Keral

Keral is a fictional coastal region used in world-building and speculative fiction. Located on the western shore of the continent of Valora, it spans roughly 52,000 square kilometers and has an estimated population of seven million. The landscape combines fertile delta plains, mangrove forests, and the Sira Mountain Range, with a dense river network that supports agriculture, trade, and transportation.

The name Keral is said to derive from ancient local terms for shore and land, though there is no single authoritative origin, and variations appear in historical records within the fictional setting. The region is often depicted as culturally diverse, with communities perched along riverbanks, coastal towns, and highland settlements.

Historically, Keral is described as home to early riverine cultures known as the Mara. In medieval times, it formed part of a loose confederation of kingdoms before joining a larger federation in the early modern era. The region develops a distinct literary and musical tradition and experiences periods of trade with inland and maritime powers. In the fictional chronology, Keral attains autonomous status within a broader political union in the mid-20th century.

Keral operates as a unitary parliamentary democracy within the Valoran Union. The capital is Nalapura, and the official language is Keralan, with several regional languages also spoken. The economy relies on agriculture (notably rice and spices), fishing, light manufacturing, and tourism, with ports and river towns playing key roles in trade and transport. Notable cultural features include coastal cuisine rich in coconut and seafood, traditional weaving, and annual tide and harvest festivals.

Notable features include the Kera Port and the Lumin Theatres, alongside protected mangrove reserves and scenic hill districts that attract visitors and researchers.