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In ancient times, Sydalon was inhabited by [[Aradia|Aradians]], whom were thought to be native to the area and first rose to prominence around 1500 BC. The ancient Aradians spread Aradian culture and religion throughout the Periclean Sea basin, establishing city-states in modern day [[Latium]], [[Fakolana]], and even as distant as [[Tarsas]]. The first among these city-states was Aradia, which was located at or near the modern day city of [[Sydalon (city)|Sydalon]], and rapidly grew to become a mercantile power and one of the dominant forces of the ancient Perliclean basin. The civilization gradually declined as other peoples began to challenge Aradian dominance of trade in the Periclean Sea. By the turn of the 3rd century BC, Aradian dominance was completely eroded, though many of the city-states continued to persist along the Periclean and Thalassan coasts for the next 500 years.  
In ancient times, Sydalon was inhabited by [[Aradia|Aradians]], whom were thought to be native to the area and first rose to prominence around 1500 BC. The ancient Aradians spread Aradian culture and religion throughout the Periclean Sea basin, establishing city-states in modern day [[Latium]], [[Fakolana]], and even as distant as [[Tarsas]]. The first among these city-states was Aradia, which was located at or near the modern day city of [[Sydalon (city)|Sydalon]], and rapidly grew to become a mercantile power and one of the dominant forces of the ancient Perliclean basin. The civilization gradually declined as other peoples began to challenge Aradian dominance of trade in the Periclean Sea. By the turn of the 3rd century BC, Aradian dominance was completely eroded, though many of the city-states continued to persist along the Periclean and Thalassan coasts for the next 500 years.  


The area known as Sydalon has been home to many cultures and civilizations, falling under the control of the [[Latium|Latin Empire]] during the 2nd century BC. The collapse and decline of Latin imperial control resulted in the conquest of Sydalon by the first Caliphate, and later XXXX. However, the modern Sydalene state has its founding during {{wp|Crusader state|First Crusade}} in an effort by Catholic monarchs and the [[Pope of the Fabrian Catholic Church|Fabrian Pope]] to restore the {{wp|Holy Land}} to Christian control. Following the 4 year long crusade, the Catholic armies, particularly [[Jordan I, King of Sydalon|Jordan Antonius]] was granted the city of Sydalon as his seat and proclaimed the [[Monarchy of Sydalon|King of Sydalon]] by the [[Pope of the Fabrian Catholic Church|Pope Alexander IV]] in 1237. King Jordan I was also made the {{wp|Lord#Feudalism|liege lord}} of a number of other conquered cities and lands in the surrounding area after subsequent crusaders.  
The area known as Sydalon has been home to many cultures and civilizations, falling under the control of the [[Latium|Latin Empire]] during the 2nd century BC. The collapse and decline of Latin imperial control resulted in the conquest of Sydalon by the first Caliphate, and later XXXX. However, the modern Sydalene state has its founding during {{wp|Crusader state|First Crusade}} in an effort by Catholic monarchs and the [[Pope of the Fabrian Catholic Church|Fabrian Pope]] to restore the {{wp|Holy Land}} to Christian control. Following the 4 year long crusade, the Catholic armies, particularly [[Jordan I of Sydalon|Jordan de Hauteville]] was granted the city of Sydalon as his seat and proclaimed the [[Monarchy of Sydalon|King of Sydalon]] by the [[Pope of the Fabrian Catholic Church|Pope Alexander IV]] in 1237. King Jordan I was also made the {{wp|Lord#Feudalism|liege lord}} of a number of other conquered cities and lands in the surrounding area after subsequent crusaders.  


