United Cities of the Vales
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| Capital | Bashkim (de facto) | ||
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| Demonym | Valeser | ||
| - Adjective | Valeser | ||
| Government | Confederation of independent states | ||
| - Head of State | Council of the Twelve | ||
| - Executive | Council of the Twelve | ||
| - Legislature | Assembly of the Vales | ||
| Establishment | 9.IX.1717 | ||
| Area | |||
| Population | 5,510,000 (1717 est.) | ||
| Currency | Valeser mekhak (Մ) | ||
| Calendar | Norton (AN) | ||
| Time zone(s) | CMT +7 | ||
| Mains electricity | |||
| Driving side | Varies | ||
| Track gauge | Several | ||
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| Abbreviation | UCV | ||
The United Cities of the Vales is a confederation of independent states founded in 1717 out of the proto-polities of the Keltian interior. The country is centered around the Verdhe, Sev and Kesk rivers extending through the rolling hills and mountains to the southwest of Lake Morovia. The most densely populated area are the fertile lowlands to the southwest of Lake Morovia, serving as the melting pot of the country, with different cultures and peoples mixing. A large share of the food produced in the country comes from the lowlands, with the valleys contributing coal mining, forestry, cattle farming, wheat and potato farming and dairy production to the economy. The states operate under a system of internal free trade. Each state ensures that all needs of their people are met, and then trade remaining resources inside the country. Whatever is left is pooled together and exported to bring products into the country that are not produced domestically, as well as foreign currency. The proceeds from foreign trade are retained by the confederate government to finance its budget, with any remaining funds being distributed between the states based on population. In X.1720 Vales joined the Micras Treaty Organisation.
History
- Attera 1200-1480
- Talamthom 1500-1514
- Ocia 1535-1599
- Hamland 1627-1669
- Alperkin 1674-1715
Geography
The main territory of the country consists of a number of valleys opening onto three rivers, the Verdhe, Sev and Kesk rivers. The rivers are named after their colors in the native language of the area. The Verdhe ("yellow" in Verdhese) river runs through soils heavy with sand, which leak into the water coloring it yellow. The Sev ("black" in Sevan) river slowly meanders through a landscape littered with open coal mines, while the Kesk ("green" in Keskish) river suffers from overfertilisation, leading to algal bloom each year, turning the river green. The rivers merge before emptying into Lake Morovia, creating a thick layer of clay up to 80 meters deep, topped by a layer of loam several meters thick. This area forms the breadbasket of the country, while also being home to a rich flora and fauna. The valleys in turn are surrounded by hills and mountains, with the highest peaks reaching 1,500 meters. Each valley floor is also crossed by one or more creeks, rivers and streams, providing the local communities with fresh water, fishing opportunities and in several areas, a means of transportation.
Economy
The Verdhe valley, with its people residing in predominantly small communities, is mainly focused on sheep and goat farming, as well as small scale logging and vegetable farming. Vast grazing areas are common in the valley, interspersed with small farms. As a consequence of the animals farmed in the valley, several sheep and goat cheeses as well as milk are produced there. The Sev valley on the other hand is heavily affected by vast deposits of coal which started to be mined eons ago. Since many of the mines are day mines with little to no concern for the environment, coal leaks into the rivers and streams of the valley turning them black. Coal mining has affected both the culture and language of the Sev people. Several larger mines are responsible for a large share of the coal produced in the country. Other industries in the valley are potato and legumes farming. The Kesk valley is mainly focused on the farming of saffron, wine and various fruits, such as apples, pears and plums. It is primarily farming that cause the overfertilisation contributing to green algal bloom in the river.
The plains between the mouths of the valleys and Lake Morovia are responsible for the production of a large majority of the food consumed by Valesers. The area around Bashkim and between the three rivers consists mostly of vast farmland, growing various kinds of cereals and other crops. The main crops grown in the area are wheat, sugarcane, oilseeds, tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, onions, lettuce, radishes, eggplant, carrots, strawberries, sage, basil and thyme. In the area between the Sev and Kesk rivers, several large farms grow cinnamon, roses and other ornamental flowers. Vales is one of the largest producers of ornamental flowers in the world. The industry that exists in the country is centered around the Storin river and consists mostly of food and floral industry, coal export, and fisheries industry. Energy production comes mostly from several hydroelectrical and coal plants. Mechanical and electronic equipment, vehicles, chemicals, fuels and other more advanced goods are imported.
