Maresia

Maresia, officially the Commonwealth of Maresia, is a state located on the island of Urlazio within Cartadania's Charente region. With a total area of approximately 92375.7 km2 and a population of 20.4 million people, Maresia is among the most densely populated states in Cartadania, ranking fourth in this regard. The city of Auvergne, located in the center of Maresia's Promontoire region, serves as the and is home to the largest population of any city in Maresia. Additionally, Auvergne is the anchor of the largest urban region in Maresia, with a population of 7.2 million residents living across eleven parishes.

Maresia is a unique state within Cartadania, with a history that sets it apart from other states in the region. One notable aspect of its history is its multi-lingual nature, particularly the regional language derived from an older variety of Burgoignesc that became known as Charentais. This linguistic diversity is reflected in the Maresian people, who are often bilingual at minimum, and in the state's signage, which frequently appears in both Cartadanian and Charentais. It has also contributed to the development of Cartadanian political terminology, as it was the first state to adopt the term "parish" for its first-level divisions, rather than the more common term "county." Additionally, Maresia was the second state, after Verona, to refer to itself as a commonwealth, a term that has since been adopted by several other states in the region.

Maresia is known for its diverse landscape, featuring numerous lakes and rivers, vast forests, and a sprawling coastline. The state's unique geography has contributed to its role as an important commercial hub and a center for international trade. Additionally, Maresia boasts a rich cultural heritage, which includes a distinctive creole culture that has developed over centuries of interactions between Burgoignac, Latin, and Cartadanian influences. The state is also renowned for its vibrant arts scene, which encompasses music, theater, and visual arts. The influence of Charentais culture can be seen throughout Maresia, particularly in the state's cuisine and traditions. Despite its linguistic and cultural differences, Maresia has maintained close ties with other Cartadanian states and is an active participant in regional politics and trade.

Even today, many urban environments in Maresia reflect the state's multicultural past, with a rich blend of Burgoignac, Latin, Native Cartadanian, and Istroyan cultures. Despite Cartadanian becoming the sole language of instruction in Maresia schools for a time in 1829, the state has a long tradition of multilingualism. Today, most Maresian people are bilingual at minimum, with Charentais being a regional variety of Burgoignesc and commonly spoken. The state constitution enshrines the right of all Maresian to preserve, foster, and promote their respective historic, linguistic, and cultural origins, whether Cartadanian, Charentais, or otherwise. This commitment to cultural diversity is a defining feature of Maresian society and has helped to shape its unique identity within Cartadania.

Etymology
Maresia's naming history goes back to the earliest days of human settlement in the area. The first known people to settle in the region were the Istroyans, an ancient civilization that left behind remarkable structures known as "arxi." The Istroyans referred to the area as Tramargum in their accounts of the area. This name combines the Latin words "trans" (across, beyond) and "margum" (shore or bank of a river). However, the Istroyan civilization eventually declined, and the region was subsequently inhabited by a variety of cultures and peoples, including the Burgoignac, who used Maresia as a port for their maritime travels, especially the area of present-day Aumiers.

When the Caphirians that descended from the Istroyans arrived in the region from the east, they found a land that was already rich in culture and history. They named the land "Mediolanum," which translates to "in the middle of the plain," as a nod to the state's location between the Charente bailiwick and Aurillac river. This name has evolved over time to the modern-day "Maresia."

It's worth noting that the name "Maresia" doesn't refer to an ethnic or linguistic origin, but rather to the geographic features of the region. Unlike most of the other states west of Maresia, which have names of Cartadanian origin, Maresia's name has Latin roots. This unique naming history is a testament to the region's diverse cultural influences and rich history.

Over the centuries, Maresia has continued to evolve and grow, with new cultures and peoples leaving their mark on the region. Despite this, the name "Maresia" has remained a constant, a reminder of the state's unique history and identity. Today, Maresia is known not just for its fascinating past, but also for its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and thriving economy.

