Pecario

Republic of Pecario República de Pecario
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Unidos en la diversidad, juntos hacia el futuro." "United in diversity, together towards the future"
Anthem: Himno Nacional Pecariano National anthem of Pecario
National cockade
Location of Pecario
Map of Pecario
Capital	Santa Borbones
Largest	Valleluz
Official languages	Iverican, Stillian
Recognised national languages	Iverican, Stillian Iverican, Stillian, Quepec, Guaruma, other indigenous languages
Demonym(s)	Pecariano, Pecarian
Government	Unitary presidential republic
• President	Andreas Lineria
• Vice President	Gabriel Valdez
• President of the Senate	Carlos Rojas
Legislature	Congress
• Upper house	Senate
• Lower house	Chamber of Representatives
Independence  from First Iveric Republic
• Declared	1752
• Recognized	1766
Area
•	324,700 km2 (125,400 sq mi)
Population
• 2022 census	22,658,480
GDP (nominal)	2022 estimate
• Total	$200 billion
• Per capita	$9,995
Gini	0.38 low
HDI	0.800 very high
Currency	Pecarian pesos
Time zone	UTC-8 (Alharun Central Time)
Date format	dd-mm-yyyy BCE/CE
Driving side	right
Calling code	+39
Internet TLD	.pco

Pecario, officially known as known officially in Iverican as La República de Pecario, concisely as the Republic of Pecario, and informally as Pecario, is a sovereign state in Alharu on Eurth. It is bordered on the South by Manamana. The seat of government is Santa Borbones, which contains the executive, legislative, and electoral branches of government,it is also the constitutional capital and the seat of the judiciary. The largest city and principal industrial center is Valleluz.

The sovereign state of Pecario is a constitutionally unitary state, divided into nine departments. Its geography varies from the peaks of the Cordillera del Sol in the North, to the eastern lowlands. A third of the country is in the mountain range. The country's population, estimated at 22 million, is multi-ethnic, including natives, mestizos and europans (mainly Ivericans). Iverican is the official and predominant language, although 36 indigenous languages also have official status, the most commonly spoken of which are quepec, aymaro and guaruma.

The history of Pecario begins with the dominance of the Tuachec Empire in the 15th century, followed by the Iverican conquest in the 17th century. After uprisings, the country gained independence in 1753. The 19th century was marked by political instability, but also by progress in education and civil rights. In the 20th century, periods of military control alternated with democratic governments, seeking to combat corruption and inflation. In 2002, an unprecedented economic crisis struck, leading to the resignation of President Eduardo Chapo. Luis Mesa came to power in 2006, ushering in a calmer period until 2019. The Santa Polvo Cartel emerged in 2010, taking control of the drug trade leading to a drug war. President Mesa will resign in 2019 after a scandal related to the Santa Polvo cartel, he will be replaced by Andreas Lineria. Today the country is one of the most corrupt state in the wurld, the government of Presidente Lineria is completely under the orders of the cartel and pretends not seeing the recurring massacres in the country. In 2020, the country was classified as a Narco-State due to the Pecarian government turning a blind eye towards drug cartels. Today, Pecario is plagued by corruption and violence related to drug trafficking.

Etymology

According to legend, centuries ago, before the formation of the country we know today as Pecario, the lands were inhabited by indigenous tribes. Among these tribes, there was a particularly respected and influential group that worshipped a sacred animal: the "Pecario".

The Pecario is an emblematic animal of the region, a rare and mysterious creature, similar to a wild boar but with distinctive features. Its presence is considered a sign of fertility and prosperity for indigenous communities. The ancients considered the pecario as the guardian of forests, rivers and mountains, and they attached great spiritual importance to him. When the Iberic conquerors arrived in the area, they were intrigued by the stories of this sacred animal. They began naming the area after this legendary being, "Pecario," in homage to its deep cultural significance and importance to indigenous peoples.

Thus, the name "Pecario" became the symbol of the connection between the past and the present, a reminder of the cultural roots of this fictitious nation, rooted in respect for nature and the harmonious coexistence between man and the earth.

History

A petroglyph in Vallejo dating from around 1000 CE.

Main article: History of Pecario

Prehistory and Tuachec period

Human presence in Pecario can be dated as far back as 12,000 BCE, with human remains and stone tools in the Vallejo valley providing some of the earliest discovered evidence of human habitation in Mesothalassa. The domestication of the potato occurred in Mesothalassa some time between 8,000 BCE and 5,000 BCE; the cultivation of corn spread to the region between 5,000 and 4,000 BCE, and the domestication of quinoa occurred in roughly 2,000 BCE. Indigenous Pecarians also domesticated the llama, alpaca, and guinea pig in Pecario in roughly 6,000 BCE. They carved into rocks many petroglyphs throughout the country, notably those located in San Cristóbal.

The first civilization, Guaruma civilization which had its capital at Guaruma, emerged in the east of Pecario. The capital city of Guaruma dates from as early as 1,500 BCE when it was a small village based on agriculture. The Guaruma community grew to urban proportions between 700 BCE and 900 BCE, becoming an important regional power in Mesothalassa. Guaruma sites are marked by the presence of central pyramids and monoliths, irrigation systems, and terraced farms. As the rainfall decreased, the surplus of food decreased, and thus the amount available to underpin the power of the elites. The Guaruma civilization disappeared around 900 AD.

Traces of Sjådska presence dating back to 320 BCE on the banks of Manamana Bay attest to an active passage of this people. No physical structure has been discovered, but the discovery of an Útskip wreck near Marelia suggests that the Sjådska used the bay for trading and travel. It is likely that they traded and maintained good relations with the tribes present in the territory.

The Guaruma civilization was succeeded by the Chávanan culture, which thrived from 1,000 to 1,200 AD. The Chávanan people developed more sophisticated systems of irrigation and social stratification, as well as more refined masonry, textiles, and metalworking of copper and gold, and the first recognizable artistic style. Following its decline and collapse, the Chávanan culture was succeeded in western Pecario by the Lóscos and in South-east Pecario by the Tomóto, both of which existed roughly from 100 AD to 800 AD. The Lóscos are famous for their vibrant works of pottery, patterned textiles, and ornate metalworking, while the Tomóto are known for their construction of Geoglyphs and monumental structures. Unknown troubles, likely related to civil wars according to recent studies, in the 9th century led to the collapse of both cultures and the rise of the Basáy culture, thrived from the 800 AD to the 1100 AD and oversaw a further flourishing of textiles, metalwork, and monumental construction, as well as the development of pottery and large murals. The disappearance of the Basay culture in the 1100s corresponds with the appearance of groups clearly identifiable as the Quepec and Andyo peoples.

The ruins of Kállanka, an important Tuachec town.

In the 14th century, the Tuachec, of Quepec origin, emerged as a powerful state which, in the span of a century, will form the largest empire in Mesothalassa with their capital in Tualcacán. The Tuachec is known to have existed historically by 1250, and, in the subsequent decades, came to control a large area of Northern Pecario. The Tuachecs participated in a confederation with other city-states, initially holding a subordinate rather than dominant position. Under Llóque Hanpaqui, they strengthened their position within the confederation. Thus, upon the death of the last chief of the Confederation, Hupac Yanqui seized control of the confederation, and the Tuachecs imposed their laws on all tribes. This rapid expansion worried several city-states. His successor, Rascar Chalec, was not as successful, and a conspiracy ended his reign. But around 1400, the Tuachecs resumed their expansion under Huayna Cápac. With Huayna Cápac, the Tuachecs solidified its dominance over the region and expands its territory.Gradually, as early as the thirteenth century, they began to expand and incorporate their neighbors. Tuachec leadership sent envoys to cities and towns encouraging them to become members of the empire in exchange for luxury goods and local elites being allowed to retain their titles. Cities which refused to join willingly were conquered and plundered, with local leadership deposed or executed and replaced by loyal nobles. Tuachec expansion was slow until about the middle of the fifteenth century, when the pace of conquest began to accelerate, particularly under the rule of the emperor Pómatec. Under his rule and that of his son, Pómatec Capac II, the Tuachec came to control the majority of Western Mesothalassa by the 1500s, with a population of 10 to 15 million inhabitants under their rule. Pómatec I also promulgated a comprehensive code of laws to govern his empire, while consolidating his absolute temporal and spiritual authority as the God of the Moon. The official language of the empire was Quepec, although hundreds of local languages and dialects were spoken. The Tuachec leadership encouraged the worship of Quilla, the moon god and imposed its sovereignty above other cults.The Tuachec considered their King, the Vagra Tuachec, to be the "child of the moon". We also owe them the Tuachec Roads, a vast road network linking the regions of the empire to the capital city. It served as an economic and political integrative axis.

Conquest and colonial period

Main article: Iberic conquest of the Tuachec Empire

A depiction of Iberic conquistadors landing in Pecario.

When Pómatec IV, the last Tuachec emperor, became emperor in 1629, he inherited an empire weakened by a long famine and divided by quarrels of bellicose nobles. In October 1630, Stillian conquistador Diego de Montega landed with his men on the coast of Pecario. He is one of the migrants who was part of the Gran Viatge fleeing the Iberic Empire. He landed in the Bahía del Fuego Sereno. He quickly established the first Iberic fortified settlement in Mesothalassa named Puerto Montega.

Montega seizing Pómatec IV.

