Bahia

Bahia, officially the State of Bahia (, , ; meaning "bay"), is a state located in the western region of Cartadania known as Taínea, named for the Taínean Sea, which it borders. It is the 27th-most populous Cartadanian state as well as the 23rd-most extensive. The state capital is Pinhel, centrally located within the Bahia Piedmont. Greater Aguandra is the most populous urban region, with approximately 1 million residents, over fifty percent of the state's population, and Aguandra, the center of the aforementioned metropolitan area, is Bahia's most populous city.

The state takes its name from the old Cartadanian 'bahia' meaning "bay", today spelled as "baia". Bahia arose from the lands of southern Santarém when it was still known as Sancta Irene. It existed as the Australis division of the province until the Second Great War. Following Cartadania's annexation of Vachena in its entirety, the province of Sancta Irene was partitioned into two divisions, the northern portion taking the Cartadanian version of the original name 'Santarém' while the southern portion became 'Bahia', named for the Bay of Caroleena. Bahia became a tourist attraction for many Cartadanians and others traveling through Cartadania to the Taínean and vice versa, thus its economy early on had been based around tourism and hospitality. Although it has transitioned to a more information- and service-based economy in the 21st century, its original character remains.

Bahia's settlements developed heavily along its coasts, and thus its population lives mostly along the coastline. Despite this, the state's low tax burden, overall lack of sales tax, and growing economy have made it the second-fastest growing state in Cartadania after Trentino.

History
Bahia is a state with a rich and diverse history that can be traced back to the pre-Colonial era circa the 15th century. At that time, the region was inhabited by the Taínean people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Taínean Sea. The Taíneans were a skilled and resourceful people who were adept at farming and fishing, and they lived in harmony with the natural world that surrounded them.

In the centuries that followed, Latin explorers and colonizers arrived in the region, marking the beginning of a new era for Bahia. These colonizers brought with them a new culture and way of life that would eventually transform the region. However, despite the changes that occurred, the Taínean people remained an important part of Bahia's cultural fabric, and their influence can still be seen in the state's language, cuisine, and traditions. Many of the Taíneans who migrated to what is now Bahia have a common heritage with those who settled in Suyara, the island which would later become the modern state of Porta Bianca. This common heritage is reflected in the similarities between the two regions' cultures and traditions, which continue to be celebrated to this day.

The history of Bahia is deeply intertwined with the colonial period of Cartadania and Vachena. The first known Latin explorers to set foot in the Bahia region were the Caphirian terra quaesitores, who arrived in the area of Amanayé, located near the coast of present-day city of Amanhé, in 1426. This marked the beginning of the Caphirian Empire's colonization of the region. The subsequent decades saw a significant influx of Latin settlers to the area, with the aim of establishing trading posts and exploiting the natural resources of the region. The Taínean people, who had inhabited the region for centuries, were gradually pushed out of their ancestral lands by the expanding Latin presence. The true reason for the delay in colonization has never been fully understood, but its markedly later than the rest of Cartadania today.

Bahia remained under Caphirian control until the early 17th century when the political landscape of the region changed dramatically. Cartadania and Vachena were partitioned from Caphiria, and Bahia became part of Vachena's Sancta Irene province, which would later become the State of Santarém. Bahia formed the Australis region of the province, which was largely rural in character, with a small population concentrated in coastal areas. During this period, the economy of the region was heavily dependent on agriculture and the export of natural resources such as timber, sugar, and coffee. The region's fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for the cultivation of crops, and the development of large plantations became a major feature of the region's economy. Despite the rural nature of the region, the seeds of Bahia's future prosperity were already being sown. The development of trading networks and the establishment of ports along the coast laid the foundation for the region's future as a hub of commerce and trade.

Bahia's history became closely intertwined with Cartadania's in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in the period following Cartadania's annexation of Vachena. The annexation brought about significant changes to the region, including the partitioning of Sancta Irene into the State of Santarém and State of Bahia. At the time of partitioning, Bahia was a relatively impoverished and underdeveloped region. However, in the 20th century following the Great Wars, the state underwent a period of significant economic growth, driven largely by the tourism industry and federal investments.

