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The [[First Salvian Imperium]] was characterized by its frequent aggression and expansion as well as its rare democratic government form for the time. Although rather limited to only free males that owned property, the First Imperium had a "Council of the People" that passed laws and treaties as well as advise the monarch. It was first declared as early as 600 BC but would not conquer what is now labelled as Salvia until 473 BC.
The [[First Salvian Imperium]] was characterized by its frequent aggression and expansion as well as its rare democratic government form for the time. Although rather limited to only free males that owned property, the First Imperium had a "Council of the People" that passed laws and treaties as well as advise the monarch. It was first declared as early as 600 BC but would not conquer what is now labelled as Salvia until 473 BC.


The Salvian Empire conquered much of the neighboring tribes and nations; the [[Minetites]] to the south, the [[Alavonians]] to the west, and the [[Rassutians]] along the eastern coast were all subjugated as early as 473 BC. Further expansion would lead to the Salvian Imperium ruling the peninsula after the [[Salvian Wars of Expansion]]. Like the tribes centuries before them, the cultures of the these tribes were outlawed and their customs wiped out. With their neighbors conquered, the Salvian Empire stretched from ocean to the east, north and south to mountains in the west. A golden age was born, with culture and trade flourishing over the oceans with other kingdoms. This was not only the economic peak of the empire but also the cultural peak as the arts and literature flourished. The Salvian Golden Age would end a century later as the empire face several external and internal problems. Expansionist emperors would conquer more territory to the south and west.  
The Salvian Empire conquered much of the neighboring tribes and nations; the [[Minetites]] to the south, the [[Alavonians]] to the west, and the [[Rassutians]] along the eastern coast were all subjugated as early as 473 BC and more territory was annexed after the [[Salvian Wars of Expansion]]. Like the tribes centuries before them, the cultures of the these tribes were outlawed and their customs wiped out. With their neighbors conquered, the Salvian Empire stretched from the Bay of Salvae to the the South Oriental Ocean and as far north as modern day northern Tanemum.  


The First Imperium fell after the beginning of a civil war following the introduction of the new Christian religion, which was introduced in the first half of the century by a prophet named Liosous from Tagmatium, and a large drop in population following the arrival of the Tagmatine migrants from the [[Aroman Empire]] and diseases foreign to the native Salvians.
The First Imperium fell after the beginning of a civil war following the introduction of the new Christian religion, which was introduced in the first half of the century by a prophet named Liosous from Tagmatium, and a large drop in population following the arrival of the Tagmatine migrants from the [[Aroman Empire]] and diseases foreign to the native Salvians.


The Salvian Imperium was among the most powerful economic, cultural, political and military forces in Marenesia during the time and its borders extended beyond modern day Salvia. The Salvian Imperium's legacy has greatly impacted the Sanctum Imperium Catholicum, and by extension, regions under current or former control of Salvia. While not nearly as influential as the [[Aroman Empire]] on the world stage, the legacy of the Salvian Imperium influenced the Salvian region and surrounding area greatly.
The Salvian Imperium was among the most powerful economic, cultural, political and military forces in Marenesia during the time and its borders extended beyond modern day Salvia. The Salvian Imperium's legacy has greatly impacted the Sanctum Imperium Catholicum, and by extension, regions under current or former control of Salvia. While not nearly as influential as the [[Aroman Empire]] on the world stage, the legacy of the Salvian Imperium influenced the Salvian region and surrounding area greatly.  Classical Salvian works and knowledge would inspire the Late Medieval Renaissance and the ''Magnum Progressum''.


===Great Tagmatine Migration===
===Great Tagmatine Migration===

Revision as of 22:15, 26 March 2020

Sanctum (Salvian) Imperium Catholicum

Holy (Salvian) Catholic Empire
Flag of Sanctum Imperium Catholicum
Flag
Motto: "Through the Trinity, We Flourish"
(Above) Physical map of Salvia and major cities
(Above) Physical map of Salvia and major cities
Location of Salvia in Marenesia
Location of Salvia in Marenesia
StatusIndependent State
Capital
and largest city
Deopolis
Official languagesSalvian, Aroman
Religion
Salvian Catholicism
Demonym(s)Salvian
GovernmentConstitutional Federal Republic
• President
President Patrick Saulius
LegislatureConcilio Populi, Concilio Clerici
Establishment
505 BC
1261 AD
Area
• Total
201,509 km2 (77,803 sq mi)
Population
• 2016 census
23,001,900
GDP (nominal)estimate
• Total
$895,000,000,000
• Per capita
$38,909.83
HDI (2018).857
very high
CurrencySalvian Croinare (SCR)
Time zoneUTC -6
Date formatdd/mm/yyyy
Driving sideright
Calling code+301
Internet TLD.sic