In early 1631, Diego de Montega met with envoys sent by Pómatec IV, who invited him to Tawantinsuyo. Diego de Montega made the trip, accompanied by 1'500 men. In addition to meeting the Tuachec Emperor, Montega met envoys from leaders of rebellious cities that resented Tuachec dominance. Montega agreed to aid them in a rebellion against the Tuachecs. After defeating an important Tuachec forces at Tawantinsuyo where Montega's forces captured Emperor Pomatec IV, the Tuachec emperor became a hostage of Montega and his troops.

During that period, the area of Manamana Bay was first explored by the Iberic conquistador Sebastián de Salcázaro and his men. In July 1632, the inlet of San Cristobal was first sighted by the Iberics. A landing party went ashore on 25 July 1632, on the day of the feast of San Cristóbal. He completed the conquest of the last places of Tuachec resistance in Manamana aided by Hosco rebels. Despite strong resistance from some generals of Pòmatec IV, including Yuñahi, Manamana was conquered between 1632 and 1633. Sebastián de Belalcázar founded San Cristobal on 4 April 1633, on the ruins of a Tuachec city, which Yuñahi had destroyed before abandoning it to the Iberics. The Iberics subsequently executed the emperor on 13 June 1633 believing it would make the other Tuachec forces to surrender. Contrary to the predictions of Montega's officers, the death of their emperor encouraged the Tuachec troops to total war, multiplying ambushes and avoiding frontal engagements with the Iberic troops. Following this, the Iberic forces seized and brutally sacked Tualcacán the Tuachec capital on 19 September 1633. The fall of the empire's heart led to the submission of most Tuachec forces.

In 1634, the Kingdom of Pecario was officially proclaimed, with its capital at Santa Borbones and with the conquistadors installing Inti Yupanqui as a puppet emperor on the throne. The conquistadors continued to suppress the remaining Tuachec resistance and the conquest of the former Tuachec Empire's territory. Following this, the Iberics conquered and plundered their former native allies, seeking to ensure their total control over the region. By 1650, the Iberic conquest of the Tuachec Empire was complete and the Northern part Manamana was under Iberic control. The last Tuachec resistance was suppressed when the Iberican annihilated the Neo-Tuachec State in Tuyuq Wasi in (1652.

La Gran Peregrinación

The fall of the Tuachec Empire led to a significant political upheaval that reverberated beyond borders and into Alharu. Some settlers extolled, through texts and letters addressed to the Iberic Empire, describing news that the colony was rich in gold and silver. It triggered a flood of fortune-seekers, who increased the newfly kingdom's population and expanded its frontiers. This resulted in several waves of migration to the kingdom of Pecario, particularly in the years 1645 and 1650, where the influx of settlers was so significant that some cities had to turn people away. As the mayor of Valleluz, Pedro Alcazar de Guantaneo, wrote in 1647: "Thus, we saw a moving tide arriving, pressing at the gates of the city. The soldiers struggled to contain them. Women, children, and men eagerly awaited the opportunity to settle and cultivate the vast surrounding lands. There was, of course, a sense of disdain from the "old" settlers towards the newcomers. A man remains a man even in the face of his peers."

Native slaves digging for gold and silver in mines in Pecario.

Thus, the population of settlers quadrupled within 30 years. By 1700, the Iberic population was estimated at 800,000, and it continued to climb until stabilizing in the mid-20th century. In the 1670s, king Francisco Perez reorganized the country with gold and silver mining as its main economic activity and native forced labor as its primary workforce. With the discovery of the great silver and gold lodes at San Marañón, the kingdom flourished as an important provider of mineral resources. With the conquest started the spread of Tacolism; most people were forcefully converted to Tacolism, with Iberic clerics believing that the Native Peoples "had been corrupted by the Devil". It only took a generation to convert the population. They built churches in every city and replaced some of the Tuachec temples with churches, such as the Qoli Tempe in the city of Santa Borbones. The church employed the Inquisition, making use of torture to ensure that newly converted Tacolics did not stray to other religions or beliefs, and monastery schools, educating girls, especially of the Tuachec nobility and upper class. Pecarian Tacolism follows the syncretism, in which religious native rituals have been integrated with Tacolic celebrations. In this endeavor, the church came to play an important role in the acculturation of the Natives, drawing them into the cultural orbit of the Iberic settlers.

To further encourage settlement, the Iberic authority used native forces as slaves through the Encomienda system, in which the settlers, were granted indigenous people to use as forced laborers and to educate in the Iberic language and Tacolic religion. This system proved immensely lucrative and the colony quickly became a major producer of cash crops such as sugarcane, coffee, and Cacao. The natives were subjected to severe persecution by the colonizers. They endured numerous unjustified massacres, land and resource dispossession, as well as intense economic exploitation. These combined factors led to a rapid decline in the indigenous population, weakening individuals physically, disrupting their social and economic systems, and introducing destabilizing psychological and cultural pressures. By 1730, the indigenous population was recorded at 5 million compared to approximately 14 million in 1640. The severe abuses associated with the Encomienda system led to several native rebellions against Iberic in the 17th and 18th centuries, with the most significant - and the last major one - episode being that of Juan Santos Pomatec in 1732, always with the thwarted goal of restoring the territory of the empire. Seeking to further expand Pecario's population, the royal government tacitly permitted intermarriage between white settlers and indigenous women in 1704. A caste system developed in the colony, with pies embarrados (Europans born in Mesothalassa) at the top, pies dorados (Europans born in Europa) below them, mezcla (individuals of mixed race or ethnicity) below them, and indigenous Alharun at the bottom. With the growth of local institutions, the kingdom's increasingly large pies embarrados and mezcla populations began to develop a uniquely Alharun identity.

Conquest (1687-1689)

Main article: Emerald War

Destruction of the Vengeur at the First Battle of Grandport

The Kingdom of Lysia, drawn by the riches that the Iberics had discovered, sent colonists to Mesothalassa. This expedition led to the establishment of the colony of Côte d'Émeraude in 1633 to the West of the newly founded Kingdom of Pecario.

By 1680, Pecario had experienced exponential growth and undergone a significant demographic boom due to La Gran Peregrinación. The kingdom then began to seek expansion of its borders and looked eastward. Brief diplomatic exchanges were made between the Lysian governor and Pecarian diplomats, but nothing was officially signed, with the burning question of borders left unanswered. In 1686, King Gilete de Orozco of Pecario, frustrated by the situation, issued an ultimatum to the colony: the Lysians must unconditionally cede a large valuable parts of their colony to the kingdom in order to hope for signing a non-aggression pact and normalizing relations between the two states. The Pecario general staff knew perfectly well that the request would be denied and were actually only looking for a pretext to start a conflict with the colony. Lysian colonial governor Charles de la Roncière formally refused, and thus the Kingdom of Pecario officialy declared war on the colony in March 1687.

The first real battles began in April 1687. Pecario’s numerical and military superiority greatly disadvantaged the colony of Côte d'Émeraude. Colonial diplomats desperately tried several times to request reinforcements from the mainland in Europa, but the Lysian aristocracy gradually lost interest in the matter and preferred to leave the colonists to their fate. A military expedition was deemed too costly and unprofitable. Despite a few vain heroic Lysian victories, the colony’s capital, Saint-Louis, fell into the hands of Pecarian troops in November 1687. The Lysian colonial administration officially surrendered in November 1688. The rest of the territory was fully occupied afterward, although pockets of Lysian resistance persisted until December 1688.

The Treaty of Saint-Louis was signed thereafter, named after the location where it was drafted, and effectively resulted in the annexation of the entire colony of Côte d'Émeraude into the Kingdom of Pecario. Colonists were given the choice to either remain on their lands or leave the territory to try to reach the nearest Lysian colony, Florentia. Most chose to leave the colony, but a minority opted to stay. They formed a community of Lysians centered around Saint-Louis (renamed San Luis after the conflict). The Lysian community of San Luis deeply influenced the city's style and culture. This community still exists to this day.

Iveric corregimiento (1717-1752)

In 1717, the Kingdom of Pecario, faced a critical juncture in its history. Years of internal chaos, including royal succession disputes and civil strife, had weakened the kingdom to the brink of collapse. The powerful noble families, such as the House of Galdona and the House of Virelia, clashed over the throne, leading to widespread instability. Faced with the threat of disintegration, King Leovigildo II, the reigning monarch, and his court turned to the nearby Iveric Republic for help. This marked the beginning of diplomatic negotiations that would culminate in the Treaty of Gorgia a transformative agreement that reshaped Pecario’s future. The Treaty of Gorgia was signed on July 22, 1717, after months of tense negotiation between the representatives of King Leovigildo II and the Iveric leadership, including Admiral Alonso de Valcárcel, a key figure in the Iveric Republic’s expansionist strategy. The treaty was drafted in the city of Puerto San Jorge on the nearby Gorgia Hills, which served as a symbolic meeting place for the two nations. Under the terms of the treaty, Pecario was reorganized as a semi-autonomous corregimiento (administrative district) within the Iveric Republic.

Portrait of Andrés Manrrique, first corregidor of Pecario.

Although Pecario retained its monarchy, the king’s power was significantly curtailed. Under the Treaty of Gorgia, Pecario’s monarchy, represented by King Leovigildo II of the House of Galdona, was preserved as a ceremonial institution. The king’s role was largely symbolic, serving as a figurehead who embodied the continuity of Pecario’s royal traditions and provided a sense of legitimacy to the new order. Leovigildo II was allowed to keep his royal title and palace in Santa Borbones, the historic capital of Pecario. The monarch's responsibilities were limited to ceremonial duties, such as presiding over public festivals, royal weddings, and religious holidays. The king also held the power to bestow honorary titles, though these carried no political weight. Leovigildo II, along with his descendants, remained a symbol of national unity and cultural heritage but was largely removed from governance. The House of Galdona continued to receive royal stipends, funded by the state, to maintain their status in Pecarian society. Leovigildo II was allowed to remain on the throne as a ceremonial figurehead, while day-to-day governance was overseen by Iveric-appointed officials, including a corregidor. This arrangement placated both the Pecarian nobility, who sought to preserve the monarchy, and the First Iveric Republic, which desired to exert control over the region’s resources and trade routes.

