Florida (Steel and Bridle)
Viceroyalty of Florida Virreinato de la Florida (Spanish) | |
|---|---|
 Flag
 Imperial Coat of Arms
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 Placeholder image. | |
| Capital |
San Luis de Talimali |
| Largest city | Nueva Avilés |
| Official languages | Spanish |
| Recognized regional languages | 108 Amerindian languages, 11 European languages, and 3 Asian languages |
| National language | Spanish (de facto) |
| Ethnic groups (2020) | |
| Religion (2022) |
|
| Demonym(s) | Floridian, Florideño, Floridense |
| Government |
Viceregal parliamentary executive monarchy |
• Monarch | Felipe VI |
• Viceroy | Raniero Dionisio de Santis |
| Carlos Genaro Muñiz | |
| Legislature | Cortes Generales of Florida |
| Senate | |
| Congress of Deputies | |
| Independence from Spain | |
• Granted | 2 September 1788 |
| 28 December 1825 | |
| 12 October 1870 | |
| 5 February 1917 | |
| 16 October 1966 | |
| Area | |
• Total | 150,524 km2 (58,118 sq mi) (121st) |
• Water (%) | 3.07 (as of 2015) |
| Population | |
• 2023 estimate | 30,667,029 (82nd) |
• 2020 census | 29,369,365 (82nd) |
• Density | 195.11/km2 (505.3/sq mi) (59th) |
| GDP (PPP) | 2023 estimate |
• Total |
 835.9 billion ₧ (53rd) |
• Per capita |
28,461 ₧ (55th) |
| Gini (2018) |
 41.8medium |
| HDI (2022) |
0.922 very high · 36th |
| Currency | Iberian peseta (IBP, ₧) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 to −5 (See Time in Florida) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−5 to −4 (varies) |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code | +53 |
| Internet TLD | .fl |
Florida, officially the Viceroyalty of Florida (Spanish: Virreinato de la Florida) is a sovereign country located in southeastern North America. Florida is bordered to the southwest by the Gulf of Mejico, to the north by Louisiana, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the south by the Straits of Florida, sharing a maritime border with Cuba. Its capital, San Luis de Talimali, was established in 1823. Florida has an extension of 150,524 km2 and a population of 29.3 million people, making it the 121st largest country in the world by total area and the 82nd most-populous country. Some of Florida's metropolises are San Agustín del Río de Mayo, San Mateo de la Florida, Nueva Avilés, Santa Elena de Ochuse, Bahía de Fontaneda, Nuevo Oviedo, Santa Cruz de la Boca and Santa Lucía.
As a viceroyalty, Florida operates under the governance of a viceroy, a title given to the highest-ranking representative of the Spanish monarchy in the region, who is democratically elected. Currently holding this position is Raniero Dionisio de Santis. The viceroy serves as the chief executive and head of state, being responsible for overseeing various aspects of the nation's administration and ensuring the implementation of policies in alignment with the interests of the Floridian people and the Spanish Crown.
In 1513, the first European contact was made by the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, who called the land Tierra Florida (English: Land of Flowers), upon landing there in the Easte season, known in Spanish as Pascua Florida. The conquest of Florida's modern territory was consummated for the most part by 1559, with the establishment of the city of Santa Elena de Ochuse, and contact with French Louisiana's borders. The Captaincy General of Florida was established with its capital in the city of San Agustín and was directly governed from the capital of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, Mejico City. The Roman Catholic Church, as with the rest of Spain's former viceroyalties in the New World, played an important role in the governing of the country, converting to the Catholic faith dozens of thousands of Native Americans, spearheaded by the use of Missions, which later grew into larger urban centers. Despite New Spain becoming independent in 1788, Florida remained under the Spanish monarchy and was subsequently granted self-government in 1867.
