined with the [[Berquó Era|Berquó Regime]] and the [[Great War (Kylaris)|Great War]], effectively destroyed Belmonte's industry, with the country emerging as a {{wp|Post-industrial society|post-industrial economy}}.

The [[Bank of Belmonte]] is the {{wp|central bank}} of Belmonte, being responsible for the national {{wp|economic policy}}, with the bank itself being ruled by a [[Bank of Belmonte|Governor]] appointed by the [[President of Belmonte|President]] under the consent of the [[Premier of Belmonte|Premier]]. The national currency is the [[Belmontese Cruzado|Cruzado]] (₡). Other Belmontese important financial institutions are the [[Ipiranga Credit]], the largest private bank in the country, the [[Bachelet Bank]] and [[Unibanco]], while other important Belmontese companies, in general, are the [[Maynard Insurances]], the [[Belmontese Airlines]], [[A&P]] and the [[Public Broadcasting Company of Belmonte|EPC]].

[[Belpetro]] is the state-owned company that responsible for petroleum and gas production over Belmonte, being the only company allowed for the {{wp|Extraction of petroleum|extraction}}, {{wp|Oil refinery|refinery}} and distribution of all petroleum and mineral gas within the country. In 2019, Belpetro produced an average of fifty thousand oil barrels per day.

{{wp|Political corruption|Corruption}} is considered to be an endemic problem in Belmonte, seen by more than half of the population (63%) as the greatest problem that the country faces today. Corruption mostly happens on a local level, which makes it difficult to identify and contain it by federal agencies. Other major economic problems are high {{wp|economic inequality}} and {{wp|poverty}}, with most of the country's wealth still concentrated at the hands of a very minor yet powerful {{wp|elite}}.
[[File:Panorama da cidade de São Paulo.jpg|thumb|center|1100px|City skyline of [[Castelonovo]]'s financial centre.]]

===Energy===
{{main|Energy in Belmonte}}
{{see also|CEBEL}}
{{multiple image
 |align     = left
 |direction = vertical
 |width     = 175
 |image1    = Itaipu_noche.JPG
 |caption1  = The [[Draco Cardoso Dam]]
 |image2    = Eolienne_sur_les_dunes_d%27Icarai.JPG
 |caption2  = Wind turbines near [[Pinheiros]]
}}
The entire Belmontese {{wp|electrical grid}} is state-owned and managed by the [[CEBEL]] (Belmontese Electric Company in Luzelese). The overwhelming majority of the national electric grid is {{wp|Hydroelectricity|hydroelectric}} (73.8%) and mainly derives from the [[Veracruz River|Veracruz]] and [[Paraguaçu River|Paraguaçu]] rivers, with the three biggest hydroelectric dams being the [[Draco Cardoso Dam]] around [[Belojardim]] in the [[Favônia]] province, the [[Altocastelo Dam]] at [[Anchieta]] and the [[Iguaraçu Dam]], also located in the same province. Together, they are responsible for almost half of the national {{wp|Electricity generation|electrical production}}.

Followed by hydroelectric energy comes {{wp|nuclear power}}, whose development started in the late-60s. Today there are three nuclear power paints scattered throughout the country, the first of them, the [[Rebouças Power Plant]], was inaugurated in 1976. While initial plans to expand the current nuclear electrical grid were proposed in 2012 and 2013, it had been cancelled by the [[Social Democratic Party (Belmonte)|social democratic]] [[Rita Maurino]] premiership as part of a {{wp|coalition agreement}} with the [[Green Party (Belmonte)|Green Party]].

{{wp|Renewable energy}} has been increasing considerably over the years, with {{wp|Wind power|eolic energy}} being the most present in the country, mainly in the [[Juazeiro]] province. {{wp|Solar power|Solar stations}} also have been increasing amid the propitious {{wp|tropical climate}} and high predominance of solar light over most of the year.

Other forms of energy production present in the Belmontese electrical grid comes from {{wp|biomass}}, {{wp|coal}} and {{wp|petroleum}}.

===Tourism===
{{main|Tourism in Belmonte}}
[[File:Gruta_do_Lago_Azul_em_Bonito.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[St Michael's Cave]] in [[Paranimin]] at [[Laranjeiras]] province. Natural landscapes are one of the most visited tourist destinations in Belmonte.]]
{{wp|Tourism}} is one of the fastest-growing industries in Belmonte, with a report from the Federal Government estimating that around 2 million people visited the country in 2019, being one of the most visited countries of [[Asteria Inferior]]. Most of these tourists come from neighbouring countries, namely [[Nuvania]], [[Aucuria]] and [[Satucin]], but there also is a large presence of [[Euclea|Euclean tourists]], most of them coming from [[Etruria]], [[Paretia]], [[Gaullica]], [[Estmere]] and [[Werania]].

Natural landscapes are the most visited regions, combining {{wp|ecotourism}} with entertainment and recreation at beaches and natural reservations, followed by {{wp|urban tourism}} - [[Castelonovo]] is the most visited city, receiving 1 million tourists in 2017, most of it owing to its vibrant and eccentric {{wp|nightlife}}, considered one of the best of the world, as well as its cultural festivals and expositions.

{{wp|Religious tourism}} also plays a bigger presence, with several religious festivals over the year resulting in thousands of tourists every year.

