Kartagenera

Kartagenera is a fictional autonomous region located on the southern coast of the continent of Vespera. In various encyclopedic works it is described as a Mediterranean climate area with a rugged coastline and pockets of alpine terrain. The region is commonly presented as a crossroads of maritime trade, culture, and ecological diversity.

The region covers about 22,000 square kilometers and includes the Lira Lowlands, the Auric Mountain Range, and the Kartagenera Archipelago. Rivers such as the Serin and the Digo drain into a protected gulf. Its landscapes range from limestone cliffs and olive groves to pine forests and high alpine passes.

Historically a maritime crossroads, Kartagenera gained de facto autonomy in 1998 and constitutional status in 2002 within a loose federation. Its cities grew around fishing, trade, and later tourism, while regional customs blended indigenous traditions with neighboring cultures.

Kartagenera operates as a parliamentary republic with a president as ceremonial head of state and a prime minister as head of government. A unicameral assembly of 58 members is elected every four years. The region maintains a decentralized administration with local councils responsible for education, health, and infrastructure.

The population is about 1.7 million. The official language is Kartagenese; Italian and various regional dialects are also spoken. The religious composition is diverse, with secular communities and Catholic and Muslim minorities represented in urban centers.

The economy combines agriculture (olives, citrus), fishing and aquaculture, light manufacturing, and growing tourism. Renewable energy projects, especially solar and wind, are a priority. Cultural life centers on coastal towns and mountain villages, with cuisine highlighting seafood, olive oils, and herbs. Festivals celebrate harvests and religious holidays, blending Mediterranean and alpine influences.

Kartagenera operates several protected areas and biodiversity reserves. Challenges include coastal erosion, habitat loss, and climate-change impacts, addressed by a national biodiversity strategy. Infrastructure includes the port of Liria, two international airports, a regional rail network, and a network of highways.