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{{Region icon Kylaris}}
{{Region icon Kylaris}}
{{WIP}}
{{Infobox country
{{Infobox country
|conventional_long_name = United Republic of Belmonte
|conventional_long_name = Belmontese Republic
|native_name =        República Unida de Belmonte ({{wp|Portuguese language|Luzelese}})
|native_name =        República Belmontesa ({{wp|Portuguese language|Luzelese}})
|common_name =        Belmonte
|common_name =        Belmonte
|image_flag =        [[File:Belmonte flag.png|141px]]
|image_flag =        [[File:Belmonte flag.png|141px]]
Line 9: Line 8:
|image_coat =        [[File:Brasão belmonte.png|94px]]
|image_coat =        [[File:Brasão belmonte.png|94px]]
|alt_coat =          Coat of arms of Belmonte
|alt_coat =          Coat of arms of Belmonte
|other_symbol_type =  {{wp|cockade|National cockade}}
|other_symbol =      [[File:Laço de Belmonte.png|100px]]
|national_motto =    ''Non ducor, duco'' ({{wp|Latin language|Solarian}})<br><small>"I am not led, I lead"</small>
|national_motto =    ''Non ducor, duco'' ({{wp|Latin language|Solarian}})<br><small>"I am not led, I lead"</small>
|national_anthem =    {{wp|Cisne Branco (march)|''Hino Nacional Belmontês''}}<br><small>"Belmontese National Anthem"</small><br>[[File:MediaPlayer.png|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baYLc9FVRbQ|210px]]
|national_anthem =    {{wp|Cisne Branco (march)|''Hino Nacional Belmontês''}}<br><small>"Belmontese National Anthem"</small><br>[[File:MediaPlayer.png|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baYLc9FVRbQ|210px]]
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|alt_map =            Belmonte (green) in [[Kylaris|Asteria]] (grey)
|alt_map =            Belmonte (green) in [[Kylaris|Asteria]] (grey)
|map_caption =        Belmonte (green) in [[Kylaris|Asteria]] (grey)
|map_caption =        Belmonte (green) in [[Kylaris|Asteria]] (grey)
|image_map2 =        [[File:Belmonte map.png|255px]]
|alt_map2 =          Political map of Belmonte
|map_caption2 =      Political map of Belmonte
|capital=            {{flagicon image|Flag federalcapital.png}} [[Castelonovo]]
|capital=            {{flagicon image|Flag federalcapital.png}} [[Castelonovo]]
|largest_city=        capital
|largest_city=        capital
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|calling_code =      +57
|calling_code =      +57
}}
}}
'''Belmonte''' ({{wp|Help:IPA/English|/ˈbɪlˈmærˈtɪ/}}; <small>{{wp|Portuguese language|Luzelese}} pronunciation:</small> {{wp|Help:IPA/Portuguese|[''bewmɔnte'']}}), officially the '''United Republic of Belmonte''' (Luzelese: ''República Unida de Belmonte''), is a {{wp|country}} located on the continent of [[Asteria Inferior]], sharing borders with [[Nuvania]] to the west, [[Aucuria]] to the northwest and [[Satucin]] to the northeast.
'''Belmonte''' ({{wp|Help:IPA/English|/ˈbɪlˈmærˈtɪ/}}; <small>{{wp|Portuguese language|Luzelese}} pronunciation:</small> {{wp|Help:IPA/Portuguese|[''bewmɔnte'']}}), officially the '''Belmontese Republic''' (Luzelese: ''República Belmontesa''), is a {{wp|sovereign state}} located on the continent of [[Asteria Inferior]], sharing borders with [[Nuvania]] to the west, [[Azure Coast]] to the east, [[Aucuria]] to the northwest and [[Satucin]] to the northeast.


The [[Geography of Belmonte|current Belmontese territory]] was inhabitated by several {{wp|indigenous peoples}} since 10,000 BCE, being [[Discovery of Belmonte|discovered]] by [[Luzela]] after an expedition led by explorer [[Duarte Bórgia]] in 1503, with [[History of Belmonte|colonization]] beginning years later with the establishment of the first {{wp|Captaincy|captaincies}}. In 1683, Belmonte was [[Luzelese-Poveglian War|given]] to [[Poveglia]] on the aftermath of the [[Luzelese-Poveglian War]] and would be transferred again after the [[Ten Years' War|Congress of Cislania]] to the [[Gaullica|Gaullican Empire]], whose {{wp|Oppression|harsh oppression}} towards the population led to the [[Independence of Belmonte|declaration of independence]] and a [[Asterian War of Secession|large-scale uprising]] in 1764 during the [[Asterian War of Secession]]. Independence was recognized years later through the [[Treaty of Vicalvi]] in 1771, and an [[Confederation of Belmonte|oligarchic confederation]] was established. As {{wp|Republicanism|republican}} and {{wp|Age of Enlightenment|illuminist}} ideas arose, the confederation would be replaced by a [[First Belmontese Republic|presidential republic]] in 1792 after a [[Federalist Revolt|civil war]].
It's known that the current Belmontese territory is inhabited by several {{wp|indigenous peoples}} since 10,000 BCE, with [[Euclea|Euclean]] {{wp|colonization}} beginning after the landing of explorer [[Duarte Bórgia]] in 1503. In 1683, Belmonte was annexed by [[Poveglia]] in the aftermath of the [[Luzelese-Poveglian War]] and would be annexed again in 1721 to the [[Gaullica|Gaullican Empire]], whose ill-treatment towards the local population served as the principal reason for its [[Independence of Belmonte|independence]] in 1764 amid the [[Asterian War of Secession]].


Although free at first, the republic would evolve into a {{wp|One-party state|one-party}} {{wp|Radicalism (historical)|radical}} state, causing dissatisfaction among conservative groups who launched a [[1828 Coup|successful military coup in 1828]], putting a [[Durão Era|conservative authoritarian dictatorship]] in power. However, this dictatorship would be [[Belmontese Revolution|overthrown]] by the Armed Forces in 1836 followed by the creation of a [[Third Belmontese Republic|oligarchic parliamentary republic]], with an [[Riachuelo Agreement|agreement]] between [[Conservative Party (Belmonte)|conservatives]] and [[Liberal Party (Belmonte)|liberals]] leading to [[Third Belmontese Republic|long-term stability]]. This agreement would be broken later, causing a [[1906-1913 political crisis in Belmonte|political crisis]] which led to another [[National Renovation Coup|military coup]] and the establishment of a {{wp|Military junta|provisional military junta}}. This junta would, after [[1915 Belmontese presidential election|rigged elections]], give power to politician [[João Berquó]], who ruled as a [[Berquó Era|dictator]] for almost 20 years. Belmonte was [[Great War|invaded]] and [[Great War|occupied]] during the [[Great War]] through [[Operation Palmier]], with a [[Spring Offensive|large-scale offensive]] liberating the country in 1934. The war made the democratic opposition gain support from the military, which ousted Berquó and allowed the creation of the current [[New Republic (Belmonte)|democratic regime]].
Independence was recognized years later and a [[Confederation of Belmonte|decentralized confederation]] was established. As republican and liberal ideas arose, the confederation was replaced by a [[First Belmontese Republic|federal presidential republic]] in 1792 after a short [[Federalist Revolt|civil war]]. Tensions between {{wp|Liberalism|liberals}} and {{wp|Conservatism|conservatives}} led to a successful [[1828 Coup|military coup]] which established a [[Durão Era|conservative authoritarian dictatorship]], however, its inability to govern resulted in its [[1836 Revolution|overthrowing]] in favour of a [[Third Belmontese Republic|parliamentary republic]], with an [[Riachuelo Agreement|oligarchic agreement]] allowing long-term stability. The breaking of the agreement years later caused [[1906-1913 political crisis in Belmonte|large-scale political unrest]] throughout the country, resulting in another [[1913 Coup|military coup]] which ceded power to far-right politician [[João Berquó]], who ruled as a dictator for the next 20 years.  


Today, Belmonte is a {{wp|Federalism|federal}} {{wp|Parliamentary system|parliamentary}} {{wp|republic}}, with the [[President of Belmonte|president]] acting as {{wp|head of state}} whilst the [[Premier of Belmonte|premier]] acts as the {{wp|head of government}}. The {{wp|legislature}} is the {{wp|Bicameralism|bicameral}} [[National Congress of Belmonte|National Congress]], which is composed by the [[Chamber of Deputies of Belmonte|Chamber of Deputies]] and the [[Senate of Belmonte|Senate]]. Its {{wp|capital}} and {{wp|primate city}} is [[Castelonovo]]. Belmonte is a {{wp|developing country}} with an {{wp|emergent economy}}, having a high {{wp|Human Development Index}} of 0.784. Currently, Belmonte is a member-state of the [[Community of Nations]], the [[Asteria Inferior Common Market]], the [[International Council for Democracy]], the [[International Trade Organization]] and the [[Global Institute for Fiscal Affairs]].
Belmonte was [[Operation Palmier|invaded]] and [[Occupation of Belmonte|occupied]] by the [[Entente|Entente Powers]] during the [[Great War (Kylaris)|Great War]], its infrastructure completely ravaged and most cities destroyed, being only fully liberated at the late stages of the conflict. The end of the war made the democratic opposition gain support from large parts of the Armed Forces, which ousted Berquó and allowed the creation of the [[New Republic (Belmonte)|current democratic regime]].
 
Belmonte is considered to be a {{wp|developing country}} with an {{wp|emergent economy}}, having a high {{wp|Human Development Index|HDI}} and a medium {{wp|Gini coefficient}}, even though the country still suffers from alarming levels of {{wp|poverty}}, {{wp|social inequality}}, {{wp|corruption}} and {{wp|crime}}. Its political system is a {{wp|Federalism|federal}} {{wp|parliamentary republic}} composed of six [[Provinces of Belmonte|provinces]] and the [[Castelonovo|Federal District]]. The {{wp|legislature}} is the bicameral [[National Congress of Belmonte|National Congress]], which is composed of the [[Chamber of Deputies of Belmonte|Chamber of Deputies]] and the [[Senate of Belmonte|Senate]]. Its {{wp|Capital city|capital}} and {{wp|primate city}} is [[Castelonovo]]. Belmonte is a member-state of the [[Community of Nations]], the [[Asteria Inferior Common Market]], the [[International Council for Democracy]], the [[International Trade Organization (Kylaris)|International Trade Organization]] and the [[Global Institute for Fiscal Affairs]], [[Foreign relations of Belmonte|among others]].
==Etymology==
==Etymology==
Before the arrival of {{wp|European people|Euclean peoples}} in [[Asteria Inferior]], there were several {{wp|indigenous peoples}} present in Belmonte's modern territory, the majority of them from {{wp|Tupi people|Tupi origin}}, who named the area as ''Apiraby'' - pointy land, likely referring to the region which is today the provinces of [[Favônia]] and [[Laranjeiras]]. Further inland, the region was named ''Araxaiby'' - high land.
The word ''Belmonte'' is from both {{wp|Portuguese language|Luzelese}} and {{wp|Italian language|Vespasian}} origin and means "beautiful mountain." The most likely theory is that the name was first used to designate [[St Paul's Mount]], which was the first piece of land seen by [[Duarte Bórgia]]'s 1503 expedition, being officially adopted as [[Colonization of Belmonte|colonization]] began years later. During the [[Gaullica|Gaullican]] [[History of Belmonte|period of rule]] in the region, its name was {{wp|Francization|Gallicized}} to ''Beaumont'', however, it saw few use by the majoritarian Luzo-Belmontese population, changing back to Belmonte once [[Independence of Belmonte|independence]] was achieved in 1764.


The word ''Belmonte'' is from both {{wp|Portuguese language|Luzelese}} and {{wp|Italian language|Vespasian}} origin and means ''"beautiful mountain."'' The most likely theory is that the name was first used to designate [[St Paul's Mount]], which was the first piece of land seen by [[Duarte Bórgia|Duarte Bórgia's]] [[Discovery of Belmonte|1503 expedition]] that [[Discovery of Belmonte|discovered the country]], being officially adopted as [[History of Belmonte|colonization]] began years later.
Before the arrival of Euclean peoples in Asteria Inferior, the several indigenous peoples present in Belmonte's modern territory, most of them from {{wp|Tupi people|Tupi origin}}, gave two different names for the region: ''Apiraby'' - pointy land, referring to the region which is today the coastal provinces of [[Favônia]] and [[Laranjeiras]], and ''Araxaiby'' - high land - further inland.
 
