Cárdenas
| Cárdenas Federal Capital District | |||
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| Top to bottom: Cortes Federales Palace, Royal Palace (Gardens Side), (left) MTO Embassy, (right) Royal Docks, Plaza of Music. | |||
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| Motto: "Aut viam inveniam aut faciam." Audente: "I will either find a way or make one." | |||
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| King of Nouvelle Alexandrie | Manco Cápac I | ||
| Legislature | Federal Capital District Council | ||
| Mayor of the Federal Capital District | Charles Delaire (SP) | ||
| Establishment | 15909 AN | ||
| Area | |||
| Population | 3,145,392 | ||
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Cárdenas, formally the Federal Capital District (FCD), is the capital of the Federation of Nouvelle Alexandrie and the seat of government of the Federal Capital District. The city is located at the start of the Santanderian highlands and is closely connected with its "sister" cities - the port cities of Wechuahuasi and Jirishanca. As the seat of the New Alexandrian federal government and several organizations, the city is an important city in Nouvelle Alexandrie. After Punta Santiago, Parap, and Behaurnais, it is one of the most visited cities in the Federation.
The city was founded in 1509 AN, when the nation of Santander was founded. It quickly became one of the most prominent cities of the Kingdom, rising to the status of largest city. However, the King maintained the Government at Ciudad Real, the de facto capital of the Santander for many years until the Santanderian Revolution in 1519 AN. After the collapse of the communist government and Santander's union with Alexandria in 1526 AN, Cárdenas became the capital of the Viceroyalty of Santander, later the province of Santander. The collapse of the Alexandrian Empire in 1651 AN saw the area be part of the "Keltian Green", except for the rapid rise and fall of Gran Verionia from 1682 AN to 1685 AN.
After Alduria and the Wechua Nation joined into a Federation (that later became Nouvelle Alexandrie in 1693 AN), the federal government pursued aggressive expansion in Keltia, resettling and reestablishing the area along the lines of its Alexandrian and Valencian legacies. It was in 1686 AN that the Federal Capital Commission chose to refound the city and make it the capital of the new Federation. The Commission endorsed the Cárdenas Plan, submitted by architect Hyacinthe Betancourt. The city's design divides it into numbered blocks as well as sectors for specified activities, such as the Hotel Sector, the Banking Sector, and the Embassy Sector. The city is known for its impressive neo-Genevan architectural style and employment of Wechua design concepts.
Starting in 1685 AN, all three branches of Nouvelle Alexandrie's federal government is centered in the city: executive, legislative, and judiciary. Its international airport opened 1686 AN, and connects the city to all other major New Alexandrian cities and many international destinations.
The city has a unique status as the Federal Capital District, as it is an full-fledged Region rather than a legal municipality like other cities in the Federation.
History
Foundation
The Jewel of Santander
Under Alexandria
Under Gran Verionia
Under Nouvelle Alexandrie
Geography
Climate
District Map
Cityscape
Architecture
The architecture of Cárdenas consists for a large part of the neo-Genevan style produced from the Cárdenas Plan, influenced by Wechua designs. The best-known examples of this are the Royal Palace and the Cortes Federales Palace. Santander designs survive through most of the old city, but many of these have since been stored at the National Museum. The New Citadel, built over an older Santander design, is the best surviving structure of this kind.
The city follows a straightforward district plan: every district has a specific purpose, such as the Banking Sector, the Government District, and the Hotel Sector. Agglomeration, such as the former towns of Alanregal, Bocabona, and San Ferriomo form a large part of the outer suburbs of the city. Highrise is a rare occurence in town, consisting in large part of city blocks with neo-Genevan style housing. In the outskirts, block housing gradually moves to separated houses.
Cárdenas is also known for its massive shopping streets in the centre of town. Department stores and smaller shops alternate as the ground floor to most of the terraced houses. The town is served by multiple public transport services: the Cárdenas Metro network is the most expansive in Nouvelle Alexandrie; Trams service the inner city, and there is a special service in the growing suburbs up north; the city has one Central Station called 'Grande Unión' which leads north, south, and west with services to Ciudad Real, Santiago, and Wechuahuasi. Two Light Rail services also service the connected cities close by.
Cárdenas is also known for its large use of Plaza's and Parks. It is one of the greenest and least polluted cities in the Federation due to this and its many public transport options.