==Infrastructure==
===Transport===
{{main|Transport in Belmonte}}
{{see also|National Motorway System (Belmonte)|Belmontese Railways}}
[[File:By_Carlos_Barretta_stk_001650_(8033666901).jpg|thumb|left|175px|Terminal 3 of the [[Júlio Lobato-Castelonovo Airport]], the largest and most-circulated airport of Belmonte.]]
{{multiple image
 |align     = right
 |direction = vertical
 |width     = 200
 |image1    = Rodovia Rio-Teresópolis (BR-116) - panoramio (cropped).jpg
 |caption1  = The [[SRN-1]] near Guarapari, [[Anchieta]]
 |image2    = TremBR.png
 |caption2  = A [[Belmontese Railways]] train crossing downtown [[Riachuelo]].
}}
Primary Belmontese carriers of transport are the {{wp|Road transport|motorways}}, whose major development started amid the reconstruction of the country after the devastation left by the [[Great War (Kylaris)|Great War]] (which destroyed all previous infrastructure) and was heavily promoted by the [[Premier of Belmonte|premierships]] of [[Júlio Lobato]] (1935-1942) and [[Cédrico Alvim]] (1945-1949), leading to the foundation of the [[National Motorway System (Belmonte)|National Motorway System]] (SNR in Luzelese) in the 40s. The first motorway built, the [[SRN-1]], connects the capital Castelonovo to Ípsia through Riachuelo. While it used to be entirely state-owned, the system started to be partially privatized in the 90s and 2000s.

Rail transport used to be the primary method of transportation of cargo and passengers and saw its introduction to Belmonte in 1857, with the creation of the [[Castelonovo-Guararapes Rail Line]]. However, the [[Great Collapse]] greatly paralyzed the expansion of railways, and the Great War destroyed most of its tracks. Post-war, the government nationalized the remnants of rail infrastructure into the [[Belmontese Railways]] and rebuilt it in a much lesser scope, only serving and connecting major cities and limited to passenger transport. Nonetheless, recent years saw a push to expand the current rail extent, with new expansion projects being proposed and taking place.

There are five cities that have {{wp|Rapid transit|underground transit systems}}: [[Castelonovo Metropolitan|Castelonovo]], [[Riachuelo Metropolitan|Riachuelo]], [[PInheiros Metropolitan|Pinheiros]], [[Ípsia Metropolitan|Ípsia]] and [[Belojardim Metropolitan|Belojardim]], and several others that employ {{wp|light rail}}, {{wp|tram}} and {{wp|tram-train}} systems.

Belmonte was a pioneer in regional air transport, being one of the first countries of Asteria Inferior to establish flight clubs and airstrips. The biggest airports are the [[Júlio Lobato-Castelonovo International Airport]] in Castelonovo, the [[Ararinhos-Pinheiros International Airport]] in Pinheiros and the [[Ricardo Alvim-Ípsia International Airport]] in Ípsia.

Hydric transport remains largely limited to regional transport around maritime communities next to rivers and the coastline. The biggest port is the [[Ípsia Port]], managed by the [[Ípsia Maritime Authority]], with its area of influence including almost two-thirds of the national GDP. Other important ports are located in [[Pinheiros Port|Pinheiros]] and [[Julianópolis|Julianópolis]].

===Healthcare===
{{main|Healthcare in Belmonte}}
{{see also|Public Institute of Social Care}}
[[File:Fotorreportagem_do_ICESP_(42627443635).jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Santa Clara Hospital]] in Castelonovo]]
Belmonte's {{wp|Health system|public healthcare system}}, the [[Public Institute of Social Care]] (IPSS in Luzelese), was established in 1947, making Belmonte one of the first in the Asterias to adopt a {{wp|Public healthcare system|national public healthcare system}}, being maintained by the [[Government of Belmonte|Federal Government]], the [[Provinces of Belmonte|provinces]] and the [[Municipalities of Belmonte|municipalities]], with {{wp|Private hospital|private systems}} taking a complementary role.

The IPSS is {{wp|Universal health care|universal}} to all Belmontese citizens, with its service being maintained through an {{wp|income tax}}. While its general condition has been improving over the years, it is still seen as largely defective, especially in rural and peripheric areas, with poor infrastructure and lack of medical professionals being the most common complaints.

Major health problems are {{wp|cholesterol}}, {{wp|hypertension}}, {{wp|osteoporosis}} and {{wp|Parkinson's}}, with the principal death causes being caused by {{wp|ischemic heart disease}}, {{wp|cerebrovascular disease}}, {{wp|Alzheimer}} and {{wp|lung diseases}} - all of them constituting the biggest challenges for both public and private health systems.

Another serious health problem is {{wp|starvation}} and {{wp|malnutrition}} which, despite numerous government policies and campaigns focused on its elimination, is estimated to affect almost 10% of the population. According to the government data, between 2017 and 2019, two thousand people died directly and indirectly because of hunger, while another study says that almost a quarter of the population is below the ideal weight because of poor feeding.

===Education and science===
{{main|Education in Belmonte|Science and technology in Belmonte}}
{{multiple image
 |align     = right
 |direction = vertical
 |width     = 180
 |image1    = Sala_de_aula_CB_Unicamp.jpg
 |caption1  = A classroom at the [[Pontifical Catholic University of Castelonovo]]
 |image2    = Universidade Federal do Parana 4 Curitiba Parana.jpg
 |caption2  = The [[University of Castelonovo]], the largest and most prestigious university of Belmonte.
}}
[[Education in Belmonte]] is mandatory for everyone aged between six and eighteen years old and is mostly managed by the federal, provincial and municipal spheres, who are responsible for its organization and maintenance. The system is almost entirely {{wp|State school|public}}, with {{wp|Independent school|private schools}} being limited to the children of high-income families and {{wp|Religious school|religious institutions}}.

