Kaupun

Kaupun is a coastal city and administrative center in the fictional archipelago nation of Aradia. In local tradition, kaupun is believed to derive from the words kau (water) and pun (harbor), though linguistic scholars note the etymology is uncertain.

The city sits at the head of a protected bay, with limestone cliffs to the north and mangrove flats to the south. The climate is tropical wet-dry, with a monsoon season from May to October, influencing both fishing patterns and urban planning.

A fishing village emerged in the late medieval period after a natural harbor was charted by seafarers; it expanded into a trading town under the Aradian sultanate, and became the capital of the island province in the 17th century. The harbor's position fostered commerce with regional fleets and inland caravans, contributing to a diverse cultural mix.

Kaupun's economy centers on fishing, tuna canning, ship repair, and light manufacturing. The city hosts the Sea Lantern Festival and is known for lacquerware and coastal cuisine, which blend local ingredients with visiting-merchant influences. The port remains a central feature, supporting both traditional livelihoods and modern logistics.

Administratively, Kaupun is governed by a mayor-council system within the provincial framework. The population is around 170,000, with a mix of indigenous Aradians and migrants; local languages include Kaupuni and the national language. Education and healthcare services are concentrated in the central district, with regional clinics serving outlying neighborhoods.

Notable sites include the Old Fort, the Temple of the Sea, and the working harbor, which together reflect Kaupun’s maritime heritage and ongoing role as a regional hub.