Solentoya

About Solentoya
Solentoya (Formally known as The Kingdom of Solentoya) is a nation found on the continent of Rievs Du Soleil, along the eastern coastline of the continent. It is unknown when Solentoya was first inhabited, but it is believed that the people are closely related to those from the Handaen Sultanate and Baia Papaya. Until 1704, the country was made up of 3 separate Kingdoms, all closely related to each other, but with the act of Determination in 1704, the 3 kingdoms united into one under of the rule of King Xavier I Castello-Ramos. Since the union Solentoya embarked on a period of economic growth and rapid development in infrastructure, the country is home to many natural resources such as oil, which strictly controlled by the government in order to preserve the natural beauty of the country - something for which it is famed. In more recent times, Solentoya set itself as a top tourist destination in Rievs Du Soleil and the world.

Solentoyas national broadcaster is Sol TV [click for more info ].

Etymology
Solentoya has a very warm sub-tropical like climate and is well known for it's many beaches, The name 'Solentoya' derives from the Solish word for 'Sun' which is Solen. This was combined with the name of the largest of the 3 kingdoms in present day Solentoya (Martoya) who were mainly responsible for the union in the first place. When combined the name created was Solentoya, a name that represents the countries location and part of it's history.

The standard way to refer to a citizen of Solentoya is as a "Solentoyan."

Pre Solentoya
Before the founding of Solentoya, the region comprised of 3 separate kingdoms, the Kingdom of Martoya, the Kingdom of Montañas & the Kingdom of Sornar. The 3 Kingdoms were each founded by 3 brothers, Felipe, Pablo & Alberto who are believe to have been settlers coming from foreign lands. At first the 3 kingdoms worked well together, with a similar language being created and the same cultural values being adopted, however with time the 3 kingdoms began to compete with each other for supremacy of the island. This lead to a period of stagnation in the economies and development of the country for a few hundred years as they fought wars in order to gain land from one another.

Treaty of Belém On November 3rd 1672, a treaty was signed between the 3 kingdoms which essentially ended all hostilities between them and laid down the groundwork for future cooperation and what would lead the eventual union, it involved voiding all current territorial claims for the status quo and the creation of ever lasting peace, as well as this there was also the creation of a single currency and economic/foreign policies. Some historians believe this date to be founding of the nation as through this treaty, the 3 nations began to work as 1.

Founding of Solentoya
On July 25th 1704 the Act of Determination was signed between the 3 kingdoms which created a single kingdom called the Kingdom of Solentoya. This kingdom was headed under the house of Castello-Ramos who had ruled the old kingdom Martoya since it's founding, the other 2 royal houses (House of Montaña and House Bosilas) remained in control of their old kingdoms, however as Grand Dukes, instead of kings. The treaty was spearheaded by king Xavier of Martoya who had been crowned King of Martoya only 3 years previous, he was seen as a very charismatic and popular king who had a high level of intelligence, which gave him the ability to push through this union - as part of the agreement he married Princess Juliana of the House of Montaña, who would later go on to rule as Consort for King Xavier II and King Felipe I until they were old enough to rule themselves, after the premature death of King Xavier I when his ship sunk in bad weather.

For almost 2 centuries following this union Solentoya rapidly developed it's peoples living standards as well invested in their economy, focusing on education and industry to provide better opportunities for everyone. It was this idea that allowed Solentoya to become the socialliy liberal welfare sate it is today that looks after their worst off in society.

Constitutional crisis of 1871 and the birth of Democracy
Solentoya was ruled as an absolute monarchy until January 22nd 1871 when King Filipe IV died leaving no direct heir. This lead to an immediate crisis in Solentoya that went on for 6 years while different people fought with one another for the position of King. Most noted in this period was the attempted Coup by Grand Duke Pedro III of Montañas, this coup forced the current regency council to take desperate steps in order to preserve stability in the country - around this time republicanism was beginning to grow as the people called for democracy and end to being directly ruled by a monarch, a direct result of the current crisis facing the constitution and near bankruptcy brought on by the king. The regency council dissolved the current constitution and created the modern day constitutional monarchy which introduced full democracy to the nation. This change took all political powers away from the monarch apart from those which were seen as purely ceremonial, after this the council voted the late Kings nephew, Prince Xavier as King of Solentoya. This date is seen as a very important part of Solentoyan history, and is celebrated each year as a national holiday.

Modern History
Since the introduction democracy, Solentoya once again began to grow economically and is now seen as one of the most politically and civilly free countries in Natia, and also one the top countries in world. Following the 1970 election which saw the collapse of the Liberal Party and the domination of the Conservatives, that would go on for 2 decades, there was mass privatisation of many government owned industries. Previously impossible due to the power of unions, a tory super majority were able to push through it's changes with ease. While unpopular at first, the privatisation was able to create an economic boom going into the 80's, however by the late 80's the economy once again began to stagnate and eventually fall. This lead to a deep recession in the country and by the time of the 90's the fall of the conservative power.

Geography
Solentoya is located in the Rievs Du Soleil region of Natia, the tropical paradise located on the far south eastrern portion of the main continent of Natia. Solentoya stretches along the far southeastern coast line bording Mati Mati in the south west and Halito in the north east, with Balerica Island across the San Sea to the south. Across the desert to the west Lacrea can also be found. The southern portion of Solentoya is covered in lush tropical rainforests and other forested areas while the north is covered in savannas and dry arid land with a desert in the very north of the country that stretches out west across the continent. The largest of Solentoyas cities are along the coast where most people live. However larger towns small smaller cities are found on the interiror, especially in the south. With the harsh geography, Northern Solentoya has a much lower population density compared to the coastal and Southern Portion.

