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{{Region icon Kylaris}} [[Category:Carucere]] [[Category:Kylaris]]  [[Category:Countries]]
[[Category:Estmerish books]]
{{Infobox country
{{Infobox book <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Novels or Wikipedia:WikiProject_Books -->
|conventional_long_name      = Republic of Carucere
| name    = A Place Called Firstworld
|native_name                = <small> ''République d' Caruquère'' ({{wp|French language|Gaullican}}) \
| image    = Firstworld fall.png
|image_flag                  = Annene flag.png
| border    = yes
|alt_flag                    = [[Flag of Carucere|Flag]]
| caption  = First edition cover
|image_coat                  = Coat of arms of Annene.png
| author  = [[Jamie Woosley]]
|alt_coat                    = [[Coat of arms of Carucere|Coat of arms]]
| cover_artist = [[John Schoenherr]]
|symbol_type                = 
| country  = {{flag|Estmere}}
|national_motto              = "Liberté, Patrie, Unité"  ({{wpl|French language|Gaullican}})  <br> <small>(Liberty, Fatherland, Unity)</small>
| language = Estmerish
|national_anthem            = ''"Liberté"'' '<br>Liberty<br>
| series  = ''[[Firstworld]]''
[[File:MediaPlayer.png|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mygHTWZvJw|200px]]
| genre    = {{wp|science fiction}}
|royal_anthem                =
| publisher = [[Broadleaf Publishing]]
|other_symbol_type          =
| published = August 1967
|other_symbol                =
| media_type  = Print ({{wp|hardcover}} & {{wp|paperback}})
|image_map                  = Annene regional map.png
| pages    = 341 <!-- First edition hardcover page count-->
|map_width                  = 285px
| isbn    = <!--NA-->
|alt_map                    =
| followed_by  = [[The Nearest End]]
|map_caption                = Location of Carucere (green), within the Western Arucian archipelago (light grey)
|image_map2                  = File:Carucere info map.png
|map2_width                  = 285px
|alt_map2                    =
|map_caption2                =
|capital                    = [[File:Karthaflag.png|28px]] [[Le Carrefour]]
|latd=  | latm= | latNS =
|longd= |longm= |longEW =
|largest_city                = [[File:Karthaflag.png|28px]] [[Le Carrefour]]
|largest_settlement          =
|largest_settlement_type    = largest city
|official_languages          = {{wpl|French language|Gaullican}} • {{wpl|English language|Estmerish}}
|national_languages          =
|regional_languages          = 
|languages_type              = Recognized languages
|languages                  = [[Caruceran Creole]] <br> [[Caruceran Ziba]]
|ethnic_groups              =
{{unbulleted list
 
| 50.2% [[Bahio-Caruceran|Bahio-Caruceran]]
| 25.3% [[Gowsas in Carucere|Gowsan]]
| 19.8% [[Caruceran Métis|Mixed]]{{unbulleted list
| {{small|— 16.6% [[Caruceran Medi|Medi]]}}
| {{small|— 3.23 [[Caruceran Mulatto|Mulatto]]}}}}
| 4.5% Other {{unbulleted list
  | {{small|— 0.65% [[White Caruceran|Euclean]]}}}}
}}
|ethnic_groups_year          = 2021
|religion                    = {{unbulleted list
| 70.1% [[Sotirianity]] {{unbulleted list
| {{small|— 39.8% [[Solarian Catholic Church|Catholic]]}}
| {{small|— 26.9% [[Embrian Communion|Amendist]]}}
| {{small|— 3.4% Other Sotirian}}}}
| 8.6% [[Badi]]
| 10.6% Folk religions
| 10.7% {{wp|Irreligion|No religion}}/Other}}
|religion_year              = 2021
|demonym                    = Caruquèrais <br> Gajugeni <br> Caruceran
|legislature                = [[Senate of Carucere|Senate]]
|upper_house                =
|lower_house                =
|government_type            = {{wp|Unitary state|Unitary}} {{wp|Presidential system|presidential}} {{wp|Republic|constitutional republic}}
|leader_title1              = [[President of Carucere|President]]
|leader_name1                = [[Neil Gaubina]]
|leader_title2              = [[Premier of Carucere|Premier]]
|leader_name2                = [[Dazadiu Dogo]]
|leader_title3              = [[President of the Senate of Carucere |President of the Senate]]
|leader_name3                = [[Roy Dazeje]]
|leader_title4              = [[Chief Justice of Carucere|Chief Justice]]
|leader_name4                = [[Zegodu Dazeda]]
|sovereignty_type            = History of Carucere
|established_event1          = Colony established
|established_date1          = 1520
|established_event2          = Republic of Pirates
|established_date2          = 1712
|established_event3          = Theme established
|established_date3          = 1724
|established_event4          = Allied mandate
|established_date4          = 1935
|established_event5          = Incorporation into the [[United Provinces (Kylaris)|United Provinces]]
|established_date5          = 1945
|established_event6          = Independence
|established_date6          = 1954
|established_event7          = Current constitution
|established_date7          = 1961
|area_rank                  =
|area_magnitude              =
|area                        =
|area_km2                    = 8,165.51
|area_sq_mi                  =
|area_footnote              =
|percent_water              =
|area_label                  = Total
|area_label2                =
|area_dabodyalign            =
|population_estimate        =
|population_estimate_rank    =
|population_estimate_year    =
|population_census          = 537,238
|population_census_year      = 2021
|population_density_km2      = 65.79
|population_density_sq_mi    =
|population_density_rank    =
|GDP_PPP                    = $9.6 billion
|GDP_PPP_rank                =
|GDP_PPP_year                = 2021
|GDP_PPP_per_capita          = $17,937
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank    =
|GDP_nominal                = $5.7 billion
|GDP_nominal_rank            =
|GDP_nominal_year            = 2020
|GDP_nominal_per_capita      = $10,607
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank =
|Gini                        = 37.4
|Gini_rank                  =
|Gini_year                  = 2021
|Gini_category              =
|Gini_change            = increase
|HDI                        = 0.75
|HDI_rank                    =
|HDI_year                    = 2021
|HDI_category                =
|HDI_change                = increase
|currency                    = Arucian Shilling
|currency_code              = ARS
|time_zone                  =
|utc_offset                  =
|time_zone_DST              =
|antipodes                  =
|date_format                = dd/mm/yyyy
|DST_note                    =
|utc_offset_DST              =
|drives_on                  = right
|cctld                      = .ca
|iso3166code                = CAR
|calling_code                =
|image_map3                  =
|alt_map3                    =
|footnotes                  =
|footnote1                  =
|footnote2                  =
|footnote7                  =
}}
'''Carucere''' ({{wp|French language|Gaullican}}: ''Caruquère'', [[Caruceran Creole]]: ''Karukure'', [[Caruceran Ziba]]: ''Gajuge''), formally known as the ''' Republic of Carucere''' ({{wp|French language|Gaullican}}: ''République d' Caruquère'',  [[Caruceran Creole]]: ''Repiblik d Karukure'', [[Caruceran Ziba]]: ''Gajugeboga''), also known as '''''Îles de Reine-Anne''''' (Queen Anne's Islands), is a small island nation between [[Asteria Superior]] and [[Asteria Inferior]] in the [[Arucian Sea]]. Consisting of the main islands of [[Marien]] and [[Magua]], and numerous much smaller islands, it shares maritime borders with [[Sainte-Chloé]] to the west, [[Imagua and the Assimas]] to the north, and [[Aucuria]] to the east and south.
 
Before the arrival of Euclean settlers, the islands were home to {{wp|Taíno|Nati}} tribes scattered across the mountainous terrain. Carucere was discovered during the voyage of the Gaullican explorer [[Auguste de Antibes]], who named it after the Queen of [[Gaullica]], [[Anne the Financier]]. It was colonized by [[Estmere]] in 1520, who established a port in the strait between Marien and Magua, which formed a large natural harbor. The island's strategic location and ideal geography for a naval base played a critical role in [[Estmere]]'s attempts to contest Gaullica's control over Arucian Sea. Following [[Estmere]]'s defeat in the [[Ten Years War]] in 1721, Carucere was annexed by Gaullica and most of its population were expelled. Gaullican control would only last for fifty years before Estmere regained control of the islands after the [[Asterian War of Secession]]. Estmere controlled the island until it was finally regained by Gaullica after the [[War of the Triple Alliance]].
 
The multiple handovers left Carucere less settled and developed than other colonies in the Arucian. A ban on the slave trade and slavery in the 19th century led the Gauillican government to import tens of thousands of [[gowsa|gowsas]] to the islands for labor. By the turn of the century, gowsas formed a plurality of the population. After the [[Great War Kylaris|Great War]], ownership of the islands was stripped from Gaullica's possession and transferred to a joint Allied commission which later established the [[Arucian Federation]], consisting of [[Sainte-Chloé]] and Carucere. In 1945, both states formed a federation with [[Bonaventure]] and [[Imagua and the Assimas]], forming the [[United Provinces (Kylaris)|United Provinces of the Western Arucian Islands]]. During Sainte-Chloé’s secession from the United Provinces, Carucere declared independence from the United Provinces by a self-organized referendum.
 
