Solemia

Solemia
State
Commonwealth of Solemia Comunidade de Solemia
Flag Seal
Nicknames:  The Mahogany Isles Ilhas Sussurrantes The Last Dominion
Motto:  Esse quam videri
Anthem: Solemn Waves
Map of Cartadania with Solemia highlighted
Country	Cartadania
Before statehood	Territory of the Solemias
Admitted to the Union	1 January 2026 (32nd)
Capital (and largest city)	Lucent
Largest metro	Greater Lucent
Government
• Governor	Lyco Sarafina
• Lieutenant Governor	Acanthio Nadine
Legislature	Solemia General Assembly
• Upper house	Senate
• Lower house	Chamber of Deputies
Judiciary	Supreme Court of Solemia
Senators	3
Chamber delegation	1
Area
• Total	1,400.67 km2 (540.80 sq mi)
• Rank	33rd
Elevation	40 m (130 ft)
Highest elevation (Mont Pierre)	1,373.1 m (4,504.9 ft)
Lowest elevation (Ocean of Cathay/Sea of Orixtal)	0 m (0 ft)
Population  (2030)
• Total	835,226
• Rank	33rd
• Density	600/km2 (1,500/sq mi)
• Median household income	€70,315
• Income rank	20th
Demonym(s)	Solemian Solemiano/a
Language
• Official language	none
• Spoken language	Cartadanian Ænglish Coscivian Etzilian
Time zone	UTC-10:00 (Orixtal Mean Time)
CCor abbreviation	SL
ISO 3166 code	CA-SL
Trad. abbreviation	Sol.
Website	www.solemia.gov.ca

Solemia state symbols
Flag of Solemia
Coat of arms of Solemia
Living insignia
Amphibian	Blue-legged mantella
Bird	Little tern
Butterfly	Archaeoprepona demophon
Flower	Vanilla
Mammal	Ocelot
Reptile	Marine iguana
Tree	Swietenia macrophylla
Inanimate insignia
Food	Vira-vira
Fossil	Liopleurodon
Gemstone	Citrine
Mineral	Quartz
Motto	Esse quam videri
Nickname	The Mahogany Isles Ilhas Sussurrantes The Last Dominion
Shell	Queen conch
Song	Solemn Waves
State route marker
Solemia state route marker
List of Cartadanian state symbols

Solemia, officially the Commonwealth of Solemia (Cartadanian: Comunidade de Solemia), is a state of Cartadania composed entirely of an archipelago. It is located within the confluence of the Sea of Orixtal and the Ocean of Cathay about 957.3 kilometers (594.8 mi) from the nearest country, Tierrador. It is also about 1,297.95 kilometers (806.51 mi) from Seváronsa and 1,572.9 kilometers (977.4 mi) from Alstinian territorial waters. With less than a million residents across a total area of about 2,883.2 square kilometres (1,113.2 sq mi), Solemia is the least populous and least-extensive state in Cartadania. The state capital is the city of Lucent, located on the island of A Baunilha, and its metropolitan area, Greater Lucent, is the most populous urban region in the state, with roughly three-fifths of the state's residents. It is geopolitically divided into four counties comprised of seven major islands and dozens of islets.

The state's history is intricately tied to its geographical isolation and strategic importance within the region. Originally uninhabited for several centuries, the Solemian Islands were first resettled by explorers and traders from Cartadania in the late 17th century, who recognized the archipelago’s potential as a maritime outpost and trading hub. Over the centuries, Solemia experienced periods of colonial rule and strategic military presence, particularly during conflicts and alliances that shaped Cartadania’s maritime influence. The state eventually gained autonomy and formal recognition within the Cartadania, marking its path towards modernization and development. Today, remnants of its colonial past, including forts and historic settlements, can be found across the state and are of particular interest to tourists and state culture organizations as well.

