Barcia

Kingdom of Barcia Regno di Barcia (Idrean)
Flag Coat of arms
Anthem: "Inno Nazionale di Barcia" "National Anthem of Barcia"
Location of  Barcia  (dark green) – in Auressia  (green & dark grey) – in Occidental Confederation  (green)
Capital and largest city	Tradare
Official languages	Idrean
Recognised regional languages	Ludovite
Demonym(s)	Barcian
Government	Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
• Queen	Maria III
• Chancellor	Massimiliano Perretti
Legislature	Parliament
Area
• Total	388,447.7 km2 (149,980.5 sq mi)
Population
• 2024 estimate	34,013,476
• Density	87.56/km2 (226.8/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)	2024 estimate
• Total	$1.863 trillion
• Per capita	$54,768
GDP (nominal)	2024 estimate
• Total	$1.569 trillion
• Per capita	$46,137
Gini (2024)	33.2 medium
HDI (2024)	0.921 very high
Currency	Sabarine Ducat (SDU)
Time zone	UTC0 (Western Auressian Time)
Date format	dd-mm-yyyy (CE)
Driving side	right
Calling code	+56
Internet TLD	.ba

Barcia (Idrean: /ba:rtʃiə/), officially the Kingdom of Barcia (Idrean: Regno di Barcia), is a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy located in eastern Occidental Auressia. Barcia is located on the eastern coast of Auressia along the Galene Sea and is bordered by Fortaine, Palia and Sabaria to the west. The country has a land area of 388,447.7km² (149,980.5 sq mi) and a population of 34 million making it the 8th largest nation in Auressia by population. Barcia's capital and largest city is Tradare located in the north-east of the country along the river Russa.

Barcia's origins can be traced back to the Sabarine Empire which came to dominate the region during the 3rd century BCE. Barcia would become a strategically important region for the empire providing significant resources and manpower which would allow further conquests across Auressia. Over time the region would become thoroughly Sabarinised and considered an integral part of the imperial heartland. With the decline of the empire however, Barcia came under attack from Isaric tribes, leading to the conquest of much of Barcia's northern coast by the Ludovites in the Tenth Century CE. Over time the Ludovites would solidify their hold on the region, increasing their influence within the empire and threatening the power of the neighbouring Grand Duchy of Orlesso which held control of much of western Barcia. Following the Fourth War of the Eagles in 1422, Barcia would become one of the most powerful states within the reformed empire along with Palia, gaining significant influence over Imperial elections, with the ruling House of Sabino claiming the title of Sabarine Emperor on a number of occasions. During the Sixteenth century Barcia also benefitted from its expanding global trade network, which would see the import of spices and silks from Eastern territories such as Nabiya and Songha. With the onset of the Great War Barcia would side with its allies in the Coalition, dividing the empire to the benefit of the Kingdom territorially, however the Second Great War would see the Kingdom undergo a period of political instability resulting in revolution and a war of resistance against the Lanzist Empire.

As a Constitutional monarchy Barcia is one of the few states in Levilion to retain royal family, with the country having been ruled by the House of Sabino since 1378. The current ruler of Barcia is Queen Maria III who has ruled the country since 1987, the current Chancellor is Massimiliano Perretti. As per the Constitution of 1947, Barcia's political system is based on a separation of powers which greatly limits the power of the monarch to intervene in political affairs. The monarch is responsible for appointing the Chancellor who is legally the parliamentary leader best able to command a majority of sitting MPs in the Parliament of Barcia.

Today Barcia continues to play a major role in the Occidental Confederation and across the globe as a key economic and political actor with its powerful economy centred on Tradare making Barcia a global economic and political hub. As a member of the Occidental Confederation Barcia weilds significant influence in Auressian affairs and currently holds the Consulship of the organisation through Fabiana Richardi. Barcia maintains a moderate armed force with a significant navy, both of which are primarily utilised for border security purposes as well as Occidental overseas missions. The largest sectors of the Barcian economy include service industries, notably banking and insurance as well as winemaking, designer fashion and cosmetics. The country maintains a universal healthcare system and is also renowned for its prominent arts and cultural sector.

Etymology

The name of Barcia is derived from the Sabarine Barcium which was the name of the Sabarine province of the First Empire which encompassed much of the northern territory of modern-day Barcia. The name Barcium is believed to have been derived from the Sabarine name for a tribe native to the region known as the Barcii who were major rivals to the Sabarines from the Fifth to the Third Century BCE. Following the collapse of the First Empire, the name Barcia became synonymous with north-eastern Occidental Auressia leading to its re-emergence during the Eleventh Century following the Ludovite Conquest which saw the Sabarine Emperor grant the invaders the Iron Crown of Barcia and the title Grand Duke of Barcia in the process. Over time the lands of the Ludovites would fracture, leading the emperor to reclaim the iron crown, however the Eighteenth century would see the proclamation of a unified Barcian Kingdom which provided the foundations for the modern Barcian state.