According to the 2020 census, around 4.2% of the population is illiterate, with this demographic being mostly confined to rural areas. Overall, the quality of public education is seen as satisfactory and has been increasing, however, it still is deeply rooted in social lines, with schools located in poor neighbourhoods or ''favelas'' having a lesser quality than those located in middle and upper classes boroughs.

Tertiary education is public but not mandatory, although highly encouraged. Major Belmontese universities are the [[University of Castelonovo]], the [[Pontifical Catholic University of Castelonovo]], the [[University of Alto de Santana]], the [[Amendist University Reinford]], the [[University of Riachuelo]], the [[Polytechnic Institute of Pinheiros]] and the [[University of Laranjeiras]], also being major scientific and research poles. Other scientific poles are the [[Bento Bernardes Institute|Bento Bernardes]] and [[Ítalo Pereira Institute|Ítalo Pereira]] institutes, the [[National Space Technology Agency of Belmonte|National Space Technology Agency]] (ANTE) and the [[National Research Centre of Belmonte|National Research Centre]].

Among the members of the national scientific community, the most notable ones are: [[Bento Pascoal]], [[Ricardo Eunício de Moura]], [[Frederico Pacheco Dantas]], [[Pedro Máximo Gama]] and [[Clemente Babineaux]], along with [[Conrado Dumont]], [[Flávio Pires]] and [[Jorge Schwartz]].

===Media===
{{main|Media in Belmonte}}
[[File:Webysther 20151209180300 - Sede Grupo Folha.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Headquarters of the [[Diário|''Diário'' Group]]]]
{{wp|Press|Written press}} was introduced to Belmonte in 1764 with the foundation of the ''[[Gazeta de Castelonovo]]'', which served as the country's {{wp|government gazette}}. After the [[Federalist Revolt]], Belmontese press became freer, with several liberal-minded newspapers being created at the time. Although this was temporarily halted during the [[Durão Era]], the proliferation of newspapers and magazines continued during the remaining of the 19th century up until the [[1913 Coup]]. Although the [[Constitution of Belmonte|1935 Constitution]] declared {{wp|freedom of speech}} a fundamental right, it remained tightly controlled by the consecutive URN governments of the time up until the 70s, when {{wp|censorship}} was officially abolished.

Currently, the highest-circulating Belmontese newspapers are the centre-right ''[[Diário]]'' (also considered to be the national {{wp|newspaper of record}}), the centre-left ''[[Republicano]]'' and the right-wing ''[[A Nação]]''. Ever since the turn of the century, newspaper sales have decreased considerably, with many switching their focus to the rising digital scene.

{{wp|Radio broadcasting}} started in Belmonte in 1921. In 1922, the state-owned [[Agency Belmonte]] was created, being the only allowed broadcasting company at the time. In 1939, premier Lobato expanded and reformed the agency into the [[Public Broadcasting Company of Belmonte|Public Broadcasting Company]] (EPC), also being the first Belmontese {{wp|television network}} with the introduction of {{wp|television}} in 1950. Today, the EPC is the biggest and most viewed broadcasting company of Belmonte, being followed by the private-owned [[Excelsior Network]] and [[Tupi Television]].

==Demographics==
{{main|Demographics of Belmonte}}
{{bar box
|title=Ethnic groups in Belmonte (2020)
|titlebar=#ddd
|left1=Background
|right1=Percentage
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|White|Blue|41.7}}
{{bar percent|''Pardo''|Lightblue|40.3}}
{{bar percent|Black|Lightgreen|14.6}}
{{bar percent|Coian|Orange|2.6}}
{{bar percent|Indigenous|Red|1.3}}
}}
{{bar box
|title=Religions in Belmonte (2020)
|titlebar=#ddd
|left1=Background
|right1=Percentage
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|Catholicism|Gold|67.3}}
{{bar percent|Amendism|Blue|19.4}}
{{bar percent|Irreligious|Gray|11.6}}
{{bar percent|Spiritism|Pink|1.1}}
{{bar percent|Other|Lightgray|0.6}}
}}
According to the 2020 demographic census, Belmonte has a population of 36.3 million inhabitants, with a demographic density of 36.2/km2 (93.8/sq mi) and a ratio of men to women of 0.93:1. The population is overwhelmingly urban with 91,7% residing in urban areas, the majority of them under the [[Central Metropolitan Axis]], one of the largest megalopolis of the Asterian continent comprised of the metropolitan regions of [[Castelonovo]] and [[Riachuelo]], the first and second largest cities respectively, having a population of 14.7 million or almost half of the national population.

Belmontese population grew exponentially during the second half of the 19th century, with the [[Immigration to Belmonte|arrival of immigrants]] and the beginning of {{wp|industrialization}} causing a {{wp|demographic boom}} - the first demographic census in 1871 reported a population of 3.4 million that went to 11.2 million by 1911. However, the [[1906-1913 political crisis in Belmonte|1906-1913 political crisis in Belmonte]], rampant economic depression further worsened by the [[Great Collapse]], the general instability of the [[Berquó Era|Berquó regime]] and the destruction caused by the [[Occupation of Belmonte|Entente occupation]] during the Great War made the population retract to 8.9 million by 1940, the year where the first demographic census since the war was conducted.