Cartadania's growing economy in the 20th century and increased accessibility through air and sea travel helped to promote tourism in Bahia. The region's pristine coastline, warm climate, and cultural attractions made it a popular destination for visitors from around the world. This, in turn, led to the establishment of numerous tourism-related businesses in Bahia, especially in the city of Aguandra, which is situated in the Bay of Caroleena. The state's economic growth and development were further aided by federal investments toward infrastructure development, such as roads, ports, and airports, which made it easier for people and goods to move in and out of the state. As a result, Bahia's economy evolved from being largely based on tourism to a more diversified, service-based economy in the 21st century.

In the 21st century, Bahia has become a hub of economic activity, with a growing focus on industries such as technology, telecommunications, and services. The state's favorable business climate, coupled with its strategic location in the heart of Taínea, has made it a prime location for investment and expansion. In addition to its growing economy, Bahia's cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty continue to draw visitors from around the world. The state's unique blend of Latin and Taínean traditions, reflected in its cuisine, music, and festivals, has made it a vibrant cultural center. Despite the rapid changes taking place in Bahia, the state remains committed to preserving its rich history and natural resources for future generations.

Geography
Bahia has an area of 71761.6 km2, ranking as the 23rd largest state in the country. Its shape is roughly pentagonal, with water bodies surrounding it on three sides. To the north, it shares its border with the state of Santarém, while the eastern border is shared with the state of Aveiro. The eastern region of Bahia is also home to the westernmost portion of the Teyacana Mountains, which feature the highest point in the state, Point Amaral, standing tall at 1441 m. The state's central piedmont region is characterized by rolling hills, making it a beautiful region with natural landscapes. The coastal region, however, is largely flat, with long stretches of beaches attracting tourists from all over the world. Bahia's coastline is also home to several natural ports that have been utilized for centuries for trade and commerce, especially within the Bay of Caroleena. The Teyacana mountain range that runs through the state's eastern region is a vital natural resource for Bahia, with its lush forests and diverse flora and fauna. The mountain range is also an important source of freshwater, supplying several rivers that sustain life in the region. To the east of Bahia lies the Averia Channel, where it shares a maritime border with Tainoquira County, Aveiro. This has facilitated trade and commerce between Bahia and Aveiro in many regions, providing a vital connection for both states.

Governance
As with all other Cartadanian states and the federal government, Bahia's government is based on the separation of legislative, executive, and judicial power. Executive authority in the state rests with the governor, currently Josué Sá. Both the Governor of Bahia and lieutenant governor are elected on separate ballots to four-year terms of office, currently with no term limit. Most of the executive officials who comprise the governor's cabinet are elected by the citizens of Bahia rather than appointed by the governor, similar to the system used in Trentino.

Legislative authority resides in the Bahia General Assembly, composed of the Senate and Chamber of Emissaries. The Lieutenant Governor presides over the state's senate, while members of the Chamber of Emissaries select their own speaker. The Code of Bahia sets the number of senators at 40, each of whom is elected from single-member districts. It also mandates a minimum of 80 representatives, apportioned among the representative districts. The state currently sits at the legally defined number of 40 senators and 80 representatives, each of whom serves two-year terms with no limit.

Bahia's judges and justices who make up the state's judicial system are elected by a majority vote in both the Chamber and Senate with approval from the governor, one of the ways Bahia's executive has more power than its legislative, although the General Assembly is able to overrule the governor with a majority vote in both houses. Judicial authority rests with the Supreme Court of Bahia (SCOBAH) and Court of Appeals of Bahia (CABAH). In addition, there are smaller courts that have more limited geographical jurisdiction, including Circuit Courts, the trial courts of general jurisdiction, and the lower Superior Courts, which house Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts and General District Courts. The Supreme Court has seven justices who serve twelve-year terms, with a mandatory retirement age of 75. The supreme court selects its own Chief Justice from among its seven justices, who is limited to no more than a twelve-year term as Chief.