History

Ludovite conquest

The Sabarine Emperor Caldus hands Alberich I the Iron Crown of Barcia

By the Ninth century the lands that would become modern Barcia had become divided amongst a number of principalities and imperial patrons, as well as the Emperor's personal demesne centred on Sabaria. Many of these landowners were of Isaric origin, having migrated during the First Empire's waning years finding important administrative and military roles. An Isaric group known as the Ludovites had gained land around the island of Scalia through their military service though having failed to gain further concessions from the Emperor turned to raiding lands around the Forlana valley. Under their leader Ludovicus the Great, the Ludovites would raid key settlements such as Tradare and Antosa with some sources even suggesting the imperial capital of Sabaria was looted. As raids intensified, imperial forces countered by seizing the island of Scalia leading the Ludovites to return to Tyrnica seeking reinforcements. Their return marked the beginning of the Ludovite Conquest as the Isaric invaders returned capturing much of the north-eastern empire in the process.

Historians disagree as to the overall objective of the Ludovites, with some arguing they were looking to capture the imperial throne, whilst others suggested they were merely looking to capture a portion of territory for themselves to settle. Between 894 and 896 Ludovite campaigns progressed steadily into the imperial heartland bolstered by an army of 13,000 warriors and settlers. Following the capute of Antosa, Ludovite forces appeared to have a clear pathway to the imperial capital leading General Cocceius Caldus to gather a force from across the empire's westernmost territories to resist the invaders. The resultant Battle of Castotta proved to be a decisive tactical victory for Imperial forces, leading to the death of the Ludovite King Landulf and the re-capture of Antosa. A stalemate soon developed between both sides as they proved unable to make significant gains against each other.

The death of Emperor Tullius IV in 896 however provided an opportunity to end the conflict as General Caldus to be proclaimed Imperator by his soldiers, challenging the claim of the boy-Emperor Minucius. With insufficient forces to counter the Emperor, Caldus turned to the Ludovites to support his claim, forming an alliance with their leader Alberich and promising the Ludovites territory in exchange for their support in bringing down Minucius. The resultant conflict saw Caldus overthrow his rival and ultimately signing the Treaty of Cerrescum which granted the north-eastern imperial lands to the Ludovites with Alberich granted the title of King of Barcia, provided he recognise the superior authority of the Sabarine Emperor. The lands of Barcia would soon be settled by the Ludovites with local rulers replaced by those of Isaric origin, drastically altering the demographic and cultural outlook of the area. Whilst the House of Ludovicus would retain control of the region for centuries, they would very quickly fall from imperial favour. This, combined with internal succession struggles would result in the Crown of Barcia being usurped by the Emperor and its lands divided based on traditional Isaric gavelkind succession law.

Regency period

Lord Regent Alberto di Salona is a controversial figure in Barcian history due to his role in enabling the creation of a dictatorship under the NFP

Following the Great War Barcia underwent a period of considerable political instability initially stemming from the country's declining economic position and limited territorial gains following the war. This instability led the Barcian monarchy to institute a series of political reforms marking the end of centuries of absolutist control and the creation of an elected parliament with limited legislative and governing power. Such concessions proved unable to stem the tide of revolt leading to the rise of radical reformist or anti-monarchist political parties and culminating in a succession crisis sparked by the assassination of King Filippo IV in 1916 and the proclamation of the two-year-old Umberto as heir apparent under a regency. This new regency led by Alberto di Salona governed the country throughout the remainder of the 1910s to 1930s with the support of parliament, entrenching the regency into the operation of the Barcian political system.

During this period, considerable debate raged regarding the abolition of the Barcian monarchy promoted by numerous Republican groups as well as the New Popular Front (NFP) which became the largest political party in Parliament following the 1927 elections. Over time the NFP proved able to strip away the democratic systems of the Kingdom, centralising power around party leader Aristo La Piana and Regent di Salona. This division resulted in a constitutional crisis in 1932 when the regency refused to step aside and crown Prince Umberto King upon his eighteenth birthday, prompting protests from Barcian royalists and constitutionalists. The NFP proved able to solidify its power following the annexation of the Val d'Orl during the partition of Fortaine, allowing the government to continue to postpone the Prince's coronation. This situation lingered until 1937 when Umberto fled the country amid rising Palian influence in Barcia, publishing the Proclamation of Montigné calling for the overthrow of the illegitimate regency and an end to Lanzist influence in the Occidental Confederation. This resulted in Umberto being declared a traitor to Barcia and the country being declared a republic overnight, legitimised through a fraudulent referendum. In the following months, Barcia joined the Second Great War on the side of Palia, whilst Umberto helped to organise the Barcian Resistance from exile in Blayk.