Real power was vested in the hands of the corregidor, a governor appointed by the First Iveric Republic to oversee Pecario's administration. The corregidor acted as the chief executive of the state, managing day-to-day governance and ensuring the implementation of policies laid out by Iverica. The first corregidor of Pecario was Governor Andrés Manrrique, a Pecarian diplomat and military strategist. Manrrique played a key role in stabilizing Pecario after the treaty. To further integrate republican principles, a new legislative body called the Junta Popular was established. This body functioned as an advisory council to the corregidor and allowed for some degree of local representation. The Junta was composed of both Pecarian nobles and influential citizens, including mezcla elites and wealthy landowners. The Junta could proposed laws, offered counsel on governance, and addressed grievances from the populace, but ultimate decision-making power rested with the corregidor and his council of Iveric officials.

The treaty also outlined provisions for military assistance, with Iverica stationing advisors to reorganize Pecario’s disordered army. The Royal Guard of Pecario, once fiercely loyal to the Galdona dynasty, was restructured into a more professional force led by Iveric commanders such as Colonel Esteban de Laria, who played a pivotal role in stabilizing the kingdom. In exchange for military support and governance, Iverica was granted extensive trade privileges, securing access to Pecario’s valuable silver mines, timber, and fertile agricultural lands.

Following the Treaty of Gorgia, Pecario experienced a remarkable demographic and economic boom. Iverica, eager to solidify its influence in the region, encouraged large-scale immigration to Pecario. Between 1717 and 1730, thousands of Iveric settlers, primarily from the coastal cities of Porto L'Norte and Súbic migrated to Pecario. These settlers, many of whom were skilled artisans, traders, and farmers, brought with them advanced agricultural techniques, including crop rotation and irrigation systems, which revitalized Pecario’s agricultural sector. New industries sprang up around key cities such as Puerto Dorado, Solmarina and San Luis, which became thriving centers of trade. Pecario’s ports became bustling hubs for Iberic ships, facilitating the export of sugar, coffee, and timber to Aurelia, Europa and beyond.

Independence (1752-1760)

In the mid-18th century, a civil War broke out in Iverica, resulting in a significant decline in the central government's authority over its colonies, including Pecario. Taking advantage of this period of instability in Iverica, the Pecarian leaders began to claim their autonomy and seek to free themselves from the Iveric authority.

By the early 1750s, Pecario was teetering on the edge of rebellion. The colony’s elite, led by General Andres Torres and a cadre of pro-independence intellectuals, began advocating for autonomy. They were opposed by staunch loyalists, primarily made up of landowners and military officers who had long benefitted from Iverica’s protection and economic system. This faction, led by Colonel Francisco Cordero, retreated to the mountainous region of the Cordillera del Sol, determined to resist the separatists through guerrilla warfare. In 1752, faced with pressure from independence movements and due to the civil war, the Iveric government decided to withdraw peacefully from its colonies, including Pecario. The Treaty of Soledad formalized the country's independence.

However, despite the peaceful withdrawal of the Iverican government officials, tensions remain between the loyalists and the separatists. The loyalists refused to recognize the treaty, arguing that the political situation in Iverica rendered the signing null and void. The loyalists accused the separatists of traitors to the Republic and took up arms. General Francisco Cordero, a high-ranking officer in the Pecarian colonial military, became the de facto leader of the Loyalist forces in Pecario. Cordero was a staunch defender of Iverican rule, having gained significant wealth and influence under the colonial system. He was joined by other influential landowners and officials who shared a vested interest in maintaining Pecario’s ties to Iverica. This faction believed that independence would lead to chaos, economic ruin, and the dismantling of the established social order. The Loyalists were well-organized and strategically retreated to the Cordillera del Sol, a mountainous region in northern Pecario. From these natural fortifications, they conducted a guerrilla war against the separatists, using the terrain to their advantage to stage ambushes and disrupt pro-independence efforts. Their stronghold in the mountains provided them with a degree of resilience, even as separatist forces gained popular support in the lowlands. The first clash took place in Santa Borja in February 1753. The separatists, led by Andres Torres, won a crucial victory that strengthened their determination.

Yet another complication arose from a faction in the southeastern region of Pecario, known as Manamana. It had always been somewhat distinct from the rest of Pecario, culturally and geographically. Its leaders, closely tied to the Iverican elite, had developed strong economic and military links with the Iveric republic. As the winds of independence swept across Pecario, Manamana’s ruling class, under the leadership of Duke Esteban de la Rosa, took a drastically different path. They vehemently opposed the separatists, and in 1753, while Pecario fought to sever its ties with Iverica, Manamana proclaimed its own independence, not as a free state, but as a loyalist stronghold. While the rest of Pecario sought independence, Manamana aligned itself as a protectorate of Iverica, effectively splitting from Pecario. For decades, this would create a bitter divide between the two regions, a source of national tension that would last well into the 20th century.

Signature of the second Treaty of Soledad in 1766.

Back in the heart of Pecario, another faction emerged, one that sought not just independence from Iverica, but a return to the glory days of the Kingdom of Pecario, which had existed prior to its annexation by Iverica in 1717. This faction, calling themselves the ''Restauradores'', believed that Pecario should once again become a monarchy, ruled by a king with absolute power. For them, the Treaty of Soledad was not a victory but a tragedy. They wanted to see Pecario restored to its former size and strength, including the reclamation of Manamana, which had been part of the old kingdom. The Restauradores were primarily composed of former royalists and members of the old aristocracy, many of whom had lost power and influence when the kingdom fell under Iverican rule. Leading this faction was Don Ignacio Valdez, a prince of Pecario’s ruling dynasty. Don Ignacio believed that Pecario needed back a strong, centralized monarchy to stabilize the fractured nation. He and his followers campaigned for the restoration of the kingdom, with the king given full executive powers, rather than the symbolic role he now played. King Alfonso IV did not officially endorse the ideas of the Restauradores. While many within the royalist movement rumored that the king secretly supported their cause, Alfonso IV maintained a carefully neutral stance in public. The king was known to confide in his closest advisors that while he valued the loyalty of the Restauradores, he did not believe that reinstating the monarchy in its old form was the solution to Pecario’s challenges. He feared that such a move would alienate the republican forces that had fought so hard for independence and could lead to fresh divisions in the already fractured country. The Restauradores formed a significant opposition force during Pecario’s War of Independence. Although they didn’t take up arms like the loyalists, they lobbied fervently to influence the outcome of the war. They envisioned a Pecario where the royal family would return to power and undo the republican ideals that had taken root among the separatists. They found sympathizers in the wealthy classes of Santa Borbones and the former royal capital of Fortaleza.

As the war between the separatists and loyalists raged, Manamana became a flashpoint for conflict. While Pecario fought for freedom, Duke Esteban de la Rosa fortified Manamana’s borders, ensuring that the region would remain a bastion of Iverican influence. In 1756, General Ricardo Morales, a key figure in the separatist movement, attempted to launch an incursion into Manamana, hoping to bring the region back under Pecarian control. However, the campaign ended in disaster. Morales was ambushed and killed near San Cristobal, and the separatists were forced to retreat. The loyalist forces in Manamana, backed by Iverican reinforcements, held their ground, ensuring that the region would remain under Iverican rule for nearly two more centuries. Manamana would continue under Iverican control, only gaining full independence in 1949, when a new wave of decolonization swept the region.

The death of Morales was a severe blow to the independence movement, but it did not stop the momentum of the separatists. General Andres Torres, along with Diego Ramirez, a brilliant tactician from Valle Verde, took over leadership of the revolutionary forces. They regrouped and launched a final offensive against the loyalist strongholds. In August 1760, the decisive Battle of Valle Verde saw the separatists crush the last remnants of loyalist resistance. Colonel Cordero, who had fought tirelessly for the Iverican cause, was captured and executed, marking the end of the loyalist campaign in Pecario. With the loyalists defeated, the Treaty of Bochines was signed in September 1760, formally ending the Pecarian War of Independence. General Andres Torres was hailed as the liberator of Pecario and was unanimously elected as the first president of the newly-formed Republic of Pecario. In 1766, the Treaty of Soledad was re-signed in Santa Borbones after Iverica’s own civil war had come to an end. This time, Iverica officially recognized Pecario’s independence, putting an official end to the colonial era.

Tensions continued to simmer beneath the surface, with the Restauradores still advocating for a return to monarchy, and Manamana remaining an unresolved issue. Manamana’s continued loyalty to Iverica became a point of contention in Pecarian politics. Though the Restauradores found occasional political influence, particularly during times of instability in the young republic, their dream of a restored kingdom never fully materialized, and Pecario remained a republic. The Restauradores movement lingered until the mid-19th century, after which it ceased to be significant on the political stage.

