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 specifically when Solentoya was first inhabited, but it is believed that the people are closely related to those from the Handaen Sultanate and Baia Papaya. The history of the region has varied greatly over time, however Solentoya came to exist with an act of union between 3 kingdoms 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."

Tribal era
Pre-1000 Little is known of this time period, however some early records report that region was home to many waring tribes such as the United Huts of Haustor, Chess and Berceni who migrated the region and pillaged and one another. By and large region remained lightly populated due to the extreme climates with the desert in the north and the vast rainforests of the south. These tribes would be considered the founders of some early regional powers such as Berceniland and Chessland – the later which would come a regional superpower. The United Huts of Haustor, a light tribal group would die out and disperse and a matriarchal Hae groups established themselves in their place to north

Paravelia & Chessland, Handaen conflicts
Around the turn of 1100 two rivalling empires had established themselves in the south of the region – that of Paravelia and Chessland. Ruled by rival empires their constant vying for power and dominance saw the region consistently ravaged by war and instability. Lead by Emperor Dionisis Khalsis 1205 - 1237, Paravelia would eventually lend itself to being the regional power and a centre of knowledge, culture and commerce. Chessland on the other hand, fell to internal fighting and pillaging from the northern Hae tribes of shield maidans who had subjugated their male lovers to establish their Islamic matriarchal society in the far desert north.

End of a civilisation
In the later parts of the 1200 a huge regional disaster would wipe away the region and empires laying the ground work for what would lead to modern day Solentoya. Information on the exact events is sketchy, however around late 1200s a meteor strike in the south of the region close to the Chessland/Paravelian borders. The devastation of the strike caused a change in the landscape with the Lora bay completely drying up and the sealine receding. Almost all of the civilisation was killed in the strike and 7 years winter that followed, in which records show record low temperatures and widespread famine. What remained of both civilisaitons would migrate out of the area and found what is modern day Halito to the north and Mati Mati further to west. Despite being spared the initial blast of the strike, the hae tribes and Berceniland would eventually soon fall due the devastation brought on by the Ecological/Geographical disasters that took place as a result of the meteor strike. The Hae tribes would however eventually re-establish in the region in the near future but as a shadow of its former self.

Martoya, Montañas & Sornar
News of the devastation brought on by the strike spread far and wide, and with that brought foreign interested groups who were interested in pillaging what remained of the once mighty empires. Three brothers, Felipe, Pablo & Alberto travelled from their home in the royal courts of Baia Papaya to region where they would go on to rule a small feudal society together. The 3 brothers would rule equally together for decades. It was this society that is considered to be first true beginning of Solentoya. They grew a relatively insignificant group into a thriving society that had spread its power across a vast section of the southern region of Rievs Du Soleil, waring with the Kingdom of Lacrea and Halito in the north and Mati Mati in the south. Trade was further established with San Luciana becoming a major hub with routes from Balearica Island, Waloria, Roseland & QuienDQ coming through. However, with power, comes greed and soon enough the 3 brothers found themselves at conflict with one another. This would be exacerbated with the death of King Alberto I in 1309, and the succession of his son Alberto II who had only interests in ruling alone. The conflicts would carry on for many years to come with the death of the 3 original kings until in the 1320s a civil war would break out. Torn apart in the chaos local enemies would seize the chance to invade and pillage borderlands – especially was the case with the Northern Hae people. Riddled with instability, famine and infighting the waring sides would break up the region into 3 new kingdoms known as Martoya, Montañas & Sornar.

2 centuries of division & the Treaty of Belém
Despite being culturally, religiously and economically similar the 3 kingdoms would spend a further 2 centuries in conflict with another over regional dominance. Despite each holding relatively stable thrones each 3 kingdoms eventually would begin to fall behind the rest of region in technological advancement and start to be seen as fairly backwards. It wouldn’t be until 1519 when King Diego I would ascend to the throne of Martoya, a charismatic tactician, he was a powerful force within Martoya who would advance the country ahead of the rivals in Montanas and Sornar within a few short years. On 15th October 1527 the Treaty of Belém, was signed between the 3 kingdoms which 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. With the new found stability brought to the region the 3 kingdoms were able to embark on a path of enlightenment and technological advancement.

