Verona: Difference between revisions

| official_name      = Comunidade da Verona<br/>''{{nobold|Commonwealth of Verona}}''

| area_total_sq_mi  = 151710

| area_total_km2    = 392927

| elevation_max_point= [[Mount Amnesty]]

| population_demonym = Veronese

| Languages          = {{hlist|Pelaxian|Latin}}

| Former            = Republic of Verona

| AdmittanceDate    = 3 November 1710

| Governor          = Alícia Rosa

| Lieutenant Governor = Micah Santander

'''Verona''', officially the '''Commonwealth of Verona''' ({{lang-cd|Comunidade da Verona}}) is a [[Administrative divisions of Cartadania|state]] situated on the eastern coast of central [[Cartadania]], boasting a diverse geography that spans from the [[Urlazian Sea|Urlazian Coast]] in the east to the [[Serra Afiada]] mountain range in the center, and from the [[Verona Everglades National Park|meranti forest]]s to the [[Eastern Lençois Desert]] in the southwest. With a population of 76.2 million people across an area of approximately {{convert|392847|km2|sqmi|sp=us}}, Verona is the [[Administrative divisions of Cartadania|most populous]] and [[Administrative divisions of Cartadania|expansive]] state in Cartadania. Its state capital is the city of [[Aurimá]], located in central Verona, and its most populous urban region is the [[Palm Coast metropolitan area|Palm Coast metro area]], home to 31.7 million residents. [[Sierra]], Verona's most populous city, boasts a population of over eight million people, and [[Sierra County, Verona|Sierra County]], Verona's [[List of counties in Verona|most populous county]], is also one of its largest counties by area.

Verona is known for its warm tropical climate, but the state's large size means that it varies from rainforest in the west to arid desert in the south, and nearly alpine in the mountains. The Central and Chesapeake Valleys, which are major agricultural areas, dominate the state's center. Verona is considered a global trendsetter in popular culture, innovation, and politics, with the Palm Coast Metro area widely recognized as a center for the global technology and entertainment industries.

The state's economy is the largest of any state in Cartadania, valued at $6.267 trillion, making it more than $2.5 trillion ahead of the next largest economy, [[Santiago]]. If Verona were a country, it would be the [[List of countries by GDP|15th largest economy in the world]] and the [[List of Nations|25th most populous]]. It is incredibly diverse, with {{wp|financial services|finance}}, government, {{wp|real estate|real estate services}}, technology, and professional, scientific and technical business services accounting for 58% of the state's economy. Additionally, Verona's agriculture industry has the highest output of any Cartadanian state, although it is not a coffee-producing state, it exports a significant amount of goods shipped from other states.

Verona shares its borders with [[Trentino]], [[Santiago]], [[Alexandria]], and the capital city of [[Alahuela]] to the west and north, [[Catania]] to the south, and [[Alta Roma]] and [[Baixa Roma]] to the east. Furthermore, Verona shares an international maritime border with the [[Provinces of Caphiria|Caphirian province]] of [[Turiana]].

Settled by successive waves of arrivals during the last 10,000 years, Verona was one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse areas in Ixnay. Various estimates of the native population range from 100,000 to 300,000. The Indigenous peoples of Verona included more than 30 distinct groups of Native Cartadanians, ranging from large, settled populations living on the coast to groups in the interior. Verona groups also were diverse in their political organization with bands, tribes, villages, and on the resource-rich coasts, large chiefdoms, such as the Veronesi, Guanches and Vartuli. Trade, intermarriage and military alliances fostered many social and economic relationships among the diverse groups. Whether a Native tribe was friendly or warlike was critical to the fates of Latin explorers and settlers in that land. Friendly tribes taught newcomers how to grow indigenous crops, prepare foods, and hunt wild game. Warlike tribes made life difficult and dangerous for Latin settlers through their attacks and resistance to the newcomers.