Under the reformed Third Sabarine Empire, the new Barcian government came to control the affairs of the eastern sphere covering much of contemporary Barcia, Fortaine and Savolia. Barcian forced played an important role in the advance into Blayk and the capture of Avilême. Over time however as the progress of the war began to shift, a growing distrust began to develop between Montemolín and Tradare resulting in the increasing subordination of the NFP regime beneath Palia. With the conquest of Blayk, Umberto was forced to flee to Tyrnica where the Barcian resistance coordinated with coalition forces regarding a counter-offensive into Occidental Auressia. In late 1941 the coalition counteroffensive into Barcia began with the Siege of Monolo and landings began near Vertemate. With the coalition landings and quick progress across Ludovicia, the NFP regime collapsed resulting in a Palian occupation of western Barcia and the coalition entry into Tradare. A formal surrender agreement was signed with the NFP regime in mid 1942 whilst the newly reformed Barcian Kingdom began to take shape with Umberto V crowned upon the conclusion of the war.

Modern day

The aftermath of the Second Great War saw Barcia struggle to rebuild, requiring foreign investment from coalition nations to rebuild. Despite this, Barcia fared better than some Occidental nations such as Palia and Vervillia who faced widespread destruction and the levelling of cities. Tradare in particular was spared much of the fighting having been declared an open city by retreating Lanzist forces. The new King Umberto V took a personal lead in rebuilding the country, yet the country's political scene remained divided. Lanzist allies such as the New Popular Front and Party of Idrean Unity were officially banned from running in elections, yet parliament remained considerably divided leading to the formation of a number of coalition and minority governments. Such divisions ultimately led the King to call for a constitutional convention in 1946 which ultimately resulted in the creation of the country's first formal codified constitution reducing the power of the monarchy and instituting a clear separation of powers. Elections held at the end of the year resulted in a majority government for the first time since before the war, with the Socialist Party of Barcia winning 332 seats. In the following years the country's conservative factions would unite around the Unity Party which would form an overall majority in the 1950 election, holding power for the following 29 years.

Geography

The town of Siscia in the Bay of Persepoli

Barcia is located in north-east Occidental Auressia, bordering Lake Moino (Principean: Moyens), Fortaine, Sabaria and Palia to the west and the Galene Sea to the north and east. The Benemian mountains make up much of the country's south-western frontier including the country's border with Palia and also contain the highest point in Barcia, Monte Elisio standing at 2,948m (9,672 ft). Barcia has a total land area of 388,447.7km² (149,980.5 sq mi) making it the 8th largest country in Auressia by land area.

A number of major rivers run through Barcia, the most notable being the Russa, Idro and Orl rivers, all of which run from the Galene Sea through the country's westernmost regions. This region in the north-west known as the Forlana valley is the most densely populated region in the country and contains some of Barcia's most important cities both economically and politically. Cities such as Tradare, Antosa, Vicenze, Salona and Porto are located here as well as 60% of the country's population. The prominence of this river valley in northern Barcia greatly contributes to the country's notable north-south divide, with the more southerly regions outside of the city of Persepoli being perceived as less prosperous and developed than their northern counterparts.

Barcia also controls a total of 48 islands and islets off its coast, the most notable of these being the island of Sabia located off the north-eastern coast. Sabia was the first landing point of Ludovite raiders during the Ninth century and the first part of the country to be conquered by Ludovicus and as such remains host to many sites of traditional Ludovite culture. Several other smaller islands also exist off the coast of the mainland, the vast majority of which are in the Bay of Persepoli which is home to the largest collection of inhabited islands in Barcia.

Climate

Barcia is located around 40º north of the equator. This ensures that much of the country's northern territory lies within the humid subtropical climate whilst the more southerly regions are considered part of the dry summer climate. The more northerly regions such as Concara, Forlana and Ludovicia experience hot, humid summers with average temperatures ranging from 18ºC - 28ºC (65ºf - 82ºf) whilst winters see large amounts of rainfall, fog and frost. Average winter temperatures in the north tend to range from 4ºC to 9ºC (39ºf - 48ºf).

Meanwhile the southern areas of the country such as Mesalia and Viridia see generally higher than average temperatures across the year, with summer highs of around 32ºC (89ºf) and winter temperatures as low as 4ºC (39ºf). These regions also tend to see limited rainfall across the year though this generally increases during the relatively mild winters. Summers however tend to be hot and see little to no rainfall with minimal cloud coverage.