Founding of Solentoya
On July 25th 1550 the Act of Determinación 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 Diego I of Martoya, who 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 he had done some years previous with the Treaty of Belem - as part of the agreement his heir King Diego II married Princess Juliana of the House of Montaña, who would later go on to rule as Consort for King Diego III and King Stefan I until they were old enough to rule themselves, after the premature death of King Diego II when his ship sunk in bad weather. For almost 2 centuries following this union Solentoya rapidly developed its 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.

Stefan that never ruled
Since the founding of Solentoya, the kingdom had remained in blissful unity under the ruling kings since Diego. This would not last though when in the late 1670s Diego V would declare his youngest grand daughter Catarina I to be his heir, instead of his eldest son Prince Stefan who had been declared mad after a riding incident in which is lover was killed. Being the youngest and female many were perplexed by the choice and began to plot to overthrow her – most famously the gunpowder plot in which a group of Sornar nobility planned to blow up the young princesses’ carriage and install the mad prince as king to act as a puppet for their whim. However, dictated by the king, Catarina I would marry her distant cousin, Prince Aleksander of Baia Papaya and through her eldest sister the Princess Flora who had married into Bigician royalty, alliance was secured that ensure Catarinas accession.

A crisis in the dynasty
Ironically, as one crisis with the throne was averted, Solentoya found itself walking into the next. Despite Catarina ruling for 70 rather uneventful years and having apparently secured the succession with 2 sons and daughter only one of the children were able to boast any living children – the soon to be Queen Catarina II who had 3 sons. Catarina I died in 1751 and within the span of the following 10 years King Aleksander I and King Diego VI would die before an aging Catarina II would claim the throne 1761. Her throne would pass on to her eldest son Enrique I 16 years later, securing the Dynasty once again.

The end of Absolutism in Solentoya
Solentoya was ruled as an absolute monarchy until January 22nd 1845 when King Enrique III died leaving no direct heir. Enriques rule was mired with instability and chaos attributed to his party lifestyle and disinterest in stately duties. A long with this he had failed in a king’s biggest duty, to produce an heir and secure the lineage. Despite it being very illegal at the time it was suspected although never 100% confirmed that he may well have been a homosexual considering he kept many close male “friends” and produced no heirs with his wife, Queen Regina. This led to an immediate crisis in Solentoya following his death 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 in which he, and an armed unit stormed the summer palace and massacred locals in the process. An act that would outrage the nation, see his arrest, forced abdication of his title and exile across Natia to Rumia. While the coup failed due to military intervention from forces loyal to the crown it did force the current regency council to take desperate steps in order to preserve what little stability remained 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 niece, Princess Ana Sofia of Lora to be crowned queen as the closest relative alive – she would go on to reign for 54 glorious years as Solentoya once again began to flourish. This date is seen as a very important part of Solentoyan history, and is celebrated each year as a national holiday.

Torhita Wars
Over a period of a few years in the 1850s 2 wars took place between Solentoya and Bigicia over the remote island paradise known as Torhita. Claimed by Solentoya, the island had remained uninhabited until a Bigician naval unit established a colony on the Island. Seen as an act of aggression against Solentoyan the government responded by warning the Bigician government they had a week to leave the island or a state of war would exist between them. The naval unit never left and as such war broke out, a brief war the naval unit was initially driven out from the island however a second would return some months later larger and established a new colony in the same place. Again, Solentoya intervened, being at a  geographical disadvantage Bigicia was unable to defend its colony and as such decided to abandon and sue for peace but only after managing to sink the pride of the Solentoyan navy HMS Frederica. While no side really ‘won’ in the conflict, Solentoya was seen as the victors more than Bigicia considering the islands were abandoned and remained uninhabited.