Despite Pecario’s independence, Manamana functioned as an autonomous region under Iverican control, creating a bitter divide between the two lands. For nearly two centuries, Pecario’s leaders would grapple with the question of Manamana, but the region’s de facto independence and loyalty to Iverica remained unchallenged until much later. In February 1768, the Treaty of San Cristobal signed with Manamana would allow for the mutual recognition of the states and the signing of a mutual peace. The most ardent nationalists secretly hoped that this peace would be only temporary and awaited the return of the Manamana region to the state of Pecario. However, their hopes were in vain, and it would not be until the 1930s that a failed attempt to annex Manamana would take place, definitively burying any illusion of reclaiming the region.

20th century: political instability and coup d’état

The decline in demand for silver and the early labor struggles caused by poor working conditions created a climate of social and political instability during the 1920s in Pecario. President Alonzo Dominguez initiated social reforms and enacted the Constitution of 1924. However, the global economic crisis of 1927 plunged Pecario into recession and social unrest. Governments changed frequently, accompanied by coup d'états. Marco Vanges del Lonto became the de facto president in 1929, suspending elections and governing by decrees, while sending his rival Axel Mayordomo to prison on the Alcazara archipelago, who had participated in the coup d'état of 1928 with him. The poor economic policies and measures taken to mitigate the effects of the global economic crisis had dramatic consequences on the country's mining production, leading to an economic crisis during which Pecario experienced a severe economic downturn.

Vanges resigned in 1934, and political instability intensified with a coup d'état that gave rise to the socialist republic of Pecario, which lasted only eight days before Alonzo Dominguez regained power and stabilized the economy. Alonzo's return helped reduce tensions between political parties. There was also a social crisis; new actors demanded transformations in the way the country was governed. Joaquin Aguirre Cedillo was elected president in 1938 through an alliance opposing the ruling elite. Social and political reforms made Pecario one of the most advanced countries in terms of legislation and social protection. Lithium gradually replaced silver in the national economy (due to global demand). The country industrialized gradually, and the number of workers increased.

The government of Joaquin Aguirre Cedillo achieved various changes, mainly economic, by laying the foundations for Pecario's industrialization through the creation of ONPDPP (National Organization for the Development of Pecario's Production). However, it led to a period of radicalism. Reforms abruptly stopped with the president's death in November 1942. Oriol Díez, with the support of the Communist Party, was elected President.

Governement of Oriol Díez

The economic results of Díez's first year in power appear quite satisfactory: GDP initially progresses strongly, unemployment and inflation decrease; however, the success is deceptive. The following two years will be catastrophic. Inflation explodes, GDP contracts, and the value of the Pecarian currency plummets. The overly expansionary monetary policy is largely responsible for these results, exacerbated by the destabilization of the economy by opponents. The government tries to stem the crisis by fixing commodity prices, which leads to the development of the black market and shortages.

Díez also attempts to gain active support from the population; workers' militias are formed in cities and countryside to maintain the revolutionary legitimacy of the government. Conservative opposition and Christian Democrats mobilize in turn. They organize or contribute to a series of revolts and demonstrations that paralyze the country. At the same time, there is a rise in power of clandestine far-right paramilitary groups. On March 19, 1971, President Díez appoints Arturo Gómez as the Chief General of the Armed Forces following the resignation of Juan de Penezio.

Arturo Gómez's appointment signals the start of a more authoritarian phase in Díez's regime. Gómez, a staunch supporter of Díez's revolutionary ideals, initially uses the military to suppress conservative opposition with increasing brutality. Political freedoms are curtailed, and dissent is met with imprisonment or worse. The regime becomes notorious for its human rights abuses, as the government prioritizes its survival over democratic principles.

Arturo Gómez's appointment as Chief General of the Armed Forces in March 1971 initially solidified Díez's grip on power, as Gómez, a staunch supporter of Díez's revolutionary ideals, used the military to suppress conservative opposition with increasing brutality. Political freedoms were curtailed, and dissent was met with imprisonment or worse. The regime became notorious for its human rights abuses, as the government prioritized its survival over democratic principles.

However, as the economic crisis deepened, tensions between Gómez and Díez began to surface, driven by fundamental disagreements over the direction of the country and personal ambitions. Gómez, a pragmatic military leader with a vision for a more structured and orderly state, grew increasingly frustrated with Díez's erratic and impulsive leadership style. Díez's revolutionary zeal often led to hasty decisions that exacerbated the economic crisis, such as the overly expansionary monetary policy and the disastrous price-fixing measures. Gómez believed these actions were destabilizing the nation and undermining the very revolution they sought to protect.

In private, Gómez began to question Díez's judgment. He saw himself as the true architect of Pecario's future, capable of restoring stability and order through disciplined governance. Díez, on the other hand, viewed Gómez's pragmatic approach as a betrayal of their revolutionary ideals, leading to a widening rift between the two men. Díez's increasingly paranoid behavior also strained their relationship. Fearing coups and betrayals, Díez frequently reshuffled key military positions and interfered with military operations, undermining Gómez's authority. Gómez, who had spent years cultivating loyalty within the armed forces, saw this as a direct affront to his leadership and a hindrance to effective military operations.

Moreover, Gómez's vision of a strong, centralized military role in governance clashed with Díez's attempts to empower civilian militias and revolutionary committees. These groups, often poorly trained and undisciplined, complicated military efforts to maintain order and security. Gómez believed that only a professional, centralized military could bring the stability needed for Pecario to recover from its economic woes.

One of the most significant points of contention was Díez's "Agrarian Reformation" policy. Díez, aiming to consolidate his support among the rural poor, initiated sweeping land reforms that redistributed land from large estates to peasant collectives. While popular among the peasants, these reforms disrupted agricultural production and led to food shortages. Gómez, whose power base included wealthy landowners and conservative elements within the military, saw the agrarian reforms as disastrous. He argued that the reforms were too radical and poorly implemented, leading to economic instability and fueling opposition from the landed elite. This policy became a symbol of Díez's ideological rigidity and his unwillingness to adapt to the nation's pressing economic needs.

Gómez Era (1971-1990)

Pecarian tanks rolling through the streets of Santa Borbones during the coup of October 1971

As the nation's situation grew more dire, Gómez quietly began to distance himself from Díez's increasingly erratic rule. He made secret contact with influential conservative opposition leaders such as Luis Soanio, promising them a return to economic stability and political freedom in exchange for their support. Secret meetings were held in remote locations, and a plan was set in motion to oust Díez from power.

On a the night of October 1971, the plan was executed. Gómez's loyalists seized control of key military installations and communication centers. At dawn, tanks rolled through the streets of the capital, Santa Borbones. The presidential palace was surrounded, and after a brief but intense standoff, Díez was captured. He was subsequently tortured and then executed, and his body was buried in the jungle north of San Luis. A rumor was spread that he had committed suicide out of despair, his remains were excavated only after the fall of the regime in 1994. Gómez addressed the nation, declaring that the reign of tyranny had ended and promising a new era of stability and freedom. Gómez’s takeover was initially met with a mix of fear and cautious optimism. Many Pecarians, exhausted by years of mismanagement and repression, welcomed the change, hoping for a return to stability and democratic governance. However, the power vacuum left by Díez's ouster led to a period of uncertainty.

Gómez, now self-declared President, set about consolidating his rule. He implemented a series of harsh measures aimed at quelling any potential rebellion and rooting out Díez’s supporters. Political purges swept through the government and military, with former loyalists of Díez being imprisoned or exiled. Gómez presented himself as a strongman capable of restoring order, but his promises of political freedom quickly evaporated as he tightened his grip on power. The international community reacted with a mix of cautious engagement and condemnation. Some nations recognized Gómez’s government, hoping for stability, while others imposed sanctions, citing ongoing human rights abuses and the violent nature of the coup. Despite international pressure, Gómez managed to secure financial and military support from a network of authoritarian regimes, bolstering his position.

The economic situation remained dire, but Gómez’s regime began to show signs of improvement. Inflation was slowly brought under control, and with the aid of foreign investments, GDP started to stabilize. However, the drug wars that erupted during Díez’s rule continued to plague the nation. Gómez’s efforts to combat the cartels were met with fierce resistance, leading to ongoing violence and instability. Gómez attempted to portray himself as a populist leader, implementing limited social reforms to appease the masses. Workers' militias, initially formed under Díez, were now co-opted to serve Gómez’s regime, maintaining a semblance of revolutionary legitimacy. Despite these efforts, public discontent simmered beneath the surface, as Gómez’s authoritarian tactics and broken promises of freedom became increasingly apparent.

The years of the regime were marked by human rights violations. In April 1973, at least 88 people were murdered by La Legión de las Sombras, a Pecarian army death squad created during the regime. According to reports, at least 2,869 were killed, and at least 38,492 were tortured. In 2010, Pecario recognized an additional 5,680 victims, bringing the total number of killed, tortured or imprisoned for political reasons to 39,686.

Fall of the Gómez's regime

Gómez talking at the Pecarian National Television in 1979.

By 1989, the cracks in Arturo Gómez's iron-fisted regime began to widen. The economic improvements that had initially stabilized his rule proved unsustainable in the long run. Despite efforts to control inflation and attract foreign investment, Pecario's economy remained fragile. Corruption and inefficiency plagued Gómez's administration, and the promised political freedoms never materialized. Public discontent simmered beneath the surface, erupting occasionally into open protests. Workers' strikes, student demonstrations, and peasant revolts became more frequent. Gómez's heavy-handed response only fueled the flames of resistance. The once-strong support base within the military began to erode as younger officers grew disillusioned with the regime's corruption and lack of vision.