History
Maresia's history is deeply intertwined with the sea, and this maritime connection has left an indelible mark on the state's cultural identity. As one of the earliest ports for the Burgoignac during their seafaring travels, Maresia quickly became a hub of cross-cultural exchange. The arrival of southeast Levantines further sparked the development of a unique creole culture that can be found nowhere else in Cartadania. This cultural melting pot gave rise to the nickname "Creole Commonwealth," which is still used today to describe the region.

Despite the fact that Cartadania did not gain complete control of the area until the early 1710s, the federal government took a hands-off approach to much of the northern portion of the commonwealth, where the Charentais culture began to develop. This culture takes its name from the Charente region of Urlazio, where it originated. The area extends beyond Maresia into other states, such as Aleira and Cascália, but Maresia is considered the birthplace of the Charentais culture. The Charentais dialect arose in the early to mid-18th century from Maresia's northern coast and spread southeastward along the Aurillac River. While it is considered a dialect of Burgoignesc, it incorporates standard Latin, Cartadanian, and native influences, making it difficult for Burgoignesc speakers to understand.

While Maresia was once a Caphirian colony and province, Caphirian influence in the region was limited. However, the impact of Caphiria can still be seen in Maresia's cuisine, which features pasta-based dishes more commonly found in the border states, such as Triessa and São Andreas, and the westerly Luson region.

Unlike other states, Maresia lacks many of the cultural remnants of Istroyan civilization that predate the Latin, Cartadanian, and Charentais people. The Istroyan structures known as "arxi" are not as abundant in Maresia, and some historians speculate that this is due to a lack of desire by the Istroyans to expand so far westward or to the destruction or dismantling of these structures by Latin and Cartadanian peoples.

Despite these differences, Maresia's cultural heritage is rich and unique. Its maritime history has left an indelible mark on the region, shaping its cuisine, language, and identity. Today, Maresia continues to be a vibrant hub of culture and commerce, drawing visitors from all over the world to experience its unique blend of traditions and modernity.

Climate
Maresia has a (: Aw) according to Köppen climate classification; it is hot all-year-round, with high levels of relative humidity. The average temperature is 28.4 °C (85 °F) and daytime temperature usually remains around this point. Nevertheless, from late November to early April, trade winds more or less cool it to a more comfortable temperature during daylight. During the evening and through the night, temperature can change due to the winds it receives. Rainy seasons are from April to June and from August to November. This has been known to cause flooding in the state, especially areas of the very large Aurillac and Millau drainage basins in the Est region. The states Burgoignac heritage, peninsular geography, and somewhat marshy terrain has made many Maresian people accustomed to maritime travel.

Environmental issues
Prior to Congress passing legislation that heavily regulated environmental impact of corporations in 1895, Maresia (along with Verona and Alexandria) suffered from some of the worst environmental issues in the country. Unregulated dumping and poor disposal techniques led to health issues that only festered in the state's very humid and warm climate. In an effort to slow the extent of the environmental destruction, Congress ordered Maresia to implement some form of environmental protection within its jurisdiction for the health and safety of its populace and wildlife. While the state originally protested this, fearing corporate backlash and the crippling of its economy, Congress' withdrawal of financial support and fines imposed on Maresian corporations essentially forced the commonwealth's hand. Nonetheless, many corporations have adapted to these regulations and Maresia now (as well as Cartadania as a whole) has one of the cleanest environments in the world. Aside from heavy industry areas, the state is consistently ranked in the top five for states by air quality and environmental beauty.

Geology
The waters that surround Maresia, especially those of the Marée Channel and northewestern Urlazian Sea as a whole are relatively shallow compared to the waters of the Odoneru, which is compounded by outflowing silt from the Millau river into the channel. Eastern Maresia's soft soil should make it very dangerous during earthquakes because of liquefaction, primarily due to its proximity to the Cascálian-San Andreas slip zone. In a somewhat ironic fashion, Maresia doesn't suffer from earthquakes nearly as strong as Cascália and San Andreas because of bedrock separation between Maresia and Aleira, which essentially pacifies the and s that move through the crust relative to the earthquake focus.

