Merulan

Merulan is a fictional island nation in the southern Meridan Sea, created for worldbuilding and speculative fiction. It is governed as a constitutional republic with a parliamentary system; the president serves as head of state and the prime minister as head of government. The capital is Alaris, a major port and administrative center. The name Merulan derives from the old Merulan language, combining roots that mean water and land.

Merulan comprises five principal islands—Alderon, Brin, Calyx, Doro, and Estan—along with numerous islets and reefs. The archipelago has a varied climate, ranging from tropical coastal zones to cooler upland areas. Coral reefs and mangroves provide rich biodiversity and protect coastlines. The economy is anchored by fisheries, eco-tourism, and light manufacturing, with services and logistics playing a growing role.

Indigenous seafaring communities inhabited Merulan for centuries, developing a network of trade routes across the Meridan Sea. A centralized state emerged in the late 18th century, and Merulan gained full independence in 1952. The current constitution, established in the 1990s, emphasizes civil liberties and decentralized governance.

Merulan has a bilingual system, with Merulan as the official language and several regional dialects. The culture blends maritime traditions with urban cultural life, visible in music, crafts, and cuisine that emphasizes seafood and coconut products. Public education is widespread, and a national institute conducts oceanographic and environmental research.

Alaris hosts the National Museum and the Starwatch Observatory. The Coral Conservatory and Marinth Gorge are popular destinations for ecotourism.