Solemia’s economy thrives on its tourism industry, which capitalizes on the state’s pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse marine life. The archipelago’s strategic location between the Sea of Orixtal and the Ocean of Cathay positions it as a gateway for travelers exploring Cartadania and beyond, though its strategic importance as a stepping stone to metropolitan Cartadania has waned in more recent years. Tourists are drawn to Solemia’s numerous resorts, eco-lodges, and adventure tourism opportunities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and hiking through its historically volcanic terrain. In addition to tourism, the service sector plays a major role in Solemia’s economy, encompassing hospitality, retail, and professional services catering to both residents and visitors alike. The state government actively promotes sustainable tourism practices to preserve its natural resources and cultural heritage, with a particular emphasis on long-term viability and attractiveness as a tourist destination, especially in the wake of the war with Varshan.

Etymology

Solemia derives its name from the fusion of the Cartadanian phrase 'sol e mar,' meaning 'sun and sea.' Over time, linguistic evolution and regional influence transformed this phrase into 'Solemar' which further evolved from influence by other groups via truncation and corruption into 'Solemas'. Along the way, the spelling and pronuciation of the name became 'Solemias', which initially served as the territorial name 'As Solemias.' Eventually, the name was further simplified to Solemia, when the first Goldstein Act was signed into law allowing its transition to statehood within the Cartadania.

History

Early history

The history of Solemia, prior to its integration into Cartadania, is characterized by a complex archaeological record of indigenous cultures, geographical isolation, and occasional interactions with external entities. Situated within the confluence of the Sea of Orixtal and the Ocean of Cathay, the Solemian archipelago developed a unique cultural and socio-economic fabric shaped by its insular nature. Solemia’s history dates back millennia, with evidence suggesting early human habitation as far back as the Neolithic era. The indigenous populations, primarily far flung Polynesian and southern Cronan in origin, established vibrant communities across the archipelago. These communities thrived on maritime activities, subsistence agriculture, and intricate social structures governed by oral traditions and customary laws.

While the islands of Solemia remained largely isolated from mainland influences, occasional interactions occurred with seafaring peoples from distant lands, such as Proto-Coscivians. These interactions, although sporadic, contributed to cultural exchanges, trade in exotic goods, and the exchange of knowledge and technologies.

The late 17th century marked a pivotal turning point for Solemia as Cartadania established suzerainty over the archipelago. Initially driven by economic interests in natural resources and strategic geographical location relative to its other recently established Cronan territories, Cartadania gradually integrated Solemia into its colonial network. This period witnessed the establishment of colonial administrations, among other features it brought from mainland Cartadania.

However, by the time of Cartadania's arrival, Solemia was desolate of human activity, a phenomenon that has invited scientific research from many areas of the world as to why its society collapsed. One hypothesis presented was that Solemia’s remote location within the confluence of the Sea of Orixtal and the Ocean of Cathay posed significant geographic barriers to human migration and colonization. The archipelago’s distance from major continental landmasses, coupled with challenging maritime conditions and absence of navigational technologies, limited early human exploration and settlement attempts other than those that were chance arrivals. The islands also may have had environmental challenges that deterred sustained human habitation, including unpredictable weather patterns, limited freshwater sources, and vulnerable ecosystems unsuitable for sustained agricultural practices.

Modern history

Solemia's era from territory to statehood is primarily characterized by a period of quiet development and transition into a tourism and service-oriented economy. Following its discovery and subsequent integration into Cartadania during the late 17th century, Solemia remained relatively quiet in Cartadanian territorial affairs. The islands, once desolate of human settlement, witnessed the establishment of colonial outposts, missionary activities, and limited resource extraction under Cartadanian suzerainty. Throughout this period, Solemia’s economy and society slowly developed, influenced by its strategic geographic location and natural resources.

The tranquility of Solemia, a period of about 300 years, was disrupted during the Final War of the Deluge from November 2020 to August 2024. As tensions escalated between Cartadania and Varshan, Solemia found itself drawn into the geopolitical turmoil, experiencing disruptions to its tourism sector and local economy. The conflict emphasized Solemia’s vulnerability and highlighted the need for international recognition and stability. This was particularly emphasized in Cartadania's, as well as its allies, use of Solemia as a forward station for military basing. As a result, defense has become a large industry in the islands and has also boosted its economy.