Meanwhile, the drug wars intensified. Cartels, emboldened by the government's inefficacy, expanded their influence, causing widespread violence and chaos. The civilian population bore the brunt of this conflict, living in constant fear. Gómez's attempts to crack down on the cartels were met with limited success, further eroding his credibility.

A coalition of opposition groups began to be created. Comprising former Díez supporters, conservative leaders, and disillusioned military officers, this coalition sought to overthrow Gómez and restore democratic governance. The movement was led by a charismatic and principled figure, Alejandro Valdés, a former military officer turned political dissident who had been exiled for his opposition to both Díez and Gómez.

Valdés's vision for Pecario resonated with the people. He promised not only economic stability but also genuine political freedoms and a return to democratic principles. His speeches, broadcast secretly via pirate radio and the internet, inspired hope and galvanized support across the country.

By 1990, the opposition coalition was ready to act. On August 20th, in a meticulously planned operation, opposition forces launched a series of coordinated attacks on government installations across Pecari0. In Santa Borbones, the streets erupted in fierce fighting as opposition militias clashed with government troops. Despite Gómez's extensive preparations and the loyalty of his inner circle, the opposition's determination and popular support proved overwhelming. Key military units defected to the opposition, swayed by promises of reform and a return to honor and integrity in the armed forces. The tide turned rapidly against Gómez. As the presidential palace was surrounded, Gómez made a desperate plea for international assistance, but his pleas fell on deaf ears. The international community, long wary of his regime, refused to intervene.

On September 2nd, 1990, Arturo Gómez was captured by opposition forces as he tried to escape in Manamana. In a historic broadcast, Alejandro Valdés declared the end of the Gómez era and the dawn of a new age for Pecario. Gómez was subsequently put on trial for his crimes against the people, including human rights abuses, corruption, and the mishandling of the economic crisis. The trial, held in a newly established democratic court, was seen as a crucial step towards national reconciliation and justice. In March 15th, 1991, he was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The sentence was seen as a way to prevent further unrest while ensuring that Gómez could not wield power or influence again. Gómez was imprisoned in the high-security Armadillo Penitentiary where he remained until his death in 2005.

21st Century

Pecarians elected a new president and the majority of members of a bicameral congress on 14 March 1991. Alejandro Valdés received an absolute majority of votes (75%). President Valdés served from 1991 to 1999, in what was considered a transition period. Valdés, true to his word, initiated a series of sweeping reforms. The new government dismantled the oppressive security apparatus, released political prisoners, and held free and fair elections. Economic policies were overhauled to combat corruption and promote sustainable development. Efforts to combat the drug cartels were refocused on addressing the root causes of the conflict, including poverty and lack of opportunity.

In more recent times, Pecario has faced some challenges to its democratic institutions. In 2003, President Juan El Chapo faced a severe economic crisis that led to mass protests and his eventual resignation. In 2006, President Luis Mesa came to power, bringing a period of relative calm and stability.

In 2019, Pecario experienced a notable shift in its political landscape when the government of President Luis Mesa faced widespread protests and accusations of corruption. Mesa resigned from office, and a period of political uncertainty followed. Jeanine Áñez, a former senator, assumed the role of acting President, temporarily leading the country until new elections could be held.

In 2020, Pecario held presidential elections, resulting in the election of President Andreas Lineria, who took office later that year. Lineria's presidency has been characterized by efforts to address corruption, promote social reforms, and strengthen the nation's economy.

On 14 August 2023, Pecario was admitted to the Entente of Oriental States as a full member (the country had previously been an observer since December 2017).

Geography

Main article: Geography of Pecario

Geographical features of Pecario

Yutancú National Park.

Pico del Alba, the highest mountain in the wurld.

Luminar Salt Flats in Marenia.

Rainforest in Monte Verde.

Guanamo Desert.

The Kolnoi, a highly biodiverse wetland.

Rolling hills typical of the Imaqusina region.

The geography of the country of Pecario exhibits a great variety of terrains and climates. Pecario has a high level of biodiversity, considered one of the richest in the world, as well as several ecoregions with ecological sub-units. These areas show impressive altitude variations, ranging from 9,500 meters (31,168 feet) at Pico del Alba to around 70 meters (230 feet) in the coastal plains.

Pecario can be divided into six major geographic regions:

• The Cordillera region in the North (Intipallqa) covers about 34% of the national territory. This region includes some of the highest peaks in Pecario, such as Pico del Alba, with an altitude of 6,900 meters (22,637 feet), and Pico Nevado, at 6,750 meters (22,146 feet). This region is also home to the Salar de Luminar, the largest salt flat in the country, which is an important source of lithium.

• The Highlands region (Qollasunka), located immediately south of the Cordillera, is an intermediate area between the Cordillera mountains and the coastal plains. Dominated by altitudes ranging from 3,500 to 5,500 meters (11,483 to 18,044 feet), this region is a key agricultural and mining center, known for its rich deposits of precious metals.

• The Hinterlands region (Antisukara), located north of the highlands, consists mainly of semi-arid savannas. Although this region is less populated than others, it is particularly well-suited for livestock farming and extensive agriculture due to its climate and geographical conditions.

• The Forests region (Chinchamarka) is the largest geographic region of Pecario. It is dominated by tropical forests that stretch along the country’s southwest coast. This region is mostly flat and sparsely populated, with settlements concentrated near the coast, such as the city of San Luis, the largest in the area. It is home to a great diversity of plant and animal species, although deforestation linked to the timber industry poses threats in certain areas. The vast wetlands of Kolnoi are also located here.

• The Coastal region (Imaqusina) stretches along the western and central coasts of the country. This region has been heavily deforested since the 17th century, with only 20% of the original vegetation cover remaining. It is the most densely populated region in the country and hosts the majority of Pecario's industrial and commercial activity. The fertile plains of this region are vital for both subsistence and commercial agriculture.

• The Islands region (Mamaqucha) comprises several small islands off the coast of Pecario. These islands are mostly flat, with fertile soils and beaches, and host wetlands rich in biodiversity. The Alcazara Archipelago is the most well-known island group in Pecario. The main rivers of Pecario are the Río Frontera and the Río Grande del Sol (and its three small tributaries Sayri, Chakayacu, and Allpamayu), all of which flow into Manamana Bay.

Llamas and mountains of the Cordillera del Sol in Las Cumbres.

Geology

The geology of Pecario includes a variety of different lithologies as well as tectonic and sedimentary environments. The country lies at the end of the Aurelia plate and borders caused by Tiauhain plate and the Paran plate. This can cause major earthquakes and Pecario has already suffered violent earthquakes during its history, the most recent being that of 2003 which killed more than 2000 people.

Climate

The climate of Pecario varies drastically from one eco-region to the other, from the tropics in the south to a polar climate in the north. The summers are warm, humid in the east and dry in the west, with rains that often modify temperatures, humidity, winds, atmospheric pressure and evaporation, yielding very different climates in different areas.Winters are very cold in the west, and it snows in the mountain ranges, while in the southern regions, windy days are more common.

Pecarian jaguar.

Biodiversity

Pecario's variable altitudes, allow for a vast biologic diversity. Within this geographic area there are several natural parks and reserves such as the Parque Nacional del Sol Eterno, Reserva Costera del Coral, Parque Nacional de Los Picos Nevados, and the Reserva del Luminar, among others.

Pecario boasts over 15,000 species of seed plants, including over 1,100 species of fern, 1,300 species of marchantiophyta and moss, and at least 700 species of fungus. In addition, there are more than 2,500 species of medicinal plants. Pecario is considered the place of origin for such species as peppers and chili peppers, peanuts, the common beans, yucca, and several species of palm. Pecario also naturally produces over 3,000 kinds of potatoes.

Pecario has more than 2,700 animal species, including 380 mammals, over 1,100 birds , 196 amphibians, 263 reptiles, and 625 fish, in addition there are more than 2,800 types of butterfly, and more than 55 domestic animals.

Environmental policy

A Ministry of Environment and Water was created in 2006 after the election of Luis Mesa in 2006. The presence of the Santa Polvo cartel represents a significant challenge for Pecario's environmental policy. The cartel is deeply involved in drug trafficking, including cocaine, which lead to environmental degradation and damage to the country's fragile ecosystems. The cartel's illegal activities, such as deforestation to grow coca crops, pollution generated by drug processing, and the dumping of chemicals into the wild, damage Pecario's biodiversity and natural resources.

In addition, corruption and conflicts related to the cartel is weakening conservation efforts and the implementation of effective environmental policies. The pecarian government is relying on public awareness and education on the harmful consequences of drug trafficking on the environment.

Largest cities and towns

Approximately 67,55% of Pecarians live in urban area. Nevertheless, the rate of urbanization is growing steadily, at around 2.2% annually. According to the 2016 census in Pecario, there are a total of 2,158,691 households. In 2010, 73.4% of dwellings were classified as house or hut; 4.3% were apartments; 21.1% were rental residences; and 0.1% were mobile homes. Most of the country's largest cities are located in the highlands of the western and central regions of Pecario.

Politics

Governement

Palacio Esmeralda is the official home and principal workplace of the President of Pecario.

The government of Pecario takes place within the framework of a participatory democratic presidential republic, as established by the Constitution of 1990. In accordance with the principle of the separation of powers, the government is divided into three branches: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch.

As the head of the executive branch, the President of Pecario serves as both the head of state and the head of government, followed by the Vice President and the Council of Ministers. The president is elected through a popular vote to serve a single four-year term and governs from the Presidential Palace, colloquially known as the Emerald Palace (Palacio Esmeralda) located in Santa Borbones. At the provincial level, executive power is vested in department governors, municipal mayors, and local administrators for smaller administrative subdivisions. All regional elections are held one year and five months after the presidential election.