The new republic was characterized by political dysfunction caused by ethnic tensions between Gowsas and Bahio-Carucerans. In 1957, a clique of Bahian officers within the military launched a failed coup when it appeared the pro-Gowsa PGU party would win the country's first election. The failed coup marked the apex of an intense period of intense racial violence known as the [[Unrest (Carucere)|Unrest]]. In response,  moderate elements of the military led by [[Jean Préval]] launched a successful [[1958 Carucerean coup d'état|military coup]] to restore order. In 1961, Préval declared the restoration of the Republic and drafted a new constitution to establish a pluralistic and inclusive state. Préval was elected President in 1962 and remained in office until his death in 1972. His Presidency oversaw the promotion of multiracialism, the creation of a national identity, and the development and diversification of the economy from a purely extractive and agriculture based one.
 
Today Carucere is an upper-middle income country. The legacy of [[Gaullica|Gaullican]] rule is reflected in the country's political administration and the country's population of [[Gowsa|Gowsan]] and [[Bahia|Bahian]] peoples. The islands’ rapidly growing economy consists of a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and various service-based businesses. However the disparities between the richer coast and the poorer interior are very visible especially in income inequality and standards of living. The collapse of the dominant party system that revolved around the [[Rally of the Carucerean People|Popular Rally]] and the return of race based politics has led to recent political instability. Carucere is a member of the [[Community of Nations]], the [[Organization of Asterian Nations]], and the [[Arucian Cooperation Organization]].
==Etymology==
The archipelago was called ''Karukera'' or "The Island of Beautiful Waters" by the native {{wp|Taíno|Nati}} tribes. [[Auguste de Antibes]] renamed it ''Îles de Reine-Anne'' or Queen Anne's Islands after the Queen of Gaullica at the time, [[Anne the Financier]]. Although the latter was used as its official name in state documents during Gaullican rule, the name ''Karukera'', later spelled as Carucere, was more commonly used by the islands' population. Upon the country's ascension to the [[United Provinces (Kylaris)|United Provinces]], it officially adopted Carucere as its name. 
==History==
===Prehistory===
The ancient history of the island is not well known. Archeological evidence suggests humans may have first settled or visited Carucere around 1600 BCE, but this remains a highly debated topic. It is definitively known that around the 4th to 7th centuries CE, the {{wp|Taíno|Nati}} peoples migrated to the island. Settlements of Nati appeared all over the island by around 1000 CE. When Euclean explorers arrived to the island in 16th century, the island's population was estimated to be around 20,000 to 40,000 peoples divided amongst four or five tribes separated by the mountainous terrain. They lived in small villages, each led by a cacique or chief. They subsisted by hunting and fishing, with hunting generally done by men and the women harvesting the indigenous cassava root and fruit. Recent archeological explorations have uncovered the major role the [[Anne Strait]] has played in their society. This lasted until Euclean colonisation in 1520.
===Colonial era===
====Early colonial rule====
The island of Carucere was discovered in the year 1498 by the Gaullican explorer [[Auguste de Antibes]], who named the island after Queen Anne of Gaullica and claimed it on behalf of her country. Antibes did not step foot on the island, but his expedition noted the island's mountainous terrain and rocky coast during a pass of the island and reported it as unsuited for settlement. For unknown reasons, he failed to notice the [[Anne Strait]], possibly due to poor weather. Eucleans did not return to the island until 1518, when an expedition of Estmerish surveyors were tasked with properly exploring the island. During the expedition, they discovered the strait and quickly realized the strategic value of the strait that formed a large natural harbor. After scouting out the strait, they quickly returned to Estmere.
 
In 1530 Estmere founded [[Kingston]] on the southern island of Marien within the Anne Strait. The massive natural harbor formed by the Strait made the location of [[Kingston]] an ideal place for a large {{wp|naval base}} and {{wp|anchorage}}. The first naval facilities around [[Kingston]] were built in 1525; the settlement quickly became a major trade port and home to one of the largest naval bases in the Asterias. Alongside [[Port de la Sainte]] in the Sainte-Chloé archipelago, it was the center of early naval activity in the Asterias, containing docking, construction, and repair facilities. Despite its small size compared to the Sainte-Chloé archipelago, Carucere played a large role in being the "Gateway to the Asterias". Carucere's strategic role was highlighted during the [[Amendist Wars]], when Estmere used the island to launch attacks against Sainte-Chloé.
 
The colonial government experienced fierce resistance by the indigenous population against attempts to convert them to the Estmerish branch of  [[Embrian Communion|Amendism]] and to use them as forced labor. While diseases devastated the population on both islands, the terrain offered many places for indigenous people to hide and resist. They descended from the mountains to attack Gaullican settlements while the colonial authorities raided their villages for slaves. In 1532, the Estmerish successfully defeated a rebellion and massacred hundreds of people on Magua and forced them to retreat to Marien, which offered greater safety. When they revolted again in 1578, the Viceroy retaliated with a military expedition; many were killed by the Estmerish and those captured were enslaved to work on the plantations. The rebellion marked the end of major resistance on the island, with the survivors fleeing further into the interior. Thereafter the native population went into terminal decline and were virtually wiped out by the beginning of the following century.
 
The 17th century on Carucere passed largely without major incident, although there was widespread piracy. Carucere remained as a highly strategic location for Estmere, although as [[Satucin]] became the center of the Gaullican empire in [[Asteria Inferior]]. In addition to its major port and naval base, Carucere developed a plantation economy While it was overshadowed by the economic production of the Sainte-Chloé islands, Carucere developed sugar and tobacco plantations centered around settlements. Nevertheless the islands' mountainous terrain and its geopolitical position hindered the widespread expansion of cash crops. The development of new plantations in Carucere were largely concentrated on the island of Magua and around the Anne Strait. By the late 17th century, the total population of the islands were roughly 10,000 people. The sparse settlement and limited development made Carucere one of the less populated colonies of the Arucians, with the least developed plantation infrastructure.
 
[[File:Martinique 1667.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|275px|The Gaullican raid on modern-day  in 1713]]
Piracy around Carucere became a significant issue by the end of the 17th century as corrupt local authorities and military officials allowed pirates to operate openly. The era of true pirate control occurred when [[Le Carrefour]] was razed by a Gaullican fleet during the [[Ten Years' War]] in 1713. Afterwards the islands were abandoned by colonial authorities and were taken over by pirates who were already based on the coast of Marien. Carucere became a [[Republic of Pirates|pirate republic]], a stronghold for pirates which allowed them to raid and cause havoc with trade and shipping in the Western Acurian Islands. It was governed by an informal clique of pirates, led by the captains Firebeard and Graves. Following the war, Estmere’s colonies, including Carucere, were annexed by Gaullica. To restore order, they launched an anti-piracy operation coupled with an offer for clemency and an opportunity to become privateers. After the establishment of Gaullican rule, Carucere was organized into the Theme of Riene Anne under the [[Viceroyalty of the New Aurean]].
====Late colonial rule====
The new colonial administration expelled the majority of Estmerish settlers and their slaves and renamed many settlments and landmarks. Afterwards, its recorded population in 1724 was a mere 20,000 people, so they sought to further develop the Theme of Riene Anne. To attract more settlers, the government granted free land and tax exemption for 10 years to Solarian Catholic settlers who were willing to swear allegiance to the Gaullican monarchy. Sailors were also attracted by the offer to become state sponsored privateers and raid foreign shipping. However attempts to expand the production of cash crops suffered the same problems that the colony experienced in the centuries prior. While there was interest in developing plantations, the mountainous terrain continued to limit development to the flat areas on the eastern and around the Anne Strait. Furthermore the eastern coastal plain known as the ''Plaine Orientale''; while flat, was swampy and riddled with malaria. While there were some tobacco plantations and a salt harvesting operation, the death rates among slaves were very high. The main industry of the islands continued to be shipbuilding and repair work at the islands' rebuilt and expanded shipyards in the Anne Strait. By 1770, the islands' economy and population started growing rapidly. A census taken in 1771 showed that the island's population had grown to over 50,000 people. The vast majority of the population were slaves, but also included a varied population of mixed race individuals, free Bahians, Dezevauni workers, retired pirates and Gaullican settlers.
 
Carucere was a key target for Estmere during the [[Asterian War of Secession]] and was attacked several times by the Estmerish fleet. Following the war Carucere was returned to Estmere, along with several other former Estmerish colonies. The new colonial administrators expelled most of the Gaullican settlers who refused to pledge allegiance to Estmere and most of their slaves were confiscated by the state to work on the formerly Gaullican plantations. However Estmere banned the trade of slaves in 1741, which led to an a severe agricultural labor shortage. To alleviate this issue Estmere began to import some [[gowsa|gowsas]], emigrants from modern-day [[Dezevau]], to the colony for labor. The vast majority of gowsans arrived under indentureship contracts, although a few migrated freely. A second, more severe, labor shortage occurred in the late 1790s after newly emancipated slaves refused to continue working on the plantations which led to a second wave of gowsan migrants. These contracts were often exploitative, but after their contracts expired, Estmere offered portions of land to gowsas to encourage settlement. Over 90% of gowsas accepted the offer instead of returning to Dezevau.
 
[[File:Newly arrived coolies in Trinidad.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.25|275px|Newly arrived indentured gowsas on Marien.]]
In 1854, Carucere was again embroiled in war after Estmere intervened in the [[War of the Triple Alliance]]. After a decisive naval battle in favor of the Triple Alliance, Gaullican troops landed on the island with the intent of seizing the island. After a few battles, the island’s garrison surrendered and the island was occupied by Gaullica. In the Congress of Torrazza, their control of the island was affirmed, restoring the Theme of Riene Anne. Estmerish settlers were again largely expelled, although the free blacks of the islands were permitted to stay provided that they pledge loyalty to Gaullica and convert to Catholicism. LIke Estmere, Gaullica addressed ongoing labor shortage by importing gowsas, but this time in large numbers with the help of the [[Saint Bermude's Company]].     
 