Because of Verona's long history as a banlieuregio of Caphiria, the impact of Caphirian culture was strong, especially during the first two centuries following Verona's creation. Due to it's equatorial climate and vast size, Verona spent much of its time as a diversified land. It served as an agricultural hub for Caphiria, and through Caphiria's trade networks, much of the world. It also served as a tourist destination for many Caphirians seeking a more distinct vacation. The long white sand beaches attracted many from around the world as well, especially from Levantia.

 

Verona originally encompassed what is today, Santiago and Trentino, as well as it's present day area. It was bound by a loose government structure that contained settlements such as [[Amelia County, Verona|Amelia]], [[Lynnhaven]], and [[Viridans, Verona|Viridans]], which served as important locations for the Imperium. Much of Verona's colonial period was quite dormant outside of development of the region in terms of trade, which would eventually diminish in favor of trade from [[Luria]] and [[Auvia]].

 

Verona further formed the state of Santiago from its Columbia, Sancti, and Tridentum regions toward the end of it's colonial era. Though never officially a region, Sancti served as Verona's playground in terms of developing new "technology" and advancement as a Banlieuregio.

=== Republic of Verona and Caphirian invasion ===

Due to the imperium's constant neglect of Verona in favor of other, more centrally located provinces, Verona's autonomous government passed a law known as the Vermillion Act, which effectively separated the province from the imperium, creating a wall between Verona (and its territory, Sancti) and the Alexandria province north of Verona. Initially, the imperium took little notice to this separation, choosing to overlook it as an international publicity stunt. Things began to change, however, when Verona began to issue its own money, the Veronese Lira, backed at a value higher than that of the Taler. This value was further increased by low circulation, Verona's now incredibly diverse economy, its desirable location, and an exploding population. With similar sentiments of the Burgoignesc for freedom from their national governments, Verona began to develop support on an international stage. It officially codified its initial set of laws as a nationstate in 1426, under the name ''REPVBLICA VERONEZE'', and rewrote all of its information, culture, and signage in its local dialect, of which would eventually standardize into Early Cartadanian half a century later.

The imperium, noticing the growing notoriety of the young republic, began to develop a particular feeling of betrayal, going so far as to consider acts of the people of Verona treasonous. As a result, the imperium proceeded to declare a form of marshall law and nearly razed the young republic's infrastructure in an effort to bring it into submission. The result was, of course, Verona's forced re-entry into the imperium. Despite this, however, Verona's disdain for Venceia's rule began to spread and grow not only in Verona, but in Alexandria and Sancti as well. It would go so far as a double-sided operation by Verona's leadership to assist in granting Sancti provincial status so that it would have more power. In the years that followed this invasion, the governments of Alexandria, Sancti, and Verona began very secretive talks of another separation from the imperium.

In the the late 1660s, Verona redivided itself into 12 ''municipios'' which served as the precursors for Verona's 53 modern counties and are identical to the boundaries of Verona's modern metro areas. In 1671, Verona again seceded from Caphiria, this time taking Alexandria and Sancti, now renamed Santiago from the Cartadanian language equivalent, along with it. The three independent provinces again cited Venceia's neglect of the area for the reason of separation. This time, although Caphiria attempted to bring the three provinces back into the imperium, was torn between the aftermath of the Great Schism and the changing nature of life in Venceia. Inevitably, Venceia withdrew its military from Verona and Alexandria, which generated a de facto new nation, one without name or identity.

[[File:LosAngeles-Plaza-1869.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Sierra's town plaza looks drastically different than today.]]

Naturally, Alexandria and Santiago looked to Verona for guidance on this as Verona had already been a short-lived nationstate in the past. Over the course of the next 9 years, the three provinces united into the first Republic of Cartadania, written REPVBLICA CARTADANIANA, itself named indirectly for the Carto-Latinic people of the Lusitan peninsula in northern Sarpedon. The union was quite weak and generally served as the basis for what would become the second Cartadanian Republic. The three entities developed an economic model and other aspects that would lead to the development of a stronger nation.