The southern mountain range, known as the Sardou Ridge, extends into the state very briefly at the bend of the Aurillac river, and is where the highest point of the state–Mont Pierre–is located. It rises 1373.1 m and is located within Trinitè Parish at the state line with Aleira. Outside of the Sardou Ridge, Maresia is primarily composed of lowlands and has a generally static landscape.

Regions
The Commonwealth is divided into three regions–the "Promontoire", the "Est", and the "Faible". These regions hold more cultural significance than legal as they are not official administrative divisions of the state. Nonetheless, it is not uncommon for state agencies to endorse these regions in official capacities, for example, with the Maresia Tourism Board frequently using these regions for promotion purposes.

In the most basic of terms, the Promontoire is the most recognizable region of the commonwealth. It is where the largest portion of its population resides, with all of the top ten most populous parishes being located here. It was formed by merger of the former "Charente" region and earlier Promontoire region into what it is today. Most of the state's top corporations are headquartered here–primarily Essonne, Marée, and Rhône Parishes–and it is what most people think of when speaking of Maresia. It is anchored by Auvergne, Maresia's capital, and Aumiers, the second largest city in Maresia, which is located on the Millau delta along the Marée Channel.

The Est region is east of the Promontoire (hence the name, which means "east" in English) and is a mostly suburban in character. It is commonly referred to as Bayou country because the Est is very flat, similar to the Promontoire, but due to lack of large scale urbanization in the area, retains much of its original marshy character. This is partly due to the extremely large basins of the Aurillac and Millau rivers which saturate the state's flat land. Because the eastern part of the state is more forested than the west, it creates some very unique environments, especially for the tropics.

The Faible region is south of the Est and is the where the state's only mountains are located, including the highest point in Maresia–Mont Pierre, in Trinitè Parish. It is referred to by many from the other regions as the forgotten region and many Maresian from other parts of the state, especially those from Auvergne and Aumiers, will comically feign being oblivious to what the Faible is. It's name, which means "low" in English, although incorrectly contextualized, has a few meanings. Primarily, those are that the region is in the state's lower portion. It also refers to the region being more on the rural side, respective to the rest of Maresia. Nonetheless, because of it's more laid back attitude and low density, many of Maresia's large scale manufacturers are located here (e.g., Soleil S.A., Bellegarde's dry goods annex, and Nexus). This is further supported by the South Maresia Terminals, which allow these companies to distribute their goods by means other than air, rail, or truck.

Flora and fauna
The state is characterized by low swamplands, bayous, creeks, woodlands, and coastal marshlands and beaches. The tropical climate has made Maresia a very comfortable home for many species of plants and animals. In fact, Maresia is the third-most megadiverse state in the country (following Verona and Viterna thanks to their large rainforests) with 150 amphibian species, 120 reptile species, 631 bird species, and 161 mammal species, as well as nearly 750 species of tree and other vegetation.

Population
The Cartadania Office of the Census found that the reported population of Maresia was 20,386,711 at the 2030 Census, making it the fifth-most populous state in Cartadania. The population density of the state is 209.9 people per square kilometer (534.6 per square mile), making Maresia the fourth-most densely populated state. Auvergne, being the state capital and largest city, had a Census population of 844,510 in 2030, followed closely by Aumiers, with its 809,277 residents. The state's population is heavily concentrated on the peninsula region of the Promontoire, accounting for 72.8% of the state's population, or around 14.9 million people. About 50% of the population in the Promontoire lives in the 11-parish Greater Auvergne area. The urbanization in the Promontoire has fueled a migration to the more suburban Est region, where houses are being built at state record speeds.

Ethnic groups and ancestry
According to census findings, the population of Maresia in 2030 was:


 * Pardo 39.2%
 * Burgoignac-origin/Charentais 38.7%
 * Latinate or northern Levantine descent 15.2
 * Cronan 0.6%
 * Alshari 0.4%
 * Native 5.9%

As it's heritage and identity would indicate, there are strong Burgoignac ancestry lines amongst Maresian people, especially those from the northern coastal Promontoire region. Like most of Cartadania, the Pardo group holds the majority of the population, but only leads Burgoignac/Charentais descent by about 0.5%, which is well within a potential margin of error.