The discovery of anti-malarial medication and better agricultural technology and techniques, led to another rapid expansion of the island's economy. Development, led by newly settled gowsas, was most intense in Magua and the ''Plaine Orientale'' of Marien. By the mid 19th century, more than half of the cash crops of the islands were being produced by independent farmers; the majority of which were gowsas. By then Carucere became the center of gowsa migration to the Arucian; while the majority of gowsas arriving to the islands continued to be indentured servants, a growing number of free gowsas came to Carucere. Gowsas were subject to intense Gaullicanization programs by the colonial government by promoting the Gaullican language over Ziba and converting them to [[Solarian Catholic Church|Solarian Catholicism]]. Although many gowsas converted to Sotirianity, they largely kept their culture and identity. The large number of Gowsas migrating to Carucere, colonial authorities granting gowsas land, and the tendency of gowsa men to take bahian wives led to racial tensions with the Bahio-Carucerean population.
 
Carucere was used as a staging ground for the Gaullican navy during the [[War of the Arucian]]. for their attacks on [[Aucuria]]. Combined with emigration of free blacks, the colony's population turned from overwhelmingly Bahian to plurality gowsas.
 
===Two federations period===
===Post-independence era===
[[File:Cordobazo.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.25|275px|Riots in [[Le Carrefour]] during the [[Unrest (Carucere)|Unrest]] in September 1957.]]
Carucere gained independence from the [[United Provinces (Kylaris)|United Provinces]] on 14 February 1954. The new country retained most of the institutions and norms created under the United Provinces including a parliamentary system and a power sharing agreement between the largely catholic gaullophone gowsans and the largely admendist estmerophone bahians. An attempt to draft a new constitution was beset by disagreements over political structure, languages, religious rights, and the future of the power sharing agreement. After the failure of the constitutional convention, the provisional government resigned and elections were held in 1957. As the election campaign progressed, ethnic tensions exploded into violent riots and election day saw attempts by mobs to interfere with voting. When it appeared that the gaullophone pro-Gowsa PGU party had won, elements of the military attempted a coup. While the coup failed, many members of the new government were killed, and a period of ethnic violence known as the [[Unrest (Carucere)|Unrest]] rocked the country. An emergency {{wp|national unity government}} was formed but was incapable of resolving the crisis. Fearing a fundamental breakdown of law and order, the Carucerean military at the direction of [[Jean Préval]] launched a [[1958 Carucerean coup d'état|military coup]], suspending the provisional constitution and establishing an "interim" government.
 
The government suppressed violent groups and established strict punishments for ethnic and religious hate crimes. In 1958, Préval published the [[People's Charter for Change, Peace, and Progress]] which declared three fundamental principles that the new constitution should embody which were establishing ethnic and religious equality, preventing racial politics, and embracing the country's {{wp|multiracialism|multiracial}} nature. A new constitution was drafted and ratified ahead of the country's second election in 1962. Under the constitution he created, Jean Préval and his [[Liberal Party of Carucere|Liberal Party]] party won in a landslide and he was elected President. Widely regarded as "The Father of The Nation", Préval served as President uninterrupted until his death in 1972. His Presidency oversaw reconciliation efforts between the gowsa and the bahian peoples and the creation of economic programs to transition the country away from an extractive and agriculture based economy. During his presidency, the Popular Rally served as multi-ethnic mass movement and political party for the majority of Carucereans.
 
The turmoil of the [[Sugar Crash]] and Sugar High during the 1960s and 1970s greatly impacted the economy of Carucere. The extreme fluctuation in the price of sugar bankrupted many of the old sugar plantations and represented the final time agriculture formed the basis of the country's economy. A collapse of the national economy was prevented by government intervention and the ongoing diversification of Carucere's economy into the tourism and manufacturing sectors. The transition was greatly accelerated by the crash and international investments. Nevertheless economic growth stagnated by the 1960s before slowly recovering by the 1970s. However another crash in the price of sugar and a rise in the price of commodities resulted in a recession in 1980, causing rising inflation and unemployment. Préval's successor, President [[Victorin Lurel]] was accused of economic mismanagement and favoritism toward the gowsas. In addition he was accused of authoritarianism over the country and the party, especially after he passed a constitutional amendment that asserted the power of the President over the Senate. A leadership challenge by reformists resulted in a major party split among ethnic lines.
 
The collapse of the Liberals' support among the estmerophone population led to the formation of over a dozen opposition parties which quickly merged into new political parties or formed electoral alliances. In 1990 a united front of political parties under the [[National Alliance for Change]] won and elected James Serville as President. He was unable to hold together the fragile NAC coalition and successive elections saw a return to unstable political alliances. After a period of political dysfunction caused by a series of close election results, Patrick Dazeje of the Liberal Party rose to power in 2002, retaining that position until 2010. His Presidency saw further economic development, including the construction of several {{wp|geothermal energy|geothermal}} power plants with assistance of [[Dezevau]]. The government was defeated in the 2010 election by the [[People's Union]] due to fears that Carucere was becoming too close to councilist Dezevau. However, the new administration was accused of corruption and the PU were defeated in 2014 by the Liberal Party.
==Geography==
{{stack begin}}
[[File:Carucere map.png|thumb|upright=1.25|350px|Map of Carucere]]
[[File:Carucere topo.png|thumb|upright=1.25|350px|Carucere's topography]]
{{stack end}}
Carucere lies 6 degrees north and 78 degrees east in the western [[Arucian Sea]]. The islands are considered to be part of the western Arucian archipelago which includes the island countries of [[Sainte-Chloé]], [[Imagua and the Assimas]], [[Bonaventure]], and parts of [[Aucuria]] and [[Eldmark]]. There is considerable debate among geographers on whether the region should be considered geographically part of [[Asteria Superior]] or [[Asteria Inferior]]. In recent decades, a growing number of people consider the western Arucian archipelago to be its own subregion based upon a common political, cultural, and historical heritage. Geologically the islands sits upon the Asteria Inferior plate, with the Arucian rift to the north. 
 
Covering an area of 8,165.51 km<sup>2</sup> (3152.7 sq mi), the country consists of two main islands, [[Marien]] and [[Magua]], separated by the [[Anne Strait]] which forms a large {{wp|natural harbor}}, plus a number of much smaller islands. [[Marien]] is 6,708 km<sup>2</sup> (2589.9 sq mi), comprising 82.1% of the country's area. [[Magua]] is 1,433.8 km<sup>2</sup> (553.6 sq mi), comprising 17.5% of the country's area. The remaining area is distributed among the country's small islands. 
 
[[Marien]] is very mountainous, with [[Monte Cinto]] as the highest peak at 2,123 m (6,965 ft), and around 120 other summits of more than 1,500 m (4,921 ft). The country's central spine, a northwest–southeast axis of steep volcanic slopes and deep gorges, generally varies in elevation from 300 to 1,400 metres (984 to 4,593 ft) above sea level. Several east-west trending mountain spurs extend to the narrow coastal plains in the west and south, which are studded with sea cliffs. The interior features rugged mountains of volcanic origin. Volcanism is evident on the island. Marien is water-rich with swift-flowing highland streams, which cascade into deep gorges and form natural pools and crater lakes. The streams are not navigable, but many are sources of hydroelectric power. The southeastern region of the island, known as the ''Plaine Orientale'', is a coastal plain and the flattest region of the island. The Plains has a number of coastal lagoons separated from the oceans by small sandbars. In addition marshland is also extensive on the coast in the region. As a result, {{wp|malaria}} has historically been a problem near the marshlands and swamps in the area, which limited its development in the past. The major bodies of freshwater on Marien are all artificial, formed by dams to create reservoirs. 
 
The [[Anne Strait]] divides the two main islands. The strait consists of four channels; two in the west and two in the east, with a large bay in the center. It has a shallow sandy bottom, averaging about 30 m (100 ft) deep. The natural harbor has an area of 271.98 km<sup>2</sup> (105 sq mi). Magua is the smaller of the two main islands. The majority of the island are also covered by highlands and mountains; The island's highest peak is at 1,447 meters (1,640 ft), which is surrounded by an elevated plateau. However the island's terrain significantly less rugged than the island of Marien, featuring rolling hills and gentle mountain slopes. 
 