During this period, Verona saw a large urbanization, especially around what is today the Palm Coast. Sierra, previously a small town, began to explode in population and the resulting population growth drastically expanded Verona's economy. It was also around this time that Verona's government moved from Sierra to a more central location in what would become the city of Aurimá. There were a lot of births around this time as well, coinciding with the birth of the new nation. It was also during this time, however, that the country saw what would become the bloodiest conflict on domestic soil.

{{See also|Ano Roxo}}

 

[[File:Horace_Vernet-Barricade_rue_Soufflot.jpg|thumb|200px|left|One such conflict during Año Rojo in Central Alexandria.]]

In 1697, approximately 17 years after Verona had united with Santiago and Alexandria, things took a turn for the worst. The elite that still oversaw Verona and the other two states through monetary means began to overextend Verona's money and resources for their benefit, which ultimately saw the middle and lower class being neglected by the people they trusted to protect them. As a result, early Cartadania was thrust into a civil war between the wealthy elite and the growing middle and lower class who was becoming poorer by the day. The resulting massacre of many of Cartadania's elite and the forced deportation of three-quarters of Cartadania's upper class would lead to the creation of modern-day Galicia, Ceylonia, and Porlos. The then-governor of Verona was executed during this period as well, which saw Verona enter a period of disarray. The aftermath of this situation and the subsequent eleven year period that followed saw the recreation of Cartadania from a largely capitalist society into a heavily socially democratic one with capitalist aspects.

On 29 October 1709, the governments of the three states called for the creation of a new capital, originally to sit between the three states with land ceded from all three. It was during this period, however, that the west Urlazian provinces, then still part of Caphiria, began to experience the same neglect that Verona faced starting nearly 300 years before. Consequently, to keep the capital centralized and accessible by sea, the three states decided to place the capital between Alexandria and Verona along the Urlazian coast. During this period, Verona also renamed it's municipios to counties ({{lang-cd|comarcas}}), which would continue to divide into the counties of today. Verona's population continued to skyrocket and it was at this time that the State of Verona ({{lang-cd|Estado da Verona}}) was renamed to the Commonwealth of Verona ({{lang-cd|Comunidade da Verona}}). Verona's population, although high, was still quite low in comparison to Alexandria, which served as the capital of the Lusos region during the earlier Caphirian historical periods. This, of course, would change in the coming decades.

The Commonwealth of Verona boasts a vast expanse of land with a total area of {{convert|411940.98|km2|sqmi|sp=us}}, making it the largest state in Cartadania. Its sprawling dimensions span {{convert|1189.4|km|mi|sp=us}} from north to south and {{convert|681.2|km|mi|sp=us}} from east to west, encompassing a diverse array of landscapes and terrain. Verona's topography is characterized by mountain ranges, sprawling valleys, and miles of pristine coastline. At the pinnacle of Verona's topography lies Mount Amnesty, situated in the towering Serra Afiada mountain range. This mountain stands tall at a height of {{convert|4529.6|m|ft|sp=us}} above sea level, making it the highest elevation point in the state. In contrast, the lowest point in Verona is found at sea level, along the [[Attalus Bay]] and [[Urlazian Sea]].

[[File:Cerro_Murillo_-_Sierra_Nevada_de_Santa_Marta.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Mount Amnesty, Verona's highest point.]]

The climatic conditions in Verona are predominantly tropical, although due to its extensive area, the climate varies from tropical to continental. The state's coastal regions are influenced by the cool Urlazian Current, which generates summer fog along the coast. In the mountainous inland areas, temperatures fluctuate throughout the year. The moderating influence of the maritime environment results in the shoreline of [[Lynnhaven]] and [[Sierra]] having some of the coolest "summer" temperatures of all major metropolitan areas in Cartadania, even compared to areas on the same latitude in the interior, despite their peri-equatorial location. The same phenomenon can be observed in the [[Vírgenes County, Verona|Vírgenes County]] shoreline bordering [[Tanoa]], which is cooler in summer than most areas. However, a few miles inland, summer temperatures are significantly higher, with downtown La Joya being several degrees warmer than at the coast. The Attalus Bay Area also shows this microclimate phenomenon, where areas sheltered from the sea experience hotter summers than nearby areas close to the ocean. Verona's diverse geography, ranging from the coastal regions in the east to the mountainous Serra Afiada range in the center and the meranti forests in the west, allows this phenomenon to occur and is one of the most striking in the country. The Central and Castelle Valleys, which are major agricultural areas, dominate the state's center.