During the [[Gaullica|Gaullican]] [[History of Belmonte|period of rule in the region]], its name was {{wp|Francization|Gallicized}} to ''Beaumont'', however, it saw few use by the majoritarian {{wp|Portuguese people|Luzelese population}}, changing back to Belmonte once [[Independence of Belmonte|independence]] was achieved in 1764.


==History==
==History==
{{main|History of Belmonte}}
{{main|History of Belmonte}}
===Pre-Ashtarite era===
===Pre-Asterian era===
{{main|History of Belmonte#Pre-Ashtarite era}}
{{main|History of Belmonte#Pre-Asterian era}}
[[File:Serra_da_Capivara_-_Several_Paintings_2b.jpg|thumb|left|200px|A {{wp|Cave painting|prehistoric cave painting}} at the [[Mourinhos National Park]] near [[Cintra]], in [[Juazeiro]].]]
[[File:Serra_da_Capivara_-_Several_Paintings_2b.jpg|thumb|left|200px|A {{wp|Cave painting|prehistoric cave painting}} at the [[Mourinhos National Park]] near [[Cintra]], in [[Juazeiro]].]]
[[File:Burian_urn,_AD_1000-1250,_Marajoara_culture_-_AMNH_-_DSC06177_b.jpg|thumb|right|100px|A {{wp|Urn|native burial urn}} dated from 1000 BCE, present in the [[National Museum of Belmonte]] in Castelonovo.]]
[[File:Burian_urn,_AD_1000-1250,_Marajoara_culture_-_AMNH_-_DSC06177_b.jpg|thumb|right|100px|A {{wp|Urn|native burial urn}} dated from 1000 BCE, present in the [[National Museum of Belmonte]] in Castelonovo.]]
The first {{wp|Archaeology|archaeological evidence}} about the presence of the {{wp|Human|homo sapiens}} in Belmontese soil dates back to 60,000 thousand years ago, but {{wp|Village|permanent human habitations}} only exist for at least 10,000 years. The {{wp|Indigenous peoples|indigenous population}} was based around {{wp|Tribe|tribes}} which had an extended knowledge over {{wp|Linear Pottery culture|pottery cultures}} and had a {{wp|Indigenous peoples|complex political system}} based around the image of the tribe's leader, the {{wp|cacique}}, and its {{wp|Religion|religious and spiritual chief}}, the {{wp|Shaman|pajé}}, along with {{wp|Society|societal ranks}} akin to a {{wp|Peerage|nobility system}}. Before the arrival of Duarte Bórgia's expedition in 1503, it is estimated that the indigenous population living in Belmonte was comprised of two million people, with the majority of them being part of two {{wp|Ethnolinguistic group|ethnolinguistic groups}}: the {{wp|Tupi-Guarani languages|Tupi-Guaranis}} and the {{wp|Macro-Jê languages|Macro-Jês}}. These two ethnolinguistic groups are divided into the {{wp|Tupi people|Tupis}}, {{wp|Guaraní people|Guaranis}}, {{wp|Jê languages|Jês}}, {{wp|Tupinambá people|Tupinambás}} and {{wp|Tupiniquim|Tupiniquins}}, which, in turn, are subdivided into smaller groups based on local cultural and societal differences.
The oldest {{wp|Archaeology|archaeological evidence}} about the presence of the {{wp|Human|homo sapiens}} in Belmontese soil dates back to 60,000 thousand years ago, but {{wp|Village|permanent human habitations}} only exist for 10,000 years. The {{wp|Indigenous peoples|indigenous population}} was based around {{wp|Tribe|tribes}} that had an extended knowledge of {{wp|Linear Pottery culture|pottery cultures}} and had a {{wp|Indigenous peoples|complex political system}} based around the image of the tribe's leader, the {{wp|cacique}}, and its religious and spiritual chief, the {{wp|Shaman|pajé}}.


Regarding their expertise on the region they lived in, the natives knew extensively about their local {{wp|fauna}} and {{wp|flora}} and lived through the {{wp|Subsistence economy|subsistence}} of {{wp|hunting}}, {{wp|fishing}} and {{wp|Gather|gathering}}, with tribal boundaries being demarcated through war. {{wp|Slavery}} was widely practised, although under a different meaning than the used by [[Euclea|Euclean powers]], and religious rituals involving {{wp|cannibalism}} was common. {{wp|Indigenous religion|Religion}} was characterized by being {{wp|Polytheism|polytheist}} with each tribe having its variations, while leadership was hereditary and decided among the tribe's warriors.
Before the arrival of Duarte Bórgia's expedition in 1503, it is estimated that the indigenous population living in Belmonte was comprised of two million people, with the majority of them being part of {{wp|Ethnolinguistic group|ethnolinguistic groups}}: the {{wp|Tupi-Guarani languages|Tupi-Guaranis}} and the {{wp|Macro-Jê languages|Macro-Jês}}. These two ethnolinguistic groups are divided into the {{wp|Tupi people|Tupis}}, {{wp|Guaraní people|Guaranis}}, {{wp|Jê languages|Jês}}, {{wp|Tupinambá people|Tupinambás}} and {{wp|Tupiniquim|Tupiniquins}}, which, in turn, are subdivided into smaller groups based on local cultural and societal differences.
 
Regarding their expertise on the region they lived in, the natives knew extensively about their local {{wp|fauna}} and {{wp|flora}} and lived through the {{wp|Subsistence economy|subsistence}} of {{wp|hunting}}, {{wp|fishing}} and {{wp|Gather|gathering}}, with tribal boundaries being demarcated through war. Slavery was widely practised, although under a different meaning than the one used by [[Euclea|Euclean powers]], and religious rituals involving {{wp|cannibalism}} were common. {{wp|Indigenous religion|Religion}} was characterized by being {{wp|Polytheism|polytheist}} with each tribe having its variations, while leadership was hereditary and decided among the tribe's warriors.


===Colonial era===
===Colonial era===
{{main|History of Belmonte#Colonial era}}
{{main|History of Belmonte#Colonial era}}
{{see also|Luzelese-Poveglian War|Ten Years' War}}
{{see also|Luzelese Belmonte|Poveglian Belmonte|Gaullican Belmonte}}
{{multiple image
[[File:Oscar_Pereira_da_Silva_-_Desembarque_de_Pedro_Álvares_Cabral_em_Porto_Seguro,_1500,_Acervo_do_Museu_Paulista_da_USP.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Discovery of Belmonte'' by {{wp|Oscar Pereira da Silva|Pedro Passos Guimarães}}]]
|align    = left
[[File:Henrique_Bernardelli_-_Ciclo_da_Caça_ao_Índio,_Acervo_do_Museu_Paulista_da_USP.jpg|thumb|right|150px|During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Belmontese society was built around the image of the {{wp|bandeirante}}.]]
|direction = vertical
In 1503, after two failed attempts to colonize the [[Asteria Superior|Arucian]], the [[Luzela|Luzelese Crown]] decided to launch another expedition to the southern tip of the continent, led by explorer [[Duarte Bórgia]]. Bórgia's fleet, composed of 17 caravels, departed from [[Precea]] in January 1503, reaching [[St Paul's Mount]] near [[Pinheiros]] six months later on June 29th, with other expeditions being launched in 1506 and 1509.
|width    = 215
|image1    = Oscar_Pereira_da_Silva_-_Desembarque_de_Pedro_Álvares_Cabral_em_Porto_Seguro,_1500,_Acervo_do_Museu_Paulista_da_USP.jpg
|caption1  = ''Discovery of Belmonte'' by {{wp|Oscar Pereira da Silva|Pedro Passos Guimarães}}, 1917.
|image2    = Colonizacaonf.jpg
|caption2  = Most part of the Belmontese population lived in small coastal villages during the first years of colonization.
}}
Since the [[Assim Asteris|discovery]] of the [[Kylaris|Asterian continent]] by [[Assim Asteris]] in 1488, many [[Euclea|Euclean major powers]], including [[Luzela]], launched several {{wp|Expedition|expeditions}} to {{wp|colonization|colonize}} and {{wp|exploration|explore}} the [[Asteria Inferior|newly discovered lands]]. In 1503, after [[Luzela|two failed attempts]] to colonize the [[Asteria Superior|Arucian]], the [[Luzela|Luzelese Crown]] decided to launch another expedition to the southern tip of the continent, being led by the admiral and explorer [[Duarte Bórgia]]. Bórgia's fleet, composed by 17 {{wp|caravels}}, departed from [[Precea]] in January 1503 and, throughout the travel, lost 3 ships after a severe storm in the [[Kylaris|Vehemens Ocean]], reaching the [[St Paul's Mount]] near [[Pinheiros]] six months later on June 29th.
 
[[File:Henrique_Bernardelli_-_Ciclo_da_Caça_ao_Índio,_Acervo_do_Museu_Paulista_da_USP.jpg|thumb|right|200px|During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Belmontese society was built around the image of the {{wp|bandeirante}}.]]
The crew stayed in Belmonte and left a few days later, with other expeditions being launched in 1506 and 1509. At first, the [[Luzela|crown]] didn't have any interest of {{wp|Colonization|populating}} the area but, after [[Hennehouwe]] and [[Esmeira]] started to proclaim land nearby (which is today [[Nuvania]]) as theirs, Luzela was forced to establish the first {{wp|Settlement|settlements}} in 1517, although true {{wp|Colonization|colonization}} only began two years later. In 1521, the colony was divided into {{wp|Captaincy|captaincies}} and shared among the [[Luzela|nobility]], which was empowered to act as {{wp|Local government|local governments}}. The {{wp|Colonization|colonization process}} was slow and costly, leading to further disinterest by the crown who gave more {{wp|Autonomy|powers}} to the captaincies and {{wp|Religious order (Catholic)|religious orders}} such as the {{wp|Society of Jesus|Jesuits}} to act autonomously. {{wp|Slavery}} was officially introduced in 1532 to the {{wp|Indigenous peoples|natives}}, with the first {{wp|Black people|black slaves}} from [[Bahia]] coming years later.


By the end of the 16th century, most of the {{wp|Settlement|Luzelese settlements}} were located entirely in the coast, with {{wp|Indigenous peoples|native attacks}} and {{wp|Slave rebellion|slave revolts}} being a constant threat to the settlers. The own population, without the help of its {{wp|metropole}}, launched several {{wp|Expedition|independent expeditions}}, called {{wp|Bandeirantes|bandeiras}}, to expand its territory and {{wp|Extractivism|explore}} mineral resources and to capture Indians to use them as a {{wp|Slavery|slave force}}. Over the years, the {{wp|Settler colonialism|colonial society}} was shaped and based around the {{wp|Bandeirantes|bandeirante}} and its figure. Although intense conflicts between Eucleans and Indians existed, {{wp|Miscegenation|miscegenation}} was widespread, contributing to the creation of an [[Culture of Belmonte|early Belmontese identity]] and [[Belmontese people|people]]. After several bandeiras, the captaincies' territory grew and {{wp|Extractivism|extractivist activities}} towards the local fauna and flora led to the creation of inland cities such as [[Castelonovo]] and [[Riachuelo]] as well as a surge in new inhabitants.
At first, [[Luzela]] didn't have any interest in populating the area but, after [[Hennehouwe]] and [[Gaullica]] started to proclaim land nearby as theirs, the Crown established the first settlements in 1517, although true colonization only began two years later. In 1521, the colony became divided into {{wp|Captaincy|captaincies}} and shared among the [[Luzela|nobility]], which was empowered as {{wp|Local government|local governments}}. The colonization process was slow and costly, leading to further disinterest by the Crown who gave more powers to the captaincies and {{wp|Religious order (Catholic)|religious orders}} to act autonomously. As a result, the nascent Luzo-Belmontese population launched several independent expeditions called {{wp|Bandeirantes|bandeiras}} and, over the years, colonial society was shaped and based around the {{wp|Bandeirantes|bandeirante}}, contributing to the creation of an early [[Culture of Belmonte|Belmontese identity]] and [[Belmontese people|people]].


In 1683, after the [[Luzelese-Poveglian War|Luzelese defeat]] at the [[Luzelese-Poveglian War]], the country was forced to give some of its colonial holdings, including Belmonte, to [[Poveglia]]. The {{wp|Venice|Poveglians}} kept some of the power to the bandeirantes and to the well-established elite and even allowed the continuation of the {{wp|Portuguese language|Luzelese language}} and [[Luzela|culture]] in the colony, but it {{wp|Centralization|centralized power}} towards a new {{wp|central government}} and launched efforts to make the region a {{wp|Trading post|trade outpost}} in Asteria Inferior, leading to the expansion of {{wp|Market town|market towns}} and the establishment of a large commercial fleet, expanding the {{wp|Atlantic slave trade|Vehemens slave trade}}.
In 1683, after the Luzelese defeat at the [[Luzelese-Poveglian War]], the country was forced to give Belmonte to [[Poveglia]], which allowed the continuation of the {{wp|Portuguese languase|Luzelese language}} and [[Luzela|culture]] in the region. The aftermath of the [[Ten Years' War]] led to the annexation of Belmonte by Gaullica - unlike the Luzelese and the Poveglians, the Gaullican colonial administration was widely unpopular, fueling {{wp|Nationalism|nationalist}} and {{wp|Enlightenment|illuminist}} movements. The harsh oppression and high taxes were the main reasons for the rural aristocracy with the support of the lower classes to [[Independence of Belmonte|declare independence]] in 1764, thus beginning the [[War of Belmontese Independence]].


