Geography of Izaland

From OpenGeofiction
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Geography of Izaland
ContinentUletha (South-Eastern)
RegionAxian peninsular
Population117,319,252 (2023)
Area
• Total307,973.48 km2
118,627 sq mi
• Water (%)TBA
Population density383.6 km2
1,395.24 sq mi
Major riversShinkōsari, Nozaba, Zaan, Kyunida
Major lakesSatsohonu, Usumūn, Irinoen
Time zoneWUT+8:00 (IST)
Izaland climates 4 zones.png

Izaland is located in the south-east Uletha, extending for about 306 thousands sq kilometers, following roughly the shape of a "T". Nearly the 78% of Izaland extension is contained into the Uletha continent, while the remaining territory is distributed on the islands of Kubori and those making the Itakiri Prefecture. Kubori island, one of the largest in Uletha, extends for about 62,000 sq km. The capital city, Sainðaul has the original center within the continental area, but it naturally expanded across the Tandan Strait, including the former city of Nikabul.

From a geographical point of view, we can divide the country into four macro-areas:

  1. In the northern part of Izaland, the Yenkaido prefecture boasts long sandy coastlines along its picturesque shores. This scenic coastal region offers stunning views and is a popular destination for seafood lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Within the Yenkaido prefecture lies the Rukatui National Park, known for its breathtaking caldera lakes. These stunning lakes, formed within volcanic craters, create a mesmerizing landscape. One notable feature is the isolated Wannepetsi volcano, standing tall at an elevation of 1761 meters. Its majestic presence adds to the allure of the national park and attracts adventurers and hikers.

Moving further east, the expansive Sonzhin plain unfolds, characterized by its vast open spaces and natural beauty. This region is home to two large bodies of water, namely Lake Mattomi and Lake Usumuun. Lake Mattomi offers tranquil surroundings and serves as a serene retreat for visitors seeking peace and tranquility. Lake Usumuun, on the other hand, is partially shared with Belphenia, another neighboring country, adding a unique international dimension to its allure. To the east of the Sonzhin plain, the East River Kyunida marks the border with Nuen. This river not only demarcates the boundary between the two countries but also serves as a significant geographical feature in the region.

The northern part of Izaland, also the lowest densely populated region, presents a diverse and captivating landscape, encompassing wild coastlines, volcanic wonders, expansive plains, and shimmering lakes. It offers a range of outdoor activities and scenic spots for locals and visitors to explore and enjoy.

  1. The central part, a plain that extends diagonally from north-west to south-east for about 600 km, bordered to the north by the northern mountain range. This area sees the population concentrated in several medium-large urban centers, including Riyatoma, Makkenoke and Poridake, besides numerous mid-sized cities, each with a population of around 200,000 inhabitants. These urban centers form the heart of the country, bustling with activity, cultural diversity, and economic vitality. Due to the distance from the coasts, this area experiences a temperate continental climate, which causes hot summers and cold winters.

To the north of the central region lies the border with Blönland, a Kalmish-speaking nation. This border is demarcated by the towering peaks of the highest mountains in Eastern Uletha. Among these majestic peaks stands Mount Torahashi, reaching a height of 5,187 meters. Revered as one of the symbols of Izaland, these mountains are not only awe-inspiring but also serve as the source of countless rivers that flow through the region. The area is dotted with magnificent glaciers and national parks, showcasing the unspoiled beauty of nature.

In the northwest, where the central part meets Pyeokchin, lies the remarkable Wenchogwon marshland. This expansive marshland is renowned as an important bird migration route. Thousands of ospreys, cranes, marsh wrens, ibises, and various other bird species grace the area during their seasonal journeys. The marshland's origin can be traced back to an ancient lake that once occupied the region, with the Shinkōsari River serving as a testament to its legacy.

Nestled between the cities of Fukuoka, Ārikkotsawa, and Rinnajin, the Kajurahi Mountains stand as another notable feature of the central region. This massif is a geological marvel, offering picturesque landscapes and serving as the nearest mountain resort to the capital city. The Kajurahi Mountains provide opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to engage in activities such as hiking, skiing, and exploring the natural wonders of Izaland.

The central part of Izaland embodies the dynamic fusion of urban development and natural grandeur. It is a region that harmoniously blends the energy of thriving cities, the majesty of mountainous landscapes, the allure of bird-filled marshlands, and the tranquility of mountain resorts.

  1. The coastal area, which extends in the southern part of the Ulethian area, and along the coasts of the island of Kubori. The climate varies from coastal temperate to subtropical temperate. This area is prone to monsoon disturbances coming from the south-east.
  2. The southern coasts of Kubori and the smaller islands, whose characteristics are found in a subtropical climate with a strong presence of seasonal rainfall.

