Guanilu

Guanilu, officially the State of Guanilu, is a state located in the southern interior of Cartadania, within the country's Etracian region. With a total area of approximately 203214 km2 and a population of 1.4 million people, Guanilu is among the least densely populated states in Cartadania, ranking thirty-first in this regard. The city of Azulindo, located in the center of the state on the shores of Lake Guanilu, for which the state is named, serves as the, while Canopia, located at the southwesternmost corner of the state along the Saltomar River, is home to the largest population of any city in Guanilu. Additionally, Canopia is a principal city of the largest urban region in Guanilu, shared across the state line with the city of Maladiz in the state of Navarra, with a population of about 1 million residents living across seven counties.

Despite efforts to diversify in recent years, Guanilu's economy remains heavily reliant on agriculture. The state's fertile interior, dominated by vast farmlands, continues to be the primary source of income for many residents. However, there has been some growth in the state's urban centers, particularly in Azulindo and Canopia, where new industries have emerged in response to changing economic conditions. Despite these developments, Guanilu remains largely rural, with the majority of the population residing in small towns and villages scattered throughout the countryside.

Etymology
The state of Guanilu draws its name from Lake Guanilu, located at the heart of the region. The lake is characterized by its bright blue color, a result of the convergence of two major rivers that flow through the state, the Saltomar and Green. The name Guanilu is derived from a fusion of words that reflect the state's cultural heritage. The Taino-Vallosian word "gua," meaning water, pays homage to the indigenous peoples of the Tainean and Kindredian Basins. The Latin word "nili," meaning blue, represents the region's connection to the broader Latin world, specifically through Caphiria. Finally, the Cartadanian word "lu," meaning light, reflects the influence of Cartadanian explorers in the regio, as well as the eventual incorporation of the area as a state of Cartadania. Together, these words create the name "bright blue water," evocative of the natural appearance of Lake Guanilu and the surrounding landscape.

History
Guanilu's history as a state is relatively recent, only achieving statehood in the 1990s, but its regional history is quite long. The region that today constitutes Guanilu also included the state of Navarra and was originally inhabited by a group of Taino peoples originating from eastern Vallos near southern Porta Bianca, who lived along the coasts and rivers of the Taínean Basin. Though de facto claimed since 1630, it wasn't until 1679 that the first Cartadanian federal interests in the region began, with the founding the settlement of Porto Azul (today in Navarra). The settlers mostly intermixed with the local Taino people still living in the area, but eventually established a foothold in the area, with the Taino groups entirely merging in, leaving, or disappearing altogether.

Over the centuries, Guanilu's economy remained largely agricultural, with crops such as sugarcane, soybeans, and coffee being major exports. In the 19th century, the region was known for its coffee production, which was considered some of the finest in the world.

During the First Great War, Guanilu played a crucial role in the Cartadanian war effort. The state's fertile farmland and extensive agricultural resources were vital in providing the nation with the necessary food and supplies to support its military operations. The farmers of Guanilu worked tirelessly to cultivate their crops and livestock, often facing significant challenges such as labor shortages, harsh weather conditions, and transportation disruptions. Despite these difficulties, the state's agricultural output remained strong and helped to sustain the nation throughout the war years. Guanilu's contribution to the war effort was widely recognized and celebrated, cementing the state's reputation as a key pillar of Cartadanian strength and resilience. In the end, however, Cartadania's south faced major turmoil as a result of Caphiria's efforts against the country.

During the interwar period, Guanilu, along with its neighboring states of Catania, Lipora, Navarra, and Tanoa Sul, became a hotspot of tension between Cartadania and Caphiria. Both nations vied for control of the region, and as a result, Caphirian troops were deployed closer to the internationally recognized border, increasing the risk of border clashes and military skirmishes. This led to a significant buildup of military forces and infrastructure in the region, as both sides sought to secure their claims and assert their dominance over the area. The political and military tensions in the region would ultimately contribute to the outbreak of the Second Great War, in which Guanilu would once again play a critical role.

During the Second Great War, Guanilu again played a key role in Cartadania's war effort, providing food, resources, and manpower to the nation's armed forces. After the war, the state saw a period of rapid growth and modernization, with the expansion of its manufacturing sector and the development of new industries. Guanilu also saw a growth in infrastructure development, including the construction of roads and the expansion of the state's port facilities. These developments helped spur economic growth in the region.

Today, Guanilu remains an important agricultural region, with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, tourism, and other industries. Its rich history and cultural heritage continue to be celebrated, with festivals, museums, and other attractions drawing visitors from around the world.

Geography
Guanilu is a state located in the southern region of Cartadania, known as the Etracian region, bordering the State of Tanoa Sul to the east, the State of Lipora to the south, the states of Navarra and Vitrea to the west, and the state of Catania to the north. It also borders the Caphirian province of Legenevum to the east. The state is largely defined by the Saltomar River, the largest river in the state, which flows from east to west and forms Lake Guanilu in the central region of the state. The state is divided into three main regions, with the northern region characterized by the convergence of the Green and Fluminorte Rivers, which flow southward towards the state center. The state is largely a valley, bounded to the north by the Aegis Mountains and to the south by the Lipora Piedmont, with a fertile region in between. The state's economy is predominantly agricultural, with a focus on crops such as, , and. The state's geography also includes several protected areas, including national parks and wildlife reserves, which are home to a diverse array of plant and animal species.

The state has an area of 203214 km2, making it the fifth largest state in Cartadania, just behind Espírito Santo and just ahead of Aveiro. While the interior of the state is largely rural, urbanization has led to the growth of cities and towns across the state, especially in areas surrounding Lake Guanilu and the Saltomar Delta. These urban pockets serve as important hubs for commerce, industry, and culture, and attract visitors from all over the country.