The aftermath of the [[Ten Years' War]] and the [[Ten Years' War|Congress of Cislania]] made [[Gaullica]], the major Asterian {{wp|Colonial empire|colonial power}}, annex Belmonte. Unlike the Luzelese and the Poveglians, the Gaullican {{wp|Colonialism|colonial administration}} was widely unpopular among the population, fueling {{wp|Nationalism|nationalist}} and {{wp|Age of Enlightenment|illuminist}} movements in the country. The {{wp|Oppression|harsh oppression}} and {{wp|Taxing|high taxes}} were a reason for both the {{wp|Aristocracy|rural aristocracy}} and the {{wp|Lower class|lower classes}} to ignite a large-scale rebellion in 1764, thus starting the [[Asterian War of Secession]].
Soon after the declaration of independence, the revolutionary forces were organized into a single army under the command of General [[Sebastião Mascarenhas]]. The first years of the campaign were harsh for Belmontese revolutionaries due to the lack of equipment and experience, but the tides of the war changed in 1766 with the [[Battle of Humaitá]], where Belmontese soldiers defeated a major Gaullican army. The war only ended with the [[Treaty of Vicalvi]] signed 5 years later in 1771, with independence being guaranteed by Gaullica and other major world powers. A {{wp|confederation}} system of government was adopted, with Mascarenhas serving as its first [[Captain-Regent of Belmonte|Captain-Regent]].  


===Independence and confederation===
===Post-independence===
{{main|Asterian War of Secession|Confederation of Belmonte}}
{{main|Confederation of Belmonte|First Belmontese Republic|Durão Era|Third Belmontese Republic|Berquó Era}}
{{multiple image
{{see also|Federalist Revolt|1836 Revolution|Riachuelo Agreement|1913 Coup}}
|align    = left
[[File:Victor_Meirelles_-_'Battle_of_Guararapes',_1879,_oil_on_canvas,_Museu_Nacional_de_Belas_Artes,_Rio_de_Janeiro.JPG|thumb|left|200px|''Liberty being triumphant'' by {{wp|Victor Meirelles|Inácio Loya}} shows Belmontese troops standing victorious at the end of the [[Battle of Humaitá]].]]
|direction = vertical
|width    = 210
|image1    = Victor_Meirelles_-_'Battle_of_Guararapes',_1879,_oil_on_canvas,_Museu_Nacional_de_Belas_Artes,_Rio_de_Janeiro.JPG
|caption1  = ''Liberty being triumphant'' by {{wp|Victor Meirelles|Inácio Loya}} shows Belmontese troops standing victorious at the end of the [[Battle of Humaitá]].
|image2    = Entrada_do_Exército_Libertador_1930.jpg
|caption2  = Rebel soldiers celebrating their victory after the [[Federalist Revolt]].
}}
Soon after the first [[Asterian War of Secession|uprisings]] in Belmonte and other [[Asterian War of Secession|Gaullican colonies]] through Asteria broke out, the rebels were organized into a [[Asterian War of Secession|single army]] composed by {{wp|Militia|regional militias}} from the {{wp|Captaincy|captaincies}} which were led by [[Sebastião Mascarenhas]], [[Nuno Calixto]] and [[Clemente Bignoli]], all of them being members of the {{wp|Elite|rural aristocratic elite}}. The first years of the [[Asterian War of Secession|campaign]] were harsh for Belmontese revolutionaries due to the lack of ammunition and experience, but the tides of the war changed in 1766 with the [[Battle of Humaitá]], where Belmontese soldiers defeated a major Gaullican army. The war would only end with the [[Treaty of Vicalvi]] signed 5 years later in 1771, with {{wp|independence}} being guaranteed by Gaullica and other {{wp|Great power|major world powers}}.
 
A {{wp|confederation}} {{wp|Government|system of government}} was adopted and the [[Confederation of Belmonte]] was officially established, with Mascarenhas serving as its first [[Captain-Regent of Belmonte|captain-regent]] during the war and resigning soon after it ended. After his retirement, Bignoli succeeded him, expanding the [[Belmontese Navy]] and {{wp|Merchant services|merchant activities}}, especially {{wp|Slavery|slave trade}}, throughout [[Bahia]] and the [[Asterias]] whilst giving power to {{wp|Merchant|merchants}} and {{wp|Oligarch|rural oligarchs}}. He was succeeded by his aide Francisco Noronha, who was [[Federalist Revolt|overthrown]] by {{wp|Liberalism|liberal rebels}} in 1792.
 
The confederation was characterised by its {{wp|Autocracy|autocratic}} {{wp|Oligarchy|oligarchic regime}} ruled by {{wp|Slavery|slave traders}} and the {{wp|Elite|rural elite}}. This led to disaffection between former revolutionaries and members of the [[Belmontese Armed Forces|Armed Forces]] who fought for a {{wp|Democracy|democratic}} {{wp|republic}}, causing the creation of the [[Liberal Party (Belmonte)|Liberal Party]] which supported a new {{wp|constitution}} and a {{wp|Federalism|federal}} {{wp|presidential system}} of government. In 1788, after [[Federalist Revolt|crackdowns]] towards the liberal leadership, a series of low-ranking officers {{wp|Mutiny|mutinied}} against confederal rule, erupting into the [[Federalist Revolt]]. After 3 years of {{wp|civil war}}, the confederation was officialy abolished, and the [[First Belmontese Republic]] was established.
 
===Republican era===
{{main|First Belmontese Republic|Second Belmontese Republic}}
{{see also|1828 Coup|Durão's dictatorship|Belmontese Revolution|National Renovation Coup|Berquó's dictatorship}}
{{multiple image
{{multiple image
  |align    = right
  |align    = right
  |direction = vertical
  |direction = vertical
  |width    = 190
  |width    = 150
  |image1    = Proclamação_da_República_by_Benedito_Calixto_1893.jpg
  |image1    = Proclamação_da_República_by_Benedito_Calixto_1893.jpg
  |caption1  = The [[Belmontese Revolution]] ended Durão's authoritarian rule and sentenced him to {{wp|exile}}.
  |caption1  = The [[1836 Revolution]] ended Durão's authoritarian rule and sentenced him to {{wp|exile}}.
  |image2    = Oscar_Pereira_da_Silva_-_Sessão_das_Cortes_De_Lisboa,_Acervo_do_Museu_Paulista_da_USP_2.jpg
  |image2    = João_de_Deus_Menna_Barreto,_General,_1931.tif
  |caption2  = Members of the [[National Congress of Belmonte|National Congress]] ratifying the new [[Constitution of Belmonte|constitution]] shortly after the revolution in 1836.
  |caption2  = [[João Berquó]] ruled Belmonte as a dictator over 20 years
}}
}}
Following a {{wp|provisional government}} responsible for enacting a new [[Constitution of Belmonte|constitution]] and stabilize the country, the first [[1792 Belmontese presidential election|elections]] were held in October of 1792, with revolutionary [[Jorge Aranha]] becoming the country's first [[President of Belmonte|president]]. During his tenure, Aranha consolidated {{wp|Liberalism|liberal}} rule throughout Belmonte, created the {{wp|Bicameralism|bicameral}} [[National Congress of Belmonte|National Congress]], abolished {{wp|slavery}} and expanded {{wp|Suffrage|voting rights}} to {{wp|Suffrage|literate males}}, causing him to be [[1796 Belmontese presidential election|re-elected]] for a second term in 1796. During this time, the Belmontese society was realigned and passed through a series of reforms to solidify the new {{wp|presidential system}}, incommodating the {{wp|Aristocracy|rural aristocratic classes}}. These elites would organize themselves as the [[Conservative Party (Belmonte)|Conservative Party]] years later, in 1801, after [[1800 Belmontese presidential election|losing again]] to liberal candidate [[Zacarias de Moraes]] a year ago.
The [[Confederation of Belmonte|confederation]] was characterised by its autocratic oligarchic regime ruled by slave traders and the rural elite, causing disaffection among many {{wp|Liberalism|liberals}} and {{wp|Radicalism|radicals}} influenced by illuminist ideas. In 1788, after state-sponsored crackdowns towards liberal and {{wp|University|academic centres}}, a series of low-ranking officers {{wp|Mutiny|mutinied}} against confederal rule, erupting into the [[Federalist Revolt]]. After 3 years of civil war, the [[Federalists (Belmonte)|Federalists]], under the command of [[Jorge Aranha]], won and abolished the confederation, establishing the [[First Belmontese Republic]]. Following a provisional government, the first elections were held, with Aranha becoming the country's first [[President of Belmonte|president]].
 
Failed {{wp|Coup d'état|military coups}} supported by {{wp|Conservatism|conservative sectors of society}} made [[Liberal Party (Belmonte)|liberal leaders]] repress their activities, making Belmonte a ''de facto'' {{wp|one-party state}}. Further oppression towards these conservative groups made by {{wp|Radicalism (historical)|radical}} Presidents [[Felisberto Morais]] and [[André Mendonça]] plagued the country with {{wp|Economic instability|economic}} and {{wp|political instability}} until in the 27th of September of 1828 a [[1828 Coup|military coup]] successfully removed President [[Plínio Veríssimo]] and put the conservative politician [[Joaquim Durão]] in charge, officially ending the [[First Belmontese Republic|First Republic]].


Intended to be a provisional government, Durão closed the National Congress, cancelled [[1828 Belmontese presidential election|future elections]] and abolished the [[Constitution of Belmonte|1792 Constitution]], effectively becoming a {{wp|dictator}}. His [[Durão Era|dictatorship]] was characterised by a state of perpetual {{wp|unrest}} followed by violent responses towards the {{wp|Opposition (politics)|political opposition}}, with many former liberal politicians being forced to flee the country to avoid {{wp|persecution}}. By 1836, however, his position became unsustainable, and a [[Belmontese Revolution|revolution]] led by General [[Augusto Cintra]] overthrew his government and sent him to {{wp|Exile|political exile}}, establishing the [[Third Belmontese Republic]].
{{wp|Conservatism|Conservative}} inaptitude to attract voters and general hostility to the past confederacy and its conservative nature made Belmonte a ''de facto'' liberal {{wp|one-party state}}. Further progressive policies led to total repulse from conservatives towards the democratic regime, leading to a [[1828 Coup|military coup]] that successfully put conservative politician [[Joaquim Durão]] in charge. Durão's dictatorship was characterised by a state of perpetual unrest followed by violent crackdowns against the political opposition. By 1836, however, his position became unsustainable, and a [[1836 Revolution|revolution]] led by General [[Augusto Cintra]] overthrew his government and sent him to exile, establishing the [[Third Belmontese Republic]].


[[File:Hermes da Fonseca (1910).jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[João Berquó]] ruled Belmonte as a dictator for almost 20 years.]]
To avoid the errors that led to the end of the First Republic, moderate conservative and liberal politicians met and created the [[Riachuelo Agreement]], a political pact to ensure that their core interests would be protected, creating an {{wp|Oligarchy|rotative system}} where both groups always stay in power. A new constitution was drafted in the same year, establishing a {{wp|parliamentary system}} and having Cintra as its first premier. The stability of the Riachuelo Agreement allowed the beginning of {{wp|industrialization}} in Belmonte, which in turn led to [[Immigration to Belmonte|massive immigration]] of [[Euclea|Euclean]] and [[Coius|Coian]] peoples in the late-19th century.
To avoid the errors that led to the end of the [[First Belmontese Republic|First Republic]], conservative and liberal politicians met and created the [[Riachuelo Agreement]], a {{wp|Elite pact|political pact}} to ensure that the government would be led by one of the two parties and that their core interests would be protected, creating an {{wp|Rotation system|oligarchic rotative system}} where both conservatives (nicknamed [[Conservative Party (Belmonte)|Caramurus]]) and liberals (nicknamed [[Liberal Party (Belmonte)|Moemas]]) would always stay in power, impending the creation and growth of other {{wp|Political party|political groups}}. A new [[Constitution of Belmonte|constitution]] was drafted the same year, establishing a {{wp|parliamentary system}} of government and having Cintra as its first [[Premier of Belmonte|premier]].


