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| [[File:Rioni river - Georgia (Europe).jpg|200px|thumb|left|River in the [[Mendakh Mountains]].]] | | [[File:Rioni river - Georgia (Europe).jpg|200px|thumb|left|River in the [[Mendakh Mountains]].]] |
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| Orioni is located at the easternmost region of [[Europa (continent)|Europa]], separated from the Europan mainland by the [[#geography|Tethys Sea]] and along the [[Oriental Ocean]]. At 1,155,853 km2 (446,277 sq mi), according to the [[Assembled Nations|AN]] [[List of countries on Eurth by area|Geographic Yearbook]], Orioni is the 2nd-largest country on [[Eurth]]. It is slightly larger than [[Volsci]], twice the size of [[Tamurin]], three times as big as [[Variota]], four times the size of [[Batengdei]] and five times the size of the [[Seylos]]. The main island, also called the “Home Island", is divided into three parts: western {{wp|Alnitak}} where the majority of the Orinese population lives, central Alnilam is dominated by the Mendakh mountains, and northeastern {{wp|Almintaka}} forms a sparsely inhabited nature preserve. Besides the main island, there are also 430 smaller islands, of which the larger ones are being inhabited and others remain uninhabited. To the west of [[Nordhaven]] lies Deseti island, which hosts the headquarters for the [[Entente of Oriental States]]. To the southeast of [[Oris]] lies {{wp|Malindi}} island which is presently occupied by [[Miiros]].
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| [[Natural Wonders of Eurth|Mount Silesto]] in Amilaki at 3,450 m (11,320 ft) is the highest peak in Orioni. Excluding the [[Rohini]] and [[Burkini]] islands, the country lies between latitudes 15° and 31°N, and longitudes 135° and 152°E. It is south of [[Ide Jima]], separated by the [[#Geography|Rosario Sea]]; and north of [[Niederoestereich]], separated by the [[#Geography|Azure Sea]]. The closest neighbouring country to Orioni is the [[Tamurin]] republic westward across the [[#Geography|Roavia Strait]]. Orioni maintains maritime claims on the {{wp|continental shelf}} of 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation. Its {{wp|territorial sea}} extends 12 {{wp|nautical miles}} (22,2 km or 13,8 mi) with an {{wp|exclusive economic zone}} of 200 nautical miles (370 km or 230 mi). The northernmost point is Cape Tawiseni extending into the [[#Geography|Rosario Sea]], [[#Administrative divisions|Mar province]] (30°57'N). The easternmost point is {{wp|Amrita|Cape Amrita}} on the [[#Geography|Deli peninsula]], [[#Administrative divisions|Meda province]] (152°04'E). The southernmost point is an unnamed point in one of the shifting sandbanks of the Wenizi {{wp|river delta}} at low tide, [[#Administrative divisions|Zuidhaven province]] (15°29'N). The westernmost point is {{wp|Cape Suzette}}, [[#Administrative divisions|Sirius province]] (134°54'E).
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| === Landscape === | | === Landscape === |
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| | caption8 = River valley in Alnilam region. | | | caption8 = River valley in Alnilam region. |
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| About 53% of Orioni is either forested or mountainous, making it largely unsuitable for agricultural, industrial, or residential use. Hill country of over 500 m (1640 ft) above sea-level dominates the Home Island and in some other elevated regions such as central {{wp|Alnilam}} even 2000 m (6561 ft). Additional areas are inhospitable to human habitation, such as the coastal deserts of western Alnilam. This means that coastal areas contain habitable zones and have high population densities. The population tends to cluster around fresh-water sources and [[#Economy|seaports]]. As a result, these coastal regions of Orioni are some of the most densely populated areas on [[Eurth]].
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| The western part of the country contains temperate forestland and rolling hills, with a strong agricultural imprint on the northern plains and along the [[#Geography|Firigirigi river]]. The mountain ranges created great rivers that carry their sediment down to the lowlands, enriching the soil. The [[#Geography|Wenizi river]] flows through the western part of the country, its origin located somewhere in the high mountains towards the east. The artificial [[#Landscape|Owara canal]] connects the Wenizi with the Firigirigi, enabling shipping to multiple parts of this western region. The canal was built in 1671 by decree of [[Empress Owara]] and modernised in around 1900. Between 1895 and 1904, the army engineers enlarged the Owara canal to 25 metres (82 feet) wide and 3 metres (9.8 feet) deep. Empress $name expanded the canal again to 40 metres (130 feet) wide and 4.5 metres (14.8 feet) deep through mountainous rocky terrain.
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| In the east and south, along the shores of the [[#Geography|Azure Sea]], are extensive and densely populated alluvial plains of the Wenizi and the [[#Geography|Caroni river]], combined with lower mountain ranges in the [[#Geography|Zinabi valley]] to the east. This fertile valley in the southeastern part of the country is curtailed by the [[#Geography|Dayonisesi mountains]], a mountain range that forms an enclosing arc, and also contains the countries highest point, [[#Geography|Mount Silesto]] at 3,450 m.
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| The northeastern region of Orioni consists of elevated highlands called the [[#geography|Mendakh mountains]] by the local mountain tribes.
