Hyomeniga Province
Hyomeniga Province (Mirselec Hyomeniga denai) is Province 21 of Risevne, and one of the so-called Mountain Provinces. Facing the Lavgor Inland Sea on its eastern coast, it borders Besurgana Province on its south, Tasenir Province on its north, and Lorudac, Neiberin and Tineye provinces on its west. Its capital is the coastal city of Nitaro.
By area Hyomeniga is the largest province on Masalne, though its population is comparatively small, as is the case with all the mountain provinces. Encompassing the Mathormagos mountains within most of its area, the province is known as a rugged land with beautiful scenery.
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Geography
Hyomeniga is mostly dominated by the Mathormagos mountain range, most importantly the Hyomene Plateau which rises in the centre of the province and takes up around one-third of the area. A plain at an altitude of about 600 metres and surrounded by mountains reaching up to 2200 metres, this plateau is much enriched by volcanic soils and is a highly productive area for agriculture, especially the ranching of cattle.
History
Owing to its isolated position, which also rendered it difficult to attack and conquer, Hyomeniga has historically been one of the more independent regions of Risevne. Between the 3rd and 10th centuries the area was the site of several successive kingdoms, based upon agriculture in the mountainous plains and which at their most powerful could match anything of the small southern kingdoms in strength.
Economy and Demography
As one of the mountain provinces, the economy of Hyomeniga is based mostly around agriculture and light industry; this province differs from those farther north, however, in that it also has significant inland development due to the relatively mild climate of the Hyomene Plateau. Most cities and other urban developments, however, remain concentrated around the Inland Sea coast.
The Hyomene Plateau is the centre of Risevan ranching; mostly cows are bred here, though sheep and horses are also common. Most of this farming is concentrated around groups of villages scattered along long roads, some of which date from the 18th and 19th centuries, and which still preserve many of the old features of Risevan architecture. This, as well as the strong preservation of folk culture in the region, has in turn contributed to the growing tourism industry in this province.
In terms of population structure the province has one of the older populations of Masalne, though recently certain towns have grown due to wealthy and relatively young businessmen buying houses in the region as vacation homes.
