Valdinas Islands
Autonomous Region of the Valdinas | |
|---|---|
 Flag  Coat of arms | |
| Country | Atresca |
| Status | Autonomous region |
| Statue of Autonomy | 1996 |
| Capital | Librizzi |
| Government | |
| • Governor | Andrea Finocchiaro |
| • Legislature | Senate |
| Population (2016) | |
| • Total | 575,902 |
| Demonym | Valdinian |
| GDP (PPP) | |
| • Total | TBD |
| • Per capita | $23,100 |
| GDP (nominal) | |
| • Total | TBD |
| • Per capita | $19,500 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (Western Asura Standard Time) |
| Official languages | Valdinian Atrescan |
The Valdinian Islands (Valdinian: Ìsuli Vaddinas), also known as the Valdinas (Valdinian: Las Vaddinas), is an autonomous region off the southern coast of Atresca. In 2016, the region had a population of 575,902. The regional capital is Librizzi, the largest city. It is divided into two provinces: Valdina and Furnari.
The Valdinas are located in the eastern Asur Sea and are separated from the Atrescan mainland by the Strait of Albasani. Together, the islands form a small archipelago. The eastern island of Valdina is defined by by hills and plains. Furnari, located in the west, has a rocky and jagged coastline and a mountainous interior. Mont Avic, an active volcano located on Furnari, is one of the Valdina's most famous landmarks. The islands have a Mediterranean climate.
Humans have lived on the islands since 12,000 BCE. Colonies were established by the Myrians starting in 650 BCE. The islands were conquered by the Fiorentine Empire and gradually the dominance of Myrian declined. After the fall of the Fiorentines in 492 CE, the Valdinas were ruled independently. They sided against the Atrescan League in the Pontifical War and subsequently lost their independence. The islands became part of the Kingdom of Atresca following unification in 1858. Following a political instability, economic downturn, and a low-level insurgency the Valdinas were granted special status as an autonomous region in 1996.
The Valdinas have their own devolved government. The Regional-Governor leads the Valdinian government and has executive powers. The Valdinian Senate servers as the regional legislature. Most political parties active in the Valdinas are regionally focused. Several support independence while others back further devolution or want to maintain the status quo. The current Regional-Governor is Andrea Finocchiaro, who was elected in 2015.
Despite having been part of varying Atrescan states for over 400 years, the Valdinas have retained a strong cultural identity. The Valdinas have a unique and rich culture with significant achievements in the arts, literature, music, and cuisine. The islands have many important archaeological sites and are visited by thousands of tourists annually. Librizzi International Airport serve international travelers.