Bentho

Secular Republic of Bentho República Secular de Bentho
Flag
Motto: "Bentho, Com Todos Os Caminhos e Tempo"
Map of Bentho
Capital and City	San Pera
Official languages	Benthese, Spanish
Ethnic groups	Sarkosian
Government
• Presdient	Juan Carlos Caballero
Population
• 2020 estimate	11,321,987
GDP (PPP)	2020 Estimate estimate
• Total	315.9 Billion
• Per capita	27,955.75
HDI	.897 very high
Date format	MM-DD-YY

Bentho officially known as the Secular Republic of Bentho, is a sovereign nation located in northeast Ausiana, in the region of Carubana. It is bordered to the west by Vulkaria, to the south by Cirrane, and to the east by Jericho, with a northern coastline along the Sea of Vulkaria in the North Samson Ocean. Due to its location, Bentho relies on the Vulkarian Pass to trade with countries in Western Euronia.

Bentho was founded in 1604 after the result of the Crimson Sun War, the war unfolded as a momentous conflict during the 16th century, dividing the land into two distinct countries. In the north, the prosperous Kingdom of Valeridia flourished under the rule of King Rodrigo Solario. The Valeridian forces, known as the Solarin Guard, fought fiercely to preserve their kingdom's unity and honor. In the south, the rugged land of Sombreria was home to the formidable Peñalay Coalition, led by General Esteban Fuegoluz. The Peñalay Coalition, comprised of skilled guerilla fighters and rebellious clans, resisted Valeridian influence and fought for their autonomy and freedom. For 11 tumultuous years, the Crimson Sun War raged on, with epic battles and strategic maneuvers defining the conflict. In February of 1604, the Kingdom of Valeridia emerged as the victor, unifying the realm under King Rodrigo's rule, The Battle of Hohebar, which was the Peñalay capitol, were the Valeridian forces stormed the city, the city fell in a few hours, which was the end of the war, the results is were Valeridia annexed Peñalay uniting Bentho.

Bentho is a member of the Coalition of Crown Albatross.

Etymology

The name "Bentho" is believed to have originated from ancient legends and folklore, passed down through generations in the region. According to one popular tale, Bentho derives its name from an ancient deity known as Benthos, a revered guardian spirit believed to watch over the land and its people. The name was bestowed upon the region as a tribute to the deity's protective presence and the profound connection the inhabitants felt with the land, In another interpretation, the name "Bentho" is thought to have roots in the ancient language of the early settlers. It is said to derive from a combination of words that roughly translate to "blessed land" or "land of abundance." This reflects the fertile landscapes, bountiful natural resources, and the sense of prosperity that characterized the region, Over time, the name "Bentho" became ingrained in the identity and history of the region, symbolizing its unique cultural heritage and the strong bond between the land and its people. Today, the name "Bentho" carries with it a sense of pride and reverence, serving as a reminder of the ancient origins and enduring legacy of this vibrant and diverse region.

History

History of Bentho

Pre-Historic

UNDER REVISION

13th Century

UNDER REVISION

20th Century

The Bentheese economy began to grow with its most important sectors being in lumber, farming, and fishing, and the introduction of the Vulkarian Pass placed Bentho right on the precipice of a new vital and heavily used international shipping lane, which contributed greatly to a boom in its economy. A severe drought in 1929 led to the Bentho Depression, which not only affected the agricultural and freshwater fishing industries, but led to the deaths of tens of thousands of people. A religious reconciliation occured as a result of the depression, which was a major contributing factor in Bentho's relative secularism to this day.

World War

Bentho's government attempted to stay neutral at the outbreak of the World War in 1949, during which time the DSC and Rumaztria had invaded and conquered much of neighboring Vulkaria in order to seize vital port cities and the Vulkarian Pass. Bentho's economy, reliant on international shipping passing through the canal, took a major hit as shipping ceased and neighboring countries joined the League Powers. Bentho's government signed multiple non-hostility treaties with the DSC and Teresta to avoid being drawn into the conflict, but the government was covertly supplying weapons and food to Vulkarian resistance fighters. Bentho successfully remained out of direct conflict for around 8 months, instead becoming a haven for many refugees fleeing fighting in northeastern Ausiana.

Sometime in September 1951, a telegram directed from Bentho to resistance fighters in Vulkaria was intercepted by League Forces in Tilbreg, detailing the covert supply missions. As a result, on October 19th, 1951, Teresta and Gashuera broke their non-aggression treaties with Bentho and invaded through occupied Jericho and Cirrane. Bentho's military, small in comparison to the well-equipped and experienced league forces, was decimated in the invasion, and the country's major population centers were quickly overrun. However, many rebel groups sprung up within Bentho to resist the occupation, with vice-president Francisco Cruz Madruga in particular leading several factions. For two years, brutal urban and rural fighting engulfed Bentho as a sizable portion of the population took up arms against Terestan and Gashueran forces. The Battle of Quipata in early 1953 saw the first instance of Bentho's resistance groups freeing one of their major cities from occupying armies.