The stability of the Riachuelo Agreement made it possible for Belmonte to {{wp|Industrialization|industrialize}}, with many landowners now investing in the construction of new {{wp|Factory|factories}} and {{wp|railroads}}, causing a [[Immigration to Belmonte|massive immigration]] of [[Euclea|Euclean peoples]]. Between 1867 and 1901, almost two million immigrants from [[Paretia]], [[Etruria]], [[Gaullica]], [[Caldia]] and [[Werania]] went to work in Belmontese camps and factories, with another half million of [[Senria|Senrians]], [[Miersa|Miersans]] and [[Estmere|Estmerish]] and [[Hennehouwe|Hennish]] people coming in the following years.
The rapid transition of Belmonte to an {{wp|Industrial society|industrialized society}} caused social strife and dissatisfaction towards the oligarchic regime. In 1913, the [[Belmontese Section of the Workers' International]] held both the presidency and premiership simultaneously for the first time and, combined with the [[Great Collapse]], a military junta [[1913 Coup|took power]] and closed [[National Congress of Belmonte|Congress]], establishing a military dictatorship. Claimed to be provisory, the junta abolished all political parties and cracked down on socialists and other left-wing radicals. Two years later, power was given through rigged elections to far-right politician [[João Berquó]], who ruled as a [[Berquó Era|dictator]] for the next 20 years. Berquó unified far-right and ultranationalist groups as his base of support and banned any opposition, establishing a {{wp|cult of personality}} around himself.
 
The rapid transition of Belmonte to an {{wp|Industrial society|industrialized society}} caused social strife and dissatisfaction of the {{wp|Working class|working classes}} towards the {{wp|Oligarchy|oligarchic regime}}, being met with {{wp|police brutality}} in response. It was only in 1906, after a series of [[1906 Belmontese riots|riots]] in the main cities, that premier [[Graciliano Gusmão]] broke out the agreement, leading to a [[1906-1913 political crisis in Belmonte|political crisis]] with the dissolution of the [[Liberal Party (Belmonte)|Liberal Party]] into various {{wp|Radical politics|radical}} and {{wp|Socialism|socialist}} parties who are unable to form a stable government. Between 1909 and 1913, eight different governments, most of them {{wp|Left-wing politics|left-wing}}, were formed, causing panic among conservative circles. In 1913, the [[Belmontese Section of the Workers' International|SBIO]] won both the [[President of Belmonte|presidency]] and [[Premier of Belmonte|premiership]] for the first time and, with the [[Great Collapse]] destroying the remnants of the [[Economy of Belmonte|Belmontese economy]], a [[National Emergency Junta|military junta]] [[National Renovation Coup|took power]] and closed the National Congress, establishing a {{wp|military dictatorship}}.
 
Claimed to be {{wp|Provisional government|provisory}}, the emergency junta abolished all [[List of political parties in Belmonte|political parties]] and cracked down on {{wp|Socialism|socialists}}, {{wp|Communism|communists}} and other {{wp|Radicalism|left-wing radicals}}. Two years later, when the [[Economy of Belmonte|economic situation]] was stabilized, power was given through a [[1915 Belmontese presidential election|rigged election]] to {{wp|Reactionary|reactionary politician}} [[João Berquó]], who would rule as a {{wp|dictator}} for the next 20 years. Berquó unified {{wp|Far-right politics|far-right}} and {{wp|Ultranationalism|ultranationalist groups}} under [[National Common Alliance (Belmonte)|his party]] and banned any opposition, establishing a {{wp|cult of personality}} around himself.


===Great War===
===Great War===
{{main article|Great War (Kylaris)|State of Belmonte}}
{{main article|Great War (Kylaris)}}
{{see also|State of Belmonte|Belmontese resistance}}
{{multiple image
{{multiple image
|align     = right
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| image1 = Combatentes paulistas em Amparo em 1932.jpg
|width    = 200
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|image1   = Combatentes_paulistas_em_Amparo_em_1932.jpg
| image2 = Schneider-Canet_150mm_na_Revolução_de_1932.jpg
|caption1  = Belmontese soldiers during the [[Spring Offensive]] in 1933.
| width2 = 185
|image2   = The_Battle_of_the_Somme,_July-november_1916_Q1608.jpg
| footer = From left to right: Belmontese troops engaging in {{wp|trench warfare}} against Nuvanian soldiers in the initial days of the invasion; a  Belmontese XPL-150mm cannon during the [[Spring Offensive]].
|caption2  = Members of the [[Belmontese Army|27th Belmontese Infantry Regiment]] marching after the [[Battle of Belojardim]].
}}
}}
Although the [[Berquó Regime|Berquó regime]] had various similarities with the [[Entente|functionalist powers]], Belmonte declared its neutrality on the ensuing conflict after the [[Second Sakata Incident]], but continued {{wp|Trade|trading}} with both sides of the war. This, together with Belmonte's constant refusals to join the war as an [[Entente|Entente member]], [[Geography of Belmonte|strategic geographical value]] and allegations of sending arms to the [[Aucuria|Aucurian National Redoubt Government]], led to [[Operation Palmier]], the invasion of Belmonte by [[Satucin]] and [[Nuvania]], in February 7th 1932.
Although the Berquó regime had various similarities with the [[Entente|functionalist powers]], Belmonte declared its neutrality on the ensuing conflict but continued trading with both sides of the war. However, Belmonte's constant refusal to join the war as an [[Entente|Entente member]], strategic geographical value and allegations of sending arms to the [[Aucuria|Aucurian National Redoubt Government]] led to [[Operation Palmier]], the invasion of Belmonte by [[Satucin]], [[Azure Coast]] and [[Nuvania]], on February 7th 1932.
 
The [[Belmontese Armed Forces]], which hadn't saw any combat since the end of the [[War of the Arucian]], combined with the invasion day set at the height of the {{wp|Carnaval|carnaval festivities}}, were crucial factors for the fast movement of Entente troops through Belmontese soil. Three weeks after the initial attacks, [[Castelonovo]] was declared an {{wp|open city}} and the government set a {{wp|national redoubt}} at the city of [[Paquatinga]] near the Aucurian border, with the entirety of the [[Belmontese Army|remaining army]] being relocated. In [[Great War (Kylaris)|occupied Belmonte]], an [[State of Belmonte|authoritarian collaborationist government]] led by {{wp|Fascism|functionalist politician}} [[Inácio Cohen]] was established by the occupying forces, but both Nuvanian and Satucin troops stayed for the defence of the new regime.


Soon after the occupation begun, a series of {{wp|Resistance movement|resistance movements}}, especially composed by {{wp|Democracy|democratic}} and {{wp|Communism|communist}} groups previously against Berquó's dictatorship, were created, leading to the establishment of the [[Supreme Belmontese Military Council]] (''CMBS'' in Luzelese) which would be responsible to orchestrate future resistance acts of both the [[Government of Belmonte|government]] and resistance units.
The [[Belmontese Armed Forces]], which hadn't seen any combat since the end of the [[War of the Arucian]], combined with the invasion day set at the height of {{wp|Carnival|Carnival festivities}}, were crucial factors for the fast movement of Entente troops through Belmontese soil. Three weeks after the initial attacks, [[Castelonovo]] was declared an {{wp|open city}} and the government set a {{wp|national redoubt}} at [[Paquatinga]], with the entirety of the remaining army being relocated. In occupied Belmonte, an authoritarian [[State of Belmonte|collaborationist government]] led by [[Inácio Cohen]] was established by the occupying forces - soon after occupation began, a series of [[Belmontese resistance|resistance movements]] erupted troughout enemy-controlled areas.


The first three years of the [[Great War (Kylaris)|front]] were characterised by {{wp|Low-intensity conflict|low-intensity battles}} among the resistance and collaborationists followed by medium acts of {{wp|terrorism}} and {{wp|unrest}} against [[Nuvania|Nuvanian]] and [[Satucin]] forces. This would change in 1933, when a series of [[Operation Fátima|strategic attacks]] made by the [[Belmontese People's Front]] against Nuvanian targets became a crucial factor for the removal of their troops. During the moving of Nuvanian and Satucin troops, the government, in coordination with [[Belmontese Resistance|resistance cells]], launched the [[Spring Offensive]], leading to the [[Great War (Kylaris)|total capitulation]] of Entente forces at the start of 1934.
The first three years of the front were characterised by {{wp|Low-intensity conflict|low-intensity battles}} and acts of terrorism and unrest against enemy forces, but this changed in 1933 when a series of [[Operation Fátima|strategic attacks]] against Nuvanian targets became a crucial factor for the removal of their troops. During the moving of Nuvanian forces, the government, in coordination with resistance cells, launched the [[Spring Offensive]], leading to the total capitulation of the remaining of the Entente forces within Belmontese soil at the beginning of 1934.


===Contemporary era===
===Contemporary era===
{{main|New Republic (Belmonte)}}
{{main|New Republic (Belmonte)}}
{{see also|Mauás' War}}
{{multiple image
{{multiple image
| align = left
| align = left
| image1 = Oswaldo_Aranha.jpg
| image1 = Oswaldo_Aranha.jpg
| width1 = 140
| width1 = 100
| alt1 = Júlio Lobato
| alt1 = Júlio Lobato
| caption1 =
| image2 = Lourenço bittencourt.png
| image2 = Lourenço bittencourt.png
| width2 = 160
| width2 = 115
| alt2 = Lourenço Bittencourt
| alt2 = Lourenço Bittencourt
| caption3 =
| align = left
| image3 = Brizola.jpg
| image3 = Brizola.jpg
| width3 = 137
| width3 = 97
| alt3= Félix Bragança
| alt3= Félix Bragança
| caption3 =
| footer = Premiers [[Júlio Lobato]] (left), [[Lourenço Bittencourt]] (middle) and [[Félix Bragança]] (right) were the most influential politicians of the [[New Republic (Belmonte)|New Republic]].
| footer = Premiers [[Júlio Lobato]] (left), [[Lourenço Bittencourt]] (middle) and [[Félix Bragança]] (right) were the most influential politicians of the [[New Republic (Belmonte)|New Republic]].
}}
}}
With the end of the [[Great War (Kylaris)|Great War]], Berquó's [[Berquó Era|position in power]] became unsustainable after years of tensions with {{wp|Conservatism|moderate conservatives}} and {{wp|Liberalism|liberals}}, who demanded a return of the [[Third Belmontese Republic|pre-1906 status]] of the [[Third Belmontese Republic|Third Republic]], and the [[Belmontese Armed Forces|Armed Forces]], as they refused to maintain a dictator in power after spending years fighting the [[Entente|authoritarian regimes]] of the [[Entente]].  
With the end of the Great War, Berquó's position in power became unsustainable as conservatives and liberals demanded a return of the [[Riachuelo Agreement|oligarchic status]] of the [[Third Belmontese Republic|Third Republic]] and the [[Belmontese Armed Forces|Armed Forces]] refused to maintain a dictator in power after spending years fighting the {{wp|Authoritarianism|authoritarian regimes}} of the [[Entente]]. These groups, under the leadership of [[Júlio Lobato]], decided to overthrow him in January 1935, with a provisional government taking place. A new constitution was ratified, and the [[New Republic (Belmonte)|Fifth Belmontese Republic]], also known as the New Republic, was established.
 
[[File:Protestos 1969.jpg|thumb|right|185px|The [[1969 protests in Belmonte|1969 protests]] were responsible for the end of the decades-long URN dominance.]]
During its initial years, the New Republic was dominated by the [[National Republican Union (Belmonte)|National Republican Union]] - initially a {{wp|Big tent|broad-tent}} party, the URN consolidated itself as a conservative right-wing party, being able to maintain itself in power for the next years under a heavy {{wp|Anti-communism|anti-councillist}} agenda, at the same time the country became embroiled with a series of [[Mauás' War|far-left paramilitary insurgencies]]. It was only in 1969, after the murder of journalist [[Anderson Figlioli]], that a series of [[1969 protests in Belmonte|protests]] caused the end of the 39-year URN dominance in national politics with a landslide victory for the oppositionist [[Democratic Front (Belmonte)|Democratic Front]].  


