Varos

Varos was a planet located in the constellation of Cetus. At one point, it was the home of a grim and violent political system.

Astronomical data
Varos had a pink sky with barren wastelands. It was known to have native species, including the Gee-Jee Flies. (TV: Vengeance on Varos) The Museum of the Last Ones had specimens of extinct species from Varos. (PROSE: The Last Dodo) Varos was one of the few planets with sources of Zeiton-7 and, until the discovery of Zeriton deposits on the asteroid Biosculptor in the 23rd century, was thought to be the only source. (TV: Vengeance on Varos)

History
Humans, ruled by the governor, used the planet as a prison colony until the rare mineral Zeiton-7 was discovered there, prior to 2157. (PROSE: Lucifer Rising) The colonists were kept entertained by televised footage of various tortures and executions of the prisoners. The planet was really ruled by Sil, a Mentor who controlled the sales of Zeiton-7.

By the late 23rd century, the voting population was 1,620,783. The Sixth Doctor and Peri visited Varos in this time when the TARDIS required Zeiton-7. (TV: Vengeance on Varos)