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Entry posted by cdn94 · February 3, 2011

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Facts

Capital City:Valperegas

Major Cities: Santa Valencia,Puerto España, Santo Fidel, Bahia Nueva, La Puebla,

Official Language: Spanish

Population:6 036 632

Administrative Regions: Atlántico, La Capital, Playas del Sur,Montañas, Santa Maria, Fernando, Colonia, Norte, Isla Concepción.

Highest Point: Monte Alvarez

Religion: Catholic

Independence Day (from the Spain ): January 20 1905

Major Exports:Bananas,Coffee,Gold,Wine,Tobacco,Coal,Seafood

Major Imports:Cars,Electronics,Consumer Goods,Machinery

National Anthem: Viva Martazuela(Long Live Martazuela)

Currency:Martazuelan Peso

FLAG

MAP

COAT OF ARMS

Tourism Logo

HISTORY

Martazuela was first colonized by the Spanish in the late 1700s. The main explorer who led the exploration was a wealthy Spaniard named Martin Alvarez. The Spanish explorers landed at what is now Fuerte de las Americas on Isla Concepción. When they realized there was not much for them on the island they sailed onward and landed at Puerto España. They then developed Puerto España as the colony's capital and kept Fuerte de las Americas as their defensive fort. From this the Spanish began to develop the territory into a vital gateway to South America. As years progressed the colony began to prosper more and more and by 1812 13 thousand Spanish settlers were living in Martazuela. The prosperity only grew when gold was discovered in the Cortez Mountains in the Montañas region. When people heard of this miners and those seeking wealth flocked to the colony from places such as Europe and North America and other parts of South America. However, when this happened the Spain became angered at how foreigners were coming into their territory and taking what was supposed to be theirs and in 1819 the Gold War took place. The war lasted little more than 3 months as the mighty Spanish Army drew the foreigners out and retook the gold mines. Following this Martazuela became somewhat more isolated than Spain's other colony's primarily due to the abundance of resources in the colony. In 1824 Simon Bolivar's liberation of South America and the indepence of Spain's colonies left Spain with only Martazuela,Cuba and Puerto Rico. However, the Portuguese are now heavily pushing to take over Martazuela and make it part of Brazil but Spain keeps hold and by 1872 Martazuela was the last of Spain's North America's colonies. Spain's firm hold on Martazuela isolated it from other South American influences and the colony remained prosperous under Spanish control. Until 1900 Spain began modernizing Martazuela as the population reaches 1 million. They built additional towns and established a railway and road system. However, by 1904 Martazuela realized that it was their time to achieve independence and a group of representitives went to Spain and demanded a peaceful independence. At first Spain denied their request but then realized as the world began to decolonize more and more they would soon lose the colony anyways. So in exchange for their independence the Spanish requested a quarter of their gold. The Martazuelans eagerly agreed and on January 20 1905 Martazuela achieved independence without any bloodshed. Following the establishment of the country's first president, José Ramos the new nation continued to prosper. Following Ramos' death in 1913 the presidency was passed on to Javier Ramirez. Even more changes and growth occured under Ramirez, he established a number of coffee plantations, moved the capital city from Puerto España to the central town of Valperegas located on the Rio Azul. The prosperity grew and grew until the outbreak of World War 2. At this time although Martazuela did not fight in the war the economy fell drastically as world trade became less demanding. To add to the falling economy revolutionaries seized the oppurtunity to take power and overthrew the Martazuelan president. In his place the ruthluss dictator, Juan Martin Fernandez seized control and reformed the entire government into a totalitarian like regime. Fernandez's regime proved horrific for the country all industry and farms were controlled by the government, work camps were established for those who opposed him and he also isolated the nation from the world. As the years went on the dictator's regime resulted in Martazuela becoming an almost third world country. Fortunately change was on its way. Following the war, the nation remained under Fernandez's rule until his death in 1972. At this time before another dictator could be put in power freedom-fighter, José Martez gathered a group of supporters that totalled a thousand and stormed the parliament building and took power. Martez immediatly changed the constitution and established Martazuela as a free, democratic republic. Martez once again opened the country, established trading partners, privatized industries and agriculture and repaired the damage to the nation. By the first election the Martazuelan people loved him so much he was re-elected and died in office in 1989. His death affected everyone and his funeral attracted worldwide dignitaries and citizens from all over the nation. Following the elections the new president, Maria Hernandez was the first female president and for her entire rule followed Martez's principles. Today, the nation has become the once prosperous nation it once was and is one of the richest in South America.

TRANSPORTATION

AIR

The national carrier is Aerolineas de Martazuela and operates flights internationally and domestically. Its two main hubs are Valperegas-José Martez International Airport and Santa Valencia-Atlántico International Airport. Aerolineas de Martazuela also operates a domestic hub from Puerto España. The country also has two other airlines, AeroAtlántico which operates flights along the Atlantic coast and to Isla Concepción and the other airline is Martavia Airlines and is a low cost airline.

RAIL

Possibly one of the most comprehensive in South America the national railway (Ferrocaril Nacional) connects basically every city and town in the country. Although there is currently no international connections there are plans in the near future to make connections to Argentina and Brazil. The hub of all rail travel is based out of Valperegas Central Station however, other large stations are located in Santa Valencia, Puerto España and León.

ROAD

Unlike many other South American roadways the Martazuelan road system is constantly maintained and in good condition. One of the most popular routes is the Atlántico Highway which runs from Santa Valencia to the Uruguayan border. This route is popular among tourists for its stunning views of the beaches,cliffs and the ocean. The other popular route runs from Puerto España to the Argentinian border and is also popular among tourists especially the stretch through the Montañas region where one can view the massive mountains.

PEOPLE

Although the majority of its citizens can trace their routes back to Spain there are also large numbers of other ethnic groups as well;

37%- Mestizo

30%-White

15%-Black

15%-Amerindian

3%-Asian

MUSIC

Martazuelan music is essentially as diverse as the people. Throughout the country one can hear music genres from flamenco to reggae. To celebrate this diversity an annual music festival known as the Festival de Canciones takes place in the cities of Puerto España,Valperegas and Paraquéz. The festival is one of the largest tourist draws to the country and attracts both locals and foreigners. In addition to the traditional and folk music of the country there is a large increase of Techno and hip-hop music in the country.

FOOD

Due to the country's Spanish influence many Martazuela's dishes reflect those of Spain. However, South American, Caribbean and even Asian influences can be seen in many of its dishes as well. One thing that Martazuelan cuisine is known for is its combination of sweet and spicy ingredients. For example, the dish Estofado de Carne(Meat Stew) combines meat such as beef with chili and jalapeño peppers(which adds spice) and typically pineapple(which adds sweetness). Martazuelan cuisine also varies depending on the region. For example, in the Atlantico and Playas del Sur regions seafood is the basis to most of its dishes while in the Montañas region meat such as beef and beans are the basis to their meals. Martazuela is also known for its coffee and wine.

HOLIDAYS

New Years Day-Jan.1

Independence Day-Jan. 20

Martyrs Day-Feb.10

Flag Day-Mar. 3

Good Friday-April 22

Labour Day-May 1

José Martez Day- Jun. 25

Festival de Canciones-Jul. 1-10

Harvest Day-Oct.1

Day of the Saints-Nov.12

Christmas Eve-Dec.24