Jallel

Jallel is a fictional city used in encyclopedia-style writing to illustrate concepts of urban geography. It is depicted as a coastal city in the imagined republic of Eldara, located along the Xirth Ocean. The city covers about 160 square kilometers and has a population of roughly 150,000 residents.

Founded in the 12th century as a trading post, Jallel grew under successive coastal polities and gained prominence during the medieval period for its sheltered harbor and market fairs. In the modern era it expanded with reforms that standardized governance and public services.

Jallel's geography and economy are defined by a protected coastal inlet with a natural harbor, marshlands to the hinterland, and a temperate climate. The economy combines port activity, fishing, agro-industrial processing, and a growing service sector, including tourism and light manufacturing.

Governance and people. The city is governed by a mayor-council system with a unicameral assembly and a professional civil service. The demography is diverse, with residents speaking Eldari, Loran, and neighboring languages; recent trends show steady urban growth and aging in place.

Culture and infrastructure. Jallel hosts annual maritime festival featuring ship parades and seafood cuisines, and preserves a blend of colonial and contemporary architecture. The city is home to Jallel University, several technical institutes, and a modern public transit system including bus rapid transit and a ring road. The airport serves regional connections.