View source for Takalim

{{Icons|Kalseri}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                    = Takalim
| native_name             =
| native_name_lang        = <!-- ISO 639-2 code e.g. "fr" for French. If more than one, use {{lang}} instead -->
| settlement_type         = [[Cantons of Kalșeri|Canton]]
| image_skyline           =
| image_alt               =
| image_caption           =
| image_flag              = Flag of Takalim.svg
| flag_alt                =
| image_seal              = Shield of Takalim.svg
| seal_alt                = Shield of Takalim
| seal_link               =
| seal_type               = Shield
| image_shield            =
| shield_alt              =
| etymology               = [[Mount Takal]]
| nickname                = The Limestone Canton (official), The Tech Canton, The Runner-Up Canton
| motto                   = ''Ελευθερία ή θάνατος''<br>''{{W|Eleftheria i thanatos}}<br>("Freedom or death")
| anthem                  = ''As The River Flows''
| image_map               = Map of Takalim in Kalseri.svg
| map_alt                 =
| map_caption             = Map of Takalim in Kalșeri
| pushpin_map             =
| pushpin_map_alt         =
| pushpin_map_caption     =
| pushpin_label_position  =
| coordinates             = <!-- {{coord|latitude|longitude|type:city|display=inline,title}} -->
| coor_pinpoint           =
| coordinates_footnotes   =
| subdivision_type        = Country
| subdivision_name        = [[Kalșeri]]
| established_title       = Established
| established_date        = 1783
| founder                 =
| seat_type               = Capital
| seat                    = [[Lennoxton, Takalim|Lennoxton]]
| parts_type              = Counties
| parts_style             = list
| parts                   = 68
| government_footnotes    =
| government_type         =
| governing_body          = [[Cantonal Assembly of Takalim|Cantonal Assembly]]
| leader_party            = [[Liberal Democratic Party of Kalșeri|D]]
| leader_title            = Governor
| leader_name             = [[Greg Stephanidis]]
| leader_title1           = Lieutenant Governor
| leader_name1            = [[Bill Tibbit]] (D)
| leader_title2           = Speaker of the Cantonal Assembly
| leader_name2            = Harry Jones ([[Social Cooperation Party of Kalșeri|S]])
| leader_title3           = [[Senate of Kalșeri|Senators]]
| leader_name3            = [[Mike Arnaud]] (D)<br>[[Alan Higi]] (D)<br>[[Iosefina Malsi]] (D)<br>[[Brian Kristensen]] (S)
| leader_title4           = [[House of Representatives of Kalșeri|Representatives]]
| leader_name4            = 9 D, 6 S, 4 [[National Democratic Party of Kalșeri|N]], 4 [[Libertarian Party of Kalșeri|L]], 2 [[Kalșerians for Change|K]], 1 [[Progressive Party of Kalșeri|G]]
| unit_pref               = Metric
<!-- ALL fields with measurements have automatic unit conversion -->
<!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| area_footnotes          =
| area_urban_footnotes    = <!-- <ref> </ref> -->
| area_rural_footnotes    = <!-- <ref> </ref> -->
| area_metro_footnotes    = <!-- <ref> </ref> -->
| area_magnitude          = <!-- <ref> </ref> -->
| area_note               =
| area_water_percent      =
| area_rank               = 2nd
| area_blank1_title       =
| area_blank2_title       =
<!-- square kilometers -->
| area_total_km2          = 12,321.80
| area_land_km2           =
| area_water_km2          =
| area_urban_km2          =
| area_rural_km2          =
| area_metro_km2          =
| area_blank1_km2         =
| area_blank2_km2         =
<!-- hectares -->
| area_total_ha           =
| area_land_ha            =
| area_water_ha           =
| area_urban_ha           =
| area_rural_ha           =
| area_metro_ha           =
| area_blank1_ha          =
| area_blank2_ha          =
| length_km               =
| width_km                =
| dimensions_footnotes    =
| elevation_footnotes     =
| elevation_m             =
| population_footnotes    =
| population_as_of        = 2019
| population_total        = 5,514,632
| population_density_km2  = 447.6
| population_note         =
| population_demonym      = Takalese
| population_rank         = 3rd
| timezone1               = KST
| utc_offset1             = -3
| timezone1_DST           = (not observed)
| utc_offset1_DST         = -3
| postal_code_type        = [[Postal codes in Kalșeri|Postal code]]
| postal_code             = 8xxxx
| area_code_type          = [[Municipal codes in Kalșeri|Municipal code]]
| area_code               = Txxx
| iso_code                = KL-TK
| website                 = {{URL|example.com|takalim.kl}}
| footnotes               =
}}
'''Takalim''' (officially the '''Canton of Takalim'''; {{W|Help:IPA|/təˈkælɪm/}}, [[Kalhan language|Kalhan]]: [tɐˈkalɪm]) is one of the fourteen cantons of [[Kalșeri]]. It is the second-largest canton by area, the third-most populated canton and the eighth-most densely populated canton in the country.

