Konigsberg

From Gothpoodle

• Population: 1.5 million
• Aspects: Stable, Very Free, Fourth Wave

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the small Kaliningrad oblast was cut off from the rest of Russia by the newly independent state of Lithuania. At first Russia went to considerable trouble to retain the region, which was a major military center and one of the country’s few remaining Baltic ports. However, during the turbulent 2050s Kaliningrad chose to press for almost complete autonomy. Independence was gained in 2073 after a long but amicable process of negotiation. It officially adopted its older pre-Soviet name, Königsberg, for the new microstate, while retaining Kaliningrad as the name of the city itself. The distinction is lost on many residents.

Today, it stands astride two worlds. It is closely tied to the European Union, although it is not a member. It is the westernmost outpost of Russian culture in Europe, and maintains good relations with Moscow. Since independence, it has parleyed its strategic position into a new role as major trade center. It is also the eastern headquarters of the Genetic Regulatory Agency (the western headquarters is Geneva), making it a key player in global biotech policy.

Kaliningrad is one of the fastest-growing cities in Europe, accepting immigrants from all over the world. Construction of new buildings and residential districts is going on at a frantic pace. The city has a reputation as a place where fortunes can quickly be made (or lost). Local organized crime is currently quite powerful, giving society a risky, slightly corrupt flavor.