Lacetanya
Lacetan Republic República Lacetana | |
|---|---|
 Flag | |
Motto: Poder popular "People power" | |
Anthem: "Cant de la Senyera" | |
| Capital and largest city | El Raval |
| Official languages | |
| Demonym(s) | Lacetan |
| Government | Federal direct democracy organised as a directorial republic |
• Federal Council |
|
| Legislature | Generalitat of Lacetanya |
| Establishment | |
• Monarchy | c. 700 |
• First Republic | 1905 |
• Second Republic | 1942 |
• Third Republic | 1990 |
| Area | |
• Total | 37,100 km2 (14,300 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• 2020 census | 8.673.435 |
| GDP (PPP) | 2020 estimate |
• Total |  242 billion |
• Per capita | 28.000 |
| Gini (2020) | 25.6 low |
| Currency | Pezeda () (LCP) |
| Time zone | LST |
| Date format | dd–mm–yyyy CE |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code | +93 |
| Internet TLD | .lc |
Lacetanya (Lacetan: [ləketəɲa]), officially the Lacetan Republic (Lacetan: República Lacetana) was an independent country located in Madurin, in Teremara. It is bordered to the east and south by the Madurin Sea. Its territory also includes the Gymnesian Islands (Iƚes Gimnèsies). It became an Espicutan Viceroyalty in 2023.
Lacetanya was originally settled by Celts, and took its name from the largest tribe, the Lacetani. In ancient times, it was conquered by the Roman Free States, resulting in a strong Latin influence on its culture. The pre-modern era saw Lacetanya emerge as a unified entity, becoming an elective monarchy. Religious conflict with neighbouring states became a recurring element, with resistance to foreign missionaries helping consolidate Lacetan identity.
The industrial revolution and emergence of a capitalist system in the 19th century upended the old social equilibrium. The growth of workers' movements and a bourgeoisie, coupled with the nobility's attempts to strengthen their standing, led to the 1848 revolution, and the proclamation of the First Republic in 1905. The First Republic was weakened by growing oligarchy and discontent with limited reforms. A coup d'état in 1930 installed a short-lived authoritarian conservative regime, whose collapse triggered the Lacetan Civil War (1935–1942).
The democratic faction won the Civil War, with significant concessions and no reprisals, creating the Second Republic. It was based on pursuit of social calm and avoiding the bitter divisions of before. Economic policy was Keynesian, a welfare state was created, and grand coalitions dominated politics. The Second Republic converged towards a two-party system, with leftist parties forming a significant third force. A popular revolt and general strike in 1968 heralded greater liberalisation; later years saw increasing corruption in the large parties and leftist strength locally.
The social democratic consensus broke down in the 1980s, and a right-wing government's attempts to implement neoliberalism caused strikes, riots, resistance, and conflict with leftist local governments. The Second Republic collapsed in 1989–1990 because of a severe recession and nationwide anti-corruption investigations, known as Mans netes ("clean hands"). A leftist coalition won the 1990 election and implemented radical changes, including federalisation, direct democracy, and cooperativisation of the economy. A directorial republic was instituted in 2000, completing the transition to the Third Republic.
Lacetanya is a federal directoral republic with extensive direct democracy. It is a developed country with an advanced economy and high living standards. The economy relies on industry and services, with tourism also making an important contribution.
Geography
Lacetanya is traditionally divided into two regions: the mainland (Lacetanya continental) and the Gymnesian Islands (Iƚes Gimnèsies).
The dominant features of the continent are the Madurin coastline and the Bébrix mountains in the north. Additional small mountain ranges separate the coastal depression (Depresió Litoral) and central depression (Depresió Central). Montserrat, located near Lacetanya's geographic centre, is one of its best-known peaks. The Segre is the longest river, flowing from north to south, followed by the Ƚobregat.
The Gymnesian Islands comprise the large island of Elvisa, and several smaller islands. The islands' rich biodiversity has led to most of their territory and waters being protected areas, contributing to high population density.
The Lacetan coast and Gymnesian Islands have Mediterranean climates, while northern Lacetanya has an alpine climate and the valleys trend towards oceanic climates.