The area was first settled by the Takalim tribe, who lived in the area surrounding [[Mount Takal]], the highest point in Kalșeri, between the rivers [[Saiú River|Saiú]] and [[Lág River|Lág]]. Soon after the establishment of the Kingdom of Lág in the eighth century AD, the territory developed its shipbuilding, woodworking and {{W|stonemasonry}} industries, thanks to the rich {{W|limestone}} deposits in the territory. Since the rise of the {{W|Internet}}, Takalim has become host to many information technology companies, forming the backbone of the Kalșerian information technology industry.

Takalim has developed a rivalry with [[Kalúen]], due to their similar historical background and common strengths in the economy.

==Name==
The name Takalim is derived from Kalhan ''takhaliem'', which means "mountain of the limestone place", owing to the abundance of limestone in the territory, as well as Mount Takal.

==Geography==
Four rivers flow within the borders of the canton: [[Saiú River|Saiú]], [[Ganmel River|Ganmel]], [[Lág River|Lág]] and [[Malnarón River|Malnarón]].

The [[Flanúr Flatland]] constitutes much of the eastern portion of the territory, whereas the western half is composed of hills. The highest point in the canton is Mount Takal, at about 1295 m (4249 ft) above sea level.

Takalim is in Radina, the biggest of the islands constituting Kalșeri, which has an {{W|oceanic climate}}. Temperatures range within {{convert|0|C|F}} and {{convert|7|C|F}} in the winter, and between {{convert|18|C|F}} and {{convert|25|C|F}} in the summer.

==History==
===Pre-colonial period===

===British control===

===Contemporary history===

==Demography==
===Major cities===
Of the 5,514,632 people living in Takalim in 2019, 52.7% live in the ten largest cities in terms of population.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! City !! Inhabitants !! Metropolitan area
|-
| '''[[Lennoxton, Takalim|Lennoxton]]''' || 1,333,072 || Lennoxton
|-
| [[New Smyrna, Takalim|New Smyrna]] || 218,793 || Lennoxton
|-
| [[Jim's Hill, Takalim|Jim's Hill]] || 192,443 || Lennoxton
|-
| [[Murphyville, Takalim|Murphyville]] || 188,892 || Murphyville
|-
| [[O'Leary, Takalim|O'Leary]] || 186,603 || Lennoxton
|-
| [[Cahill, Takalim|Cahill]] || 180,144 || Lennoxton
|-
| [[Babbidgeville, Takalim|Babbidgeville]] || 172,081 || Lennoxton
|-
| [[Siena, Takalim|Siena]] || 167,699 || Siena
|-
| [[Folkestone, Takalim|Folkestone]] || 150,961 || Folkestone
|-
| [[Cuthbert, Takalim|Cuthbert]] || 118,149 || Lennoxton
|}

===Ethnic composition===
===Religion===
===Languages===

==Culture==
===Arts and literature===
===Music===
===Sports===
Takalim is home to four hockey teams playing in the [[Kalșerian Ice Hockey Championship|KIHC]]: the [[Lennoxton Phantoms]], the [[Murphyville Demons]], the [[Siena Legion]] and the [[Folkestone Bucks]].

Important association football clubs include [[Olympia Takalim FC]], the club with the second-highest number of titles in the country (ten since 1956), [[Lennoxton Eagles F.C.|Lennoxton Eagles]] and [[Folkestone City F.C.]]; other clubs include the [[All-Kalșerian Sports Club]], [[Uptown Lex FC|Uptown Lex]] and [[Murphyville Town FC|Murphyville Town]].

