Lauren

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Lauren is the capital and second largest city of Valland with a metropolitan population of 5.06 million. Despite its political significance, Lauren is not the capital of the prefecture of Bouches-Saint Denis in which it is situated. The city forms a conurbation with Saint Denis, the provincial capital.

Aside from the political capital of Valland, Lauren is also the cultural and educational center of Valland, as well as one of the important technological centers. It is a highly educated city as it is the location of many prestigious schools and universities. The inhabitants are also some of the most educated in the country. Lauren also has a crucial economic contribution to Valland as well, with 15% of the country's GDP generated in the city through economic activities such as finance and tourism.

Many of the nation's state owned corporations and companies are based in the city. Because of this, the city has a high standard of living. Around a quarter of the city's inhabitants are born outside of Valland, making it one of the most multicultural cities in Brigidna.

Economy

Lauren is the country's second largest economic centre, behind Arseille generating 15.6% of Valland's GDP. This gives Lauren the second largest GDP per capita of any city in Valcluse at $35,042, and with the second lowest unemployment rate of any Vallish city with an unemployment rate of 4.8%.

Valence's biggest industries are the civil service, high-tech industries such as information technology as well as light manufacturing, tourism and finance.

The government of Lauren is the primary employer directly providing 29% of all jobs. An additional 26% of the job market could be considered indirectly provided by the government through services and contracts. Alongside the Presidential Palace and the Prime Minister's Residence as well as various government ministries, Lauren is also the headquarters for the Central Bank of Valland and the Supreme Command of the Vallish Armed Forces.

Many state owned companies also have their headquarters in the city. Companies such as the state owned telecommunications company, oil and gas company, and national rail company all have their principal headquarters in Lauren, as well as other companies in the information technology and light manufacturing industries in the city. The Lauren Stock Exchange (Bourse du Lauren) is the second stock exchange of Valland and primarily trades stocks and securities related to state-owned enterprises as well as smaller companies based in the city.

Lauren is a regional center for high-tech industries in Valland, especially in the development of information technology. Software developer Nouveau Début (New Beginning) is based in the city, as well as a number of other companies. Lauren is also home to a small number of factories and plants that manufacture circuit boards and microprocessors. Light manufacturing in Lauren mainly consists of the production of consumer electronics and appliances.