Merano

The city of Merano is the largest in Zwangzug. Nestled among picturesque mountains (and bordering rival twin city Bangkok), its millions of residents are fiercely devoted to their city. Some of them even know what country it's in. Like many of the major cities nationwide, it was named in honor or parody (nobody knows which) of a semi-mythical city elsewhere.

It is twinned with Serelian, Swilatia (its predecessor in hosting the WorldVision Song Contest); Rêvane, Ariddia; Port Imbris, Cookesland; and Albrecht, Candelaria And Marquez.

Priding itself on being a sophisticated city (among other things), it has wide respect for culture and the arts, hosting WorldVision Song Contest 2. Its leading newspaper, the Merano Regency, is the most-read in the nation.

Sports, too are popular, though like in the rest of Zwangzug, their exact definition is nebulous at best. The Third Grade League is a well-known competition, even if its critics say it puts too much pressure on young students. The Merano Mustangs are the best team in the Batter Up! Baseball League, and two Merano natives have played on the national football team.

Economically, the city gives at least vocal support to socialism. However, there seems to be a general feeling that although the idealistic conditions the national government promises are all well and good, the city would still like somebody else's money. Very much. The hotly-contested mayoral elections have often attracted considerable debate over these issues.