{{W|Baseball}}, played in the [[All-Kalșerian Baseball League]], is the third-most followed sports in Takalim, which is home to three teams: the [[Folkestone Lynxes]], the [[Lennoxton Royals]] and the [[Takalim Mountaineers]].

===Media===
[[McMartin Corp.]], which owns the [[Kalșerian Broadcasting Company|KBC]], ''[[Golden Sun (newspaper)|Golden Sun]]'', the ''[[Lennoxton Gazette]]'' and other newspapers, is headquartered in Lennoxton.

The five main newspapers operating in the canton are the ''[[Lennoxton Inquirer]]'', the ''Lennoxton Gazette'', ''The Lagoceanian'', ''[[The Siena Courier]]'' and ''[[The Murphyville Bugle]]''.

Local television and radio networks [[Mount Takal Rediffusion]], [[TakalArka]] and [[Montacale TV]] are members of the [[Union of Regional Broadcasters]] (URB/FANG).

Lennoxton is also seen as the "Capital of Kalșerian animation", as important animation studios are headquartered in the city and its immediate surroundings, such as the [[Walt Burgess Animation Group]].

==Economy==
Takalim is the canton with the [[List of Kalșerian cantons by GDP|highest GDP]] in the country, constituting about 23% of the Kalșerian {{W|Gross domestic product|GDP}}.

Lennoxton is the second-largest economic center of Kalșeri, behind [[Evalria]].

===Agriculture and food===
Takalim is the leading producer of {{W|chicory}} and {{W|artichoke}}s in the country. Other fruit and vegetables grown in the canton include apples, carrots, celery, onions and pears.

The mid-Takalim hill range is home to a consistent production of mushrooms, beef and dairy products made from cows and goats.

[[Tașa Vonhal]], the most consumed locally-produced beer in Kalșeri, is headquartered in [[Ellie, Takalim|Ellie]].

===Manufacture===
Iron and steel has historically been the dominating type of manufacture by amount produced, and the [[Takalese Iron and Steel Corporation]] (TISCo) is the largest company in the Takalese iron and steel industry. Starting from the 1980s, however, this industry, like others, has suffered the consequences of {{W|deindustrialization}}. [[Russo Tubes]] and [[William Kellerhoff & Sons]] are among the biggest companies that have made heavy use of iron and steel made in Takalim. 

Takalim is the leading producer of {{W|ceramic}} in the country; much of the output is produced by [[Takalese Ceramics Corporation]] (TaCeCo).

Limestone mining constitutes an important part of the Takalese economy. The largest quarry by extraction is the [[Bluemel County Quarry]].

Other important companies include [[VentLux]], which is the largest producer of lightbulbs and public illumination, and [[Xenya Brands]], an important brand of casual clothing.

===Retail===
[[Knirsch Supermarkets]], based in [[Dodge City, Takalim|Dodge City]], is one of the largest {{W|supermarket}} chains in Kalșeri.

[[EgiPoint]] is the largest operator of {{W|rest area}}s on the [[Kalșerian Highway Network]]; it is present in all fourteen cantons, and is estimated to operate more than 60% of all rest areas on the Network as of 2022.

[[Southampton, Takalim|Southampton]]-based [[HyperHal Wholesale]] is the biggest chain of membership-only wholesale retail stores ({{W|warehouse club}}s).

Founded in 1975 by [[Robert Friedman]], [[Handy Bob's Hardware Stores]] has grown to become the largest hardware store chain in Kalșeri. Its largest store is in [[Siena, Takalim|Siena]].

===Tourism===
Takalim is renowned for its Eastern beaches and summer resorts, namely the; which have developed an economic rivalry with the [[Kalúen|Kaluonan]] beaches. Seasonal theme parks, the biggest of which is [[O'Leary Fun Kingdom]].

The mid-Takalim hill range is another popular tourist destination, and towns like [[Heinzville, Takalim|Heinzville]], [[Florence, Takalim|Florence]], Ellie and [[Modena, Takalim|Modena]] serve as hubs for various tours within the territory. Heinzville also serves as the headquarters for [[Kalșeri's Most Beautiful Villages]], an association that aims to promote tourism in small villages.