By December of 1952, the DSC had been pushed out of the northern half of Vulkaria by Allied forces, and Ruzmatrian forces were in retreat on the southern front. In July 1953, allied forces consisting of Emmirian, Albarinean, and Cadairi troops entered Bentho from the freed areas of Vulkaria and began pushing back Terestan forces. They were joined by the Bentho resistance groups, who were vital in the success of allied forces. Gashuera capitulated on August 6th, 1953, leaving Teresta a weakened and vulnerable military. By August 8th, the capital of San Pera was freed, and on August 19th the last Terestan forces retreated over the border into Jericho. Following the liberation of Bentho, Marcos Amorim Esteves sent two brigades of men to participate in the Eastern Front of the war in Euronia, where they assisted in the liberation of Avergnon.

Geography

Geography of Bentho

Mount Alonso

Geography in Bentho plays an important role in the development of its culture and history. The two main regions of Bentho are the Sarkos and the Cordillera del Illimani. The Sarkos, located in the northern half of the country, is a warm region which recieves a lot of rain. Major cities are located inside of the tropics, such as Caapulas. Undeveloped areas of the Sarkos are highly protected by government in the form of nature reserves and national parks, which contributes both to the maintaining of Bentho's biodiversity and the tourism sector. The Benthenses Capybara, the national animal, is only found in the Sarkos region.

The Cordillera del Illimani is the southern mountainous region of Bentho. The Cordillera's climate is defined by the Ausianan steppes to the south and the warm tropical ocean temperatures to the north, effectively acting as a rain shadow to much of Cirrane. The region's rainy season occurs from September to March (although it can start as late as December) and a dry, cold season exists from May–August. Mount Alonso is the highest peak in Bentho, with a height of 9,762 feet (2,975 meters).

Vegetation and Fauna

Vegetation

Vegetation in Bentho can be found all across the nation but is most diverse in the Sarkos the Kapok tree is the most common in this forest in second place there is the Mangifera indica, this tree produces mangoes and can be found across all the Sarkos and the coast of Bentho, due to the Ausianan steppes, rain is hard to pass over the mountains which make most of the vegetation alive and fresh.

Fauna

Bentho is home to many animals, the Benthenses Capybara also the national animal is the most popular fauna in Bentho with around 500,000 in total the Most dangerous animal in Bentho is the jaguar with around 25,000 in Bentho alone. More animals are also the Orangutan, Hornbill, the Ausianan rhino, King cobra. The King Cobra is one of the few poisonous animals in Bentho but they are only found in the most far south-west part of the country.

Demographics

Religion

Relgion in Bentho

Najeeb el-Akel, a mosque in San Pera

Religion in Bentho has shifted over time. Prior to the World War, the prominent religion was Sanguine. The decline of religion in Bentho came largely as a result of the Bentho Depression in 1929 and the World War, both events which contributed to a major reevaluation of faiths in Bentheese society. In 2022, 78% of Bentho's population was non-religious.

The most followed religion in Bentho is Catholicism, with around 8% of the population (~905,000 people). Most catholic groups are located in the north of the country. The next largest religion is Shintoism, with 5% of Bentho's population practicing. Islam consists of around 3% of the population and is the fastest growing religion in Bentho. There are laws protecting Islam from hate-crimes, passed by presdient Mónica Ramos in 2003.

Bentho banned religious involvement in the government in the Bentho Constitution. As defined in article 7; "Any religion that has a way of overpowering the national or local government must be avoided at all costs, to protect it from biased behavior of his or her ways of life." However, someone who is religious can run for president or political office, though they can face being removed from office if it is deemed religion played a part in their policymaking.

Population

Bentho had a population around 11.3 million in 2022. The majority of the population is aged 24-29, contributing to Bentho having one of the youngest average populations in the world. It also has one of the highest literacy rates among its population, at 98.4% of people knowing how to read and write. However, Bentho has one of the slowest growing populations in the world, having not increased more than 30% since the end of the World War in 1954. Bentho's population is estimated to reach 18 million in 2050.

The majority of Bentho's population is native to Bentho, with 88% being native Bentheese, 2% Pongian, 5% Vulkarian. In 2022, the majority of foreign visitors or immigrants to Bentho spoke their native languages. The fertility rate in Bentho is 1.54 births per women. There is 993 males per 1,000 females in Bentho.

Politics

Legislature

Bentho has 3 branches of the government in the capital of San Pera. The Bentho Senate is the upper legislature, which has 100 seats (10 seats per state). The Bentho National Assembly has 500 seats. The senate votes on bills, laws, and holds the power to impeach political officeholders. The Senate, which was founded in 1604, has an election every 1.5 years. The National Assembly's purpose is largely focused on international issues, such as voting on treaties, militarily interventions, and trade deals. The National Assembly has an election every 6 years.

