Gapolania

Republic of Gapolania Repubblica Gapolanesa
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: Uniti per sempre United forever
Anthem: Le braci dei nostri cuori Our heart's embers
Location of Gapolania in Kylaris
Capital and	Nassea
Official languages	Vespasian
Recognised regional languages	Chanuche
Ethnic groups (2018)	68.3% Mixed (Razzamista) 9.9% Bahio-Gapolanese 9.2% Native Asterian 6.4% White Gapolanese 3.5% Gowsa 2.7% others or unspecified
Religion (2018)	81.5% Catholic 10.9% Irreligious 2.6% Atheist 2.2% Badi 1.5% Brethren 0.7% Animist 0.6% Other
Demonym(s)	Gapolanese
Government	Constitutional parliamentary unitary republic
• President	Mosè Maggiacomo
• Prime Minister	Ivano Cerbone
Legislature	Senate
Independence from Etruria
• Declared	18th October, 1808
• Recognized	1810
• Current constitution	1981
Area
• Total	634,224 km2 (244,875 sq mi)
Population
• 2018 census	19,625,443
• Density	30.9/km2 (80.0/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)	2019 estimate
• Total	$237.330 billion
• Per capita	$12,093
GDP (nominal)	2019 estimate
• Total	$131.961 billion
• Per capita	$6,724
Gini (2019)	44.5 medium
HDI (2019)	0.758 high
Currency	Gapolanese Moneta (GPM)
Time zone	UTC-9 (Western Lumine Time)
Date format	dd.mm.yyyy
Driving side	right
ISO 3166 code	GP
Internet TLD	.gp

Gapolania, officially Republic of Gapolania (Vespasian: Repubblica Gapolanesa) is a sovereign country in Asteria Inferior. It borders Jossia to the south-west, while bordering the East Arucian Sea to the north-west and the Lumine Ocean to the north and east. The country is a parliamentary unitary republic, divided into 11 governorates (governatorato) and a capital domain of Nassea, which is also the republic's most populated city.

The territory of modern day Gapolania was initially inhabited by semi-nomadic Chanuche people, living primarily on the western of northern coast of the land. Starting in the fourth decade of the 16th century, the region became a subject to an intense Povelian colonization, leading to the creation of the Viceroyalty of New Povelia in 1579. Following the political turmoil in Etruria, the nation declared its independence in 1808 and states Gapolania and Semara emerged as sovereign states in 1810, uniting in 1818. Despite the rapid development in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the republic descended into political and economic instability after siding with the Entente in the Great War. After the war, the country faced a series of coups, interchanging with waves of democratization, the last one taking place in the 1978, when the Hibiscus Revolution led to an establishment of the new government and creation of the new constitution.

Gapolania is a developing economy, classified as an upper-middle-income country. Despite that, it's the least developed Asterian nation, highly dependent on industry and agriculture, particularly sugar, cut flowers, fruits, crude petroleum and minerals. While known for its relatively high gender and ethnic equality, Gapolania suffers from many internal, particularly environmental, conflicts, as well as from high crime rate attributed mostly to drug usage, drug trafficking and corruption. It's a member of the Community of Nations, International Council for Democracy, Asteria Inferior Common Market and Organization of Asterian Nations.

Etymology

Probably from Capo-, meaning cape, attributed to Gapolania being the northernmost nation of Asteria Inferior.

History

Precolonial history

The territory of modern day Gapolania was inhabited by the Chanuche people, who settled mostly on the western coast and in the river valleys. Separated into several major tribes, their economy was agriculture-based, with developed fishing and crop cultivation traditions. While not organized, they created a wide trade network that was highly reliant on territorial divides and peaceful cooperation, preventing any tribe from waging major war or subjecting other tribal states. The Chanuche were most distinguished by their handicraft, mostly copper- and silver-work, as well as textiles. They were also stone and wood builders, with many statues and monuments dedicated to Chanuche gods and spirits.

A Poveglian fleet led by Giacomo Borghese arrived in the Eastern Arucian Sea and started trading with the native people of the land, exchanging goods and information. The Chanuche were exposed to metalworking and various animals, like cows and horses, sparking shift to a herding society.

Conquest and colonial era

Nunzo di Rosignelle was the first governor of Astia.

