Carucere

Republic of Carucere République d' Caruquère (Gaullican) Gajugeboga (Caruceran Ziba)
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Liberté, Patrie, Unité" (Gaullican) "Dagaodedoa, Nhaodhevau, Mhauzimhi" (Ziba) (Liberty, Fatherland, Unity)
Anthem: "Liberté" "Dagaodedoa" Liberty
Location of Carucere (green), within the Western Arucian archipelago (light grey)
Capital and largest city	Carrefour
Official languages	Gaullican Caruceran Ziba
Recognized languages	Caruceran Creole
Ethnic groups (2020)	40.3% Gowsa 32.5% Bahian 22.6% Mixed — 13.66% Medi — 6.23% Mulatto 4.2% Other — 0.65% Euclean
Religion (2020)	71.2% Catholic 17.6% Badi 10.7% No religion/Other
Demonym(s)	Caruquèrais Gajugeni Caruceran
Government	Unitary presidential constitutional republic
• President	Neil Latorture
• Premier	Sylvie Feucher
• President of the Senate	Roy Chalus
Legislature	National Assembly (Senate)
History of Carucere
• Colony established	1520
• Republic of Pirates	1712
• Theme established	1724
• Allied mandate	1935
• Incorporation into the United Provinces	1945
• Independence	1954
• Current constitution	1961
Area
• Total	8,165.51 km2 (3,152.72 sq mi)
Population
• 2020 estimate	537,238
• Density	65.79/km2 (170.4/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)	2020 estimate
• Total	$9.6 billion
• Per capita	$17,937
GDP (nominal)	2020 estimate
• Total	$5.7 billion
• Per capita	$10,607
Gini (2020)	37.4 medium
HDI (2020)	0.75 high
Currency	Arucian Shilling (ARS)
Date format	dd/mm/yyyy
Driving side	right
ISO 3166 code	CAR
Internet TLD	.ca

Carucere (Gaullican: Caruquère, Caruceran Ziba: Gajuge), formally known as the Republic of Carucere (Gaullican: République d' Caruquère, Caruceran Ziba: Gajugeboga), also known as Îles de Reine-Anne (Queen Anne's Islands), is a small island nation between Asteria Superior and Asteria Inferior in the Arucian Sea. Consisting of the main islands of Marien and Magua, and numerous much smaller islands, it shares maritime borders with Sainte-Chloé to the west, Imagua and the Assimas to the north, and Aucuria to the east and south.

Before the arrival of Euclean settlers, the islands were home to Nati tribes scattered across the mountainous terrain. Carucere was discovered during the voyage of the Gaullican explorer Auguste de Antibes, who named it after the Queen of Gaullica, Anne the Financier. It was colonized by Gaullica in 1520, who established a port in the strait between Marien and Magua, which formed a large natural harbor. While the extremely mountainous terrain of Marien island limited the widespread development of plantations and the importation of Bahian slaves, it became a prominent trading, naval, and shipbuilding post for Gaulicia. The Anne Strait serves as one of the largest anchorages in the world and one of the major naval bases for the Gaullican navy in the Asterias during the colonial era.

The islands became a major hub of pirate activity during the Golden Age of Piracy from the late 17th century to the early 18th century. The islands’ rugged northern coastline served as safe bases for pirates to operate. Gaulician rule of the islands collapsed during the Ten Years' War in Euclea, resulting in the brief establishment of a pirate republic in 1712. When Gaullica regained control of the islands’ coast, the government allowed pirate activity continue at their direction, effectively state sponsored privateering. The ban on the slave trade in 1815, led the Gauillican government to import tens of thousands of gowsas to the islands for labor. After the Great War, ownership of the islands was stripped from Gaullica's possession and transferred to a joint Allied commission which later established the Arucian Federation, consisting of Sainte-Chloé and Carucere. In 1945, Carucere and Sainte-Chloé formed a federation with Imagua and the Assimas, forming the United Provinces of the Western Arucian Islands. During Sainte-Chloé’s secession from the United Provinces, Carucere declared independence by a self-organized referendum.

The new republic was characterized by political dysfunction and ethnic tensions between Gowsan and Bahian Carucereans. In 1957, a clique of Bahian officers within the military launched a failed coup when it appeared the pro-Gowsa PGU party would win the country's first election. The failed coup led to an intense period of unrest and racial violence that lead to a successful coup by moderate elements of the military led by Jean Préval. In 1961, Préval declared the restoration of the Republic and drafted a new constitution. Préval was elected President and remained in office until he retired after the end of his fourth term in 1978. His Presidency oversaw the promotion of multiculturalism, the creation of a national identity, and the rapid development and diversification of the economy from an extractive and agriculture based one.

