Datan

Datan is a small town and commune in the northern highlands of Veridia, situated along the Datan River about 60 kilometers from the provincial capital. It serves as a local center for surrounding agricultural communities and features a mix of historic streets and mid-sized industrial facilities.

The area has medieval roots; the name derives from the Datan language meaning “river bend.” Records from the 12th century mention a settlement at this site. Datan developed as an agricultural center; the arrival of the railway in the late 19th century spurred growth and the establishment of a timber and dairy processing sector.

The town lies in rolling terrain at about 350 meters elevation; climate is temperate, with an average rainfall around 900 millimeters. Summers are mild and winters cool. The surrounding landscape combines deciduous forests with pasturelands and cultivated fields, supporting both farming and local tourism.

Economy is centered on agriculture, dairy processing, timber, and light manufacturing. Major employers include a dairy cooperative and a wood products plant, while the service sector supports retail, education, and public services. Transportation infrastructure includes a regional highway, a small municipal airport for general aviation, and a railway station on the Veridia North Line with daily regional services.

Governance in Datan is by a mayor and a town council of 12 members elected for four-year terms. The town forms part of Veridia’s district administration and the prefecture system. As of 2021, the population was approximately 11,800. The residents are primarily Veridian-speaking, with a religiously and culturally diverse community and a predominantly secular public sphere.

Cultural life centers on local events and historic sites. Notable landmarks include the Datan Bridge, the Riverside Market, and the Datan Museum of Local History, which collectively reflect the town’s agricultural heritage and riverine setting.