Zcze

Zcze is a town and municipality in the central region of Valoria, a fictional nation. It lies along the Zora River and covers about 84 square kilometers. As of 2023, the population was roughly 7,400. Zcze serves as the administrative seat of the Zcze Commune within Valorian County.

Geography and climate: The area comprises gently rolling plains bordered by small forested areas and agricultural land. The climate is temperate, with warm summers and cold winters, and an average annual precipitation around 580 millimeters. The Zora River provides irrigation and historically supported local trade and mills.

History: The settlement traces its origins to the medieval period, with a market charter granted in the 13th century and a parish church built in the following century. The town grew through agricultural trade and, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, gained rail and road links that connected it to larger regional markets. Modern administration was formalized during late 20th-century reforms.

Economy: Agriculture remains a cornerstone, with cereals and dairy production forming the backbone of farm income. Small-scale manufacturing, including wood products, complements the economy, while local services serve residents and neighboring communities. Tourism plays a minor role, focused on nearby countryside walks and the historic church.

Demographics and culture: The population is predominantly Valorian-speaking, with a small minority having regional dialects. Local culture centers on family-oriented traditions and seasonal festivals, especially harvest celebrations in autumn.

Education and governance: Zcze operates a municipal council led by a mayor and is part of a larger intermunicipal association. The town has two primary schools, one secondary school, and a public library. Notable landmarks include the 14th-century Church of Saint Helena and a stone bridge over the Zora River.