Salide

Kingdom of Salide
Rioghach na Seallaodh
𐌸𐌹𐌿𐌳𐌰𐌽𐌲𐌰𐍂𐌳𐌹 𐍃𐌰𐌻𐌹𐌳𐌹𐌺𐌰 (þiudangardi salidica)
Motto	One People, One Nation, One Spirit
Anthem	"Anann, Our Motherland"
	"Rose of Omaich" (unofficial)
Capital	Cappach
Official language	English
	Salidan Gaelic
	Nauthas Gothic
Demographics	European	81%
	Indian	6%
	African	4%
	Asian	3%
	Middle Eastern	2%
	Other	4%
Government	Unitary Parliamentary
	Constitutional Monarchy
King	Ellair II
Premier	Sein Oriain
Parliament	House of Lairds
	House of Commounis
Formation	Seallaodh Union	1222
	Union of Kingdoms	1474-1507
	Joining of EEC/EU	1 January 1973
	Constitution (revision)	30 August 2016
Area	Total	91,312 sqkm
	Water	892 sqkm
Population	2022 estimate	18,874,969
	2020 census	18,627,648
	2015 census	18,296,390
	Density	204/sqkm
Economy	GDP (PPP) 2019	$1.339 trillion
	Per capita	$71,992
HDI (2019)	0.941
Currency	Salidan Pund £
Time zone	UTC 0
Date format	dd/mm/yyyy (CE)
Drives on the	Left
Internet TLD	.sa
Calling code	+42
ISO 3166 code	SA	SAL

Salide, (səliːd) also known as the Kingdom of Salide, is a sovereign country located in northwestern Europe, in the Anglo-Celtic Isles. It is separated from Scotland by the Allod Sea and from Ireland by the Gotaise Sea. It is surrounded on the north, west, and southern coasts by the North Atlantic Ocean.

Salide is a unitary parliamentary democratic and constitutional monarchy. The monarch is King Ellar II, who has reigned since 2004. The capital and largest city is Cappach, its global city is Seiskin, and its financial and technology centre is Baiyara. The region around Cappach, the Cair Vale Metropolitan Area, extending from Dunmuir to Seiskin, is home to one-third of the population in Salide. Other major cities outside the Cair Vale Metropolitan Area include Buchanan, Thorpe, Vittoria, Claircastle, Cahirrin, Tramor, and Sterness.

There are 9 Salidan External Territories which are the final remnants of the Salidan Empire, which spanned many territories across the world. Most of the former colonies and territories of Salide still retain significant Salidan influences in the language, culture, and political systems.

Salide has a high-income economy and a high human development index. It ranks among the top fifteen countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita and in the top fifteen of the 2020 World Happiness Index.

Salide is a member of the European Union, originally joining its predecessor, the European Economic Community (EEC), on 1 January 1973. It is a member of G20, OECD, the World Trade Organisation, Interpol, and the United Nations.

Salide was created by Ethan Goin and is the core country of the Salidan Altiverse.

Etymology

The name Salide is derived from seallaidh, meaning spectacle in S.Gaelic, though the meaning of the original term is disputed. Sealliodh is the name of the Kingdom that formed in 1233 and, through various forms, remains today. The spelling of Salide is believed to be a Francisation by the Normans, the spelling and pronunciation remaining the same in the French influenced English language.

In Ptolemy's Geographia, Salide is listed alongside Albion (Britain) and Hibernia (Ireland) as Catenia (Moranann) and Anataria (Bauth). Catenia was used by the Romans when referring to Salide as a whole. Anataria is believed to be a constructed Latin term with a root of 'anat' meaning duck. Catenia is believed to be derived from the latin word catena, meaning chain. Salidica is also listed, but no clear etymology is known.

History

Prehistoric Salide

There is no record of any humans in Salide before Mesolithic people started to arrive by boat between 8000BCE and 7000BCE. From about 4500BCE, Neolithic Settlers arrived, introducing cereal cultivars, a housing culture, and stone monuments.

The Bronze Age brought about new technology, the most innovative being the use of metal, along with the wheel, harnessing oxen, textile weaving, and skillful metalworking (which produced new weapons and tools along with fine gold decorations). Salide in the late Bronze Age was part of a networked culture called the Atlantic Bronze age that included Ireland, Britain, France, and Iberia. This network introduced Celtic languages to the islands.