The first settlement in Gapolania, Astia was founded in 1545 on the western coast of the country and soon became a major trading hub in the region, with the port's advantageous geographic position as a prime factor of its rapid development. Further east, Nassea was raised in 1549 by another Povelian fleet, intended to form an outpost for future expeditions towards the Lumine Ocean. Together with the port of San Rose in modern-day Jossia, the Tricolony was formed, centering administrative power around the towns. Initially friendly relations with the Chanuche, growing territorial claims and the introduction of Sotirianity led to a series of conflicts against the indigenous population - in 1551, the admiral Nunzo di Rosignelle launched a military campaign, killing over 10 thousand of the native people and forcing nearly twice as many to escape into the interior. These tribes would often disrupt and halt Povelian colonization of the mountainous Gapolania. Di Rosignelle was named the first governor of Astia in 1553, while Sebastian Callanera, a noble of the Povelian court, was granted the rule over the colony of Nassea in 1554.

The Tricolony was organized into the Viceroyalty of New Povelia in 1579, centralizing power in hands of a Viceroy, a subordinate of the Povelian Doge that had direct power over the colony. Viceroyalty itself was divided into governorates, of which Governorate of Gapolania and Governorate of Semara constituted a part of modern-day Gapolania. The sparsely populated region, not able to answer metropolis' demands efficiently, soon became a target for slave trade. Since 1583, Gapolania received almost 100'000 slaves, mostly from Bahia. They were primarily used as workers on latifundia owned by Povelian merchants and newly established Gapolanese elites, harvesting sugar cane, maize and coffee beans. During 17th century, when the interior of the region became better known, a development of mining sparked a mass migration towards Sierra Bianca mountains and founding settlements that would later grow into major industrial hubs. By the half of the 18th century, the region was divided into affluent western coast of both Jossia and Gapolania and largely undeveloped interior, with loose direct control over the local population. This caused a series of indigenous uprisings, the main ones happening in 1731 and 1756, both of which were crushed by the Etrurian military and resulted in partition of the native-owned land.

Nassea was a center of cultural and political revolution in late 18th century that led to a proclamation of Gapolanese Republic in 1808.

Disparities between mostly Euclean or Razzamista population and Bahian or indigenous groups led to a rise of the Pantheonisti movement, an ideology that supported equality, freedom and liberty and was widely popular within the poor. Born in Etruria, the idea gained a major following of Gapolanese scholars, who believed independent, Sotirian nation built by united society would become the God's Republic. In 1785, two priests, Giacomo Sandera and Lozano Bigantú wrote Heavenly Asteria (Asteria Celeste), advocating for independence of New Povelia, mass rebellion led by the slaves and the farmers and creation of a religious state on the continent. While not fully successful, their work inspired many Gapolanese and Semarans, most of whom had no direct connection to the Etrurian Republic and wished to become a sovereign state. Following the declaration of independence in 1808 in Jossia, Lorenzo di Ceilla, Bishop of Nassea, supported by the city's population, called for independence the same year, followed by the religious leaders in other cities. Gapolania and Semara were officially recognized by Etrurian monarchy two years later, in 1810.

Geography

Topographic map of Gapolania

Gapolania is the northernmost nation in Asteria Inferior, stretching approximately between latitudes 13°N and 21°N and longitudes 121°E and 141°E. Surrounded by the waters of the East Arucian Sea in the west and northwest and the Lumine Ocean in the northeast and east, Gapolania possesses 2565 kilometres (1594 miles) long coastline, including the island of San Nicomede.

With an area of 634,224 km² (244,875 mi²), the republic is the smallest country on the continent, yet is one of the 25 biggest nations in the world. It shares its only land border with Jossia, reaching nearly 1210 km (752 mi), with most of it drawn by the Semara river. Due to a nearby location of Îles des Saints, Gapolania also shares maritime border with Gaullica.

Divided in half by the Sierra Bianca mountain range, Gapolania lies on a fairly stable western part of the Lumine tectonic plate. The mountain range does not exceed 4,000 metres (13,000 feet), with the highest peak being Alto Martello, reaching 3,813 m (12,509 ft). Nearly 75% of the country's territory lies above 1,000 metres (3281 feet) and around half of the whole country is situated between one and two thousand metres. Despite that, most of the population lives in a low-lying coastal zone, especially in the western portion of the nation. There were several attempts to categorize Gapolania's geographic variety, based on altitude, climate and land cover - currently, most researches identify 6 or 7 distinct regions of the country.

