Urgellwhose

Urgellwhose is a fictional city-state and major port located on the northern coast of the Urgell Basin in the world of Aethra. It functions as a central hub for trade, culture, and learning within the surrounding maritime region.

The name Urgellwhose draws from the historic Urgel lineage and the regional suffix -whose, a naming element associated with founding myths and local legend. The term is commonly used in official texts and in cultural discourse within the city-state.

Geography and population: Urgellwhose occupies a natural harbor along the Bay of Nereid, with a temperate climate and varied coastal terrain. The area covers roughly 140 square kilometers, and the urban core hosts around 260,000 residents, with a broader metropolitan area of higher density along the harbor districts.

History: Urgellwhose began as a trading outpost in the 11th century and evolved into a merchant republic. It joined the nearby confederation in the 17th century and attained semi-autonomous status in the early 20th century, maintaining a strong tradition of maritime commerce.

Government and economy: The city-state operates as a parliamentary system with an elected Mayor and a 20-member Council. Its economy is diversified, including port logistics, shipbuilding, financial services, technology firms, and tourism, supported by a skilled workforce and favorable regulatory environment.

Culture and education: Urgellwhose is multilingual, with Urgelian as the dominant language and other regional languages present. The University of Urgellwhose focuses on maritime studies, urban planning, and economics. Notable cultural sites include the Lighthouse of Urgellwhose and the Grand Canal Bridge.