Gesthal

Gesthal is a fictional city-state frequently used in urban-planning and geography case studies. It is portrayed as a coastal port on the delta of the Gandra River, on the fictional continent of Velaria. The city’s estimated population is 120,000 in the core urban area, with about 180,000 in the metropolitan region.

Gesthal's founding is placed in the 10th century by maritime traders, and it grew as a commercial hub due to its harbor and riverside trade routes. It operates as a municipal republic in which a city council elected by residents chooses a mayor who heads the executive branch, while the council enacts local ordinances and a professional administration manages city services.

The economy is diversified: port logistics, light manufacturing, and services; the harbor handles bulk cargo and cruise traffic. The city fosters tech startups and tourism, with a particular emphasis on maritime heritage.

The climate is temperate, with a river delta landscape and surrounding farmland. Gesthal is connected by a modern tram network, rail links, and a ring road; the harbor remains the main gateway, with an outer port area for industrial zones.

Gesthal University offers programs in engineering and urban planning, and the cultural scene includes maritime museums, a harbor festival, and preserved old-town fortifications. Notable landmarks include the Harbor Lighthouse, the Old Town Gate, and the Market Hall.