Ulatza

Ulatza is a coastal town in the fictional nation of Veridia, located on the north shore of the Veridian Sea at the mouth of the Laranja River. It serves as the administrative seat of the Ulatza Municipality and has an estimated population of approximately 8,500 residents.

Its name's origin is uncertain; local tradition traces it to a medieval term referring to the river mouth, while linguistic scholars note a possible combination of older vernacular elements for "shore" and "harbor." The town sits on a low-lying coastal plain with a small harbor, beaches, and marshy areas inland.

Ulatza developed from a fishing hamlet established in the 12th century. It expanded as trade routes grew and a sheltered harbor was constructed in the 17th century. The town saw further modernization in the 19th and 20th centuries, including rail connectivity and public utilities.

Major economic activities include fishing, fish processing, and seasonal tourism. The harbor handles local ferries and fishing vessels, while a regional rail line links Ulatza with larger cities. The town operates a small port authority and a municipal market.

Cultural life emphasizes maritime heritage. The Old Town preserves timber-framed houses and a 15th-century church. Notable features include the Starosea Lighthouse and the Veridia Maritime Museum. An annual harbor festival in late summer highlights local crafts, music, and seafood.