Biodiversity

The Crestless Eagle is the national bird of Barcia

Barcia has a strong variety of flora and fauna throughout the country with many of the country's plants associated with traditional medicinal remedies such as aconitum or taxus baccata. The interior and highland areas of the country have considerable forest cover with widespread restrictions on the logging industry designed to protect the country's various woodlands of mixed broadleaf trees. These predominantly include oak, birch and elm, though willow and maple trees are also common, whilst the south of the country, in areas like Mesalia, sees many more cypress trees. Many of these woodlands lie within the country's 12 national parks which are protected by the Regia Commissione per il Patrimonio Barciana (Royal Barcian Heritage Commission). Nevertheless, more low-lying areas of the country such as the Forlana valley contain little to no forest cover owing to historical deforestation which followed widespread urbanisation during the Eighteenth and Nineteenth centuries.

Over 35,000 species of fauna have been recorded in Barcia marking the country out as having a strong faunal biodiversity. These animals include a wide variety of amphibians, birds, fish, mammals and reptiles. The animals most associated with Barcia include the crestless eagle which is the country's official national bird, depictions of which are included on the country's coat of arms, the Sabarine wolf and the fallow deer. In terms of marine wildlife, Barcia is home to a wide variety of invertebrates, molluscs and corals. The most notable marine area of the country is the Bay of Persepoli which as a lagoon sees fresh fluvial and brackish waters meet leading the area to play host to a number of unique species such as the killifish, purple heron and marsh harrier. However, recent years have seen the biodiversity of the lagoon threatened due to increases in maritime activity, particularly due to tourism and trade. As a result, the Barcian government has introduced restrictions limiting the ability of Kasarmax vessels and cruise ships to access the lagoon. Similar concerns have been raised about the impact of climate change on the wider biodiversity of the country due to increasing global temperatures and more violent flooding. In response, the ruling Unity Party has sought to introduce new measures aimed at limiting and reversing the impact of climate change by investing in green energy and environmental-protection initiatives such as flood defences and reforestation.

Politics

Maria III, Monarch since 1996

Massimiliano Perretti, Chancellor since 2019

Barcia is a unitary state under a constitutional monarchy. Barcia's head of state is Queen Maria III though as per the Constitution of 1947, most of the executive power in the country is vested in the head of government, known as the Chancellor (Idrean: Cancelliere). The Chancellor is the individual best able to "command the confidence" of the Parliament of Barcia and is usually the leader of the largest party within Parliament. The current Chancellor is Massimiliano Perretti of the Unity Party who has held the position since 2019. Barcia's fundamental laws are codified within the country's Constitution introduced in 1947 in the aftermath of the Second Great War. The Constitution can only be amended through a 2/3rds majority vote in Parliament and the signed approval of the Chancellor.

Government

The current political makeup of the Barcian Parliament

  Unity Party (216)

  Avanti Insieme! (83)

  Liberal Party (24)

  Nostra Tera (2)

  Communist Party (1)

Barcia has a unicameral legislature known as the Barcian Parliament. Throughout its history the Barcian parliament was originally a bicameral body with an unelected upper chamber known as the Noble Assembly (Idrean: Assemblea Nobile) made up of aristocratic and religious officials, and an elected lower chamber known as the Public Assembly (Idrean: Assemblea Pubblica) made up of MPs elected through general elections. This was amended with the introduction of the 1947 constitution which removed the upper chamber. Today the Parliament of Barcia is comprised of 326 elected officials who each represent a local constituency across the country. Any bill looking to become a law must first be introduced and debated within parliament before being voted through with a simple majority before being approved and signed into law by the Chancellor.

As a democracy, Barcia has a system of universal suffrage with all citizens over the age of 18 regardless of race, gender, wealth or status enjoying the right to vote in elections. General elections to parliament take place every four years, though can take place sooner if a majority of members vote to petition the monarch. Elections to parliament utilise the first-past-the-post system with the candidate with the most votes in each constituency winning the parliamentary seat. Following each general election, the monarch invites the leader of the largest party to form a government. Should no party have an overall majority, then a coalition government may be formed by two or more parties. Only three coalition governments have been formed in Barcia since 1947, two of which were the only elections where the Unity Party was not the single largest party in parliament. All citizens can also vote for local councillors as part of local elections which take place every two years across the country.

As well as the Chancellor, executive power within the country is vested in the Cabinet which is comprised of members of parliament from the ruling party who are appointed by the Chancellor. Each member of the cabinet is responsible for a ministerial post which corresponds with the various government ministries such as transport, health and defence. All ministers within the cabinet are bound by the constitutional convention of cabinet collective responsibility, requiring them to support all government decisions made in the cabinet and must resign if they openly oppose or reject a governmental decision.

Barcia has a number of political parties which each compete in local and general elections across the country. The Barcian government is currently controlled by the Unity Party which has historically been the dominant party within the country's elections having won an outright majority all but three elections it has contested. The Unity Party currently holds 216 seats out of 326 in the Barcian parliament. Currently the second largest party within the Barcian parliament is Avanti Insieme! with 83 seats, forming the official opposition. Other parties with representation in parliament include the Liberal Party with 24 seats, Nostra Tera with 2 and the Communist Party of Barcia with 1 seat. The next general election in Barcia is due to take place in 2025 with all parties contesting the 326 seats in the country's parliament.