Politics
Direct democracy and federalism are hallmarks of the Lacetan political system. Lacetanya is a direct democracy organised in the framework of a federal directorial republic. Popular decision-making is done through referendums, initiatives, and other civic mobilisation methods, and all legislatures are citizen legislatures.
The Generalitat of Lacetanya is the federal legislature, which exercises legislative power. It is unicameral, and has 200 members elected through open list proportional representation. It chooses the Federal Council.
The Federal Council (Conseƚ Federal) constitutes the federal executive, and the position of head of state rotates among its members by year. It is a collegial body of 5 members, chosen and overseen by the Generalitat.
The judiciary is independent, headed by the High Court of Justice (Tribunal Superior de Justíça).
Law
Lacetanya uses a civil law system. The current constitution was adopted in 2000 by referendum. Civil laws are codified in the Civil Code (Codi Çivil).
Notable laws include decriminalisation of drugs and protection of extensive LGBTI rights, including protection of intersex people from genital mutilations.
Administrative divisions
Lacetanya is divided into counties (comitats), in turn divided into comarcas (comarques). Counties and comarcas also have their own legislatures and governments, with significant autonomy based on the principles of federalism and subsidiarity.
Parties
Lacetanya is a multiparty democracy, with coalition governments the norm. The political centre has been pushed heavily leftwards under the Third Republic. Significant federal parties include:
| Party | Abbr. | Ideology | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partit Comunista Communist Party |
PC | ||
| Partit Obrer Workers' Party |
PO | ||
| Els Verds The Greens |
EV | ||
| Partit Socialista Socialist Party |
PS | Democratic socialism | |
| Partit dels Pirates Pirate Party |
PP | Pirate politics | |
| Convèrgença Cooperatiu Cooperative Convergence |
CC | Cooperativism | |
| Partit Liberal Liberal Party |
PL | ||
| Partit Demòcrata Democratic Party |
PD | Progressive conservatism | |
| Centre Naçional National Centre |
CN | ||
| Moviment Patriòtic Patriotic Movement |
MP | Right-wing populism | |
Other regionalist, localist, and minority interest parties exist in counties and comarcas.
Military
The Lacetan Armed Forces (Forçes Armades Lacetanes) are the military of Lacetanya. They comprise the Army (Exèrçit), Navy (Armada), and Air Force (Força Aèria).
Following radical reforms under the Third Republic, the Armed Forces have been brought closer to the model of the anarchist militias of the Civil War. There is no hierarchy, no saluting, no titles, uniforms or distinction in pay and quartering. They are organized into centuries with democratically elected leaders that had no permanent authority. Lacetanya has universal conscription, with alternative civilian service provided for conscientious objectors and others.
Foreign relations
Foreign policy is based on principles of neutrality.
Economy
Lacetanya is highly industrialised, and as of 2020, it has a GDP per capita of 28.000. The primary sector constitutes 3% of the economy, the secondary sector 37%, and the tertiary sector 60%. Significant strengths of the economy are manufacturing, tourism (particularly in the Gymnesian Islands), and infrastructure, particularly one of the largest high-speed rail networks in Madurin.
The economy has undergone radical transformations under the Third Republic. Cooperatives dominate the economy, and all companies are legally obligated to be cooperatives. There is a large public sector, and the state holds shares in all companies through its sovereign wealth fund. Labour law emphasises workers' self-management, and decentralised planning is used throughout the economy, aided by cybernetics and IT. The four-day week is the norm, and union density is 100%.
The currency is the pezeda (symbol: ). It has not been internationally convertible since 1990. Lacetanya has stringent capital controls and foreign exchange controls, affecting its integration into the broader regional economy.
An extensive fossil fuel phase-out began under the Third Republic. Currently, most of Lacetanya's energy comes from hydroelectricity, nuclear power, and renewables. Transport policy emphasises public transportation, with high taxes on cars and fuel. Lacetanya ranks high in electric vehicles per capita and bicycle ownership and use. It has a nationwide recycling and waste-to-energy network, with heavy fines for improper disposal of garbage.