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| === Climate === | | === Climate === |
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| <!-- Legend inspired by https://iiwiki.us/wiki/Federated_Fire_Territories#Climate --> | | <!-- Legend inspired by https://iiwiki.us/wiki/Federated_Fire_Territories#Climate --> |
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| Orioni has a {{wp|tropical marine climate}} that is usually hot and humid. There are three seasons: the hot dry season or summer from March to May; the rainy season from June to November; and the cool dry season from December to February. Temperate easterly winds and southernlyocean currents ensure warm summers and very mild winters. Seasons vary per region, with the south being warmer compared to the rainy west and subtropical north. Temperatures usually range from 21 °C (70 °F) to 32 °C (90 °F) although it can get cooler or hotter depending on the season. The coolest month is January; the warmest is May.
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| The average yearly temperature is around 26.6 °C (79.9 °F). In considering temperature, location in terms of latitude and longitude is not a significant factor. Whether in the extreme north, south, east, or west of the country, temperatures at sea level are in the same range. Altitude usually has more of an impact. The average annual temperature on the [[#geography|Mendakh mountains]] at an elevation of 1,500 meters (4,900 ft) above sea level is 18.3 °C (64.9 °F), making it a popular destination during hot summers.
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| === Fauna and flora === | | === Fauna and flora === |
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| | caption4 = Lake $name in summer | | | caption4 = Lake $name in summer |
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| Fauna in Orioni is quite diverse. The Orinese archipelago has many different animals in all shapes and sizes that are adapted to a wide range of climates and altitudes. About 53% of Orioni is either forested or mountainous. Orioni has a tropical marine climate that is usually hot and humid. The southeastern mountain flanks enjoy a nice climate that allows for vineyards to grow. Lush broadleaved trees in the northern forest. These lush green giants cover most of the country. Some areas are inhospitable to human habitation, such as the coastal deserts of western Alnilam. The main ecological divide is the one between urban pets versus rural “pets”.
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| Venture outside any city and you'll meet a much wider variety of animals. The [[Pink dolphin]] (''Inia geoffrensis'') is the national animal of Orioni. They are solitary animals and live primarily in the southern river systems of the [[#Geography|Wenizi]] and [[#Geography|Caroni]]. Pink dolphins are unique among dolphins for having molar-like teeth and can chew their prey. The diet of Orioni river dolphins comprises {{wp|fish}}, {{wp|shrimps}} {{wp|crabs}}. They also eat {{wp|piranhas}} and {{wp|turtles}}. Pink dolphins are true carnivores (meat-eaters). Pink dolphins can move from rivers to ponds and lakes during the rainy season (when rivers flood). Some pink dolphins are actually very rare albinos. Albino dolphins can appear pink instead of white because of the blood vessels under their skin. For really wild animals, there's only one place: the northeastern [[Amilaki Wildlife Reserve]], established by EOS. It is the least populous region, with the longest coastline, largest area, lowest annual temperature, coldest winters, highest temperature difference between seasons, and most volcanic activity. Head up to Adansi to see an entirely different side of the country. The city is located in the mountainous Kidusi province. Elephant rides are a popular activity here, although the practice is sometimes ethically questionable. Tourists love visiting the elephant sanctuaries, transplanted from the Kingdom of Koku, which allow visitors to appreciate these magnificent creatures while providing them with a safe and loving environment at the same time. The cultural influence of animals is widely debated and certainly not settled. Some non-native animals were imported from former colonies, while enemies also brought animals to Orioni. For example, royal processions in the 10th Century CE are known to have included elephants. During the [[Orinese Civil War]] (1023-1174) the mercenaries of [[Uthman ibn Naissa]] brought many horses with them, an animal that's not native to tropical Orioni.<ref>[https://www.europans.com/topic/5982-december-2020-event-daily-worldbuilding-prompts/?do=findComment&comment=40015964 Pets in Orioni] (3 December 2020)</ref>
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| Hunting and fishing is regulated on the provincial level. Historically, tigers were hunted to collect their famous striped skins. Tiger hunting took place on a large scale in the early 19th and 20th centuries. It was an admired sport by the continental Europan aristocrats. Tiger hunting was done on foot with a goat or buffalo as bait. The trade in tiger skins peaked in the 1930s. In some provinces, there is a hunting season for boars and deer, which cause large amounts of agricultural damage, until mid-March. In the mountainous provinces there are special hunting clubs in towns and villages. The men raise dogs to hunt wild boars in the mountains. The men get dressed up and put on their hats, they load up their dogs in trucks, cars, motorbikes and scooters, and they go hunting. Hunters are required to have gun and trapping licences. Boar and deer populations continue to climb despite efforts to shrink their numbers, Orioni is facing an ageing, declining population that increasingly lacks the energy, interest, and funding to cull wildlife.<ref>[https://www.europans.com/topic/5982-december-2020-event-daily-worldbuilding-prompts/?do=findComment&comment=40016029 Hunting and fishing in Orioni] (15 December 2020)</ref>
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| For the average city dweller without much living space, you have your standard cats and dogs and what have you. School children are allowed to take care of the class aquarium fish. There is also a lively underground network of illegal trade in snakes and other reptiles.
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