Aquitayne
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Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne | |
|---|---|
 Coat of arms
| |
| Motto: "Fate is Inexorable." | |
| Anthem: | |
 - Light green resembles the Empire of Symphonia, a United Kingdom member. | |
| Capital and largest city | Telora |
| Official languages | English, Vik'Rus |
| Ethnic groups | 67.5% Nordic 24.3% Symphonian 8.2% other |
| Demonym(s) | Aquitaynian |
| Government | Constitutional Monarchy Parliamentary |
• King | Samuel I |
• Prime Minister | Richard Larrow |
| Legislature | Parliament |
| Formation | |
• Unification | October 13th, 1366 |
• Isolation | April 7th, 1555 |
• Provincial State of the Exponential Empire | 9 April 1653 |
• War of Independence | 27 September 1734 |
• Constitutional Monarchy | 8 December 1741 |
| Area | |
• Total | 1,584,900 km2 (611,900 sq mi) |
• Water (%) | 4.3% |
| Population | |
• 2020 estimate | 196,687,168 |
• 2016 census | 184,172,967 |
| GDP (PPP) | 2016 estimate |
• Total | $7.682 Trillion |
• Per capita | $41,710 |
| GDP (nominal) | 2016 estimate |
• Total | $7.967 Trillion |
• Per capita | $45,650 |
| Gini (2008) | 32.6 medium |
| HDI (2012) | 0.922 very high |
| Currency | Aero (AER) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 |
| Date format | dd/mm/yyyy |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code | +165 |
| Internet TLD | .cma |
Aquitayne (pronounced: /ɑːkwɪteɪn/) , officially known as the Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne (Vik'Rus: Guneyha Eirar us Aqvitanye) is a Constitutional Monarchy, which encompasses the middle eastern mainland regions and islands off the coast of the continental Lorecia, which is located in the region of Astyria. The nation's territory is centered on the Aquitaynian mainland, with the exception of its only territorial holding on Insula Fera. The country's largest island is Ceria, where large manufacturing districts, as well as sprawling urban centers, are located.
The Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne is a unitary state under the governance of a Parliamentary body which rules under the King. The seats of government are located justly inside the national capitol, Telora. At the zenith of its power, the nation's borders extended widely during the 15th Century, and closely resemble what they are today. Aquitayne is often considered a pioneer of what is now considered 21st Century diplomacy in Astyria.
As the leading member of the United Kingdom, Aquitayne benefits from excellent trade and diplomatic relations with the Empire of Symphonia. Aquitaynian foreign policy is closely aligned with Symphonia's, and both militaries are granted full use of each other's facilities. Aquitayne has been categorized as an objective nation that is intermittently active in Astyrian affairs.
History
Main Article: History of Aquitayne.
Prehistory
See also: European Settlement of Aquitayne.
The indigenous people of Aquitayne, the Vikairuge, are believed to have migrated from western Astyria around 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. During the prehistoric period, much of the people who occupied the western areas are believed to be from direct Vikarian descent. Historic consensus is that Vikarians who had ended up in the grasslands of Aquitayne and the surrounding islets were migrants who failed to return West after a peculiarly harsh winter in the Aesir mountains.
Warring States Period
The Warring States Period was an eightyyear engagement of hostilities between the thirteen Jarls of Aquitayne. The conflicts began five years after the Vikings first settled in Aquitayne. It began with Viking migrants from the North, what is now Nouvel Ecosse, going south in search of riches. When they arrived, they began to invade Vikairuge land. Eventually the Vikairuge would move West, out of the hands of the Vikings, but regardless the thirteen Jarls began to fight among themselves of who had claims to what land.
Unification
See also: Unification of Aquitayne.
The Unification of Aquitayne would occur in 1366 A.D, when the Vikairuge - under the leadership of Doridian the Fearless - would stage a large scale attack against the thirteen Jarls - then known as the Thirteen Scolds, due to their continued separation - in the hopes of reclaiming their lost territory and homeland. The Vikairuge sought to end the subjugation of their brethren in the hands of the Jarls and to unify the lands which they claimed as rightfully theirs.
