Zhouera

Zhouera is a town and municipality in the eastern region of the fictional nation of Aeloria. It sits along the Zahara River at the foothills of the Orin Mountains and covers about 120 square kilometers. The surrounding countryside includes river valleys, terraced fields, and pine forest. The population was estimated at 28,000 as of 2021, with most residents living in the valley. The climate is temperate, with warm summers and cool winters influenced by the mountains.

The name Zhouera is of uncertain origin; scholars attribute it to the ancient Zhouera language once spoken in the valley, though other theories exist. The settlement grew as a river trading post in the medieval era and developed into an agricultural market town. In the 19th and 20th centuries it expanded with rail and road connections and became an administrative center within Aeloria. The modern municipal framework was established in the mid-20th century.

Zhouera's economy centers on agriculture—rice, millet, fruits—and light manufacturing, with a growing service sector including trade and tourism. The town uses a river port on the Zahara and is served by a regional rail line and a national highway. Education is provided by a municipal college and several technical institutes; healthcare operates a district hospital and clinics.

Zhouera is governed by a municipal council led by a mayor, and is part of a provincial prefecture. The population includes Zhoueran, Aeloric, and minority communities. The official language is Zhoueran, with Aeloric widely used in education and administration. Cultural life centers on the River Festival, local crafts, and culinary traditions featuring river fish and millet dishes. Notable landmarks include the Zhouera Library, the Zahara Bridge, and the Orin Observatory.