Yorudbynbad

Dominion of Yorudbynbad Yerutbínbát (Yerutian) Yorutbínbát (Ekuostian)
Flag
Capital		Yorudbynbad
Official languages		Yerutian Ekuostian
Demonym		Yerutian Yorud
Area
-		106 km2 41 sq mi
Population
-	2015 census	756,200
-	Density	7134/km2 18,477/sq mi
GDP (nominal)		2016 estimate
-	Total	$30.25 billion
-	Per capita	$40,008
Gini (2016)		57 high
HDI (2016)		0.785 high
Time zone		(SCT+2)
Drives on the		right

Yorudbynbad (Yerutian: Yerutbínbát), officially the Dominion of Yorudbynbad and sometimes referred to as simply Yerut, is an independent city-state located in central northern Baredina, at the tip of the Yorut Peninsula which otherwise belongs to Barradiwa.

History

Yorudbynbad was first settled by fishers thousands of years ago, and eventually became a stopping place for traders as well. Once the age of sail began, the value of its deep, sheltered harbor was quickly recognized (and fought over). Long a lawless haven for pirates, Yorudbynbad was nominally under the rule of whoever was ruling Barradiwa for most of its history, but all attempts to exert actual legal influence over the area failed conclusively. It secured formal independence in the aftermath of the Great Ekuosian War. Under the deal, Barradiwa would provide military protection and guarantee political independence, while Yorudbynbad would allow for Barradiwan use of the port and a special interest in all rates, duties, and taxes. In the subsequent decades, Yorudbynbad's infamously chaotic society has acquired a veneer of civilization, but remains a haven for fugitives from justice (particularly those fleeing political repercussions), drug and weapon smuggling, and general decadence.

Geography

Located on the very tip of the Yorut Peninsula, Yorudbynbad is just over 100 square kilometers. It is surrounded to the north, east, and west by the Parshita Sea, and borders Barradiwa to the southwest. The land is generally flat, with some larger hills inland; the coast historically was steeper, but was flattened as the city expanded. Some of this land still protects the deep port that has made Yorudbynbad rich.

Geographically, the area is known for its good, deep port, as well as beautiful white sand beaches and nearby coral reefs.

Climate

it's real hot

Politics

Government

Yorudbynbad is nominally ruled by a hereditary monarch, but real power rests in the hands of the monarch's advisory council, a mixture of semi-nobility and businessmen. The council is in theory elected by citizens and permanent residents, but elections are tightly controlled by the wealthy, thus making the nation democratic only in the vaguest sense.

Foreign relations

Due to its tiny size, Yorudbynbad relies heavily on Barradiwa for support, protection, and legitimacy. The relationship is often strained, however, due to the criminal activity and smuggling that abounds in the nation. In an attempt to protect the relationship, the Yerutian government has made efforts in recent years to curb the amount of smuggling heading south over the Barradiwan border, although plenty of illegal goods still pass through its port to other parts of Sahar.

Military

The Yerutian Defense Corps (YDC) is the armed force of Yorudbynbad. Its primary role is in border control (e.g. curtailing of smuggling), patrolling the coast, and providing security for the monarch and council. The YDC has approximately 1200 members. It has frequently been accused of collaborating with smugglers, slavers, and organized crime, although these accusations have been publicly denounced by the council.

Economy

Much of Yorudbynbad's economy is powered by foreign investment, thanks in large part to its low effective corporate and individual tax rates. While its prime location means both shipping and tourism are important industries, in recent years one of the most prominent industries has become gambling. Gambling regulations are among the most permissive in the world, including no restrictions on hours or days of operation, online gambling with minimal regulation (unlike much of Ekuosia), and cheap gambling licenses. In addition, the nation offers almost complete secrecy for financial transactions that occur within its borders. This has led to Yorudbynbad being described as a tax haven, a welcome host to individuals seeking to illegally evade taxation or launder money, though the Yerutian government denies this is a serious concern.

Over the years, regional governments (including Barradiwa, paradoxically Yorudbynbad's most important ally) have pressured Yorudbynbad to be more financially transparent, particularly with transactions by foreign investors, and to take firmer steps to counteract money laundering. In response, the Yerutian government publishes a small amount of financial data in aggregate form annually and has publicly announced anti-corruption measures, but these have been decried as mere token efforts by opponents, who accuse the Yerutian government itself of encouraging and participating in financial crimes.

Energy

Yorudbynbad has invested in tidal power generation in recent years, with one fully-functioning tidal power stations in operation as of 2023. A second has begun construction, but the project has faced criticism on environmental concerns. Environmental activists have warned the project is being built in a fragile habitat for certain rare fish, while the Yerutian government has produced studies claiming the plant will have no impact on fish populations and the facility may even offer protection for seabirds in the area.

Tourism

Tourism is a major industry in Yorudbynbad, leading it to be one of the most-visited cities in the world. Luxurious resorts paired with casinos, low-tax shopping, and over-the-top shows attract millions of visitors every year. It is also a popular launching point for cruises of the Parshita Sea, ranging from budget ships largely intended for the Barradiwan market to opulent vessels carrying the rich and famous. One of the most well-known destinations is the Crystal Palace, a resort with over 6000 rooms arranged around a central plaza featuring the immediately-recognizable Elephant Fountain, a massive fountain featuring larger-than-life gold elephants frolicking amidst the waters.

Demographics

Ethnic groups

The native Yerutian population makes up approximately 15% of the population, with first- or second-generation immigrants comprising the other 85%.

Urbanisation

Yorudbynbad is highly urbanized, with virtually the entire population living within the capital city itself.

Language

The native language of Yorudbynbad is Yerutian, a close relative of Ekuostian (which is also spoken in the country). Yerutian is to some degree mutually intelligible with Ekuostian, but both have official status. A wide variety of other languages are also spoken in the country.

Education

Free public education is available from 6 to 18 years of age, but is only compulsory through age 14. Many poor students drop out before this point to work. Several private schools also exist, although they are generally only accessible to the wealthy, either the highest-class native Yerutians or rich foreigners.

There is at least one university in Yorudbynbad, but again its price tag sets it out of reach for most of the population.

Healthcare

In 2023, there was approximately 1 hospital bed in Yorudbynbad per 1000 citizens, for a total of around 775 beds. About 400 of these are at the Royal General Hospital on the north end of the city, primarily catering to foreign visitors, native-born Yerutians, and tourists. An additional 250 are at the St. Ástlem Medical Center in the south, and nearly 200 are at Blessed Hope Hospital, in the southwest part of the city. The latter two primarily serve the nation's large immigrant population.

A number of medical clinics also provide care throughout the city. Several along the shore cater to foreign medical tourists, offering dubious services such as cancer "cures", allergy relief, and questionable reproductive technology. In the shadier parts of town, organ sales and assisted suicide can also be found.

Religion

Most native Yerutians follow Orthodox Iovism.