Administrative divisions

Barcia is divided into 8 administrative divisions known as "regions". Each of these regions is further subdivided into provinces and again into communes which posess a local council elected through local elections. Barcia's regions were created within the Constitution of 1947 and were further amended in 1967 with the addition of the region of Russeto. Each region roughly corresponds with the boundaries of the country's historical duchies which lasted from the proclamation of the Barcian Kingdom in the mid-Eighteenth century until the Second Great War. The National regions were introduced following the Second Great War in order to streamline the antiquated and medieval duchy system which greatly hampered the administrative unity of the Kingdom throughout the regency period.

Whilst each region generally exists for administrative and bureaucratic purposes, each commune within the country receives a varying degree of autonomy and funding from the central government based on its population as outlined within the Fifth Constitutional Amendment passed in 1978. As a unitary state, the government possesses the right to make any and all "necessary changes" to the budget and status of these regions which are regularly reviewed and revised within each sitting of parliament. Additionally, urban communes also maintain an increased degree of autonomy with elected mayors who posses greater power over strategic planning, local policy and spending.

Coat of arms	Region	Capital	Population (2024)	Map
	Benemia	Bergamate	2,924,100
	Concara	Porto	5,032,300
	Forlana	Tradare	4,972,000
	Ludovicia	Levasco	3,897,100
	Mesalia	Persepoli	5,380,800
	Orlesso	Antosa	4,180,460
	Russeto	Vicenze	4,059,600
	Viridia	San Renato	3,653,640
	Barcia	Tradare	34,000,000

Law and justice

Barcian Civil Police on Horseback outside the Castello Forlana

Like most countries in Occidental Auressia Barcia utilises a civil law system in which judges act as interpreters of legal statutes rather than creators of legal precedent. Barcia's legal system is largely based on Sabarine law as well as the various modifications to the legal code codified during the early Occidental Confederacy. As such, Barcia's legal system is virtually identical to many of its neighbours, with most modifications coming with the implementation of the 1947 Constitution. The highest court in Barcia is the Court of Cassation (Idrean: Corte di Cassazione) which acts as the court of final appeal within the Barcian legal system. In addition, the court also maintains final ruling over the constitutionality of legislation passed by Parliament. The court itself is divided into four chambers, these being civil, criminal, commercial and military chambers. Before any case is heard within the Court of Cassation it is first heard within one of the various inferior courts, which include the High Court and Court of Appeal.

Law enforcement in Barcia is centralised under the Ministry of the Interior, with authority for las enforcement divided between the Civil Police (Idrean: Polizia Civile) and the military police or Gendarmerie, otherwise known as the Carabinieri. As the name suggests, the Civil police maintains authority over civil matters with branches for the transit police, border control and search and rescue. Meanwhile the Carabinieri is a distinct military police with both domestic and foreign responsibilities with all officers permitted to carry weaponry. Members of the Carabinieri also regularly accompany government ministers and the Chancellor as personal security during foreign visits. Barcia also maintains a Ministry of Intelligence under which falls the National Security Service (Idrean: Servizio di Sicurezza Nazionale) or SSN which is responsible for internal security and the Foreign Intelligence Service or (Idrean: Servizio di Intelligence Straniero) or SIS which both work closely with the Ministry of the Interior.

Foreign relations

Barcia maintains foreign relations with almost all nations in the world and is a member of a large number of international organisations such as the International Assembly. As a democratic nation, Barcia tends to globally champion causes such as the rule of law, democracy and legal equality of nations within its foreign policy, though stops short of interfering in the affairs of other sovereign nations. Through membership of the Occidental Confederation, Barcia maintains strong ties with its neighbouring nations, with which it shares a single market, currency union and freedom of movement arrangements. Membership of the Confederation also makes the Barcian passport one of the strongest in the world, owing to its ability to enter a large number of countries without the need for a tourist visa. In addition to these agreements, Barcia also cooperates on wider Occidental foreign policy aims, such as global peacekeeping missions or coastal security.

Due to the Occidental Confederation's single trade area, Barcia maintains very few bilateral trade agreements, with most trade treaties drawn up multilaterally amongst the associated member states of the confederation and their trade partner, owing to the more restrictive import laws on goods coming into the Occidental single market. Nevertheless, such an arrangement does increase the global bargaining power of Barcia within international trade.

Military

Barcian frigate Ludovicus patrolling in the Galene Sea

The Barcian military is divided into 3 branches the Royal Army (Regio Esercito), Royal Navy (Regia Marina) and Royal Air Force (Regia Aeronautica).