• The Coast (Costa), compromising the entire northwestern and northern part of the republic. Most of the region is a flat lowland, lying below 1,000 metres. The coastal zone is strongly affected by warm currents and receives water from many rivers, including the Semara river and the Rasaldo river, making it a suitable place for the development of agriculture. It was the first region colonized by the Povelian settlers and is currently the most populated one, with nearly half of Gapolania's population living there.
• The Highlands (Altopiani), constituting northern and central parts of the country, with altitudes varying between 1,000 to 2,000 metres. The Highlands are cut by the valleys of numerous rivers and the land is covered mostly by savanna, bushes and gallery forests. It's one of the least populated regions, creating a rift between the west and east coast. Animal husbandry, especially sheep and cows, takes place in the region, as well as grape and agave cultivation.
• The Bagnura, a smaller part of the northeastern coast, with rapid changes in altitude and high precipitation, caused mostly by the warm oceanic currents and hurricanes. This results in seasonal floods, including mud floods, relatively dense tree coverage and high biodiversity. The capital city of Nassea is part of the Bagnura. While subjected to different natural disasters, the region is attractive to many farmers and suffers from swamp draining and deforestation.
• The Selva, eastern coast of the republic. More humid and hotter than rest of the republic, the Selva is a relatively flat zone covered by subtropical and tropical forests, transitioning into mangrove forests near the southern border. Relatively sparsely populated, the Selva region is often struck by hurricanes and floods. Citrus growing and fishing develop in the area, as well as tourism.
• The Ascio, a semi-arid hilly region in the south of the country, focusing on the valley of the Onadenza river. Significantly drier than the rest of the country, the region was dynamically developing since the late 19th century, when the vast copper and zinc resources were discovered in the area. Shrubs and bushes dominate the landscape, with lower altitudes, influenced more by the cyclone, being generally more fertile.
• The Sierra Bianca, the mountainous part of the republic, transitioning into the Highlands in the north. With altitudes varying between 2,000 and nearly 4,000 metres, it's a diverse region. While trees and bushes form the lower lying parts, high altitudes are covered by alpine flora. Snow can fall in the higher parts and most of the Gapolanese rivers start their course there. Because of that, there are over numerous hydroelectric power stations in the Sierra Bianca, producing nearly 85% of all the country's energy. Mining and small-scale ranching are common industries in the area.
• San Nicomede island is commonly distinguished as the seventh region, lying considerably far away from the continental Gapolania. Most of the island's area is part of the San Nicomede National Park, known for its significantly high flora and fauna diversity.

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  Coastal flatland in the west of the country.

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  The fertile eastern plains.

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  Highlands cover nearly half of the country's territory.

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  The Sierra Bianca mountains derive their name from the nearly white colour of the rocks.

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  San Nicomede island is one of the most known Gapolanese tourist attractions.

Climate

Climate classification map of Gapolania

Owing to its latitude, Gapolania is generally considered to fall within subtropical climate zone, though other factors, like altitude and influence of the cyclones, cause parts of the nation to exhibit traits found in tropical or semi-arid climate zones. Gapolania's peninsular character results in relatively high precipitation in most of the country, owing to existence of warm currents in both the East Arucian Sea and the Lumine Ocean. The Sierra Bianca mountains also play an important role in the water cycle, providing a source of water deposition and accumulation. The temperature is similar across the nation, with a median of 15°C taken from regional averages. Average daily highs vary between 22-26°C and average daily lows are usually between 16-20°C. In more mountainous parts of the nation, the temperatures are lower throughout the year, with a possibility to fall below 0°C during the dry season.

Gapolania experiences both wet and dry season, the more distinguishable, the further north it is. Most of the republic experiences a rainy season from mid-May to mid-October and receives significantly less rain during the remainder of the year. February is considered the driest, while July the wettest season - Nassea, for example, receives an average of 20 millimetres (0.8 inch) of rain during February but over 300 millimetres (12 inches) in July.

The country lies within the hurricane belt and all regions of both coasts are susceptible to these storms from June through November, with the eastern coast being struck heavier than the western. Several hurricanes per year strike the Gapolanese coastline, however, and these storms bring high winds, heavy rain, extensive damage, and occasional loss of life. The most devastating hurricane occurred in 1974, with winds exceeding 200 km/h (125 mph). Seasonality of weather in Gapolania, with very dry periods intercepted by huge downpours often cause other natural disasters, such as floods, mud floods, landslides and droughts. The country is considered to be very susceptible to the climate change and is more likely to experience increased disaster severity.

