Rakls

Rakls is a small village located in the southwestern region of the fictional country of Zoravia. It lies within the administrative boundaries of the Kalen district and sits at an elevation of approximately 420 metres above sea level. The settlement is accessible via the regional highway that connects it to the provincial capital, Durin, and is surrounded by rolling grasslands and a few scattered oak trees. The name Rakls is believed to be derived from the ancient local term “rakli”, meaning “riverbank”, a reference to the nearby Lekur River.

Historically, Rakls was first mentioned in the chronicles of the 14th century as a minor agrarian community owned by a local noble family. During the 19th century the village experienced a modest population increase due to an influx of migrants fleeing the nearby conflicts in the borderlands. In the 20th century it was briefly absorbed into a larger municipal entity during the socialist era, but was re‑established as an independent municipality in 1990 following the country’s independence.

The village has a population of around 650 residents, according to the most recent census conducted in 2023. The demographic profile reflects a predominance of the ethnic majority group, with smaller minorities of Kurdish and Yazidi heritage. The population is largely family‑based, with an average household size of 4.1. Approximately 28 % of the inhabitants are under the age of 18, while 6 % are 65 or older.

The local economy is dominated by subsistence agriculture, with wheat, barley, and sunflower being the primary crops. A community‑run cooperative livestock farm also provides an important source of income for many families. In recent years, small‑scale tourism centred on the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape has begun to emerge, offering guided walks and traditional craft workshops. Rakls retains an archetypal rural character, yet remains connected to larger social and economic developments occurring across the country.