[[File:Sun Bear 3.jpg|right|thumb|225px|{{wp|Sun bear}}, state land mammal]]

Verona is widely regarded as one of the most diverse and affluent regions of the world, encompassing a plethora of ecological communities that are increasingly rare and threatened. The state is situated within the Neotropic ecozone and spans a range of terrestrial ecoregions, giving rise to a large number of endemic species, some of which are relicts that have vanished from elsewhere in Cartadania and the world. The extraordinary number of endemic species in Verona has emerged through differentiation and adaptive radiation, where various species develop from a common ancestor to exploit diverse ecological niches. Unfortunately, many of these unique species face the risk of extinction as a result of human activities such as urbanization, logging, overgrazing, and the introduction of non-native species that have encroached upon their habitats, though efforts to conserve them have reached the forefront of legislation in recent decades.

Verona's geography is characterized by a variety of landscapes, including {{wp|savanna}}s, {{wp|bayou}}s, {{wp|creek}}s, {{wp|woodland}}s, {{wp|desert}}s, and {{wp|beach}}es. The diversity of the state's geography and climate is unparalleled, even within Cartadania. The generally tropical to Mediterranean climate has made Verona an ideal habitat for a vast array of plant and animal species. In fact, Verona boasts the highest level of biodiversity in the country, with over 206 species of amphibians, 181 species of reptiles, 715 species of birds, and 190 species of mammals, in addition to nearly 900 species of trees and other vegetation. This remarkable diversity includes the {{wp|Shorea faguetiana|yellow Meranti}}, which is the tallest tropical tree on the planet, and can be found within the state's [[Verona Everglades National Park|everglades]].

[[File:Pantanal,_Mato_Grosso,_Brasil.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The [[Verona Everglades National Park]], home of the yellow meranti.]]

{{bar percent|[[Cartadanians#Indigenous people|Native Cartadanian]]|#f5c15e|1.8}}

|1710 |589722

|1720 |802021

|1730 |1034923

|1740 |1392485

|1750 |1549203

|1760 |1930847

|1770 |2781823

|1780 |2879128

|1790 |3098012

|1800 |3990231

|1810 |4280337

|1820 |4790286

|1830 |5603880

|1840 |11015099

|1850 |16755942

|1860 |22363516

|1870 |24983516

|1880 |25570223

|1890 |27059004

|1900 |34199732

|1910 |35615360

|1920 |37973812

|1930 |38452801

|1940 |41083598

|1950 |42487036

|1960 |50673529

|1970 |54291080

|1980 |59511103

|1990 |63405900

|2000 |67768444

|2010 |72737210

|2020 |76239415

According to the 2020 Census conducted by the Cartadania Office of the Census, the Commonwealth of Verona had a reported population of 76,239,415 individuals as of 31 December 2020, making it the most populous state in Cartadania. In comparison to other states in the region, Verona's population exceeds that of the next most populous state, Santiago, by approximately 32 million inhabitants. Despite its extensive size, Verona has a population density of {{convert|185.1|PD/km2|PD/sqmi|sp=us}}, ranking it as the fifth-most densely populated state in Cartadania.

Verona has historically experienced steady population growth, though there were two significant upward population shifts in the mid-1800s (from around 1838 to 1863) and around the 1900 Census. The mid-1800s saw notable population upheavals, due to a combination of factors such as economic changes, political instability in proximal Vachena, and natural disasters on Urlazio. The 1900 population shift was attributed to an influx of migrants to Verona's coastal communities to support the manufacturing efforts during war times. Despite these disruptions, Verona has generally maintained a positive population growth trend.

