A nation along the Spine of the World, and the capital city of that nation. Cairhien lies in the shadow of the Dragonwall, and shares borders with Tar Valon to the North, Andor to the West, Tear to the South, and the Aiel Waste to the East.

A trading center on the Alguenya River, the City of Cairhien houses the world renowned, ogier built, Topless Towers. The city is also keeper of vast tomes of knowledge in stacks of the Great Library. The Great Park in the south east quadrant of the City holds the stump of Avendoraldera. An inscription there lists the names of those who served Cairhien well.

Cairhien is a place where political intrigue reigns supreme. Daes Dae'mar runs blue in Cairhienin veins.