Climate
The Climate can vary slightly depending where you find yourself in Solentoya. In the north it is much drier and arid, compared to south which is more tropical and forested which makes for a wetter, more humid climate. Typically temperate doesn't vary a great deal, however some parts of the country have been known to get very hot. The highest recorded temperature was on July 24th 2003 in the village of Savlohia in the north where it reached 47.6°C.

San Luciana
Population: 3,259,012

San Luciana is the national capital of Solentoya and it's largest city. It lines along the coastline while sprawling inland across to the border.

Anyone heading from the north to South has to either pass through the city centre or through it's extensive suburbs. The cultural centre of the country, as well as strict planning restrictions have kept the cities historic beauty while making it attractive to beach tourists who can enjoy the long Luciana beach.

Alasanti
Population: 1,299,942

Solentoyas newest, but fastest growing city. A modern metropolis in the far south of the country it was created two old towns merged and was then developed. It's modern skyline, as well as more relaxed planning laws (resulting in lower house prices) has allowed the city to attract a much younger demographic, as well a lot of high tech and renewable industries that are investing in Solentoya. Like most of the country, however, Alasanti acts as a major centre of beach tourism primarily aimed at younger people and the wealthy.

Belém
Population: 1,019,232

Found along the south facing coast line the east of the country, Belém is the more industrialised centre of Solentoya. It's easy coast access allows international trade to flow into and out of the city with ease. Despite being the industrial city and not drawing quite as any tourists as the other major cities, Belém is still an important historical city of Solentoya being the city that saw the end to the hostilities in the region and start of the creation of Solentoya. With it's historical significance and architecture it still draws in plenty of tourists.

Valamaia
Population: 993,034

Nicknamed 'La Fiesta' for being famed as the party city of Solentoya. It is the most popular among young adults and people wishing to party with it's beach front clubs and casino strip being it's main draw. Coincidentally it is also a popular destination for retirees who enjoy the sprawling countryside around the city that provide quiet and tranquility. This is turn has made Valamaia Solentoyas most conservative city - along with a significant Hae population. All despite the party nature of the city.

Language
The language of Solentoya is called Solish, the language is made up of a mix of Spanish, Portuguese and English, with the English being to a less extent. While accents can vary slightly different across the island, It is in the far north west where there is a slightly different dialect to Solish used. Their version has some influences of Hae (the language of Handaen) however, in conversation they can speak very easily with people from other parts of the nation. The Majority of Solentoyans are bilingual with the ability to speak the many different languages within the region.

Religion
Solentoya is a Christian country, with symbols of religion mentioned throughout the constitution and also within the national anthem and oath public servents take when assuming office. Having said that, almost half of the nation claim to have no religious affiliation, with an even greater majority no attending or very rarely attending religious services. Religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas are celebrated more on a cultural level than a religious level, with Christmas being one of the biggest times of the years for the High Street and consumers. There is a significant minority made up of Hae Muslims, Jews as well as Sikhs, Hindus etc.

Education
Children in Solentoya go are expected to attend full time education from between the ages of 5 & 16. This system works with 2 tiers, 5 to 11 year olds (year 1 to 6) attend primary schools, while older 11 year olds to year olds (years 7 to 11) attend Secondary schools. After this point, education is no longer compulsory, but strongly advised. Teenagers can either go get a job or join an apprenticeship, or follow on with education, either by going to Six form for an extra year or attending a college. After this they then have the option to go to University.

Government
Solentoya is a parliamentary, constitutional monarchy. The Solentoyan political system operates under a framework laid out in the 1995 Constitution. Amendments require a two-thirds majority of Parliament, a majority through referendum, and Royal Assent. Solentoya has many elements of Direct Democracy which include popular initiatives, and mandatory referendums. The fundamental principles of the Constitution, as expressed in the articles guaranteeing human dignity, the separation of powers and the rule of law are valid in perpetuity. As of January 2020, Solentoya switched from a first past the post system to a Mixed Member proportional system. 50% (150) of seats are awarded through a FPTP system in single constituencies, while the other 50% (150) are awarded based on the percentage of votes parties won in the list vote. On top of this a 50 seat bonus is awarded to the alliance winning the list vote. As well as a electoral change, Solentoya also embraced an alliance system. Which saw the creation of 2 major alliances that all but 2 minor parties joined - The Red-Progressives and the Centrist Alliance. The Red Progressive made up of the various centre left to left wing parties, and the Centrist Alliance made up of Centre to centre right parties. The January 2020 election saw a decisive victory for the Red-Progressive alliance who took a majority in both the senate and the state house. Prime Minister Gabriel De La Pena also only just managed to keep his own seat by a small 3% - as such, he tendered his resignation and King Felipe I then invited the Social Democrat leader Safiyah Aydin to form a government. The election shook up the entire political landscape in Solentoya with two of the major parties (Conservative and Liberals) splitting in 2, while one splinter party (New Democrats) would go on to join the Conservatives and Liberals in their alliance, the splinter party of Liberals (Social Liberals) joined the Red-Progressives.

National Holidays
Solentoya celebrates numerous national holidays throughout the year. On these days by law every service except for essential services (Police, Fire Brigade & Hospitals) close. Along with these days off, workers are entitled to 28 days paid holiday a year.

Solentoya in the Nation Song Contest
While Solentoya didn't take part in NSC for many years it was still a popular tv show to follow each year. Sol TV officially applied for full membership in order to take part on 18th December of 2016. However due to a few voting irregularities in the time since, Solentoya didn't officially debut until 5th January 2019. In that time it did take part in the spin off show, the Waiting List Song Contest where it saw a great amount of success and hosted numerous times. Typical countries withdraw from WLSC upon joining NSC, however Sol TV decided to continue its participation in WLSC for the time being. The National Selection Process for Solentoya is Solfiesta.