Lihos

Lihos is a city-state composed of several urban centers spread across an archipelago in the western maritime region. It operates as an autonomous political unit with its own constitution and legal framework, while maintaining open ties with neighboring states.

The name Lihos is thought to derive from the ancient Lihosi language, combining elements meaning sea and place. The culture reflects a long seafaring heritage, with guilds, merchant families, and public markets playing central roles. Lihosi is the official language, with English widely used in commerce and education. The city-state hosts annual festivals such as Harbor Week and the Night of Lanterns, which celebrate maritime trade and community traditions.

Historically, Lihos began as a cluster of trading settlements that grew into a regional power through maritime commerce and skilled navigation. It gained de facto independence from a larger realm centuries ago and gradually developed a distinct administrative system. In the modern era, Lihos expanded its influence through finance, ship and port services, and light manufacturing, while maintaining a strong identity centered on cosmopolitan urban life and sustainable development.

Governance rests in a unicameral city council and a mayor elected for fixed terms, with an independent judiciary and neighborhood assemblies in some districts. The economy emphasizes finance, logistics, shipping, and technology-enabled services, supported by the extensive port network and a favorable regulatory climate. The population is diverse and concentrated in coastal cities, with education and healthcare systems anchored by the University of Lihos and regional hospitals.

Notable features include the historic Old Town, the Crescent Marina, and the Silver Bridge, which link multiple harbors and districts.