By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sydalon had seen a rise in an ethnic Sydalene national identity, instead of the disparate ethnic groups seeing themselves as individuals. This was in large part fostered to the ever-growing stature of the Monarch in Sydalene daily life. The highly centralized monarchy saw to the country's rapid industrialization and a surge in economic growth. This growth was stifled following an uprising to overthrow the monarchy led by a number of revolutionary groups led by the common people. The civil war in lasted from 1899 until 1902, ending during the reign of [[Desideria II of Sydalon|Queen Desideria II]]. In this period, Sydalon offered to accept immigrants from predominantly Catholic communities to offset the devastation from the civil war, leading to a higher number of citizens with Belisarian ancestry.  
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sydalon had seen a rise in an ethnic Sydalene national identity, instead of the disparate ethnic groups seeing themselves as individuals. This was in large part fostered to the ever-growing stature of the Monarch in Sydalene daily life. The highly centralized monarchy saw to the country's rapid industrialization and a surge in economic growth. This growth was stifled following an uprising to overthrow the monarchy led by a number of revolutionary groups led by the common people. The civil war in lasted from 1899 until 1902, ending during the reign of [[Desideria II of Sydalon|Queen Desideria II]]. In this period, Sydalon offered to accept immigrants from predominantly Catholic communities to offset the devastation from the civil war, leading to a higher number of citizens with Belisarian ancestry.  
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==Etymology==
==Etymology==
Sydalon takes its name from the city of Sydalon, which itself is believed to be named after the nearby Sydon (or Sidon) River. The river's name roughly translates to <nowiki>"fishery" or "fishing town"</nowiki>, which was one of the major rivers flowing through ancient of Aradia. Initially area near the city of Sydalon was referred to as Fabria by the [[Latium|Latins]], for which the etymology is unknown but in the 2nd century first was referred to as Sidalon. During the barbarian kingdom era, the area was known as Sydaon.
Sydalon takes its name from the city of Sydalon, which itself is believed to be named after the nearby Sydon (or Sidon) River. The river's name roughly translates to <nowiki>"fishery" or "fishing town"</nowiki>, which was one of the major rivers flowing through ancient of Aradia. Initially area near the city of Sydalon was referred to as Fabria by the [[Latium|Latins]], for which the etymology is unknown but in the 2nd century first was referred to as Sidalon. During the barbarian kingdom era, the area was known as Sydaon.
==History==
==History==
===Classical period===
===Classical period===
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{{main|Political divisions of Sydalon}}
{{main|Political divisions of Sydalon}}
The Sydalene government operates under a federal system with various levels of decentralization due to different powers of local government that result in an asymmetrical federal system in certain instances. The primary level of organization are domains, which are either classified as Principalities, Duchies, Counties or Royal Domains. Domains are further subdivided into diocese, which is the second level of administration, and further into municipalities as the lowest level. All domains feature their own legislative or consultative body, with executive functions nominally held by either the domain's historical [[Political divisions of Sydalon#Domains|monarch]] or royal appointee in the case of royal domains. Following the 2018 constitution, all domains executive functions continue to be utilized through the domain's lord, however, they are often required to regularly consult with the local legislature to come to consensus. Most domains do not enact their own primary legislation.
The Sydalene government operates under a federal system with various levels of decentralization due to different powers of local government that result in an asymmetrical federal system in certain instances. The primary level of organization are domains, which are either classified as Principalities, Duchies, Counties or Royal Domains. Domains are further subdivided into diocese, which is the second level of administration, and further into municipalities as the lowest level. All domains feature their own legislative or consultative body, with executive functions nominally held by either the domain's historical [[Political divisions of Sydalon#Domains|monarch]] or royal appointee in the case of royal domains. Following the 2018 constitution, all domains executive functions continue to be utilized through the domain's lord, however, they are often required to regularly consult with the local legislature to come to consensus. Most domains do not enact their own primary legislation.
==Politics==
==Politics==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; float:right; margin-right:9px; margin-left:2px;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; float:right; margin-right:9px; margin-left:2px;"
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===Parliament===
===Parliament===
{{main|Parliament of Sydalon}}
{{main|Parliament of Sydalon}}
Sydalon operates with a bicameral legislature within in a parliamentary system. The [[Senate of Sydalon|Senate]] acts as the upper house in Parliament, and has the honor of being the oldest, and original house of Parliament. The Senate is an appointed body, with all members appointed by the [[Monarchy of Sydalon|Monarch]]. Traditionally these seats were held by titled or landed nobility and archbishops, but following the 2018 constitution, the Senate was limited to 178 seats and with membership drawn from among peers or clergy. The Senate holds few powers today, though retains the ability to delay or reject legislation in some cases. Members are elected to the Senate by a form of {{wp|By-elections to the House of Lords|election-by-peer}}, which sees all eligible peers vote to fill any vacancies from within their respective rank.
Sydalon operates with a bicameral legislature. The [[Senate of Sydalon|Senate]] acts as the upper house in Parliament, and has the honor of being the oldest, and original house of Parliament. The Senate is an appointed body, with all members appointed by the [[Monarchy of Sydalon|Monarch]]. Traditionally these seats were held by titled or landed nobility and archbishops.
 