During the Iron Age, a Celtic language and culture emerged in Salide. There were 3 major migrations of Celtic peoples from Europe. The Priteni were the first, followed by the Belgae from northern Gaul and Britain. The Veneti (of the Brittany Peninsula) migrated by ship to the coast of Ireland and then to Bauth, around the same time as the Pritenis and the Belgae.

Gothic migrations

In the early 6th Century a large group of Visigoths of northern Iberia and Gallia migrated north and landed on Bauth. This group of Visigoths called themselve Hansigoths.

Christianity was introduced in the late 7th Century, with the arrival of Saint Ossein in 664. Complete conversion of the islands was completed around the 9th Century.

Early mediæval period, Viking raids, and the rise of the Seallaodh Kingdom (803-1222)

Ethnic Groups of Salide

The first Viking raids were recorded in 803, when Vikings from Scandinavia attempted to loot the islands. This would mark the beginning of 2 centuries of intermittent warfare with the local tribes and kingdoms. By the late 850s, the Vikings founded multiple settlements around Salide. The Vikings never achieved significant control of Salide and were pushed out in the late 11th Century. However, the Viking settlements continued to flourish and trade had a significant impact on Salide's economy.

Salide was a patchwork of numerous rival clans but in 1222 the 8 major clans of southern Salide merged into one, creating a large kingdom. The new kingdom was named after the Seallaodh Clan, the primary driver behind unification. This prompted other clans of the islands to merge into larger kingships. By the end of the 13th century, there were 5 major and 16 minor Kingdoms around Salide.

Famine and black death (1318-1349+)

The European Famine does not have a profound effect, but it does hit in 1318.

Black Death kills ~10% of the population, beginning in 1349. Due to the hostility of kingdoms at the time, trade was severely hampered and this luckily reduced the amount of trade done within the islands and even to Europe.

Consolidation of kingdoms (1474-1507)

Salide continued to be a cluster of rival kingdoms in uneasy alliances until a consolidation was enacted through by the Kingdom of Salide. The first war took place in 1474, with the last being ended in 1507 (the last kingdom to be annexed being Baiyara. Feudalism ends at the Treaty of Union in 1474 (started in the late 700s).

Age of Exploration and first colonial empire (1492-1810)

During and after the successful consolidation of Salidan Kingdoms, Salide started to explore the new world, beginning in 1492. Glaisny Mactomais, considered to be Salide's greatest explorer and a national hero, exploring many areas during his long lasting career in the Royal Salidan Navy (1498-1526).

Salide established a claim on Walvis Bay in 1499, despite its barren and desolate landscape, and established a very small post, meant to act as a stopping point and potential trading post for the native Herero and Nama peoples.

On the recommendation of the Crown Colonies Charter, a colony was to be founded in what was then called 'Eilean Dheas' (Southern Islands). Since it had been over 100 years since Mactomais' voyage, a preliminary survey was to be done. A Scottish-born Salidan, John H. Denton, was chosen for the journey. Denton spent several months mapping the islands and going ashore and making contact with the native Maori. When making contact with the Maori in what is now St. Catherine, a feud broke out and Denton was killed. Denton's body was buried in a sizable cairn, which still stands in St. Catherine, surrounded by a concrete and glass enclosure. Upon returning, Denton was given an honourary tomb with full honours and the islands renamed after him.

Industrial Revolution

Salide's industrial revolution

Salidan Civil War (1811-1814)

The intensity and devotion to the conflict meant that Salide's colonies suffered. Additionally, other colonies fought back as well, often gaining their independence for a short time before being conquered again by other colonisers. However, despite the revolts, there were a large number of territories that had solid governance and were able to hold back the risk of revolt. These colonies that were still flying the Salidan flag were to form the Second Colonial Empire.

Second Colonial Empire (1814-1999)

Salide passed a law in 1816, decreeing it illegal to sell and transport slaves, and abolished slavery completely in 1824. Salide thereafter considered all slave ships to be pirates and the Royal Salidan Navy pursued them as such. Salide was a signatory of the 20 December 1841 Treaty for the Suppression of the African Slave Trade.

