Cendara

Cendara is a coastal city in Eldoria, situated on the western shore of the Veridian Gulf. It serves as the administrative capital of Verdan Province and as a regional hub for commerce, education, and culture. The city covers about 78 square kilometers and has a population around 126,000.

Geography and climate: Cendara features a sheltered harbor, a central high point known as Cerro de Lira, and rolling coastal plains. The climate is temperate Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Annual precipitation averages roughly 650 millimeters.

The settlement traces to the 12th century when merchants established a trading post. It grew through maritime trade and fisheries, becoming a provincial center by the late medieval period. The city underwent modernization in the 18th and 19th centuries and expanded its port in the 20th.

Cendara is governed by a mayor and city council, operating within the framework of Eldorian law. The economy combines fishing, port logistics, shipbuilding, tourism, and light manufacturing. The Verdan Free Trade Zone, established in 2004, contributes to export-oriented industries and regional employment.

The population is ethnically diverse, with Eldorian and Veridian communities forming the majority and smaller groups from neighboring regions. Eldorian is the official language; Veridian and other languages are widely spoken. The city hosts cultural events such as the Maritime Festival and a historic quarter known for its architecture.

Cendara's port handles cargo and ferry services to nearby islands. An international airport lies 25 kilometers north, and a rail line connects to major urban centers. The University of Cendara, founded in 1965, includes faculties of engineering, humanities, and environmental sciences.