Orange (The Kalmar Union)

The Principality of Orange, Orange, is the smallest of the independent Francian states. It is named after its largest city and capital: Orange. It has a population of around 35,000 people in two detached portions; the larger portion centred on the city of Orange between Aragon and Arles on the Rhone, and a smaller section around Suzette and Malaucène enclaved within the Kingdom of Arles.

The official language is Occitan.

The Head of State is Prince Jean III.

The currency is the French Livre (FLV).

History
Founded by the Romans in 35BC the city of Orange (named after a local Celtic god, not the fruit) was the capital of Northern Provence and the city still has many Roman ruins.

In the 12th century the County of Orange was raised to an Imperial principality however conflict with the Hohenstaufen Emperors in Arles soon led them to switch allegience to the Kings of France, though in reality it increasingly fell under Aragon's sphere. Following the Hohenstaufens' decline Arles began to swallow the petty states between it and Aragon through war, coercion and marriage but Orange was able to escape this by calling on the occasional might of Auvergne and Aragon. Inherited by Johann (Jean I) of Nassau in 1466, there was a reconciliation of sorts with the Empire though the County of Nassau's subsequent annexation by Luxembourg in the 1540s, ignoring the Princes' claims, ruined relations once more.

The principality avoided the destruction meted out to much of the lower Rhone during the Fifty Years War though its status as somewhat of a refuge led it to be overwhelmed by refugees escaping violence elsewhere in Provence. Plague and hunger would dog the principality until the early 18th century.

Orange's historical closeness to Aragon saved it from being swallowed up by the Savonese Republic during the Iberian Revolution though it was confiscated from the Nassau's, who had fled to Geneva. Instead del Olmo rewarded it to his loyal general Ibañez. His rather reactionary rule lasted only until Hispania's military failure in Prussia, at which the Orangese felt secure enough to rebel.

Despite its size Orange is relatively wealthy and enjoys a high standard of living. Whilst most of its industry is agriculture-related, including viniculture, it acts as a neutral banking hub for the Rhone region and is noted for its concentration of banks. It is a member of the Francian Parliament in Tours and also an observer memeber of the Imperial Diet.

Government
Orange is a constitutional monarchy governed by a small single chambered Parliament.

The ruling prince, currently Jean III, retains considerable executive power and has not held back from using it, dismissing four governments over various deadlocked issues and forcing through womens' suffrage in 2009.