Languages
The federal official language in Cartadania is Cartadanian, and as a result, the language of business, government, and instruction in Maresia is Cartadanian as well. However, because some 19% percent of the state is fluent in Charentais, the General Assembly has and continues to permit combined use of the language alongside Cartadanian, the only non-border state to do so. Approximately 29% of the population has reported speaking a other than Cartadanian at home in Maresia.

The most common languages spoken in Maresia as of 2022 are:
 * 71% Cartadanian
 * 19% Charentais
 * 6% Latin
 * Other languages less than 1% each

Religion
Maresia is mostly, although there is a large community within the state as well. Catholic Church is the largest single denomination in the state, as Cartadania was a former constituency of Caphiria and is proximate to Urcea, the two largest countries on the planet, both of whom have a catholic majority. With approximately 63% of the state identifying as Catholic and 28% identifying as irreligious, the remaining 9% constitute other religious groups from around the globe.

Despite separation of church and state being a very stark part of Cartadanian life, Maresia's catholic past plays a large part in the customs of its government even today. This is evident in the state's decision to divide itself into parishes as opposed to counties found in other states (excepting Porta Bianca, which has parishes for similar reasons).

Economy
Maresia's 2030 total was €1.551 trillion, placing it at 5th within Cartadania.

Maresia is very friendly to small businesses and large businesses alike, and its low taxes 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 Soleil, one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the country. Other common brands throughout eastern Cartadania that are headquartered in and distributed via Maresia include Bellegarde and its subsidiaries (excluding Bellegarde Est which bases all operations in Ovetta), and Leblanc, the largest sugar company in Cartadania, among others.

Auvergne has a large effect on the commonwealth, eastern 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, all qualities it shares with similarly sized Aumiers.

In 2029, Maresia had a median household income of €81,334, placing it at 6th amongst Cartadanian states, and quite highly throughout the world in comparison. Maresia, similar to the other commonwealths (of which Porta Bianca is the exception) lacks an income tax, but uniquely has a very low sales tax of 4% (although many localities will increase this to 6% which is the legal maximum), and a very low average property tax of 0.72% (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.

Tourism
Tourism makes up a large sector of the state's economy, but it is still on par with other sectors of Maresia. With approximately 3/4 of a million people employed in the tourism industry in 2030, Ballas' administration has had a strong interest in increasing Maresia's tourism industry. In 2030, Maresia had 121-million visitors, making a record for the state and sits with the highest tourism-related visitorship in the country. Maresia is especially friendly to international tourists, who come to visit the state's beach towns and culture. Because Maresia's tourism industry has grown so explosively over the years, the commonwealth has granted the public a right to beach access at all public beaches in the state. The state is also dotted with amusement parks and resorts, which are scattered amongst the Promontoire and Est regions.

Agriculture
Farms across the state largely produce, , , and. Maresia also has large productions of, , , , , , and , in addition to producing , , and. The state produces some, but it's generally flat landscape makes production limited.

Maresia is fifth largest producer of sugar cane in Cartadania, with 41.7 million tons produced in 2029. In spite of this, a large quantity of the country's sugar is refined in Maresia, as Leblanc's largest refinery is located in the southern part of the state. Cocoa and rice tend to be grown in the state's Est region, where the Aurillac irrigates most of the land. The state also produces eggs and poultry, seafood (including crustaceans like crabs and crawfish), cattle, and dairy.

Industry
Maresia's industrial sector is dominated by manufacturers of automobiles and transportation equipment, food processing, paper products, chemicals and products, and electric equipment. Soleil, one of the largest auto companies in the world, is headquartered here and produces many vehicles in assembly plants in Maresia.

Local government
The Commonwealth is divided into 66 parishes across the three regions. Some parishes have been named for prominent figures in both Cartadanian and Maresianais history, and many bear names relevant to their geography or features. Parishes in Maresia have their own elected legislative branch, usually called the Board of Commissioners, which usually also has executive authority in the parish. Maresia's constitution provides all parishes and cities with "" authority. The parish commissions have considerable power to pass legislation within their parish, similar to how cities would.