Magua is the more populated of the two islands despite its smaller size due to its earlier settlement and less harsh terrain. The population centers of the islands are largely centered around the [[Anne Strait]]. There are four major municipalities on the islands, the capital [[Le Carrefour]] and the cities of [[Tiburon]], [[Fort-Royal]], and [[Caracol]].
===Geology===
Carucere consists of geologically young volcanic islands, formed by volcanism from the Carucerean {{wp|Hotspot (geology)|hotspot}}. It is also speculated that uplift from a rising magma plume played a role in the island's formation. As a result, the island of Marien is highly geologically active with several major volcanoes, such as [[Monte Cinto]]. Carucere is part of a large cluster of hotspots and {{wp|large igneous province|large igneous provinces}} that form the Western Arucian Archipelago, formed by tectonic activity from the {{wp|rift}} between the [[Asteria Superior]] and [[Asteria Inferior]] tectonic plates. The region is one of the most geologically active places in the world.
===Climate===
Carucere has a maritime {{wp|tropical climate}}. There are two seasons annually: the dry season from January to June, and the rainy season from July to December. Winds are predominantly from the northwest and are dominated by the northwest trade winds. The climate varies significantly on the islands based upon elevation and the side of the island. In higher elevation on both islands, the climate is often cooler than that of the sweltering heat of the plains below, due to constant cloud and mist cover, and heavy rains in the mountains. The leeward side of the islands are noticeably drier due to drier winds and the dry season. 
===Biodiversity===
[[File:Artibeus jamaicensis.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.25|210px|The {{wp|Jamaican fruit bat|Arucian fruit bat}} can found across the country.]]
Carucere shares a similar biological diversity with other western Arucian islands. The country contains five terrestrial ecoregions; moist forests, Lesser dry forests, montane warm forests, xeric scrub, and mangroves. The main ecosystems in Carucere are coastal, marine, forest, freshwater, karst, man-made ecosystems, and savanna.
 
The islands' fertile volcanic soils, heavy rainfall and a warm climate result in lush vegetation. Most of the islands' remaining forests are on Marien, containing such plants such as mahogany, ironwood, and chestnut trees. Mangrove swamps are common on the coasts and the river mouths of Marien. However much of the forest on Magua has been cleared, with only a few patches remaining.
 
The rainforest lies between 300 and 1,000 m of altitude on the windward side of the islands, home to trees such as white gum and the chestnut tree; shrubs and herbaceous plants like as the mountain palm, the ballsier or ferns. Above 1,000 m, is a humid savannah composed of mosses, lichens, sphagnum and larger plants such as high altitude violet or mountain thyme. On the leeward side of Marien are tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests. The most prominent plant in the biome are the {{wp|Guaiacum officinale|guaiacwood}} and the {{wp|Guaiacum sanctum|holywood}} trees which were valued for the quality of their wood.
 
Few terrestrial mammals, aside from bats and raccoons, are native to the islands. Bird species include the endemic purple-throated carib, Carucere woodpecker and the {{wp|Imperial amazon|Sisserou parrot}} which is the country's national bird and is endemic to the islands. The waters of the islands support a rich variety of marine life. Most notably a group of sperm whales live in this area year-round. Other cetaceans commonly seen in the area include spinner dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins and bottlenose dolphins.
 
===Environmental preservation===
Carucere's environment suffered significant damage during the colonial era from the development of intensive crops, especially tobacco and sugarcane, as well the large scale harvesting of guaiacwood and holywood trees. Prior to the 20th century, it is estimated that Marien lost between 10-20 percent of its original forests and Magua lost up to 60 percent of its original forests. Threats to the country's biodiversity today include over-hunting and poaching, habitat loss and fragmentation, water pollution, and introduction of invasive species and pathogens. Habitat loss is a major issue largely caused by land clearance for quarrying, agriculture, squatting, housing and industrial development and road construction. Proposals to build more dams have been halted due to environmental concerns.
 
==Government & Politics==
Carucere's politics occurs in the framework of an independent {{wp|Unitary state|unitary}} ''de facto'' {{wp|Presidential system|presidential}} {{wp|Republic|republic}}. The government is based on the [[Constitution of the Republic of Carucere]] which describes the country as a {{wp|parliamentary system|parliamentary}} republic with power centered in the legislature. In reality, political power is centered around the powerful [[President of Carucere]], who is both {{wp|head of state}} and {{wp|head of government}}. The legislature of the country is the {{wp|unicameralism|unicameral}} [[Senate of Carucere]] which plays a secondary, but important role in national politics. Judicial authority is delegated to the national court system led by the [[Court of the Republic (Carucere)|Court of the Republic]] and [[Council of State of Carucere|Council of State]]. Carucere is a centralized unitary state, although the  [[Western Region of Carucere|Western Region]] is granted significantly more autonomy.
 
Under the country's provisional constitution at independence, Carucere was a {{wp|parliamentary system|parliamentary}} state with a President as head of state and a Premier as head of government. However under [[Jean Préval]]'s constitution and Presidency, political power was centralised within the office. After Préval's death, his successors formalized the powers of the presidency through several constitutional amendments. As a result, Carucere's politics combines aspects from the {{wp|parliamentary system|parliamentary}} and {{wp|parliamentary system|presidential}} political systems. Since the President remains indirectly elected, political scholars continue to debate whether the country is a presidential republic or has created a new system entirely.
 
===Governance===
{{multiple image
| align    = right
| image1    = Irfaan Ali in 2020.jpg
| width1    = 148
| caption1  = [[Neil Gaubina]] <br /><small>[[President of Carucere|President]]</small>
| image2    = Kamla Persad-Bissessar - World Economic Forum on Latin America 2011 (cropped).jpg
| width2    = 124
| caption2  = [[Dazadiu Dogo]] <br /><small>[[Premier of Carucere|Premier]]</small>
}}
The [[President of Carucere]] is  {{wp|head of state}} and {{wp|head of government}} of the country. The Presidency is granted wide ranging powers and responsibilities; mainly serving as chief diplomat, chief legislator, and the commander in chief of the armed forces. The president is responsible for conducting foreign relations, such as approving treaties, declaring war, and making peace, as well acting as {{wp|commander in chief}} of the [[Carucere Defence Force]]. The president, by approval of the [[Cabinet of Carucere]], can issue broad decrees with the force of legislation as long as it is determined to be constitutional. However, decrees cannot override existing legislation and the Senate can pass legislation to override a decree. The President lacks {{wp|veto}} powers and must promulgate all laws presented to them, although they can refer a law to the [[Council of State of Carucere|Council of State]] for constitutional review. Other powers of the president include granting {{wp|amnesty}}, {{wp|pardon}}, or clemency on recommendation by the Senate, declaring martial law, and conferring honors and decorations. The President is elected by the Senate after a legislative election to a term of 4 years.
 
The President is assisted by the [[Premier of Carucere]] as deputy head of government. The Premier largely serves to implement policy on direction of the President, instead of making it. As both part of the executive and legislative branch, the Premier serves as the link between the Senate and the Presidency. The Premier is a member of the [[Cabinet of Carucere]], which consists of various high-ranking state officials, including the President and over a dozen {{wp|Ministry (government department)|ministers}}. The Cabinet largely functions as an advisory council by providing opinions and advice for the President. However the Cabinet's approval for measures regarding certain matters such as decrees and submitting legislation to the Senate is required. The President has the power to nominate the Premier and the rest of the Cabinet, but they must be approved by the Senate; in addition the Premier must be a current member of the Senate. 
 
<div style="float:right; padding-right:20px;">{{Sidebar
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| outertitle = [[Senate of Carucere]]
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| image = [[File:Bridgetown barbados parliament building.jpg|200px]]
 
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[[Image:Senate of Carucere seats.svg|240px|center]]
 
'''Government'''<br>{{Color box|#CE0F25|border=black}} [[Liberal Party of Carucere]] (55) <br>'''Opposition'''<br>{{Color box|#64A638|border=black}} [[Alliance for National Unity]] (43)}}
</div>
 
The [[Senate of Carucere]] is the country's legislative body. The Senate consists of 179 members democratically elected by nationwide {{wp|proportional representation}} with a 10% {{wp|electoral threshold}}. The Senate is the supreme legislative authority, but by convention it usually debates and votes on legislation submitted by the Premier instead. Nevertheless, the Senate wields several important powers over the President. It has the power to approve appointments by the President which includes the Premier and the appointed members of the Cabinet, as well has the power to dismiss them by a simple majority vote. Although the Senate generally allows the executive to begin the legislative procedure, ultimately the Senate's legislative authority supersedes the executive's, which allows it to have final say on any measure proposed by the executive. Finally it has the power to impeach and dismiss a President from office with a two-thirds majority vote.
 
===Political parties===
Carucere's politics were dominated by the [[LIberal Party of Carucere|Liberal Party]] until the 1980s when its support among the estmerophone population. Unlike many other democracies in the world, the country's politics are divided by ethnic groups rather than ideology.
 
Today Carucere has a {{wp|two-party system}} as a result of the Senate's high {{wp|electoral threshold}} that prevents small political parties from being elected despite the proportional voting system. Parties usually form loose political alliances to contest each election to ensure that they collectively cross the 10% threshold. The parties currently represented in the Senate are the [[Liberal Party of Carucere]], and the [[Democratic Party of Carucere|Democratic Party]]. The [[Liberal Party of Carucere]] are generally supported by the [[Gowsas in Carucere|Gowsan]] population while Bahio-Carucerans support the  [[Democratic Party of Carucere|Democratic Party]]. The Medi population generally support the Liberal Party, although many vote for various opposition parties.
 
===Judiciary and Law Enforcement===
[[File:Police car on Guadeloupe.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.25|225px|National Police car in [[Le Carrefour]].]]
The Carucrean legal system based upon the Gaullican system which is in turn based on [[Solarian Law]], [[Verliquoian Law]] and the ''{{wp|Napoleonic Code|allgemeines gesetzbuch}}''. The Carucrean court system is split into two court types and three jurisdictional levels. The two types of courts are judicial courts which handle criminal and civil cases and administrative courts which handle cases that concern the exercise of public power. The three levels of the judiciary are the prefecture court, the regional appeal courts, and the two national courts. The highest court concerning civil and criminal law is the [[Court of the Republic (Carucere)|Court of the Republic]] and the administrative courts are headed by the [[Council of State of Carucere|Council of State]]. The Council of State is the highest judicial authority in the country, serving as the supreme {{wp|administrative court|administrative}} and  {{wp|constitutional}} court in the country. In addition, it serves as the legal adviser of the executive branch on matters of constitutional law.
 