Salvia, officially called the Divine Imperium of the Sanctum Imperium Catholicum, is a constitutional federal republic on Eurth located in Marenesia Major on Eurth. The nation borders Alvernia to the west, Tanemum to the north, and the Adisi Ocean to the south and east. The Sanctum Imperium Catholicum covers 201,509 square kilometers and has has an estimated population of 23 million. Salvia comprises of 12 provinces on the mainland and 3 additional overseas territories which were former colonies. It’s capital and largest city is Deopolis.

First home to early hunter-gatherers, southern Europans arrived in modern day Salvia as early as 4000 BC and experienced a genetic admixture with the first Marenesians, creating the Euro-Marenai people that inhabit Marenesia to this day. Evidence of agriculture can be found as first appearing around 3000 BC, while the first permanent settlements in Salvia can be dated back to around 1600 BC. Dozens of tribes existed in ancient Salvia and almost all had some influence on the culture of the Friulian tribe, which only emerged by around 1450 BC. The Friulian tribe would go on to conquer neighboring tribes, and by 600 BC had declared the creation of the First Salvian Imperium. The name "Salvia" as a name for the region was first used by the Friulians to describe their empire as their borders encapsulated dozens of native tribes. The following golden age produced by the peace would lead to the emergence of a distinct Salvian culture.

The First Salvian Imperium enjoyed around 4 centuries of relative prosperity and growth before the arrival of Tagmatine migrants in what historians have dubbed the Great Tagmatine Migration. The arrival of Tagmatine migrants, while at first largely ignored by the government, was soon greeted with hostility as conflicts between Salvians and Tagmatines raged in the northeast and foreign disease brought by the Tagmatines ravaged the population. The disease, combined with a series of poor harvests and other natural disasters, would lead to the complete collapse of the First Imperium in 175 AD.

Salvia has started to emerge from their cocoon of isolationism that was a result of the Long War and economic hardships experienced after. In 2019, the Salvian government negotiated several international trade deals with several nations, including Andalla and Tagmatium, and joined the intercontinental defense organization known as Tricontinental Defence Treaty Organisation. On 3 March 2020, Cardinal Matteo Selva Lorenzo of Alvernia was elected to the papacy, taking the name Pope Gregory XVII and becoming the Salvian head of state.


Etymology

The name Sanctum Imperium Catholicum derives from the Aroman words for “Holy Catholic Empire”. This references its imperial form of government in the early history as well as its foundation as a Catholic empire. The name is sometimes shortened to its acronym, “SIC", but is most commonly called "Salvia" after the name of the first united empires in the region, the First Salvian Imperium. The official name was first adopted by King Joseph I when he christened his newly united kingdom as the Sanctum Imperium Catholicum following his coronation by the reigning pope, Pope Leo VI.

The origins of the name "Salvia" are disputed, however the most popular held theory by historians is that it originates from the native Friulian word for "country", "territory", or "region". The term Salvia now refers to the country of The Sanctum Imperium Catholicum, however can also be used as a word for the general region that includes The Sanctum Imperium Catholicum and extends beyond it. Use of the term "Salvia" outside of the Sanctum Imperium Catholicum is mostly made by Salvian nationalists wishing to unite all Salvian peoples, most notably in Alvernia.

History

Bronze Age

Friulian coin found in Oyus, circa 550 BC

Signs of permanent settlement in Salvia dates back to 1600 BC, where agriculture allowed for the foundation of numerous cities and villages that dotted across the continent. Pre-Friulian Salvia was host to a myriad of native peoples and tribes, although little is known about them due to the First Imperium's destruction of other cultures. Existing evidence and research indicates that these tribes predated the Friulians by some time and were of Euro-Marenai descent, similar to ancient Friulians. This has led historians to conclude that the Friulian tribe was separated for some centuries before emerging onto the regional scene.

