In a landmark announcement today, the San Aurelio Government revealed the formal establishment of five new cities and two federally protected areas, marking one of the largest territorial expansions in the nation's history.

According to the Ministry of Urban Development, the new municipalities — Puerto Verde, Lakeview, Orange, Clearfield, Northcrest, and De La Cruz — were officially incorporated following months of planning, environmental review, and local consultation. Each city will serve a distinct regional purpose, balancing population growth with sustainable infrastructure and ecological preservation.

Puerto Verde, located along the southern coastline, is envisioned as a maritime trade hub and eco-tourism center. Lakeview will serve as a residential and recreation-focused community built around Lake Aurelia, promoting waterfront conservation. Orange and Clearfield are slated to anchor San Aurelio's agricultural corridor, providing support for crop innovation and rural housing projects. Meanwhile, Northcrest will function as a key northern logistics and transport city, connecting interior routes to the borderlands.

The final new settlement, De La Cruz, holds symbolic significance — named after early San Aurelian pioneers — and is expected to become a cultural and administrative hub for the nation's central provinces.

Alongside the new cities, the government also announced the creation of two Federal Protected Areas, which will safeguard key biodiversity zones surrounding the Blue Ridge foothills and the Aurelia River Basin. Officials emphasized that these areas will remain off-limits to heavy development, focusing instead on ecological research and sustainable tourism.

"This expansion represents San Aurelio's next chapter. We're investing in our people, our land, and our identity — ensuring every citizen has a place in the future of our republic."

The new cities are expected to begin forming local councils within the next three months, with provisional mayors to be appointed by year's end. Federal infrastructure funding and regional planning frameworks are currently being drafted to support rapid but responsible development.