Oranjestad
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.
Origins and Early Settlements (1739 - 1815)
New Orange City traces its roots to the quaint beginnings of Orangetown, founded in 1739 by settlers who had migrated from the Mainland. Initially perceived as a Mainland colony, the mostly absent Mainland exerted minimal control over the burgeoning settlement. The early years were marked by the establishment of Orangetown as a vital outpost, its growth spurred by the determination and resilience of its pioneers.
In 1806, the emergence of a visionary leader, Lord Nebbers the First, marked a significant turning point for Orangetown. Lord Nebbers undertook the arduous task of consolidating local control and establishing the settlement as a self-governing entity. His leadership laid the foundation for a more assertive Orangetown, seeking autonomy and influence.
The pivotal Treaty of Alqualonde, negotiated under Lord Nebbers' guidance, unfolded in 1815. This landmark agreement delineated the redistribution of Mainland holdings, effectively dividing territories with Oranjestad. Orangetown, now a more empowered entity, was granted dominion over Garbanzo, Coda, Etouffee, and Pemmican as part of the treaty terms. This strategic realignment set the stage for Orangetown's trajectory toward becoming a dominant force in the region.
The Treaty of Alqualonde not only altered the geopolitical landscape but also solidified Orangetown's role as a burgeoning hub. The newly acquired territories added layers of cultural diversity and economic potential, shaping the early identity of what would eventually evolve into the vibrant New Orange City. The period leading up to 1815 laid the groundwork for the city's future growth, marking the first steps in a journey that would define its unique character and trajectory through the centuries.
Colonial Expansion (1815 - 1900)
The aftermath of the Treaty of Alqualonde in 1815 heralded a new era of colonial expansion for Orangetown, setting the stage for the transformation of the quaint settlement into a bustling urban center. Buoyed by the acquisition of Garbanzo, Coda, Etouffee, and Pemmican, Orangetown embarked on an ambitious venture to consolidate its influence over other regions.
Under the guidance of Lord Nebbers the First, Orangetown's colonial influence extended to strategic areas. The town of Blackmill, initially purchased by the Summit Fruit Company in 1815, became an official Oranjestad colony in 1837. This move expanded Orangetown's economic reach and solidified its presence in the region.
By the 1880s, Homestead, originally settled in the 1790s, was annexed by Oranjestad, further expanding the city's territorial reach. As the city continued to grow and evolve, the Skylan Industrial Zone emerged in the 1890s, becoming a vital center for industrial development. These strategic expansions laid the groundwork for the dynamic and diverse cityscape that would define New Orange City in the 20th century and beyond.
The Great War and Post-War Reforms (1927 - 1935)
The turbulent period of the Great War, ignited by the clash between the Overtakers (pro-imperialists) and the Liberators (anti-imperialists), significantly shaped the course of Oranjestad's history. In 1927, the distant Kingdom of Fulfwotz spearheaded the conflict, drawing Oranjestad into a complex web of alliances.
Oranjestad, aligning itself with Fulfwotz, provided crucial financial support and weapons during the Great War. The initial stages of the conflict saw success for the Overtaker forces, but the tides began to turn, culminating in the 1929 Occupation of Fulfwotz by the Liberators. The Treaty of Niflheim, signed to end the war, also marked the establishment of the Shire United Nations.
The repercussions of the Great War were deeply felt in Oranjestad. While the political landscape remained relatively stable under the leadership of Lord Nebbers the Fourth, the war caused significant social upheaval and economic strain. The country found itself burdened by considerable debt incurred during its support for the Overtakers. In response to these challenges, the post-war era witnessed the emergence of the first trade unions in Oranjestad, as citizens sought to address economic inequalities and advocate for workers' rights.
In the aftermath of the Great War, the Liberators, victorious but critical of Oranjestad's support for the Overtakers, led to some Mainland politicians demanding the country's reintegration under Mainland control. Despite these pressures, Lord Nebbers the Fourth skillfully navigated the political landscape, maintaining power and initiating transformative changes. To quell dissent and foster a new era of governance, Lord Nebbers drafted a new constitution, reorganizing Oranjestad into a Grand Republic. This constitutional overhaul laid the foundation for a more inclusive and participatory government, addressing the societal shifts brought about by the war and laying the groundwork for a more resilient and adaptive Oranjestad.
Cultural and Architectural Renaissance, Post-War Developments, and Urban Transformation (1900 - 1960s)
The 20th century marked a pivotal period for Oranjestad, witnessing a Cultural and Architectural Renaissance alongside Post-War Developments and Urban Transformation. Emerging from the aftermath of the Great War and aligning with global trends, Oranjestad experienced a profound shift in its cultural, architectural, and urban fabric.