The ancient Friulians, orignially located in modern day Bertrium in southwest Salvia, were landlocked for the early part of the history before expanding and subjugating their neighbors. Incorporating much of the southwestern coastline into their territory by around 750 BC, the ancient Friulians then engaged in trade, and Friulian goods can be found as far as Adlantic islands and southern Europa.

Ancient Salvia and the Classical Era

The First Salvian Imperium was characterized by its frequent aggression and expansion as well as its rare democratic government form for the time. Although rather limited to only free males that owned property, the First Imperium had a "Council of the People" that passed laws and treaties as well as advise the monarch. It was first declared as early as 600 BC but would not conquer what is now labelled as Salvia until 473 BC.

The Salvian Empire conquered much of the neighboring tribes and nations; the Minetites to the south, the Alavonians to the west, and the Rassutians along the eastern coast were all subjugated as early as 473 BC and more territory was annexed after the Salvian Wars of Expansion. Like the tribes centuries before them, the cultures of the these tribes were outlawed and their customs wiped out. With their neighbors conquered, the Salvian Empire stretched from the Bay of Salvae to the the South Oriental Ocean and as far north as modern day northern Tanemum.

The First Imperium fell after the beginning of a civil war following the introduction of the new Christian religion, which was introduced in the first half of the century by a prophet named Liosous from Tagmatium, and a large drop in population following the arrival of the Tagmatine migrants from the Aroman Empire and diseases foreign to the native Salvians.

The Salvian Imperium was among the most powerful economic, cultural, political and military forces in Marenesia during the time and its borders extended beyond modern day Salvia. The Salvian Imperium's legacy has greatly impacted the Sanctum Imperium Catholicum, and by extension, regions under current or former control of Salvia. While not nearly as influential as the Aroman Empire on the world stage, the legacy of the Salvian Imperium influenced the Salvian region and surrounding area greatly. Classical Salvian works and knowledge would inspire the Late Medieval Renaissance and the Magnum Progressum.

Great Tagmatine Migration

The arrival of Tagmatine migrants following the prophet and apostle Liosous would be dubbed by historians as the Great Tagmatine Migration. This migration was not a singlular event but rather a wave of 6-8 migrations (accounts and primary sources vary on the number) in which thousands of people sailed from the Aroman Empire to Marenesia. While the event is called the Tagmatine migration, the migrants were from all over the Occident and were not exclusively from modern day Tagmatium. The migration and subsequent consequences are usually credited for the collapse of the First Salvian Imperium, the radical change of Salvian culture and society, and the introduction and eventual dominance of Christianity in Salvia and beyond. The event is marked by most historians as the single most important event in Salvian history.

Map showing path the prophet Liosous took en route to Salvia with dates

First arriving in 125 AD, the Tagmatine migrants arrived in the northeastern part of the empire. The government of the Imperium, under the Emperor Iseo Tanemahuta, was largely indifferent to the first wave of migrants, which comprised of the prophet Liosous and a band of several hundred followers. While the official religion of the state was an animistic pagan faith with the emperor at the center, Liosous was allowed to preach and Christians were given special protection after two of the emperor's sons, Princes Teo and Kei, were baptized and converted to Christianity. Without the leadership of Liosous, who was working on establishing a Christian community in the capital, Ziologiana, the Tagmatine band would soon clash with the native Salvians. These conflicts, combined with the spread of Tagmatine diseases the migrants brought over that proved especially fatal, would seriously sour relations between the native Salvians and Tagmatines. War broke out in 156 AD, shortly after the death of Liosous. By this time, two more waves of Tagmatine migrants had arrived, and the simultaneous rise of the Tagmatine population and sudden drop of the native Salvian population meant the war ended in a stalemate. Following the Peace of Demetaen in 160 AD, the two sides made peace and after a series of poor harvests, natural disasters, and a socioeconomic crisis as a result of the rapid decline in population the First Imperium would collapse in 175 AD.

