Oranjestad

Metropolitan Oranjestad in January 2018

Oranjestad, also known as the Grand Republic of Oranjestad & Associated Territories or Oranje County, is a unique melting pot of Shire cultures located in East-Central Oldeshire. Bordered by the Mainland to the west, New Venice to the south, and Athitica to the northeast, the country's culture, people, and languages are highly intertwined with its neighbors. With three official languages - Shirenglish, Oranjestadish, and Venetian - the country embraces its diverse heritage.

Established in 963 by Count J. Torrance the First, Oranjestad has a rich history dating back centuries. The city's strategic location between the Mainland and the Eastern hordes made it one of the most reputed fortifications in Oldeshire. After becoming an independent state under the personal possession of Lord Nebbers I of the Mainland in 1815, Oranjestad experienced significant industrialization in the early 20th century due to the steel industry's exploitation of rich iron-ore grounds in Saturn Valley and Lusus.

Today, Oranjestad has transformed into a global technology and financial hub. The country's capital, Metropolitan Oranjestad, is home to several institutions and agencies of the Shire. As a founding member of the Shire United Nations (S.U.N.), Oranjestad has played an active role in global affairs. In 2013 and 2014, the country served on the Shire United Nations Security Council, a first in its history. Oranjestadian citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 172 countries and territories, making the Oranjestad passport one of the most powerful in the world, tied with countries such as Laurelian and Clementine.

Oranjestad's political system can be best described as a Unitary Technocratic Republic, headed by Lord Nebbers the Fifth, O.P. While the nation is technically a constitutional republic, critics have described Lord Nebbers' substantial power over the country's affairs as autocratic. Despite the criticisms, Oranjestad's net population growth has outpaced most other industrialized nations, with an official population of 576,249 as of 2016.

History

See Also: Timeline of Oranjestad

Early History

Evidence of primitive inhabitants in what is now Oranjestad dates back to the Paleolithic or Old Stone Age, over 35,000 years ago. The oldest known artifacts from this period are decorated bones found in caverns beneath Skylan. The first evidence of civilization dates back to the Neolithic or 5th millennium BC, with the discovery of houses in the north of Oranjestad atop the Saturn Valley geological formation. The dwellings were made of a combination of tree trunks for the basic structure, mud-clad wickerwork walls, and roofs of thatched reeds or straw. While there is not much evidence of communities in Oranjestad at the beginning of the Bronze Age, a number of sites dating back to the period between the 13th and 8th century BC have been discovered, providing evidence of dwellings and revealing artifacts such as pottery, knives, and jewelry.

During the Iron Age (roughly 600 BC to 100 AD), the Shai inhabited what is now present-day Oranjestad. They reached their height of prosperity in the 1st century BC, with most of the archaeological evidence from this period found in tombs.

Independent County (963–1477)

Oranjestad's history began with the purchase and rehabilitation of Grunto Fortress in the High Middle Ages, on the banks of Homestar Bay. J. Torrance I, Count of Brandywine (Mainland), traded some of his ancestral lands with the monks of the Elkheim Priory in 963 for the supposedly ancient fortress. A town gradually developed around this fort, which became the center of a small but strategically important state. Located on a rocky outcrop between the Connoor and Budapest rivers, Olde Orangetown slowly radiated out from Homestar Bay. The House of Torrance ruled the County as their own private family holdings until 1477.

Mainland Rule (1477–1815)

Following the death of William and Anna of House Torrance, the ruling families of the Mainland claimed their patrimony and declared the County a vassal state in 1477. Until 1815, Oranjestad was ruled by Mainland elites. As recognition of its strategic importance against eastern threats, the County was elevated to Duchy status in 1574.

Skylan Invasions (1684, 1795)

In a surprising turn of events, Oranjestad was invaded not by the eastern hordes but by Skylan in 1684, led by Archduke Joseph IV. This led to the formation of the Eastern League and, subsequently, the War of the Grand Alliance. Skylan was forced to give up the Duchy, which was returned to the Mainlanders in 1697.

Over a century later, Skylan invaded Oranjestad again, this time led by Joseph the Imaginer, great-nephew of Archduke Joseph IV. Under the guise of a perceived eastern threat, Skylan annexed Oranjestad as a province in 1795. This conquest was part of the "Skylan Sickness," which led to the annexation of several of Skylan's neighbors.

Developing independence (1815–1890)

Oranjestad remained under Skylan rule until the defeat of Joseph the Imaginer in 1815 during the War of the Grand Coalition. The Allies installed a provisional administration led by Lord Nebbers I of the Mainland, and the Congress of Alqualonde of 1815 granted formal autonomy to Oranjestad and several remote Mainland colonies. In 1813, the Mainlanders had managed to wrest lands from Oranjestad, carving away portions of Wolf Island, the Dukedom, FridayFunLand, and the Alpha Forest (just east of Belthil) in anticipation of independence.

