Midgar is the capital of Gaea, controlled by the Shinra Company. The city's prosperity was due to the abundance of Mako Energy in the vicinity, and the reactor complex meant that there was — with few exceptions — no vegetation within the city with exception of Aerith's church, where flowers are tended. The city is comprised of an elevated, circular plate supported by both a central pillar and smaller columns. Commercial and residential complexes, as well as bars and theaters are located on it. The plate itself is divided into eight numbered sectors with each sector punctuated by two walls and a Mako reactor. Following the construction of the plate the land beneath was taken up by the poorer residents of Midgar and their ramshackle slum dwellings. Like the city above the slums are divided into the eight numbered sectors punctuated by walls and gates.