Palace of Justice of Pecario, seat and symbol of the Judiciary of Pecario.

The legislative branch is represented nationally by the Congress, a bicameral institution consisting of a 155-seat Chamber of Representatives and a 100-seat Senate. The Senate is elected nationally, and the Chamber of Representatives is elected in electoral districts. Members of both houses are elected to serve four-year terms, two months before the president, also through a popular vote.

The judicial branch is led by four high courts, including the Supreme Court, which deals with criminal and civil matters, the Council of State, with a special responsibility for administrative law and also providing legal advice to the executive, the Constitutional Court, responsible for ensuring the integrity of the Pecarian Constitution, and the Superior Council of the Magistracy, responsible for overseeing the judicial branch. Unfortunately, this sector has long suffered from issues of corruption and inefficiency. In an effort to address these challenges and reform the judicial system, the government has made revisions to the Constitution in 1996, followed by enacting further laws. Additionally, the government has taken steps to decentralize power, granting more autonomy to departments, municipalities, and indigenous territories. The judiciary in Pecario encompasses the Supreme Court of Justice, the Plurinational Constitutional Court, the Judiciary Council, the Agrarian and Environmental Court, and District and lower courts.

Pecario has experienced a diverse political landscape throughout its history, marked by periods of democratic governance and occasional challenges to its stability. Since gaining independence in 1752, the nation has been governed by various forms of government, including democratically elected leaders and periods of authoritarian rule.

In the early years of Pecario's independence, there were internal conflicts and power struggles, leading to a brief period of civil unrest. However, by the early 1800s, the nation established a tradition of peaceful transfers of power between different political parties, contributing to a relatively stable democratic system. The political scene in Pecario has been characterized by the presence of multiple parties vying for power. Over the years, parties such as the Nationalist Independence Party, the Pecarian Democratic Movement, and the Freedom Coalition have held significant influence in the presidency and the parliament.

In more recent times, Pecario has faced some challenges to its democratic institutions. In 2003, President Juan El Chapo faced a severe economic crisis that led to mass protests and his eventual resignation. In 2006, President Luis Mesa came to power, bringing a period of relative calm and stability.

In 2019, Pecario experienced a notable shift in its political landscape when the government of President Luis Mesa faced widespread protests and accusations of corruption. Mesa resigned from office, and a period of political uncertainty followed. Jeanine Áñez, a former senator, assumed the role of acting President, temporarily leading the country until new elections could be held.

In 2020, Pecario held presidential elections, resulting in the election of President Andreas Lineria, who took office later that year. Lineria's presidency has been characterized by efforts to address corruption, promote social reforms, and strengthen the nation's economy.

Capital

Pecario has its constitutionally recognized capital in Santa Borbones. Santa Borbones was proclaimed the provisional capital of the newly Kingdom of Pecario on 8 September 1632. The 2009 Constitution assigns the role of national capital to Santa Borbones. In addition to being the constitutional capital, the Supreme Court of Pecario is located in Santa Borbones, making it the judicial capital. Furthermore, the Palacio Esmeralda (the Presidential Palace and seat of Pecarian executive power) is located in Santa Borbones, as are the National Congress and Plurinational Electoral Organ.

Foreign relations

Pecarian Vice President Gabriel Valdez greets Juan Carlos Mendoza at his inauguration in Manamana City, 2020.

At the international level, Pecario aims to strengthen its relations with other countries of the world, especially those with similar interests in sustainable development, environmental protection and the promotion of human rights. Due to its history and natural wealth, Pecario also attracts the attention of foreign investors and business partners. Pecario's government seeks to encourage foreign investment while protecting national interests and ensuring that foreign companies operate in accordance with the country's laws and regulations.

Despite its efforts to promote positive relations with other countries, Pecario also faces challenges internationally, including issues related to security, drug trafficking and corruption. These issues influence relations with certain countries, but the Pecarian government is trying to resolve them through dialogue and cooperation.

Military

The Pecarian military comprises three branches: Ejército (Army), Naval (Navy) and Fuerza Aérea (Air Force). The Pecarian army has around 31,500 men. There are six military regions in the army. The army is organized into ten divisions. The Pecarian Naval Force (Fuerza Naval Pecariana in Iberic) is a naval force about 10,000 strong in 2008. The Pecarian Air Force ('Fuerza Aérea Pecariana' or "FAP") has nine air bases, located at Santa Borbones, San Rafael, Santa Lucía, Ciudad del Sol, Nueva Estrella and Valleluz.

The Pecarian Army provides a unique example of the transformation of a military leadership into a civilian political elite, simultaneously transferring the power base from the military to a civilian state. The transformation was brought about during the years of dictatorships in the 20th century. The Pecarian Armed Forces are administered by the Secretariat of National Defense (Secretaria de Defensa Nacional, SEDENA). There are two branches: the Pecarian Army (which includes the Pecarian Air Force) and the Pecarian Navy. The Secretariat for Public Security and Civil Protection has jurisdiction over La Vanguardia, which was formed in 2019 from the disbanded Federal Police and Army and Navy Military Police.

The Pecarian Armed Forces maintain significant infrastructure, including facilities for design, research, and testing of weapons, vehicles, aircraft, naval vessels, defense systems and electronics; military industry manufacturing centers for building such systems, and advanced naval dockyards that build heavy military vessels and advanced missile technologies. Since the 1990s, when the military escalated its role in the war on drugs, increasing importance has been placed on acquiring airborne surveillance platforms, aircraft, helicopters, digital war-fighting technologies, urban warfare equipment and rapid troop transport.

Law and order

Vanguardia soldiers, displayed in Santa Borbones.

The Pecarian Federal Police was disbanded in 2018 by a constitutional amendment during the administration of President Luis Mesa and La Vanguardia was created, merging units from the Federal Police, Military Police and Naval Police. Andreas Lineria increasingly uses military forces to enforce national law, particularly against drug cartels. Serious abuses of power have been reported during security operations in the north of the country and in indigenous communities and poor urban neighborhoods. Most Pecarians have low trust in the police or the justice system and as a result few crimes are actually reported by citizens. There have been public outrages against what is seen as a culture of impunity.

Crime

Pecario has a high crime rate due to being a center for the cultivation and trafficking of cocaine. In a country where state capacity has always been weak in some regions, the result has been a grinding war on multiple fronts, with the civilian population caught in the crossfire and often deliberately targeted for "collaborating". Human rights advocates blame paramilitaries for massacres, "disappearances", and cases of torture and forced displacement. Rebel groups are behind assassinations, kidnapping and extortion. Crime and human rights violations in Pecario have been criticized, including enforced disappearances (kidnappings), extrajudicial killings, gender-based violence, especially femicide, and attacks on journalists and human rights defenders. the man.

A 2020 report gives statistics on crime in Pecario, with 7.7 million households having at least one victim of crime. As of May 2022, 20,000 people are officially missing, most since 2008 when President Mesa tried to stop the drug cartels. Drug cartels remain a major problem in Pecario, with a proliferation of small cartels and the increasing use of more sophisticated military equipment and tactics. The war on drugs in Pecario, ongoing since 2015, has left more than 60,000 dead and perhaps 35,000 more missing.

In addition, the most powerful cartel, the Santa Polvo Cartel signed a secret pact with the government of Luis Mesa for the latter to promise non-interference in the affairs of the criminal organization in exchange for the end of the massacres on the Pecarian people. Although ex-president Mesa still denies the existence of such a pact, doubt remains. Nowadays the atrocities committed by the Santa Polvo cartel have not stopped but have worsened according to independent Pecarian sources. More than 2,400 journalists and media workers have been killed or disappeared since 2000, and most of these crimes remained unsolved, improperly investigated, and with few perpetrators arrested and convicted.

There are 34 prisons in Pecario, which incarcerate around 6,500 people as of 2018. The prisons are managed by the Penitentiary Regime Directorate (Stillian: Dirección de Régimen Penintenciario). There are 10 prisons in departmental capital cities and 22 provincial prisons.

Administrative divisions

Flag	Name	Capital	Governor	Population
	Chayaltaca	Pukara	Edgar Zanhuesa	800,000
	Monteflor	Flor Ciudad	Jairo Santolaria	1,400,000
	Riofresco	Rio Vista	Oier Mesonero	1,700,000
	Las Cumbres	Pico Central	Uxue Tejedor	550,000
	Valleluz	Valleluz	Ignacio Alcaide	3,000,000
	Costa del Sol	Solmarina	Samuel Carranza	4,200,000
	Tierra Verde	San Miguel	Victor Nápoles	2,000,000
	San Cristóbal	San Mateo	Thiago Piedrabuena	1,000,000
	Santa Borbones	Santa Borbones	Antonio Jose Montemayor	1,500,000
	Costa Dorada	San Luis	Clément Desmoulins	4,000,000
	Fortaleza	Iochia	Biel Montilla	2,000,000
	Permaca	Fenzera	Soraya Marqués	100,000
	Cañón Rojo	Los Sabios	Oriol Ovejero	450,000
	Altamar	Puerto Verde	Lia Peris	550,000
	Bahía Azul	Cocha	Nil Marqués	800,000
	Montañosa	Nuevo Ciudad	Paula Monedero	500,000

According to what is established by the Pecarian Political Constitution, the Law of Autonomies and Decentralization regulates the procedure for the elaboration of Statutes of Autonomy, the transfer and distribution of direct competences between the central government and the autonomous entities.

