Post edited 8:32 pm – August 2, 2009 by NiknakSS

CULTURE:

    The Natives:

    The original inhabitants of Solace are descendants of ancient sea-faring peoples, called the Kuloi. They share many similarities with Hawaiian, Polynesian, and Samoan cultures.  They primarily live off of the sea, though in recent years, some villages have taken to farming and ranching.
    They are the only people allowed to live outside of the Inner Archipelago, upholding a treaty made over a century ago that assured the peaceful interaction between European immigrants and the natives.
    The Kuloi shun technological advances, and exist much the same way as their ancestors did. They live in simple villages, scattered throughout the jungles and along the shores of the two main islands. Some of the villages have strong alliances, and others still engage in combat with each other, though deaths due to the battles are extremely rare.
    The Kuloi revere the islands as holy grounds, and maintain polytheism, despite countless attempts by missionaries to convert them. For the most part, a citizen of Solace can spend their entire life on the islands, and never see a Kuloi, interaction between the natives and the city dwellers is so rare. The Kuloi are grateful for that, and are more than happy to keep to themselves and go about their uncomplicated lives.

    Demographics:
        Solace City is likened to New York City as being one of the worlds great melting pots. Though, the residents of Solace will be the first to admit that such utopian ideals are harder to live by than to dream.
    Except for a few neighborhoods and Central Isle, the many cultures of Solace have divided themselves up into their own unique and diverse sections of the city. Indeed, some of the neighborhoods have such strong resemblances to the countries that inspired them, that visitors could easily forget they are still in Solace.
    As of the 2005 census, the population breaks down as such:
        24,565,200 residents
            53% Female
            47% Male
                20%   < 19 Years Old
                40% 20-39 Years Old
                25% 40-59 Years Old
                15%   > 60 Years Old
        40% Caucasian
            20% British
            20% Australian/New Zealand
            20% North American
            15% Dutch
            10% Russian
            7%   German
            5%   Italian
            3%   Other European
        30% Asian/Pacific Islander
            35% Chinese
            25% Japanese
            20% Pacific Islander
            10% Korean
            5%   Thai
            5%  Taiwanese
        10% Indian
        8%   Latino
            50% Spanish
            30% Brazilian
            15% South American
            5%   Central American
        6%   Persian
        4%   African
        2%   Other
            35% Christian
            35% Buddhist
            10% Hindu
            10% Undeclared/Other
            7%   Muslim
            3%   Atheist/Agnostic

    Economics:
        
        Solace's currency, the Solacian Dollar, is pegged to the British Pound in value. Though Solace has experienced one of the greatest economic booms the world has ever seen, poverty is still a problem, even though it is well covered up. The majority of Solace's residents enjoy what is considered a middle to upper middle class lifestyle. As with many other 1st World countries, incomes are generally divided on racial and ethnic lines, with Caucasians and Asians earning the most, and those of other descents typically earning somewhat less to considerably less.
        Average Incomes:
            $50,000 – $80,000/Year Males
            $40,000 – $70,000/Year Females
                $30,000 – $80,000/Year Caucasian
                $20,000 – $90,000/Year Asian
                $20,000 – $60,000/Year Indian
                $20,000 – $45,000/Year Persian
                $15,000 – $45,000/Year Latino
                $10,000 – $40,000/Year African
   
    Solace does not have any public assistance programs like those in other countries. The medical system, S.C.A.T. (Solace City Area Transit), the community colleges (Solace City University not included), and all utilities are completely free (paid through taxes and income on exports), and therefore, the only costs of living are housing and food. There are a number of programs which aid in job finding, as well as government positions in which people work for the state for a period of one year, while they are attempting to become productive members of society. As such, anyone who is unable to maintain a stable household for six months or longer is provided with free airfare to the country of their choosing, and they are emigrated out of society. Homelessness and general public delinquency are not tolerated.
    The population density, and limited amount of space within the city demand stringent laws in order to maintain the high quality of life Solace is renown for.

    Sports, Dining, The Arts, and Nightlife:

    Due to the numbers of state funded services and the relative wealth of most of the populous, Solace has a plethora of activities for its citizens to enjoy.

    Sports;
    Solace, like the rest of the world is obsessed with football. The country regularly fields teams the make the final rounds of the World Cup, and the city boasts eight professional clubs. Other popular sports include rugby, cricket, baseball, sailing, and cycling.
    Recreational activities include water sports, hiking, mountain climbing, and even skiing when there is adequate snowfall on Mt. Konai, which stands at an impressive 14,250 feet. Solace is dotted with parks, large and small, and the usually pleasant weather sees most of the populace outdoors more than indoors.
    Solace is home to one of the world's premier amusement parks, Thunder Bay. Located on the Barrier Peninsula, it commands impressive views of the Pacific Ocean to the south, and the Inner Harbor and Battle Mews to the north.
    South of the city, on Cook's Pointe, lies the largest zoo in the world, Solace Zoological Gardens. Over 100 square miles of carefully simulated habitat provides a home for the largest captive collection of animals anywhere. The zoo is a leader in breeding programs, and its conservation program is the model for other programs around the globe.
    Located in the south eastern corner of Solace is Half Moon Lagoon. One of the naturally deepest parts of Solace Bay, an aquatic wildlife refuge and amusement park were created when the city strung netting under the Maitai Bridge, separating it from the rest of the bay. Half Moon Lagoon is further divided into sections, allowing for the animals to swim freely while keeping the predators from the prey.
   
    Dining;
    Solace's dining scene is often compared to that of Paris, much to the chagrin of French everywhere. Some of the finest and most exclusive restaurants in the world are dotted throughout the city, as well as some of the finest greasy spoons. Legislation banning foreign chain restaurants, especially fast food chains such as McDonald's and Pizza Hut has allowed privately owned establishments to thrive and enrich the culture. The variety of the populace adds to the wide range of foods that can be found.
   
    The Arts;
    Solace is a city of museums, theaters, music halls, and art studios. Though Central Isle can lay claim to the largest of these, the heart and soul of the arts are located in eccentric neighborhoods strewn throughout the city. Some of the most famous are:
    Painting and Sculpture; within the Artist's Quarter of Lagona Isle, where all of the streets are named after iconic artists such as Michaelangelo, Divinci, and Picasso.
    Theater; within the Playhouse District on Racine Isle, also known as Little Britain. A replica of The Globe Theatre is the most famous of Little Britain's theaters.
    Music and Ballet; In the area known as Russia Town, (or Commie Town to the detractors) on Plantation Isle, in the south eastern corner of the city.
   
    Nightlife;
    While Central Isle is the tourist mecca for urban nightlife, the locals find their nocturnal adventures in a variety of other places.
    Cappie's Bar and Grille, located in Little Britain, is as renown for super hero and villain sightings, as it is for its jovial barkeep.
    The Bavarian Beer Gardens in the neighborhood of New Bavaria, located on Corona Isle, is a local favorite. Its proximity to Solace City University may have something to do with its popularity as well.
    The China Town Night Market, located on Woodhaven Isle, is the most popular location for those of Asian descent looking for good food, good drinks, and after dark socialization.
    Crescent Cove, on Coral Mews Isle is home to the largest beach parties in the city. A mix of Mardi Gras, Carnival, and Ibiza all in a four mile stretch of bar and club lined white sand where the police have simply given up trying to enforce public decency laws.