Despite gaining formal autonomy, Oranjestad was still under the influence of the Mainland due to the garrison of the Grunto fortress, ancestral seat of the medieval Oranjestaders, by Mainland forces after Joe the Imaginer's defeat. Under the rule of Lord Nebbers I, Oranjestad was augmented in another way through the elevation to the status of Grand Duchy. This was the first time that the country had a monarch who had no claim to the inheritance of the medieval patrimony. Oranjestad became a member of the Oldeshire Confederation with the Mainland responsible for its defense.

Recognizing the influence of the garrison, Lord Nebbers integrated Oranjestad into the Eastern Economic Prosperity Zone in 1842 to reduce Mainland influence and boost outside investment. Despite this, Oranjestad remained an underdeveloped agrarian country for most of the century.

Crisis of 1867

The Crisis of 1867 marked a turbulent time in Oranjestad's history, as the country faced the threat of annexation by the Mainland. Lord Nebbers, the ruling monarch, was torn between selling the grand duchy to the Mainland to retain his family claims on Belthil, and preserving Oranjestad's independence.

The crisis came to a head when Athitican chancellor Shmotto von Shmishmarck voiced his opposition to the sale, causing tensions to escalate. In an attempt to resolve the conflict, a conference was held in Venice from March to May 1867, with Venetians serving as mediators between the two rivals.

Shmishmarck played a shrewd game of manipulating public opinion, ultimately leading to the denial of sale to the Mainland. The issue was eventually resolved by the second Treaty of Venice, which guaranteed the perpetual independence and neutrality of Oranjestad. The Mainland garrison was withdrawn, and the fortress walls were pulled down.

This crisis marked a turning point for Oranjestad, cementing its status as an independent nation and opening the door to new opportunities for growth and development.

Separation and the Great Wars (1890–1945)

From 1890 to 1945, Oranjestad saw significant changes in its political and economic landscape. Lord Nebbers I ruled as grand duke until his death in 1890, at which point his young son, Lord Nebbers II, took the throne. During his minority, a congress of lawmakers and military officials governed the country and established a new constitution that would later guide the nation toward a constitutional monarchy.

The Great War affected Oranjestad, which supported the Overtakers during the war years. Despite continuity in politics, the war caused social upheaval and significant debt, leading to the foundation of the first trade unions in the country.

In the interwar period, the victorious Liberators disapproved of Oranjestad's choices, and some Mainland politicians demanded the country's reintegration. Lord Nebbers II sought to remain in power and drafted a new constitution that reorganized the country as a Grand Republic. The Department of Foreign Affairs, led by Joseph Belch, actively participated in international organizations to ensure Oranjestad's autonomy. The agricultural sector declined in favor of industry and the service sector, with the latter seeing a rise in active population from 18% in 1907 to 31% in 1935.

During the 1930s, foreign left- and right-wing politics influenced Oranjestadish politics, leading to communist-led unrest and friendly policies towards authoritarian Exton. The government's attempt to quell unrest peaked with the "muzzle" Law, an unsuccessful attempt to outlaw the Communist Party that was turned down in a 1937 referendum.

War with Exton

In April 1939, war broke out between Oranjestad and Exton. The Oranjestadish government declared neutrality, but Exton-allied forces invaded the country on May 10, 1940. The invasion was swift and Oranjestadish police and soldiers were captured, with few casualties on either side. Exton occupied Oranjestad until August 1942, when it was formally annexed into the Zentraler-Ex administrative zone. The Oranjestadish people were declared Exton citizens and were forced into military service. Thousands died fighting in the Exton army.

Opposition to annexation took the form of passive resistance at first, with many Oranjestaders refusing to speak Extonish. The Extonians responded with violence, including deportation, forced labor, and execution. The general strike of September 1942, which paralyzed the administration, agriculture, industry and education, led to the execution of 21 strikers and deportation of hundreds more to concentration camps.

Most of the country was liberated by Mainland Coalition forces in September 1944, with the capital city being entered on September 10, 1944. Exton forces were finally expelled from all Oranjestad lands in January 1945, and by May 1945, they had been driven off of the Oldeshire continent. The war resulted in the loss of 5,259 Oranjestaders out of a pre-war population of 123,000.

During the occupation, the Oranjestadish people resorted to resuscitating old Shai words after Exton prohibited Shirenglish. This led to a renaissance of the language. The occupation also led to the growth of the resistance movement, which helped in the eventual liberation of the country.

