The Free Cities are nine independent city-states, located on the western coast of Essos. Seven of the cities are coastal (Braavos, Myr, Pentos and Volantis) or island ports (Lorath, Lys and Tyrosh), lying on the Narrow Sea, whilst two others (Norvos and Qohor) are located inland. Except for Braavos, which was founded by refugee slaves, these cities are former colonies of Valyria; as such they retain elements of its culture. They are more developed and mercantile than the cities of Westeros, even King's Landing. Each of the Free Cities controls a certain amount of territory surrounding it, including smaller towns and villages. The region extends from the western coastline to the Forest of Qohor and River Rhoyne in the east, which separate them from the Dothraki Sea.
In the northwestern corner of this region, between Braavos and Pentos, are the Hills of Andalos, the ancient homeland of the Andals and according to legends the source of the Faith of the Seven.