Cultural and Architectural Renaissance
In the aftermath of the Great War, a renewed sense of national identity and unity inspired a Cultural and Architectural Renaissance in Oranjestad. Lord Nebbers the Fourth, steering the nation through a transformative era, encouraged artistic endeavors that blended traditional Oranjestadian elements with contemporary influences. Architecturally, the cityscape evolved with a fusion of modernist principles and cultural preservation. This period saw the birth of distinct architectural styles that set the stage for future developments.
Post-War Developments and Urban Transformation
The aftermath of the Great War prompted strategic Post-War Developments and Urban Transformation initiatives in Oranjestad. The completion of The Sister Grimsby in 1955 symbolized both architectural innovation and economic progress. This period also ushered in the tiered roadway system. The skyline had quickly become entangled in a web of ad hoc skybridges as developers and tenants sought quicker routes between buildings and the elevated Skylan Expressway. The system was eventually formalized and adopted by the city. This transformative period between 1900 and the 1960s laid the foundation for Oranjestad's modern identity, blending cultural richness, architectural innovation, and strategic urban planning in response to the challenges and opportunities of the times.
Technological Advancements and Turbulence (1970s - 2023)
The latter half of the 20th century and the early 21st century brought unprecedented technological advancements and turbulence to Oranjestad. As the world embraced rapid technological progress, Oranjestad found itself at the forefront of innovation and faced challenges that would shape its future.
The 1970s marked the nascent stages of the Technocore, the enigmatic entity that originated from experiments by Niander Wallace. The TechnoCore's influence grew steadily, leading to advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and trans-dimensional portals.
In 1989, the Shire Spire was completed, ushering in an era of rapid vertical expansion and modern architecture. Ultra modern skyscrapers would soon dominate the skyline, culminating in the completion of Zombocom Tower
In 1992, under Lord Nebbers the Fifth, Oranjestad underwent a constitutional reformation, reorganizing itself as a Technocratic Republic. The TechnoCore, alongside other key industries, was granted direct representation within the government. This structural change aimed at fostering collaboration between the government and technological entities.
Decolonization and Geopolitical Shifts (2000 - 2018)
In the early 21st century, New Orange City undertook a deliberate and strategic process of decolonization, responding to both internal aspirations for autonomy and evolving international norms. The decision to decolonize was shaped by a combination of internal calls for self-determination and external pressures urging the dismantling of colonial structures.
International Norms and Pressure
Internationally, there was a growing recognition of the need to address historical injustices associated with colonialism. The global community began to emphasize self-determination and the dismantling of imperialistic structures. New Orange City found itself amidst this shifting geopolitical landscape, where the expectation for former colonial powers to cede control over dependent territories gained prominence.
Strategic Reorganization
To meet the demands of decolonization, New Orange City embarked on a strategic reorganization of its dependencies. The process involved negotiated transfers of ownership, ensuring that each dependent territory found a suitable path to self-governance or integration with other entities. This careful approach mitigated potential disruptions and contributed to a relatively smooth transition.
Early 2000s: Neo-Lusus and Subterranean Expansion
The early 2000s witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of Neo-Lusus, a significant addition to Oranjestad's underground architectural landscape. Completed in 2016, Neo-Lusus showcased the city's commitment to blending technological advancements with urban aesthetics. Simultaneously, Submerciful expanded with two more subterranean levels, solidifying its status as a proper neighborhood.
TechnoCore Siege of 2023
For a six week period in 2023, a powerful AI from the distant future named God-Emperor Deblon exploited a time fissure deep beneath Oranjestad to send messages and influence modern-day mass media and TechnoCore machines. TechnoCore machines were eventually fully compromised and were powerless to resist Deblon's commands. They seized the city and began to self-replicate and manufacture advanced weaponry from the future. After a daring mission that nearly destroyed the entire city, the TechnoCore was defeated by a commando team led by Lord Nebbers V. Following the conflict, a number of reforms were enacted, a new city banner was unveiled, and the city was renamed New Orange City to celebrate its recovery and rebirth. It's still widely known as Oranjestad, although New Orange City, NOC, and Orange City are now commonly heard as well. Click to read more about the Technocore Siege.
Politics
Oranjestad is a unitary technocratic republic where executive power is vested in the ruling Lord and the cabinet, consisting of several ministers. The 1922 constitution established the framework for the government system, and the Lord has the power to dissolve the legislature, which requires new elections to be held within three months. However, since 1960, the nation has exercised its sovereignty, and the Lord's power is subject to the Constitution and the law.
The Oranjestad government follows a unique policy of integrating leaders from every industry sector into its administration. As a result, the TechnoCore, which is at the forefront of technological advancements, has a permanent cabinet-level representative.
Legislative power is vested in the Chamber of Deputies, a unicameral legislature of sixty members who serve for a five-year term. The Council of State, composed of twenty-one ordinary citizens appointed by the Lord, advises the Chamber of Deputies in the drafting of legislation.
The capital city of Oranjestad houses three lower tribunals, two district tribunals, and a Superior Court of Justice. The administrative branch has its own Tribunal and Court, while a Constitutional Court handles issues of constitutionality.