• Nicaragua
• Salidan West Indies
• Salidan Virgin Islands
• Salidan Guiana
• Salidan Amapa

• Salidan Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo)
• Uganda
• Ruanda-Burundi
• Walfish Bay and Northern Namibia

• Tamilakam
• Mumbai Port (treaty with British, similar to concession/Puducherry)
• Kolkata Port (treaty with British, similar to concession/Puducherry)

• Chittagong

• (Pulau Batam or Pulau Karimunbesar) (opposite Singapore) WIP

• Diego Garcia and the Chagos Archipelago
• Denton

• Chifou
• Shameen Island
• Hankow
• Tientsin
• Shanghai
• Salidan Daking (Dapeng), transferred to China in 1999.

• Salidan Samoa
• Raumati Atoll

Second industrial revolution

The Salidan Virgin Islands were purchased from Denmark in 1904 for 20 million Pund.

Salide invested in a canal across Nicaragua, with construction beginning in 1901. The Nicaragua Canal and Railway was completed and opened in 1911. It directly competed with the Panama canal, completed by the US in 1914, though the Nicaragua Canal can accept larger ships in the Brito locks. To celebrate the opening of the Nicaraguan Canal in 1911, the 1912 Cappach International Expo centred on the Canal and Industrialism. 26 countries participated in the fair and 17 million people attended.

Denton was granted autonomy as a Dominion beginning on 1 January 1901. Denton was given further control over

First World War (1914-1919)

During the first World War, Salide sided with the Triple Entente.

Interbellum (1919-1939)

Salidan Empire in 1921

As part of the League of Nations Mandate, South West Africa was split between Salide and South Africa. Salide took control of Northern SWA, naming it Namibia, and South Africa gained Southern SWA annexing it as a territory. In addition, the ex-German territories of Samoa were transferred to Salide.

World War II (1939-1945)

Salide joins WWII in 1939 alongside the British and the French.

Salide assisted the Jewish people of the Nazi regime by issuing passports and arranging transportation.

Post WWII (1945-1947)

Princess Catriona, ascended to the throne in 1947 after the abdication of her father.

Cold War (1947-1991)

Throughout the Cold War, Salide remained neutral, declining to join NATO. As a result of its neutrality in the Cold War, military stopovers were done by both sides, landing at Tramor International Airport, designated for military stop-overs of foreign countries.

Salide granted independence to Denton in 1953, Tamilakam in 1954 (after which it was absorbed into the Republic of India), the Congo in 1960, Uganda, Ruanda and Burundi in 1963, and Namibia in 1963.

All colonies of Salide are independent, with the exception of Salidan Guiana, Diego Garcia and the Chagos Archipelago, Salidan Virgin Islands, and Raumati Atoll.

Salide joined the European Union on 1 January 1973. However, despite being a member, Salide has three opt-outs in place with the EU: Economic and Monetary Union, with Salide still using the Salidan Pund; Schengen Agreement, in which Salide operates its own visa policy; and a flexible opt-out on the Area of freedom, security and justice.

Recent history

Despite many western countries not accepting or recognising Palestinian independence, Salide recognises Palestine as a sovereign state and has done so since 1988. Though Salide also recognises Israel in conjunction with Palestine, it is a harsh critic of Israel's treatment of Palestine and Palestinians, including the Israeli blockade of Palestine.

Salide has pushed a stance of neutrality in many affairs and in times of major war has instead focused on sending humanitarian relief. The Salidan Armed Forces is therefore conducting international operations in 18 different countries in varying capacities.

Covid-19 Pandemic (2019-present)

In response to the rising threat of Covid-19, Salide had ordered its borders to be closed beginning on 27 February 2019, and called for a national mask-mandate amid social distancing protocols, the implementation of a track and trace app that would be available after lockdown, and quick testing facilities to be opened up across the country. The country went on a four week lockdown, in which only essential workers would be allowed to work. After reaching a high of 12,000 cases per day, this number sharply dropped

Taliban offensive in Afghanistan (August 2021)

Salide's did not take an active part in the War in Afghanistan, though it did assist in the training of Afghan Security Force training through ISAF, as well as providing support in the form of humanitarian support.

With the subsequent takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban, Salide entered into a multi-national emigration programme within the Anglo-Celtic Isles to welcome 50,000 Afghan refugees, of which Salide would take 15,000; Britain 25,000; and Ireland 10,000. This programme was initiated in June and has already seen 4,000 Afghans arrive at the distribution and processing point at Belfast International Airport.