Islands - 島系

The island of Shirituku, in the north
A mangrove forest on Oingos Island, Itakiri archipelago

As already stated, Kubori island makes up nearly the 20% of national territory, and has a regular rectangular shape with a depression on the western side, where Panaireki Bay is located. Most of the settlements are located along the western coast, with the inner area almost unspoiled and still covered by subtropical forests, especially farther south. The south-western part of Kubori island has an intricate system of peninsulas, pointing at the Itakiri Islands.

The Itakiri archipelago is mainly made up by three subtropical island groups:

  • The Sāndaidō Archipelago (双大島諸島, Sāndaidō tsodō), comprising the largest island in the north, Itakiri, Bikuore, Oingos, Luminoe and Yeron, plus other minor islands;
  • The Kōmuvai Archipelago (---諸島, Kōmuvai tsodō), made up by the little islands of Katohawa, Sānpelui and Imonatu, the southernmost point of Izaland, placed about 45 km south from Oingos;
  • The Ogamoton Archipelago (---諸島, Ogamoton tsodō), formed by Ogamoton, Zodovaku, and other islands, including Gifawonna

Most of the territory is occupied by the , and the islands of Itakiri and Bikuore, both exceeding 1,000 square kilometers are the main economical centers of the prefecture. The largest cities are located on these islands, including Sagoma, the capital, and Ketserano (both them on Itakiri), with Atsujīl and Kikknās being the other two biggest cities on Bikuore.

The Sāndaidō Archipelago alone is the vastest among them, and the two main islands are Itakiri and Bikuore, both exceeding 1,000 square kilometers. They have a volcanic origin, and some active volcanos are still present, for example Mount Gusomeki (3421 m) on Oingos, and Mount Eikenjawi (2287 m), on eastern Itakiri. Other notable volcanic islands are Oingos and Luminoe. Besides volcanic islands, there are many coral islands, and in Itakiri the two rare only atoll formations of Izaland are located: Saðuren atoll, and Nukusabo atoll complex (famous for the Heaven Lagoon surrounding the main island within the reef). This precious ecosystem is in danger due to the erosion.

On the south-east of Kubori Island the land extends into the Kaiton Peninsula, pointing south. Off shore, another archipelago of islands, including Basotachi and Ogamoton extends. Izaland has over 400 among islands and inlets, mostly near the coastline, with some exceptions. Most of the biggest islands are comprised within Itakiri Prefecture, where Itakiri and Kahadu islands are the largest ones, each about 1,100 square kilometers wide. Itakiri, Kahadu and the nearby islands are volcanic islands and, despite the limited landmass, they have some peaks exceeding 3000 m.

Other notable islands are Oingos and Ogamoton, still in Itakiri, and Nurihara, making up Midōhinnan Prefecture. As a notable geomorphological feature, the westernmost point of Izaland is the volcanic island of Tsohana, connected with Kubori island by an isthmus.

The Tandan Strait, accross of which the capital is located, is also home to many smaller islands. Since they are located close to the coastline in a highly densely populated area, often they are linked with bridges or tunnels to the mainland. Other island located in sea are Fuendaru, Sumasai and Tekirunan.

Finally, Yenkaidō Prefecture, in the north, also a couple of major islands, Shirituku and TBD island.

Rivers - 河川

[To be updated] The main rivers of Kubori island are the Zaan (蓙杏河, Zaan sāri) flowing for 315 km in the south-western part of Kubori island. The river starts in the Jogare mountains, and its estuary is located where the city of Warohan expands. Other notable rivers in Kubori islands are the Nozaba (濃沙芭河, Nozaba sāri) (182 km) and the Kankayue (巻嘉巍河, Kankayue sāri) (218 km).

Mountains - 山脈

Mount Torahashi, the highest peak of Izaland and Eastern Uletha

The mountainous reliefs account for about 40% of the surface of Izaland, and are distributed over almost the whole of the island of Kubori, and in the central and northern parts of the continental sector.

The main mountain range is that of the TBD mountains, located between Izaland and the republic of Sanain. These mountains culminate in peaks that reach 5000 m, among which we can mention Mount Torahashi (5189 m) and the Peak Mamuhun (5077 m), the highest peaks in eastern Uletha.

The TBD mountain range, after having demarcated the border with Teberia, and the republic of Sanain, near the Daityenguku National Park it forks, continuing along the border with and UL28f on one side, and marking the geographical division between the prefecture of Yenkaido to the north, and the rest of the continental part to the south. This mountainous section, called the Nokonupuri Mountains (in the Aynu Itak language means "saw-shaped mountains"), which reaches 3200 m in height in the west and gradually degrades to the east, prevents the cold northerly winds from reaching the southern part of Izaland, thus creating a clear climatic division between the north and south of the country.

Around the Usumun lake, in the eastern part of Izaland, there is another smaller mountain massif, that of the Jakumiwa mountains. The main peak is Mount Turigas, 2657 meters high.