'''Limonaia''', officially '''The Grand Duchy of Limonaia''' is a sovereign nation in northern [[Alharu]] bordering [[Soreana]] to the north as well as a maritime border with [[Valacia]]. It is the second most populous country in Alharu after [[Kaitaine]], and has the highest population density on the continent.
'''Limonaia''', officially the Grand Duchy of Limonaia (Cristinese: Granducato di Limonaia) is a country in Northern [[Alharu]]. Located next to the Ygros sea, and Sakspati sea, Limonaia shares land borders with [[Soreana]] and a maritime border with [[Valacia]]. Limonaia covers an area of 80,994 km2 (31,271.9 sq mi) and has a largely temperate seasonal and Mediterranean climate. With around 48 million inhabitants, it is the second-most populous, and most densely populated country in Alharu.
The region was initially inhabited by an indigenous population now extinct and or absorbed into Limonaian population. The current population arrived from [[Cristina]] around 1450, founding small merchant outposts. As the population of these grew with the import of workers from Cristina, these settlements quickly developed into cities, and by 1489 the first proper Limonaian Merchant Republics had been established. These republics expanded their influence and competing with the rival republics the republics stretched from parts of the Verde Sea, to surrounding most of the Ygros sea. Eventually most of these republics shifted to becoming monarchies, or were absorbed by another state, leading to the eventual unification of the Grand Duchy of Limonaia in 1694, and later the Kingdom of Limonaia in 1745. At this point Limonaia was at its greatest extent encompassing several neighboring countries as well as colonies, including as [[Faramount]] or Faramonte in Limonaian. The Kingdom ended in 1902 due to the [[Limonaian Civil War]] which toppled the until then absolute monarchy of Limonaia, establishing a liberal constitiution, as well as limiting the monarch's powers. Many territories also used this as a chance to break away leading to colonies such as [[Faramount]] gaining independence, as well as parts of the former Kingdom. The new Grand Duchy was but a rump state of the former kingdom leading to rising nationalism throughout the 20th century, culminating with the coup d'etat by General [[Luca di Ortello]], who established the [[Republic of Limonaia]]. Following his death in 1976 the monarchy was restored with dictatorial powers, leading to the first parliament being opened as late as 1982.
==Etymology==
The name ''Limonaia'' is derived from the Limonaian word ''Limone'' which translates to Lemon. In its infancy the country was simply known as the "Land of the Lemons" leading to the modern name being established.
==History==
===Exodus from Cristina===
The first Cristinese merchants crossed the Oriental Ocean, reaching modern-day Limonaia in 1450 establishing the settlement that would later become [[Limone]]. Following the initial settlements, merchants traveled back to Cristina, hiring people to work in the newly established settlements, as well as bringing new competing merchants to the area unintentionally. By 1489 the [[Republic of Limone]] was declared followed by many other independent Limonaian city-states.
The earliest Limonaian settlements were established around [[Limone]] in 1450, which was initially only a small settlement. As Limone strengthened itself its citizens eventually started leaving and establishing other settlements, the first major which were [[Sermerio]], [[Talamone]] and Cariatta (modern-day [[Boevendal]]). By 1489 both Limone and Sermerio declared themselves as Republics, the other settlements soon following suit. In the early 1500s, Limonaian trade and shipping flourished, leading to multiple Limonaian missions to explore nearby locations. In 1504 [[Marco Palo]] left Sermerio and ended up in modern-day Fulgistan where he spent a lot of time, eventually bringing back what would be developed into Limonaian pasta as well as buffaloes which are today used in a lot of Limonaian cheese production. This period also saw the first Limonaian settlements overseas, some of the earliest being [[Anaca]] and [[Sicalta]].
In the 1600s the Limonaian republics began to stagnate. In Limone, the [[di Cabrena]] family, who had ruled as Doges for generations elevated themselves to Dukes of Limone. Similar events happened in other Republics, soon leading to most of the republics becoming monarchies. In a period as short as fifteen years, the Dukes of Limone managed to conquer all of mainland Limonaia, this declaring themselves "Grand Dukes Limonaia" in 1694. The Grand Duchy soon after this conquered Anaca and Sicalata as well as continued their settlement policy eventually reaching a point the point where it felt necessary to begin using a more "regal title" leading to the 1745 act declaring the Kingdom of Limonaia. The Kingdom would go on to become a colonial power, spreading its influence across the seas. Two of the most notable colonies being [[Faramount]] and [[Alenveil]].
Since the fall of the republics Limonaia had been an absolute monarchy, which by the end of the 19th century became increasingly unpopular. Add this to the increasing instability in the nation itself, including many regions that wished to break away from Limonaia. It all culminated in the brief Limonaian Civil War in 1902 which lead to large chunks of Limonaia breaking away, most of its colonial possessions including Faramount which was seized by [[Fleur des Lys]] and the island of Sicalta. The Kingdom was abolished to prevent the remaining state from claiming the land that had broken away, and a constitutional monarchy was established, with a liberal constitution being adopted in 1912. The early 20th century was one of great development for Limonaia. Industry in the cities of [[Celano]] and Sermerio blossomed and old companies united forming newer stronger companies, such as [[FLAC]] or ''Fabbrica Limona Automobili Celano'' which is Limonaia's largest producer of cars and other vehicles. However in 1952, due to fear of the increasing popularity of Socialist movements, the Military performed a coup d'etat establishing the [[Republic of Limonaia]] as a presidential dictatorship with Luca di Ortello at the helm. The Republic saw many civil liberties from the previous decades be diminished, and the regime also supported nationalist movements in other countries (Notably Faramount).
In 1976 di Ortello passed away, and without a clear leader to take over it was decided that the monarchy would be restored allowing the di Cabrena family to return from their exile. Following the restoration, the newly coronated [[Vittorio Emanuele VI]] decided to keep things relatively similar to the way it had been during the republic, only occasionally handing power to other institutions. He was forced to open parliament in 1993 after he was nearly assassinated.
It's geographical position in the middle of the Alhargic seas made it an attractive area for the settlement of various early civilisations including the Vamekel who inhabitied the northern areas of modern day Limonaia
==Geography==
==Geography==
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Revision as of 12:12, 12 March 2019
The Grand Duchy of Limonaia
Il Granducato di Limonaia
Flag
Coat of arms
Motto: "Nobiscum Deus" "God with us"
Anthem: Alzati, figli della Limonaia! (Arise, Children of Limonaia)
Limonaia, officially the Grand Duchy of Limonaia (Cristinese: Granducato di Limonaia) is a country in Northern Alharu. Located next to the Ygros sea, and Sakspati sea, Limonaia shares land borders with Soreana and a maritime border with Valacia. Limonaia covers an area of 80,994 km2 (31,271.9 sq mi) and has a largely temperate seasonal and Mediterranean climate. With around 48 million inhabitants, it is the second-most populous, and most densely populated country in Alharu.
It's geographical position in the middle of the Alhargic seas made it an attractive area for the settlement of various early civilisations including the Vamekel who inhabitied the northern areas of modern day Limonaia
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