The [[National Assembly of Sydalon|National Assembly]] is the lower house in the Parliament, featuring 256 members elected every three years by {{wp|Single-member district|single-member districts}} and {{wp|party-list proportional representation}}. The National Assembly's powers have recently been expanded to include budgetary matters, approving bills, questioning ministers, and establishing ad hoc commissions of inquiry to investigate the government's actions.


The [[National Assembly of Sydalon|National Assembly]] is the lower house in the Parliament, featuring 256 members elected every three years by {{wp|Single-member district|single-member districts}} and {{wp|party-list proportional representation}}. The National Assembly's powers have recently been expanded to include budgetary matters, approving bills, questioning ministers, and establishing ad hoc commissions of inquiry to investigate the government's actions. It was added in 2018.
===Law and criminal justice===
===Law and criminal justice===
{{main|Law of Sydalon|Judiciary of Sydalon}}
{{main|Law of Sydalon|Judiciary of Sydalon}}
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===Military===
===Military===
{{main|Sydalene Defense Forces|Order of the Holy Lance}}
{{main|Sydalene Defense Forces|Order of the Holy Lance}}
==Economy==
==Economy==
Sydalon has the Xth largest economy among states on the continent of Scipia with a gross domestic product of $403.1 billion as of 2017. The Sydalene currency is the [[Sydalene denarius|denarius]] (𐆖), and its central bank is the Banco Sydalonae. Most major, non-oil production, industries, businesses and financial institutions are located in the Philippopolis, Ostracine or Sydalon metropolitan areas; however, the largest financial institutions are located in Petra due to the primacy of the [[Order of the Holy Lance]] within the area. One of Sydalon's largest exports is in {{wp|petroleum}} and {{wp|natural gas}}, which recently has seen a downward trend in demand. Since the 1960s, the Sydalene government has made plans to diversify its economy in recent years by placing a greater focus on other areas of industry, particularly infrastructure, tourism, and technology. These plans focus on exports, private investment and the development of the high-tech sector.  
Sydalon has the Xth largest economy among states on the continent of Scipia with a gross domestic product of $403.1 billion as of 2017. The Sydalene currency is the [[Sydalene denarius|denarius]] (𐆖), and its central bank is the Banco Sydalonae. Most major, non-oil production, industries, businesses and financial institutions are located in the Philippopolis, Ostracine or Sydalon metropolitan areas; however, the largest financial institutions are located in Petra due to the primacy of the [[Order of the Holy Lance]] within the area. One of Sydalon's largest exports is in {{wp|petroleum}} and {{wp|natural gas}}, which recently has seen a downward trend in demand. Since the 1960s, the Sydalene government has made plans to diversify its economy in recent years by placing a greater focus on other areas of industry, particularly infrastructure, tourism, and technology. These plans focus on exports, private investment and the development of the high-tech sector.  
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===Ethnic groups===
===Ethnic groups===
===Religion===
===Religion===
[[File:Tinos panagia evangelistria 200707 04.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Cathedral of the Holy Resurrection.]]
[[File:The Church of the Holy Sepulchre-Jerusalem.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Cathedral of the Holy Sepulchre.]]
{{Pie chart
{{Pie chart
| thumb = right
| thumb = right
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| color7 =Chartreuse
| color7 =Chartreuse
}}
}}
The dominant religion in Sydalon is {{wp|Roman Catholic Chruch|Catholicism}}, with over 92% of the population adhering to a the church. The Constitution of Sydalon enshrines that {{wp|Roman Catholic Church|Fabrian Church}} as the {{wp|state religion}}, a status it has held since the kingdom's founding in the [[Crusades (Sydalon)|First Crusade]]. Sydalon is an {{wp|Apostolic See}}, and home to the [[Pope of the Fabrian Catholic Church|Papacy]], which resides in the Fabrian district of the city of [[Sydalon (city)|Sydalon]]. The country is home many Christian holy sites, including [[Sarepta]], the birthplace of {{wp|Jesus}}; Sydalon's old city, where Jesus often preached; and Fabria, where Jesus was {{wp|Crucifixion of Jesus|crucified}}. Sydalon is also home to a number of other religions, most notably {{wp|Judaism}}, and {{wp|Islam}}. Judaism has a long history in Sydalon, first appearing in first millennium BC as the major religion of a number of [[Aradia|Aradian]] city-states.  
The dominant religion in Sydalon is {{wp|Roman Catholic Chruch|Catholicism}}, with over 92% of the population adhering to a the church. The Constitution of Sydalon enshrines that {{wp|Roman Catholic Church|Fabrian Church}} as the {{wp|state religion}}, a status it has held since the kingdom's founding in the [[Crusades (Sydalon)|First Crusade]]. Sydalon is an {{wp|Apostolic See}}, and home to the [[Pope of the Fabrian Catholic Church|Papacy]], which resides in the Fabrian district of the city of [[Sydalon (city)|Sydalon]]. The country is home many Christian holy sites, including [[Sarepta]], the birthplace of {{wp|Jesus}}; Sydalon's old city, where Jesus often preached; and [[Fabria]], where Jesus was {{wp|Crucifixion of Jesus|crucified}}. Sydalon is also home to a number of other religions, most notably {{wp|Judaism}}, and {{wp|Islam}}. Judaism has a long history in Sydalon, first appearing in first millennium BC as the major religion of a number of [[Aradia|Aradian]] city-states.  