Barcia maintains a standing military of 96,000 active personnel with an additional 5,000 reservists. The monarch of Barcia, currently Maria III is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces though in reality authority over the military is vested in the Chancellor Massimiliano Perretti and the Minister of Defence Samanta Beninato. The current Barcian defence budget totals $34.5 bn which corresponds to 2.2% of the country's GDP. The Barcian defence budget has seen a considerable increase over the past few years due to the ongoing conflict in Elessia which has seen Barcian military personnel assisting with the refugee crisis and enforcement of a no-fly zone within the region. Barcia also maintains a number of defensive agreements with its fellow nations in the Occidental Confederation which are centred on a mutual defence pact and co-operation in patrolling Auressian waterways and airspace.

Demographics

Barcia has a population of 34,013,476 according to 2024 census estimates. Barcia is the 4th most populous country in Occidental Auressia. The country has a population density of 87.56 people per km² (226.8/sq mi). The most populous regions in the country are Concara, Forlana, Orlesso and Russeto which are all located in the western Forlana valley along the rivers Orl, Idro and Russa. The only exception to this is the region of Mesalia located on the country's southern coast.

Average life expectancy in Barcia stands at 83.92 which is amongst the highest in the world, standing slightly higher for females than males. Barcia has a total fertility rate of 1.34 children born per woman which is amongst the lowest in the world and lower than the replacement rate of 2.1 Nevertheless, Barcia's fertility rate still remains slightly higher than many other countries in Occidental Auressia.

Barcia maintains a steady level of immigration, largely from other countries within the Occidental Confederation as well as Amarata and Kasaria. Barcia maintains a net migration rate of 1.2 per 1,000 people which has seen an increase in the past few years due to a rise in asylum seekers largely due to the ongoing conflict in Elessia. Barcia also has a diaspora across the world, particularly across Occidental Auressia and Marceaunia. Much of this population is the result of decades of emigration from Barcia to countries such as Amandine, Albrennia and Rocia. Emigration from Barcia to other Auressian countries is also the result of freedom of movement agreements which the country holds with its Occidental neighbours. Additionally, a considerable Barcian diaspora exists in regions such as Idica and Surucia from trading posts established by the Kingdom throughout its colonial history.

Major cities

Barcia has a high-degree of urbanisation with a number of large cities largely located within the Forlana valley in the west of the country as well as the southern coast. The largest city in Barcia is the capital of Tradare with a population of 2.6 million people in its urban area. The next largest cities are Porto with a population of 1.8 million, and Persepoli with a population of 880,000.

Language

The national language of Barcia is Idrean which is widely spoken throughout the country. Historically, Sabarine was the language of diplomacy and religion within the Sabarine Empire, whilst much of the lay population spoke a variety of dialects derived from Sabarine. Idrean would not emerge until the Fifteenth century when it began to surpass Sabarine as the language of trade and diplomacy within the empire, quickly gaining traction throughout the courts of the eastern Empire. As the Barcian state continued to centralise, the Idrean language would be standardised in the 1790s paving the way for it to be adopted as Barcia, the Empire and later Occidental Confederation's official languages. With the advent of state-education in the late Nineteenth century, Idrean rapidly overshadowed many of Barcia's regional languages and dialects, particularly within the country's growing urban communities.

Barcia is also home to a number of regional languages and dialects, the most notable being Ludovite which is the only regional language with official status in Barcia. Ludovite has been spoken for generations within north-eastern Barcia, particularly within the regions of Ludovicia as well as parts of Concara and Forlana. Ludovite was widely spoken throughout Barcian history until it was eclipsed by Idrean when it became the official national language within the Nineteenth century. Ludovite remained widespread throughout the countryside of the north-east though did not have any official status in the country until 2004 when it was declared an official regional language in Ludovicia due to political pressure from Nostra Tera as part of the 2003-2006 coalition government. Other regional languages without official status include Mesalian and Orlessan which are spoken by a minority of the population of their respective regions and are increasingly regarded as at-risk languages.

Religion

The Cathedral of Santa Elena in Tradare

Barcia's state religion as defined within the national constitution is Apostolic Perendism with the Barcian church subordinated under the authority of the Sabarine Apostolic Church which is led by the Dicere based in Sabaria. In reality however, religious affairs within Barcia are the responsibility of the Barcian government in coordination with the Holy Sabarine Church as well as the Archbishop of Tradare. Despite this, the Barcian Constitution does guarentee freedom of religion and worship for all citizens and residents. Compared with other Auressian countries, Barcia is a considerably more religious country, with Perendism maintaining a strong base of worship based on church attendance figures as well as recent census data which showed 76% of all respondents self-identified as "Perendist", the vast majority of which are believed to associate with the Apostolic Church. As of the 2024 census only 12% of the population identifies as "no religion".