Adminstrative Divisions
Oranjestad is divided into 6 departments, which are further divided into 44 zones.
West Metropolitan Oranjestad
West Metropolitan Oranjestad is comprised of 17 administrative zones.
1. Alfa Beach
3. Gala
4. Haverhill
5. Homestead
6. Irvington
7. Lusus
8. Meijin Hills
10. Saturn Valley
11. Submerciful
12. Summit
13. Skylan
16. North End
17. Neo-Lusus
East Metropolitan Oranjestad
1. Aboite
2. Pennsy
3. Monon
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 13 remote villages found throughout the Shire (3 currently, 10 former)
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
11. Beef Stew
12. Lanolin
13. Hibiscus
Department of the Interior
The Department of the Interior oversees natural resources, agriculture, and national parks.
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
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
8. Netherland
10. Bar-U-Bar Agrotronic Center
11. Dick Hallorann Mega Complex
Demographics
Population
As of July 1, 2016, the estimated population of the Grand Republic of Oranjestad was 576,249, representing a 19.16% increase since the 2010 Oranjestad Census. Despite the availability of open land, Oranjestad is predominantly urban, with 92% of residents residing in urban areas, mostly in the Metropolitan Oranjestad region.
The majority of Oranjestad's inhabitants live in the Metropolitan Oranjestad region, which is also the most densely populated city in Oldeshire. As of the 2010 Census, 6.5% of the population was under the age of five, 24.7% were under the age of 18, and 12.9% were 65 or older. Females made up 51.8% of the population.
According to the 2010-2015 Shireling Community Survey, the largest ancestry groups in Oranjestad were Mainland (13.0%), Venetian (12.1%), Demmatrodian (10.3%), Athitican (5.4%), and Equosan (5.2%). Equosans represent the fastest-growing nationality in the country, with Metropolitan Oranjestad serving as the top destination for new Equosan immigrants. Large-scale Equosan immigration continues throughout the country.
During the 2000 Census, Oranjestad had the largest Venetian population outside of Venezia Nuova, reflecting early 20th-century immigration patterns. As of the 2010 Census, the racial composition of Oranjestad was 64.7% Human, 14.9% Sammichian, 7.3% Enpeecee, 1.5% Shai, 7.4% other races, and 3.0% two or more races.
Languages
Oranjestad is a linguistically diverse city with a wide range of languages spoken by its residents. In addition to the General Shirenglish dialect, the most common Shirenglish dialects spoken in Oranjestad include the Oranjestad-area dialect, the Western Shirenglish accent (common in the Mainland), and Inland Northern Shirenglish, which is commonly heard in rural areas. The Metropolitan area is home to speakers of as many as 60 languages, making it one of the most linguistically diverse areas in the world.
As of 2010, the majority of Oranjestad residents aged five and older (70.72%) reported speaking only Shirenglish at home. 17.44% of the population spoke Oranjestadish, a regional language spoken by a large proportion of the population, and 9.61% spoke Venetian, reflecting the city's historical ties to Venezia Nuova. Other languages spoken in Oranjestad include Demmatrodian, Athitican, Equosan, and various indigenous languages. The city's linguistic diversity is celebrated through various cultural events and initiatives that aim to promote the use and preservation of minority languages.
Religion
Oranjestad is a religiously diverse nation, with many different faiths represented. According to the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA), the largest religious denomination in Oranjestad is the New Church of Squarism, with 286,916 adherents. The Church of the Third Revelation is the second-largest denomination, with 88,500 followers, while the United Revenant Church has 28,315 adherents.
In addition to these three major denominations, there are many other religions practiced in Oranjestad. Some of the most popular ones include Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism. Many worshipers practice their religion from their homes or public buildings, while others attend services at houses of worship.
Religious freedom is protected under the Oranjestad Constitution, and the government is prohibited from establishing an official state religion. The government also does not interfere with the practice of religion and ensures that all individuals are free to practice their faith without fear of persecution or discrimination.
Economy
Oranjestad's economy has played a significant role in the world economy since the 1960s. As a leading center of banking, finance, and communication, Metropolitan Oranjestad attracts some of the largest corporations in the world, who choose to locate their headquarters there. Additionally, the nation has a large and diverse manufacturing sector, which includes printing and publishing, garment and fur production, railroad rolling stock production, and bus line vehicle manufacturing.
Several industries are concentrated in specific areas, such as ceramics and glass manufacturing in Irvington, microchip and nanotechnology production in Lusus, and advanced muffin creation in Waldorph.
Oranjestad is also a major center for tourism, with numerous attractions such as beaches, historical landmarks, and cultural festivals. Agriculture and fishing are also important sectors, with a variety of crops grown and fish harvested from the nation's extensive coastline.
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.
Location
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Elathuria Island | Duomo | Shai-Ling |
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| Homestar Port | 
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Budapest | ||
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| Belthil Tower | Skylan | Carvenhall |