Formation of the EATA
On the 7th of May, 1952, Aquitayne became a founding member of the East Astyrian Treaty Alliance, creating an intergovernmental military alliance that still exists today. Aquitayne would remain a leading partner in the organization, leading the rebuilding and economic support of much of the bloc's nations that were ravaged from the Second Great Astyrian War, especially the Blackhelm Confederacy. The political foundation for the alliance was mostly economic, with fringe benefits of mutual defense, free trade and extradition treaties that were highly profitable after the war. Aquitayne began exporting advanced machining tools, technologies and armaments to the Blackhelm Confederacy in an effort to jump-start the economy, and invested over 100 billion Aeros to grow the Confederate economy back to pre-war standards. It was argued at the time that to do so would put not only the Confederacy, but the alliance as a whole, in an almost untouchable economic position within the region.
Aquitayne and Caprica would be leading members of the political and military alliance for three decades until Aquitayne's departure in 1984, when Parliament voted to hold a referendum to leave the EATA in favor of establishing the United Kingdom with Symphonia via the marriage of then Prince Thomas Reich and the Symphonian crown princess. The drastic move was highly opposed by close allies, including Caprica, as well as the Blackhelm Confederacy. Many of the proponents objected to the exit, arguing that Aquitayne was better off economically and defensively within the EATA. Advocates for the leave vote argued that exiting the EATA unshackled Aquitayne and opened its future to a more diverse and freer market, as well as solidified long standing friendships with a strong and stable ally that didn't require constant military upkeep to ensure safety.
Formation of the United Kingdom
The creation of the modern United Kingdom with Symphonia began during the last great war fought against the Greater Imperial Japanese Dystopia in 1975. A coup by Crown Prince Lelouch vi Kiramashi-Sveltz effectively forced Aidan to abdicate from power, disrupting war operations and drawing the ire of the aristocracy and Imperial Senate. The subsequent invasion of the West Coast of Symphonia Propera, though technically a Symphonian victory, was the final straw for the nobility tired of constant war under the Seltz-Britannia Era.
Hostilities between the Imperial House of Kiramashi and the nobility, led by the House of Seong and Mun Clan of the House of Numenor, erupted abruptly with the military execution of leading members of the imperial house in public execution in West Genevira. Eastern Emperor Lelouch, Western Emperor Sora, AFN Chairman Kohaku, former emperor Aidan, dowager empress Euphemia, and International Relations minister Chung Hyung-suk were executed, to the horror of the populace. Violent crackdowns of the resultant rioting by the newly-proclaimed Seong Shogunate ended with civil war and foreign intervention in favor of the Kiramashi and the Shogun.
Following the assassination of the infant Emperor Ryuku vi Kiramashi-Seong by shogunate agents, 7th Princess Seondeok was proclaimed Empress of Symphonia and the first President of a democratic United States. The war between the United States and the Shogunate ended with nuclear detonations over Numenoria and Celestar, killing several million people and the former wiping out the shogunate leadership. Peace negotiations occurred in the neutral state of Shanix, in which Seondeok replaced all members of the old aristocracy with her appointees and exiled the former. In thanks for Aquitaynian support throughout the war, Seondeok married Thomas von Reich, creating the current ruling branch of Kiramashi-Reich and placing Symphonia as a junior member of a personal union between Aquitayne and Symphonia. After this marriage, Aquitayne held a referendum on whether to remain in the East Astyrian Treaty Alliance or exit to create the United Kingdom, and ultimately voted in favor of leaving the EATA in 1982.
Contemporary Era
Although modern-day Aquitayne is not a large nor overtly powerful entity within Astyria, it still holds exponential political power. Among the central and eastern nations of Astyria, Aquitayne holds a gateway position to the North and East from the West, and controls much of the trade going across Astyria. The nation also boasts one of the largest merchant fleets in Astyria, second only to Maritime Imperial Shipwrights.
In a military aspect, Aquitayne holds a small, but highly capable and technologically advanced armed services that has been utilized only for armed neutrality in the past hundred years. The military is geared towards power projection and numerical disadvantages, allowing an invading party little to no strengths against the nation in terms of numbers. In the wake of the Great War, many citizens dispute the idea of imperialism and military size.
Government
For more information, see: Government of Aquitayne
Parliament
The Parliament of Aquitayne is the official name for the governing body of the Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne. The representative body of the nation is comprised of two sections: the Magnus (People), and Magnatus (Lords), hence where the name of the body derives. The Magnus is comprised of 150 elected representatives that serve 3 year terms, while the Magnatus is a body of 100 elected royals from each province that represent not only the people's interest, but the interests of the royals as well.
