Vanie

Vanie
Federal city
The Vanie Financial Center.
Nickname(s): The City of Light, The Heart of Oportia
Motto: "Liberté, Prospérité, Harmonie" (Liberty, Prosperity, Harmony)
Country	Oportia
Established	1574 AN
Government
• Mayor	Valérian Langlois
Area
• Federal city	1,114.7 km2 (430.4 sq mi)
• Land	1,095.3 km2 (422.9 sq mi)
• Water	19.4 km2 (7.5 sq mi)
• Urban	985.1 km2 (380.3 sq mi)
• Rural	129.6 km2 (50.0 sq mi)
• Metro	3,875.2 km2 (1,496.2 sq mi)
Population (1730 census)
• Federal city	1,837,942
• Density	1,600/km2 (4,300/sq mi)
Demonym	Vanians
Time zone	CMT+2
Postal code	VO-####

Vanie is the capital and largest federal city of Oportia. Located on the shores of the Gulf of Vanie, the city has a population of 1,837,942 according to the 1730 census, making it the most populous city in Oportia. Vanie is the political, economic, and cultural center of Oportia, and is renowned for its stunning architecture, vibrant arts scene, and high quality of life.

History

The Babkhan city of Zoghâllab was founded on the site of present-day Vanie in 1574 AN. The city flourished as a center of trade and culture under Babkhan rule, but was devastated during the 1598 Babkhan Holocaust, when nuclear weapons were detonated in the city. In the aftermath of the holocaust, survivors formed a new community, but many gradually left the region and emigrated elsewhere. In the following decades, former Babkhan nationals settled in the area due to better living conditions compared to their places of origin. The city was integrated into the Caradian barony of Salòdica in 1680, but was not granted official city status. After five years, the barony was dissolved, marking the beginning of a new era for the settlement.

From 1685 onward, the city experienced an influx of wealthy individuals from various countries who invested in its infrastructure and economy. The name Vanie came into common use during this period. In 1706, Oportia declared independence, and the first national referendum was held shortly thereafter. Despite being the second-largest city at the time, Vanie was chosen as the capital of the new nation due to its strategic geographical location and economic importance. In 1707, a public initiative led to the renaming of the Centre arrondissement to Zoghâllab, in honor of the city's historic name.

Geography

Vanie is situated on the western shore of the Gulf of Vanie. The city's topography is characterized by gently rolling hills and a coastal plain, with the highest point being Mont-Nouel at 208 meters (682 feet) above sea level, named after the founder of Oportia. Vanie has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification: Cfa), with hot, humid summers and mild, relatively brief winters. The city experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of 1,475 mm (58.1 inches).

Cityscape

Vanie's cityscape is a blend of historic and modern architecture, reflecting its rich history and ongoing development. The city center, particularly the Zoghâllab and Vieux-Charmines arrondissements, features numerous well-preserved buildings from the city's past, showcasing styles such as Babkhan, Oportian Baroque, Neoclassical, and Beaux Arts. In recent decades, Vanie has experienced significant urban renewal and redevelopment, with the construction of modern high-rise buildings, public spaces, and green infrastructure. The Vanie Financial Center, located in the Cotést arrondissement, is a prime example of the city's modern architecture, featuring sleek glass and steel skyscrapers housing major Oportian and international companies.

Major landmarks

• Avenue de l'Indépendance d'Oportie
• Castillo de San Cristóbal
• National Theatre of Oportia
• Obélisque de la Victoire
• Palais Fédéral
• Panthéon National d'Oportie
• Place de la Liberté
• Statue de la Liberté
• Vanie Coliseum
• Vanie Convention Center
• Vanie Financial Center
• Palais de Justice (Vanie)
• Vanie City Market

Economy

Vanie is the economic powerhouse of Oportia, with a diverse and highly developed economy. The city is a major hub for finance, commerce, technology, and manufacturing, and is home to the headquarters of numerous Oportian and multinational corporations. The Vanie Stock Exchange (VSE), located in the heart of the Vanie Financial Center, is the largest stock exchange in Oportia and one of the most important financial markets in the region. Major Oportian banks, such as the Banque Nationale d'Oportie and the Litora Financial Group, have their headquarters in Vanie.

The city is also a center for innovation and technology, with a thriving startup ecosystem and a high concentration of technology companies. The Vanie Tech Hub, located in the Passe-Nord arrondissement, is home to numerous incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces, fostering collaboration and entrepreneurship.

Other key sectors of Vanie's economy include manufacturing, particularly in the aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries; tourism, with the city attracting millions of visitors each year; and creative industries, such as fashion, design, and media.

Culture

Vanie is the cultural capital of Oportia, renowned for its vibrant arts scene, world-class museums, and lively festivals. The city is home to numerous cultural institutions, such as the Musée National d'Oportie, which houses an extensive collection of Oportian art from ancient times to the present day, and the Opéra de Vanie, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the country. The city hosts several major cultural events throughout the year, including the Vanie International Film Festival, the Vanie Fashion Week, and the Fête de la Musique, a city-wide music festival held on the summer solstice. Vanie is also known for its cuisine, which blends Oportian, Babkhan, and international influences. The city is home to a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and food markets, offering everything from traditional Oportian dishes to innovative fusion cuisine.

Education

Vanie is a major center for education and research, with several prestigious universities and institutions located in the city. The State University of Vanie, founded in 1710 AN, is the oldest and most renowned university in Oportia, with a strong reputation in the fields of science, technology, and the humanities. Other notable institutions include the Oportian National Institute of Applied Sciences (ONIAS), a leading engineering school; the Vanie School of Economics (VSE), one of the top business schools in the region; and the Federal Academy of Arts of Vanie, a prestigious fine arts school. The city also has a well-developed primary and secondary education system, with numerous public and private schools catering to the needs of Vanie's diverse population.

Transportation

Vanie has an extensive and efficient transportation network, comprising road, rail, air, and water transport. The city's public transportation system, operated by the Vanie Metropolitan Transit Authority (VMTA), includes a comprehensive metro system (Vanie Intercity Rail), trams, and buses, serving all parts of the city and its surrounding suburbs.

The Vanie-Langlois International Airport, located 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of the city center, is the busiest airport in Oportia, handling both domestic and international flights. The city is also served by the Port of Vanie, a major seaport on the Gulf of Vanie, which handles container shipping, cruise ships, and ferry services.

Vanie is connected to other major cities in Oportia and neighboring countries by a network of highways and high-speed rail lines. The Oportian National Railway (ONR) operates frequent high-speed train services between Vanie and other major Oportian cities, such as Port de Huile, Kalexisse, and others.

Subdivisions

Vanie is divided into 9 arrondissements (districts), which are further divided into quartiers (neighborhoods).

Arrondissements

No.	Name	Population (1730 est.)
1	Zoghâllab	320,000
2	Vieux-Charmines	235,000
3	Blanche-Côte	280,000
4	Passe-Nord	255,000
5	Oriénisie	192,000
6	Cotést	145,000
7	Nouveau-Port	175,000
8	Montverdi	128,000
9	Rousseau-sur-Mer	107,942