After the war, the country faced the task of rebuilding. The agricultural sector, which had declined before the war, was revived with the help of the Mainland Coalition forces. The country also received aid for its infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The Oranjestadish people slowly began to rebuild their lives and their country, though the scars of war remained for many years.

Modern History (1945-Present)

Between 1945 and 2005, Oranjestad underwent significant economic and political changes. The metallurgy sector crisis of the 1940s to 1950s threatened to cause an economic recession, given its dominant position in the country. However, the Tripartite Coordination Committee, composed of government officials, management representatives, and trade union leaders, prevented major social unrest and established the Oranjestad model of social peace.

Following centuries of division and occupation, Oranjestad implemented a policy of aggressive growth and "peace through strength," quickly becoming a dominant player in international politics. By the 1960s, Oranjestad had surpassed the Mainland in size, and in a decade, it was on equal footing with Venice. This period of growth was largely attributed to Niander Wallace, a technology entrepreneur and transhumanist who founded the TechnoCore. Its revolutionary artificial intelligence systems propelled the country to the forefront of technology, creating a densely populated urban jungle.

The TechnoCore and other industries became so influential that in 1984, the constitution was amended to integrate industry leaders directly into the government, creating the first technocratic nation. Oranjestad's small size no longer posed a challenge to its existence, and the nation expanded its boundaries eastward, bringing numerous colonies and villages worldwide under the Oranjestad banner. As of January 2018, the country comprised Metropolitan Oranjestad and 17 dependencies.

Currently, Lord Nebbers V has been the ruler since assuming the role in 2012.

Politics

Oranjestad is a unitary technocratic republic. Under the constitution of 1922, executive power is exercised by the ruling Lord and the cabinet, which consists of several other ministers. The Lord has the power to dissolve the legislature, in which case new elections must be held within three months. However, since 1960, sovereignty has resided with the nation, exercised by the ruling Lord in accordance with the Constitution and the law. Leaders from every industry sector are guaranteed certain positions within the government, and the TechnoCore has a permanent cabinet-level representative.

Legislative power is vested in the Chamber of Deputies, a unicameral legislature of sixty members, who are elected to five-year terms. A second body, the Council of State, composed of twenty-one ordinary citizens appointed by the Lord, advises the Chamber of Deputies in the drafting of legislation.

Oranjestad has three lower tribunals, two district tribunals, and a Superior Court of Justice. There is also an Administrative Tribunal and an Administrative Court, as well as a Constitutional Court, all of which are located in the capital.

Adminstrative Divisions

Oranjestad is divided into 6 departments, which are further divided into 44 zones.

West Metropolitan Oranjestad

Neighborhoods of Metropolitan Oranjestad

West Metropolitan Oranjestad is comprised of 14 administrative zones.

1. Alfa Beach

2. Brahmin Beach

3. Gala

4. Haverhill

5. Homestead

6. Irvington

7. Lusus

8. Meijin

9. Olde Orangetown

10. Saturn Valley

11. Submerciful

12. Summit

13. Skylan

14. Netherland

East Metropolitan Oranjestad

1. Aboite

2. Pennsy

3. Monon

4. Aeolus Remnants

Vallachia

The Vallachia Department is made up of the five Oranjestad towns that are clustered together in southwestern Vallachia, occupying an area that was once part of the Fraggle Rock Quarry. The Vallachia Department is defunct as of June 2018, after all towns were sold to other parties.

1. Anchorhead Sold to the NSE on May 4 2018

2. Shadynasty: Sold to De Republiek van Oranje en Purpur on May 1 2018

3. Rex Kwon Do Sold to New Venice in June 2018

4. Cosmic Space Worm City Sold to Laurelian on May 4 2018

5. Reeder Sold to the NSE on May 4 2018

Other. Shire Banner Museum Built and maintained by Oranjestad, open to all nations

Colonial Administration

The Colonial Administration oversaw 10 remote villages found throughout the Shire.

1. Gerlach: Auctioned off to Equos as part of Phase Three of Oranjestad Decolonization, April 30 2018

2. Waldorph: Auctioned off to the NSE as part of Phase Three of Oranjestad Decolonization, April 30 2018

3. Buckingham Green :Auctioned off to the NSE as part of Phase One of Oranjestad Decolonization, April 17 2018

4. Coda :Auctioned off to De Repubiek van Oranje en Paars as part of Phase Three of Oranjestad Decolonization, April 30 2018

5. Big League :Auctioned off to Riverwood (and by extension, Venice) as part of Phase Three of Oranjestad Decolonization, April 30 2018

6. Pemmican :Auctioned off to De Repubiek van Oranje en Paars as part of Phase Two of Oranjestad Decolonization, April 23 2018

7. Voynich :Auctioned off to Solurian Empire as part of Phase Two of Oranjestad Decolonization, April 23 2018

8. Etouffee :Auctioned off to Venice as part of Phase Two of Oranjestad Decolonization, April 23 2018

9. Garbanzo :Auctioned off to the Empire of Geheimnisse as part of Phase One of Oranjestad Decolonization, April 17 2018

10. Blackmill :Auctioned off to Laurelian as part of Phase One of Oranjestad Decolonization, April 17 2018

Department of the Interior

The Department of the Interior oversees natural resources, agriculture, and national parks.