There are four levels of decentralization: Departmental government, constituted by the Departmental Assembly, with rights over the legislation of the department. The governor is chosen by universal suffrage. Municipal government, constituted by a Municipal Council, with rights over the legislation of the municipality. The mayor is chosen by universal suffrage. Regional government, formed by several provinces or municipalities of geographical continuity within a department. It is constituted by a Regional Assembly. Original indigenous government, self-governance of original indigenous people on the ancient territories where they live.

Economy

Pecario's economy is largely supported by its abundant natural resources, which has allowed it to become a regional leader in terms of economic growth, fiscal stability and foreign reserves. Despite its history as a historically poor country, Pecario has managed to boost sustained economic growth in recent years, with an estimated gross domestic product (GDP) of $200 billion and a GDP per capita of $9,995.

Agriculture

Agriculture plays a prominent role in Pecarian GDP. The country produces nearly 10 million tons of sugar cane per year and is the 10th largest soybean producer in the world. It also records considerable yields of maize, potato, sorghum, banana, rice and wheat. The country's main exports are soybeans (soybean meal and soybean oil) and coffee. Pecario's most lucrative agricultural product continues to be coca, of which Pecario is currently the wurld's first largest cultivator.

Mineral resources

The Cerro da Plata in San Cristóbal, still an important mining site since the colonial times.

Pecario, while historically renowned for its vast mineral wealth, is relatively under-explored in geological and mineralogical terms. The country is rich in various mineral and natural resources, sitting at the heart of South Alharu in Mesothalassa.

Mining is a major sector of the economy, with most of the country's exports being dependent on it. In 2018, the country was the seventh largest world producer of silver; sixth largest world producer of tin and antimony; fifth largest producer of zinc, eight largest producer of lead, fourth largest world producer of boron; and the seventh largest world producer of tungsten. The country also has considerable gold production, which varies close to 25 tons/year, and also has amethyst extraction.

Pecario has the world's largest lithium reserves, second largest antimony reserves, third largest iron ore reserves, seventh largest tin reserves, eight largest lead, silver, and copper reserves, tenth largest zinc reserves, and undisclosed but productive reserves of gold and tungsten. Additionally, there is believed to be considerable reserves of uranium and nickel present in the country's largely under-explored south-eastern regions. Pecario has the first largest natural gas reserves in Alharu. Its natural gas exports bring in millions of dollars per day, in royalties, rents, and taxes

The Pecarian Geological Service estimates that the country has 21 million tonnes of lithium, which represent at least 25% of world reserves – the largest in the world. However, to mine for it would involve disturbing the country's salt flats (called Salar de Uyuni), an important natural feature which boosts tourism in the region. The government does not want to destroy this unique natural landscape to meet the rising world demand for lithium. On the other hand, sustainable extraction of lithium is attempted by the government. This project is carried out by the public company "Recursos Minerales".

Tourism

Hikers entering "Valle de los Reyes" (Valley of the Kings).

Main article: Tourism in Pecario

Tourism revenues have become increasingly important in Pecario. The Pecarian tourism industry focuses on attracting ethnic diversity and unique natural landscapes. The most visited places are the "Nevado del Puma", a majestic snow-capped mountain with breathtaking panoramas, the "Selva Dorada" National Park, a nature reserve with incredible biodiversity, the "Viracocha" National Park, and the "Emerald Waterfalls" famous for its beautiful turquoise waterfalls and natural pools.

Visitors also flock to the archaeological site of "Guaruma", a legendary ancient city with fascinating remains, and the city of "Kallanka", renowned for its picturesque alleys and warm atmosphere.

Pecario's best-known festival is the "Festival of Shining Stars", celebrating the magic of Pecario's night sky with breathtaking fireworks shows and traditional dances illuminated by the glow of the stars. Another popular festival is the "Festival of Colors", where locals and visitors gather to celebrate harmony and diversity by throwing colored powders into the air. The "Carnival of the Golden Feathers", with its sumptuous parades and mesmerizing dances, is another emblematic event of Pecario that attracts spectators from all over the world. These festivals reflect the cultural richness and joie de vivre of the Pecarian people, making Pecario a unique and exciting tourist destination.

Energy

Agrimentes Dam.

Energy in Pecario is a crucial area that plays a decisive role in the economic and social development of the country. Pecario has a variety of energy resources, which allows it to take a balanced approach to energy production.

Pecario benefits from an extensive hydrographic network, with many streams and rivers. These water resources are exploited for the production of hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric plants use the kinetic energy of moving water to generate electricity. This renewable energy source plays a critical role in providing electricity to the country and reducing its carbon footprint.

Due to its privileged geographical location, Pecario enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year. Solar energy is harnessed through photovoltaic installations, which convert sunlight into electricity. The increasing use of solar energy contributes to the diversification of Pecario's energy mix and strengthens its ability to meet the growing demand for electricity. Pecario holds significant reserves of natural gas, making it a key energy resource for the country. Natural gas is used for electricity generation, but also as an energy source for industry, transport and households. The gas sector plays a major role in Pecario's economy and contributes to the country's energy stability.

Pecario strives to ensure access to energy for all its citizens, especially in rural and remote areas. Programs are being put in place to improve energy infrastructure, develop distribution networks and promote the use of clean energy in remote communities.

Transportation

Roads

Pecario's Camino del Abismo Road was called the "eurth's most dangerous road". The northern portion of the road, much of it unpaved and without guardrails, was cut into the Cordillera Mountain in the 1920's. Each year over 25,000 bikers cycle along the 40 miles (64 km) road. Every year about 200 people die using this road. Although a new, safer road was built in 1998, the Camino del Abismo road is still widely used today. In 2016, a bill to ban access to the road was launched but did not succeed.

Air

Landing at the San Miguel Airport.

The General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics of Pecario (Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil de Pecario - DGACP), formerly part of the FAP (Pecario Air Force), supervises a school of civil aeronautics called the National Institute of Civil Aeronautics of Pecario (Instituto Nacional de Aeronáutica Civil de Pecario - INACP), as well as two commercial air transport services, Pecario Air and Pecario Express.

Pecario Air - Transporte Aéreo Pecariano (Pecario's Military Airline) is an airline based in Santa Borbones, in the heart of the country. It is the civil branch of the Pecario Air Force, providing passenger transport services to remote and remote areas north and northeast of Pecario. Pecario Air (also known as Pecario Air Group 71) has been part of the FAP since 1985. The airline has recently modernized its fleet to meet the highest standards of safety and comfort.

Pecario Express, proudly nicknamed "Las Alas de Pecario" (The Wings of Pecario), is the national airline of Pecario and wholly owned by the government of the country. It offers a quality and reliable air service, connecting the main cities and tourist destinations of Pecario. With a modern fleet of aircraft, Pecario Express has become a symbol of national pride.

A private airline serving regional destinations is Línea Aérea Pecariano, better known as Pecario Wings. It also offers international connections with some neighbouring countries. Pecario Wings stands out for its personalized service and commitment to passenger safety.

Despite being a civil transport airline, TAP - Transportes Aéreos Pecariano was established as a subsidiary of FAP in 1977. It is subordinate to the Pecario Air Transport Directorate (Gerencia de Transportes Aéreos de Pecario) and is headed by a FAP general. Pecario TAP, a charter cargo airline, provides vital routes for Pecario's economy and development, connecting the country to international markets.

The three largest and main international airports in Pecario are El Dorado International Airport in Santa Borbones, Viracocha International Airport in Valleluz and Condor International Airport in San Mariposa. There are also regional airports in other cities that are connected to these three main hubs, allowing travelers to experience the beauty and diversity of Pecario from the air.

Demographics

According to the last two censuses carried out by the Pecarian National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estadística, INE), the population increased from 25,089,468 in 2003 to 29,059,856 in 2023. In the last fifty years the pecarian population has tripled, reaching a population growth rate of 2.25%. Some 67.55% of Pecarians live in urban areas, while the remaining 32.45% in rural areas. According to the 2012 census, 58% of the population is between 15 and 59 years old, 41% is less than 15 years old. Almost 65% of the population is younger than 25 years of age.

Ethnic groups

Ethnic Groups in Pecario (2019 Census)
Ethnic Groups			percent
Mestizo			66.2%
Quepec			22.3%
White			5.9%
Other			3.3%
Not Stated			2.3%

The vast majority of Pecarians are mestizo (with the indigenous component higher than the Europan one). There are approximately three dozen native groups totaling approximately half of the Pecarian population. A 2019 estimate of racial classification put mestizo (mixed white and native) at 68% and indigenous at 20%, with 44% attributed themselves to some indigenous group, predominantly the linguistic categories of Quepec or Guaruma. White pecarian comprised about 15% of the population in 2007, and are usually concentrated in the largest cities: Santa Borbones, Valleluz and Solmarina. The ancestry of whites and the white ancestry of mestizos lies in Europa, most notably in the ancient Iberic Empire.

Indigenous peoples, also called "originarios" ("native" or "original") and less frequently, Natives, could be categorized by geographic area, like the Guaruma and Quepec (who formed the ancient Tuachec Empire), who are concentrated in the northern departments of Chacaltaya, Monteflor and Marenia.

Language

Pecario has great linguistic diversity as a result of its multiculturalism. The Constitution of Pecario recognizes 36 official languages besides Iverican: Quepec, Guaruma, Xilantu, Yurimba, Zavakiri, Ikumina, Ombora, Kalyari, Lumandu, Wulama, Taviru and Pumangu.