This set-up is controversial in modern times, as some feel that the Magnatus doesn't truly represent the people of the nation. The current head of government is the Royalist Party, who's head of government is Richard Larrow, making him the Prime Minister of Aquitayne. Unlike in most modern nations, the Prime Ministers duties revolve mostly around the legislative body itself rather than international politics or the running of the state. Such duties are often left to the still-powerful monarch, who acts as the Head of State for the nation.
The below table is based on election results from the 2020 general election.
| Party Name | Coalition | seats in the Parliament | Ideology | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royalists Ruyelzeist |
in coalition | 126 / 250
|
fiscal conservatism, agrarianism, nationalism, statism, social democracy, environmentalism | |
| People's Party Kaer'yus Perti |
in opposition | 89 / 250
|
lassaiz-faire, urbanism, unionism | |
| Isolationists Insulat Perti us Aqvitanye |
in opposition | 19 / 250
|
liberal conservatism, pro-choice, free market, pacifism | |
| Republicans Republicas Perti |
in opposition | 10 / 250
|
republic, national conservatism, fiscal conservatism, nationalism, free market | |
| Environmentalists Terra Koelyeta |
in coalition | 6 / 100
|
green politics, social liberalism |
Royal Houses
There are currently three major Houses, commonly referred to as dynasties, within modern-day Aquitayne. They are the House Reich, House Kon'rei, and House Tyom. The most powerful of these houses, undoubtedly, is that of the House Reich, as the head of that house, currently Samuel I, sits as the King of Aquitayne. The various Houses of the Kingdom have vied for the kingship throughout multiple centuries, which derives the long standing reign of the House Kon'rei under the Empire of Exponent in the 1600's.
The Houses of Aquitayne are considered to be of prestige and merit, and it is perceived as a vestige of de facto social stratification in the social classes of Aquitayne. It is proven that children belonging to these dynasties are generally of much wealthier inheritance than the majority of their counterparts, and also enjoy many benefits such as enhanced private education; most of the children of these dynasties from the age of six to eighteen attend the St George's Academy, a private institution which permits only the children of the royal Houses. There have been calls for its dissolution in the past, but the High Council has ruled it is within the constitutional law of Aquitayne to exist and remain exclusive to children of royal birth.
In the modern day, Houses are no longer permitted to own standing armies, as the military forces of the nation were nationalized in the late 1800's, to prevent a civil war between the standing House Reich and the House Tyom, which was claiming the kingship. However, in lieu of military action, the dynasties of the nation have - while publicly stating they are actively working together, and peacefully at that - also been known to conduct industrial espionage as much of the wealth of the royal houses derive from large corporations and private business ventures to which the heads of the Houses are partners or owners.
In recent years, there have been calls from the public to dismantle the perceived 'House System'. It is perceived that individuals of noble birth are given opportunity, privilege and rights that the normal citizen may not enjoy. While this is mostly disproved, there are instances where the royalty of the nation have seen lesser criminal sentences due to their stature, as well as their ability to live generally above the standard living index of the country. However, as there is still a royal inheritance system still in place, as well as the reality that dukes and counts are still present in modern Aquitaynian life, the High Court has ruled in favor of the maintenance of the system.
While in the past two decades there have been many calls to disband the House structure due to the fear of a civil war erupting, many analysts agree that the probability of an Aquitaynian civil war erupting are slim to none. As the military is under the command of the King, any reserve units would likewise remain under the control of the King; there are no Gendemarie in Aquitayne, and likewise there are not any units which are similar to the National Guard of the United States. However, there has been fears of a conflict brewing between the Lord of the Northern Isles and the Lord of the Southern Isles. Throughout history these two Dukes have gone to war multiple times, but in the modern day the most one can do to the other is a condemnation or brief embargo, however these actions are severely frowned upon by the Kingship as the nation is still a solitary state, and the conflicts between Lords are expected to remain out of the public view and occur without hostile action in any form.
Currently, the three houses of Aquitayne contain roughly 1,520 individuals claiming royal birth. Additionally, there are an estimated 25,000-40,000 individuals within Aquitayne expected to be of royal heritage via now-defunct Houses or lineages which tie into Lordships, land titles, and other various areas of royalty. Should an individual seek their family history and be found to be of noble heritage, they can receive scholarships from various universities across Aquitayne.
Foreign Relations
Main Article: Aquitaynian Foreign Policy.
Aquitayne is currently a member of the World Assembly and the Security Council, and votes regularly on legislation. It is also a council member of the E10 Council of Nations, the International Ice Patrolling and Monitoring Organisation, and is currently applying to become a member of the International Coalition for Expansion (ICE) as an observer nation. It was also previously a leading member in the now-defunct Tripartite Pact.
