Relics of the carnival, fragments of war

A modern nation that shares the characteristics of many nations in the early 21st century: rapid economic development; built-up, affluent urban areas and a destruction of older areas of its cities, including dwellings and markets; an eclectic mix of people with a range of religious affiliations; and an active campaign in the so-called ‘war on terror’—employing various public and covert police methods.