Pehmustan

Pehmustan is a fictional archipelago nation used in world-building and speculative fiction. It lies near the southern edge of the imagined continent of Asteria and comprises about 120 inhabited islands and several larger islets. The name reflects a blend of local-root elements with a suffix denoting land, signaling a coastal-highland cultural mix.

Topography ranges from volcanic highlands and rugged shorelines to mangrove swamps and coral atolls. The climate is tropical to subtropical, with a wet season and periodic droughts on the outer islands. The seas surrounding Pehmustan support extensive fishing and trade networks.

Historically, Pehmustan formed as a network of seafaring communities. In the fictional timeline, it achieved constitutional unity in the early 19th century and full independence by the mid-20th century. The nation is a multiethnic federation with a president and a prime minister in a parliamentary system.

Demographics are diverse; the official language is Pehmustani, with regional languages spoken in coastal towns. The populace includes communities practicing traditional ancestor worship, Islam, Hinduism, and various Christian denominations. Cultural life centers on maritime crafts, music, and seasonal festivals.

The economy hinges on fisheries, aquaculture, and agriculture on fertile islets, complemented by tourism and light manufacturing. Infrastructure includes inter-island ferries, a network of causeways, and an air link between major centers. Pehmustan is presented here as a regional hub in the fictional setting.