The two main national {{wp|law enforcement}} agencies of Carucere are the civilian [[National Police of Carucere]] and the military [[Gendarmerie of Carucere]]. The National Police is the country's primary law enforcement agency with primary jurisdiction in cities and large towns. It closely cooperates with the three regional police forces of Carucere. The Gendarmerie's primary jurisdiction is in smaller towns, as well as in rural and offshore areas. For operations  offshore, the Gendarmerie cooperates with the Coast Guard. The three regional police forces of Carucere cover the entire island of Magua, and the western and eastern regions of Marien. No local police forces exist; instead units are stationed within a settlement or assigned to cover a small region.
 
===Foreign relations===
As a former member of the [[United Provinces (Kylaris)|United Provinces]], Carucere is closely linked to its island neighbors. It is a full member of the [[Arucian Cooperation Organization]] and participates in the organisation's customs area, visa free area, and common market. Carucere's shares especially close cultural and economic ties with [[Sainte-Chloé]] due to its geographical proximity and a common colonial history under Gaullica. The country also has good ties with the countries bordering the Western Arucian Sea. Carucere is also a member of the global [[Community of Nations]] and the continental [[Organization of Asterian Nations]].
 
Due to its colonial legacy, Carucere shares many ties with countries around the world. It has many ties with its former coloniser, [[Gaullica]] and is a member of its [[Association of Gaullophone States]]. Carucere has a unique relationship with [[Dezevau]] due to significant migration of [[gowsa|gowsas]] to the country during the 19thcentury. Due to a common heritage, the two countries have cultivated social, cultural, scientific, and economic ties since the 1990s.  For the past two decades, Dezevau has assisted with the economic development of the country, focusing on {{wp|hydropower}} and {{wp|geothermal energy}}. However Dezevau's social and cultural links are significantly more controversial, especially with the Bahio-Carucerean population as Dezevau is commonly perceived to favor the Gowsa population. For this reason, Carucere's relations with Dezevau have been described as bipolar and largely determined by the current President.
 
===Military===
The [[Carucere Defence Force]] is the nation's military and is responsible for the defence of the country. It consists of the Battalions, the Coast Guard, and the Gendarmerie. Its primary mission is to defend Carucere and protect the territorial integrity of Carucere. The largest active branch of the Defence Force is the Coast Guard, who is tasked with patrolling its waters and providing assistance and relief in times of disaster. In addition to a small surface fleet, the Coast Guard operates several helicopters and light patrol aircraft that functions as the country's air force. The Battalions functions as the main standing land forces of the country, organized into two battalions of 1000 personnel each. The Gendarmerie operates as the national police force and supplements the sole national police forces and the three regional police forces of the island.
 
The Defence Forces originates from the Provincial Guard of the [[Province of Carucere]] under the [[United Provinces (Kylaris)|United Provinces]], which functioned as a national police force. Following the country's independence, the Guard was reorganised and expanded into the Defence Forces in 1955. Today, the Defence Force largely operates as an internal security keeping force and disaster response agency.
 
===Administrative divisions===
Carucere is a unitary state divided into seven prefectures, two municipality, and a region. With the exception of the Western Region, these subdivisions generally lack autonomy and largely serve for ease of adminstration by the central government. Prefectures are governed by a prefecture and are governed by an Senate consisting of a mixture of elected and appointed members. The country's two municipalities, the capital city of [[Le Carrefour]] and [[Fort Royal]], are governed by a mayor and an elected council. These bodies largely serve to assist in the adminstration of their subdivisions. Elections for these bodies are held every four years. The [[Western Region of Carucere]] is granted significantly more autonomy than the other administrative divisions. It is governed by the Western Regional Senate who elects a prefect who has control over some spending such as infrastructure and education.
 
==Demographics==
The population of Carucere is estimated to be around 540 thousand people in 2022, making it the least populated country in the Western Arucian islands. The last census conducted in 2021, recorded a population of 537,238 of whom 268,454 were males and 268,784 were females. Ethnic, racial, and religious statistics are tracked by the government. The population on the island of Marien were 292,518 and that of Mauga was 214,881; the remainder of the country's population lives on the many smaller islands. Carucere is a multiethnic society, drawn from [[Southeast Coius|Southeast Coian]] and [[Bahia|Bahian]] origins as well as [[Euclea|Euclean]] origns.
===Ethnic groups===
{{bar box
|title=Ethnic groups of Carucere
|titlebar=#ddd
|left1=Ethnic groups
|right1=percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Gowsas in Carucere|Gowsan]]|Blue|40.3}}
{{bar percent|[[Bahio-Caruceran|Bahio-Caruceran]] |Orange| 30.5}}
{{bar percent|Medi|Green|19.6}}
{{bar percent|Other mixed |Yellow|3.2}}
{{bar percent|Other|Black|4.5}}
}}
}}
The diverse ethnic composition of Carucere reflects its colonial legacy. While the earliest inhabitants were of Indigenous heritage, the two dominant groups in the country are now those of Southeast Coian and of Bahian heritage. Both ethnic groups are descendants of slaves and indentured workers brought by [[Gaullica|Gaullican]] colonial authorities for work beginning from the 16th century up to the early 20th century. As a result, Carcere is commonly considered as a multicultural society.
'''''A Place Called Firstworld''''' is a {{wp|science fiction}}  novel by Estmerish writer [[Jamie Woosley]]. Published in 1967, it became immensely popular and won numerous literary awards, and is widely considered to be one of the most influential works of Estmerish science fiction. It is the first major installment of the [[Firstworld Cycle|Firstworld]], a series of novels and short stories by Woosley. Much of the setting was described in previous works and are extensively referenced throughout the novel.
 
[[Gowsas in Carucere|Gowsan Carucereans]] make up the country's largest ethnic group, consisting of 40.3% of population; it is the only country in the [[Asterias]] where the descendants of the Gowsas form a plurality of the population. While [[Gowsa]] is a term usually used to refer to the indentured workers brought from Southeast Coius to replace freed Bahian slaves, the term in Carucere is used to refer to their descendants. The vast majority of Gowsas orginate from modern-day [[Dezevau]], for this reason they are sometimes labled as Dezevauani Carucreans, but this is uncommon. Despite Gaullization efforts, many Gowsan Carucereans continue to practice their own distinct culture, while incorporating Gaullican and Bahian traditions. Their unique form of speaking [[Carucrean Ziba|Ziba]] and practicing [[Badist sects#Carucerean|Badi]], reflects their diverse influences.


[[Bahio-Carucerean|Bahio-Carucereans]] make up the country's second largest ethnic group, with approximately 30.5% of the population identifying as being of Bahian descent. The majority of people of an Bahian background are the descendants of slaves forcibly transported to the islands from as early as the 16th century. Bahio-Carucereans mainly speak Gaullican and practice [[Solarian Catholic Church|Solarian Catholicism]]. Like [[Gowsas in Carucere|Gowsan Carucereans]], their culture reflects a syncretism of their originating cultures in [[Bahia]] with Gaullican and Gowsan cultures in Carucere. Bahio-Carucereans are the main speakers of a creole language known as [[Mauga Creole]], which has been formally recognized at the national level.
The novel follows the story of a young civil servant named Dajeck Jed, who is sent as a delegate on behalf of his community to negotiate the creation of the Ekumen, a state that would encompass the entire planet of Risat. Risat is populated by refugees from all over the galaxy after the instantaneous collapse of interstellar civilizations across the galaxy. Jed’s mission to help forge a union is stymied by a lack of understanding of the different cultures of the participating people.


Approximately 22.6% of the population identifies as mixed or ''métis'' in Gaullican. Of this population, about 19% identify as ''Medi'' or mixed in Ziba, who are people of mixed gowsa and bahian descent. Medi culture is very diverse and reflects the combination many cultural traditions and other aspects from its parent cultures. While Gowsa-Bahian pairings existed in the past, the Medi population did not become significant until the 1970s; today it is the fastest growing ethnic group on the island. The remainder of the mixed population originate from many different ethnic groups that came during the colonial era. There are also small but significant minorities of people of Indigenous, Euclean, [[Shangea|Shangean]], and [[Senria|Senrian]] descent.
The novel is widely considered to be a classic example of {{wp|soft science fiction|"soft" science fiction}}, and is one of the most famous examinations of {{wp|anthropology}} and {{wp|political science}} in the genre. The major theme of the novel is the effects of culture on politics and society, explored in particular through the characters' attempts to  build a state. In particular it examines how {{wp|institutional memory}} guides a society and shapes their politics, and compares how different worldviews of the various peoples shapes their ideas. The novel also explores Jed's interactions across cultures, the struggle between duty and morality, and the richness of cultural diversity.
 