With the help of The Royal Salidan Air Force, the Royal Air Force, the Denton Air Force, and the Indian Air Force, nearly 40,000 selected Afghan refugees were evacuated to nearby Islamabad for processing before moving on to other destinations, those of this group most likely being sent to the Anglo-Celtic Isles.

Geography

Salide is located on a continental fragment 150 kilometres northwest of Ireland and 350 kilometres west of Scotland. The main topography is split between two islands, Moranann and Bauth.

Morannan's geography is influenced by the presence of two large rift valleys, the Great Strathglan and Dalmaur Vale, which are situated upon no longer active shallow fault lines. Outside of these rift zones, the topography is varied, ranging from mountainous fiords to wide open valleys with fertile farmland and sandy soils.

Bauth's geography is much simpler and less intense with several major inlets and bays, two major mountain ranges, and an abundance of open farmland.

Government and politics

Salide is a unitary state under a constitutional monarchy.

Government

Salide is a unitary state under a constitutional monarchy. King Ellair II is the monarch and head of state of the UK, as well as 4 other independent countries.

The position of prime minister, Salide's head of government, belongs to the person who commands the confidence of the House of Commounis, which may or may not be the leader of the majority party. For example, Sein Oriain is the leader of the minority party, Glasrua Salide (Green-Red Salide), who has received continued support by both the majority Labour and Conservative parties since 2015, a move which has not been seen since Horais Macturk was appointed as Prime Minister in 1931 and held confidence until his resignation in 1944.

Salide has a parliamentary government based on the Westminster system. The parliament of Salide meets at the Palace of the People and is represented by two houses, the House of Commounis and House of Lairds.

Salide is unique among many countries in that it has nearly completely abolished property taxes, with those taxes being paid from income and excise taxes. The abolishment of property taxes came about in 1972, when several high profile court cases ruled that property that is taxed is not fully owned as it can be confiscated by the taxing authorities if the taxes are not paid. This was ruled to be against the core tenets of Salidan society and subsequently led to its abolishment.

Glasrua Salide is a combination environmental and socialism party. The most prominent member is Sein Oriain, the Prime Minister of Salide since 2015.

Local Governments

Counties of Salide

Salide is divided into 51 counties that make up 9 regions.

External Territories

Salide still has territorial control over:

• Salidan Virgin Islands
• Salidan Guiana
• Salidan Amapa
• Diego Garcia and the Chagos Archipelago
• Raumati Atoll

Foreign Relations

Main Article: Foreign Relations of Salide

Salide is a member of the European Union, joining in 1973.

Salide is NOT a member of NATO, but is a Partnership for Peace Member.

Salide is a signatory of the following treaties:

• Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
• Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

Military and Law Enforcement

Main article: Salidan Armed Forces and Law Enforcement in Salide

Salide is a nuclear state, utilising nuclear power, though its stockpile of nuclear weapons was dismantled between 1993 and 2002, citing budgetary and ethic concerns as the primary reasons for the ending of the programme.

Royal Salidan Army

The Salidan Army is the land-based branch of the Salidan Armed Forces.

Salidan Security Service

The Salidan Security Service is a government agency that is tasked with counter-espionage, counter-terrorism, the protection of dignitaries (including members of the royal family), and investigating crimes against national security.

Law Enforcement in Salide

Most law enforcement is carried out by police officers serving in regional police services, which are further complemented by other police services in Salide, such as the Salidan Transport Police, National Crime Agency.

Other Government Organisations

Royal Salidan Coast Guard

The Salidan Coast Guard is a division of the Department of Transport and is responsible for maritime safety and navigation and search and rescue. It is a civilian service and neither members nor equipment carry firearms.

Departments of the RSCG include Pilot services, Lighthouse Service, Search and Rescue, and the Royal Lifeboat Service.

Royal Salidan Antarctic Commission

• SA Icebreakers

Economy

Currency

Despite joining the European Union, Salide continues to use its own currency, the Salidan Pund. The Pund is divided into 100 pence. Coins are offered in 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, and £2. Banknotes are issued in £1, £2, £5, £10 £20, £50, £100, and £500. The £1, £2, £100, and £500 notes are not common in circulation but are still printed and considered as legal tender. Decimalisation of the Salidan Pund was carried out in 1856, as a direct result of the adoption of the metric system.

