Western province (Caldera)
The Western province, also sometimes known as Factoria, is one of 3 provinces in the Calderan Republic. The Western province is the least populated, but is also the most ethnically diverse. It's the only province to use Ænglish in its government, alongside Gothic and Volin.
Western province
Westliche provinz ᏭᏕᎵᎬᎢ Factoria | |
|---|---|
Province | |
 Flag | |
| Nickname(s): Factory Province | |
| Motto(s): "We will build" | |
 | |
| Country |  Caldera |
| First settled by Indigeno-Calderans | First Century |
| Province Established | July 1, 1658 |
| Founded by | Andrew Johnson |
| Capital | Ironport |
| Government | |
| • Type | Republic |
| • Body | Western provincial legislature |
| • Governor | Nathan Codsworth |
| Population (2030) | |
| • Total | 359,527 |
| • Rank | 3rd |
| • Density rank | 3rd |
| Demonym(s) | Westerner Factorian |
| Official Language | Gothic Ænglish Volin |
Etymology
The province's nickname, Factoria, is derived from Ænglish and Latin, meaning "land of factories". It was adopted by the Ænglish Minority Party in 1735 while trying to create a national identity separate from Caldera to justify declaring independence. The name Factoria was also conceptualized because of the Northeastern province's nickname Bavogia, as the Ænglish Minority Party pushed for all provinces to adopt similar names to be unique while still promoting national unity.
History
The Western province was founded by Ænglish Minority Party leader Andrew Johnson in 1658 as a way to administer Calderan lands easier, and create a safe place for non-Gothic immigrants to Caldera. Johnson's dream would not fully come to fruition, as many of the Western province's migrants were Gothic, and the province inevitably became majority Gothic, with a much higher non-Gothic minority than the southern province.
Government and Politics
The Western province has a unicameral legislature made up of 10 members. In order to come to a decision, 6 members need to vote yes. The 10 members of the legislature are also the representatives the Western province in the Volkshaus, so because of this, the Western province is often considered to have the most inefficient form of government out of the 3 provinces.
Indigeno-Calderans were not allowed to vote for representatives in legislature until 2003, when the Siege of Little Caldera provoked a nationwide change.
Currently, the Governor of the Western province is Nathan Codsworth, and the Yellow Party holds the majority of seats. The Volkspartei holds 2 seats.
Demographics
Ethnicity
Most Westerners are Gothic, with a very large Ænglish minority. Other small minorities include Burgoignesc and Canespian.
Self-reported ethnic origin in the Western province (2030)
Language
The primary language of the province is Gothic, but Ænglish and Volin are also used.
Religion
The most widespread religion is Christianity, with Volinism behind.
Education
Only 35% of Westerners achieve secondary education, and only 18% report using their degrees for their jobs. This has created a culture in which secondary education is frowned upon and trade jobs are the main occupation.
Culture
Education
The Western province is most notably the least educated province, as Westerners are prompted from an early age to pursue trade jobs in manufacturing which require little education. The majority of trade jobs will train workers on the job, but for more difficult jobs, one may attend the Western Province School of Construction for in-depth training.
Attitudes and worldview
Westerners are similar to the rest of the country in that they're nationalistic and somewhat isolationist, but Westerners also highly support researching foreign designs in ship building and weaponry.
Kinship and family
Family culture is generally very similar to Levantine culture, being very tightly knit monogamous relationships with typically 3 children, all living happily under one roof until the children are old enough to move out and start their own family.
Cuisine
Western cuisine is only unique for its prominence of Ænglish dishes, including beans on toast and Ænglish breakfast.
Arts and Literature
Arts and literature are generally frowned upon in the Western province, as students are taught in primary school that the only things that matter in life are what you can produce.
Sports
The most popular sport in the Western province is association football.
Symbols
The Western province doesn't have many symbols to differentiate itself, but a common unofficial symbol for the whole province is a factory, as featured on the province's seal.
Economy and Infrastructure
Industries and Sectors
The largest industry in the Western province is shipbuilding, but weapons manufacturing and other goods produced in factories are also popular. The Western province's ports and ship repairing companies particularly do well because of Daxia, whose navy has a permanent port in the Western province as part of a 2034 agreement.
Currency
Like all Calderan provinces, the currency of the Western province is the Calderan Piece.
Healthcare
Healthcare in the Western province is highly sought-after and also expensive, brought on by high rates of workplace accidents and poor employee benefits. Some political parties attempt to tackle the issue by making it free, but the Yellow Party argues that it should be left alone and worker safety should be improved.
Labor
The BCA enforces strict rights for workers, affording workers 6 hour workdays with 5 days of vacation time every month. The Work Harder Party wants to increase working hours to 12.
Transportation
Cars are the most common forms of transportation in the Western province, but public bussing is also popular.
Technology
The Western province is the 2nd most technologically advanced province, featuring advanced factories, cars, and drones.