As the state religion, {{wp|Roman Catholic Church|Fabrian Catholicism}} receives protections and guarantees from the government that other faiths and their adherents do not. Citizens that are not Christian are prohibited from entering the city of Sydalon, and in some cases may be prohibited from public service. The government has held a policy of offering further state, social benefits for citizens that seek conversion, and has been accused by human rights groups of forcing conversion to Catholicism under threat of imprisonment or death. It is illegal for non-Catholic missionaries to evangelize to Catholics, with those found guilty facing severe criminal and financial penalties. The Sydalene government holds the right to recognize any religion. Only Catholics are allowed to establish schools within Sydalon, though other Christian communities are allowed to establish places of worship or cemeteries with royal assent.
As the state religion, {{wp|Roman Catholic Church|Fabrian Catholicism}} receives protections and guarantees from the government that other faiths and their adherents do not. Citizens that are not Christian are prohibited from entering the city of Sydalon, and in some cases may be prohibited from public service. The government has held a policy of offering further state, social benefits for citizens that seek conversion, and has been accused by human rights groups of forcing conversion to Catholicism under threat of imprisonment or death. It is illegal for non-Catholic missionaries to evangelize to Catholics, with those found guilty facing severe criminal and financial penalties. The Sydalene government holds the right to recognize any religion. Only Catholics are allowed to establish schools within Sydalon, though other Christian communities are allowed to establish places of worship or cemeteries with royal assent.
==Culture==
==Culture==
==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 22:29, 4 October 2019