As a significant hub for international relations, Aquitayne boasts a sizable diplomatic mission across Astyria. It currently hosts the headquarters for multiple international organization such as UIF, a non-profit organization working to better the living conditions in Insula Fera, and the The Green Initiative For Tomorrow.
Aquitaynian foreign policy of the past thirty years has been shaped by its union with the Empire of Symphonia. With the formation of the United Kingdom, mutual free trade agreements such as UFTA (United Free Trade Agreement), have surged imports and exports, as well as income, to unforeseen margins. Aquitayne has previously attempted to bar the Blackhelm Confederacy from gaining political influence across the Mare Ferum after relations soured due to Aquitayne's departure from the East Astyrian Treaty Alliance (EATA), but those attempts are largely defunct. Since a politically driven impasse, Aquitayne has signed the Treaty on Region Stabilization and Peace, an agreement with the Blackhelm Confederacy to mutually agree not to undermine each other's political authority.
Aquitayne is no longer a member of any EATA-esque entity, after leaving the EATA in 1982 to form the United Kingdom. Aquitayne's current most valuable strategic partner remains its sister nation Symphonia, with strong military ties remaining with its oldest ally, Caprica. However, under His Majesty Samuel Reich, Aquitayne has deferred most major military operations to that of the Symphonian, and Asian Federation of Nations' Senate. However, the entrance of both Aquitayne and Symphonia to the E10 Council of Nations is seen as a large step in securing trade power across the Mare Ferum, and into western Astyria. To that end, Ceria currently houses the T5 Council of Trade Relations. Aquitayne has vehemently opposed escalating the Plätteisen Adler conflict, which has strained relations with Neu Engollon and the Dangish Empire. Aquitayne was also asked to enter the Astyrian Trade Organisation (ATO), a counter-alliance to the EATA, seeking to prevent eastern policy from interfering in the west.
Aquitayne retains strong political and military policy making on the Insula Fera archipelago, due to the Royal Colonial Society's work over the past century to enter the protectorate of Cape Town into the Aquitaynian kingdom. That goal was only recently reached, in late 2013, which subsequently lead to the Fall of the Imperial Spartanian Empire and the current Greater Insula Feran Conflict. Aquitaynian, Symphonian and Riysan forces are fighting warlords and other insurgents who are fighting the soldiers, who are under the command of the Multi-national Force - Insula Fera.
Aquitayne actively donates to developing nations and seeks to end world hunger.
Judicial System
Main Article: Legal System in Aquitayne.
Geography
Aquitayne is situated mostly between latitudes 41° and 51° N, and longitudes 6° W and 10° E, in the central areas of Astyria, and thus lies in the northern temperate zone. The cartography of the nation is also divided into two parts: Metropolitan Aquitayne and Territorial Aquitayne. The former comprises of mainland Aquitayne and its surrounding islands, while the latter depicts Aquitaynian territories overseas, almost singularly Cape Town.
In the south, Metropolitan Aquitayne borders ViZion, and to the north is bordered by Falkasia. It also borders Stretta across the Straight of Verana, at 280 kilometers from their two closest points.
Ceria, with its outlying islets - Thennia, Escitria, and Ebias - as well as, Aria and its singular islet, Agietias, along with: Narovium, Orium, Casinium, Cathorcus, Arontur, and Castineos, with mainland Aquitayne, comprise what is known as Metropolitan Aquitayne.
Aquitayne also boarders the Imperial Spartanian Empire, Symphonia, the Blackhelm Confederacy, the Aurora Confederacy (State of Khayr Var), and the State of Bungussi via the Cape Town Protectorate.
The Central Astyrian territory of Astyria, or Metropolitan Aquitayne, encompasses 1,447,000km2, while Territorial Aquitayne is 137,000km2, for a total of 1,584,900km2, making Aquitayne a more medium sized nation on the scale of other territorial giants. Aquitayne possesses a wide variety of landscapes, from coastal plains in the East and Northeast to mountain ranges of the Aesir's to the West, and the plateaus of the south-central and grasslands to the North.
At 4,589 meters (15,941.6 ft) above sea level, the highest point in Central Astyria, Mt.Ciel, is situated in the Aesir Mountain Range which lies in the western regions of mainland Aquitayne, and actually defines its western border. Aquitayne also has major rivers that course through its mainland, such as the Urorcene, Parycias, and Saratrar.