Starting in 2008, the Bank of Salide and the Royal Mint of Salide began circulating polymer notes to increase security and reduce counterfeiting. Traditional paper notes are to be slowly phased out of circulation, with all paper notes to be considered unfit for circulation by 2023 (though paper notes can continue to be exchanged for polymer notes at the Bank of Salide). The Salidan Pund continually hovers between an exchange rate of €1.4 to €1.8 per £1.0.

Measurement Systems

Salide uses the Metric system, which replaced the Salidan Weights & Measures in 1854. Metrication did not completely phase out SWM Units, as they are still used today by surveyors and engineers, particularly when dealing with old survey maps and engineering drawings, as well in everyday life.

Things are further complicated as there are 3 different feet commonly used, Imperial (304.8mm), Salidan (283.2mm), and Metric (300mm). Heights of people are often defined with Imperial Feet, general measurements in Salidan feet (if not the metre), and metric feet in businesses and stores (again, if the metre is not used).

Energy

Main Article: Energy in Salide

Salide has been a benchmark country for the implementation of renewable energies, completely converting all plants on its national power grid to renewable/clean energy by 2018 (original planned date was 2022).

There is a high-voltage direct current underwater interconnector that connects Moranann with Bauth.

To further link Salide's National Grid, two high-voltage direct current underwater interconnectors were built in 2003 and 2012, to Scotland and Ireland, respectively. A third link was completed in 2018 which connects Salide to Northern France and a fourth in 2019 to the north of Ireland. This links Salide's grid to that of the UK, Ireland, and Europe.

A fifth high-voltage direct current underwater interconnector is under construction, from Dalnock to the southern coast of Iceland. This route has a 100km shorter distance than the other route, from the north of Scotland. This HVDC now connects Iceland to the future European supergrid and is expected to be completed in 2024.

Transport

Main Article: Transport in Salide and Railways in Salide

Public Transport

In 2007, the Salidan Ministry of Transport launched the Railpass Smartcard. The RP Smartcard is an integrated card that can be used for all public transport schemes in Salide, including buses, trams, subways, commuter rail, and intercity. All systems, excluding bus and intercity, have a tap-in tap-out system.

Salidan Intercity (high speed and town-town)

Cair Vale Commuter System (around capital area, to Dunmuir, Seiskin, Ballach, Maycorry, Parusal)

City trams and light rail systems (most trams double deck)

City subways (very small loading gauges)

Catenary and IC buses (most double deck)

Road

143,573km of roads in Salide.

Salide drives on the left side of the road, with vehicles configured for right hand drive.

There are several prominent Salidan vehicle manufacturers in Salide: Paragon, Gordan, Land Master, Damman.

Railways

Salide has a dense network of railways, providing passenger and freight transport across the country. Salidan Railways operates on a 1415mm rail gauge (Salidan Standard), derived from 5 Salidan fuit (1416mm). In addition to 1415mm standard gauge, there are still private companies and heritage railways that operate narrow gauge systems. These gauges are: 990mm (Salidan Metre), 850mm (Three Fuit), 750mm, and 600mm, with 600mm being the most common narrow gauge, followed by 850mm.

The loading gauge is extremely restrictive because of the early development of railway networks around the country being built by numerous private companies to vastly different standards. The railway network was nationalised in 1927, and has since been upgraded to a standard loading gauge. The railway network has a route mileage of 3492km.

Air

Royal Salidan Airways is the flagship carrier of Salide, operating out of Cappach Artaine International Airport. salidAIR is a low-cost carrier owned by the Royal Salidan Airways, which also acts as a feeder service.

Water

Before railways and automobiles, an extensive canal system was built for the transportation of goods between cities, industries, and harbours. Many canal systems are still in use, though primarily for pleasure. There were nearly 1000km of canals in Salide, with about 200km being filled in in modern times.

The first canals were built for irrigation, often following contours of the hills and valleys. As the demand for waterborne inland transport increased, these irrigation canals were widened and made to accommodate boats of up to 2.265m (8 fuit) wide and 14.16m (50 fuit) long. As the Industrial Revolution took hold, canals were straightened using aqueducts to span valleys and cuttings and tunnels through hills and mountains.

Port of Seiskin, sited on the Firth of Cair and the outflow of the River Cair, is the largest port in Salide and has been the centre of Salidan naval history for over 500 years.

There are ferry connections to Ireland and Scotland, England, France, Norway, and Iceland.

Ferries to France, Spain, and Norway are serviced with ships meant to carry lorries, providing a direct road cargo bridge with the continental EU.

