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Lotoa: Difference between revisions
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| Latitude = | | Latitude = | ||
| Longitude = | | Longitude = | ||
| population_rank = | | population_rank = 26th | ||
| population_demonym = Lotoan | | population_demonym = Lotoan | ||
| OfficialLang | | OfficialLang = {{hlist|[[Cartadanian language|Cartadanian]]|{{wp|Samoan|Lotoan}}}} | ||
| Languages = | |||
| 2020Pop = 3045238 | | 2020Pop = 3045238 | ||
| population_as_of = | | population_as_of = 2030 | ||
| 2020DensityUS = | | 2020DensityUS = | ||
| 2020Density = 2127.8 | | 2020Density = 2127.8 | ||
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== Geography == | == Geography == | ||
The Lotoan archipelago lies within the broader Ahi’anui Rift Zone in the western Polynesian Sea | [[File:Mauna Kea from Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii - 20100913 (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|200px|Oloamua, an inactive shield volcano, is Lotoa's highest point.]] | ||
Lotoa's topography is primarily characterized by volcanic peaks, and [[Oloamua]], an inactive shield volcano situated in the southern portion of Anamua's Lauusiusi district, is the state's highest point. It stands at a height of {{convert|4357.3|m|ft|sp=us}} above sea level and is one of a few snow-capped mountains in Cartadania. It is unusually topographically prominent for its height and is about one million years old meaning it has passed the most active shield stage of life hundreds of thousands of years ago. In contrast, the lowest point in Lotoa is found at sea level, anywhere along the archipelago's coasts. Aside from peaks, the islands are generally characterized by varying degrees of piedmont and valleys. The Lotoan archipelago lies within the broader Ahi’anui Rift Zone in the western Polynesian Sea and volcanic activity is a common occurrence across the islands, albeit rarely causing significant damage to inhabited areas. | |||
[[Laititi (island)|Laititi]], the smallest of the three islands, currently exhibits the highest volcanic activity, with an eruption event recorded in 2030. Geographically, the archipelago stands as the most isolated Polynesian chain, situated farthest from any major landmass, especially when compared to island groups like [[Zhijun]] and [[Sudmoll]] off the coast of [[Peratra]], or even Saukhin and Rapa Rapa, which are geographically closer to [[Vallos]]. | |||
=== Climate === | === Climate === | ||
Lotoa, akin to much of tropical Polynesia, exhibits a remarkably consistent climate throughout the year. Average temperatures typically range between 21 and 31 °C (70 and 88 °F), with minimal seasonal fluctuations. The capital city of Laaula, on the island of Anamua, has recorded its lowest temperature at {{convert|16|C|F}} and its highest at {{convert|34|C|F}}. The equatorial climate pattern ensures relatively stable and moderate weather conditions across the archipelago. | Lotoa, akin to much of tropical Polynesia, exhibits a remarkably consistent climate throughout the year. Average temperatures typically range between 21 and 31 °C (70 and 88 °F), with minimal seasonal fluctuations. The capital city of Laaula, on the island of Anamua, has recorded its lowest temperature at {{convert|16|C|F}} and its highest at {{convert|34|C|F}}. The equatorial climate pattern ensures relatively stable and moderate weather conditions across the archipelago. Snow, not usually associated with the tropics, falls at {{convert|4200|m|ft|sp=us}} on Oloamua and Kīpapa on Anamua Island in some winter months. Lotoa predominantly experiences a bi-seasonal climate. The wet season spans from May to October, marked by increased precipitation and higher humidity levels. Conversely, the dry season lasts from October to April, characterized by reduced rainfall and lower humidity. This seasonal pattern shapes the agricultural cycles and ecological dynamics across the archipelago. | ||
However, climates vary significantly across each island, primarily categorized into windward (koʻolau) and leeward (kona) regions based on their orientation relative to higher elevations. Windward areas typically face cloud cover due to prevailing trade winds, resulting in higher precipitation levels. In contrast, leeward regions experience drier conditions as they lie in the rain shadow of the mountains. | |||
=== Ecology and wildlife === | === Ecology and wildlife === | ||
[[File:Fleur_de_pūrau_(hibiscus_tiliaceus).jpg|thumb|left|200px|The {{wp|Hibiscus tiliaceus|Coast cottonwood}} is the state flower and tree.]] | |||
[[File:Hawaiian monk seal at French Frigate Shoals 04.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The {{wp|monk seal}} is the state mammal.]] | |||
The islands of Lotoa, considering that geographic isolation from other landmasses, owe their diverse flora and fauna to the mechanisms of dispersal: wind, ocean currents, and the flight of birds and insects transporting seeds. Lotoa stands out among Cartadania’s states for its rich biodiversity, although it faces significant challenges with a higher proportion of endangered and extinct endemic species compared to its counterparts. | |||
The islands’ forests are characterized by lush, low-lying vegetation dominated by {{wp|Cordia subcordata}} and {{wp|Hibiscus tiliaceus}}, the latter serving as both the state tree and flower. A cultivated variety, Hibiscus tiliaceus var. sterilis, with a straight trunk and rounded crown, is commonly found along roadways. Among its distinctive features, Lotoa boasts an aromatic landscape highlighted by the tiaré flower ({{wp|Gardenia taitensis}}), renowned for its exquisite fragrance and now safeguarded under state and federal protections. | |||