Climate
The north and northwest areas of Aquitayne have a cooler climate than the central areas, with lower temperatures than the rest of the country. Maritime influences as well as a more temperate altitude provide a very diverse climate for the rest of Metropolitan Aquitayne. In the southeast, a Mediterranean climate prevails. In the north and central areas of Aquitayne, there is a continental climate which prevails over the western's alpine climate.
The plains of Crentene.
Alpine climate in the Aesir Mountains
Alpine climate in Mirevur National Reserve.
Agriculture
Aquitayne is a leading nation in Astyria when it comes to agriculture. According to 2014 Census data, there are approximately 1,002,421 farms registered within the nation, with about 13.6% of the population employed in agriculture or other similar sectors such as fishing or forestry. This data makes Aquitayne the largest agricultural hub of Astyria. When all people engaged in agriculture-related activities (including the processing of agricultural goods, for example) are considered, the percentage of the population engaged in agricultural production is much larger.
Large tracts of fertile land in the middle of the country, and towards the southern areas, provide the backbone of the agricultural industry in Aquitayne. Here, vast amounts of wheat, poultry, dairy, pork, internationally recognized processed foods, and wines are grown for export. Some 45% of the wines made in Aquitayne are consumed domestically, with the other wines being exported to Astyrian nations as well as the rest of the world.
Recent farming subsidies granted by Parliament, amounting to about $9 billion Aeros, has improved the quality and efficiency of Aquitaynian farmers. These subsidies have lead Aquitayne to claim the number one agricultural exporting nation in Astyria.
Genetically Modified Foods
For more, see: Genetically modified food controversies and, Genetically Modified Food Controversy in Aquitayne.
Over the past decade, Genetically Modified Crops (GMCs, GM Crops, biotech crops) have become a large contention with farmers and legislature within Aquitayne. There has been a large push by the eco-terrorist group, GreenWorld, to ban all genetically modified crops and foods from the Aquitaynian food supply. Currently, 15% of Aquitaynian farmers register as using genetically modified crops, citing their increased profits and higher yields as factual proof for their success.
Curretly, Aquitaynian legislation does not expressly deny the use of GMCs or GMOs, but likewise it does not give subsidies for farmers using such techniques. The line between what is legal and what is not when it comes to genetically modified anything is blurry at best, and is often manipulated by GMO companies to further increase their profitability within Aquitayne.
Recently, the eco-terrorist group GreenWorld has staged attacks on farms and facilities who use and create genetically modified crops. This has raised the attention of many citizens across Aquitayne, when a ANN study showed, "only 35% of Aquitaynians knew they were consuming Genetically Modified Foods, and only 40% knew what Genetically Modified Foods were".
Regions
Aquitayne is divided into 20 administrative regions. 19 are located in Metropolitan Aquitayne, with the last being located in Cape Town, though there are plans to expand Cape Town to three regions. These regions are then divided further into approximately 103 areas, each area given its own 4-digit identification number, which is used for postage and identification.
Each region is broken down into a Regional Parliament, area Parliament, and Town Councils which oversee legislation for certain areas.
Metropolitan Regions
| Region | Departments | Capital |
|---|---|---|
| Acril | Valhedge, Ebus, Aquas, Terrurano, Nubinis, Aquia | Telora |
| Uskar | Olvene, Ursynum, Agragana, Espium, Orderana, Castanteos | Helm |
| Ceria | Curus, Freyport | Tacor |
| Seue | Engova, Cyrcini | Aqines |
| Grados | Escand, Castibona, Agrias, Austryvene | Falklas |
| Faer | Thuarius, Danuanaea, Swopul | Sanuan |
| Ostson | Albentas, Espasano, Antion, Romilius | Newford |
| Eurul | Ormius, Actavion, Etrini, Atlopova | Castretius |
| Ordias | Malunium, Ormentova | Itica |
| Austrano | Celaton, Uratano, Agraria, Genibica, Aquur, Asor, Ethius, Ethetul, Austrea, Estrarctir, Aquor | Albica |
| Escus | Asand, Anta | Charnica |
| Erinonea | Uras, Timarnor, Escevar, Hiberaea, Olene | Espir |
| Atlus | Tyrisis, Antur | Anglennir |
| Esceos | Ponturana, Judevor, Esturas | Afrum |
| Tasmalion | Ormur, Uraia, Egartur, Olvum, Cesyca, Narardum | Swacaea |
| Saropand | Ormaia, Afreos, Rhodiacta, Castravum | Segyegas |
| Urand | Ormias, Oscar, Olmia, Chnarnhi | Atlium |
| Thuanica | Bolagius, Atlaia, Afrernion, Espus | Ordana |
| Asaur | Helvalius, Erias, Eulir, Estestona | Casperos |
| Antea | Arcatana, Austrur, Callycius, Florartis | Escova |
Overseas Regions
Among the 103 areas of Aquitayne, one (Cape Town), is an overseas region and an integral part of Aquitayne, and thus enjoy exactly the same rights as those in Metropolitan Aquitayne.