Today Carucere is an upper-middle income country. The legacy of Gaullican is reflected in the country's political administration and the country's population of Gowsa and Bahian peoples. The islands’ rapidly growing economy consists of a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and various service-based businesses. However the disparities between the richer coast and the poorer interior are very visible especially in income inequality and standards of living. The collapse of the dominant party system that revolved around the Rally for the Nation has led to the partial return of race based politics. Recent political instability have prevented the government from addressing growing problems. Carucere is a member of the Community of Nations, the Organization of Asterian Nations, and the Arucian Cooperation Organization.

History

Prehistory

The ancient history of the island is not well known. Archeological evidence suggests humans may have first settled or visited Carucere around 1600 BCE, but this remains a highly debated topic. It is definitively known that around the 4th to 7th centuries CE, the Nati peoples migrated to the island. Settlements of Nati appeared all over the island by around 1000 CE. When Euclean explorers arrived to the island in 16th century, the island's population was estimated to be around 20,000 to 40,000 peoples divided amongst four or five tribes separated by the mountainous terrain. They lived in small villages, each led by a cacique or chief. They subsisted by hunting and fishing, with hunting generally done by men and the women harvesting the indigenous cassava root and fruit. Recent archeological explorations have uncovered the major role the Anne Strait has played in their society. This lasted until Euclean colonisation in 1520.

Colonial era

Early Gaulician rule

The island of Carucere was discovered in the year 1498 by the Gaullican explorer Auguste de Antibes, who named the island after the Queen Anne of Gaullica and claimed on behalf of her country. Antibes did not step foot on the island, but his expedition noted the island's mountainous terrain and rocky coast during a pass of the island and reported as unsuited for settlement. For unknown reasons, he failed to notice the Anne Strait, possibly due to poor weather. Eucleans did not return to the island until 1518, when an expedition of Gaullican surveyors were tasked with properly exploring the island. During the expedition, they discovered the strait and quickly realized the strategic value of the strait that formed a large natural harbor. After scouting out the strait, they quickly returned to Sainte-Chloé to report the discovery to Gaullica.

In 1520 Gaullica founded Port Royal on the island of Marien, incorporating it into the Viceroyalty of the Arucian as part of the province of the Theme of Sainte-Chloé. The massive natural harbor formed by the Anne Strait made the location of Port Royal an ideal place for a large naval base and anchorage. The first naval facilities around Port Royal were built in 1525; the settlement quickly became a major trade port and home to one of the largest naval bases in the Asterias. Alongside Port de la Sainte in the Sainte-Chloé archipelago, it was the center of early Gaullican naval activity in the Asterias, containing docking, construction, and repair facilities. Despite its small size compared to the Sainte-Chloé archipelago, Carucere played a large role in being the "Gateway to the Asterias". Nevertheless during the 16th century, the settlements on Carucere remained relatively small.

The colonial government experienced fierce resistance by the indigenous population against attempts to convert them to Catholicism and to use them as forced labor. While diseases devastated the population on both islands, the terrain offered many places for indigenous people to hide and resist. They descended from the mountains to attack Gaullican settlements while the colonial authorities raided their villages for slaves. In 1532, the Gaullicans successfully defeated a rebellion and massacred hundreds of people on Magua and forced them to retreat to Marien, which offered greater safety. When they revolted again in 1558, the Viceroy retaliated with a military expedition; many were killed by the Gaullicans and those were captured were enslaved to work on the plantations. The rebellion marked the end of major resistance on the island, with the survivors fleeing further into the interior. Thereafter the native population went into terminal decline and were virtually wiped out by the beginning of the following century.

The 17th century on Carucere passed largely without major incident, although there was widespread piracy. The importance of the Arucian Viceroyalty declined as Satucin became the center of the Gaullican empire in Asteria Inferior. While Carucere remained a major port for travel between Satucin and Gaullican, it was quickly overshadowed by the economic production of the Sainte-Chloé islands. Compared to Carucere, the settlements on Sainte-Chloé was well established, more developed, geographically larger, and significantly less mountainous. As a result, sugar plantations in Sainte-Chloé made the islands a valuable source of sugar. While Carucere had some sugar and tobacco plantations centered around settlements, the islands' mountainous terrain hindered the widespread expansion of cash crops. Combined with the limited development of Carucere, it was more profitable to expand production in Sainte-Chloé than establish new plantations in Carucere. By the late 17th century, the total population of the islands were roughly 10,000 people. The sparse settlement and slow rate of population increase made Carucere one of the less populated colonies of the Viceroyalty of the Arucian, with the least developed plantation infrastructure.

