Republic City

Republic City is a large metropolis located in the lower areas of a mountainous region, with large bodies of water in the immediate vicinity. The city appears to be situated on an island, a bay, or a peninsula. The location of Republic City in the World of Avatar is currently unknown.

A modern urban center, it has significant high-rise development, and technology has proliferated, including widespread use of automobiles and motorcycles. The urban area contains a variety of iconic landmarks, including an island with a massive statue of Avatar Aang looking out over the bay, a large and popular city park, a suspension bridge spanning a wide body of water, and skyscrapers. Airships can even be seen floating above the city.

Republic City was founded by Fire Lord Zuko and Avatar Aang. During the youth of Avatar Korra, it was host to people from all nations. It was also suffering from high levels of crime and an anti-bender revolt led by the Equalists. The police force utilizes Metalbending to keep the city under control; its leader is Chief Bei Fong, daughter of the inventor of Metalbending, Toph Bei Fong. Republic City is also known to harbor Pro-Bending matches, which is the city's number one form of sporting activity.

Trivia

 * The concept of Republic City is inspired by several real world past and present locations. This includes Shanghai circa 1920s, Hong Kong, and Western cities such as New York and Vancouver. In particular, the giant Aang statue, the huge park, and the bridge are definitely inspired by the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
 * The rapid urbanization and technological advances of the World of Avatar mirrors that of the past hundred years in the real world, in which automobiles, towering buildings, and other great engineering feats have come to be.