Water Supply and Sanitation

Salide offers universal access to clean water and sanitation systems. 94.3% of all households in Salide are connected to the national sewer network. Water and sewerage is handled by 6 companies under the parent governmental organisation Salidan Water, the divisions being Morannan Water South, Morannan Water North, Morannan Water East, Bauth Water, Etain Water, and Creigne Water and Power.

Demographics

Largest Cities

Main Article: List of cities and towns in Salide

Largest cities in Salide
Rank	Name	Population	County	Rank	Name	Population	County
1	Cappach	820,000		11	Sterness	205,000
2	Buchanan	770,000		12	Irras
3	Seiskin	690,000		13	Ballyveagh
4	Baiyara	520,000		14	Amberley
5	Dunmuir	370,000		15	Maycorry
6	Thorpe	280,000		16	Awenrath
7	Vittoria	275,000		17	Govilon
8	Tramor	250,000		18	Carradore
9	Cathirrinn	230,000		19	Knocklis
10	Hauwick	215,000		20	Gutthibaurg

Cappach is the capital of Salide, as well as the largest city, with 820,000 people. The metropolitan area contains 3.14 million.

Buchanan, the second largest city by population, is often called Salide's Second City. Buchanan is the largest centre of industry outside the Cair Vale. Buchanese are considered the friendliest people in Salide and, as a city, rank next to Glasgow, Scotland in terms of friendliness.

Seiskin, known as 'the Waterfront', is home to the largest and most important port in Salide's history. The 40km Port of Seiskin extends from Portrosach in the east of Seiskin to Loch Omaigh and the outskirts of Cappach City, with docks and ciys (quays) along the length. Many docks and what's left of original warehousing have been repurposed into upscale living which affords unique waterside living not found anywhere else in Salide. Despite being regarded as Salide's second city, Seiskin is instead seen as an extension of Cappach and therefore not considered separately.

Baiyara is the technological and financial centre of Salide. Baiyara is the city of the Goths, and as a 'Gothic stronghold' it is afforded a special status in its governance, and this has allowed Baiyara to offer incredible incentives to large technology companies, banks, and other large companies. Baiyara has earned the reputation of being the playground for the rich in Salide, and in some ways, can be compared to Monaco or Luxembourg. Bauth is home to just over 4 million people, most residing along the southeastern coast with its centre as Baiyara.

Dunmuir is situated on the division of the Cair Vale and the Strathglan Watershed Areas, with half of the city reaching down to the banks of Loch Strathglan. Dunmuir is often called Pendon, in reference to the dark coloured soil upon which most of the upper city sits. Though overshadowed by Buchanan, Dunmuir was often referred as Salide's second city.

Thorpe is in a unique location, located between Buchanan and Cappach along the Southeast Coast Mainline and Motorways. Its location on the Firth of Houl gives reliable and timely access via ferry to England and Scotland for lorries and holidayers.

Vittoria is a quintessential Salidan coastal city, with many elements from the Gothic culture, as Vittoria was the only place on Moranann with such a presence.

Tramor is the closest airport on the European continent to North America, and is commonly used as both an airline hub as well as a stopover point for private craft as well as military units.

Cathirrinn is a scenic city, peaceful and relaxing, with plenty to offer. Popular choices for holidayers and tourists.

Hauwick is a coastal city and seaside resort. It is located on the eastern bank of the rift lake Loch Bield

Sterness is Salide's northernmost metropolitan city, with a unique culture and mythos surrounding Etain, the Salidan goddess of sunlight, the island being named after her.

Irras was once the lowest rated city in Salide known as a bland, uncharacteristic landscape dominated by low cost worker's housing and industralisation. After revitalisation, Irras is a popular city for immigration and youth, creating a unique mix of cultures and languages, and earning it the title the most diverse city on the islands.

Languages

Main Article: Languages of Salide

Salidan English and Salidan Gaelic are the two primary languages, Gothic is still spoken in small numbers in Bauth. Languages that were once prominent but fell out of favour (or were integrated into Salidan Gaelic) include Old Norse, Pictish, Breton, Old English, Welsh, and French.

Tamil is a widely spoken second language, with about 3.1% of the population identifying as Tamil speakers, either as a first or second language. The large number of Tamil speakers is a result of Salide's former colony of Tamilakam. Malayalam, which was also a major language of Tamilakam, is spoken by about 1.1%, as a first or second language.