A second genetic admixing would occur as several new waves of Tagmatines interbred with the recovering Salvian population. While ethnic conflicts occurred, they were rare as the native Salvian population sought to recover. The Tagmatines were incorporated into the native Salvian populace as many rose to the top of the social and economic ladder due to their extensive experiences and knowledge carried over from the Aroman Empire. This integration would have a resounding impact felt today, with many distinct physical features of the modern Salvian, most notably the white skin, originating from the genetic admixing. The Aroman culture and introduction of Christianity would also prove momentous in the history and culture of Salvia. It would eventually be a Tagmatine noble to found the Second Salvian Imperium.

Divine Imperium of the Sanctum Imperium Catholicum

The beginning of the medieval period in Salvia, while debated by historians, is most commonly marked as starting with the fall of the short-lived Third Imperium in 689 AD and the rise of the medieval kingdoms that took its place. Several large kingdoms- most notably the Demetae, Alvernians, Samoricans, and the Rassanans- dominated the former territory of the previous Imperiums, while numerous petty kingdoms and free cities also populated the coasts. Many of these kingdoms, to include the larger ones, no longer identified by tribe as pre-Antiquity, but instead had a shared "Salvian" culture that linked them together. This shared culture, though, was contrasted by political, religious, and economic differences that would lead the kingdoms into a constant power struggle.

These nations constantly fought, climaxing in the War of the Imperium from 1257 to 1261, a war fought between the Christian Salvians against the other pagan nations. Beginning in the fall of 1257, the war was largely a stalemate until 1261, when Joseph Murphy, a nobleman, took the position of marshal of the Salvians and brought the collective armies on an exhausting 9 month campaign, in which they conquered the neighboring kingdoms.

Legacy of King Joseph I

Coronation of King Joseph I by Giottus Alberti
Spiritu Sancti Cathedral as viewed from the street

Murphy was coronated king of the Imperium a year later by Pope Leo VI as King Joseph I and oversaw the promotion of the sciences as well as the Church. He built the largest and most famous cathedral in Salvia, the Spiritu Sancti, and built the foundations of what is today Deopolis. Many historians conclude that Murphy rebuilt the empire and ushered in an age of cultural and economic golden age. He is also credited with the foundation of the Sanctum Imperium Catholicum as a nation due to his papal coronation and intricate relationship with the Church. Joseph I died at the age of 57 in 1291, and after undergoing the usual process was canonized a saint in the Salvian Catholic Church in 1487.

The golden age that Joseph I ushered in, the High Medieval Renaissance, was a great cultural, economic, and intellectual transformation that would lay the groundwork for the Magnum Progressum. It was largely based in the increased contact with Marenesian and southern Europan nations due to prosperous trade, which allowed for the introduction of foreign ideas that later monarchs and eventually the philosophers of the Great Progression would take up and develop further. Southern Europan architectural techniques, considered more advanced then Salvian architecture, was adopted by Salvian architects and mathematicians who would develop it further into Gothic architecture. Universities were also constructed and supported by the state and Church in an effort to encourage the learning of the arts, sciences, history, and theology. Most universities were partly or fully controlled by the Church, which Joseph I and his heirs promoted, and as centers of the Great Progression would influence the Catholic worldview many of the humanists possessed.

Magnum Progressum and Discovery of Gunpowder

The Magnum Progressum, or "Great Progression," was a period of great cultural and scientific progression fueled by the patronage of the Salvian Church and kings. Art, literature, architecture, and philosophical thought flourished. The development of humanist thought, while at first stifled by the Church, was soon accepted as humanists became heavily inspired by Church teachings. There were, however, several humanists who broke off from the Church and would influence secular, Enlightenment thinking, most notably Eugene de la Rose. Many historians date the period in general terms as starting in the 1450s with the invention of the printing press and ending after the end of monarchical rule in 1709.

The Great Progression oversaw the emergence of a new artistic style in the form of the Progressive art style. A distinguishing characteristic of Progressive art that separated it from medieval styles was its focus on realistic, linear perspective. The development of such a perspective, pioneered by artists Giottus Alberti and Leonardus del Fyre, demonstrated a trend towards realism. The new art style was heavily influenced by Salvian classical works, an increased interest and development of mathematics, and new painting techniques developed by artists.

Gunpowder was discovered in the western mountains of Salvia in the 12th century, however was rarely used except in "crepituses," or fireworks. This would change in the late 15th century as innovations in technology allowed the Salvian military to utilize gunpowder in the form of gunpowder weapons. These weapons would enable Salvia to conquer more territory in Marenesia as well as overseas colonies and even enabled the success of the crusades.

