As of 10/30/97
Situated on the northern-most point of the peninsula just across straits from Zambari, Shakira is a prosperous cosmopolitan city-state of several hundred thousand people. Built in an area that was once virgin rain forest, approximately 85% of the land is now given over to agriculture. When referring to Shakira, it is generally assumed to include not only the city itself but the rich farming lands in the surrounding countryside. Founded under the belief of equality for all persons and races, it has succeeded in its goal, with merchants coming from beyond the borders of Western Glashia and Zambari to trade. The region is ruled by a council of district leaders, each of whom is chosen by the people within their district. The council has no definable leader, and despite the appearance of a chaotic system to outsiders, the bureaucracy is very efficient.
The name of the region comes from that of a local demi-god, who is the lordess of nasi, the local crop. Needing to be half drowned for most of the its growing cycle, nasi is the staple food of the region. To this end, temples and shrines to Shakira can be seen dotted throughout the countryside. There are harvests twice a year, with major festivals occurring at each. It is at this time that the unexplainable disappearance of young males occurs, only to reappear several days later with no recognition of what has occurred. Lore believes that it is the voluptuous, nimble, young Shakira, who enjoys the pleasures of mortal flesh within her heavenly palace.
Being a city founded on trade, good relations with other kingdoms is required. Shakira has a system of both official envoys and secret contacts spread throughout the known world. Particular attention is paid to her northern neighbor, Western Glashia, a country fair superior in strength to Zambari to the south or the plague-ridden countries of Eastern Glashia and Sembiac to the east. Whether a merchant has something to buy or something to sell, he'll doubtlessly find a market for it in Shakira.
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