List of political parties in Bentho

Bentho Senate after the 2023 Election

Foreign Relations

Bentho has several diplomatic relations with nations around the world. Most nations have their consulates or embassies in San Pera. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by the Goverment of Bentho, oversees diplomatic ties. With globalization, Bentho's links to southwest Adula in particular have strengthened. Internationally, Bentho is a strong advocate of constitutional democracy and individual liberties. Its international relations historically have been guided by the principles of nonintervention, multilateralism, respect for national sovereignty, and reliance on the rule of law to settle disputes. The Constitution of which the government is mandated to follow the Constitution of Bentho

Bentho's closest ally is Pongi, due to similarities within their governments, historical and cultural relations, and recent global events.

States

States of Bentho

Province	Postal abbrev.	Capital	Population	National Asembly Seats
					District of San Pera	DSP	San Pera	1,893,098	10
Palno	PAL	Lazana	2,119,102	17
Caumao	CUA	Monsotivo	903,216	16
Chiquique	CHI	Huabo	1,236,908	8
Aregoyape	ARE	Caapulas	1,391,043	11
Jacardaes	JAC	Quipata	1,376,210	11
Florina	FLO	Jerica	408,554	9
Contacicaba	CON	Yebati	976,210	6
Barbagaba	BAR	Lamlota	983,219	8
Huamors	HUA	Tepiapó	1,413,637	12

Military

The main miltary of Bentho, the Benthenses Armed Forces (BAF), were created in 1859 after a failed goverment coup. Conscription is required for both men and women for at least 1 year, though some factors may alter that requirement such as sports, disability, or illness. Each member of the military has their bills paid for their family during their service. On the island of Huarmos, the Huarmos Island Forces (HIF) acts as an autonomous branch off the Benthenses Armed Forces. Nearly 250,000 of the Benthenses are currently in the miltary and around 1,000,000 reserve, thanks to conscription laws.

Bentho has few tense relations with other nations, and has not had its sovereignty threatened since the end of the World War, due in large part to its remote location. The military has three branches; the Bentho Army, Bentho Navy, and Bentho Air Force. The Bentheese Navy is a green-water navy and rarely operates outsie of the Sea of Vulkaria. The Navy has one aircraft carrier, called the NAE San Pera. The mission of the Air Force is to conduct strategic and tactical aerospace operations on behalf of the national defense, exercising the sovereignty of the Benthese airspace.

Culture

Sports

Sports in Bentho are a major part of its national identity and culture. The most popular sports are soccer, rugby, and baseball, hockey is also on the rise

Bentho Primera División is the biggest soccer league in Bentho, with Bentho Leauge 2, Bentho Leauge 3 Bentho Leauge 4 being lower leauges. The Bentho national football team represents Bentho in international tournaments like the World Cup and the Olympics.

Rugby is the second-most popular sport in Bentho. The Caapulas Capybaras placing runners-up in the International Rugby League's 2023 championship, falling short to the Tarijibar Lions. The Bentho Rugbi Liga is the main league in Bentho with 24 teams the season begins in mid July and ends in mid March,

Baseball is the third most popular sport in Bentho. The Liga Bentho Beisebol has lots of culture, mostly in the north of Bentho where the Trichado Bucaneers have the most victories with 21.

Hockey in Bentho is the 4th most popular sport, and is growing even though Bentho is a tropical country Hockey has a strong suit in Bentho and a hockey league was made in 2010 with the Quipata Avalanche winning their division cup most of the time followed by winning the whole competition.

Art

O Meditação, a Iker painting

Bentho's art scene is largely centered around painting. Benthos most famous painter, Iker Gutierrez, is well known for utilizing the natural landscapes of Bentho in his imagery, renowned often for choosing a seemingly random place in Bentho to paint. His most famous works include the O Meditação (the Meditation). Gutierrez, born in 1939, still produces art which he donates to the Arte do Bentho, the museum he frequented as a child.

Cuisine

Benthenses Cuisine is another important staple of the national culture. Depending on the area of the country, the food varies. The north of Bentho, with cities like San Pera, food tends to have more vegetables and flour. Wheat in Bentho is rare to find in culinary products, as rice, buckwheat, and tapioca is the main source of flour in Bentho. North Bentho Cuisine tends to have more products that are sweet and sour, thanks to its tropical climate. Bentho is the world's largest exporter of mangoes, and cooking with mangoes is quite common throughout the north of the country. In the southern mountainous regions, cuisine tends to be less diverse and less flavorful than the north.