The two largest minority religions in Barcia are Morism at 4% and Aulaism at 2%. Morism was imported to Barcia by Palian missionaries and philosophers throughout the late Medieval and early modern period and has for the most part co-existed peacefully with Perendism. Nevertheless reports of anti-Morist acts increased considerably in the aftermath of the Second Great War. By contrast, Aulaism is largely associated with the country's considerable Rasmi diaspora which has lived in Barcia throughout much of history. Other notable religions within Barcia include Jyanism, Macakkanism and Senit all of which are associated with migrant communities which moved to Barcia during the Twentieth and Twenty-first centuries.

Health

Barcia maintains a system of universal healthcare that was initially introduced in 1927 under the New Popular Front and reformed in 1948 into the National Health Service (Idrean: Servizio Sanitario Nazionale). Section 27 of the country's constitution outlines that healthcare is a human right which all citizens of the country should be provided. As of 2024 healthcare spending accounted for around 10% of total GDP. The Barcian healthcare system is regarded as one of the best in the world, leading Barcia to be consistently ranked in the top 10 in the world for life expectancy and healthcare quality. In addition to the National Health Service, the country also has a number of privately owned clinics as well as a nationalised pharmaceuticals manufacturer BB (Biochimico Barciana) which allows the Barcian healthcare system to purchase medical supplies at considerably lower rates than most other countries in the western world.

Culture

Heritage sites

Having been an important part of the Sabarine Empire, Barcia is home to a considerable amount of ancient Sabarine ruins. Many of these sites are now protected by the Regia Commissione per il Patrimonio Barciana (Royal Barcian Heritage Comission) which is responsible for the selection, management and care of heritage sites across the country. Many of these sites receive royal patronage for their upkeep with free entry for all Barcian citizens. Due to the presence of these ruins, of which Barcia has the largest number outside of Sabaria itself, the country receives a considerable amount of tourism particularly from northern Auressia as well as the rest of the Occidental Confederacy. The most notable heritage site in the country is the ruins of Arlantium near modern Civiteria. The site boasts the almost completely excavated remains of a Sabarine colony including bathhouses, palace, markets and forum.

Barcia also maintains a large number of heritage sites from the medieval and early modern periods. The reconstruction government of the late 1940s and 50s was particularly notable for its policies promoting the restoration and preservation of heritage sites across the country, though in many cases this came at the expense of many neighbouring buildings deemed not worth preserving. Notably during this period, cities such as Antosa and Levasco saw widespread construction projects to improve accessibility and general visibility of high profile buildings and heritage sites, creating large public squares or avenues in the immediate vicinity. Though lauded at the time for preserving many of the traditional old town's across the country, such projects have been criticised more recently for their careless destruction of other valuable buildings and homes.

Architecture

The Torre di Ferro is one of the most recognisable symbols of modern Barcia

Owing to its Sabarine heritage, many of Barcia's architectural styles can trace their origins back to the ancient sabarine architecture prominent in cities and colonies founded by the Sabarines such as Antosa and Salona. Whilst many of the buildings which conform to these architectural styles have since become ruins, Sabarine architecture continued to influence later styles throughout the country, providing Barcia with a largely consistent architectural image. Architectural historians tend to note the end of ancient Sabarine architecture in the Tenth Century with the beginning of the Ludovite Conquest. As the Ludovites increased their control and influence over northern Barcia, new architectural styles began to emerge, fusing Sabarine traditions with the more Isaric influences of the new rulers. Whilst this style which later became known as sabarinesque architecture was originally centred on Barcia it would soon come to influence much of the later empire and occidental Auressia as a whole. As this style was brought over by Barcia's new conquerors, it became synonymous with the castles, forts and churches which dominated the cities and towns of medieval Barcia. Perhaps the most notable Sabarinesque building in Barcia is the Castello Forlana in the capital of Tradare which was once the home of ruling Ludovite and later Sabino families.

With the onset of the Seventeenth century however, architectural styles began to shift towards styles influenced by wider Auressia such as the baroque and rococo. Yet these styles would later be eclipsed by large neoclassical structures which dominated Barcian cities during the Eighteenth century. Many of these buildings were key administrative or transport buildings such as post offices, train stations or hospitals, vital to the functioning of an increasingly urbanisng kingdom. By the Twentieth century these neoclassical styles would evolve into a number of different styles including art deco, art nouveau and the rationalist styles most prominent during the regency period, with the most notable modern building being the Torre di Ferro, pehaps the most reognisable Barcian building. Today, modern Barcian architecture retains much of its heritage, though with much greater influence from more international and functionalist designs.