Surrounding the islands, the marine ecosystem thrives with diverse aquatic life, including numerous species of sharks, rays, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with butterfly and clown fish. Manta rays also inhabit these waters, attracting divers who seek encounters with these creatures. | |||
== Demographics == | == Demographics == | ||
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== Government and politics == | == Government and politics == | ||
[[File: | [[File:Emele Mahina, LT portrait.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Emele Mahina, the current Governor of Lotoa.]] | ||
Lotoa is | Lotoa is the second-most recent territory to become a state of Cartadania, having ratified the constitution on 3 January 2029, making it the 33rd federal entity and 32nd state to join the union. The state's capital and seat of government is the city of Laaula, located on Pōpolohua Bay at the southern end of Anamua Island. The state is organized into three branches of government – the executive branch consisting of the [[Governor of Lotoa|Governor]] and the other independently elected constitutional officers; the legislative branch consisting of the Council of Envoys and Senate of Lotoa; and the judicial branch consisting of the Supreme Court of Lotoa 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. | ||
=== Executive branch === | |||
The executive branch of Lotoa comprises the [[Governor of Lotoa]] and seven other elected constitutional officers: the [[Lieutenant Governor of Lotoa|Lieutenant Governor]], Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Controller, State Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner, and Superintendent of Education. As the chief executive officer of the State, the Governor also serves as commander-in-chief of its military force. Lotoa is the sole state in Cartadania to actively maintain a naval paramilitary force. | |||
Lotoa | The Lieutenant Governor assumes the role of President of the Senate of Lotoa and holds the primary position in the line of succession to the governor. Meanwhile, the Attorney General acts as the principal legal advisor to the governor and the Royal Assembly, serving as the chief lawyer of the State and heading the Department of Justice. The Attorney General is second in the line of succession to the governor. In the event of vacancies in all three executive offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General, the Orator Princeps of the Lotoa Council of Envoys ascends to the position of governor. | ||
=== Legislature === | === Legislature === | ||
{{Main|Lotoa Royal Assembly}} | |||
[[File:Lotoa Capitol Building.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Lotoan Capitol building in Laaula]] | |||
The [[Lotoa Royal Assembly]] is a bicameral body consisting of a lower house, the [[Lotoa Council of Envoys]], with 100 members, and an upper house, the [[Senate of Lotoa]], with 40 members. Combined together, the Lotoa Royal Assembly consists of 140 elected representatives from an equal number of constituent districts across the state. The Royal Assembly holds sessions in the Lotoa State Capitol in Laaula. In spite of its name, Lotoa is no longer a royal monarchy, instead having retained the name due to cultural heritage. | |||
The Council of Envoys is presided over by the Orator Princeps, while the Senate is presided over by the Lieutenant Governor of Lotoa. The Council and Senate each elect a clerk and sergeant-at-arms. The Senate of Lotoa's clerk is known as the Secretary of the Senate. The Royal Assembly also selects the State's Auditor of Public Accounts. The statutory law enacted is codified in the [[Kanawai Lotoa]] ({{literal translation|Lotoan law}}). | |||
=== Judiciary === | === Judiciary === | ||
{{Main|Judiciary of Lotoa}} | |||
[[File:Aliiolani Hale, Oahu, Hawaii.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Lotoa Supreme Court building in Laaula]] | |||
Lotoa’s legal framework is predominantly rooted in common law, akin to most other states in Cartadania, with influences from civil law systems such as community property regulations. While capital punishment remains a lawful penalty for severe felony convictions, specifically those categorized as [[Criminal justice system of Cartadania#Class 0|Class 0 felonies]], Lotoa is predominantly characterized as a rehabilitative state. This philosophy emphasizes the rehabilitation and societal reintegration of offenders. | |||
At the apex of the state judiciary sits the [[Supreme Court of Lotoa]], composed of seven Justices. The Lotoa Court of Appeals functions as the primary appellate court, while the Lotoa Insular Courts serve as the principal trial courts. Justices of both the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals are appointed by the Governor and are subject to retention elections by the electorate every 12 years. Lotoa’s Insular Courts are county-wide courts of general jurisdiction, analogous to superior or county courts in other states. Given that Lotoa’s islands align with the state’s counties, these courts are commonly referred to colloquially as county courts, such as Anamua County Court, rather than by their formal title, the Lotoa Insular Court of Anamua County. | |||
The Judicial Council oversees the administration of the state’s court system, comprising the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Lotoa, 14 judicial officers, four representatives from the State Bar of Lotoa, and one member from each house of the state legislature. | |||
=== Local government === | === Local government === | ||
Each of the three islands–[[Anamua]], [[Matau]], and [[Laititi]]–serves as county-equivalents for Lotoa, with the islands being divided into districts and further into cities and villages, many of which retain their native names. | Each of the three islands–[[Anamua]], [[Matau]], and [[Laititi]]–serves as county-equivalents for Lotoa, with the islands being divided into districts and further into cities and villages, many of which retain their native names. | ||