Mapelas

Mapelas is a fictional town in the northern coastal region of the hypothetical country of Aurelia. It serves as the administrative center of the district of Luma. The town is situated along the Mapel River and bordered by low hills and marshlands. The climate is temperate with wet winters and dry summers.

Established around the 17th century by traders and farmers, Mapelas developed as a port and agricultural market town. It grew through the 19th century with a rail connection and local industries. In the mid-20th century it expanded educational and municipal services.

The local economy combines fishing, agriculture (citrus and rice), and light manufacturing. The Mapelas Market is a weekly event that attracts traders from the region. Tourism centers on the riverfront, historic lighthouse, and nature trails.

The population is around 9,500 residents with a mix of families and aging residents. The community is multilingual, with the official language Aurelian and minority languages.

Mapelas hosts an annual festival celebrating river harvests, with traditional music and crafts. The town preserves several colonial-era buildings and a small museum.

Road access via Route 12; a minor port on the river supports small-scale fishing and boat tours. A regional bus network connects Mapelas to larger urban centers.

Mapelas has a democratically elected municipal council that oversees services and development plans within the district.