Colonies: WIP Crusades: WIP

War of the Analgian League and Rise of the del Monte's

Colonial Wars and Mainland Revolt

The Blood-Soaked Fields by Carlo de Pasu, depicting the Battle of Milvian Fields

The centuries of peace on the mainland was disrupted in the spring of 1707. The monarch, King Peter III, was increasingly unpopular due to the war in Catholic Aslonia, known as Peter's War, and other grievances. After peaceful protests in Trinity were met with a fatal resistance from the army, the people began rioting, soon escalating into The People’s War.

The People’s War was fought between democrats and monarchists on the mainland. The democrats outnumbered the monarchists by around 3 to 1, however the monarchists controlled the national military, with the notable exception of most of the Royal Marines, who joined the side of the democrats. Fighting occurred mainly in the south and west, with fighting largely being absent from the urban northeast.

By the summer of 1708, the democrats had assumed control of the islands as well as the southern coast. Led by a young general Michael Alexis, the People’s Army began a campaign to conquer the northeast, climaxing in the siege of Deopolis from the winter of 1708 to the summer of 1709, when it ended with a monarchist surrender. The Treaty of Trinity established the modern Constitution, laws, and democracy the nation has today and abolished the monarchy.

Industrial Era

WIP

Modern Times

Notes- International affairs- treaties Domestic affairs- oil and inflation crisis (potentially), women suffrage

Church Crisis

Notes- International affairs- treaties Domestic affairs- oil and inflation crisis (potentially), women suffrage

Geography

Physical map of Salvia

Salvia is a relatively flat nation, save for the Agrilian Highlands to the west and the lowlands to the east. The highlands transition into rolling hills going eastward, flattening out to the average elevation of around 150 feet. Leading towards the sea, the elevation gradually decreases, eventually meeting the ocean. This pattern is seen as a band/wave-like pattern on a topographical map.

The nation is also abundant in rivers and has a couple of natural occurring lakes, the most notable being Lake Caperthia to the south.

The country lies in Marenesia Major.

Climate

WIP: DFA and CSA

Flora and Fauna

WIP

Politics

Government

Sanctum Imperium Catholicum is a constitutional federal republic divided into provinces each led by a Governor and a Castus, a member of the Catholic Church appointed by the Head of State. This castus is usually a clergy member however does little in regional politics and instead serves as an advisor. Power in Salvia is mostly held at the national level.

The government consists of three branches who each hold checks and balances over the other: the executive branch, legislative branch, and judicial branch.

Executive Branch

The nation as a whole is led by the President of the Sanctum Imperium Catholicum, and is elected through popular vote. The position is held for one term lasting 5 years, and can be elected for 3 terms. The powers and responsibilities of the president include:

1. Uphold the laws of the nation, 2. Appoint federal positions, 3. Sign treaties and pieces of legislation, and 4. Sign executive orders

The Vice President runs on the same ticket as the president during the election of the president. The vice president is the main advisor to the president, and takes his position in the case of death, removal from office, or retirement. He also presides over the Concilio Populi and can form special sessions of the Houses. The president is President Patrick Saulius, who formerly served as both president and Archbishop of Minotia and Catholic Aslonia before being defrocked pro gratia. The vice president is Seamus Finley.

Role of the Pope

The pope of the Salvian Catholic Church used to have a very influential role in Salvia and thus wielded substantial political power. However, following the end of the People's War, the Church's political power was significantly reduced over time. Today, the pope is the Head of State and has a ceremonial role to the nation. The pope still has a not insignificant influence of government affairs, especially through the Concilio Clerici and Castus, the latter of which he appoints. The current pope of Salvian Church is Pope Gregory XVII.

Legislative Branch

The Convention of Houses is made up of the aforementioned Concilio Populi (Council of the People) and Concilio Clerici (Council of the Clergy). Both houses have elected representatives, although the qualifications as well as the actual process is notably different.

The Concilio Populi is the larger and “stronger” branch of the Convention, with 230 representatives each having 6 year terms. However, the House is not all elected at once; half of the representatives are under election every three years. The elections every three years are also not at the same time- they usually span throughout the whole year, however its decided by the regional council. Representatives are proportionally elected provincially, with each representative having to earn a minimum of 100,000 votes to win a seat. Representatives have a 2 term limit. Single transferable vote is used for the candidates that do not make 100,000. The Speaker of the House is Michael Pokorney.