The [[Takalim Atlantic Raceway]] in [[Johnstown, Takalim]] and the [[Mid-Kalșeri National Autodrome]] in [[Albertson, Takalim]] are also among Takalim's most visited sites, as they are home to two [[Kalșerian Lawn Mower Racing Association|KALMORA]] Ryes.

===Technology===
The first major technology company to be founded in Takalim was [[Esbjerg Semiconductors]] in 1973, in [[Jim's Hill, Takalim|Jim's Hill]]; the electronics and information technology industry has been steadily growing since then. Other major companies include satellite TV provider [[Telit]] and projector and electronic billboard manufacturer [[Randell]].

A number of software developers, such as [[KibiSword]], [[Servhal]], [[Zing (internet provider)|Zing]] and [[MagoBit]], are based in the canton. Game development, led by [[Farrago Games]] and [[GDY Games]], is another important sector of the industry.

Founded in 1997, [[findseri]] has established itself as the largest real estate price comparison website in the Kalșerian market.

===Financial services===
Some [[Evalria Stock Exchange|EvSE]] companies operating in the financial sector are based in Lennoxton and its metropolitan area, such as the [[Bank of Takalim]] and [[Stenhauser Insurance]].

==Infrastructure and transportation==
===Energy===
Nuclear and hydroelectric constitute the two major power sources for the canton and, by extention, for the country.

Nuclear energy is produced by the [[Takalim and Lág Energy Corporation]], headquartered in [[Howardsville, Takalim|Howardsville]]; the Corporation runs the [[Medici County Power Plant]].

The [[North Takalim Energy Company]] runs all three hydroelectric power plants within the canton: [[Lewitzer County, Takalim|Lewitzer County]], [[Bushrod, Takalim|Bushrod]] and [[Santiago, Takalim|Santiago]].

===Roads===
Takalim is served by [[Kalșerian Highway 1|Highway 1]], [[Kalșerian Highway 3|Highway 3]] and [[Kalșerian Highway 8|Highway 8]]. [[Kalșerian Highway 2|Highway 15]], a branch of Highway 1, constitutes half of the ring around Lennoxton.

The Takalim Department of Transportation is responsible for the maintenance of all non-federal roads in the canton, along with the individual counties, such as the [[Takalim Highway Network]] (THN).

[[Goldenhawk Buses]], the biggest operator of {{W|intercity bus service}}s in the country, is headquartered in Lennoxton. It operates an April—September seasonal shuttle service that links cities in Takalim, Evalria, southeastern [[Lág]] and southern [[New Kerry]] to the main seaside resorts in the Takalese eastern coast.

===Railways===
[[KalRail]], the national rail service, serves the cities of Lennoxton, Murphyville, Folkestone and Siena and their metropolitan areas, as well as smaller cities.

The Takalim Railway Corporation, doing business as [[TKTrak]], focuses on areas not served well by the existing KalRail services.

===Airports===
The main airport that serves Takalim is the [[Lennoxton International Airport]] ({{W|IATA airport code|IATA}}: LXT; {{W|ICAO airport code|ICAO}}: BALX), located in nearby [[Babbidgeville, Takalim|Babbidgeville]], which is also a hub for [[KalAir]].

Other airports include [[Siena–Schoneveld County Airport|Siena–Schoneveld County]] and [[Northern Takalim International Airport|Northern Takalim International]].

==Government and politics==
===Overview===
Takalim is a traditional swing canton, where Lennoxton's progressivism and the rural conservatism balance each other.

===Executive===
The head of state of Takalim is the [[Governor of Takalim|Governor]], who is elected directly by the people every four years along with a Lieutenant Governor, and appoints all the members of the cantonal cabinet. Prior to 2014, governors were restricted to a single seven-year term; this was subsequently changed to a limit of two four-year terms.

The current Governor of Takalim is Liberal Democrat [[Greg Stephanidis]], who has served in this capacity since 2022. The current Lieutenant Governor is fellow Liberal Democrat [[Bill Tibitt]].