| Region | Constitutional Status | Capital |
|---|---|---|
| File:Cape town 1.pngCape Town | Overseas Region (OR), and simultaneously an Overseas Protectorate Zone (OPZ). | Cape Town |
Infrastructure
Transportation
Aquitayne has developed one of the largest and most intricate rail systems in all of Astyria. As of 2010, it had over 33,541 kilometers of rail. It is governed by the Civilian Metro Rail Service (CMRS), and operate high speed trains like the Orbis 2E-29, TGV Duplex, and the Orbis R500. Rail connections with neighboring nations, Falkasia and ViZion currently exist, through the Ottosian Channel and the Parthasian Valley, respectively. Intra-urban connections are well developed, with underground rail systems and above-ground tramways complimenting already established bus routes and taxis.
There is currently an estimated 1,169,295 kilometers of serviceable roadway in Aquitayne, giving it one of the most highly extensive road systems in Astyria. Telora currently ranks as the most dense area for roadways, which connect it via highways to virtually every corner of Metropolitan Aquitayne. Aquitaynian roads also carry large amounts of international traffic, with people traveling North to South and South to North, although most of this traffic is for commercial use, as private use is usually centered around rail systems. Road tax is not upheld in Aquitayne, however vehicular taxes are enforced at a rate of 10%; tolls may be enforced throughout the nation on the on-ramps to highways and turnpikes, although these tolls are restricted only to such areas and not permitted in more urban areas.
There is currently not a large domestic car market in Aquitayne, with around 87% of all cars registered in the nation being of foreign make and model. While this has not been of great concern until late, Parliament is increasing subsidies for Aquitaynian manufacturers that can produce vehicles of better fuel mileage than those currently being used. The current fuel-consumption restriction is 32km/l.
Currently, there are 654 airports in Aquitayne. Telora International Airport is the largest airport in the nation, servicing over 35 million passengers annually, many of them international flyers. TIA connects many of the domestic airports around the nation, with smaller, domestic airlines taking part in connecting many of the backwater airfields to more accessible ones.
Currently, there are a multitude of ports residing within Metropolitan Aquitayne and one major port, Port Marseille, in Cape Town. The ports in metropolitan Aquitayne number to around 15, and carry over 1.5 trillion tonnes of goods annually. There is a large shipping market in Aquitayne, which export many of the agricultural goods that Aquitayne manufactures every year.
Energy
Demographics
Peoples
The people of Aquitayne are a diverse mixture of Nordic, Sympho-Asian, and Vik'Rus natives. The diversity has lead to multiple changes in the Official Languages of the nation, which now comprises of English, Vik'Rus, and Imperial Common. Most Aquitaynians are of Nordic decent, but a third are of Symphonian decent, while a currently unknown number are of the Bhutan peoples of Insula Fera, as a census has not yet acquired that data.
Much of the cuisine, atmosphere, architecture, and other infrastructure of the nation reflect the ethnic diversity of the nation, with many cities having a 'Sympho-Town' where Symphonian cuisine, nationals, and immigrants can be found almost exclusively. The education system is completely integrated, allowing children of Nordic descent to interact with Symphonians and Vik'Rusian people, and vice versa, to better allow cultural diversity and understanding between ethnicity's. Racism is a crime in Aquitayne, and can be severely enforced if the allegations are harsh enough.
Thomas Barrington was sentenced to three life sentences after he began publishing racist propaganda pieces, which lead to followers conducting the murders of around ten Comraden nationals, of which all participants were charged - as well as Barrington for accessory to murder, lynching, and an assortment of other criminal acts.
Aquitayne is a strong proponent of, and example of, multiculturalism.