Maresia recognizes all local units of government as cities, so all incorporated towns are legally cities by virtue of commonwealth law. While Maresia does not provide for townships or independent cities like Acara, Aleira, or Triessa, it does allow governments by way of local referendum, though none currently exist.

State government
As with all other Cartadanian states and the federal government, Maresia's government is based on the separation of legislative, executive, and judicial power. Executive authority in the state rests with the. Both the Governor of Maresia and lieutenant governor are elected on separate ballots to four-year terms of office, limited to two terms. Most of the executive officials that comprise the governor's cabinent are elected by the citizens of Maresia rather than being appointed by the governor. Maresia was the first state in Cartadania to elect a female governor in only its third election after joining the union, that of 1719.

Legislative authority resides in the Maresia General Assembly, composed of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies. The Lieutenant Governor presides over the commonwealth's senate, while members of the Chamber of Deputies select their own speaker. The Maresia Constitution sets the number of senators at 50, each of whom are elected from single-member districts. It also mandates a minimum of 150 representatives, apportioned among the representative districts. The state currently sits at the legally defined number of 50 senators and 150 representatives, each of whom serve two year terms with no limit. The states laws are codified as the Maresia Statutes. Maresia's law mirrors heavily off of Verona's law (although the laws of the states does tend to vary quite a bit with Maresia having more Levantine influence early on), and the common set of laws and regulations between Maresia, Lombardia, Porta Bianca, and Verona is commonly known as "Commonwealth Law".

Maresia's judges and justices who make up the commonwealth's judicial system are elected by a majority vote in both the Chamber and Senate without input from the governor, one of the ways Maresia's legislature has more power than its executive. Judicial authority rests with the Supreme Court of Maresia and Court of Appeals of Maresia. In addition, there are smaller courts which 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 Cheif Justice from among their seven justices, who is limited to no more than a twelve-year term as Chief.

Education
Maresia public school districts are organized within parish boundaries and administered by school boards with members elected at the local level. Maresia has 2.86 million students enrolled in its schools as of 2029 and spends about €17,821 per student, totaling around €50.96 billion.

Rather than administering a standardized exam to all students, starting with the 2030 school year, Maresia's Department of Education has authorized school districts to begin developing assessments that are tailored to each student's individual needs and strengths. This involves using adaptive technology or other tools to create personalized learning paths for each student. In turn, it provides students with practical skills and experience that can lead to successful careers in various fields, including those that may not require a traditional four-year college degree. Additionally, options for pre-professional training have proven to be beneficial for students who plan to pursue higher education in specific fields.

In spite of the widespread usage of the Charentais language throughout the Cartadanian commonwealth, the language of instruction in public schools continues to be Cartadanian. While the government recognizes and supports the preservation of Charentais language and culture, the decision to prioritize the use of Cartadanian in education is largely due to its status as the official language of the state, as well as its widespread use in government and business. Nonetheless, there is a growing demand for bilingual education and specialized schools are taking notice, offering bilingual programs and instruction that cater to the needs of students who are more comfortable learning in their native language. These programs not only serve to preserve the cultural heritage of the state but also prepare students for a globalized world where bilingualism is increasingly important. Additionally, all students in public schools have the option to take Charentais classes, providing an opportunity for all students to learn and appreciate the language and culture of the state. Maresia students are commonly ranked highly among Cartadanian students and Maresia's quality of education is very well known throughout the country.



Maresia boasts a robust and diverse higher education system that is anchored by the State University System of Maresia. This system encompasses a dozen public institutions of higher learning, each with its own unique strengths and programs of study. These institutions are overseen by the Maresia Board of Regents, which ensures that they adhere to the highest standards of academic excellence and rigor.