Movies

Luciano Beltrão, a famous actor from Quipata, Bentho

Movies, or cinema, in Bentho have evolved into a significant cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences and contributing to the artistic landscape of the region. With a rich tradition of storytelling and a deep appreciation for the visual arts, Bentho's cinema industry has flourished, offering a diverse range of films that reflect the unique perspectives, narratives, and creative expressions of its people.

The development of Bentho's cinematic heritage can be traced back to the early days of silent films, where pioneers in the region experimented with the medium and crafted captivating stories using imagery and intertitles. As technology advanced, the introduction of synchronized sound and vibrant color brought new dimensions to the cinematic experience, captivating audiences with immersive storytelling and breathtaking visuals.

Bentho's film industry has seen the rise of visionary directors, talented actors, and skilled technicians who have pushed the boundaries of storytelling through their creativity and artistry. From thought-provoking dramas to lighthearted comedies, epic historical sagas to contemporary tales of love and identity, Bentho's cinema encompasses a wide range of genres and themes that resonate with local audiences while also appealing to international viewers.

Music

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  Bentheses Cheese Bread

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  Bentho Mango Chicken Salad from Trichado

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  Beef Empanada from Lazana

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  Garbanzo Beans mixed with beef sausage, a common breakfast

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  Bentheses styled Tacos

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  Bentheses Mango Cake

Economy

Bentho's economy has a socialistic and capitalist aspect to it, private industry is allowed but to get a business it must be approved by the goverment first. The business that the owner creates is owned and ran by the person who made it, but the government is the overseer-er and if the business does violates the contract it agreed to, it will be seized and handed over to the government. The auron is worth around Z$1.19

Trade

Bentho is a nation known for its flourishing trade relationship with its largest partner, Vulkaria. This cooperative bond has facilitated economic synergy and has been characterized by a history of collaboration. Notably, Bentho has not implemented any documented embargoes on other countries, nor has it faced significant trade embargoes from its trading partners.

One of the distinctive aspects of Bentho's economy is its thriving mango export industry. Bentho has become a global leader in mango production, captivating the taste buds of consumers worldwide with its delicious and high-quality mangoes. The export of this tropical fruit plays a pivotal role in Bentho's economic growth. The mango industry in Bentho contributes approximately $30.5 billion to the country's economy , making it a significant driver of economic prosperity. Moreover, this sector adds around $326.5 million to Bentho's economy each year, benefitting numerous livelihoods and supporting agricultural development in rural areas.

Energy

Salsio Dam

In the year 2020, Bentho, a small country with a commitment to sustainable energy, relied on various energy sources to power its infrastructure. The predominant energy source was hydroelectric power, accounting for a substantial 75.0% of the country's energy production. Additionally, solar energy contributed 15.5% to the overall energy mix, while wind power constituted 7.5%. Other renewable sources, such as geothermal and biomass, collectively provided 1.5% of the energy, showcasing Bentho's diversified approach towards sustainability. The remaining 0.5% comprised imported natural gas and oil, which were necessary to meet the country's energy demands.

Building on this momentum, the government of Bentho made another significant commitment in 2010. They entered into an agreement to transform the country into a net-zero nation by 2025. Recognizing the urgency of combating climate change, the government set forth an ambitious plan to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions entirely from the country's energy sector. Given the country's small size and manageable population, Bentho was uniquely positioned to achieve this ambitious target within a relatively short timeframe.

In pursuit of its net-zero ambitions, Bentho also focused on improving energy efficiency across all sectors. Encouraging energy-saving practices in residential, commercial, and industrial settings became a priority, with the government implementing policies and providing incentives to promote energy-efficient technologies and practices. These efforts not only contributed to reducing emissions but also helped in conserving energy resources and lowering energy costs for the citizens of Bentho.

Tourism

Tourism plays a pivotal role in the economy of Bentho, driving economic growth and contributing significantly to the nation's development. Blessed with natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a welcoming environment, Bentho has emerged as a sought-after tourist destination. The tourism industry in Bentho not only generates substantial revenue but also creates employment opportunities and fosters cultural exchange.

The tourism sector is a key pillar of Bentho's economy, accounting for a significant portion of its GDP. It is estimated that tourism contributes approximately 1 billion aurons annually to Bentho's economy. This substantial economic impact can be attributed to the influx of tourists who spend on accommodations, food, transportation, and various tourist activities, stimulating business growth and generating revenue across the country.

In a progressive move, Bentho has implemented a unique initiative known as the Work-Away Program, allowing tourists to engage in employment within the country without the need for a traditional work visa. This program enables tourists, particularly those facing financial constraints, to earn money while exploring the beauty of Bentho. Under the Work-Away Program, tourists can take up temporary employment opportunities in various sectors, such as hospitality, agriculture, and cultural exchange programs. This arrangement not only benefits the tourists by providing them with an opportunity to cover their travel expenses but also contributes to the local economy through their participation in the workforce.