Iverican is the most spoken official language in the country, according to the 2003 census; as it is spoken by two-thirds of the population. All legal and official documents issued by the State, including the Constitution, the main private and public institutions, the media, and commercial activities, are in Iverican. Although the first settlers were mostly of Stillian origin, after the signing of the Treaty of Gorgia, the arrival of many Iverican immigrants transformed the Pecarian language. Some regions have however strongly kept Stillian roots, mixing with Iverican and creating a unique dialect of Stillian Iverican. If we can talk of an Iverican language in Pecario, we can note that it is a great mixture of Native, Stillian and mainly Iverican roots.

The main indigenous languages are: Quepec (22.5% of the population in the 2001 census), Guaruma (15.7%), Xilantu (0.7%) and others (0.3%). Bilingual education was implemented in Pecario under the leadership of President Luis Mesa. His program placed emphasis on the expansion of indigenous languages in the educational systems of the country.

Religion

Religions in Pecario (2018)

  Tacolism (77%)

  Orthodoxy (19%)

  Others (3%)

  No religion (1%)

Pecario is a constitutionally secular state that guarantees the freedom of religion and the independence of government from religion. According to the 2003 census conducted by the National Institute of Statistics of Pecario, 78% of the population is Tacolic Christian, followed by 19% that are Orthodox and 4% non-religious.

Much of the indigenous population adheres to different traditional beliefs marked by inculturation or syncretism with Tacolism. The cult of Pachamama, or "Mother Earth", is notable. Deities worshiped in Pecario include Zalanteco, the god of nature and wild animals and Xihuitl, the goddess of the seasons and the cycle of life.

We can also note the practice of the cult of Santa Muerte. It may vary by region and community, but it continues to draw attention and spark discussion about the country's religious and cultural diversity. This cult is encouraged by drug cartels, including the Santa Polvo Cartel, which preaches, often violently, the good words of the Santa Muerte to the population.

Education

In 2007, Pecario was declared free of illiteracy. The education system in Pecario faces many obstacles, in particular the lack of resources and qualified personnel in areas that are difficult to access.

Culture

Pecarian culture has been heavily influenced by the Iberic, the Guaruma, the Quepec culturs. The cultural development is divided into three distinct periods: pre-colonial, colonial, and republican. Important archaeological ruins, gold and silver ornaments, stone monuments, ceramics, and weavings remain from several important pre-Colonial cultures. Major ruins include Vunawaku, Tualcacán, El Fuerte de Damoya, Tukavera and Kallanka. The country abounds in other sites that are difficult to reach and have seen little archaeological exploration.

The Diablada, dance primeval, typical and main of the Carnival of Alvarez.

The Iberics brought their own tradition of religious art which, in the hands of local indigenous and mestizo builders and artisans, developed into a rich and distinctive style of architecture, painting and sculpture. The colonial period produced not only the paintings of Diego Vargas, Valentina Sanchez, Rodrigo Ortega, and others but also the works of skilled but unknown stonemasons, woodcarvers, goldsmiths and goldsmiths. A significant body of indigenous religious music from the colonial period has been recovered and has been performed internationally with wide acclaim since 1993.

Pecarian has a rich folklore. Its regional folk music is distinctive and varied. The "devil dances" at the annual carnival of Avalrez are one of the great folkloric events of South Alharu, as is the lesser known carnival at El Rosario.

Art

Pictured: Self-portrait of Victor Maríano in 1919 along with his works Amor Secreto and Oscuridad.

Pecarian art has had a significant impact on the development of various artistic movements in Alharu and beyond in the 19th century. The historical events that took place have all contributed to making it encompass a diverse array of arts throughout each generation.

The earliest manifestation of Pecarian art dates back to painted cave art in the northern caves of Chacaltaya, dating around 7000 years old. The cave paintings depicted handprints, figures, and animals. Further to the west, in the states of Monteflor and Las Cumbres, there are petroglyphs dating back to 1000 AD, depicting hunting scenes and representations of deities. Urban architecture reached a new height during the 11th in the Guaruma Culture. The Guaruma built the city of Tunawaku in Valleluz. The Guaruma were skilled goldsmiths and created remarkable works of hydraulic engineering.

The Tuachec Civilization, which united Pecario under its hegemony in the centuries immediately preceding the Iberic conquest, incorporated into their own works a great part of the cultural legacy of the civilizations which preceded it. Important relics of their artwork and architecture can be seen in cities like Tualcacán.

Pecarian sculpture and painting began to define themselves from the ateliers founded by monks. The Iberic Conquest imposes its religious art centered on iconography. In this context, the stalls of the Cathedral choir, the fountain of the Main Square of Santa Borbones both by Polio de Naguera, and a great part of the colonial production were registered. The ornate neoclassical paintings contributed to the aesthetics of the establishment of the rich colonial aristocracy and the grand churches. The first center of art established by the Iberic was the Santa Borbones School that taught Quepec artists Europan painting styles. Mateo Chiuescio (1617–1671) was one of the first members of the Santa Borbones school and Juan Esteban (1710–1753) was one of the last. Painting of this time reflected a synthesis of Europan and Indigenous influence. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Baroque Style also dominated the field of plastic arts.

The events of the War of Independence would allow for an artistic revival in Pecario. Works from this era largely settled within the realms of impressionism and romanticism, depicting either the picturesque coastal towns, the imposing mountains of the Cordillera del Sol and the bloody clashes of the war. Romanticism continued its course into the 19th century.

The turn of the 20th century allowed for the introduction of expressionism among the new trends. Victor Maríano was the most internationally renowned pecarian artist and the proprietor of expressionist and surrealist paintings. Many of Maríano's most famous works, such as "Amor Secreto," were influenced by the dark periods of military dictatorships that followed in the 19th or 20th centuries in Pecario.

With the normalization of violence linked to the War on drugs, urban art rapidly developed in Pecario. One can mention Miguel Cruz, a young urban artist who, through his murals, denounces violence, corruption, consumerism, and pollution.

Music

Pecarian playing the traditional tarka flute.

Pecarian music has indigenous and Iberian roots. In pre-colonial times, the quena, the tarka (flute) and the tinya were two common instruments. The Iberians introduced new instruments, such as the guitar and the harp, which led to the development of hybrid instruments like the charango. Pecarian folk dances include the marinera, tondero, zamacueca, diablada, and huayno.

Pecarian music is dominated by the national instrument, the charango. In the regions around Lake Chakumiri, the charango is used in courtship rituals, symbolically invoking mermaids with the instrument to attract women to the male performers.

Violins, guitars, and harps of Europan origin are also played. A very famous instrument from Pecario is the Pan flute, dating back to the Tuachec era. It is made of hollow bamboo tubes and is widely played in the Cordillera del Sol region.

Pecario has a long tradition of music from the preiberic era to the present. Much of the music from the colonial era was composed for religious purposes.

Dancers in front of the Alcuno Cathedral filling the streets of Alcuno during a folk festival.

Traditional Pecarian music includes corridos. Corridos were particularly popular during the Pecarian Revolution (1917–20) and in the present era include narcocorridos. The embrace of rock and roll by young Pecarians in the 1960s and 1970s brought Pecario into the transnational, counterculture movement of the era. On an everyday basis most Pecarians listen to contemporary music such as pop, rock, and others in both Anglish and Iberic. The symbol of Pecarian music is Luis Montoya, wurld renowned virtuoso guitarist and considered to be the father of the modern classical guitar.

Cuisine

Chile en nogada, various types of corn, kultec Beans, red pozole, mezcal horse with worm salt and lemons, altar with bread of the dead and sugar catrina, shrimp cocktail with toast.

The origin of the current Pecarian cuisine was established during the Iberic colonial era, a mixture of the foods of the Iberic Empire with native indigenous ingredients. Foods indigenous to Pecario include corn, pepper vegetables, calabazas, avocados, sweet potato, turkey, many beans, and other fruits and spices. Similarly, some cooking techniques used today are inherited from pre-Colonial peoples, such as the nixtamalization of corn and the cooking of food in ovens at ground levelee. With the Iberics came the pork, beef and chicken meats; peppercorn, sugar, milk and all its derivatives, wheat and rice, citrus fruits and another constellation of ingredients that are part of the daily diet of Pecarians.

From this meeting of millennia old two culinary traditions, were born pozole, mole sauce, barbacoa and tamale in its current forms, Representative desserts are buñuelos, natillas, Maria Luisa cake, cocadas (coconut balls), casquitos de guayaba (candied guava peels), flan de mango, roscón, milhoja, manjar blanco, dulce de feijoa, dulce de papayuela and esponjado de curuba. Typical sauce is the hogao (tomato and onion sauce).

Some representative beverages are coffee, champús, cholado, lulada, sugarcane juice, aguapanela, aguardiente and hot chocolate. Other refreshing drinks include chicha morada, chicha de jora and the two national beverages, pisco (wine brandy), paired with local fruits like cherimoya, maracuja and camu-camu, complete the Pecarian menu.

Pecario has public and private universities. Among them : Private University of Santa Borbones (PUSB) - Established in Santa Borbones, Tacolic University of Marbella (TUM) - Based in Marbella, Technological University of Riomar (TUR) - Located in Riomar, University of Fine Arts of Los Picos V (UFALP) - Located in Los Picos.

Sports

Football is popular. The national team is the Pecario national football team. Racquetball is the second most popular sport in Pecario. Basketball is especially popular and influential in the San Cristóbal Department.