Kingdom of Sydalon
Reinu ta'Sydalon (Sydalene)
Flag of
Flag
Sydalene cockade.png
Coat of Arms
Motto: "Timor Dei et gloriam Regia" (Latin)
(Fear God and Honor the Queen)
Anthem: Cancun ta'Sydalon
Song of Sydalon
MediaPlayer.png
Royal anthem: Custodiat Deus Reginam
Honor the Queen
MediaPlayer.png
Location of Sydalon (dark green) – in Scipia (dark grey)
Location of Sydalon (dark green)
– in Scipia (dark grey)
National Map of Sydalon.png
CapitalSydalon
Government seat
and largest city
Ostracine
Official language
and national language
Sydalene
Recognized
minority language
Ethnic groups
(2013)
  • 79% Sydalene
  • 18% Belisarian ancestry
  • 3% other
Religion
  • 88.4% Christianity
  • 2.2% Jewish
  • 7.1% Irreligious
  • 2.3% Other
Demonym(s)Sydalene
GovernmentFederal parliamentary absolute monarchy
• Queen
Melisende III
The Lord de Ondini
Elisabetta de Calvacamp
LegislatureParliament
Senate
National Assembly
Formation
1237
1297
1451
• First Constitution
2 September 1919
Area
• 
119,820 km2 (46,260 sq mi)
Population
• 2017 estimate
14,695,000 (xth)
• 2013 census
13,230,291
• Density
122.64/km2 (317.6/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)2017 estimate
• Total
$516.96 billion
• Per capita
$35,179
GDP (nominal)2017 estimate
• Total
$403.1 billion
• Per capita
$27,425
CurrencyDenarius (𐆖) (SDD)
Date formatdd/mm/yyyy (AD)
Driving sideleft
Calling code+51

Sydalon (Sydalene: Reinu ta'Sydalon), officially known as the Kingdom of Sydalon, is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy of nearly 15 million people on the continent of Scipia. It shares land borders with Yisrael to the south, and Ascalzar to the east. It is bordered by the Periclean Sea to the northwest and the Thalassan Ocean to the east.

In ancient times, Sydalon was inhabited by Aradians, whom were thought to be native to the area and first rose to prominence around 1500 BC. The ancient Aradians spread Aradian culture and religion throughout the Periclean Sea basin, establishing city-states in modern day Latium, Fakolana, and even as distant as Tarsas. The first among these city-states was Aradia, which was located at or near the modern day city of Sydalon, and rapidly grew to become a mercantile power and one of the dominant forces of the ancient Perliclean basin. The civilization gradually declined as other peoples began to challenge Aradian dominance of trade in the Periclean Sea. By the turn of the 3rd century BC, Aradian dominance was completely eroded, though many of the city-states continued to persist along the Periclean and Thalassan coasts for the next 500 years.

The area known as Sydalon has been home to many cultures and civilizations, falling under the control of the Latin Empire during the 2nd century BC. The collapse and decline of Latin imperial control resulted in the conquest of Sydalon by the first Caliphate, and later XXXX. However, the modern Sydalene state has its founding during First Crusade in an effort by Catholic monarchs and the Fabrian Pope to restore the Holy Land to Christian control. Following the 4 year long crusade, the Catholic armies, particularly Jordan de Hauteville was granted the city of Sydalon as his seat and proclaimed the King of Sydalon by the Pope Alexander IV in 1237. King Jordan I was also made the liege lord of a number of other conquered cities and lands in the surrounding area after subsequent crusaders.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sydalon had seen a rise in an ethnic Sydalene national identity, instead of the disparate ethnic groups seeing themselves as individuals. This was in large part fostered to the ever-growing stature of the Monarch in Sydalene daily life. The highly centralized monarchy saw to the country's rapid industrialization and a surge in economic growth. This growth was stifled following an uprising to overthrow the monarchy led by a number of revolutionary groups led by the common people. The civil war in lasted from 1899 until 1902, ending during the reign of Queen Desideria II. In this period, Sydalon offered to accept immigrants from predominantly Catholic communities to offset the devastation from the civil war, leading to a higher number of citizens with Belisarian ancestry.

Sydalon's economy is largely service sector, though still relies on a strong industrial sector, though agriculture is limited. Tourism is also a key aspect of the Sydalene economy, due to its status as the Holy Land, which includes the city of Sydalon and the village of Sarepta – the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Since 2000, the government has actively sought foreign direct investments, primarily from the christian nations from the Belisarian Community or Sante Reze. Sydalon is occasionally noted for its mistreatment of non-Christian residents, due to harsh segregation laws and limited civil rights for non-Christians, though the government offers incentives for those that convert and prove to participate in the Catholic communion.