===Legislative===
The unicameral [[Cantonal Assembly of Takalim]] is the legislative body of the canton. The canton is divided into 50 three-member constituencies, elected through {{W|single transferable vote}}. The current Speaker of the Cantonal Assembly is Harry Jones (S).

The supreme document of the canton is the [[Constitution of Takalim]], ratified in 1799.

===Judiciary===
Takalim is divided into four judicial provinces: [[Folkestone, Takalim|Folkestone]], [[Lennoxton, Takalim|Lennoxton]], [[Murphyville, Takalim|Murphyville]] and [[Siena, Takalim|Siena]].

The [[Supreme Court of Takalim]] is the highest court in the canton.

===Internal administration===
Kalúen is divided into 68 counties, the most of any canton in Kalșeri. 32 of them are consolidated, meaning that the county and its seat share the government.

{{div col|colwidth=20em|content=
#[[Addison County, Takalim|Addison]] ([[Cursville, Takalim|Curtsville]])
#[[Adlai County, Takalim|Adlai]] ([[Stevens, Takalim|Stevens]])
#[[Babbidgeville, Takalim|Babbidgeville]] (consolidated)
#[[Bluemel County, Takalim|Bluemel]] ([[Ryderton, Takalim|Ryderton]])
#[[Bonn County, Takalim|Bonn]] ([[Skillington, Takalim|Skillington]])
#[[Bushrod, Takalim|Bushrod]] (consolidated)
#[[Cahill, Takalim|Cahill]] (consolidated)
#[[Caldwell, Takalim|Caldwell]] (consolidated)
#[[Carnarvon, Takalim|Carnarvon]] (consolidated)
#[[Clayton County, Takalim|Clayton]] ([[Jamestown, Takalim|Jamestown]])
#[[Corfu, Takalim|Corfu]] (consolidated)
#[[Costello County, Takalim|Costello]] ([[Johnstown, Takalim|Johnstown]])
#[[Cuthbert, Takalim|Cuthbert]] (consolidated)
#Delano ([[Hatliston, Takalim|Hatliston]]; consolidated)
#[[Dover County, Takalim|Dover]] ([[Dodge City, Takalim|Dodge City]])
#[[Eastriver County, Takalim|Eastriver]] ([[Erin, Takalim|Erin]])
#Enteco ([[Mansfield, Takalim|Mansfield]]; consolidated)
#[[Euston County, Takalim|Euston]] ([[Wendy, Takalim|Wendy]])
#[[Faulkner County, Takalim|Faulkner]] ([[Williamston, Takalim|Williamston]])
#[[Folkestone, Takalim|Folkestone]] (consolidated)
#[[Forbes County, Takalim|Forbes]] ([[Albertson, Takalim|Albertson]])
#[[Gaines County, Takalim|Gaines]] ([[Middlesbrough, Takalim|Middlesbrough]])
#[[Gannville, Takalim|Gannville]] (consolidated)
#[[Harvey County, Takalim|Harvey]] ([[Storey, Takalim|Storey]])
#[[Heinzville, Takalim|Heinzville]] (consolidated)
#[[Hendriksen County, Takalim|Hendriksen]] ([[Coyne, Takalim|Coyne]])
#[[Holyhead County, Takalim|Holyhead]] ([[Howardsville, Takalim|Howardsville]])
#[[Hot Springs, Takalim|Hot Springs]] (consolidated)
#Inverness ([[Jefftown, Takalim|Jefftown]]; consolidated)
#James ([[Morello, Takalim|Morello]]; consolidated)
#[[Jim's Hill, Takalim|Jim's Hill]] (consolidated)
#[[Kaminski, Takalim|Kaminski]] (consolidated)
#[[Kramer County, Takalim|Kramer]] ([[Kramer, Takalim|Kramer]])
#[[Leahy, Takalim|Leahy]] (consolidated)
#[[Lennoxton, Takalim|Lennoxton]] (consolidated)
#[[Lewitzer County, Takalim|Lewitzer]] ([[Richardson, Takalim|Richardson]])
#[[Longsbury County, Takalim|Longsbury]] ([[Donna, Takalim|Donna]])
#[[Manning County, Takalim|Manning]] ([[Oldsbury, Takalim|Oldsbury]])
#[[Medici County, Takalim|Medici]] ([[Florence, Takalim|Florence]])
#Meiji ([[Southampton, Takalim|Southampton]]; consolidated)
#[[Merryweather County, Takalim|Merryweather]] ([[Silorsiville, Takalim|Silorsiville]])
#[[Meynell County, Takalim|Meynell]] ([[Sherwin, Takalim|Sherwin]])
#[[Mitchell County, Takalim|Mitchell]] ([[Mitchell, Takalim|Mitchell]])
#[[Modena, Takalim|Modena]] (consolidated)
#[[Moffat, Takalim|Moffat]] (consolidated)
#[[Monaco, Takalim|Monaco]] (consolidated)
#[[Murphyville, Takalim|Murphyville]] (consolidated)
#[[Mute Jones County, Takalim|Mute Jones]] ([[St. Cecilia, Takalim|St. Cecilia]])
#[[New Smyrna, Takalim|New Smyrna]] (consolidated)
#[[Northampton County, Takalim|Northampton]] ([[Tillsbury, Takalim|Tillsbury]])
#[[Nye County, Takalim|Nye]] ([[Quaint, Takalim|Quaint]])
#[[O'Leary, Takalim|O'Leary]] (consolidated)
#[[Oxford, Takalim|Oxford]] (consolidated)
#[[Ruddy County, Takalim|Ruddy]] ([[Gardentown, Takalim|Gardentown]])
#Schaefer ([[Malone, Takalim|Malone]]; consolidated)
#[[Schoneveld County, Takalim|Schoneveld]] ([[Bristol, Takalim|Bristol]])
#[[Schwerin, Takalim|Schwerin]] (consolidated)
#[[Sellers-Casey County, Takalim|Sellers-Casey]] ([[Geller, Takalim|Geller]])
#[[Shepherd's Bush County, Takalim|Shepherd's Bush]] ([[Alexandria, Takalim|Alexandria]])
#Short ([[Dockerstown, Takalim|Dockerstown]]; consolidated)
#[[Siena, Takalim|Siena]] (consolidated)
#[[Sorensen County, Takalim|Sorensen]] ([[Ames, Takalim|Ames]])
#[[Stahl County, Takalim|Stahl]] ([[Paulson, Takalim|Paulson]])
#[[Takasoo, Takalim|Takasoo]] (consolidated)
#[[Torales, Takalim|Torales]] (consolidated)
#[[Travis County, Takalim|Travis]] ([[Bernice, Takalim|Bernice]])
#[[Uxbridge County, Takalim|Uxbridge]] ([[Werner, Takalim|Werner]])
#[[Washburn County, Takalim|Washburn]] ([[Ellie, Takalim|Ellie]])
}}