In fact, Berquó had already lost power as early as 1933, when liberal-minded generals took total control of the [[Supreme Belmontese Military Council|CMBS]] whilst most of the country was under democratic and/or socialist {{wp|Resistance movement|resistance groups}} after the end of the conflict, but they decided to maintain Berquó in charge until new {{wp|Election|elections}} would be realized. However, after a [[Berquó Era|coup]] from [[Belmontese Armed Forces|pro-Berquó sections]] of the [[Belmontese Army|military]] failed, these groups, now under the leadership of [[Júlio Lobato]], decided to [[Berquó Era|overthrow him]] in January 1935, with General [[Patrício Cunha]] leading a {{wp|provisional government}}.
The 70s were engulfed in social and political turmoil amid a strong recession, resulting in an expressive victory of the left-wing [[Social Democratic Party (Belmonte)|Social Democratic Party]] (PDS) in 1979, its leader [[Félix Bragança]] remaining in power for eleven years - the longest premiership of modern republican history. It was only in 90s that the URN came back to power under [[Jorge Castelo]], returning to the opposition in 1997 but gaining the premiership once again three years later, staying in power for the next 15 years. In 2015, the PDS came back to power under the leadership of [[Rita Maurino]], who became the country's first female premier.


The end of the [[Berquó Era]] allowed the return of the {{wp|Opposition (politics)|opposition}} who fled to avoid {{wp|Political repression|persecution}}, causing a {{wp|Political realignment|realignment}} of [[Politics of Belmonte|national politics]] as the [[National Republican Union (Belmonte)|National Republican Union]] (URN) became the major {{wp|political party}} of Belmonte. A broad {{wp|Big tent|big tent party}}, the URN was mainly composed by former [[Conservative Party (Belmonte)|conservatives]] and [[Liberal Party (Belmonte)|liberals]] of the Third Republic together with {{wp|Christian democracy|Sotirian}} and {{wp|Social democracy|social democrats}}, with those groups ending under conservative, liberal or progressive internal factions. A new [[Constitution of Belmonte|constitution]] would be ratified, and the [[New Republic (Belmonte)|Fifth Belmontese Republic]], also known as the New Republic, was established as a {{wp|parliamentary republic}} akin to the Third Republic, with the first [[1935 Belmontese general election|democratic elections]] since [[Belmontese general election, 1913|1913]] ending in a landslide for the URN and its leader Lobato, who become the country's first democratically elected [[Premier of Belmonte|premier]], responsible for enacting a series of [[ITSP Plan|economic policies]] that relieved most of the [[Economy of Belmonte|economy]].
==Geography==
{{main|Geography of Belmonte}}
With 1,003,144 km2 (387,316 sq mi), Belmonte stands as the 5th-largest country of [[Asteria Inferior]] by area and is entirely under the {{wp|Coordinated Universal Time|UTC+13}} {{wp|time zone}} - also known as the [[Central Belmontese Time]] or more colloquially the Castelonovo Time. Its territory is entirely located in the Asterian Inferior continent, sharing borders with [[Nuvania]] to the west, [[Azure Coast]] to the east, [[Aucuria]] to the northwest, [[Satucin]] to the northeast and the South Asterian Sea to the south. Alongside its continental holdings, Belmontese territory also includes the islands of [[Santa Helena Island|Santa Helena]] in the [[Juazeiro]] province and the [[Arquimedes Archipelago]] throughout Belmonte's western coast until the [[Azure Coast|Masseau Shire]] at Azure Coast.


[[File:Protestos 1969.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The [[1969 protests in Belmonte|1969 protests]] were responsible for the end of the [[Lourenço Bittencourt|Bittencourt's premiership]] and the decades-long URN dominance.]]
Regarding its topography, Belmonte is characterized for high terrain that is divided into three topographic regions: the [[Coastal Plains]], the Central [[Highlands]] and the [[South Asterian Range]]. The Coastal Plains encompasses the coastal regions surrounding its coastline, with its height reaching 400 metres (1312 ft), while the Central Highlands occupies most of Belmonte's central holdings, with its transitionary areas closer to the Coastal Plains having elevations ranging from 400 to 800m (2624 ft) while further inland its height ranges from 800 to 2000 metres (6561 ft). The South Asterian Range is limited to the northernmost regions, with its general height always surpassing the 2000 metres mark.
Lobato would step down in 1940 and was succeeded by [[Sílvio Behringer]], who continued most of his policies but chose to not run for a second term in 1945 due to health reasons, with the [[National Republican Union (Belmonte)|progressive wing]] of the party being able to elect former {{wp|Resistance movement|resistance leader}} [[Cédrico Alvim]] as premier in a tense transition of power after a [[28th of April's putsch|failed military coup]]. Alvim's government was characterised by the expansion of {{wp|Welfare state|welfare services}}, {{wp|Nationalization|nationalization programs}} and {{wp|Developmentalism|developmental}} policies under the [[National Development Plan|PND]], but internal tensions made him unable to continue as party leader in 1950, leaving the URN and founding the left-wing [[Social Democratic Party (Belmonte)|Social Democratic Party]] (PSD) soon afterwards. With most left-wing members leaving the party, the URN would establish itself as a {{wp|Conservatism|conservative}} {{wp|Right-wing politics|right-wing party}} in [[National Congress of Belmonte|Congress]], being able to maintain itself in power for the next years under a heavy {{wp|Anti-communism|anti-communist}} agenda.


In 1963, a series of [[1963 Belmontese terrorist attacks|terrorist attacks]] performed by the {{wp|Left-wing politics|far-left group}} [[Belmontese Free Army]] led to the nomination of hardliner general [[Lourenço Bittencourt]] to the premiership, with the country entering an {{wp|Authoritarianism|authoritarian}} phase which resulted in more crackdowns against the opposition - causing the [[Mauás' War]] - and the decrease of {{wp|Civil and political rights|political}} and {{wp|Civil and political rights|civil rights}}. It was only in 1969, with the murder of journalist [[Anderson Figlioli]], that a series of [[1969 protests in Belmonte|protests]] caused the end of the 39-year URN dominance in national politics with premier Bittencourt's resignation.
Belmontese hydrography is centred on the [[Veracruz River]], the largest river of Belmonte, followed by the [[Paraguaçu River|Paraguaçu]] and [[Jaguaracambé River|Jaguaracambé]] rivers.
{{Gallery
|title=
|width=180 | height=160
|align=center
|footer=
|File:Velejando nas nuvens.jpg
|Tropical landscape at the [[Laranjeiras]] province coastline
|File:Neve na SC-438 em São Joaquim.JPG
|Snow near [[São Leopoldo do Oeste]] at the [[Piratini]] province
|File:Rio_Tietê_Barra_Bonita_150606_REFON.jpg
|The [[Veracruz River]]
|File:Aerial view of the Amazon Rainforest.jpg
|Aerial view of a tropical rainforest in [[Pindarama]], next to the Satucine border
|File:Caatinga_em_Uauá,_Bahia.jpg
|The ''Caatininga''
}}
===Climate===
Despite its small territory, Belmonte shows a large climatic diversity. The coastline has a mostly {{wp|tropical savanna climate}} with {{wp|Wet season|wet}} and {{wp|Dry season|dry seasons}} of equal length, with smaller areas whose original biodiversity has been preserved presenting a {{wp|tropical rainforest climate}} being scattered throughout the coast. Most of the country, however, has a {{wp|humid subtropical climate}}, characterized by wet hot summers and cold dry winters, with higher points near the coast having an {{wp|oceanic climate}}. The South Asterian Range has an {{wp|alpine climate}} while the Juazeiro province along the Nuvanian border has the {{wp|Caatinga|''Caatiniga''}}, a unique {{wp|semi-arid climate}} influential on the culture and society of that region.


The 70s were engulfed in social and political turmoil and a {{wp|Recession|strong recession}}, with the political situation being stabilized in 1979 with the [[1979 Belmontese general election|election]] of [[Félix Bragança]] as premier, who in turn established a series of {{wp|Left-wing nationalism|nationalist left-wing policies}}, stepping down in 1990. It was only in [[1993 Belmontese general election|1993]] that the URN came back to power under [[Jorge Castelo]], returning to opposition years later in 1997 but coming back in the [[2000 Belmontese general election|2000 general election]], staying in power for the next 15 years under three different premierships. In [[2015 Belmontese general election|2015]], the PSD would come back to power under the leadership of [[Rita Maurino]] who became the country's first female premier, being reelected to another term in [[2020 Belmontese general election|2020]].
Generally, the hottest month of the year is January while the coldest is July. The hottest temperature ever registered was 41,7°C (107,6°F) at [[Itaé]] on January 13rd 1937, while the coldest temperature ever registered was -12,3°C (9,8°F) at [[São Leopoldo do Oeste]] on July 25th 1922.
{{Weather box
|location= Castelonovo, Belmonte
|metric first= Y
|single line= Y
|Jan high C= 30.3
|Feb high C= 27.4
|Mar high C= 25.9
|Apr high C= 23.2
|May high C= 21.6
|Jun high C= 20.1
|Jul high C= 18.7
|Aug high C= 19.2
|Sep high C= 21.8
|Oct high C= 23.9
|Nov high C= 25.3
|Dec high C= 28.2
|year high C=
|Jan mean C= 26.7
|Feb mean C= 25.5
|Mar mean C= 23.3
|Apr mean C= 20.8
|May mean C= 17.4
|Jun mean C= 15.6
|Jul mean C= 13.6
|Aug mean C= 14.8
|Sep mean C= 16.7
|Oct mean C= 18.5
|Nov mean C= 21.1
|Dec mean C= 25.2
|year mean C=
<!-- Average low temperatures -->
|Jan low C= 21.6
|Feb low C= 19.4
|Mar low C= 17.3
|Apr low C= 15.9
|May low C= 13.2
|Jun low C= 10.5
|Jul low C= 8.1
|Aug low C= 9.7
|Sep low C= 10.8
|Oct low C= 13.5
|Nov low C= 17.4
|Dec low C= 19.3
|year low C=
|Jan precipitation mm= 293
|Feb precipitation mm= 278
|Mar precipitation mm= 211
|Apr precipitation mm= 184
|May precipitation mm= 131
|Jun precipitation mm= 98
|Jul precipitation mm= 76
|Aug precipitation mm= 83
|Sep precipitation mm= 107
|Oct precipitation mm= 134
|Nov precipitation mm= 196
|Dec precipitation mm= 237
|year precipitation mm=
|precipitation colour=
|Jan precipitation days = 19
|Feb precipitation days = 18
|Mar precipitation days = 18
|Apr precipitation days = 13
|May precipitation days = 12
|Jun precipitation days = 10
|Jul precipitation days = 07
|Aug precipitation days = 11
|Sep precipitation days = 12
|Oct precipitation days = 13
|Nov precipitation days = 17
|Dec precipitation days = 18
|year precipitation days =
|source 1= Belmontese Meteorological Service
}}
===Biodiversity===
When it comes to its biodiversity, Belmonte has been greatly affected by the {{wp|Habitat destruction|destruction of its fauna and flora by human action}}, with the few reminiscing natural vegetation being limited to {{wp|National park|national parks}} and protected zones.


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


==Politics==
==Politics==
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  |alt2= Premier Rita Maurino
  |alt2= Premier Rita Maurino
}}
}}
According to the Constitution, Belmonte is a {{wp|Federalism|federal}} {{wp|parliamentary republic}}, with the [[President of Belmonte|President]] being the {{wp|head of state}} and the [[Premier of Belmonte|Premier]] being the {{wp|head of government}}. The {{wp|Executive (government)|Executive}} is formed by the President, the Premier and his or her cabinet, the [[Cabinet of Belmonte|Council of Ministers]].
According to the Constitution, Belmonte is a {{wp|Federalism|federal}} {{wp|parliamentary republic}}, with the [[President of Belmonte|President]] being the {{wp|head of state}} and the [[Premier of Belmonte|Premier]] being the {{wp|head of government}}. The {{wp|Executive (government)|executive}} is formed by the President, the Premier and their cabinet, the [[Cabinet of Belmonte|Council of Ministers]].


