maanos

Maanos is a geographic term used in speculative geography and worldbuilding to denote a large landmass on a planetary surface. It is conceptually similar to a continent in Earth geography, though its boundaries and number may vary by setting or author.

The word maanos is a constructed term with no universal etymology. In many worldbuilding traditions, it is presented as a compound of roots implying land and mass, or region, rather than as a direct loan from any real language.

A maanos is typically defined as a cohesive landmass bounded by oceans or seas, featuring a continuous hinterland and sufficient geographic variation to support diverse climates, ecosystems, and populations.

Within a maanos, writers may subdivide the land into subregions or provinces, often named for geographic features, historical cultures, or linguistic groups.

Geography and climate on maanos can range from arid interior plateaus to coastal rainforests, with mountain ranges shaping weather and river systems guiding settlement and agriculture.

In fictional settings, maanos commonly develops its own political histories, trade networks, ecological challenges, and cultural identities, influencing economics, diplomacy, and migration.

Related topics include continents, landmasses, and planetary geography.