Population Centers
Aquitayne's population centers focus around large trade nodes found throughout the Unification periods and onward. All of the mentioned cities, save for Pyrgos, are located on some coastal area and are even modern day centers for trade throughout Eastern Astyria.
Largest cities or towns in Aquitayne
Bureau for Demographics | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Region | Pop. | |||||||
| Telora Telora  Helm |
1 | Telora | Acril | 7,982,189 | Tacor Tacor Curus Curus | ||||
| 2 | Helm | Uskar | 5,422,875 | ||||||
| 3 | Tacor | Ceria | 5,123,182 | ||||||
| 4 | Curus | Ceria | 4,891,552 | ||||||
| 5 | Aqines | Sueue | 4,348,201 | ||||||
| 6 | Falklas | Grados | 4,152,438 | ||||||
| 7 | Sanuan | Faer | 3,641,630 | ||||||
| 8 | Newford | Ostson | 3,225,426 | ||||||
| 9 | Valhedge | Acril | 2,934,031 | ||||||
| 10 | Freyport | Ceria | 2,323,465 | ||||||
Language
The language of Aquitayne is diverse and varied from region to region. On the metropolitan islands, much of the language spoken is a variation of Imperial Common, Chinese and Korean, as many of the populace are of Symphonian decent. On the metropolitan mainland, conventional English and Vik'Rus take precedence over their Asian counterparts. Approximately 90% of Aquitaynians speak English, 88% speak Vik'Rus, 75% speak Imperial Common, and 42% speak a mixture of Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and any other recognized language of Aquitayne.
All traffic signs that require grammatical use have the three main languages detailed on them: English, Vik'Rus, and Imperial Common. Many of the highways and roadways have been organized by numbers and or letters to avoid the use of multiple languages on busy and fast-paced interchanges that may lead to accidents on the road. Likewise, this system allows tourists who are unfamiliar with the area the ability to easily navigate Aquitaynian traffic.
Aquitayne recognizes a vast majority of languages spoken around Astyria, which include French and German.
Language is an integral part in the Aquitaynian education system, with children selecting a foreign language in the early grades and developing their skills with that language as they progress throughout their academic careers. English and Vik'Rus are required areas of study throughout Middle School and High School, and are tested harshly on standardized testing. Other languages, such as Imperial Common, may be interchanged with English and Vik'Rus if a student is more capable in that language than others.
It is known that Aquitayne sends all communiques in Vik'Rus with copies in English.
Culture
National Holidays
Sports
Association football is the most popular sport in Aquitayne. Association football in Aquitayne is governed by the Aquitaynian Football Association, which manages the Aquitaynian football league system. The top division of association football in Aquitayne is played in the Aquitaynian Premier League, which consists of 20 teams, with the bottom three teams each season being relegated to the AFLP Championship. Fixtures in the Premier League are watched by millions around Aquitayne and Astyria every match day.
The second most popular sport in Aquitayne is ice hockey. Aquitayne has two hockey leagues, the Aquitaynian Hockey League, its top division, and the AHL Championship which is a second-tier division. One team from the AHL is relegated through a relegation playoff each season while the champion of the AHLC is promoted to the AHL.
Literature
Performing Arts
The performing arts is a classic and somewhat Aquitaynian past time within the nation. Many Aquitaynians frequently go to the theater to enjoy Astyrian playwrights as well as the acting performances of many famous persons, who work in world-renowned theaters across Aquitayne. The theater scene of the nation has grown from a grassroots campaign to one of world-market brilliance, including performances of Le Miserables, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and many others. Many Aquitaynian actors have started their careers on the stage and grown to move onto the silver screen, where they help the Aquitaynian film industry make billions annually. Aquitaynian films, as well as plays, are viewed by millions across Astyria every year. The Aquitaynian Actors Association, or Triple-A, have begun to contact theaters across Astyria to begin regional tours to promote theater to millions.
Alongside theater, the Aquitaynian Philharmonic also takes part in regional tours and domestic performances every year, playing holiday songs as well as classic pieces like Vivaldi's Four Seasons and others. There have been notable renditions of modern music put into a classical sound, which has gained the Philharmonic much of its recognition internationally. They also have, in the past, conducted flash mobs in public spaces which has brought classical music to unwitting audiences, and has boosted sales some 25%.
Dance studios across the nation also frequently put on performances such as ballets, jazz duets, and other types of musical renditions of everlasting forms of dance. Kayla Jean Deone is a notable Aquitaynian dancer, who has performed in a multitude of ballets throughout her career, most notably, Jean Luc Piccard's rendition of Dracula. It was an instant classic with Aquitaynian youth, and quickly became a hit internationally as it was placed on tour when it became so successful domestically.