Districts
There are currently 13 districts in Cárdenas Proper:
- Government District
- Banking Sector
- Hotel Sector
- Embassy Sector
- Culture District
- Science District
- University District
- City of Sports District
- Utilities District
- Harbor District
- Entertainment Sector
- Industry Sector
- Military Sector
Aside from that, there are 16 Barrios, which represent the suburbs:
- San Ferriomo
- Nincaral
- Patiapa
- Sicero-Izaran
- Jinozonte
- Bagalipe
- Bocabona
- Jario
- Tastin
- Tamento
- Alanregal
- Olos-San Ludo
- Bemar
- Ahuaco
- Conzalito
- Aeropuerto
Government District
This district houses most of the government's offices and buildings. The Cortes Federales meets in their Palace in the heart of the district. The Royal Palace of Carranza, home of the King of Nouvelle Alexandrie lies to its northwest, while the Palace of Justice, where the High Court meets, sits to its southwest. The district is one of the least populated areas: more than 70% of it is made up of offices, ministries, and legal buildings. The New Citadel houses the Department of Defence. In the East Meadow Tower Building are several important ministries: State; Education; National Mobilisation; and Civil Works and Transportation. The Marco Zimmer Government Building houses the Departments of Social Security and National Solidarity; Energy and Environment; and Culture and Sports. The Morning Wind Building houses the Departments of Research and Development; Labor; and Trade and Industry. The Treasury is located at the Plaza Soleil. The Justice Department at Battenworth House. The President of the Government is housed in the so-called Government House, along with his Deputy. The district was the first to be finished in the Cárdenas Plan, necessary to bring the political apparatus of Alexandrie to the new capital. Most of its buildings utilize the neo-Genevan architecture of the city's main designer. The district is served by multiple metro lines, but also by the Royal Palace and the Cortes Tram Lines. The nature of these trams has caused them to be nicknamed the 'Politician Trams'.
Before the Alexandrian Union, this district was home to the Santander legislature as well. The Assembly that met there was located roughly at the same place as the current Cortes Federales.
Aside from the government buildings, the district also houses the renown Royal Park and Gardens, the largest parks in the city.
Banking Sector
Although called after the Old and New Banks that dominate business here, this district can more be seen as the city's business sector. It is one of the few sectors where high-rises are seen in multitude. It is regarded as the economic heart of the city, and as an extension, of the entire Federation. The district shape is anomalous: it follows a crescent pattern that borders the Embassy Sector to the east and the Culture District to the west. The Business Tram Line leads through it, and is the busiest tram service in the city. In total, it encompasses almost 600 hectares (1,600 acres), and includes more than 45 weaponised concrete buildings. In total, it employs more than 250,000 people.
The sector was built on the location of much of Santander's ancient marketplaces. The massive Federal Old Market Hall reminds of this old history, and is now the place of a large food court.
The Old Bank was known as the Santander Bank before the Alexandrian Union, and is one of the oldest remaining buildings in the city. West of it is also the City Hospital, one of the four hospitals in the city and the most utilized of the four.
Hotel Sector
The Hotel Sector is located in the heart of Cárdenas and is named for its several high-end hotels that cater to both tourists and business travelers. They are known for their luxurious accommodations and amenities, and they are popular choices for people around the world. This includes renowned Hotel Pascalla. Beyond the hotels are the major attractions of Cárdenas SeaWorld, a major aquarium showcasing marine life from around the world; the World Congress Center, a major convention and conference facility attracting visitors from around the world, hosting a variety of events including trade shows and cultural events.
The sector also holds the headquarters of the Federal Science Council.
Embassy Sector
This sector stands in stark contract to the high-rise of the Banking Sector that borders it: it consists in large parts of the Diplomats Park, as well as numerous embassies of countries across the world. The MTO Embassy houses that organization's permanent representatives to Alexandrie. Most of the embassies incorporate neo-Genevan architecture, but also include unique designs that represent the occupant's countries. In total, there are some 54 Embassies. The Embassy Tram Line running through it is one of the shortest and calmest lines in the city.
The Diplomats Park is also known for the massive Ambassador Botanical Gardens, where the largest collection of flowers and insects in the entire Federation are kept. To the northeast of the district, is the old Fort Silver: a Santander-era fortification that protected the city from the north. It has since been converted for use as a conference building.