After gaining self-government in 1867, the Viceroyalty of Florida entered a new era of relative autonomy within the Spanish Empire. With its own legislative body, increased decision-making power, and representation within the Cortes Generales, Florida continued to thrive economically and culturally. The population grew steadily, attracting immigrants from various parts of Spain and neighboring regions. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Florida underwent significant modernization efforts. The construction of railways and the expansion of its ports facilitated trade and further connected Florida's cities and towns. The economy diversified, with agriculture, mining, and manufacturing contributing to the Viceroyalty's prosperity. The Catholic Church maintained its significant influence in Florida's governance, continuing its efforts to convert Amerindians and fostering educational and social programs.
In 1931, the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic triggered political turbulence across Spain, including Florida. Florida, while autonomous, aligned itself with the Republican government in Madrid, overthrowing the viceroy and installing a democratically elected governor. During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Florida became a focal point of conflict. Florida's government remained fiercely loyal to the Republic and played a crucial role in supplying troops and resources to aid the Republican cause. Florida's strategic position in the southeastern region of North America also drew attention from foreign powers. International socialsit brigades, composed of volunteers from various parts of North America and the Caribbean, arrived in Florida to support the Republican forces, seeing the region as a stronghold for socialist ideals in the New World.
The Nationalist forces of Francisco Franco emerged victorious in the Spanish Civil War. Despite Florida's staunch support for the Republic, Franco's regime took control of the Viceroyalty in 1939, establishing Torcuato Fernández-Miranda as viceroy, curtailing its autonomy and imposing a strict authoritarian rule. During the Francoist Era, Florida faced repression, censorship, and limited political freedom. The Spanish government suppressed opposition to the regime, leading to arrests and imprisonments of dissenters. The Viceroyalty embraced policies aimed at industrialization and self-sufficiency. Industrial growth flourished, with the establishment of factories and production centers in various sectors, while protectionist measures shielded local industries from foreign competition. Agricultural reforms sought to enhance productivity, with land redistribution and modern techniques supporting increased output in crops like citrus fruits, sugarcane, and tobacco.
In the late 20th century, as the influence of Franco's regime began to wane, a wave of dissent spread across Spain and its territories, including Florida. In 1977, amidst the atmosphere of political change, Florida declared a short-lived independence as a Communist republic, aiming to break away from Spain's authoritarian rule. Under this new government, Florida embarked on a radical transformation, implementing land reforms, nationalizing industries, secularizing education, and suppressing the influence of the Catholic Church. However, the Communist government's tenure in Florida under Secretary Camilo Cienfuegos, faced numerous challenges. Economic difficulties, lack of foreign investment, Mejican-backed seditious movements, and internal dissent led to political instability. Additionally, the Spanish government in Madrid strongly opposed Florida's seccession, resulting in tensions between the two entities.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, as the global political landscape shifted and the collapse of other Communist regimes occurred, Florida's government began to reconsider its path. Calls for reunification with Spain grew stronger, fueled by a desire for stability and economic prosperity. In 1990, after a series of negotiations, Florida voted to end its independence and reintegrate with Spain as an autonomous region. This transition marked the beginning of a new era for the Viceroyalty, where it retained self-governance under the Spanish Constitution.
The economy of Florida ranks high in the Iberoamerican Commonwealth of Nations, being the seventh-largest economy in the ICN, behind Spain. It ranks, however, 4th in terms of GDP per capita, having a low unemployment rate, and the 3rd-highest HDI. Florida is a large exporter of goods and boasts exceptionally clean skies for such a populous area. The largest sectors of Florida's economy are tourism, trade, utilities, transportation, and health services. It is also strongly linked to those of the 1994 American Free Trade Agreement partners, especially British North America, Mejico, and Argentina. It is classified as a high-income country by the World Bank, an industrialized country by several analysts, and is often defined as a middle power. Owing to its rich history, Florida has a large number of LONESCO World Heritage Sites. Florida is a member of the League of Nations, the World Trade Organization, the G20 and the Atlantic Alliance Bloc.