==Education==
The main university of the canton is the nonsectarian general-interest [[University of Takalim]], which serves the cities of Lennoxton, Siena, Folkestone, Murphyville and Ames.

Several universities also operate in Takalim, such as [[Lexonian University]], the [[Takalese Rural College System]] and the [[Takalim Polytechnic College]].

==Cantonal symbols==
===Flag===
[[File:Flag of Takalim.svg|thumb|150px|Flag of Takalim]]
The current flag, adopted in 1971, has an aspect ratio of 1:2 and is composed of a green-white-red horizontal tricolor, with a blue band bearing a yellow square at hoist side.

According to the cantonal constitution, the meaning of each element is thus explained:
*green: "the lush forests and bountiful farms";
*white: "the stride towards peaceful glory";
*red: the blood shed during the [[Kalșerian War of Independence]] and the [[1891 Kalșeri riots|Royalist riots]];
*blue: the rivers and the Atlantic Ocean;
*yellow: limestone and Mount Takal.

===Shield===
[[File:Shield of Takalim.svg|thumb|150px|Flag of Takalim]]
The shield is composed of a blue band that covers about half of the surface, with a golden ''Eye of Takalim'', which is a stylistic rendition of the motto {{W|Eleftheria i thanatos|'''''Ε'''λευθερία '''ή''' '''θ'''άνατος''}} ("Freedom or death").

The bottom half of the shield is divided in two colors: gold and red, the traditional colors of Lennoxton.

===Other symbols===

==See also==
{{Kalseri}}
[[Category:Takalim]]
[[Category:Cantons of Kalșeri]]