Visual and Performing Arts

The Fall of Helios, 1613, Painting by Barbolani, National Art Gallery, Tradare

Barcia has a long and distinctive history in the visual arts, tracing much of its origins again back to the Sabarine period. Frescos and mosaics were commonplace throughout many Barcian manor houses and churches. Additionally, Barcia is also notable for its medieval religious artwork, with the Ludovite dynasty being great patrons of religious artwork during their reign, much of which adorned the various castles, palaces and churches constructed in the years following the Ludovite conquest.

Yet, Barcian art would not be seen as distinctive from its wider Sabarine counterparts until the Seventeenth century with the emergence of baroque painting. These new paintings substituted religious artwork for that inspired by ancient Sabarine mythology, Ludovite legends, or paintings of the Kingdom's great monarchs. Artwork was particularly patronised by Cosimo IV in an attempt to garner prestige and support from overseas for his rule in the years prior to the great upheaval. Paintings would depict the ruler as a powerful figure, depicting his victories on the battlefield or great acts of state or diplomacy.

Barcia also has a considerable performing arts scene with opera and ballet being amongst the most popular performative acts in the country by audience size. The Royal Opera Theatre in Tradare is one of the largest in the world, having been in operation since 1864. Cinema is also very popular in Barcia with the country having a sizeable domestic filmmaking industry. The city of Persepoli is also host to the International Film Festival. The festival takes place yearly in April and is a celebration of international filmmaking and acting. The festival previews upcoming films and also hands out awards for cinematography and acting and is regularly attended by some of the most high profile celebrities from across the world. Barcia is also notable for its domestic TV production industry, which is largely dominated by the broadcaster TeleBarcia. The country is particularly notable for its production of dramas, soaps and documentaries which are popular across the Idrean speaking world.

Cuisine

Barcian Ossobuco served on a bed of pasta and vegetables

Barcia's cuisine is renowned for its distinctive pasta and meat dishes which are predominant throughout the country. Generally, however cuisine tends to differ between more inland and coastal regions, with seafood being much more prominent in coastal areas, particularly in the south. Barcian meals generally consist of 4 courses as is standard across Idrean cultures. An antipasto is usually served first which can consist of a soup, cured meats, cheese or olives. This is then followed by a first course which can consist of pasta or risotto, whilst second course traditionally includes various meat and fish dishes. Finally, notable Barcian desserts include tiramisu and affogato.

Barcia does not have a national dish, though the closest two meals that are usually associated with the country are gnocchi or ossobuco. Barcia is also notable for the widespread use of horse meat within its cuisine which is traditionally served stewed with a red wine sauce and polenta. Compared with other Idrean countries, Barcian cuisine tends to use butter as opposed to olive oil particularly in dishes which originate from the more northerly regions such as Ludovicia. This substitution is a result of the much larger Barcian dairy industry and ensures that Barcian cuisine has a more distinctive taste relative to other Idrean countries. In addition, Barcia's dairy culture has led to a much wider variety of cheeses to originate from the region such as calosan and mascarpone.

Barcia is also known for its considerable wine culture, with red or white wine common drank with most evening meals. Barcian wines from the Forlana and Ludovicia regions are particularly well reguarded within the international community. The most famous Barcian wine is lambrusco which originates from Ludovicia region as is made with red grapes with the most popular varieties being sparkling wines. In addition to wine, Barcia is also known for its coffee culture. Coffee or espresso is traditionally drank as part of breakfast and Barcia has a wide range of both chain and independent coffee shops. The most famous Barcian coffee brands are Morganelli which is a high-profile coffee maker and Leuzzi which is a brand of coffee shops common across Auressia and the wider world.

Sport

Cyclists during the 2018 Giro di Barcia

The most popular sport in Barcia by far is association football, with the country renowned for its strong national team which has won a number of international honours and includes world renowned players such as Celso Rulli and Laurentino Rigo. Barcia is also due to host the upcoming 2024 International Cup which the national team has won a total of 3 times, in 1984, 1988 and 2004. Additionally, Barcian football is well known globally for its domestic footballing competition, the Barcian Superlega. The most successful football teams in Barcia are FC Imperiale and Reale Belvidere who between them hold 26 league titles.

Tennis is the second most popular sport in Barcia, with the sport popular in schools and gymnasiums across the country. Within the international tennis scene, Barcia is known for the Tradare Open lawn tennis tournament which takes place every year in spring. Perhaps the most popular tennis player in the world, Giuda Del Toro, is from Barcia. Del Toro won a total of 17 grand slam titles during his career which spanned both the 1980s and 1990s.

Other notable sports in Barcia include cycling, boxing and squash. Road cycling is particularly popular in Barcia, owing to the annual Giro di Barcia which takes place on public roads across the country. The Giro sees cyclists compete on daily stages over a three week period with stages covering much of the country as well as some neighbouring states such as Sabaria. Stages on the tour regularly rotate every year with the final stage each year ending in the capital of Tradare.