In a modern twist, theater has taken a left turn and left the traditional stage and opted for a more colloquial setting; the street. The adaptation of what is being called 'Street Plays' was prompted by the Ferian Playhouse in suburban Helm has been the first theater company to attempt such a performance, and it has prompted many other theater's across the country to do the same. The play is, essentially, performed in a local town square where many people can congregate easily. The play begins without announcement, and it slowly builds to the beginnings of the performance, which in tune draws a prompt crowd to the scene. Many people have become captivated by the idea of a type of theater which allows no entry fee nor punctuality, but rather the setting of their own backyard.
Economy
Exclusive Economic Zone
See Also: Exclusive Economic Zone of Aquitayne
The Aquitaynian Exclusive Economic Zone stretches for 200 nautical miles off of the baseline of the Aquitaynian coastline. Together with the Protectorate of Cape Town, the total area of the EEZ extends for 729,800km2. The EEZ is most notably used for the Cyris Wind Farm, which are located roughly 15 kilometers off of the eastern coast of Ceria's sub-islets of Escrita and Ebias. The wind farm consists of about 150 wind turbines, which generate upwards of 250MW of energy, which is roughly enough to power about 47% of the homes and businesses on Ceria, or roughly 254,000 homes.
Other notable areas of Aquitayne's exclusive economic zone are the Great Barrier Reefs which sit roughly 40 kilometers offshore and are home to some of the most diverse aquatic life in Astyria. The reefs are of such importance to preserve that certain areas of the EEZ to which the reefs are belonging are considered a National Park, where maritime traffic is heavily restricted, and fishing is a high crime.
Tourism
Industry
The majority of the industry in Aquitayne is dominated by the mining, lumber and agricultural departments. While the telecommunications industry is doing extremely well within the nation, its export capabilities are limited severely due to some of ViZion's mega-conglomerates, to which Aquitaynian businesses have pressed to file anti-trust action against in the past.
Currently, the largest industry in Aquitayne remains to be the agricultural sector. However, other rising markets are the soil industry, where Aquitayne exports roughly 15.2 million tonnes of soil annually. Likewise, the logging sector has reported increased amounts of exports over Fiscal Year 2013, with 28.9 million tonnes of lumber were exported across Astyria.
Aquitayne also exports large amounts of wines and juices to ViZion and other nations across Astyria. As of late, exports in wines have risen to 28.5 billion NSD during FY2013. Many entrepreneurs are attempting to take hold of the rise in global appreciation for Aquitaynian wines, and there have even been problems with robberies and the fraudulent sale of wines. Even still, economists predict such illegal activities only stole roughly 4.3 million NSD.
Armed Forces
Main Article: Aquitaynian Armed Services. Also, see: Aquitaynian Foreign Legion.
The Aquitaynian Armed Services (Arme Deevens) are the military and paramilitary forces of Aquitayne, under the King as their supreme commander. They consist of the Aquitaynian Army (Arme us Teir), Aquitaynian Navy (Arme us Akya), Aquitaynian Air Force (Arme us Ahr), and the Aquitaynian Marine Corps (Arme us Maren), and are among the most advanced armed services in Astyria.
Aquitayne is currently a member of the World Assembly, and by extension the Security Council, and has been a recognized nuclear state since 1970. Aquitayne has signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), but has not acceded to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and maintains a policy of Mutually Assured Destruction in the event of a nuclear conflict. Aquitayne's annual military expidenture for 2012 was NSD$135.6 billion, or 19.5% of the annual GDP, making it the sixth largest defense spender in Astyria.
Aquitaynian nuclear deterrence relies on complete independence from other branches of the armed services. The current Aquitaynian nuclear force consists of 15 Poseidon Class nuclear submarines equipped with submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). In addition to its submarine fleet, it is estimated that Aquitayne possesses up to 100 LM-80 'Dagger' Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles with nuclear warheads, of which, most are secured in underground, hardened facilities designed to withstand a preemptive nuclear strike. It is also estimated that Aquitayne controls up to 10 ASMP air-to-ground missiles that are deployed with the Navy's, Modern Aerial Nuclear Strike Contingent (MANSC) attack aircraft which operate from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, HMS Orion.
Aquitayne has large defense industries and many security-related industries, with one of the largest defense networks in the world.
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