Culture Sector
Lying in the very center of the city, the Culture Sector brings together many facilities of cultural consumption, including many art galleries, clubs, theatres, art cinemas, and music venues. It is largely centred around the Plaza of Music, which has multiple clubs and bars, including famous Club Oriente, as well as The Music Art Hall, a major concert hall. There are also major attractions such as the City Theatre, which is a world-renowned theater; the Blue Palace, a major concert hall that also hosts ballets and operas; the White Gallary, a large art gallery with local and international artists; Sky Plaza, which has multiple art cinemas; and Portobello Media Park, which is home to several of the major media companies in the nation, including the NBC Silver Tower. The Culture Sector is the heart of the city's nightlife, attracting both tourists and locals.
It is also the sector in which the City Hall is located, which hold the FCDC's and Mayoral office. It furthermore holds the Royal Treasury, which once held the Department of Treasury, however is nowadays serving as a major event and conference hall.
Science Sector
Despite its name, the Science Sector holds more than the city's science park, as it is also a major residential district. It includes a total of 200 acres of accomodations in science, business, and housing across two separate dedicated areas: the Vida Science Park and the Máquina Science Park. The former is dedicated to life sciences and houses several institutes, including several of the centers of the National Health Institute, as well as the CNBB (National Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics), the IIBA (Institute for Advanced Biomedical Research), ICSAT (Institute for Environmental Health Sciences and Toxicology), and IIGP (Research Institute for Genomics and Proteomics).
The Máquina Science Park is dedicated to engineering and physics. It is home to several large institutes, including the IICCM (Institute for Civil Engineering and Materials Science), the CIFA (Center for Advanced Physics Research), the CETMA (Center for Earth and Environmental Studies), the IEDS (Institute for Energy and Sustainable Development), the IMSM (Institute for Mathematical Models and Simulation), and the IIAM (Institute for Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering).
Beyond this, there are further important scientific institutions. There is the CNCHP (The National Center for High-Performance Computing) is a major computer centre, which houses the supercomputer Helix; and the Parap Observatory, the city's primary astronomy institute, with a major telescope and other observation equipment.
There is also the National Stock Exchange in the district, which is the city's major stock exchange. It is flanked by the IAEE (Institute for Economic Analysis and Studies) and the IMFDI (Institute for Financial Markets and International Development).
University District
The westmost district of the city is dedicated almost entirely to the University of Cárdenas. The university was present during the Santander Era, but since the Cárdenas Plan, has expanded exponentially. Currently, it has multiple faculties, and is specialized in law, social sciences, humanities, and arts. Many aspiring politicians graduate from the University on their way to the Cortes or the High Court. The University Tram Line was built there in the past years to create a dedicated service across the campus.
The University Campus also plays host to a wide variety of businesses and organizations. The Think Tank 'Dopino', known as a principal advisor to the Cortes regarding fiscal matters, has their office there. So do the Cárdenas Philosophical Society; the Alexandrian Historical Society; and the Santander Historical Society.
The University is also known for its Hospital, one of the four hospitals in the city. It is the only research hospital in the city as well, and is considered one of the best hospitals in the Federation.
City of Sports District
The Ciudad de los Deportes sports complex stands at the very heart of the city, almost exclusively located on the Isla de Oro. The Isla de Oro (Golden Island) is a large island in the centre of the city, formed by the meandering of the River San Antona. This district is used almost exclusively for sports: The Royal Stadium is used by the Cárdenas Lions, the city's Soccer team, as well as for Athletics. In the summer, it is also used as a music venue. The stadium is known for its red and white colour, utilizing the city's flag, and its large metal exterior façade. The Royal Stadium is at the centre of the Jean Brown Sports Park, which also hosts a large recreational park and training campus.
East of the Jean Brown Park lies the Central District, which is home to multiple sports stadiums, such as the Ibai Pedrero Hockey Field, the Vicente Ortiz Tennis Court, the Aimar Soriano Indoor Sports Center, and the Isabel Cuéllar Ice Rink Stadium. Directly beside that is the Baldivia Lake Aquatic Sports Park, where outdoor and indoor water sports are held. Beyond that is the East Market, one of the oldest squares in the city. It has been revitalized in the past few years, and now used exclusively as a Festival Grounds.
To compensate for the massive noise of the district, there is no housing allowed on the island, or directly across the banks of it. The Island Tram Line is only used during sports or festival events, but at that time is one of the most used service in the city.
Utilities Sector
Located in the sourthern part of the city, the Utilities Sector houses several important facilities that serve the city's needs. The Cárdenas Water Treatment Center is responsible for treating and puryfing the city's water supply, and has many advanced techniques. The Telecommunications Center houses the equipment and facilities necessary for providing telephone, internet, and television services, and works for the wider regional network. The Electric Grid Control Center is responsible for managing the city's electrical supply. It monitors demands and ensures the supply to meet the needs of the city. The Gas Distribution Center monitors needs of natural gas. The Recycling & Waste Center manages the city's waste and promotes sustainable practices. It sorts and processes recyclable materials, while also providing a waste incinerator with advanced technology that minimizes environmental impact.