===Religion===
{{bar box
|title=Religion in Carucere
|titlebar=#ddd
|left1=Religion
|right1=percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Sotirianity|Sotirian]]|gold|57.8}}
{{bar percent|Folk religions|indigo|37.6}}
{{bar percent|Other/Irreligious/not stated|gray|10.7}}
|caption=<small>Total adherents exceeds 100% because many Carucereans <br>practice some combination of
[[Sotirianity|Sotirianity]], [[Badi]], and [[Boku]] simultaneously.</small>
}}
 
The largest religion in Carucere is [[Solarian Catholic Church| Solarian Catholicism]]. The religion was brought to Carucere by Gaullican colonial authorities who imposed the religion on the indigenous peoples and Bahian slaves. Following the arrival of the Gowsa, the Solarian Catholic Church took an active role in the [[Gaullisation in Carucere|Gaullisation program]] through church operated schools. As a result, Catholicism and the Catholic Church has historically played a dominant role in Carucrean society and governance. However since independence, its influence has significantly declined after the implementation of state {{wp|secularism}} promotion of religious diversity. The remaining 3.4% of the population is officially classified as "other Sotirian", which include [[Amendist Reaction|Amendists]], [[Episemialist Church|Episemialists]], and other churches.
 
Carucere has a distinct religious tradition known as [[Boku]], that combines elements of Sotirianity, [[Bahian Fetishism]], [[Badi]], and a few elements of [[Ifran]]. Its origins lies from colonial times in which slaves disguised their traditional religious beliefs as the Catholic faith, and incorporated many aspects of Sotirianity into thier beliefs. A major shift to the religion occured with the arrival of [[Gowsa|Gowsas]] during the 18th century, who practiced various Tendencies of [[Badi]]. Despite the introduction of Catholicism to the laborers, the majority of gowsas continued to practice Badi alongside Catholicism. Badi introduced several tenants to Boku, especially the incorporation of the Badi elemental system and its associated rituals.
 
Some Gowsas in Carucere continues to practice the Badi religion in Carucere. The religion in Carucere is known for its significant doctrinal diversity for its small population, religious syncretism with Solarian Catholicism and Boku, and the existence of a formalized religious hierarchy. Since 1970, the [[Gajuge Temple]] represents the Badi population in Carucere, especially by organizing festivals and rituals.
 
Catholicism, Boku, and Badi have an intertwined history in Carucere despite the efforts of colonial authorities, the three religions largely coexist with each other and have undergone a high degree of {{wp|Religious syncretism|religious syncretization}}. It is estimated that over one-third of Carucereans practice Catholicism and Boku simultaneously and another one-fourth both practice Catholicism and Badi. In addition, one-tenth of Carucereans claim to practice all three religions at once. It is believed that is due to the nature of the three religions; Badi largely deals with the physical plane and life on earth and deemphasizes the afterlife or salvation; while Sotrianity places greater emphasis on an explanation for life, death, and the afterlife; and Boku is intricately tied with Carucerean, especially Bahio-Carucerean, identity. Such people simultaneously observe rites from all religions, a practice jokingly known in Carucere as being a "Heathen in life but Catholic in death." Even among those who solely identify as Catholic, many still believe in at least some parts of either religions such as the Badi element system or aspects of Boku spirits.
 
The level of religious syncretism has generated significant controversy both at home and abroad. The Solarian Catholic Church and conservative Catholics have repeatedly condemned the syncretization of the religion in Carucere, labeling it as an "evil" and "satanic" corruption. Most controversially, the generally liberal attitudes of Carucerean Catholics towards {{wp|human sexuality}} has been tied to Badi beliefs and has led to accusations of immorality.
 
===Languages===
Carucere's two official languages are the [[Carucerean Gaullican|Carucerean dialect of Gaullican]] and [[Carucrean Ziba]]. Gaullican is the main written language and is widely used in government, business and education as a {{wp|lingua franca}}. It is spoken by all educated Carucreans, especially by the Bahio-Carucerean population. However the most popular language spoken by them is [[Carucerean Creole]]. Gaullican is the creole's base language and it draws significant influence from [[Bahia|Bahian]] languages at first and later [[Ziba]] after the arrival of the Gowsans in the 19th century. While its vocabulary is largely derived from Gaullican, it has many loanwords from Ziba and its grammar resembles that of some Bahian languages.
 
[[Carucrean Ziba]], is the language spoken by most Carucereans of Gowsan descent. Gaullisation programs by colonial authorities did not completely supress the usage of Ziba. However it did lead to significant changes to the language, such as loaning a large number of words from Gaullican and the formation of many words unique to Carucrean Ziba that cater for the new environment that the Gowsans now live in. As a result, Carucrean Ziba is distinct from the varieties spoken in [[Dezevau]], although it remains largely {{wp|Mutual intelligibility|mutually intelligibile}}. Despite its status as an official language, everyday use of Ziba is largely limited to the Gowsan population, although it is commonly used for cultural and religious traditions today.
===Education===
[[File:University of the West Indies, Barbados-7.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.25|210px|[[Jean Préval University]] is the country's most prestigious educational institution.]]
Carucere's education system is managed by the Carucere Academy, a government institution under the Ministry of Education, which oversees {{wp|primary school|primary}} and {{wp|secondary schooling}} in the entire country. It oversees 300 elementary schools, including 1 private kindergarten under contract and 14 private elementary schools under contract. It also has 52 middle schools, including 6 private under contract. Finally, it oversees 38 high schools, 13 of which are private under contract. Enrollment in the Academy is mandatory with primary school lasting until age 12 and secondary school lasting until age 16. Children generally start pre-school at two and a half years but this is not mandatory. They are, however, expected to have basic reading and writing skills when they join the Academy.
 
Tertiary education is provided by [[Jean Préval University]], Félix Éboué Institute of Technology, Reine-Anne College, and the National Insitute for Development. With the exception of Reine-Anne College, they are all public state funded institutions that provides certificate, diploma, and degree-level education programs. The National Institute for Development is a government backed graduate university, founded in 2013 with an emphasis on educational programs promoting economic and social development. There are discussions underway of reorganizing all public higher education institutions into a national university. Reine-Anne College is a private, {{wp|Pontifical university|pontifical}} college supported by the Catholic Church.
===Healthcare===
Carucere has a {{wp|universal health care}} system managed by the Ministry of Health. Medical centres in Carucere include: University Hospital Centre (CHU) in Le Carrefour, Regional Hospital Centre (CHR) in Fort-Royal, and four hospitals located in Pointe-Noire, Caracol, Tiberon and Saint-Cholé. The University Hospital Centre is the largest hospital in the country with more than 900 beds; which includes 660 medical, 243 surgical, and 70 obstetrics beds, with another 10 in its intensive care unit. The hospital operates a 24-hour emergency service. In addition there are about a dozen smaller medical clinics in smaller towns around the islands. The population of who live on the western half of Marien island report a lack of health services available nearby.
 
==Economy==
===Agriculture===
===Mining and forestry===
===Industry===
===Tourism===
===Infrastructure===
====Energy====
[[File:Ichari Dam.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|210px|Préval Dam near Gourbeyre.]]
Carucere's energy production relies on a combination of {{wp|fossil fuels}} and {{wp|Hydroelectricity|hydroelectric}}. Gas and petroleum traditionally have been Carucere's primary energy source since the early 20th century. Despite the country's great potential for renewable energy, it would not be until the 1990s when the first {{wp|small hydro}} plants were built in Carucere. The country, especially the island of Marien, has many swift-flowing highland streams which are ideal for inexpensive {{wp|Run-of-the-river hydroelectricity|run-of-the-river}} power plants; however these plants are very vulnerable to seasonal changes in rainfall. As a result, energy from fossil fuels have to accommodate for the lack of hydroelectric energy production during the dry months from January to June. In 2014, Carucere completed construction of a large dam on Marien, forming a reservoir with a capacity of 2.5 million cubic meters. It provides Carucere with energy storage in the form of potential energy from dammed water flowing through a water turbine that powers a generator. However construction of additional dams are uncertain due to environmental concerns.
 
====Transportation====
====Media and communication====
==Culture==
Carucere has a rich and diverse culture that reflects the syncretization of [[Gaullica|Gaullican]], [[Bahia|Bahian]], Métis, and [[Gowsa|Gowsan]] influences in Carucere over the centuries. Carucere is the only country in [[Asteria]] where the descendants of the Gowsa are the largest ethnic group; as a result their cultural presence is significant and the country is considered to be their cultural center in the Asterias. Nevertheless the people of Carucere largely share a common cultural hertiage due to {{wp|Syncretism|cultural syncretism}}. Carucere's culture greatly reflected in its cuisine, music, and literature.
===Cuisine===
[[File:Randang talua kariang2.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|175px|''{{wp|Rendang|Rendu Caruquèrais}}'' is considered to be the national dish of Carucere.]]
Carucerean cuisine is a culinary fusion formed from [[Gaullica|Gaullican]], [[Bahia|Bahian]], and [[Gowsa|Gowsan]] influences. Carucrean cuisine shares many characteristics with the culinary traditions of the rest of the Western [[Arucian Cooperation Organization|Arucian Islands]]; however Carucerean cuisine is distinct due to its significant Gowsan influence. Ingredients from [[Southeast Coius]] such as {{wp|breadfruit}}, {{wp|taro}}, {{wp|coconut}}, {{wp|fish sauce}}, and {{wp|tofu}} are widely used in Carucerean cuisine. Other popular ingredients include {{wp|sweet potato}}, {{wp|okra}}, {{wp|Cooking banana|plantain}}, {{wp|tomatoes}}, {{wp|onions}}, and {{wp|cabbages}}.  {{wp|Garlic}}, {{wp|cumin}}, {{wp|turmeric}}, and {{wp|chilis}} are the dominant spices. The {{wp|Staple food|culinary staple}} is {{wp|breadfruit}} or ''venge'', which is widely used in Carucerean dishes.
 