Post-war reconstruction resulted in another demographic boom, albeit slower and more steady, with the population reaching the 10 million mark once again in 1943 and the 20 million mark in 1957, with populational growth decreasing as the country becomes closer to complete its {{wp|demographic transition}}.

===Race and ethnicity===
{{see also|Belmontese people|Immigration to Belmonte}}
{{multiple image
 |align     = left
 |direction = vertical
 |width     = 200
 |image1    = Brasileiros_do_seculo_XIX.png
 |caption1  = A 19th century collection of several [[Belmontese people]] with different ethnicities.
 |image2    = Italians Sao Paulo - original.jpg
 |caption2  = Etrurian immigrants arriving in Belmonte
}}
Belmonte is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the globe as the result of intense contact and {{wp|miscegenation}} between several ethnic groups over the centuries. In 2020, 41.7% of the population (about 15.2 million) identified themselves as {{wp|White people|White}}, followed by 40.3% (about 14.7 million) as ''{{wp|Pardo}}'', 14.6% (5.3 million) as {{wp|Black people|Black}}, 2.6% (0.9 million) as {{wp|Asian people|Coian}} and 1.3% (0.4 million) as {{wp|Indigenous}}.

White settlement to Belmonte is divided into two large migratory periods: the first period happened during the [[Colonial Belmonte|colonial era]] and saw the migration of mostly [[Paretia|Luzelese colonizers]], followed by smaller quantities of [[Esmeira|Esmeirans]], to the newly-established Belmontese captaincies. Luzela's handover of Belmonte to [[Poveglia]] saw a limited influx of {{wp|Venetian people|Poveglian settlers}} and, when Poveglia was forced to cede the colony to the [[Gaullica|Gaullican Empire]], it saw few-to-no Gaullican migration at all. The second migratory period comprised the late-19th and early-20th centuries, where positive socioeconomic conditions attracted millions of Euclean immigrants.

Black migration to Belmonte was mostly forced in the form of slavery during the 16th and 17th centuries, followed by limited [[Gowsa]] immigration in the 18th century, contemporaneously with Coian immigration.

The large number of different peoples and ethnicities that arrived in Belmonte throughout the centuries made the country one of the most miscegenated in the world, with almost half of the population describing themselves as ''Pardo'' - of {{wp|Multiracial people|mixed descent}}. Within the ''Pardo'' population, there are several subgroups such as ''Cafuzos'' (resulting miscegenation between blacks and natives), ''Mulatos'' (whites and blacks) and ''Mamelucos'' (whites and natives).

===Religion===
{{main|Religion in Belmonte}}
[[File:Catedral_Metropolitana_de_Sao_Paulo_1_Brasil.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The [[Cathedral of Castelonovo]]]]
Although a {{wp|secular state}}, Belmonte still is a deeply religious country, with almost 90% of the population declaring to have a religion in 2020. Out of these, 87.8% follow the {{wp|Christianity|Sotirian faith}}, with 67.3% being {{wp|Catholicism|Catholics}}, 19.4% {{wp|Protestantism|Amendists}} and 1.1% {{wp|Spiritism|Spirits}}. 0.6% of the population is adherent to other religions, while 11.6% declare to be {{wp|Irreligion|Irreligious}}.

Catholicism has a long-standing influence in Belmontese culture, arts, politics and society, with all three colonial powers that dominated the region ([[Paretia]], [[Poveglia]] and [[Gaullica]]) being deeply devout Catholic countries whilst the Church acted as a major pillar to the colonial society of the time. Several {{wp|Religious order (Catholic)|Catholic orders}} also had a large presence and influence over Belmontese soil such as the {{wp|Jesuits}}, which were responsible for the forceful conversion of the majority of natives. Catholicism remained the official national religion after independence up until 1935, with the [[Constitution of Belmonte|Constitution]] officially {{wp|Separation of church and state|separating the Church from the State}}. Nonetheless, it remained a powerful factor in [[Politics of Belmonte|Belmontese politics]], both to the political right and to the political left.

Amendism was brought to Belmonte amid the large migratory wave of the late-19th century, being introduced by [[Werania|Weranian]], [[Gaullica|Gaullican]], [[Caldia|Caldish]] and [[Estmere|Estmerish]] immigrants. The remaining religions are mostly of [[Bahian fetishism|Bahian]] and {{wp|Religion in Asia|Coian origin}} with their adherents being immigrants from these respective regions.

Ever since the late-20th century, Belmonte's Irreligious population has been sharply increasing, with most of its demographic being composed of younger people residing in large urban centres (namely Castelonovo and Riachuelo), with forecasts predicting continued increase as per international trends.

===Language===
{{main|Languages in Belmonte}}
[[File:Blumenau-1.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The landscape of [[Blenhein]], [[Piratini]]. The province has a large presence of {{wp|German language|Weranic-related}} languages, such as the {{wp|Hunsrik}} language.]]
{{wp|Portuguese language|Luzelese}} is the sole official language of Belmonte - a condition enshrined and protected by the Constitution - and overwhelmingly used (~99%) by the majority of the population, being the only Luzelese-speaking country of Asteria Inferior and one of the few in the world alongside [[Paretia]] and [[Ardesia]]. The Belmontese variation of the language, known as {{wp|Brazilian Portuguese|Belmontese Luzelese}}, evolved through the centuries amid Euclean, Bahian and native influences, creating a unique accent when compared to its Paretian and Ardesian counterparts.