There is also the City's Public Works Department, which maintains the city's roads, bridges, and public buildings.
Harbour Sector
The harbour is located in the northern part of the city, near the Airport. It runs along the River Antona. It is a major hub for trade, transportation, and commerce, with both passenger and cargo ships passing by every day. The harbour is home a variety of businesses, including shipping companies, logistics firms, and industrial plants. The district is home to the Old Port Warehouse, a major facility that dates back to the Santander era.
Entertainment Sector
Located south of the University, the Entertainment Sector is a major tourist and cultural destination. The biggest attraction is the City Zoo, which houses a wide variety of species from around the world. The National Museum is another major attraction. It houses a large collection of artifacts and exhibits about the history and culture of Nouvelle Alexandrie. Beyond these is the Cinema Park on the southern end of the sector is home to multiple cinemas, as well as restaurants and the Marble Mall, a large shopping mall. East of it is the Plaza of the Nation, a large festival grounds that hosts many cultural events, as well as music and food festivals. It is surrounded by the Nation Park.
Industry Sector
The Industry Sector is the central hub for manufacturing and industry in the city. It is home to numerous factories and plants that produce a wide range of goods, including steel, textiles, and electronics. It also has multiple chemical plants. The best-known part of the sector is the Automotive District, an area that is home to several major car manufacturers. Beyond that are the Textile District, which holds multiple textile mills; the Electronics District, which produces both smartphones, computers, and other devices; and the Chemistry District, which produces everything ranging from fertilizers, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals.
Military Sector
A restricted sector located in the northwest end, the Military Sector holds the majority of defense facilities in the cities. The headquarters of the Federal Forces, known as 'El Fuerte' (The Stronghold), is an imposing building that serves as the nerve centre of the national military operations. In it are located the CEOE (Special Operations Training Center); the ANAM (National Arsenal of Weapons and Ammunition); the CLMM (Military Logistics and Maintenance Center); and the CODEA (Airspace Defense Operations Center). It also has multiple military schools: the EGT "General Manuel Belgrano" (Ground Warfare School); the EAM "Jorge Newberry" (Military Aviation School); and the ENM "Almirante San Martín" (Military Naval School).
Aeropuerto
The Cárdenas International Airport 'Emperor Edgard II' stands on the north of the city. Since its completion in 1694 AN, the airport has seen much development. New businesses in cargo and hospitality have sprung up around the airport, also towards the town of Arelita. A new Sports Complex was constructed there for the use as training facilities. A new rail line was also opened there to transport cargo in all directions. The Airport Metro Loop Line was the last part of the Grey Line to be completed. The Airport is also served by the North Tram, a suburban line that services the town of Conzalito and its surrounding villages.
Demographics
Crime
Economy
Services
Much of the economy of Cárdenas is concentrated in the Banking Sector. In that district, there are more than 100 businesses providing businesses, ranging from banking and insurances to retail. It is the largest concentration of Services in the Federation. In 1683 AN it was recorded that more than 250,000 people worked in the district, at an annual economic contribution of 124 écu.
Industry
Cárdenas is not a very large industrial city. Much of its power in that regard is concentrated in the construction of high-tech products, such as electronics and cars. The International Airport is also used as a large transport hub, with a dedicated cargo port and railway tracks. As of 1683 AN, the income from industry accumulated to 16 billion écu.