Carucerean dishes are generally served spicy and in large portions. The largest meal of the day is traditionally breakfast, with a medium lunch, and a light dinner. The typical meal would include boiled or fried breadfruit, {{wp|goat meat}} or chicken cooked into a stew or {{wp|rendang|rendu}}, okra, onions, and tropical fruits. ''{{wp|Rendang|Rendu Caruquèrais}}'' is considered to be the {{wp|national dish}} of Carucere. It usually consists of seaoned {{wp|goat meat|goat}}, {{wp|Fish as food|fish}}, or {{wp|chicken|poultry}} that has been slow cooked and braised in {{wp|coconut milk}} and served with egg, ''venge'', and vegetables. Other dishes regarded as distinctly Carucrean include ''{{wp|Bubur ayam|daubo mhedhui}}'', rice congee usually served with shredded chicken meat and various savory condiments; ''{{wp|Griot (food)|griot}}'', pork shoulder marinated in citrus then braised and fried; ''dombrés'', a dish consisting of small flour balls cooked with coconut and meat; and ''tonmtonm'', steamed mashed breadfruit with okra sauce and goat meat seasoned with savory spices.
 
The most popular dessert is ''{{wp|Soup#Dessert|jedhi}}'', a sweet dessert soup made with coconut and topped with tapioca, taro, gelatin, agar, and other fruit. Other desserts include ''pen patat'', a soft sweet bread made using cinnamon, evaporated milk, and sweet potato and ''{{wp|Buko pie|buko}}'', a pie made from breadfruit flour, filled with {{wp|taro}} and a sweet coconut sauce. Shaved ice desserts are very popular in Carucere which include ''{{wp|cendol}}'', containing droplets of green rice flour jelly, coconut milk and sugarcane syrup; ''{{wp|Halo-halo|mélangé}}'', consisting of evaporated milk or coconut milk, and various sweet ingredients, usually diced; and ''{{wp|Shaved ice#Central and South America|fresco}}'' made with a sweet fruit syrup and topped with fruit.
 
{{wp|Street food}} and {{wp|snacks}} are very popular in Carucere. The traditional originates from vendors selling food to workers on plantations in the late 18th century; today it is usually sold in open air food markets or street vendors. Popular street food includes ''{{wp|Haitian patty|pâté}}'', a baked puff pastry-type pastry filled with spiced meat and {{wp|Satay|gainge zudhi}}, which consists of seasoned skewered meat grilled over an open fire and served with a sauce. Popular snacks are usually fried fruit, sliced or served whole, such as banana, plantains, and ''venge''. Desserts like ''cendol'' and ''mélangé'' are also commonly served by street vendors.
 
{{wp|Malta (soft drink)|Malta}} is widely considered to be the Carucerean national beverage. A lightly carbonated and non-alcoholic malt drink, it is typically served with ice and mixed with {{wp|condensed milk|condensed}} or {{wp|evaporated milk}}. Coconut water can be found throughout the islands, although it is more commonly used as an ingredient. {{wp|Rum}} is the most popular {{wp|alcoholic drink}}, and is often used to make mixed drinks such as ponche-de-crème, puncheon rum, and home-made wines from local fruits.
{{Gallery
|title=
|width=180 | height=160
|align=center
|footer=
|File:Rendang daging sapi asli Padang.JPG
|alt1=A bowl of dark goat {{wp|rendang|rendu}}.
|''{{wp|rendang|Rendu}}'' is commonly served with ''venge''.
|File:Bubur ayam chicken porridge.JPG
|alt2=Rice porridge served with shredded chicken and vegetables
|''{{wp|Bubur ayam|Daubo mhedhui}}'' is considered an Carucerean comfort food.
|File:Griot haïtien (42675563925).jpg
|alt3=Griot served with fried plantains.
|''{{wp|Griot (food)|Griot}}'' is commonly served during communal gatherings.
|File:Haitian Patties.jpg
|alt4=A plate of savory patties, filled with goat.
|A plate of savory ''{{wp|Haitian patty|pâté}}'', filled with spiced goat meat.
|File:Sate Ponorogo.jpg
|alt5=Grilled marinated chicken satay served in peanut sauce
|Grilled marinated chicken ''{{wp|satay|gainge zudhi}}'' served in peanut sauce
|File:Fried Bread Fruit.jpg
|alt6= Sliced and fried breadfruit
|Fried ''{{wp|Breadfruit|venge}}'' is a common snack.
|File:Chè Thưng.jpg
|alt7= Bowl of Carucerean dessert. Purple taro, light yellow cassava, seaweed, green bean, tapioca, and water chestnuts.
|''{{wp|Soup#Dessert|Jedhi}}'' served in a bowl with various condiments.
|File:HPIM0351.JPG
|alt8= A bottle of Malta next to a glass of ice.
|''{{wp|Malta (soft drink)|Malta}}'' is often founded in communal gatherings.
}}


===Music===
''Firstworld'' has been reprinted numerous times, translated into over a dozen languages, and received high praise from critics. It has won numerous literary awards such as X and X. It is considered one of the best fantasy books ever written and continues to be widely influential in the genre. It achieved a degree of literary recognition due to its exploration of themes not usually found in science fiction, such as democracy and revolutionary societies, capitalism, colonialism, and individualism and collectivism.
===Television and Cinema===
===Sports===
''See Also: [[Arucian Football Association]], [[Arucian Baseball League]]''


Carucere's sporting traditions can largely be traced to [[Sainte-Chloé]] and the ''Holistique'' movement during the mid to late 19th century. [[Arucian football]] and {{wp|baseball}} were promoted by the movement to the gowsa and free bahain workers of Carucere, as they believed it would develop their moral character and abilities. Since then, both sports continue to be widely popular in Carucere and far outrank other sports in terms of viewership. Both sports played a major role in [[Jean Préval]]'s attempts to create a multiethnic national identity with racially integrated teams that were heavily promoted by the government.
==Background==
Woosley was born in 1921 in a  multicultural district of [[Morwall]], [[Estmere]]. Jamie Woosley's father, John Edward Woolsey was an {{wp|anthropologist}} and her mother, Julie Suryanto Woolsey was a political activist in [[Kingsport]]; both of her parents' experiences would influence all of her works. The {{wp|protagonists}} of many of Jamie Woosley's works are anthropologists or outsiders of some kind, who have to navigate through unfamiliar societies and cultures. The stories of the Firstworld Cycle frequently explore the effects of differing social and political systems in a complex world and her characters are interested and open minded in exploring them. When she was eight years old, Morwall fell to Gaullican forces during the [[Great War (Kylaris)|Great War]]. The occupation of Estmere and the chaos and hardship that followed left a great impression on her life. Themes revolving around great societal changes and the {{wp|Bildungsroman|coming of age}} are often featured in Woosley’s works, especially the Firstworld series.


The most popular sport in Carucere in terms of viewership and participation is [[Arucian football]]. Although it was largely developed in Sainte-Chloé, Carucere significantly contributed to the development of the modern sport. The sport was popular among plantation workers who usually played it casually in fields. The first amateur club was formally founded in 1883 with the formation of an amateur league in the 1890s. The first professional competition of Arucian football was held between a Chloéois and Carucrean club in 1938 and a club from Carucere jointly founded the [[Arucian Football Association]] (AAF) in 1946, formally codifying the sport and establishing a professional sports league. The country's two premier football clubs, the [[Le Carrefour Football Club]] and the [[Marien Pirates]] represent the two main islands of Carucere in the AAF. There is an intense inter-island rivalry between the two clubs known as the ''Strait Rivalry''; the matches between the two clubs are the most watched events in Carucere. Semi-professional and amateur clubs participate in the National League, which functions as the country's only domestic league for the sport and as the {{wp|farm team|feeder system}} for the two top clubs. The [[Carucerean national arucian football team]] represents the entire country in the annual [[Isles Championship]].
The early concepts for the Firstworld setting were developed in a short story in the form of a fictional historical chronicle after she was inspired after reading about the [[Solarian Empire]]. Although she developed the concept of the series early on, at first it was a series of disjointed short stories without a specific setting or timeline. During her education at the [[University of Morwall]], she published additional short stories that established the world of Firstworld and its important concepts. At least two "thought experiments" are explored in each ''Firstworld'' novel. The first is the idea that all humanoid species had a common origin from Earth and no aliens exist. The second idea is unique to each novel and forms the basis of the work.
==Setting==
''Firstworld'' is set in the [[Khani cycle]] universe in the year 10243 CE, which was originally introduced in various short stories. In her {{wp|future history}} humanity discovers a {{wp|faster-than-light}} drive that allows humanity to colonize the entire galaxy through the use of {{wp|hyperspace}}. Although there is theoretically no limit to its capabilities, faster-than-light travel remains a time-consuming and expensive journey that requires destinations to be marked with special {{wp|transponders}}. As a result, humanity is scattered across the entire galaxy and interstellar travel beyond a dozen light years is rare. Long distance travel is largely limited to periodic contact between systems or colonization expeditions to unexplored systems. The difficulty of traveling ensures that societies are almost completely isolated except from their nearest neighbors and societies can rise and collapse from {{wp|Hunter-gatherer|hunter gatherer}} tribes to extremely advanced planet-spanning states. Furthermore planets habitable for human life are extremely rare and are almost always very different from Earth; thus through {{wp|evolution}} and {{wp|genetic engineering}} humans have adapted to fit their local environmental conditions. This led to an incredible level of biological diversity between the stars and even between planets, although they are still recognizably human. Woosley does not establish the entire history of the universe in a single story, instead letting readers piece it together from various works.