Sydalon is the 5th largest economy in Scipia and the 27th largest in the world. Sydalon is a member of AOPN, Forum of Nations, North Scipian Free Trade Association, and participates in the Belisarian Customs Union.

Etymology

Sydalon takes its name from the city of Sydalon, which itself is believed to be named after the nearby Sydon (or Sidon) River. The river's name roughly translates to "fishery" or "fishing town", which was one of the major rivers flowing through ancient of Aradia. Initially area near the city of Sydalon was referred to as Fabria by the Latins, for which the etymology is unknown but in the 2nd century first was referred to as Sidalon. During the barbarian kingdom era, the area was known as Sydaon.

History

Classical period

Ancient Aradian ruins near modern-day Ostracine.

The first instance of recorded history in the area of modern Sydalon was in the form of the Aradian civilization. The Aradians were a Semitic speaking people, believed to have migrated to western Scipia from further east near modern-day TBD and TBD. The culture first formed into various independent city-states in around 1500 BC, which is the accepted date of the founding of the city of Aradia, on which the modern city of Sydalon currently sits. Aradian explorers and colonists would go on to found cities throughout the Periclean basin, including cities in modern-day Akhad, Fakolana and Latium.

The decline of the city of Aradia as the dominant local power came to an abrupt end when the city-state of Alalia worked to form a coalition of nearby city-states, including the Hellene city-state of Megara. The Alalians and their allies quickly defeated the Aradians in a single pitched battle, where classical historians claim that war elephants were cause for the Alalian victory. The Alalian-led confederation was primarily focused on maritime trade and control of the entry to the Periclean and began to found colonies in modern-day southern Latium, including Utica. The Alalian expansion across the western Perilcean was noticed by the Latins to the north, prompting a series of wars between the peoples of Latium and the Alalian confederation.

The earliest of these conflicts were initiated by the Alalia, desiring a greater expansion into Belisaria. The largest battles were concentrated on the southern Belisarian coast, around the cities of Boroea and Orola, however would end in a stalemate, with the first war ending in the 4th century BC. The second Alalian-Latin War began in 299 BC, and would result in the Latin capture of Utica, Beroea, and Orola, resulting in a major defeat for Alalian desires of a Belisarian-based empire. Alalians and the confederation would continue to exist until the region was finally subdued in the final Alalian-Latin War in 3 BC, where the major coastal region would begin to be integrated into the Latin Empire.

Middle ages

Sydalon was first founded as a crusader following theFirst Crusade in the 1230s, following a call by the Pope Alexander IV to enlist the Catholic community to re-establish control over lost or abandoned territories formerly held on the continent of Scipia, including the Christian Holy Land centered around Sydalon. Many of the crusader were led by second or third born sons of Belisarian noble families and even those across the Catholic communities of the world after the promise of lands, riches, fame and eternal rewards in heaven.

Early modern

Contemporary

Geography

Administrative divisions

The Sydalene government operates under a federal system with various levels of decentralization due to different powers of local government that result in an asymmetrical federal system in certain instances. The primary level of organization are domains, which are either classified as Principalities, Duchies, Counties or Royal Domains. Domains are further subdivided into diocese, which is the second level of administration, and further into municipalities as the lowest level. All domains feature their own legislative or consultative body, with executive functions nominally held by either the domain's historical monarch or royal appointee in the case of royal domains. Following the 2018 constitution, all domains executive functions continue to be utilized through the domain's lord, however, they are often required to regularly consult with the local legislature to come to consensus. Most domains do not enact their own primary legislation.

Politics

Melisende III, 2018.jpg
Melisende III
Queen

Sydalon is a federal constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary semi-democracy. Melisende III, is the current Monarch and serves as head of state and government.