Chinese and Arabic are now widespread, as a result of immigration.

Salidan English incorporates a few aspects of Salidan Gaelic, the most prominent being the thorn, þ. The thorn is in normal usage domestically and can be seen on road signs and in many writings, but it is replaced with the standard English 'th' when contemporary English is desired.

Still spoken by a significant number (estimated to be 640,000, or 3.6%), the Gothic language has proven invaluable in Gothic language research with regards to the Visigoths, Ostrogoths, and Crimean Goths. While the language has changed over time, forming its own unique Naurþas (Naurthas) dialect the presence of sufficient historical texts allow the language and grammar to be nearly completely reconstructed. Though the language is not a common spoken language, phrases and words are well known by the Salidan populace, as well as the script. The Gothic script is sometimes used in English words and names for its aesthetic appeal. Gothic is an official language in the cities of Baiyara, Gutþibaurg, and Vittoria and within their respective administrative counties.

Ethnicity

Ethnic Groups of Salide
Ethnic Group	%	Number	Notes
White: European	81%	14,200,842
Middle Eastern	2%	350,638
Asian: South Indian	6%	1,051,914
Asian: Chinese	1%	175,320
Asian: Other	2%	350,638
African:Congolese	3%	525,957
African:Other	1%	175,320
Other: Total	4%	701,276

Accents

Much like Britain, large variations in accents and local slang can be found in villages and townships no more than several kilometres apart.

The Salidan accent can be compared primarily to that of the Scottish accent, with Cappach and Buchanan having a very strong accent reminisce of the Glaswegian accent. On Bauth, the accent is closer to that which would be found in Belfast or northern Ireland.

Between Hopetoun and Stokeshaw (but excluding Thorpe) the accent ranges between a Mancunian accent around Hopetoun, morphing into a relatively contemporary English accent in Stokeshaw. In the area around Amberley, there is an equivalent of a British RP accent that can be found. Sterness is home to an accent similar to that of Geordies.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Salide is handled by the Universal Health Service, operating under the Department of Health and Social Care. Public healthcare is provided for all residents and citizens and is free at the point of care, being paid for from general taxation. However, consultations made by doctors and physicians are charged to the patient, a moderate charge for appointments, and a steeper charge for a visit to emergency services in cases of non-emergency. Non-residents will have to pay up to a £150 general charge, though minor visits will rarely exceed £50

Religion

Religion	%	Number
Christian	42%
Muslim	7%
Hindu	6%
Jewish	4%
Other	3%
Irreligious	38%

The Church of Salide is the established church in Salide. The Church of Salide is officially non-denominational Christian but in recent years has made a shift towards being a non-denominational religious organisation, accepting of all forms of worship and religion. Many churches in Salide will regularly host events for non-Christian religions, with many mosques and temples extending the same non-denominational stance towards events and worshippers.

With regards to rising Islamophobia around the world, the Salidan public has a continuing favourable view of Muslims, with only 18% viewing them unfavourably.

Salide is accommodating of religious headwear in police, fire, and military positions, except when it can have an impact on safety. For example, a Sikh headdress cannot be worn in place of a bulletproof or protective helmet, though a thin, close fitting hair covering can be worn in its place, so long as the helmet fits as it should. Uniform options are available for Muslim women who wear a hijab.

Culture

Architecture

Main Article: Architecture in Salide

Salide has a diverse array of architecture, especially in the cities, due to the varying time periods in which buildings were constructed. However, many structures from the early industrial age to modern times have been constructed with Salidan Kingsholm Stone, from the King's Holme Quarries on Bauth.

Sport

Football is the most common sport in Salide

Motorsport is a Salidan pastime which came about from the introduction of personal auto-mobiles.

There is one F1 team based in Salide, Macindoo Racing (which also bought England based Williams Racing in 2020), directly adjacent to the famous Urrunsvig Circuit where the Salidan Grand Prix is held.

State Symbols

The 8 point star is a traditional symbol, signifying the merging of the 8 kingdoms into the new Kingdom of Seallaodh. It is present on the flag and used by many government organisations. The Salidan Rose is also a widely used icon, which is laid out similar to the 8 point star, but with 8 rose petals. Most people do not own a Salidan Flag, but many own a 1:1 Salidan Star or Rose Pennant that they may fly for days of observance or for showing pride or support. The star and rose does not have political connotations like the flag does.