Vanhenva

Vanhenva is a city in the fictional nation of Eldara, located along the lower Verin River in the eastern lowlands. It serves as a regional administrative center and cultural hub. The city's population is estimated at about 290,000 in the urban area, with a wider metropolitan population approaching 370,000. The name is believed to derive from the Vanhu language, combining elements meaning 'water' and 'meeting', a reference to its historical role as a crossroads for rivers and trade routes.

Historically, Vanhenva grew from a river port founded in the early medieval period. It expanded during the Estan era as a center of crafts and markets, and in the 19th and 20th centuries it industrialized with textile mills and metalwork. The city preserved a blend of traditional architecture and early modern infrastructure, with a modern district developed post-1950s.

Geography and climate: The city lies on flat alluvial plains near the Verin River, with clay soils and gentle elevations. It has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters; average annual precipitation around 700-800 mm, concentrated in spring and autumn. Flood management is a municipal priority.

Economy and transport: Vanhenva has a diversified economy anchored by a river port, logistics, and small-to-medium manufacturing. Textiles remain important, complemented by electronics assembly, food processing, and services. The city is connected by a rail corridor and a ring-road, with a light-rail network planned; public transport emphasizes buses and ferries along the river.

Culture, society, and institutions: The official language is Eldaran, with Vanhenvi spoken locally. The city hosts several museums, theaters, and markets. Education includes the University of Vanhenva and a polytechnic institute. The government operates under a mayor-council system; governance emphasizes urban renewal, environmental planning, and cultural programming.