At the forefront of the state's higher education landscape is the prestigious University of Maresia. As the state's flagship research university, it is home to some of the brightest minds and most innovative researchers in the world. The University of Maresia is renowned for its cutting-edge research initiatives, top-ranked graduate programs, and world-class faculty members who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and discovery. Despite its esteemed reputation, the University of Maresia is accessible to all Cartadanians, thanks in large part to its affordable tuition rates. Maresia charges the lowest four-year tuition in Cartadania (excluding the CREL states that do not charge tuition), making it an affordable option for both in-state and out-of-state students alike. In-state residents pay a modest $25,200 for four years of study (or approximately $210 per credit hour), while out-of-state and international students pay $42,000 for the same period.

The Maresia College System is another integral component of the state's higher education landscape. This system is composed of 41 public community and state colleges that are spread throughout the state, offering students a wide range of programs and pathways to success. These colleges are committed to providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality education to all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. With an enrollment of around 800,447 students in 2029, the Maresia College System is a testament to the state's commitment to education and lifelong learning. Its graduates go on to make meaningful contributions to their communities and to the world at large, embodying the spirit of excellence and opportunity that is at the heart of Maresia's higher education system.

Transportation
Maresia boasts a well-developed transportation infrastructure that is maintained by the Maresia Department of Transportation, an agency that oversees all highways in the state, including federal highways. The department is a part of the executive branch of the state government and is responsible for regulating and enforcing the rules regarding the construction, maintenance, and usage of these systems.

One of the notable features of Maresia's transportation system is its extensive highway network, which spans an impressive 114730 km. This vast system is consistently ranked among the best in the country, thanks in part to the state's proactive approach to maintenance. Maresia has invested more money into its transportation system than most other states, allowing it to conduct routine maintenance more frequently and efficiently.

In addition to its focus on maintenance, Maresia also stands out from other states for its willingness to completely close a highway during construction, maintenance, expansion, or upgrade projects. This strategy has proven successful in reducing the time required to complete such projects. For example, in 2011, the department closed traffic flow on Interstate 90 (also known as the Mariner Freeway) east of Aumiers in 35-kilometer (22 mi) segments during the highway's expansion to eight lanes. Though this caused some inconvenience to travelers, it resulted in a nearly two-thirds reduction in construction time compared to a semi-closure method. This practice is also utilized in other states such as Alta Roma, Lombardia, and Victoria, where highway maintenance and expansion is currently ongoing.

Maresia's primary commercial airport is Auvergne International Airport (AUV), the fourth busiest airport in the country. In addition to Auvergne, there are eight other airports serving major commercial traffic in Maresia. Aumiers International Airport and Toulon International Airport are the second- and third-busiest airports in the state as measured by passengers served, respectively, and are the only additional international airports. All airports in the state are overseen by the Maresia Aerospace Authority.

The state's three seaports–Aurillac Terminals, Marée Terminals, and South Maresia Terminals–and the six land ports are managed by the Maresia Port Authority, which oversees all inbound and outbound cargo into the state by land, sea, and via partnership with the MAA, air. The largest port in the state is the Marée Terminals, which is part of a interstate supercomplex with the San Rícardo International Gateway. Together these two ports constitute the largest seaport in the world.

The state has embarked on an ambitious plan to construct a high-speed rail system that will revolutionize transportation in the region. This project, known as Project Lynx, has become the largest independent infrastructure program in the state's history, with a planned completion date of 2035. The aim of this project is to connect all of the state's major metropolitan areas, enabling commuters to travel from one end of the state to the other in less than two hours. The proposed high-speed rail system is expected to have a significant impact on the state's economy and job market. It will create numerous job opportunities for skilled workers and engineers, while also boosting the economy by providing businesses with fast and efficient transportation options. Additionally, it will help to alleviate congestion on the state's highways and reduce the number of cars on the road, leading to fewer traffic accidents and improved air quality.

One of the key advantages of Project Lynx is the relatively low cost of construction. Due to Maresia's mostly flat land, the project is expected to be less expensive than similar projects in other regions. This makes the project an attractive investment for both public and private investors.

As of January 2030, the project has nearly completed its research and development phase, with the Maresia Department of Transportation (MDOT) providing an estimated construction begin date of 1 March 2031. The construction phase of the project is expected to take several years, and once completed, it will transform the way people travel within the state, making it faster, safer, and more efficient.