The President is the highest-ranking officer in Belmonte and the {{wp|commander-in-chief}} of the [[Belmontese Armed Forces|Armed Forces]], being elected through the popular vote for a five-year term that could be re-elected once, having as advisory boards the [[Council of State (Belmonte)|Council of State]] (State Council) and the [[National Defence Council (Belmonte)|National Defence Council]]. Over history, the presidency's powers have been decreased considerably, with the post holding little to no influence over the [[Politics of Belmonte|national political framework]] currently other than being a cerimonial figure that acts at the consent of the premier and the [[National Congress of Belmonte|National Congress]].
The President is the highest-ranking officer in Belmonte and the {{wp|commander-in-chief}} of the [[Belmontese Armed Forces|Armed Forces]], being elected through the popular vote for a five-year term that could be re-elected once, having as advisory boards the [[Council of State (Belmonte)|Council of State]] (State Council) and the [[National Defence Council (Belmonte)|National Defence Council]]. Over history, the presidency's powers have been decreased considerably, with the post holding little to no influence over the [[Politics of Belmonte|national political framework]] currently other than being a cerimonial figure that acts at the consent of the premier and the [[National Congress of Belmonte|National Congress]].
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{{main|Judiciary of Belmonte|Law enforcement in Belmonte}}
{{main|Judiciary of Belmonte|Law enforcement in Belmonte}}
{{see also|Supreme Court of Belmonte|Constitution of Belmonte|Civil Guard (Belmonte)|Federal Police (Belmonte)|National Force (Belmonte)|National Information Service}}
{{see also|Supreme Court of Belmonte|Constitution of Belmonte|Civil Guard (Belmonte)|Federal Police (Belmonte)|National Force (Belmonte)|National Information Service}}
[[File:Plenário_STF.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The [[Supreme Court of Belmonte|Supreme Court's]] plenary.]]
[[File:Plenário_STF.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The [[Supreme Court of Belmonte|Supreme Court's]] plenary.]]
{{multiple image
{{multiple image
  |align    = right
  |align    = left
  |direction = vertical
  |direction = vertical
  |width    = 175
  |width    = 175
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===Foreign relations===
===Foreign relations===
{{main|Foreign relations of Belmonte}}
{{main|Foreign relations of Belmonte}}
[[File:Brasilia-2.jpg|thumb|right|175px|[[Bacaruty Palace]], seat of the [[Cabinet of Belmonte|Secretary of Foreign Affairs]].]]
[[File:Brasilia-2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Bacaruty Palace]], seat of the [[Cabinet of Belmonte|Secretary of Foreign Affairs]].]]
[[File:Agulhas_Negras.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Belmontese Army]] troops in a {{wp|military parade}}.]]
Belmontese {{wp|foreign policy}} is based on the principles of {{wp|non-interventionism}} and {{wp|Cooperation|international cooperation}} with nations and foreign institutions, principles which have been in place since the establishment of the [[New Republic (Belmonte)|New Republic]]. Since the end of the [[Great War (Kylaris)|Great War]], Belmonte has as its most important allies [[Aucuria]], the [[North Vehemens Organization]] and the [[Euclean Community]], and has been a major sponsor of bigger integration among Asterian countries. Due to its opposition against South-South cooperation combined with support for [[Euclea|Northern Powers]], many specialists see Belmonte as a {{wp|regional power}} due to its efforts of impending a [[Satucin|Satucin-based]] hegemony in Asteria Inferior.
Belmontese {{wp|foreign policy}} is based on the principles of {{wp|non-interventionism}} and {{wp|Cooperation|international cooperation}} with nations and foreign institutions, principles which have been in place since the establishment of the [[New Republic (Belmonte)|New Republic]]. Since the end of the [[Great War (Kylaris)|Great War]], Belmonte has as its most important allies [[Aucuria]], the [[North Vehemens Organization]] and the [[Euclean Community]], and has been a major sponsor of bigger integration among Asterian countries. Due to its opposition against South-South cooperation combined with support for [[Euclea|Northern Powers]], many specialists see Belmonte as a {{wp|regional power}} due to its efforts of impending a [[Satucin|Satucin-based]] hegemony in Asteria Inferior.


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{{main|Belmontese Armed Forces}}
{{main|Belmontese Armed Forces}}
{{see also|Belmontese Army|Belmontese Navy|Belmontese Air Force}}
{{see also|Belmontese Army|Belmontese Navy|Belmontese Air Force}}
[[File:Agulhas_Negras.jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[Belmontese Army]] troops in a {{wp|military parade}}.]]
The [[Belmontese Armed Forces]] are divided into three branches: the [[Belmontese Army|Army]], the [[Belmontese Navy|Navy]] and the [[Belmontese Air Force|Air Force]]. Together, they have a personnel of 175,000 people, both active and reserve soldiers, one of the smallest of Asteria Inferior. {{wp|Conscription}} was officially disbanded in 1973 and is in no longer use since then. Since the last time Belmonte was invaded was during the Great War in 1932, the Armed Forces shifted most of its operations to {{wp|Counter-terrorism|counter-terrorist}} activities and {{wp|Humanitarian aid|humanitarian missions}} worldwide, being present in various [[Community of Nations|CON-mandated]] {{wp|Peacekeeping|peacekeeping missions}}.
The [[Belmontese Armed Forces]] are divided into three branches: the [[Belmontese Army|Army]], the [[Belmontese Navy|Navy]] and the [[Belmontese Air Force|Air Force]]. Together, they have a personnel of 175,000 people, both active and reserve soldiers, one of the smallest of Asteria Inferior. {{wp|Conscription}} was officially disbanded in 1973 and is in no longer use since then. Since the last time Belmonte was invaded was during the Great War in 1932, the Armed Forces shifted most of its operations to {{wp|Counter-terrorism|counter-terrorist}} activities and {{wp|Humanitarian aid|humanitarian missions}} worldwide, being present in various [[Community of Nations|CON-mandated]] {{wp|Peacekeeping|peacekeeping missions}}.


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


Currently, the highest-circulating Belmontese newspapers are the centre-right ''[[Diário]]'' (also considered to be the national {{wp|newspaper of record}}), the centre-left ''[[Republicano]]'' and the right-wing ''[[A Nação]]''. Ever since the turn of the century, newspaper sales have decreased considerably, with many switching their focus to the rising digital scene.
Currently, the highest-circulating Belmontese newspapers are the centre-right ''[[Diário]]'' (also considered to be the national {{wp|newspaper of record}}), the centre-left ''[[Republicano]]'' and the right-wing ''[[A Nação]]''. Ever since the turn of the century, newspaper sales have decreased considerably, with many switching their focus to the rising digital scene.
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According to the 2020 demographic census, Belmonte has a population of 36.3 million inhabitants, with a demographic density of 36.2/km2 (93.8/sq mi) and a ratio of men to women of 0.93:1. The population is overwhelmingly urban with 91,7% residing in urban areas, the majority of them under the [[Central Metropolitan Axis]], one of the largest megalopolis of the Asterian continent comprised of the metropolitan regions of [[Castelonovo]] and [[Riachuelo]], the first and second largest cities respectively, having a population of 14.7 million or almost half of the national population.
According to the 2020 demographic census, Belmonte has a population of 36.3 million inhabitants, with a demographic density of 36.2/km2 (93.8/sq mi) and a ratio of men to women of 0.93:1. The population is overwhelmingly urban with 91,7% residing in urban areas, the majority of them under the [[Central Metropolitan Axis]], one of the largest megalopolis of the Asterian continent comprised of the metropolitan regions of [[Castelonovo]] and [[Riachuelo]], the first and second largest cities respectively, having a population of 14.7 million or almost half of the national population.


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


Post-war reconstruction resulted in another demographic boom, albeit slower and more steady, with the population reaching the 10 million mark once again in 1943 and the 20 million mark in 1957, with populational growth decreasing as the country becomes closer to complete its {{wp|demographic transition}}.
Post-war reconstruction resulted in another demographic boom, albeit slower and more steady, with the population reaching the 10 million mark once again in 1943 and the 20 million mark in 1957, with populational growth decreasing as the country becomes closer to complete its {{wp|demographic transition}}.
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{{wp|Portuguese language|Luzelese}} is the sole official language of Belmonte - a condition enshrined and protected by the Constitution - and overwhelmingly used (~99%) by the majority of the population, being the only Luzelese-speaking country of Asteria Inferior and one of the few in the world alongside [[Paretia]] and [[Ardesia]]. The Belmontese variation of the language, known as {{wp|Brazilian Portuguese|Belmontese Luzelese}}, evolved through the centuries amid Euclean, Bahian and native influences, creating a unique accent when compared to its Paretian and Ardesian counterparts.
{{wp|Portuguese language|Luzelese}} is the sole official language of Belmonte - a condition enshrined and protected by the Constitution - and overwhelmingly used (~99%) by the majority of the population, being the only Luzelese-speaking country of Asteria Inferior and one of the few in the world alongside [[Paretia]] and [[Ardesia]]. The Belmontese variation of the language, known as {{wp|Brazilian Portuguese|Belmontese Luzelese}}, evolved through the centuries amid Euclean, Bahian and native influences, creating a unique accent when compared to its Paretian and Ardesian counterparts.


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


There are several linguistical communities present in Belmonte, whose languages were introduced by immigrants and kept spoken by their descendants, characterised by the usage of their native tongues together with a heavy Luzelese influence, such as the {{wp|Hunsrik}} and {{wp|Talian dialect|Veglian}} languages in the [[Piratini]] province.
There are several linguistical communities present in Belmonte, whose languages were introduced by immigrants and kept spoken by their descendants, characterised by the usage of their native tongues together with a heavy Luzelese influence, such as the {{wp|Hunsrik}} and {{wp|Talian dialect|Veglian}} languages in the [[Piratini]] province.
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[[Belmontese literature]] started with the consolidation of Jesuit missions in the colony, with the local literature, at the time influenced by {{wp|Religious text|religious dogmas}}, starting to shift into more {{wp|baroque}} trends, however, it was only after the establishment of the [[First Belmontese Republic|First Republic]] that new schools of thought and artists appeared on the national scene. Baroque started to be replaced by {{wp|romanticism}} in the 19th century and, over time, {{wp|Indianism (arts)|indianism}} was created, having a strong {{wp|Progressivism|progressive}} and {{wp|Nationalism|nationalist}} tone that promoted indigenous values and culture, having [[Aldo Paes|Aldo Paes's]] romances [[Tupi]] and [[Iandara]] as the subgenre's biggest works.
[[Belmontese literature]] started with the consolidation of Jesuit missions in the colony, with the local literature, at the time influenced by {{wp|Religious text|religious dogmas}}, starting to shift into more {{wp|baroque}} trends, however, it was only after the establishment of the [[First Belmontese Republic|First Republic]] that new schools of thought and artists appeared on the national scene. Baroque started to be replaced by {{wp|romanticism}} in the 19th century and, over time, {{wp|Indianism (arts)|indianism}} was created, having a strong {{wp|Progressivism|progressive}} and {{wp|Nationalism|nationalist}} tone that promoted indigenous values and culture, having [[Aldo Paes|Aldo Paes's]] romances [[Tupi]] and [[Iandara]] as the subgenre's biggest works.


By the late-1870s and early-1880s, romanticism started to be substituted by {{wp|Literaly realism|realism}}, with the genre itself becoming widely known thanks to [[Gregório Assis]] and his books [[Bento]] and [[Obituary]], leading him into universal acclaim as Belmonte's greatest writer. Realism continued to be the main Belmontese literary doctrine up to the 1930s with the proliferation of {{wp|Literary modernism|modernist}} and {{wp|avant-garde}} movements in the country. By the 80s, the modernist school would start to be replaced by {{wp|Postmodern literature|postmodern}} trends.
By the late-1870s and early-1880s, romanticism started to be substituted by {{wp|Literaly realism|realism}}, with the genre itself becoming widely known thanks to [[Gregório Assis]] and his books [[Bento]] and [[Obituary]], leading him into universal acclaim as Belmonte's greatest writer. Realism continued to be the main Belmontese literary doctrine up to the 1930s with the proliferation of {{wp|Literary modernism|modernist}} and {{wp|avant-garde}} movements in the country. By the 80s, the modernist school started to be replaced by {{wp|Postmodern literature|postmodern}} trends.
===Cuisine===
===Cuisine===
{{main|Belmontese cuisine}}
{{main|Belmontese cuisine}}
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The beginning of [[Belmontese cinema]] started in 1899, when the first projectors came from Gaullica, with the first cinema room being inaugurated in Castelonovo in the same year. The country's first movie, ''[[Panorama of Ípsia from the Lausanne]]'', was only released a year later, being 3 minutes long. Although its introduction was greatly covered by the excited press at the time, its development was extremely slow, being only accessible to the urban elite due to its highly expensive tickets and difficulty of maintaining cinema rooms throughout the country.
The beginning of [[Belmontese cinema]] started in 1899, when the first projectors came from Gaullica, with the first cinema room being inaugurated in Castelonovo in the same year. The country's first movie, ''[[Panorama of Ípsia from the Lausanne]]'', was only released a year later, being 3 minutes long. Although its introduction was greatly covered by the excited press at the time, its development was extremely slow, being only accessible to the urban elite due to its highly expensive tickets and difficulty of maintaining cinema rooms throughout the country.


