Kostandia

The Kasmenai Metropolis is the largest city of the Federal District of Hasowar, and the capital of Sekowo, it is home to an estimated 15 million people.

History
Kasmenai is one of the oldest cities in Sekowo, having existed in one form or the other for 1,300 years.

The earliest known name for the city, dating back 1,100 years ago, is Azmei, a hybrid between the ancient Greek and Miztec languages of the time. Azmei was almost completely destroyed 900 years ago by a city-state several miles away which wanted the fertile lands around Azmei for itself. Azmei, renamed Kazmei by the invaders remained a small farm town for several hundred years.

In 1872 the town, now becoming wealthy as trade routes into the Western coasts opened, started to expand, and for the first time in centuries became a city once more, renaming itself Azmein. The city continued to prosper for the next four-hundred years.

Azmein, in the 400 years of prosperous development became a center of culture and new ideas. However, during the Aretist reign Azmein began to wither, as economic, social and political regulations were enforced on its residents, however, as the city was of little importance, Azmein continued on, albeit under the new name Kasmei.

After the fall of Aretism Kasmei began to prosper once more. A city wide debate was created on the decision for the new name of the city. After several weeks the city council and a majority the cities residents agreed on the name Kasmenai, to show there connection to their ancient past, and there perseverance through Aretist rule.

In the latter half of the 2400's Kasmenai became a center of politics as the Democratic Socialists Party made it its official headquarters city in 2450, though it had been the 'de facto' headquarters for a decade. In 2473 the Independence Coalition established its headquarters in Kasmenai during the parties founding.

In 2485 Kasmenai was chosen as the new capital of Sekowo do to its strategic location and existing infrastructure. However Kasmenai had been politically important before this time, having been the original HQ city of the Democratic Socialists Party as well as being the HQ of the Indepdendence Coalition.

Media
Kasmenai is serviced by one primary local newspaper, the Kasmenai Journal and two dozen smaller papers.

It is also the regional headquarters of SNN.

Kasmenai TV, phone and Internet is provided by several companies, though the largest, iKo is the main provider, with a subscription base of 70% of the city population.

Education
Kasmenai is home to several Universities and Institutes.

Primary Education
Kasmenai is home to 15 Elementary schools, 7 Middle Schools and 20 High Schools.

Four charter schools using alternative teaching methods also operate in Kasmenai.

Kasmenai College
The largest higher learning establishment in Kasmenai, it has an annual attendance rate of 40,000 students. It is an international leader in information technology research and development.

Dovani Institute
An institute and university based primarily on political science, economics and international relations. The institute employs several highly respected political scientists, and is often asked by Dovanian governments for opinions on international topics, especially relating to Inter-Dovanian relations.

Politics and Government
Kasmenai, as well as being the nations capital is home to the the Headquarters of one of the major political parties, the Democratic Socialists Party.

Metropolitan Government
Kasmenai is run by a mayoral council, consisting of seven seats, directly voted on by the people every five years.

The council is elected based on merit, rather than by party, leading to a quicker and more fair election process.

Notable Inhabitants

 * Étienne François (2290-2377), Painter and Author.
 * Otaru Komei (2412-stasis), Founder of the Democratic Socialists Party.
 * Orihime Arisawa (2421-2505), Tennō.
 * Arya Patil (2435-2526), Minister of Foreign Affairs.
 * Jake Peitonius (2443-2544), SNN Newscaster.
 * Chandi Prateesh (2510-2612), Scientist, Minister of Science & Technology.
 * Misa Yagami (2541-2571), Model, Secretary of Justice.
 * Sakura Ishida (2558-2636), First Empress of Shiratoku.
 * Hinata Ishida (2598-2660), Second Empress of Shiratoku.
 * Taisho Komei (2605-2662), Tennō, Designer, Model.