The Estmerish-Povelian raid on Fort-Royal in 1713

Piracy around Carucere became a significant issue by the end of the 17th century as corrupt local authorities and military officials allowed pirates to operate openly. The era of true pirate control occurred when Fort-Royal was razed by an Estmerish-Povelian fleet during the Ten Years' War in 1713. Afterwards the islands were abandoned by colonial authorities and were taken over by pirates who were already based on the coast of Marien. Carucere became a pirate republic, a stronghold for pirates which allowed them to raid and cause havoc with trade and shipping in the Western Acurian Islands. It was governed by an informal clique of pirates, led by the captains Firebeard and Graves. Gaullican rule only returned after 1724 after an anti-piracy operation coupled with an Gaullican offer for clemency and an opportunity to become privateers. As part of the restoration of Gaullican rule, Carucere was reestablished as a separate Theme.

Geography

Map of Carucere

Carucere's topography

Carucere lies 6 degrees north and 78 degrees east in the western Arucian Sea. The islands are considered to be part of the western Arucian archipelago which includes the island countries of Sainte-Chloé, Imagua and the Assimas, Bonaventure, and parts of Aucuria and Eldmark. There is considerable debate among geographers on whether the region should be considered geographically part of Asteria Superior or Asteria Inferior. In recent decades, a growing number of people consider the western Arucian archipelago to be its own subregion based upon a common political, cultural, and historical heritage. Geologically the islands sits upon the Asteria Inferior plate, with the Arucian rift to the north.

Covering an area of 8,165.51 km² (3152.7 sq mi), the country consists of two main islands, Marien and Magua, separated by the Anne Strait which forms a large natural harbor, plus a number of much smaller islands. Marien is 6,708 km² (2589.9 sq mi), comprising 82.1% of the country's area. Magua is 1,433.8 km² (553.6 sq mi), comprising 17.5% of the country's area. The remaining area is distributed among the country's small islands.

The geography of the two main islands are very similar. Marien is very mountainous, with Monte Cinto as the highest peak at 2,123 m (6,965 ft), and around 120 other summits of more than 1,500 m (4,921 ft). The country's central spine, a northwest–southeast axis of steep volcanic slopes and deep gorges, generally varies in elevation from 300 to 1,400 metres (984 to 4,593 ft) above sea level. Several east-west trending mountain spurs extend to the narrow coastal plains in the west and south, which are studded with sea cliffs. The interior features rugged mountains of volcanic origin. Volcanism is still quite evident on the island. Marien is water-rich with swift-flowing highland streams, which cascade into deep gorges and form natural pools and crater lakes. The streams are not navigable, but many are sources of hydroelectric power. The southeastern region of the island, known as the , is a coastal plain and the flattest region of the island. The Plains has a number of coastal lagoons which usually to the ocean. In addition marshland is also extensive on the coast in the region. As a result, malaria has historically been a problem near the marshlands and swamps in the area, which limited its development in the past. The major bodies of freshwater on Marien are all artificial, formed by dams to create reservoirs.

The Anne Strait divides the two main islands. The strait consists of four channels; two in the west and two in the east, with a large bay in the center. It has a shallow sandy bottom, averaging about 30 m (100 ft) deep. The natural harbor has an area of 271.98 km² (105 sq mi). The majority of the island are also covered by mountains, although it is significantly less elevated than Marien. The mountain slopes of Magua are considerably less steep than its counterpart. The island's highest peak is at 1,447 meters (1,640 ft), which is surrounded by an elevated plateau. The mountains are ringed by a narrow coastal plain that contains the islands' most fertile soil and many small streams and ponds.

Magua is the more populated of the two islands despite its smaller size. The population centers of the islands are largely centered around the Anne Strait. There are four major municipalities on the islands, the capital Carrefour and the cities of Tiburon, Fort-Royal, and Caracol.

Geology

Carucere consists of geologically young volcanic islands, formed by volcanism from the Carucerean hotspot. It is also speculated that uplift from a rising magma plume played a role in the island's formation. As a result, the island of Marien is highly geologically active with several major volcanoes, such as Monte Cinto. Carucere is part of a large cluster of hotspots and large igneous provinces that form the Western Arucian Archipelago, formed by tectonic activity from the rift between the Asteria Superior and Asteria Inferior tectonic plates. The region is one of the most geologically active places in the world.

Climate

Carucere has a maritime tropical climate. There are two seasons annually: the dry season from January to June, and the rainy season from July to December. Winds are predominantly from the northwest and are dominated by the northwest trade winds. The climate varies significantly on the islands based upon elevation and the side of the island. In higher elevation on both islands, the climate is often cooler than that of the sweltering heat of the plains below, due to constant cloud and mist cover, and heavy rains in the mountains. The leeward side of the islands are noticeably drier due to dry winds and the dry season.

Biodiversity

Carucere shares a similar biological diversity with other western Arucian islands. The country contains five terrestrial ecoregions; moist forests, Lesser dry forests, montane warm forests, xeric scrub, and mangroves. The main ecosystems are: coastal and marine, forest, freshwater, karst, man-made ecosystems, and savanna.

