Zwolles

Zwolles is a fictional town and municipality in the imagined country of Veridia. Created for illustrative purposes, Zwolles is located in the Veridian Highlands along the Zwol River, about 40 kilometers north of the regional capital Northhaven. The municipality covers an area of about 62 square kilometers and had an estimated population of 7,800 in 2023.

It lies on gently rolling terrain with mixed farmland and patches of forest. Climate is temperate maritime, with mild summers, cool winters, and rainfall distributed throughout the year.

Zwolles traces its origins to a medieval market settlement noted in 12th-century charters. It grew during the early modern period as a crafts town, especially textiles, before rail link and industrialization boosted population in the late 19th century. The town has retained a number of historic buildings, including the Old Mill.

Today the economy is varied, combining agriculture (dairy farming, potatoes), light manufacturing, and logistics. The Zwol River provides irrigation and small-scale hydro power, while the surrounding region supports agribusiness and local markets.

Zwolles hosts an annual cultural festival in August and maintains several cultural facilities, such as the Lakeview Community Center and the Old Mill Museum. Education is provided by two primary schools and Zwolles Secondary School, with cooperative programs with the regional university in Northhaven.

Administratively, Zwolles is governed by a municipal council and a mayor, within Veridia's Northwest Province. Transport links include a regional railway to Northhaven and a network of regional roads; the nearest international airport is in Northhaven.