Monarch

The Monarch is the hereditary constitutional monarch of Sydalon. The Monarch's authority and power are defined in the constitution. Executive power is exercised by the Monarch through Her Majesty's Government, which comprises of the Council of Ministers, which is a committee of the Haute Cour.

The Constitution grants the Monarch extensive executive powers over government. The Monarch presides over the Council of Ministers and appoints it's ministers who serve at the Monarch's pleasure. The Monarch may terminate the tenure of any minister, and after consultation with the heads of the higher and lower Assemblies, to dissolve the Parliament, suspend the constitution, call for new elections, or rule by decree. The Monarch retains is veto power over legislation, which may be overturned by a two-thirds supermajority vote in the Parliament. The Monarch holds the power to declare war and peace, and does not require approval from the National Assembly, though may be limited by budgetary restrictions controlled by the Assembly.

Parliament

Sydalon operates with a bicameral legislature. The Senate acts as the upper house in Parliament, and has the honor of being the oldest, and original house of Parliament. The Senate is an appointed body, with all members appointed by the Monarch. Traditionally these seats were held by titled or landed nobility and archbishops.

The National Assembly is the lower house in the Parliament, featuring 256 members elected every three years by single-member districts and party-list proportional representation. The National Assembly's powers have recently been expanded to include budgetary matters, approving bills, questioning ministers, and establishing ad hoc commissions of inquiry to investigate the government's actions. It was added in 2018.

Law and criminal justice

Foreign relations

Military

Economy

Sydalon has the Xth largest economy among states on the continent of Scipia with a gross domestic product of $403.1 billion as of 2017. The Sydalene currency is the denarius (𐆖), and its central bank is the Banco Sydalonae. Most major, non-oil production, industries, businesses and financial institutions are located in the Philippopolis, Ostracine or Sydalon metropolitan areas; however, the largest financial institutions are located in Petra due to the primacy of the Order of the Holy Lance within the area. One of Sydalon's largest exports is in petroleum and natural gas, which recently has seen a downward trend in demand. Since the 1960s, the Sydalene government has made plans to diversify its economy in recent years by placing a greater focus on other areas of industry, particularly infrastructure, tourism, and technology. These plans focus on exports, private investment and the development of the high-tech sector.

In 2014, Sydalon joined the Belisarian Customs Union.

Tourism and pilgrimage

Demographics

Major cities

Ethnic groups

Religion

Cathedral of the Holy Sepulchre.
<div style="border:solid transparent;position:absolute;width:100px;line-height:0;<div style="border:solid transparent;position:absolute;width:100px;line-height:0;
Religious Demographics of Sydalon
  Catholic Church (92.8%)
  Other Christian (1.8%)
  Azdarin (0.9%)
  Judaism (1.2%)
  Irreligion (1.8%)
  Other religions (1.5%)

The dominant religion in Sydalon is Catholicism, with over 92% of the population adhering to a the church. The Constitution of Sydalon enshrines that Fabrian Church as the state religion, a status it has held since the kingdom's founding in the First Crusade. Sydalon is an Apostolic See, and home to the Papacy, which resides in the Fabrian district of the city of Sydalon. The country is home many Christian holy sites, including Sarepta, the birthplace of Jesus; Sydalon's old city, where Jesus often preached; and Fabria, where Jesus was crucified. Sydalon is also home to a number of other religions, most notably Judaism, and Islam. Judaism has a long history in Sydalon, first appearing in first millennium BC as the major religion of a number of Aradian city-states.

As the state religion, Fabrian Catholicism receives protections and guarantees from the government that other faiths and their adherents do not. Citizens that are not Christian are prohibited from entering the city of Sydalon, and in some cases may be prohibited from public service. The government has held a policy of offering further state, social benefits for citizens that seek conversion, and has been accused by human rights groups of forcing conversion to Catholicism under threat of imprisonment or death. It is illegal for non-Catholic missionaries to evangelize to Catholics, with those found guilty facing severe criminal and financial penalties. The Sydalene government holds the right to recognize any religion. Only Catholics are allowed to establish schools within Sydalon, though other Christian communities are allowed to establish places of worship or cemeteries with royal assent.

Culture

See also