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


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

Latest revision as of 13:25, 17 January 2023

Template:Region icon Kylaris

Belmontese Republic
República Belmontesa (Luzelese)
Belmonte flag.png
Flag
Brasão belmonte.png
Coat of arms
Motto: Non ducor, duco (Solarian)
"I am not led, I lead"
Anthem: Hino Nacional Belmontês
"Belmontese National Anthem"
MediaPlayer.png
National cockade
Laço de Belmonte.png
Belmonte map3.png
Belmonte (green) in Asteria (grey)
Capital
and largest city
Castelonovo
Ethnic groups
(2020)
41.3% White
40.2% Mixed
14.6% Black
2.6% Coian
1.3% Asteridian
Religion
(2020)
86.9% Sotirianity
-67.4% Solarian Catholicism
-19.5% Amendism
11.8% Irreligious
1.3% other
Demonym(s)Belmontese
GovernmentFederal parliamentary republic
• President
Caetano Villa-Lobos
• Premier
Rita Maurino
LegislatureNational Congress
Senate
Chamber of Deputies
Independence from  Gaullica
• Declared
07 August 1764
21 November 1771
15 August 1764
• Republic
18 April 1792
06 July 1935
Area
• Total
1,003,144 km2 (387,316 sq mi)
• Water (%)
0.5
Population
• 2020 census
36,334,190
• Density
36.2/km2 (93.8/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)2020 estimate
• Total
Increase $865.9 billion
• Per capita
Increase $23,832
GDP (nominal)2020 estimate
• Total
Increase $577.2 billion
• Per capita
Increase $15,888
Gini (2020)Positive decrease 36.9
medium
HDI (2020)Increase 0.784
high
CurrencyCruzado (BEC, ₡)
Time zoneUTC+13 (Belmontese Central Time)
Calling code+57
Internet TLD.be

Belmonte (/ˈbɪlˈmærˈtɪ/; Luzelese pronunciation: [bewmɔnte]), officially the Belmontese Republic (Luzelese: República Belmontesa), is a sovereign state located on the continent of Asteria Inferior, sharing borders with Nuvania to the west, Azure Coast to the east, Aucuria to the northwest and Satucin to the northeast.

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

Independence was recognized years later and a decentralized confederation was established. As republican and liberal ideas arose, the confederation was replaced by a federal presidential republic in 1792 after a short civil war. Tensions between liberals and conservatives led to a successful military coup which established a conservative authoritarian dictatorship, however, its inability to govern resulted in its overthrowing in favour of a parliamentary republic, with an oligarchic agreement allowing long-term stability. The breaking of the agreement years later caused large-scale political unrest throughout the country, resulting in another military coup which ceded power to far-right politician João Berquó, who ruled as a dictator for the next 20 years.

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

Belmonte is considered to be a developing country with an emergent economy, having a high HDI and a medium Gini coefficient, even though the country still suffers from alarming levels of poverty, social inequality, corruption and crime. Its political system is a federal parliamentary republic composed of six provinces and the Federal District. The legislature is the bicameral National Congress, which is composed of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. Its capital and primate city is Castelonovo. Belmonte is a member-state of the Community of Nations, the Asteria Inferior Common Market, the International Council for Democracy, the International Trade Organization and the Global Institute for Fiscal Affairs, among others.

Etymology

The word Belmonte is from both Luzelese and Vespasian origin and means "beautiful mountain." The most likely theory is that the name was first used to designate St Paul's Mount, which was the first piece of land seen by Duarte Bórgia's 1503 expedition, being officially adopted as colonization began years later. During the Gaullican period of rule in the region, its name was Gallicized to Beaumont, however, it saw few use by the majoritarian Luzo-Belmontese population, changing back to Belmonte once independence was achieved in 1764.

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

History

Pre-Asterian era

A native burial urn dated from 1000 BCE, present in the National Museum of Belmonte in Castelonovo.

The oldest archaeological evidence about the presence of the homo sapiens in Belmontese soil dates back to 60,000 thousand years ago, but permanent human habitations only exist for 10,000 years. The indigenous population was based around tribes that had an extended knowledge of pottery cultures and had a complex political system based around the image of the tribe's leader, the cacique, and its religious and spiritual chief, the pajé.

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

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

Colonial era

Discovery of Belmonte by Pedro Passos Guimarães
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Belmontese society was built around the image of the bandeirante.

In 1503, after two failed attempts to colonize the Arucian, the Luzelese Crown decided to launch another expedition to the southern tip of the continent, led by explorer Duarte Bórgia. Bórgia's fleet, composed of 17 caravels, departed from Precea in January 1503, reaching St Paul's Mount near Pinheiros six months later on June 29th, with other expeditions being launched in 1506 and 1509.

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

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

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

Post-independence

Liberty being triumphant by Inácio Loya shows Belmontese troops standing victorious at the end of the Battle of Humaitá.
The 1836 Revolution ended Durão's authoritarian rule and sentenced him to exile.
João Berquó ruled Belmonte as a dictator over 20 years

The confederation was characterised by its autocratic oligarchic regime ruled by slave traders and the rural elite, causing disaffection among many liberals and radicals influenced by illuminist ideas. In 1788, after state-sponsored crackdowns towards liberal and academic centres, a series of low-ranking officers mutinied against confederal rule, erupting into the Federalist Revolt. After 3 years of civil war, the Federalists, under the command of Jorge Aranha, won and abolished the confederation, establishing the First Belmontese Republic. Following a provisional government, the first elections were held, with Aranha becoming the country's first president.

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

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

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

Great War

From left to right: Belmontese troops engaging in trench warfare against Nuvanian soldiers in the initial days of the invasion; a Belmontese XPL-150mm cannon during the Spring Offensive.

Although the Berquó regime had various similarities with the functionalist powers, Belmonte declared its neutrality on the ensuing conflict but continued trading with both sides of the war. However, Belmonte's constant refusal to join the war as an Entente member, strategic geographical value and allegations of sending arms to the Aucurian National Redoubt Government led to Operation Palmier, the invasion of Belmonte by Satucin, Azure Coast and Nuvania, on February 7th 1932.

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

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

Contemporary era

Júlio Lobato
Lourenço Bittencourt
Félix Bragança
Premiers Júlio Lobato (left), Lourenço Bittencourt (middle) and Félix Bragança (right) were the most influential politicians of the New Republic.

With the end of the Great War, Berquó's position in power became unsustainable as conservatives and liberals demanded a return of the oligarchic status of the Third Republic and the Armed Forces refused to maintain a dictator in power after spending years fighting the authoritarian regimes of the Entente. These groups, under the leadership of Júlio Lobato, decided to overthrow him in January 1935, with a provisional government taking place. A new constitution was ratified, and the Fifth Belmontese Republic, also known as the New Republic, was established.

The 1969 protests were responsible for the end of the decades-long URN dominance.

During its initial years, the New Republic was dominated by the National Republican Union - initially a broad-tent party, the URN consolidated itself as a conservative right-wing party, being able to maintain itself in power for the next years under a heavy anti-councillist agenda, at the same time the country became embroiled with a series of far-left paramilitary insurgencies. It was only in 1969, after the murder of journalist Anderson Figlioli, that a series of protests caused the end of the 39-year URN dominance in national politics with a landslide victory for the oppositionist Democratic Front.

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

Geography

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

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

Belmontese hydrography is centred on the Veracruz River, the largest river of Belmonte, followed by the Paraguaçu and Jaguaracambé rivers.

Climate

Despite its small territory, Belmonte shows a large climatic diversity. The coastline has a mostly tropical savanna climate with wet and dry seasons of equal length, with smaller areas whose original biodiversity has been preserved presenting a tropical rainforest climate being scattered throughout the coast. Most of the country, however, has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by wet hot summers and cold dry winters, with higher points near the coast having an oceanic climate. The South Asterian Range has an alpine climate while the Juazeiro province along the Nuvanian border has the Caatiniga, a unique semi-arid climate influential on the culture and society of that region.

Generally, the hottest month of the year is January while the coldest is July. The hottest temperature ever registered was 41,7°C (107,6°F) at Itaé on January 13rd 1937, while the coldest temperature ever registered was -12,3°C (9,8°F) at São Leopoldo do Oeste on July 25th 1922.

Climate data for Castelonovo, Belmonte
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 30.3
(86.5)
27.4
(81.3)
25.9
(78.6)
23.2
(73.8)
21.6
(70.9)
20.1
(68.2)
18.7
(65.7)
19.2
(66.6)
21.8
(71.2)
23.9
(75.0)
25.3
(77.5)
28.2
(82.8)
23.8
(74.8)
Daily mean °C (°F) 26.7
(80.1)
25.5
(77.9)
23.3
(73.9)
20.8
(69.4)
17.4
(63.3)
15.6
(60.1)
13.6
(56.5)
14.8
(58.6)
16.7
(62.1)
18.5
(65.3)
21.1
(70.0)
25.2
(77.4)
19.9
(67.9)
Average low °C (°F) 21.6
(70.9)
19.4
(66.9)
17.3
(63.1)
15.9
(60.6)
13.2
(55.8)
10.5
(50.9)
8.1
(46.6)
9.7
(49.5)
10.8
(51.4)
13.5
(56.3)
17.4
(63.3)
19.3
(66.7)
14.7
(58.5)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 293
(11.5)
278
(10.9)
211
(8.3)
184
(7.2)
131
(5.2)
98
(3.9)
76
(3.0)
83
(3.3)
107
(4.2)
134
(5.3)
196
(7.7)
237
(9.3)
2,028
(79.8)
Average precipitation days 19 18 18 13 12 10 07 11 12 13 17 18 168
Source: Belmontese Meteorological Service

Biodiversity

When it comes to its biodiversity, Belmonte has been greatly affected by the destruction of its fauna and flora by human action, with the few reminiscing natural vegetation being limited to national parks and protected zones.

Over the coast, there is a large presence of seasonal tropical and mangrove forests, while over the Central Highlands mixed temperate forests are present and in the South Asterian Range alpine biomes are more predominant. The Caatininga region, located at the far west, is a xeric shrubland, being comprised of a dry and wet season. Belmontese fauna is mostly composed of small animals, whilst there is also the presence of pumas, jaguars, bush dogs and foxes.

The Ipaí Beach at Santa Helena Island. Belmonte presents a large diversity of climatic and environmental zones.

Politics

Government

According to the Constitution, Belmonte is a federal parliamentary republic, with the President being the head of state and the Premier being the head of government. The executive is formed by the President, the Premier and their cabinet, the Council of Ministers.

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

The Premier is responsible for lead the Federal Government and the cabinet and is appointed by the president after general elections, being the leader of the party with the majority of seats in Congress. The premier needs parliamentary confidence to govern and must resign or declare new elections once this confidence is lost.

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

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

Administrative divisions

Regions of Belmonte:
  North
  Centre
  South

As a federation, Belmonte is divided between six provinces plus the Federal District comprising of the capital city of Castelonovo. The provinces are within major subdivisions called regions, subdivisions that, despite don't having any political power, were created to assist in the interpretation of statistics and help the Federal Government in enforcing regional policies. All provinces have its constitutions and governments, with the executive being lead by the province’s governor, the legislative by the legislative assemblies and the judiciary by regional courts. The second and lowest level of administrative divisions are the municipalities, which are led by a mayor and has as its legislature the municipal chambers.

Mapa belmonte.png
  1. Federal Capital
  2. Anchieta
  3. Piratini
  4. Favônia
  5. Laranjeiras
  6. Juazeiro
  7. Pindarama

Judiciary and law enforcement

The Supreme Court's plenary.
Members of the Special Operational Division of the Federal Police during a training.

Belmonte has a codified legal system based on the civil law, an Luzelese judicial heritage, and has as its magna carta the Constitution, which has been promulgated in 1935. Provinces and municipalities also have their constitutions, but they couldn't contradict federal law. The highest national court is the Supreme Court, which acts as a court of last resort and as a constitutional court. The legislation also allows the creation of regional courts to federal subdivisions, being subject to provincial law.

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

The National Information Service is the national intelligence agency of Belmonte, being in charge of espionage and counter-espionage activities.

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

Foreign relations

Belmontese foreign policy is based on the principles of non-interventionism and international cooperation with nations and foreign institutions, principles which have been in place since the establishment of the New Republic. Since the end of the Great War, Belmonte has as its most important allies Aucuria, the North Vehemens Organization and the Euclean Community, and has been a major sponsor of bigger integration among Asterian countries. Due to its opposition against South-South cooperation combined with support for Northern Powers, many specialists see Belmonte as a regional power due to its efforts of impending a Satucin-based hegemony in Asteria Inferior.

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

Military

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

Economy

Quotes panel of the Castelonovo Stock Exchange, one of the largest in the Asterias.