Culture
Landmarks
- Federal Districts Theatres
- Old Theatre
- New Theatre
- City Theatre
- Columns and Arches
- Cárdenas Pyramid
- Cárdenas Victory Column
- Arch of Unity
- Cárdenas War Memorials
- Fort Silver
- San Sebastian Cathedral
- New Citadel
- Diplomat's Park
- MTO Embassy
Museums
- Museum of Natural History
- National Museum
- National Archives
Arts
- Museum of Modern Arts
- White Gallery
- Royal Palace Art Gallery
Media
Television
- NBC1 (National)
- NBC2 (National)
- NBC 3 (National)
- NBC Newsfeed (National)
- CBC4 (National)
- CBC5 (National)
- NBC FDC TV (Local)
- Channel 15 (Local)
Radio
- NBC R1 (National)
- NBC R2 (National)
- NBC R3 (National)
- NBC FM1 (National)
- NBC FM2 (National)
- NBC FM3 (National)
- NBC R1 FDC FM (Local)
- NBC R2 FDC FM (Local)
- CR5 (Local)
- CR6 (Local)
Newspapers
- The Cárdenas Press
- The Aldurian
- The Aldurian Sun
- The Federal Gazette
- The National Daily Telegraph & Mail
- Newsflash
- Economist Journal
- Financial Times
Government and politics
Executive
- King of Nouvelle Alexandrie
- President of the Government
- Council of State
- Cabinet Departments
- Federal District Advisory Council
Legislative
- Unaicameral Legislature: Federal Capital District Council
- District Councils
- Barrios Councils
Safety
- Federal District Police Department
- Federal District Gendarmerie
- Federal District Fire Department
- Federal Royal Guards
- Diplomat's Park Special Service
Security
The main garrison of the city and surrounding Federal District is provided by II Combined Arms Corps of the Federal Army, consisting of the 2nd Command and Control Unit, the 2nd Armoured Combat Unit, the 2nd Area Defence Unit, and the 552nd Rapid Reaction Unit.
The royal palaces, the Federal Assembly, and key government buildings, including foreign embassies, are protected by the Federal Royal Guards, whose duties includes protective operations to coordinate manpower and logistics with regional and local law enforcement, protective advances to conduct site and venue assessments for protectees, and protective intelligence to investigate all manners of threats made against protectees. The Federal Royal Guards is also in charge of the planning, coordination, and implementation of security operations for events designated as special events requiring extra security provisions and planning, usually involving foreign heads of state or government or a member of the Government or the Royal Family. As part of the Guards' mission of preventing an incident before it occurs, the agency relies on meticulous advance work and threat assessments developed by its Intelligence Division to identify and neutralise potential risks.
In the event of a serious incident, the Federal Royal Guard can field a motorised infantry regiment supported by light armour and artillery elements provided by the 1st Guards Brigade of the Army, itself attached to the 552nd Rapid Reaction Unit.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff Council and the General Staff occupy the New Citadel, a Neo-Babkhan ziggurat built of obsidian-clad ferroconcrete, and the four layers of subterranean tunnels and bunkers situated beneath. The New Citadel itself covers an area of 2,880 m² while the New Citadel Air Base and Cantonment covers an area of 28 km². The site is garrisoned by the 2nd Command and Control Unit, whose 606th Area Defence Regiment provided the air defence assets emplaced onto the four flak towers built into the corners of the ziggurat structure, and operates the six Basilisk Beam batteries covering the approaches to the base area.
Generalised ground based air defence for the city is provided by two Silver Hammer regiments attached to the 2nd Area Defence Unit, with the batteries routinely rotated between concealed locations on the outskirts of the city under the cover of darkness.
Flying units operating out of the New Citadel Air Base are grouped under the Cárdenas Federal Air Defence Wing, including a squadron of FA-9 Banshees and an evaluation flight of F-17 Axarana tasked with air policing and interception missions.
Education
Colleges and Universities
- University of Cárdenas
- Faculty of Letters
- Faculty of Political Sciences
- Faculty of Anthropology
- Cárdenas Federal Colleges
- Barrones College
- Siena College
- Guarusapin College
- Jacillo College
- Alvarez College
- Campos College
Infrastructure
Transportation
Public Transport
- Cárdenas Metro
- Capital Bus
- Cárdenas Regional Rail
- Tramways in the Federal Capitol District
- Cárdenas Grande Unión Station
- Cárdenas 'Emperor Edgard II' International Airport
Highways
- City Ring Road (Part of Pan-Keltian Highway)
- Jario Bypass
- Bagalipe Bypass
Utilities
Healthcare
- Federal District Health Services
- City Hospital
- University Hospital
- Buenos Northern Hospital
- Bemar Hospital
Electricity
- Federal District Wind Park
- Cárdenas Nuclear Plant
- Cárdenas Gas Power Plants
- South Gas Plant
- North/Airport Gas Plant
Sports
Professional Teams
- Cárdenas Lion(esse)s (Soccer)
- Cárdenas Hockey Team
- University Hawks (Basketball)
- Rodes Reds FC
- FC Choba
Facilities
- Ciudad de los Deportes sports complex
- Royal Stadium
- Jean Brown Sports Park
- Central District
- Baldivia Lake Aquatic Sports Park
- Northern Sports Complex
- Rodes Stadium
- University Campus Mixed Sports Area
- Choba Stadium
