Zéde

Zéde is a fictional microstate and archipelago used as a case study in small-state governance. Officially the Republic of Zéde, it comprises nine inhabited islands and a number of uninhabited islets in a tropical maritime region. The capital and largest city is Lyria, located on the central island.

Geography and demography: The islands are volcanic in origin, with mountainous interiors, coral reefs along the coast, and tropical forests. The climate is warm and wet, with a distinct wet season. The population is around 120,000 people; urbanization is concentrated in coastal towns. Zéde's official language is Zédean, with Portuguese and Creole also spoken. Education is universal, and the currency is the Zédian dollar (ZD$).

Government: Zéde is a constitutional parliamentary republic. The president serves as head of state and the prime minister as head of government; a unicameral parliament with 75 seats is elected every four years. The judiciary is independent, with a constitutional court. Civil liberties are protected by a basic charter, and local councils administer several islands to reflect geographic diversity.

Economy and infrastructure: The economy is mixed, with services, tourism, fishing, and light manufacturing as main sectors. Tourism highlights include marine parks, cultural festivals, and coral coastlines. The country maintains seaports and a regional-air hub on the main island; renewable energy projects are prioritized, including wind and solar.

History and culture: The archipelago was settled by seafarers in ancient times and later colonized by a regional power before gaining independence in 1978. Zéde maintains a diverse culture blending island and coastal traditions, with cuisine featuring seafood, coconut, and spices. National festivals celebrate the sea, harvest, and craftwork.