On 1 January 2026, Solemia gained statehood within Cartadania via the first of three Goldstein Acts, making history as it became the 32nd state. With renewed stability and sovereignty post-war, Solemia has transitioned into a predominantly tourism and service-oriented economy. The islands’ scenic beauty, unique biodiversity has attracted tourists from around the world, further strengthening economic growth and infrastructure development.

Geography

Solemia is an archipelagic state characterized by a linear arrangement of islands extending diagonally from the coast of Crona, approximately 957.3 kilometers (594.8 mi) at their closest proximity. The geography of Solemia bears resemblance to neighboring islands, featuring a series of low-lying islands fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by clear turquoise waters. Despite the generally flat terrain, notable elevations include Monte Atasco, rising approximately 638 meters (2,093 ft) above sea level, marking the highest point in the state. This diversity in elevation has created varied landscapes across the islands, with the majority of settlements and infrastructure concentrated along the coastlines of some islands. The geographical positioning of Solemia has also heightened its appeal as a tourism destination, offering scenic coastal vistas, diverse marine ecosystems, and opportunities for outdoor recreational activities amidst its tropical climate and picturesque surroundings while being relatively close to many large countries that maintain rather decent ties with Cartadania.

Climate

Coconut palms on Oroas Island, Rienda County.

Solemia features a tropical rainforest climate (Af), characterized by distinct seasonal patterns influenced by prevailing wind directions. From April to October, northeastern trade winds prevail, maintaining stable temperatures around 30 °C (86 °F). Conversely, from November to April, the region experiences westerly gales accompanied by increased rainfall. The wet season in Solemia coincides with the tropical cyclone season, spanning from November to April annually. Although tropical cyclones rarely form or traverse near the equator where Solemia is situated, the state can still be affected by distant tropical disturbances or cyclones. These impacts are typically observed during the early stages of cyclone development or as the systems approach tropical cyclone status. The dry season, commencing with the appearance of Antares in the evening sky from May to November, brings gentler winds, calmer seas, and reduced precipitation. In contrast, with the arrival of Pleiades in December, the season shifts to stronger westerly winds and increased rainfall, potentially hindering inter-island travel. While Solemia itself does not experience direct cyclonic events, it may occasionally feel peripheral effects during cyclone seasons affecting nearby islands in the Cathay region, such as Alstin or those farther east across Crona.

Politics and government

Lyco Sarafina, the current Governor of Solemia.

Solemia was the first territory to become a state of Cartadania after the fallout of the Great Wars, having ratified the constitution on 1 January 2026, making it the 32nd federal entity and 31st state to join the union. The state's capital and seat of government is the city of Lucent, located on Baía Platonas at the northern end of Boscosa Cay. The state is organized into three branches of government, typical of Cartadania's federal model, with the executive branch consisting of the Governor and the other independently elected constitutional officers; the legislative branch consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and Senate; and the judicial branch consisting of the Supreme Court of Solemia and lower courts.

Executive branch

The executive branch of Solemia comprises the Governor of Solemia and seven other elected constitutional officers: the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Commonwealth Controller, Commonwealth 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, which, for Solemia, is primarily amphibious-based troops.

The Lieutenant Governor assumes the role of President of the Senate of Solemia 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 General 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 Solemia Chamber of Deputies ascends to the position of governor.

Legislature

Main article: Solemia General Assembly

Solemia Capitol building in Lucent, the least Neo-classical of the state capitols.

The Solemia General Assembly is a bicameral body consisting of a lower house, the Solemia Chamber of Deputies, with 80 members, and an upper house, the Senate of Solemia, with 20 members. Combined together, the Solemia General Assembly consists of 100 elected representatives from an equal number of constituent districts across the state. The General Assembly holds sessions in the Solemia State Capitol in Lucent, though there are locations in which the state government may hold other sessions across the state as well.

The Chamber of Deputies is presided over by the Orator Princeps, while the Senate is presided over by the Lieutenant Governor of Solemia. The Chamber and Senate each elect a clerk and sergeant-at-arms. The Senate of Solemia's clerk is known as the Secretary of the Senate. The General Assembly also selects the Commonwealth's Auditor of Public Accounts.