Demographics
Lacetanya conducts official censuses every 5 years. The 2020 census showed an official population of 8.673.435 people, of which 86,8% live on the mainland, and 13,2% on the Gymnesian Islands.
Immigration has increased since the 1990s, and currently 15,9% of the total population are foreign residents. Notable migrant populations include Romans, Gauls, Brasilians, and Engollians.
The largest cities are the capital El Raval, followed by Ƚeida, Taragona, Girona, and Vila d'Elvisa.
The official languages are Lacetan, Occitan, and Lacetan Sign Language. Other regional languages are also recognised at the local level. Lacetan underwent spelling reform in 1992, of which a significant focus was eliminating digraphs and doubled letters, and improving sound–letter match. It uses the following letters:
| Letter | A | B | C | Ç | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | L | Ƚ | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | [a] | [b] | [k] | [tʃ] | [d] | [e] | [f] | [g] | [h] | [i] | [ʒ] | [l] | [ʎ] | [m] | [n] | [o] | [p] | [r] | [s] | [t] | [u] | [v] | [w] | [ʃ] | [j] | [z] |
Lacentans' traditional polytheist beliefs have historically dominated society, and produced hostility towards monotheist religions. There is no official religious census, and most Lacetans identify as polytheist without being practitioners. Irreligion is common. Official secularism is enshrined in the constitution.
Education
Lacetan education is heavily decentralised and based on democratic principles. The Ministry of Education sets a flexible national curriculum, while comarcas arrange actual services.
Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 15. The system is divided into preschool (under age 6), primary education (6–15 years), secondary education (15–18 years), and higher education. The latter comprises research-oriented universities and profession-oriented polytechnics.
Education is free and living expenses covered by student benefits. Private institutions are not allowed to charge tuition fees. Religious education is illegal.
Health
Lacetanya has universal health care, free at the point of use, paid by taxation. Health care is provided by the National Health System (Sistema Naçional de Salut), and is mainly a county resposibility.
Culture
Lacetan culture is influenced by its Celtic and Roman origins, and in recent years its growing ethnic diversity. Notable traditions include seny philosophy, castells, and correfoc festivals, which commemorate Lacetanya's struggles against foreign missionaries.
Significant periods for Lacetan culture include the Renaixença ("Renaissance"), part of a milieu lasting from the 1848 revolution to the First Republic, Modernisme ("Modernism"), the popular manifestation of Art Nouveau and Art Deco during the First Republic, and the anarchist agitation of the Civil War and 1968. The Third Republic has been described as a new "renaissance" in Lacetan arts and popular culture, due to strong government support through cultural policy and economic transformation.
Several forms of folk music and dances exist in Lacetanya, of which the sardana is the most popular. The cançó tradition was significant in the development of modern popular music, and later evolved into Nova Cançó. Rock and roll and similar genres experienced rapid growth and widespread popularity since the 1950s, and genres such as psychedelia came to be associated with the 1968 revolt and liberalisation. Pop music of the Third Republic has gained a notable cosmopolitan element, manifested in the synthesis of eclectic influences such as bossa nova, samba, rock, pop, funk, breakbeat, lounge, and psychedelia.
Sport
Sport is a significant part of Lacetan life, and accordingly Lacetanya has a well-developed sports infrastructure. Football is the most popular sport. Other main sports include basketball, handball, rink hockey, motorsport and cycling.
Lacetanya is known for its Formula E rallies, and for the Volta a Lacetanya, a weeklong road bicycle race considered one of Teremara's Grand Tours.
Cuisine
Lacetan cuisine is characterised by abundant use of fish, seafood, olive oil, bread, and vegetables. Well-known dishes include pa amb tomàquet, calçotada, escudella i carn d'olla, and suquet de peix.
The country also produces wines such as Empordà, Penedès, Terra Alta, Cava, and Binissalem.
Symbols
The national symbol of Lacetanya is the flag, also known as the senyera or estelada. It consists of five red and yellow bars, with a yellow triangle at the hoist containing a five-pointed red star. It is also referred to in the national anthem, Cant de la Senyera ("Song of the flag").