Semene

Semene is a fictional town and municipality in the imagined nation of Veridia. It lies in the eastern foothills of the Green Belt, beside the Semene River, and serves as the administrative center of Semene District. The town acts as a regional hub for agriculture, light manufacturing, and services.

Geography and climate: The area sits around 150–250 meters above sea level, with a temperate climate characterized by a distinct dry season in late spring and a wet season in summer. The Semene River provides irrigation and historical trade routes.

History: Evidence of settlement dates to medieval times. Semene developed as a river market town and grew with the expansion of rail and road networks in the 19th and 20th centuries. The municipal government was established in the early 1800s.

Demographics and governance: As of the latest estimates, Semene has a population of roughly 60,000. The town is governed by a municipal council headed by a mayor, with administrative divisions into neighborhoods and rural wards.

Economy: The economy centers on agriculture—primarily citrus, olive, and grain crops—and small-scale manufacturing, including food processing and textiles. Tourism and services have grown, driven by nearby natural areas and local markets.

Culture and education: Cultural life centers on markets, crafts cooperatives, and annual festivals celebrating local harvests. Education includes several primary and secondary schools and a technical college, with linkages to a regional university campus in Veridia's capital.

Infrastructure and landmarks: Key landmarks include the 18th-century Semene Cathedral, the Market Hall, and the Green Belt Viaduct. The town is connected by regional highways and a rail spur to the coastal line.

Etymology: The name Semene derives from the Veridian word for river bend.