Pehej

Pehej is a fictional island nation created for world-building and study of maritime societies. It lies in the temperate southern seas and encompasses three main islands—Avar, Luma, and Keshi—and a scattering of smaller islets. The archipelago covers about 12,000 square kilometers. Terrain includes volcanic highlands on Avar, mangrove belts along Keshi, and rolling plateaus on Luma. The climate is maritime subtropical, with warm, wet summers and mild, dry winters, supporting diverse flora and fauna.

Pehej has a population of about 1.2 million. The official language is Pehejian, a constructed language designed for ease of learning and cross-island communication; several regional languages remain in use in communities and homes. Nara is the capital, situated on Avar. The currency is the peh. The country is governed as a unitary parliamentary republic, with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government; the parliament is elected by proportional representation.

Historically, Pehej was settled by seafaring communities in the early medieval era and remained fragmented into several chieftaincies until unification in the early 20th century. It gained full independence in 1952 and joined the Pacific Union regional bloc in 1998. Since then, it has pursued gradual modernization, expanding education, healthcare, and maritime infrastructure.

Key sectors include sustainable fisheries, seaweed farming, ecotourism, and light manufacturing. Pehej operates a major east–west shipping corridor through its principal port, Miro Harbor, and maintains a network of ferries connecting the islands. The government emphasizes environmental stewardship and disaster preparedness for tropical storms.

Pehej culture features coastal crafts, marine-inspired art, and festivals that celebrate the ocean's cycles. Cuisine centers on seafood, tropical fruits, and fermented products. National symbols emphasize resilience, community, and sustainable living.