The islands' fertile volcanic soils, heavy rainfall and a warm climate result in lush vegetation. Most of the islands' remaining forests are on Marien, containing such plants such as mahogany, ironwood, and chestnut trees. Mangrove swamps are common on the coasts and river mouths of Marien. However much of the forest on Magua has been cleared, with only a few small patches remaining.

The rainforest lies between 300 and 1,000 m of altitude on the windward side of the islands, home to trees such as white gum and the chestnut tree; shrubs and herbaceous plants like as the mountain palm, the balisier or ferns. Above 1,000 m, is a humid savannah composed of mosses, lichens, sphagnum and larger plants such as high altitude violet or mountain thyme. On the leeward side of Marien are tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests. The most prominent plant of the biome are the guaiacwood and the holywood trees which were valued for the quality of their wood.

Few terrestrial mammals, aside from bats and raccoons, are native to the islands. Bird species include the endemic purple-throated carib, Carucere woodpecker and the Sisserou parrot which is the country's national bird and is endemic to the islands. The waters of the islands support a rich variety of marine life. Most notably a group of sperm whales live in this area year-round. Other cetaceans commonly seen in the area include spinner dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins and bottlenose dolphins.

Environmental preservation

Carucere's environment suffered significant damage during the colonial era from the development of intensive crops, especially tobacco and sugarcane, as well the large scale harvesting of guaiacwood and holywood trees. Prior to the 20th century, it is estimated that Marien lost between 10-20 percent of its original forests and Magua lost up to 60 percent of its original forests. Threats to the country's biodiversity today include over-hunting and poaching, habitat loss and fragmentation, water pollution, and introduction of invasive species and pathogens. Habitat loss is a major issue largely caused by land clearance for quarrying, agriculture, squatting, housing and industrial development and road construction.

Government & Politics

Carucere's politics occurs in the framework of an independent unitary de facto presidential republic. The government is based on the Constitution of the Republic of Carucere which describes the country as a parliamentary republic with power centered in the legislature. In reality, political power is centered around the powerful President of Carucere, who is both head of state and head of government. The legislature of the country is the unicameral National Assembly of Carucere, led by the Senate of Carucere which plays a secondary, but important role in national politics. Judicial authority is delegated to the national court system led by the Supreme Court. Although Carucere is a unitary state, the interior provinces are granted some autonomy.

Originally Carucere was a parliamentary state with both a President as head of state and a Premier as head of government, but the country has since created a unique form of presidentialism. When Jean Préval restored democracy and was elected President, he centralised political power within the office. After Préval retired, his successors formalised the strong presidency through several constitutional amendments. Furthermore as the President remains indirectly elected, scholars continue to debate whether the country has a de facto presidential system or created a new system entirely. As a result, Carucere's politics combines aspects from both political systems and cultures.

Governance

The President of Carucere is head of state and head of government of the country. The Presidency is granted wide ranging powers and responsibilities; mainly serving as chief diplomat, chief legislator, and the commander in chief of the armed forces. The president is responsible for conducting foreign relations, such as approving treaties, declaring war, and making peace, as well acting as commander in chief of the Carucere Defence Force. The president, by resolution of the Cabinet of Carucere, can issue broad decrees with the force of legislation as long it is determined to be constitutional; however all decrees require an enabling act for it to be enforced. Furthermore, decrees cannot override existing legislation and the Senate can pass legislation to override a decree. The President lacks veto powers and must promulgate all laws presented to them. Other powers of the president include granting amnesty, pardon, or clemency on recommendation by the Senate, declaring martial law, and conferring honors and decorations. The President is elected by the Senate after a legislative election to a term of 4 years.

The President is assisted by the Premier of Carucere as deputy head of government. The President must appoint a Premier from the membership of the Senate. The Premier largely serves to implement policy on direction of the President. As part of the legislative branch, the Premier serves as the link between the Senate and the executive branch. The Premier is also a member of the Cabinet of Carucere, which consists of various high-ranking state officials. The Cabinet functions as an advisory council, providing opinions and advice for future decisions to the President. The President's candidates for Premier and the rest of the Cabinet must be approved by the Senate.

The National Assembly of Carucere holds legislative power which formally consists of the Senate and the Premier. The Senate consists of 75 members democratically elected by proportional representation from legislative districts. Originally the Senate was the supreme legislative authority with the power to draft legislation, but under the current system it usually debates and votes on legislation submitted by the Premier. Nevertheless, the Senate wields several important powers over the President. It has the power to approve appointments by the President which includes the Premier and the Cabinet as well has the power to dismiss the Premier and the Cabinet by majority vote. In addition the Senate must give its approval for decrees to take effect. Finally it has the power to impeach and dismiss a President from office with a two-thirds majority vote.