1. Leopard Mountains

2. Milliput Farms: Sold to the Solurian Empire on May 2 2018

3. Black Rock Farm: Sold to the Solurian Empire on May 2 2018

4. Dukeside National Park

5. Falsterbro National Park

Special Administrative Zones

Special Administrative Zones fall outside of traditional departments. Public universities and other federal assets are considered SAZs.

1. Havana Havana asserted self-rule as of May 9 2018, ending Oranjestad's brief occupation

2. OAX International Airport

3. College of Minds

4. Brutalpest University

5. Parkview Island

6. Jarreau Plateau

Demographics

Population

The Oranjestad Census Bureau estimates that the population of the Grand Republic of Oranjestad was 576,249 on July 1, 2016, a 19.16% increase since the 2010 Oranjestad Census. Despite the open land in the nation, Oranjestad's population is very urban, with 92% of residents living in an urban area, predominantly in the Metropolitan Oranjestad area.

Two-thirds of Oranjestad's population resides in Metropolitan Oranjestad area, making it the most densely city in Oldeshire. 6.5% of Oranjestad's population were under five years of age, 24.7% under 18, and 12.9% were 65 or older. Females made up 51.8% of the nation's population.

The racial makeup of Oranjestad as of the 2010 Census was:

Human: 64.7% Sammichian: 14.9% Enpeecee: 7.3% Shai: 1.5% Other race: 7.4% Two or more races: 3.0% According to the 2010-2015 Shireling Community Survey, the largest ancestry groups were Mainland (13.0%), Venetian (12.1%), Demmatrodian (10.3%), Athitican (5.4%), and Equosan (5.2%).

The Equosan population constitutes the fastest-growing nationality in the nation. Metropolitan Oranjestad has become the top destination for new Equosan immigrants, and large-scale Equosan immigration continues across the country. In the 2000 Census, Oranjestad had the largest Venetian population outside of Venezia Nuova, reflecting early 20th-century immigration patterns.

Languages

In 2010, the most common Shirenglish dialects spoken in Oranjestad, besides General Shirenglish, were the Oranjestad-area dialect, the Western Shirenglish accent (common in the Mainland), and Inland Northern Shirenglish, commonly heard in rural areas. As many as 60 languages are spoken in the Metropolitan area, making it one of the most linguistically diverse areas in the world. As of 2010, 70.72% of Oranjestad residents aged five and older reported speaking only Shirenglish at home, while 17.44% spoke Oranjestadish, and 9.61% spoke Venetian.

Religion

In 2010, the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) reported that the three largest denominations were New Church of Squarism with 286,916 adherents; Church of the Third Revelation with 88,500; and the United Revenant Church with 28,315 adherents. Most worshipers practice from their homes or public buildings.

Economy

Since the 1960s, Oranjestad has been a dominant player in the world economy. Metropolitan Oranjestad is a leading center of banking, finance, and communication. Many of the world's largest corporations locate their home offices in Oranjestad. The nation also has a large manufacturing sector, which includes printing and publishing and the production of garments, furs, railroad rolling stock, and bus line vehicles. Some industries are concentrated in distinct neighborhoods, such as ceramics and glass (Irvington), microchips and nanotechnology (Lusus), and advanced muffin creations (Waldorph).

See Also: List of Oranjestad Businesses

Behind The Scenes

Oranjestad was created by Nebbers in June 2012 as part of an "Infrastructure Build Competition". The original BC plot encompassed a small block area that currently straddles over the northern edge of where Summit and Olde Orangetown meet. The plot included a raised highway, power lines, a rail line, police, public housing, canals, sewers, and bridges. After the competition was over, the plot was relocated to its present location. From there, the city expanded outward. Many of the first buildings were copies of other Shire buildings, with several being built by Keikei and Shanevr. Today, almost all the buildings are original creations, with exception to a few in the Olde Orangetown area.

The tiers grew as a result of the raised highway. Roads would spur out from the highway and connect directly into tall buildings nearby. Over time, this networked into an entire tier system. Tier 3 and 4 were added later, and underground layers were also added for additional complexity. Oranjestad was purposefully designed to be a dense, multi-layered city full of complex features and abound with details and hidden gems.

The land Oranjestad is on was once home to The Explorers Guild, a small outpost created by RapidRaccoon.