Biodiversity

A wide variety of flora is present in Gapolania, with many species endemic.

As with many Asterian nations, Gapolania is considered to be a diverse country, though fauna diversity is comparably less than the rest of the continent, owing to harsher environmental conditions. Over 40,000 different species can be found throughout the country, separated into three regions: northwestern coast, highlands & the mountains and eastern coast, with each of them providing differently functioning habitats.

At least 3'000 species of pants are present in the country, focused mostly in the eastern parts of the republic and on higher altitudes, where many natural edges supported endemity. There are nearly 140 species of trees, including ficus, magnolia, ochroma and white oak, over 100 different types of orchids, and 80 types of ferns. Gapolania is also known for its flower cultivation, including both native and introduced species, especially hibiscus, roses and begonias. Other plants important to Gapolanese economy are agave, citruses and bananas, though their extensive cultivation leads to diversity decrease and habitat competition.

There are also numerous species of animals in the republic, with over 90 endemic kinds of reptiles, including Gapolania leaf-toed gecko and brown basilisk. The island of San Nicomede is a habitat to nearly 20 reptile species not met anywhere else, especially turtles and snakes. Amphibians, such as freshbelly frogs are mostly present in the eastern parts of the country, where the humidity is similar to more equatorial regions. There are many birds in the republic, with some of them being present all-year round and others migrating to Gapolania from Asteria Superior during the winter. Native species include tinamou, potoos and hummingbirds, the latter ones often considered the national animal of the country. Despite its relatively low mammal variety, Gapolania is home to almost 120 of species, such as opossum, armadillos or moused-eared bats.

Over 100,000 square kilometres (38610 square miles) of the country are considered "Protected Natural Areas". These are further divided into biosphere reserves (5), national parks (26), natural monuments (2), areas of protected flora and fauna (17) and areas for natural resources protection (3). Land and water protection has been an official agenda of all the governments since 1981, soil - since 1999, and air - since 2013. The country actively advocates for clean energy usage, environmental protection and natural disasters monitoring and prevention on the international scene.

Politics

Arcipalazzo, the seat of the Senate in Nassea

After the Hibiscus Revolution, Gapolania rewrote its constitution and shifted from the presidential to parliamentary republic, harshly reducing president's power in favour of the Senate. The government is separated intro three independent branches: legislative, executive and judiciary. Gapolania is a representative democracy, with suffrage being equal, direct, secret and proportional.

Government

The legislative branch is unicameral, made up only of the Senate. 155 members are elected during the general elections, using the D'Hondt method. Only parties that gain more than 5% of all the votes can be granted seats in the Senate. Members of the Senate are chosen every four years but the Prime Minister has an authority to dissolve it earlier, though it has happened only once in the history - in 1981.

The structure of the governments focuses on the Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President, commonly following the ruling party's recommendations. The President also appoints the cabinet, currently consisting of 16 ministries. The Prime Minister serves as a representative of the cabinet as a whole, delegate its agendas and coordinate the work of the ministers.

Administrative divisions

Gapolania is divided into 11 governorates and a capital domain. Each of the governorates, as well as the capital domain elect their own legislative and executive powers. The governorates are further divided into communes (comuni), while the capital domain is divided into districts (quartieri).

Name	Type	Capital	Area (km2)	Population
Appalasta	Governorate	Duclea	153,087	1,244,095
Aurelion	Governorate	Santo Aurelio	19,738	884,269
Bartolomeu	Governorate	Omìsierre	63,879	1,858,440
Belcasera	Governorate	Trapanto	27,572	2,266,458
Ellorio	Governorate	Altoparadiso	60,426	1,794,577
Fangaria	Governorate	Nestaia	38,754	857,421
Misano-Alessandrou	Governorate	Vaì	116,927	1,682,505
Nassea	Capital domain	Nassea	272	2,166,983
Nuova Carvagna	Governorate	Zeta	40,619	2,316,499
Orenda	Governorate	Orenda	61,698	1,152,883
Secoria	Governorate	Nuova Accadia	21,018	2,062,584
Torrena	Governorate	Astia	31,284	1,338,729

Military

Yes we have one.