Interim
The time between Queen Ana Sofias death in 1903 to the Succession to the throne of Queen Luciana in 1945 would remain relatively uneventful by and large apart from the 1921 riots when Suffragettes and working-class members of society brought the nations industry to a stand still and crippled the infrastructure while protesting for enfranchisement of the population. With a new crisis brewing, King Enrique VI intervened above his powers to remove the then Prime Minister Quintin Healy and call for new elections. Prime Minister Healy had resisted the protesters instead chose to send in the police and military to disperse the crowds, only to worsen the situation and allow radical elements to infiltrate the protesters. With support from the king, and for the first time ever, the legal right to vote was extended from landed male gentry to all male and female Solentoyans aged over 28. The following election saw a surge in Social Democratic party support and brought the party briefly into power, where they immediately lowered the voting age to 21 before their government would split and collapse removing them from power until 1990. While admired by many people, King Enrique VI was despised by others for his intervention especially among the upper nobility and as such was forced abdicate for his brother King Sebastian I in 1928. King Enrique VI would leave Solentoya shortly after and spend the rest of his years on the Balearica Island. The voting age would be lowered twice more, in 1970 to 18 and then again in 2020 to 16.

1970 political crisis
Solentoyas fortunes were not to last though as civil unrest and rampant government corruption in the 70s went on to bring down the ruling Liberal government and send them into political obscurity for decades. The opposition Conservatives would go on to dominate politics for 2 decades embarking on mass privitisation and social changes previously thought impossible – At its height in the Solentoyan economy was once again booming until a world-wide recession in the 90s would subsequently end Conservative rule bringing in the Social Democrats who had replaced the Liberals as a major party.

End of the Coldwar
In 2010, with the Bigician - Baia Papayan cold war raging a devastating event took place in Solentoya that would shake the nation to its core and be a major factor in bringing the cold war to the end. Until that point Solentoya had successfully maintained strong relations with both Bigicia and Baia Papaya contributed by economic and cultural ties respectively – using their unique position to stop conflicts from bubbling over. However, on December 22nd 2010 a major terrorist attack took place when a Moisantian Air A380 exploded on arrival at Luciana Airport. The A380 exploded and crashed on the runway – killing all 819 people onboard before crashing into the terminal building killing and injuring a further 172 people. Originally the flight was set to land at Baia Papayas main airport however due to bad weather it was diverted to San Luciana. A Bigician extremist group claimed responsibility and said that while Baia Papaya was the target, Solentoyan meddling made them a decent alternative. In response Prime Minister Daniel Cortez immediately cut all political ties and embargoed both Bigicia and Baia Papaya until peace was officially signed – an act that played a part in bringing the cold war to an end shortly after. Since, December 22nd has been a national holiday and day of remembrance in Solentoya.

The Spring Tsunami
Historically the region has been the place of some devastating natural disasters that have wiped away entire civilisations. In early 2020 one such event would take place when an Earthquake just of the coast of Baia Papaya would trigger a tsunami that would completely destroy the island and render it uninhabitable with huge loss of life. A humanitarian disaster was called and neighbouring countries arrived to aid, Solentoya stepped forward to take in refugees after a public outcry and pressure from King Felipe I was piled on the government. Baia Papaya being one of Solentoyas longest and closest military and cultural allies (despite some more recent conflicts), meant many refugees integrated into Solentoyan society relatively easily. The government is currently in plans to build a new town for them settle in and to create a memorial for the lost country. The Baia Papayan royal family, being related to the Solentoyan were luckily out of the country on a state visit at the time and have since moved into the Kings summer Palace in Paravelia.

Bigician succession crisis
In the summer of 2020 King Torrhen of Bigicia advised his high council to prepare for selecting a new heir apparent, which would include foreign nobility. House of Castello-Ramos, Solentoyas ruling dynasty suggested forward the kings second daughter Princess Liliana. Immediately she was considered an early favourite to win the selection however while not officially confirmed leaked reports suggested Princess Liliana was not the slightest bit interested in taking the throne of Bigicia, describing the country as a “backwards far-flung wasteland devoid of real civilization”. In the end she was not selected, instead Princess Majlinda Mëriqi of Arkodrë won the selection. Her loss was attributed to an act of self-sabotage, although many points out Princess Majlinda was simply a better candidate.

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: 6,259,012

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.

For more details go look at the Solentoyan general election 2020 page.

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.