Belmonte has a diversified, developing social market economy. According to domestic data, the national nominal Gross Domestic Product for 2020 was estimated at $577.2 billion, while the national Gross Domestic Product through Purchasing power parity (PPP) was estimated at $865.9 billion. The GDP per capita for the same year was estimated at $15,888 (nominal) and $23,832 (PPP), an increase compared to last year. The country has a workforce of 21.3 million inhabitants, an inflation rate of 3.7% and an unemployment rate of 2.1%. The biggest economic partners are the ASTCON and OAN, which has Belmonte as one of its members, and the Euclean Community.

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

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

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

Corruption is considered to be an endemic problem in Belmonte, seen by more than half of the population (63%) as the greatest problem that the country faces today. Corruption mostly happens on a local level, which makes it difficult to identify and contain it by federal agencies. Other major economic problems are high economic inequality and poverty, with most of the country's wealth still concentrated at the hands of a very minor yet powerful elite.

City skyline of Castelonovo's financial centre.

Energy

Wind turbines near Pinheiros

The entire Belmontese electrical grid is state-owned and managed by the CEBEL (Belmontese Electric Company in Luzelese). The overwhelming majority of the national electric grid is hydroelectric (73.8%) and mainly derives from the Veracruz and Paraguaçu rivers, with the three biggest hydroelectric dams being the Draco Cardoso Dam around Belojardim in the Favônia province, the Altocastelo Dam at Anchieta and the Iguaraçu Dam, also located in the same province. Together, they are responsible for almost half of the national electrical production.

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

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

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

Tourism

St Michael's Cave in Paranimin at Laranjeiras province. Natural landscapes are one of the most visited tourist destinations in Belmonte.

Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in Belmonte, with a report from the Federal Government estimating that around 2 million people visited the country in 2019, being one of the most visited countries of Asteria Inferior. Most of these tourists come from neighbouring countries, namely Nuvania, Aucuria and Satucin, but there also is a large presence of Euclean tourists, most of them coming from Etruria, Paretia, Gaullica, Estmere and Werania.

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

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

Infrastructure

Transport

Terminal 3 of the Júlio Lobato-Castelonovo Airport, the largest and most-circulated airport of Belmonte.
The SRN-1 near Guarapari, Anchieta
A Belmontese Railways train crossing downtown Riachuelo.

Primary Belmontese carriers of transport are the motorways, whose major development started amid the reconstruction of the country after the devastation left by the Great War (which destroyed all previous infrastructure) and was heavily promoted by the premierships of Júlio Lobato (1935-1942) and Cédrico Alvim (1945-1949), leading to the foundation of the National Motorway System (SNR in Luzelese) in the 40s. The first motorway built, the SRN-1, connects the capital Castelonovo to Ípsia through Riachuelo. While it used to be entirely state-owned, the system started to be partially privatized in the 90s and 2000s.

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

There are five cities that have underground transit systems: Castelonovo, Riachuelo, Pinheiros, Ípsia and Belojardim, and several others that employ light rail, tram and tram-train systems.

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

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

Healthcare

Santa Clara Hospital in Castelonovo

Belmonte's public healthcare system, the Public Institute of Social Care (IPSS in Luzelese), was established in 1947, making Belmonte one of the first in the Asterias to adopt a national public healthcare system, being maintained by the Federal Government, the provinces and the municipalities, with private systems taking a complementary role.

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

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

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

Education and science

The University of Castelonovo, the largest and most prestigious university of Belmonte.

Education in Belmonte is mandatory for everyone aged between six and eighteen years old and is mostly managed by the federal, provincial and municipal spheres, who are responsible for its organization and maintenance. The system is almost entirely public, with private schools being limited to the children of high-income families and religious institutions.

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

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

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

Media

Headquarters of the Diário Group

Written press was introduced to Belmonte in 1764 with the foundation of the Gazeta de Castelonovo, which served as the country's government gazette. After the Federalist Revolt, Belmontese press became freer, with several liberal-minded newspapers being created at the time. Although this was temporarily halted during the Durão Era, the proliferation of newspapers and magazines continued during the remaining of the 19th century up until the 1913 Coup. Although the 1935 Constitution declared freedom of speech a fundamental right, it remained tightly controlled by the consecutive URN governments of the time up until the 70s, when censorship was officially abolished.

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

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

Demographics

Ethnic groups in Belmonte (2020)
Background Percentage
White
41.7%
Pardo
40.3%
Black
14.6%
Coian
2.6%
Indigenous
1.3%
Religions in Belmonte (2020)
Background Percentage
Catholicism
67.3%
Amendism
19.4%
Irreligious
11.6%
Spiritism
1.1%
Other
0.6%

According to the 2020 demographic census, Belmonte has a population of 36.3 million inhabitants, with a demographic density of 36.2/km2 (93.8/sq mi) and a ratio of men to women of 0.93:1. The population is overwhelmingly urban with 91,7% residing in urban areas, the majority of them under the Central Metropolitan Axis, one of the largest megalopolis of the Asterian continent comprised of the metropolitan regions of Castelonovo and Riachuelo, the first and second largest cities respectively, having a population of 14.7 million or almost half of the national population.

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

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

Race and ethnicity

A 19th century collection of several Belmontese people with different ethnicities.
Etrurian immigrants arriving in Belmonte

Belmonte is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the globe as the result of intense contact and miscegenation between several ethnic groups over the centuries. In 2020, 41.7% of the population (about 15.2 million) identified themselves as White, followed by 40.3% (about 14.7 million) as Pardo, 14.6% (5.3 million) as Black, 2.6% (0.9 million) as Coian and 1.3% (0.4 million) as Indigenous.

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

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

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

Religion

Although a secular state, Belmonte still is a deeply religious country, with almost 90% of the population declaring to have a religion in 2020. Out of these, 87.8% follow the Sotirian faith, with 67.3% being Catholics, 19.4% Amendists and 1.1% Spirits. 0.6% of the population is adherent to other religions, while 11.6% declare to be Irreligious.

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

Amendism was brought to Belmonte amid the large migratory wave of the late-19th century, being introduced by Weranian, Gaullican, Caldish and Estmerish immigrants. The remaining religions are mostly of Bahian and Coian origin with their adherents being immigrants from these respective regions.

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

Language

The landscape of Blenhein, Piratini. The province has a large presence of Weranic-related languages, such as the Hunsrik language.

Luzelese is the sole official language of Belmonte - a condition enshrined and protected by the Constitution - and overwhelmingly used (~99%) by the majority of the population, being the only Luzelese-speaking country of Asteria Inferior and one of the few in the world alongside Paretia and Ardesia. The Belmontese variation of the language, known as Belmontese Luzelese, evolved through the centuries amid Euclean, Bahian and native influences, creating a unique accent when compared to its Paretian and Ardesian counterparts.

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

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

Urbanization

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

Culture

Architecture

Cláudio Bachlechner, Belmonte's most famous architect.
Clockwise from left to right: baroque buildings in São Caetano, Anchieta; the eclectic Amindas Residence in Sabugosa; the Art Noveau Carvalho Building in Riachuelo and the modernist Aranha Building in central Castelonovo.

Belmontese architecture was largely inspired by Euclean trends throughout its history, only starting to develop its own variations after the Great War. During colonial times, Belmontese buildings were based on the baroque and rococo architectures and the concept of few external designs and heavily decorated interiors. Both forms were mainly used by the Church and Jesuit missions located there, becoming widely used by the civilian population at the time soon after.

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

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

By the 1990s, postmodern trends started to achieve more predominancy, however, modernism still remains extremely influential, leaving a huge mark that defined a large fraction of the national cultural identity.

Music

Clockwise from left to right: Ricardo Alvim, bossa nova's most known artist; Maurício Buarque, one of the leading singers of the tropinova in the late-60s; Guaxinim during a live concert

Belmontese music is known for its diverse origin and influences that came from several parts of the globe. Classical music was brought by the Luzelese nobility and Jesuits, being initially of baroque and sacred origin. It was only after the Federalist Revolt that new orchestras and conservatories were established, with many composers transitioning to romanticism by the 1850s and 1860s. Romanticism started to be slowly replaced by more progressive and nationalist trends over the turn of the century, with this era being marked by the works of Maurício Sobral and Lauro Sotiras. After the Great War, classical music started to be influenced by more contemporary trends.

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

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

Inspired by the protests and revolutionary fervour of the late-60s, the tropinova movement and its subsequent genre were born, mixing folk, bossa nova and samba with a more psychedelic and tropical sound, having as its most famous singers Maurício Buarque, Jorge Mourinho, Eleonor Cruz and Gil Nkosi, while Guaxinim introduced rock n' roll to broad Belmontese audiences for the first time. The late 70s and early 80s saw the continuation of the popularization of rock music under post-punk and new wave influences, with bands such as Saturno, Excelsior, Longe das Capitais, Enfant, Arquitetos de Imágua and L'eau becoming widely popular. By the turn of the century up to present times, the Belmontese musical scene diversified, with the 2010s seeing a surge of indie rock, electronic, rap, trap and pop music.

The annual Castelonovo Music Festival, one of Belmonte's largest music festivals

Literature

Aldo Paes
Gregório Assis
Aldo Paes (left) and Gregório Assis (right)

Belmontese literature started with the consolidation of Jesuit missions in the colony, with the local literature, at the time influenced by religious dogmas, starting to shift into more baroque trends, however, it was only after the establishment of the First Republic that new schools of thought and artists appeared on the national scene. Baroque started to be replaced by romanticism in the 19th century and, over time, indianism was created, having a strong progressive and nationalist tone that promoted indigenous values and culture, having Aldo Paes's romances Tupi and Iandara as the subgenre's biggest works.

By the late-1870s and early-1880s, romanticism started to be substituted by realism, with the genre itself becoming widely known thanks to Gregório Assis and his books Bento and Obituary, leading him into universal acclaim as Belmonte's greatest writer. Realism continued to be the main Belmontese literary doctrine up to the 1930s with the proliferation of modernist and avant-garde movements in the country. By the 80s, the modernist school started to be replaced by postmodern trends.

Cuisine

Traditional Belmontese cuisine

Belmontese cuisine is influenced by Euclean, Bahian and indigenous cookery, being the result of the contact between these peoples. Before the beginning of colonization, the native population used the local fauna and flora as the base of their cuisine, largely consuming cassava, guarana and açaí. With the arrival of Luzelese colonizers in the 16th century, Euclean foods were added to the region, being adapted to the local climate. The introduction of slavery at the same time also led to Bahian peoples bringing their food to the forming Belmontese cuisine at the time, which evolved as more peoples from different cultures went to live there.

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

Cinema and theatre

The Castelonovo Theatre, one of the most respected and influential threatres of Belmonte.
A public screening during the Castelonovo Film Festival.

Belmontese theatre had its origins in the colonial era, being brought from Euclean churches and monasteries by Jesuit priests to the newly-established colony. Catholic influence on theatre remained widespread until the 20th century when many theatrical schools started to be funded by the State and adopted a more secular position. Today, the scenario largely relies on the government to maintain itself but is extremely diverse and well-acclaimed by critics of all kinds.

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

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

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

Visual arts

Belmontese virtual arts evolved and encompassed several doctrines and movements throughout the years.

Belmontese art emerged in the 16th century, being entirely influenced by baroque religious themes followed by rococo trends after independence under the confederation era.

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

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

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

Sports

Football is Belmonte's most popular and practiced sport.
Sailing is one of the most famous water sports of Belmonte.

Football is the most famous and practised sport in Belmonte, being an integral part of the country's culture. The Belmonte Cup and Primeira Divisão are the major national football leagues in the country, both of them organized by the Belmontese Football Confederation (CBF), with the Primeira Divisão being the primary and most competitive competition whilst the Belmonte Cup is its domestic counterpart. Followed by football, volleyball, basketball and autoracing also are very popular, having their competitive professional leagues and a large amount of media coverage and practitioners.

Water sports also have a large presence in Belmonte, especially swimming and sailing. Furthermore, the country has as its national sports footvolley (the combination of football and volleyball), futsal (indoor football) and beach football. Athletism, tennis, boxing, handball, rugby and hockey are also very practised among the population.

The Adrísio Vieira Stadium, more known as Ibiraí Stadium, is the seat of the Regina F.C, one of the biggest football clubs of Belmonte.

National holidays

Date Local name Name Observation
1 January Confraternização Universal New Year's Day Beginning of the year
17 February Dia da Liberação Liberation Day Liberation of Belmonte from Entente powers
18 April Proclamação da República Proclamation of the Republic Proclamation of the First Belmontese Republic
1 May Dia do Trabalhador Labour Day Tribute to workers
13 June Santa Catarina Saint Catherine Belmonte's patroness day
7 August Independência Independence Day Independence against Gaullica
2 November Finados All Souls's Day Day of remembrance of the dead
25 December Natal Nativity Major Sotirian celebration

See also

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