Llalta

The Seylosian Crown Dependency of Llalta
Flag
Motto: "Strung Together Like a Chain of Flowers"
Capital	St. Christopher
Official languages	Anglish
Demonym(s)	Llaltese
Government	Crown Dependency with a Unitary Parliamentary Republic under a Non-Partisan Democracy
• Premier	Eve Gallaghan
• Vice Premier	Michael McHarley
Legislature	Parliament
• Upper house	Hall of Mont Alexander
• Lower house	House of Populus
Population
• 2018 census	3,136
GDP (nominal)	2018 estimate
• Total	$118 million
• Per capita	$37,628
Currency	Llaltese Pound (LIP)
Time zone	UTC +2
Driving side	left
Calling code	+37
Internet TLD	.lla

Llalta is a Seylosian crown dependency located in the center of the Adlantic Ocean, consisting of a single island that spans 1,104mi² (2,861km²). Known for its vast mountain landscape, covered with rivers and thick, dense forest, Llalta has a population of 3,316, making it the smallest dependency based on the population on Eurth. It has a miniscule economy, consisting mainly of fishing and agriculture. Llalta, whilst technically a part of the Kingdom of Seylos, enjoys a high degree of autonomy both internally and internationally, having its own government and premier.

History

Discovery

The first recorded discovery of Llalta was in 1832, 8th December, by Seylosian explorer Alexander Cavendale. The team recorded and mapped the island, noting the untouched flora, fauna, and landscape. Despite this, Cavendale and his team left the island, and Llalta remained uninhabited until 1862.

Coal Mining (1862 - 1897)

In 1862, Seylosian business man James Gallaghan discovered a large amount of coal on the island, specifically in the Northern valleys and mountains, and built a coal mine, which was in high demand back in the mainland. Many working-class Seylosians from Alba and Cymry migrated over to Llalta in search of work. By 1870, Llalta's population was 6,000. This population boom also gave way to Llalta's first port town being built, now known as St. Christopher, built to accommodate the mass amounts of coal being transported back to the mainland. Many smaller mining towns in the North were also built.

During this time, the people of Llalta was at a time of wealth, making huge profits for the mine owners at the time. And despite barely getting any of that profit, the miner's standard of living increased and lived better lives than many of those working in Seylosian mines. By 1875, the population grew to 9,000, garnering a huge profit for the mine owners. As a result, however, crime was a huge issue due to the lack of government or law on the island, and around 20% of Llalta's forests were being cut down for more land. Llalta produced a lot of CO2 as well at the time. Many species became endangered or even extinct.

In 1896, an 8.2 magnitude earthquake in the North of Llalta caused the mine to collapse, killing 682 people working in the mine at the time. A further 1,000 were killed during the earthquake in the many mining communities surrounding the mine and many more died in the subsequent rockslides and tsunamis. It has been speculated that around 4,000 people, mostly miners, were killed in the earthquake and subsequent incidences. Around 3,000 were injured. Those 2,000 in the south, in St. Christopher, were barely affected. By 1899, the population had shrunk back to 2,000 and there was little support from Seylos. However, the two thousand left thrived well.

Modern Day (1899 - present day)

In 1930, Seylos granted Llalta a high amount of autonomy and gave Llalta a government to rule itself.

Economy

Llalta’s tiny economy consists mainly of agriculture, farming and the seafood industry. However, Llalta has a few other industries as well, such as producing high-quality wool and leather. Llalta’s main trading partner is Seylos, exporting and importing many products with each other.

Llalta’s biggest town, St. Christopher is the islands most important and only port, allowing sea trade with Seylos and acting as a key stop off point for ships traveling across the Adlantic Ocean.

Geography

Llalta is a miniscule island that sits in the Adlantic Ocean, directly in between Argis and Europa. As well as that, it is placed on the border between the Fractian plate and Marenesia Major, leading the island to be affected by earthquakes and tsunamis very often, and covered with volcanoes. The seas around the island are also particularly rough.

Due to it's many mountains and it's Northern position, Llalta is very cold, with mild summers and cold winters. Snow and rain are very prominent in Winter, Spring and Autumn, whilst Summers are usually mild and sunny. The island faces many storms in Spring and Autumn as well.

The island is covered in a vast mountain range known as the Cavendale, which is covered in thick, dense forests. The trees are mostly evergreen, but coniferous trees are common too. Volcanic eruptions also give the soil fertility, allowing a various amount of flora to grow across the island. The fertile soils are also great for harvest.