Verona's population is largely influenced by its Latin heritage and history, particularly in the northern coastal regions which were once significant centers of activity for Caphiria. The majority of the population is composed of the Pardo group, which is another name for the dominant ethnic group native to Cartadania. The Pardo group constitutes the largest segment of the population, just under fifty percent of the state population, and is followed by individuals of Latin and other Romance descent, which trails Cartadanian-descent by approximately 25.4% and accounts for approximately one-fifth of the population.

Verona, being part of Cartadania, has Cartadanian as the state official language, which is also used as the language of business, government, and instruction. The state also uses signage in Cartadanian. However, due to the presence of about 20% of the state's population having Latin ancestry, the General Assembly has allowed the combined use of [[Caphiric Latin|Latin]] and Ænglish alongside Cartadanian. It is worth noting that about 84% of Latin-identifying individuals in Verona are fluent in Latin and/or Ænglish.

Moreover, Cartadania's close ties with Pelaxia have led to a large population of Spanish-speaking individuals settling in the state. The lexical similarity between Cartadanian and Pelaxian is high, though, estimated at around 90%, allowing for better communication between the two groups without a major need for translation. The Census has reported that approximately one-third of the population in Verona speaks a mother language other than Cartadanian at home, highlighting the state's linguistic diversity.

The most common languages spoken in Verona as of 2030 are:

* Cartadanian

* [[Caphiric Latin|Latin]]

* [[Julian Ænglish|Ænglish]]

* {{wp|Spanish language|Pelaxian}}

* Other languages less than 1% each

Verona has a predominantly Christian history, with Catholicism being the largest single denomination in the state. This is due to the strong influence of neighboring countries Caphiria and Urcea, both of which have Catholic majorities. Approximately 54% of the state identifies as [[Catholic Church|Catholic]], while 32% identify as {{wp|irreligious}}, and the remaining 14% identify with various other religious groups. In fact, the father of [[Pope Gregory XVII]], the current pope, was born and raised in [[Cara County, Verona]]. However, the pope himself was born across the Mendes River in [[Alahuela]].

Despite the separation of church and state being a prominent aspect of Cartadanian life, Verona's Catholic heritage is still reflected in many of its governmental customs and practices. This is exemplified by the numerous cities and counties within the state named after Catholic saints, as well as various buildings and streets. However, active participation in religion is relatively low in Verona compared to other regions in the country.

Verona's 2024 total gross state product was €6.27 trillion, placing it at 1st within Cartadania. It one of the largest subnational economies on the planet.

Verona is very friendly to small businesses and large businesses alike, although compared to other Commonwealths its taxes are on the higher side. Nonetheless, its open nature and vast lands make it a welcome place for many companies. The state's economy is highly diversified, ranging from agriculture and automobiles to pharmaceuticals and petroleum. It produces large quantities of sugarcane, poultry and eggs, dairy products, rice, and seafood. It is home to automobile manufacturer AGV, one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the country. Other large brands known throughout Cartadania that are headquartered in and/or distributed via Verona include [[Aurora]], [[Marín-Helius]], [[Nexus S.A.|Nexus]], [[Premiere Airways]], and [[Axiom S.A.|Axiom]], among others.

Sierra has a large effect on the Commonwealth, central Cartadania, and beyond. It has been the site of growth in finance, insurance, technology, manufacturing, real estate, service, logistics, transportation, film, communication, convention and trade show businesses and industries. Other cities in the state have large degrees of importance, as well. Verona's second-largest city, [[Mirada]], is also located in [[Sierra County, Verona|Sierra County]], while the largest city outside of the Palm Coast, [[Oasis Springs, Verona|Oasis Springs]], has an economy based largely around health care, transportation and the government. The five largest sectors of employment in Verona as a whole are trade, transportation, and utilities; government; professional and business services; education and health services; and leisure and hospitality. In output, the five largest sectors are financial services, followed by trade, transportation, and utilities; education and health services; government; and manufacturing. As of January 2024, Verona has an unemployment rate of 3.1%. Verona's economy is dependent on trade and international-related commerce accounts for about one-quarter of the state's economy. In 2008, Verona exported €226 billion worth of goods, up from €194 billion in 2007 and €187 billion in 2006. Computers and electronic products, including defense equipment, are Verona's top export, accounting for 42 percent of all the state's exports in 2008.