The Concilio Clerici is a somewhat elected, smaller, and more select group of 115 representatives. These representatives are instead approved by a regional council and the regional Castus, instead of being directly elected, and serve for shorter 4 year terms with a 2 term limit. The representatives are members of the clergy, usually priests, nuns, or brothers. All and any bills proposed by the Concilio Clerici must be approved by the Concilio Populi by at least three-fifths majority; this same rule does not apply to the Concilio Populi. The current Speaker of the Clergy is Monsignor Justin Erin.

Levels of Government

The provincial and local governments are complicated, intricate, and very different depending on the region or local town or village, however clear trends are observable.

Provincially, a Provincial Council with a certain number of representatives are elected; the average is around 100 members. These councils have power over local governments but are subject to the national government. They use federal tax money given to them and determine where those funds are allocated. The province collects no taxes, instead is granted money by the federal government or through donations and the use of land for commercial use (e.g: farming to make money for the province). The provincial government elects their representatives to the Conicllio Clerici, builds regional infrastructure and other civil services, as well as setting its own trade laws with other provinces- this includes taxes, how much of a substance can be imported at once, and many other things.

Locally, a town, village, or hamlet will elect its own council of representatives. These representatives elect representatives for the provincial government.

Foreign Relations

WIP

The Foreign Ministry is another historically important department. It’s upper echelon includes some civilian and military advisers and decision makers, as well as 20 Clerici and 75 Populi representatives. Its main powers are to advise the Convention of Houses as well as the President, and proposes treaties on foreign trade, immigration, and taxes on import and exports.

Military

The Navy and Marines are the largest and strongest branches, and work closely together in operations and basic training. The Imperial Military focuses heavily on these branches, focusing on naval superiority through the Navy and land invasions by the Marines.

The Air Force and Army branches are sometimes mistakenly seen as subdivisions of the Navy and Marines respectively, however they are their own, albeit smaller, branches. Much of the Salvian airpower is operated by the Navy, while the Air Force primarily operates in Marenesia. The Army shares much of its bases with the Marines, however have some of its own, including its headquarters at Fort Leo.

Economy

The economy of Salvia is classified as a developed capitalist social market economy. Its major economic factors are tourism, electronic manufacturing, shipbuilding and agriculture, and lumber production. Salvia is regarded as one of the world's most industrialized nations and a leading country in world trade and exports. Salvia is one of the world's largest manufacturing country, characterized by a smaller number of global multinational corporations than other economies of comparable size. Most of Salvia's industrial capacity is clustered in the north,

Economic Sectors

Electronics Manufacturing

One of the largest economic sectors in Salvia is electronics manufacturing. Many large companies have stationed their headquarters and factories in the nation's northeastern region due to the historic presence of educated, middle class workers. These companies are a large producer and exporter of computers and mobile devices for civilian use as well as secure technology for both the military and government.

Agriculture

WIP

Tourism

Chauteu-del-Monte

The Divine Imperium contains many popular cultural and historical sites, home to millions of tourists each year. Thus, a thriving industry in tourism was born, raking in billions of Salvian Crosses for both private industry and the government. Some popular religious, cultural, or historical sites might include St. Murphy's Cathedral, Museum and Palace (6.2 million annual visitors), Chauteu-del-Monte (large country house of the del-Monte royal house, 1.8 million), Gerizim Hill (1.7 million), and Spiritu Sancti, the oldest church in the nation (1.5 million).

Textiles

Textiles continues to be another notable sector of the economy, originating from the First Imperium. Following the Industrial Revolution, the sector has only grown in size.

Ship Manufacturing

Ship manufacturing has remained a large sector of the economy since the 15th century through modern times. As a coastal nation, the government and merchants have had a constant need of ships. In recent decades, ship manufacturing has seen growth as both military and civilian demand has steadily grown.

External Trade

With many trade deals with other nations, the Sanctum Imperium Catholicum and has been trading goods surplus for a profit for decades. Its main exports are electronics, lumber, and foodstuffs, of which wine and fruit make up most foodstuff exports. Salvia has extensive trade deals with nations outside of Marenesia, and is currently expanding its reach with deals with Tagmatium and Andalla.