Judiciary

Main article: Judiciary of Solemia

Solemia Supreme Court building in Lucent

Solemia’s legal framework, like that of all but two of Cartadania's states, is predominantly rooted in common law, 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 Class 0 felonies, Solemia is characterized as a rehabilitative state and has never used the death penalty nor any other form of capital punishment. As such, the state has sometimes seen an influence in individuals that have been fleeing in hopes that the state's legal system will protect them. In spite of this, the state does typically transit those individuals back to their jurisdiction of bad faith.

At the apex of the state judiciary sits the Supreme Court of Solemia, composed of five Justices. The Solemia Court of Appeals functions as the primary appellate court, while the Solemia Insular Courts, primarily modeled after Lotoa's, 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 eight years. Solemia’s Insular Courts are county-wide superior courts of general jurisdiction. Given that Solemia’s islands are grouped to form the state’s counties, these courts will often hold session in a primary, central location which might not coincide with the county seat.

The Judicial Council oversees the administration of the state’s court system, comprising the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Solemia, 10 judicial officers, four representatives from the Solemia Commonwealth Bar, and one member from each house of the state legislature.

Local government

Solemia is administratively divided into four counties, comprising its eleven major islands: Morais, Navasca, Rienda, and Romano. Navasca County, comprising the four islands of A Baunilha, Cabral, Duta, and Meçener, is home to the state capital and its largest urban region, Lucent. It has the highest population in Solemia, home to approximately 400,000 residents, nearly a third of the state’s total population. Morais County, known for its scenic coastal landscapes and vibrant marine life, attracts lots of tourists and nature enthusiasts alike. It is comprised of two islands, Namur and Valentine, the state's largest and smallest, respectively. Rienda County, characterized by its historical architecture and cultural heritage, remains a center for arts and traditions within Solemia. It is home to the state's three islands closest to the Cronan mainland, namely Aguiar, Oroas, and Pinto. Romano County, encompassing two smaller, contributes to the state’s tourism economy with its pristine beaches and secluded resorts, and is also home to the state's military base, Joint Base Faria-Tores, formerly Fort Tores and Faria Air Force Base.

Economy

Imperial's Sereia do Mar in Solemian waters.

Solemia’s economy is predominantly driven by the tourism and service sectors, reflecting its status as an attractive archipelagic destination within Cartadania. The state’s picturesque islands draw a significant number of tourists annually, especially via cruise, contributing substantially to the local economy. Tourism fuels the demand for hospitality, retail, and entertainment services, which are vital components of Solemia’s economic framework. Additionally, the state’s strategic location and natural beauty support niche sectors such as marine research and conservation, which leverage the region’s rich aquatic biodiversity and promote sustainable economic practices.

Despite its economic strengths, Solemia’s reliance on tourism and services has enphasized the necessity for strategic diversification to mitigate risks associated with economic fluctuations and environmental challenges. The state’s economic development is further supported by its integration within Cartadania’s broader economic framework, ensuring access to federal resources for infrastructure development, healthcare provision, and educational advancements. This integration has enhanced Solemia’s economic resilience and sustainability over time, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and dynamic region with Cartadania’s economy, but has been a slow trend overall as a result of cultural and geographical hurdles.

Demographics

Ethnic origin in Solemia
Ethnicity			Percentage
Cartadanian			66.3%
Cronan			14.7%
Lato-Romance or other Sarpedonian			7.1%
Coscivian			5.5%
Alshari			4.1%
Levantine			1.3%
Uncertain			1.0%

Historical population

Year	Pop.	±%
1900	162,231	—
1910	187,965	+15.9%
1920	212,595	+13.1%
1930	233,855	+10.0%
1940	275,938	+18.0%
1950	309,214	+12.1%
1960	358,773	+16.0%
1970	391,491	+9.1%
1980	445,807	+13.9%
1990	521,156	+16.9%
2000	589,226	+13.1%
2010	648,149	+10.0%
2020	726,321	+12.1%
2030	835,226	+15.0%

The Cartadania Office of the Census concluded the 2030 Census on 31 December 2030, recognizing Solemia’s population to be 835,226, making it least populous state and fourth-least populous federal unit within Cartadania. Solemia, however, retains a healthy population density of 289.7 inhabitants per square kilometre (750/sq mi), placing it in the middle of the road as far as population densities across the country are reported. The population tends to be heavily concentrated on the islands more centrally located, as evidenced by Lucent's population, which was historically due to the calmer waters between islands compared to the sea around the archipelago.