Before the arrival of Euclean colonizers, the region was linguistically split between {{wp|Tupi–Guarani languages|Tupi-Guarani}} and {{wp|Macro-Jê languages}}, whose continued contact between Luzo-Belmontese {{wp|Bandeirante|bandeirantes}} led to the emergence of the {{wp|Língua Geral|Beltilic Language}}, a {{wp|Creole language|creole}} and ''{{wp|Lingua franca|franca}}'' language widely spoken between the majority of Belmontese native peoples. While it saw extensive use by the population during the 16th and 17th centuries, heavy persecution and forced assimilation of native peoples saw its demise and almost extinction in the following years, with its remaining speakers still fighting for official recognition and protection by the Federal Government.

There are several linguistical communities present in Belmonte, whose languages were introduced by immigrants and kept spoken by their descendants, characterised by the usage of their native tongues together with a heavy Luzelese influence, such as the {{wp|Hunsrik}} and {{wp|Talian dialect|Veglian}} languages in the [[Piratini]] province.

===Urbanization===
Belmonte is an overwhelmingly {{wp|Urbanization|urban country}}, with more than 90% of the population reporting to live in urban areas. The [[Central Metropolitan Axis|Castelonovo-Riachuelo Metropolitan Axis]], also known as the Central Metropolitan Axis, comprised of the cities of Castelonovo and Riachuelo and their metropolitan zones, is the largest of the country, with almost half of the national population residing there. Followed by it are the [[Pinheiros Metropolitan Region]] and the [[Ípsia Metropolitan Region]], standing in second and third respectively.
{{Template:Largest cities in Belmonte}}

==Culture==
{{main|Culture of Belmonte}}
===Architecture===
{{main|Belmontese architecture}}
{{see also|Belmontese modernist movement}}
[[File:Oscar_Niemeyer_1968b.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Cláudio Bachlechner]], Belmonte's most famous architect.]]
{{multiple image |perrow=2 |total_width=200
 |image1=Casas-de-Ouro-Preto.jpg |width1=150 
 |image2=Solar_Palmeiro.jpg |width2=150
 |image3=Farmácia_carvalho_-_porto_alegre.jpg |width3=150 
 |image4=Edifício_Copan,_SP.jpg |width4=150 
 |footer=Clockwise from left to right: {{wp|Baroque architecture|baroque}} buildings in [[São Caetano]], [[Anchieta]]; the {{wp|Eclecticism|eclectic}} Amindas Residence in [[Sabugosa]]; the {{wp|''Art Noveau''}} Carvalho Building in [[Riachuelo]] and the {{wp|Modernism|modernist}} [[Aranha Building]] in central [[Castelonovo]].
}}
[[Belmontese architecture]] was largely inspired by [[Euclea|Euclean trends]] throughout its history, only starting to develop its own variations after the [[Great War (Kylaris)|Great War]]. During [[Colonial Belmonte|colonial times]], Belmontese buildings were based on the {{wp|Baroque architecture|baroque}} and {{wp|rococo}} architectures and the concept of few external designs and heavily decorated interiors. Both forms were mainly used by the Church and Jesuit missions located there, becoming widely used by the civilian population at the time soon after.

The two genres remained popular until the second half of the 19th century, when it started to be replaced by {{wp|Neoclassical architecture|neoclassicist}} and {{wp|Eclecticism in architecture|eclectic}} styles. During the late 1910s and early 1920s, eclecticism started to be slowly replaced by the [[Gaullica|Gaullican]] ''{{wp|Art Noveau}}'' and ''{{wp|Art Decó}}'', but they were never truly accepted as mainstream due to the outbreak of the Great War.

After the war, many artists came back to Belmonte, starting the [[Belmontese modernist movement|modernist movement]] of the country. {{wp|Modern architecture|Modernist}} architects such as [[Cláudio Bachlechner]], [[Luís-Eustáquio Diniz]] and [[Margarete Saval]] became the most known architects of the time, being responsible for projecting numerous works during the reconstruction era between the late-1930s until the early-1970s. The [[National Republican Union (Belmonte)|URN-dominated]] government, although conservative, funded modernist art to present Belmonte as a contemporary country, causing a total rejection of previous architectonic styles during this period.