The second-most popular sport in the country is {{wp|baseball}}. Baseball arrived in Carucere around the late 19th century and was casually played by plantation workers along with Arucian football. The first amateur clubs was founded in the 1870s, with the first formal club was founded in 1888, which would become the [[Carrefour Stars]]. The Stars joined the [[Arucian Baseball League]] two years later and has participated in the league to the present. The team represents Carucere as a whole despite the team's name. The Stars are ranked 7th in the league with four series wins, with the last series victory in 2011. Although baseball is not as popular as Arucian football, it remains much more popular than other sports.
Approximately 100 years prior to the setting of the novel, all of humanity is united under an expansionist Empire after a series of massive wars. Guided by an imperialistic ideology, it seeks to impose its worldview on all of humanity. However due to the vast time and distances, the Empire stretched thin and unable to implement its statist ideology. As part of its goal, it seeks to make the galactic transponder network faster and easier to cross. Suddenly one day the galactic transponder network is suddenly unnavigable without explanation, stranding all ships in hyperspace and unable to find their destination or return to their launch point. It leads to the near instantaneous collapse of interstellar civilization after nearly several thousand years of progress. Inexplicably an inactive transponder is able to be activated for a brief period that allows tens of dozens of spacecraft to arrive in the Risat system safely. Nevertheless they are stranded in a single solar system with a small mining colony on rocky planet. The crew of the ships, with many different physiologies that weren't ideal for the planet, were forced to settle on the most habitable spots of the planet.


Other sports popular in Carucere are {{wp|pétanque}}, {{wp|tennis}}, and {{wp|association football}}. Pétanque is widely popular across Carucerean society but is only played casually. While tennis was introduced to Carucere in the 1940s, it has only become popular with the past couple decades; today there is a growing professional and amateur scene on the national level. While association football is often played in Carucere, it is only played casually. Some amateur clubs exist in Carucere who play in an informal competition.
The novel is set on Risat, an Earth-like planet but with major differences compared to Earth. It cooler with more extreme temperatures, thinner air, and lower gravity. Risat is dominated by one contiguous flat landmass known as the Basin, largely covered in deserts, mountains, shrublands, and savannah. The Basin is broken up by many shallow salty seas and the Upland, masses of rock shaped by the plaent's tectonics that rise high above the Basin in the thin air. Without access to advanced manufacturing and technologies and focused on survival, the societies of Risat experienced regression to a {{wp|Late modern period|late modern}} level of technology, although some are able to maintain some advanced technology. The peoples of the planet live in small city-states clustered around the more fertile regions of the planet.


===Celebrations and Holidays===
==Plot summary==
The protagonist of the novel is Dajeck Jed, a delegate from the ''Dusksar'' settlement, who is sent to take part in the first years of a provisional government. Jed travels to the planet's informal capital, a bustling  where he meets other delegates from other settlements. While many delegates are taking part, the major players taking part are Gethen, Blue Spear, and Thun.
==Characters==
==Themes==
==Style and structure==
==Reception==
==Adaptations==

Latest revision as of 21:59, 28 December 2023

A Place Called Firstworld
Firstworld fall.png
First edition cover
AuthorJamie Woosley
Cover artistJohn Schoenherr
CountryTemplate:Country data Estmere
LanguageEstmerish
SeriesFirstworld
Genrescience fiction
PublishedAugust 1967
PublisherBroadleaf Publishing
Media typePrint (hardcover & paperback)
Pages341
Followed byThe Nearest End 

A Place Called Firstworld is a science fiction novel by Estmerish writer Jamie Woosley. Published in 1967, it became immensely popular and won numerous literary awards, and is widely considered to be one of the most influential works of Estmerish science fiction. It is the first major installment of the Firstworld, a series of novels and short stories by Woosley. Much of the setting was described in previous works and are extensively referenced throughout the novel.

The novel follows the story of a young civil servant named Dajeck Jed, who is sent as a delegate on behalf of his community to negotiate the creation of the Ekumen, a state that would encompass the entire planet of Risat. Risat is populated by refugees from all over the galaxy after the instantaneous collapse of interstellar civilizations across the galaxy. Jed’s mission to help forge a union is stymied by a lack of understanding of the different cultures of the participating people.

The novel is widely considered to be a classic example of "soft" science fiction, and is one of the most famous examinations of anthropology and political science in the genre. The major theme of the novel is the effects of culture on politics and society, explored in particular through the characters' attempts to build a state. In particular it examines how institutional memory guides a society and shapes their politics, and compares how different worldviews of the various peoples shapes their ideas. The novel also explores Jed's interactions across cultures, the struggle between duty and morality, and the richness of cultural diversity.

Firstworld has been reprinted numerous times, translated into over a dozen languages, and received high praise from critics. It has won numerous literary awards such as X and X. It is considered one of the best fantasy books ever written and continues to be widely influential in the genre. It achieved a degree of literary recognition due to its exploration of themes not usually found in science fiction, such as democracy and revolutionary societies, capitalism, colonialism, and individualism and collectivism.

Background

Woosley was born in 1921 in a multicultural district of Morwall, Estmere. Jamie Woosley's father, John Edward Woolsey was an anthropologist and her mother, Julie Suryanto Woolsey was a political activist in Kingsport; both of her parents' experiences would influence all of her works. The protagonists of many of Jamie Woosley's works are anthropologists or outsiders of some kind, who have to navigate through unfamiliar societies and cultures. The stories of the Firstworld Cycle frequently explore the effects of differing social and political systems in a complex world and her characters are interested and open minded in exploring them. When she was eight years old, Morwall fell to Gaullican forces during the Great War. The occupation of Estmere and the chaos and hardship that followed left a great impression on her life. Themes revolving around great societal changes and the coming of age are often featured in Woosley’s works, especially the Firstworld series.

The early concepts for the Firstworld setting were developed in a short story in the form of a fictional historical chronicle after she was inspired after reading about the Solarian Empire. Although she developed the concept of the series early on, at first it was a series of disjointed short stories without a specific setting or timeline. During her education at the University of Morwall, she published additional short stories that established the world of Firstworld and its important concepts. At least two "thought experiments" are explored in each Firstworld novel. The first is the idea that all humanoid species had a common origin from Earth and no aliens exist. The second idea is unique to each novel and forms the basis of the work.

Setting

Firstworld is set in the Khani cycle universe in the year 10243 CE, which was originally introduced in various short stories. In her future history humanity discovers a faster-than-light drive that allows humanity to colonize the entire galaxy through the use of hyperspace. Although there is theoretically no limit to its capabilities, faster-than-light travel remains a time-consuming and expensive journey that requires destinations to be marked with special transponders. As a result, humanity is scattered across the entire galaxy and interstellar travel beyond a dozen light years is rare. Long distance travel is largely limited to periodic contact between systems or colonization expeditions to unexplored systems. The difficulty of traveling ensures that societies are almost completely isolated except from their nearest neighbors and societies can rise and collapse from hunter gatherer tribes to extremely advanced planet-spanning states. Furthermore planets habitable for human life are extremely rare and are almost always very different from Earth; thus through evolution and genetic engineering humans have adapted to fit their local environmental conditions. This led to an incredible level of biological diversity between the stars and even between planets, although they are still recognizably human. Woosley does not establish the entire history of the universe in a single story, instead letting readers piece it together from various works.

Approximately 100 years prior to the setting of the novel, all of humanity is united under an expansionist Empire after a series of massive wars. Guided by an imperialistic ideology, it seeks to impose its worldview on all of humanity. However due to the vast time and distances, the Empire stretched thin and unable to implement its statist ideology. As part of its goal, it seeks to make the galactic transponder network faster and easier to cross. Suddenly one day the galactic transponder network is suddenly unnavigable without explanation, stranding all ships in hyperspace and unable to find their destination or return to their launch point. It leads to the near instantaneous collapse of interstellar civilization after nearly several thousand years of progress. Inexplicably an inactive transponder is able to be activated for a brief period that allows tens of dozens of spacecraft to arrive in the Risat system safely. Nevertheless they are stranded in a single solar system with a small mining colony on rocky planet. The crew of the ships, with many different physiologies that weren't ideal for the planet, were forced to settle on the most habitable spots of the planet.

The novel is set on Risat, an Earth-like planet but with major differences compared to Earth. It cooler with more extreme temperatures, thinner air, and lower gravity. Risat is dominated by one contiguous flat landmass known as the Basin, largely covered in deserts, mountains, shrublands, and savannah. The Basin is broken up by many shallow salty seas and the Upland, masses of rock shaped by the plaent's tectonics that rise high above the Basin in the thin air. Without access to advanced manufacturing and technologies and focused on survival, the societies of Risat experienced regression to a late modern level of technology, although some are able to maintain some advanced technology. The peoples of the planet live in small city-states clustered around the more fertile regions of the planet.

Plot summary

The protagonist of the novel is Dajeck Jed, a delegate from the Dusksar settlement, who is sent to take part in the first years of a provisional government. Jed travels to the planet's informal capital, a bustling where he meets other delegates from other settlements. While many delegates are taking part, the major players taking part are Gethen, Blue Spear, and Thun.

Characters

Themes

Style and structure

Reception

Adaptations