Geography of Gylias

Topographic map of Gylias

Gylias is a coastal nation in south-eastern Siduri. It is bordered to the north by Knichus and Cacerta. With an area of 1.728.328 km², it is the fifth largest country in Tyran.

Most of Gylias lies on the Sidurian mainland, and consists of low-lying plains. Two large peninsulas project from it in the south: Nauras and Nerveiík. Gylias has several islands, including Iárus and the Daláyk archipelago in the south-east, and the Kuas archipelago in the north-east.

The climate of Gylias is mainly tropical, with areas of alpine climate.

Physical geography

Gylias' natural landscape is dominated by plains. The two main plains are Laişyn, in the west, and Niavelin, in the east.

Several hilly areas occur throughout the country, including in Paksas, Sykéir, Neḑa, Sarðe, and Saŋ.

There are three principal mountain ranges in Gylias: Salxar, Naryn, and Kackar. Salxar and Naryn lie in the north and mark much of Gylias' border. Their high altitudes and lack of valleys has historically made them a barrier to movement, and allowed Gylic peoples to base their defensive strategies around possessing the strategically important Mytin Pass.

The Kackar range emerges from the Naryns and traverses Gylias north to south, interrupted only by the Ţikona river valley. The Kackars divide the Laişyn and Niavelin plains, and are considered the main boundary between eastern and western Gylias.

Hydrography

Gylias has numerous rivers. This has shaped historical settlement patterns, with cities tending to be located on coastal areas or rivers, and has proven advantageous for transportation and energy.

The most significant rivers are:

• Ţikona, the longest river, whose drainage basin covers most of the Laişyn plain.
• Nazar and Nisár, whose drainage basin covers most of the Niavelin plain.

Many rivers are used to mark the boundaries of regions, including the Kaşar, Ţikona, Nazar, Nisár, and Tarna.

Climate

Gylias' climate is predominantly tropical savanna climate, with the exception of mountainous areas that have an alpine climate.

The Tropic of Cancer passes through the country.

The climate has two seasons: a lengthy wet season (roughly corresponding to winter), and a relatively short dry season (roughly corresponding to summer). The climate is warm and winterless, with only 7 °C difference between the warmest and coolest months. Prevailing winds from the mountains and ocean currents help regulate temperatures.

Gylias averaging some 2.500 hours of sunlight annually, and receives steady rainfall throughout the year.. The generally pleasant and predictable climate is a well-known feature which has influenced lifestyles and society.

Flora and fauna

A Peleides Blue Morpho in Nazar National Park

Gylias is home to a variety of plants and animals. Vegetation is largely tropical, including moist broadleaf forests, grasslands, and temperate mixed forests in the mountainous areas.

Gylian fauna is typical of a tropical climate country. It consists of approximately 200 mammal species, 620 species of birds, 130 species of amphibians, 270 species of reptiles, and nearly 330 species of fish. The country's national animal is the Morpho peleides, or Peleides Blue Morpho butterfly. Seagulls and cicadas are also unofficially regarded as "national animals" due to their presence in local culture.

Natural resources

Main article: Geography and resources of Gylias

Gylias is heavily forested, forests occupying 105 million hectares, or 60,8% of the total land area.

Much of Gylias' mineral reserves are found in mountainous areas. They include deposits of gold, silver, copper, nickel, potash, and some iron.

Rock salt reserves occur in hilly areas.

Environment

Gylias has among the most comprehensive, voluminous, and stringent environmental regulations in Tyran. These include:

• A ban on fishing, replaced by aquaculture.
• Nearly all electricity provided by renewable energy.
• Reduction of consumption and growth of collaborative consumption to minimise waste.
• Strict regulations and overhauls of lighting plans to preserve high-quality night skies.
• Nationwide recycling and waste-to-energy programs.
• Numerous ecotaxes and Pigovian taxes.

Gylias has high rankings for environmental sustainability in Tyran. The country has many national parks and nature reserves, dark-sky preserves, well-preserved fauna and flora, and urban planning based on principles of the sustainable city.

Owing to the sizeable area and comparatively low population, more than half of Gylian territory is not used for agricultural, industrial, or residential purposes. Much of this uninhabited territory is maintained as protected areas, national parks, and nature reserves. These have contributed significantly to tourism in Gylias.

Gallery

Landscapes of Gylias

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  Varuna Ocean coast, Tomes.

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  Ţikona River, on the outskirts of Paksas.

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  Beach on Gylias' eastern coast.

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  Tropical rainforest in the Nevrise National Park.

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  Rame Gulf.