By the 1990s, {{wp|Postmodern architecture|postmodern}} trends started to achieve more predominancy, however, modernism still remains extremely influential, leaving a huge mark that defined a large fraction of the national cultural identity.
<gallery>
File:Sfc-paraiba.jpg|[[Saint Francis' Monastery]]
File:Museudainconfidencia2006.jpg|[[Paquetá Palace]]
File:Belmonte parliament.png|[[Paranhos Palace]]
File:Palácio_do_Catete_-_Museu_da_República.jpg|[[Bensafrim House]]
File:Museu_de_Arte_de_São_Paulo_Assis_Chateaubriand_-_MASP.jpg|[[Castelonovo Art Museum]]
File:Gustavo_Capanema_Palace,_Rio_de_Janeiro,_Brazil_(main_entrance,_2004).jpg|[[Moema Building]]
File:Inside_MAC.jpg|[[Ípsia Art Museum]]
</gallery>
===Music===
{{main|Belmontese music}}
{{see also|Tropinova|Tropinova movement}}
[[File:Carlos_Gomes_(fototipia).jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[Maurício Sobral]]]]
{{multiple image |perrow=2 |total_width=200
 |image1=Tom Jobim, 1965.tif |width1=150 
 |image2=Chico_Buarque_de_Holanda_1_(1970).tif |width2=150
 |image3=Os_Mutantes.tif |width3=150
 |footer=Clockwise from left to right: [[Ricardo Alvim]], {{wp|Bossa nova|bossa nova's}} most known artist; [[Maurício Buarque]], one of the leading singers of the [[tropinova]] in the late-60s; [[Guaxinim]] during a live concert
}}
[[Belmontese music]] is known for its diverse origin and influences that came from several parts of the globe. {{wp|Classical music}} was brought by the Luzelese nobility and Jesuits, being initially of {{wp|Baroque music|baroque}} and {{wp|Religious music|sacred}} origin. It was only after the [[Federalist Revolt]] that new orchestras and conservatories were established, with many composers transitioning to {{wp|Romantic music|romanticism}} by the 1850s and 1860s. Romanticism started to be slowly replaced by more {{wp|Progressivism|progressive}} and {{wp|Nationalism|nationalist}} trends over the turn of the century, with this era being marked by the works of [[Maurício Sobral]] and [[Lauro Sotiras]]. After the Great War, classical music started to be influenced by more contemporary trends.

The first Belmonte popular manifestations were the Euclean-based {{wp|Modinha|modinhas}} and the Bahian-inspired {{wp|Lundu (dance)|lundus}}. Over time, both genres evolved into {{wp|Serenade|serestas}} and, when the country started to industrialize and [[Immigration to Belmonte|receive immigrants]] at the beginning of the 1850s, foreign Euclean music and dance such as {{wp|waltz}}, {{wp|polka}}, {{wp|xote}} and {{wp|tango}} became widespread, with the junction of them originating the {{wp|choro}} in the late 1880s and early 1890s.

From choro, {{wp|samba}} was created at the beginning of the 20th century, becoming centred among black communities in [[Ípsia]], with the genre founding its height in popularity during the 30s and 40s. As the 50s progressed, a new genre evolved out of samba - the {{wp|bossa nova}} - which sought to add {{wp|jazz}} elements to the music, creating a more urban sound. The genre found itself in the middle of international recognition in the 60s under the voice of [[Ricardo Alvim]] and his song ''{{wp|The Girl from Ipanema|The Girl from Atalaia}}''. Together with other artists such as [[Lira Duarte]] and [[Olavo Farias]], the rhythm reached worldwide popularity.

Inspired by the [[1969 protests in Belmonte|protests and revolutionary fervour]] of the late-60s, the [[Tropinova movement|tropinova movement]] and its [[Tropinova|subsequent genre]] were born, mixing {{wp|folk}}, bossa nova and samba with a more {{wp|Psychedelic rock|psychedelic}} and {{wp|Tropicália|tropical sound}}, having as its most famous singers [[Maurício Buarque]], [[Jorge Mourinho]], [[Eleonor Cruz]] and [[Gil Nkosi]], while [[Guaxinim]] introduced {{wp|Rock music|rock n' roll}} to broad Belmontese audiences for the first time. The late 70s and early 80s saw the continuation of the popularization of rock music under {{wp|post-punk}} and {{wp|new wave}} influences, with bands such as [[Saturno]], [[Excelsior]], [[Longe das Capitais]], [[Enfant]], [[Arquitetos de Imágua]] and [[L'eau]] becoming widely popular. By the turn of the century up to present times, the Belmontese musical scene diversified, with the 2010s seeing a surge of {{wp|indie rock}}, {{wp|Electronic music|electronic}}, {{wp|rap}}, {{wp|trap}} and {{wp|Pop music|pop}} music.
[[File:Virada.jpg|thumb|center|1115px|The annual [[Castelonovo Music Festival]], one of Belmonte's largest music festivals]]
===Literature===
{{Main|Belmontese literature}}
{{multiple image
| align = right
| image1 = Jose de Alencar.png
| width1 = 137
| alt1 = Aldo Paes
| image2 = Machado de Assis aos 57 anos.jpg
| width2 = 127
| alt2 = Gregório Assis
| footer = [[Aldo Paes]] (left) and [[Gregório Assis]] (right)
}}
[[Belmontese literature]] started with the consolidation of Jesuit missions in the colony, with the local literature, at the time influenced by {{wp|Religious text|religious dogmas}}, starting to shift into more {{wp|baroque}} trends, however, it was only after the establishment of the [[First Belmontese Republic|First Republic]] that new schools of thought and artists appeared on the national scene. Baroque started to be replaced by {{wp|romanticism}} in the 19th century and, over time, {{wp|Indianism (arts)|indianism}} was created, having a strong {{wp|Progressivism|progressive}} and {{wp|Nationalism|nationalist}} tone that promoted indigenous values and culture, having [[Aldo Paes|Aldo Paes's]] romances [[Tupi]] and [[Iandara]] as the subgenre's biggest works.

