Alaia and Zenbetsu

Alaia and Zenbetsu (/ˈälaiä / and /ˈzɛnbɛt͡su /), known formally as the Union of Alaia and Zenbetsu (Alaian Hawaiian: Alaia a Kebeku, Japanese: あらや と ぜんべず or Araia to Zenbetsu), is a country in Naurussia. The country consists of 8 main islands and a number of islets, home to 472,109 residents. Alaia and Zenbetsu act as two individual, sovereign nations under union, with joint citizenship offered between the two countries under a joint passport. The nation is colloquially referred to as the Union, or A&Z. Alaians and Zennesians typically learn both Alaian Hawaiian and the Zennese dialect of Japanese in schools, though with a higher proportion of Zennesians speaking fluent Alaian Hawaiian instead of vice versa. An additional dialect of South Alaian is spoken predominantly in the southern islands, with the South Alaian Library located in St. Gabriel.

Alaia and Zenbetsu takes a generally neutral stance on international affairs, preferring to keep an amicable bond with all other nations, particuarly nearby and neighbouring countries. The country has strong historic ties with North and South Byeolseom, with First Ministers Wakamo Lia and Ryoshi Haka stating their wishes for the Byeolseoms to prosper and flourish individually, though in harmony.

Physical
Alaia and Zenbetsu enjoy a tropical, oceanic climate with residents residing on a large island chain in the far west of Helios. The island chain forming the nation of Alaia, known as the Alaian Belt, is home to a number of hilly, occasionally mountainous islands, with some islands and islets subject to volcanic activity. The largest island is known as Alaia, housing the Union's capital, Ma'oha, situated on the western coastline a short distance from Mount Lilikiko. Zenbetsu is, instead, located on a single island northwest of the Alaian Belt, featuring largely rugged terrain and home to one of the Union's only highwater lakes.

Alaia and Zenbetsu are subject to frequent natural hazards, with Alaia frequently suffering with tropical rainstorms, volcanic activity, and occasional earthquakes and tsunamis. Zenbetsu is also subject to minor tremors and tsunamis, as well as landslides caused by heavy rainfall. As such, a number of settlements in the Union are subject to developmental restrictions in the event of natural disasters. The most prominent of these settlements include Lilikiko, situated a short distance from Mount Lilikiko, Sayoro, subject to occasional landslides, and St. Gabriel, occasionally suffering from localised flooding due to tropical rainstorms.

Transport
Transport across the Union is a contentious topic due to the significant distance between certain islands. The most common form of public transportation is the nationalised ferry services, operating between all islands within Alaia and Zenbetsu, though some services are particularly underfunded. The Southern Isles are generally poorly connected to the Union due to their isolation, with frequent services only operating between South Bay and Old Town, and Portborough and Ma'oha. Consequently, the once popular tourist destinations of Portborough and St. Gabriel have suffered due to government cutbacks on ferry links to the Southern Isles.

Other forms of public transportation exist in other regions of the Union. Central Alaia relies partially on its train line, operating between North Alaia Harbour to Port Nuko via Ma'oha, with 12 stations serving the western coast of the island. Plans to extend this line to Hana'a in the north and Mekepo in the south have also been considered. The historic train line operating between Ma'oha and Lilikiko has been defunct since 1956, following a volcanic eruption destroying a portion of the line. The line now serves as a tourist destination.

In 2022, Ma'oha expects to open the first tram network in the Union, with 4 lines operating across Ma'oha, connecting to Hamalowa, and a potential northern extension to Aku'a. Plans for a Sayoro-Otsuben regional tram network are also under review, though for now, the two capitals are served by frequent bus services. Bus services are also available in a number of other towns across the Union.

Zenbetsu operates a shuttle train service between its capital, Sayoro, to Otsuben, with intermediate stops at Sayoro East and Zenbetsu Regional Airport. The airport offers frequent flights to Ma'oha International Airport, which serves a number of destinations across Naurussia, Brahma and Florentica.

Road infrastructure in Alaia and Zenbetsu is relatively limited, with just 4 Expressway routes serving the nation. A number of major roads also connect cities and towns, the most prominent being the B101 connecting Aku'a to Lilikiko.

Demographics
The majority of residents living in Alaia and Zenbetsu can be found on the island of Alaia, boasting a significant population in the capital city, Ma'oha, as well as nearby Hamalowa and Aku'a. The Northern Isles, though largely scattered, are well-connected by ferry routes, with the largest ferry port being located in its regional capital Okuwenpo, serving as the main transport hub between Alaia and the Northern Isles. Zenbetsu boasts a modest population, with capital city Sayoro occupying a significant portion of the north of the island. The Southern Isles are sparsely populated and generally isolated from the rest of the Union, with regional capital St. Gabriel serving as the main hub of transport to Central Alaia; there are no connections to Zenbetsu from the Southern Isles due to its distance.