According to the census, the majority of Solemia’s population in 2030 identified with Cartadanian descent, comprising 66.3% of the total population, followed by individuals of Cronan descent at 14.7%. It has been on the rise in many recent years, attributed to historical migrations akin to those observed in northern Vallos and recent influxes due to conflicts in Varshan. Unlike in most other states, the Census in Solemia does not group Pelaxians with Caphirians as Romance/Caphirian-adjacent, rather, they are combined with the Cartadanian descent and typically supergrouped as Pardo. Coscivians, due primarily to the proximity of Seváronsa, make up roughly 5.5% of the state's population and areas known as Little Coscivia can be found across the state. Individuals of Latinic descent, particularly Caphirians and Caphirian-adjacent backgrounds, account for 7.1% of the population. Alsharis primarily of Corummese origin, constituted 4.1% of the population. Those of Levantine descents represented 1.3% of the population, while the remaining 1% reported diverse or uncertain ancestral backgrounds.

Health

Lucent Medical Center, the state's flagship hospital.

Solemia presents a health profile marked by relative stability and moderate access to healthcare services. The average life expectancy of 81.5 years for males and 85.2 years for females exceeds global norms, underpinned by a healthcare framework that strives for equitable service delivery. While enjoying a nearly balanced sex ratio favoring males at birth, healthcare infrastructure in Solemia benefits from federal investments and initiatives within Cartadania. These efforts support essential healthcare provisions, including telemedicine and professional training, yet the system faces challenges typical of less affluent states, such as occasional resource constraints and varying service availability across its dispersed islands. Public health measures are tailored to local needs, emphasizing preventive healthcare, disease control, and environmental health amidst frequent interaction with water bodies. Oversight by Cartadania’s Department of Health and Human Services ensures adherence to national standards, integrating healthcare initiatives with cultural practices and community engagement to promote holistic well-being across Solemia.

Languages

Solemia, as part of Cartadania, has Cartadanian as its official language for business, government affairs, and educational instruction. Despite its geographic proximity to Cronan, there is no official bilingualism in state governmental functions, as Cartadanian remains the sole language of administration. However, acknowledging the approximately 15% of the population with Cronan ancestry, particularly from Tierrador and Ceylonia, the General Assembly has permitted the use of Qabóri alongside Cartadanian in select educational and public contexts to improve cultural exchange and strengthen ties, particularly in sectors such as tourism and services, which drive the state’s economy.

Additionally, Cartadania’s close relationship with Pelaxia has led to a sizable population of Spanish speakers settling in Solemia, primarily through military service or other engagements under the Union of Sarpedonian States. The lexical similarity between Cartadanian and Pelaxian is high, estimated at approximately 90% on the high end, facilitating communication between these groups without extensive translation needs. Census data has shown that roughly one-third of Solemia’s population, approximately a quarter-million people, speaks a primary language other than Cartadanian at home, an increasing trend that has continued to build on the state’s linguistic diversity.

The most prevalent languages spoken in Solemia include Cartadanian, Pelaxian, English, and Qabóri, alongside several other languages each representing less than 1% of the spoken diversity. The local dialect of Cartadanian spoken in Solemia, known as Solemiana, shares vocabulary similarities with Cartadanian dialects in Ceylonia rather than those in metropolitan Cartadania, while its cadence and intonation align more closely with the Mendêsano dialect spoken in metropolitan Alahuela. It is not particularly well-known outside of Cartadania but is easily identifiable to those that have an understanding of the language.