By the late-1870s and early-1880s, romanticism started to be substituted by {{wp|Literaly realism|realism}}, with the genre itself becoming widely known thanks to [[Gregório Assis]] and his books [[Bento]] and [[Obituary]], leading him into universal acclaim as Belmonte's greatest writer. Realism continued to be the main Belmontese literary doctrine up to the 1930s with the proliferation of {{wp|Literary modernism|modernist}} and {{wp|avant-garde}} movements in the country. By the 80s, the modernist school started to be replaced by {{wp|Postmodern literature|postmodern}} trends.
===Cuisine===
{{main|Belmontese cuisine}}
[[File:Pao_de_queijo_com_cafe.jpg|thumb|left|175px|Traditional Belmontese cuisine]]
[[Belmontese cuisine]] is influenced by {{wp|European cuisine|Euclean}}, {{wp|African cuisine|Bahian}} and {{wp|Indigenous cuisine of the Americas|indigenous}} cookery, being the result of the contact between these peoples. Before the beginning of colonization, the native population used the local fauna and flora as the base of their cuisine, largely consuming {{wp|cassava}}, {{wp|guarana}} and ''{{wp|açaí}}''. With the arrival of [[Colonization of Belmonte|Luzelese colonizers]] in the 16th century, Euclean foods were added to the region, being adapted to the local climate. The [[Slavery in Belmonte|introduction of slavery]] at the same time also led to Bahian peoples bringing their food to the forming Belmontese cuisine at the time, which evolved as more peoples from different cultures [[Immigration to Belmonte|went to live there]].

As the result, Belmontese cuisine is extremely diverse. Fish is the most eaten meat in the country, being present in ''{{wp|moquecas}}'' and ''{{wp|Vatapá|vatapás}}''. Other consumed Belmontese foods are ''{{wp|pão de queijo}}'', ''{{wp|mbeju}}'', ''{{wp|akara}}'' and beans - being consumed either as ''tropeiro'' beans, brown beans or ''{{wp|feijoada}}''. Belmonte also has a variety of sweets, with the most popular ones being the ''{{wp|Brigadeiro|escurinho}}'' and ''{{wp|bolo de rolo}}''. The country's national drink is coffee whilst its national liquor is the ''{{wp|cachaça}}'', although wine is more consumed.

===Cinema and theatre===
{{main|Belmontese theatre|Belmontese cinema}}
{{multiple image
 |align     = left
 |direction = vertical
 |width     = 175
 |image1    = Teatro_Municipal_de_São_Paulo_8.jpg
 |caption1  = The [[Castelonovo Theatre]], one of the most respected and influential threatres of Belmonte.
 |image2    = SPIFFScreening.jpg
 |caption2  = A public screening during the [[Castelonovo Film Festival]].
}}
[[File:Tina bianchi.png|thumb|right|200px|[[Tina Bianchi]]]]
[[Belmontese theatre]] had its origins in the [[Colonial Belmonte|colonial era]], being brought from Euclean churches and monasteries by Jesuit priests to the newly-established colony. Catholic influence on theatre remained widespread until the 20th century when many theatrical schools started to be funded by the State and adopted a more secular position. Today, the scenario largely relies on the government to maintain itself but is extremely diverse and well-acclaimed by critics of all kinds.

The beginning of [[Belmontese cinema]] started in 1899, when the first projectors came from Gaullica, with the first cinema room being inaugurated in Castelonovo in the same year. The country's first movie, ''[[Panorama of Ípsia from the Lausanne]]'', was only released a year later, being 3 minutes long. Although its introduction was greatly covered by the excited press at the time, its development was extremely slow, being only accessible to the urban elite due to its highly expensive tickets and difficulty of maintaining cinema rooms throughout the country.

However, this was promptly changed after the [[1913 Coup]] and [[João Berquó|Berquó's accession to power]]. The [[Berquó Era|dictatorship]], suffering massive opposition in the early-20s, attempted to increase its popularity by controlling and funding the means of communication, including cinema, leading to the production of several propaganda films known for their nationalistic and overly patriotic nature.

The establishment of the [[New Republic (Belmonte)|New Republic]] in 1935 led to a golden era of cinema. With heavy censorship fading out, cinema production took a more commercial course as the country produced highly popular and lucrative movies, with famous actors of that time being [[Tina Bianchi]], [[Arlete Sampaio]] and [[Lauro Lima]]. During the 70s and 80s, Belmontese cinema started to transition into a more {{wp|Underground art|underground}} period, being marked by the {{wp|pornochanchada}} genre. Meanwhile, the 90s is known for its {{wp|Cult film|cult-esteemed films}}. To this day, Belmonte is one of the biggest movie producers of Asteria Inferior, leaving a large cultural footprint on the continent.

===Visual arts===
{{main|Belmontese art}}
{{see also|National Academy of Arts of Belmonte|Castelonovo Modern Art Week of 1937}}
{{multiple image |perrow=2 |total_width=200
 |image1=Mestre Ataíde - Glorificação de Nossa Senhora - Igreja de São Francisco 2.jpg |width1=150 
 |image2=Victor_Meirelles_-_Moema.jpg |width2=200
 |image3=Discovery_of_the_Land1.jpg |width3=200
 |image4=Americo-noite.jpg |width4=200
 |image5=00472-Jader-Siqueira---Tríp.jpg |width5=200
 |image6=Fluidos_e_fixos_-_correnteza_2_(díptico).jpg |width6=200
 |footer= [[Belmontese art|Belmontese virtual arts]] evolved and encompassed several doctrines and movements throughout the years.
}}
[[File:Museu de Arte Moderna, Rio de Janeiro (2001).jpg|thumb|left|175px|The [[National Academy of Arts of Belmonte]]]]
[[Belmontese art]] emerged in the 16th century, being entirely influenced by {{wp|Baroque|baroque}} religious themes followed by {{wp|rococo}} trends after [[Independence of Belmonte|independence]] under the [[Confederation of Belmonte|confederation era]].