Infrastructure

The Sanctum Imperium Catholicum is a highly developed nation, even in the rural regions. The nation is connected through both the Murway National Highway System as well as by trains and other public transport. Public transport in the nation is both privately and nationally funded, making it one of the best in the region.

Many citizens have access to the internet, and cell phone ownership is high. Internet speeds vary although the nation is very technologically developed.

Railroads and highways connect major cities, with each city containing a hub where both railroads and highways span out of. Major hubs are located in the nation’s largest 5 cities, and the system as a whole contains a network of both short-distance and long-distance rail lines and roads running from it to nearby urban areas and other hubs.

Around 23 airports exist in Salvia, most of them local airfields in rural and suburban areas. There are 2 major international airports that connect Salvia with the outside world, and are used for both the movement of people and goods. Privately owned airlines dominant the scene, and the nationally owned Salvian Ways is small and usually only used for government officials.

Salvia has 5 deep water seaports, which are home to the majority of the nation’s exports and imports. These economic hubs are also the sites of much of the shipbuilding industry.

Demographics

Population

The Sanctum Imperium Catholicum has a population of 23,001,900 people, of which an estimated 50,000 are undocumented illegal immigrants. The average fertility rate is 3.8 children, and the average life expectancy is a high 82.4 years: 81.3 for men and 83.5 for women.

Language

The Constitution of 1709 made both Salvian, a romance language dervied from Aroman, and Aroman the official languages of the country. While very few people are fluent in Aroman and virtually nobody speaks in the vernacular, all state documents on the federal and provincial level must be written in Salvian and Aroman.

The typical dialect of the Imperium is Salvian, with an estimated 99% of the population speaking it. However, a notable chunk of that percentage (37%) is bilingual, typically in Batengdeian or another language.

Religion

Since the foundation of the Second Imperium, the nation has been largely Salvian Catholic. This holds up even in modern times, with around 91% of the population falling under the Catholic faith according to the 2017 national census. The rest of the population is filled with a diverse set of religions.

Although religious freedoms have been held up in modern times, national distrust of certain religions, especially those who practice Judaism and Islam, is especially prevalent in the western conservative regions. The region has a history of attacks on people of both faiths, although none have been encouraged by the Church or government in modern times.

Race & Ethnicity

WIP

Culture

Almost every aspect of Salvian life is influenced by Salvian Catholicism and native and Aroman traditions. Salvian culture is marked by strong historic ties to Catholicism, which played a pivotal role in the country's formation and subsequent identity. Its art, literature, and national identity is based off of its ties with its Aroman, Catholic, and native Salvian influences.

Influences

Native Salvian

Aroman

Salvian Catholicism

Architecture

Arts and Literature

After the Magnum Progressum, the arts and literature flourished, which brought upon much of the works that modern Salvians admire today. Film and literature are the most popular among the masses, although other arts, such as paintings, dances, and operas, remain popular.

The country as a small but active film industry, and book publishing is at an all time high. Many works of art and literature contain religious underlying themes. The Church, under Popes during the Magnum Progressum, heavily promoted the arts and literature through funding and contract work.

Cuisine

Food is very diverse in Salvia, with the cuisine stressing the importance of taste.

Fruit is served as dessert due to its sweet nature and Salvia's extensive production of it. Wine is also very popular during meals and dessert, and the southeastern region is the nation’s leading producer of wine.

Some popular dishes include:

WIP

Sports and Hobbies

The most popular sports in Salvia are rugby and football (soccer). Both sports each have their own leagues (RSA and FA, respectively) and both sports have their own national team that competes internationally. Other popular sports includes basketball, boxing, and wrestling.

The typical Salvian will play a sport throughout their schooling career. Many people also have other hobbies, which can be as mundane as reading and watching films to the extremes of skydiving and everything in between. Typical hobbies include reading, astronomy, and athletics such as sports, although it is hard to pin down a definite answer due to the sheer amount of them.

Although uncommon, it is not very rare to see Salvians spend much of their free time with religion, especially through prayer or religious education at home and abroad. Salvian culture contains the Church in many things, and this extends to hobbies and activities. This template may be deleted.