In 2024, Verona had a median household income of €88,620, placing it at 3rd amongst Cartadanian states, and quite highly throughout the world in comparison. Verona, similar to the other Commonwealths (of which Porta Bianca is the exception) lacks an income tax, but does levy a higher sales tax of 6.25% (although many localities will increase this to 8.25% or rarely 9.25% which is the legal maximum), and decent average property tax rate of 1.28% (assessed at the local level). It should be noted that federal law prohibits taxation on medications, medically related devices, while state law prohibits taxation of food for home.

[[File:Senadora_Angélica_Araujo_Lara.jpg|thumb|left|200px|75th and Current Governor of Verona, Alícia Rosa.]]

The state's capital is [[Aurimá]]. Verona is organized into three branches of government – the executive branch consisting of the Governor and the other independently elected constitutional officers; the legislative branch consisting of the [[Verona Chamber of Emissaries|Chamber of Emissaries]] and [[Senate of Verona]]; and the judicial branch consisting of the [[Supreme Court of Verona]] and lower courts. All candidates in the primary elections are listed on the ballot with their preferred party affiliation, but they are not the official nominee of that party. At the primary election, the two candidates with the top votes will advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation. If at a special primary election, one candidate receives more than 50% of all the votes cast, they are elected to fill the vacancy and no special general election will be held.

[[File:Texas_state_capitol_extension_aerial.jpg|thumb|200px|The Verona State Capitol building in Aurimá.]]

The Verona executive branch consists of the [[Governor of Verona]] and seven other elected constitutional officers: [[Lieutenant Governor of Verona|Lieutenant Governor]], Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Controller, State Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner, and Superintendent of Education. The governor serves as chief executive officer of the Commonwealth and as commander-in-chief of its militia. The Lieutenant Governor serves as president of the Senate of Verona and is first in the line of succession to the governor. The Attorney General is chief legal advisor to the governor and the General Assembly, chief lawyer of the Commonwealth, and the head of the Department of Justice. The attorney general is second in the line of succession to the governor. Whenever there is a vacancy in all three executive offices of governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general, then the Orator Princeps of the Verona Chamber of Emissaries becomes governor.

Between 2018 and 2019, Verona spent €19,901 per pupil ranking it well above the national average, with an outlay of about €318 billion. The pupil/teacher ratio was 11.8, below the national average of 17.3. Verona paid full-time instructors, on average, €76,432, well above the national average of €46,593. The [[Verona Department of Education]] (VDOE) administers the state's public school systems. Verona has over 100 school districts- all districts except the Varina County School District are independent from municipal government, though few cross city boundaries and none currently cross county boundaries. School districts have the power to tax their residents and to assert eminent domain over privately owned property, though most funding comes directly from state and federal sources. The VDOE has no authority over private school activities aside from base curricula regulation as required by Verona's Education Code, while homeschooling is illegal in Verona and much of Cartadania as a whole.

Prior to 2002, Verona assessed student performance in the elementary school and secondary school grades via the Verona Education Standards Assessment (VESA), administered at the end of each year beginning in Grade 4. Beginning in January 2002, Verona completely eliminated the VESA and instead opted for a model where teachers formulate their own grading systems for the students similar to collegiate systems, although with oversight from various superior bodies (e.g., principals, directs of primary and secondary education, district superintendents, and VDOE review board). The Verona Education system as a whole underwent a major overhaul in 2004 that marked the end of an era. VESA assessed students' attainment of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies skills required under Verona education standards and the Student Succession Act. The test replaced the Verona Common Core of Learning (VCCL) test introduced in 1971.

[[Administrative divisions of Cartadania]]