With the [[First Belmontese Republic|Proclamation of the Republic]], the [[National Academy of Arts of Belmonte|National Academy of Arts]] was created in 1819, establishing an {{wp|Academic art|academic period}} that took place over most of the 19th century. During its initial phase, the Academy only exclusively accepted {{wp|Art of Europe|Euclean arts}} such as {{wp|neoclassicism}} and {{wp|romanticism}}, having as prominent painters [[Hugo Bercout]] and [[Ulisses Braga]]. Nonetheless, it would in later years adopt {{wp|indianism}}.

During the 1890s, both previous genres started to be substituted by {{wp|realism}} and {{wp|impressionism}}, with the movement being driven by [[Enzo Cinetti]] and [[Elisa Sampaio]], becoming part of the artistic mainstream of the time. As the country's industrialization progressed by the beginning of the 20th century, the first modernist trends such as {{wp|expressionism}}, {{wp|fauvism}}, {{wp|cubism}} and {{wp|futurism}} started to be introduced in Belmonte, becoming extremely popular among the urban middle class, however, the ascension of the [[Berquó Era|Berquó regime]] led to their rejection and persecution, with the country seeing the imposition of traditional and conservative artistic forms.

After the creation of the New Republic, many modernist artists who went into self-imposed exile returned to Belmonte, with painters [[Teresa Behamonte]], [[Irineu Ricci]] and [[Rita Cavalcante]] organizing the [[Castelonovo Modern Art Week of 1937]] which is seen as the founding moment of the [[Belmontese modernist movement|modernist movement]] in the country. Unlike its predecessor, the URN government not only allowed but promoted modern art, which reached its height in the 50s and 60s. By the 80s, modernism started to be slowly replaced by {{wp|Postmodern art|postmodern}} trends, but remains an influential part of Belmontese history and culture.

===Sports===
{{main|Belmontese sports}}
{{multiple image
 |align= left
 |image1= Copa_Libertadores_de_America_2011_Santos_-_Peñarol.jpg
 |width1= 210
 |caption1= {{wp|Football}} is Belmonte's most popular and practiced sport.
 |width2= 187
 |caption2= {{wp|Sailing (sport)|Sailing}} is one of the most famous water sports of Belmonte.
 |image2= Laser standard 176548.jpg
}}
{{wp|Football}} is the most famous and practised sport in Belmonte, being an integral part of the country's culture. The [[Belmonte Cup]] and ''[[Primeira Divisão]]'' are the major national football leagues in the country, both of them organized by the [[Belmontese Football Confederation]] (CBF), with the ''Primeira Divisão'' being the primary and most competitive competition whilst the Belmonte Cup is its domestic counterpart. Followed by football, {{wp|volleyball}}, {{wp|basketball}} and {{wp|autoracing}} also are very popular, having their competitive professional leagues and a large amount of media coverage and practitioners.

{{wp|Water sports}} also have a large presence in Belmonte, especially {{wp|swimming}} and {{wp|sailing}}. Furthermore, the country has as its national sports {{wp|footvolley}} (the combination of football and volleyball), {{wp|futsal}} (indoor football) and {{wp|beach football}}. {{wp|Athletism}}, {{wp|tennis}}, {{wp|boxing}}, {{wp|handball}}, {{wp|rugby}} and {{wp|hockey}} are also very practised among the population.
[[File:Cicero_pompeu_de_toledo_banner.jpg|thumb|center|1115px|The [[Ibiraí Stadium|Adrísio Vieira Stadium]], more known as Ibiraí Stadium, is the seat of the [[Regina F.C]], one of the biggest football clubs of Belmonte.]]
===National holidays===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Date !! Local name !! Name !! Observation
|-
| 1 January || Confraternização Universal || {{wp|New Year's Day}} || Beginning of the year
|-
| 17 February || Dia da Liberação || {{wp|Liberation Day}} || Liberation of Belmonte from [[Entente|Entente powers]]
|-
| 18 April || Proclamação da República || {{wp|Republic|Proclamation of the Republic}} || Proclamation of the [[First Belmontese Republic]]
|-
| 1 May || Dia do Trabalhador || {{wp|May Day|Labour Day}} || Tribute to workers
|-
| 13 June || Santa Catarina || {{wp|Saint Catherine}} || Belmonte's patroness day
|-
| 7 August || Independência || {{wp|Independence|Independence Day}} || Independence against [[Gaullica]]
|-
| 2 November || Finados || {{wp|All Souls's Day}} || Day of remembrance of the dead
|-
| 25 December || Natal || {{wp|Christmas Day|Nativity}} || Major {{wp|Christianity|Sotirian}} celebration
|-
|}

==See also==
{| CELLPADDING=0 width="100%"
|- VALIGN=top
|width="50%"|
* [[History of Belmonte]]
* [[Geography of Belmonte]]
* [[Politics of Belmonte]]
* [[Economy of Belmonte]]
* [[Demographics of Belmonte]]
|width="33%"|
* [[Culture of Belmonte]]
* [[National symbols of Belmonte]]
* [[Belmontese people]]
* [[Asteria Inferior]]
* [[Kylaris]]
|}
{{Template:Belmonte topics}}
{{Template:Kylaris}}
[[Category:Belmonte]]
[[Category:Kylaris]]
[[Category:Countries (Kylaris)]]