Politics
Politics in the United Cities of the Vales take place in a confederation of four independent lordships centered on the three valleys, together controlling the lowlands as a condominium. All four lordships are governed as elective lordships, with leadership being elected for indeterminate terms. Ten percent of the citizens of a lordship can request a vote on the termination of one or more of their leaders, and frequently do so. A vote of at least two-thirds in favor is required to remove a leader, and removal of the lord requires three-fourths majority. The legislative power of the confederation is vested in the Assembly of the Vales, consisting of an equal number of representatives from each valley, as well as representatives of the lowlands, elected for indeterminate terms. The executive power of the confederation is vested in the Council of the Twelve, selected at random from lists drawn up in each valley. The Council of the Twelve also acts as the collective head of state of Vales. While the lowlands govern themselves to a large degree through several districts and the City of Bashkim, ultimate authority over the area rests with the valleys, acting in unison. Due to this requirement, it is rare that decisions in the lowlands are overturned by the valleys. It is common though that the Assembly of the Vales legislates for the lowlands. Citizenship is granted by each valley, which also confers citizenship in Vales. Residents in the lowlands need to apply for citizenship in one of the lordships.
Each lordship is an independent and sovereign entity, meaning that the lordships handle all political issues that are not expressly delegated to the confederal government. Political areas handled by the confederation are foreign affairs, currency, defence, and any issues that affect all four lordships such as road regulations and pollution. The confederal constitution is entirely unwritten, causing frequent constitutional crises. The lowlands including the de facto capital Bashkim are not a lorship, but are instead a condominium held by the valleys. While the governments of the districts in the condominium are elected by the people, there is no legislative assembly for the entire lowlands. Instead the Assembly of the Vales pass legislation for the lowlands. The people in the lowlands are represented in the Assembly, but the lordships hold a supermajority of seats. The Council of Twelve consists of twelve councillors, with three selected from each lordship. The chairpersonship of the Council rotate every year between the delegations. While the chairperson is titled Chief of the Vales and performs representative duties, this is merely a ceremonial title. The entire council acts as both executive and head of state.
Administrative divisions
Vales is divided into four sovereign lordships and a condominium controlled by the lordships. The lordships and condominium are in turn subdivided into cities and districts. The condominium does not have a common government, instead the Assembly of the Vales usually legislates for the condominium.
| Lordship | Capital | Population |
|---|---|---|
 Kesk |
Bazirganî | 1,107,500 |
 Sev |
Marga | 937,500 |
 Verdhe te Siperme |
Ventakmi | 800,000 |
 Verdhe te Poshtme |
Lëndi | 1,435,000 |
| Condominium | 1,230,000 | |
 Vales |
Bashkim | 5,510,000 |
Law
Vales has a diverse legal system. Due to each state being independent, separate legal systems have developed over time, based on custom and consensus agreements. Just like the confederal government, most states have unwritten constitutions, with law being created by either popular assemblies, elected officials or traditional tribunals.
Transportation
Vales is a landlocked country with a diverse transportation system that serves its inhabitants and supports its industries. Due to its mountainous terrain and rural landscape, the country's transportation infrastructure is focused on linking the valleys to the capital and the rest of the world.
The primary mode of transportation in Vales is by road, with fairly well-maintained highways connecting the three valleys and the capital. The main highways are the M1, running from the capital of the Sev valley to Bashkim, the M2 running from the capital of the Kesk valley to Bashkim, and the M3 running from the two capitals of the Verdhe valley to Bashkim.
Vales has a limited railway network that connects the valley capitals to Bashkim. The railway lines are primarily used for the transportation of coal, timber, and agricultural products. It is however common for these trains to also pull one or more passenger cars. These do not run on a specific timetable, instead going back and forth between the capitals and Bashkim several times daily. The main railway station is located in Bashkim and serves as a hub for passenger and freight trains.
Vales has several small airports scattered throughout the country, which serve domestic flights. The largest airport is the Bashkim International Airport, which is located just outside the capital and serves as a domestic hub as well as handling international air traffic.
The rivers that flow through the valleys of Vales provide a natural waterway for transportation. However, due to the mountainous terrain and rapids, the rivers are not suitable for large ships. Therefore, smaller boats and barges are used to transport goods such as timber, coal, and agricultural products to and from the capital.
The country has a limited public transport system, with buses and taxis being the primary mode of transportation for local travel. In the capital, there is a comprehensive network of buses, which connect to the surrounding towns and villages.
In conclusion, Vales has a well-developed transportation system that supports its industries and connects its inhabitants to the rest of the world. The country's rugged terrain and rural landscape have influenced the mode of transportation, with roads and highways being the primary mode of transport. The limited railway network, small airports, and waterways also play a significant role in connecting the valleys to the capital of Bashkim.
