Ozian economics are unique. Even magical. They don’t always follow the expectations of academicians or even economists. The system leans from one end of the spectrum to another and slides back and forth as needs arise. Classical concepts like supply and demand are sometimes thrown a curveball when they can be instantly balanced with the wave of a wand. But the value of a day’s labor and the pride of contributing to the success of your community are still invaluable commodities. Ozians have a strong work ethic.
In Oz, none go hungry or unhoused. Good health is for everyone. But all are expected to contribute meaningfully. An ingrained sense of purpose, hope, and community lives in the heart of every Ozian. As we care for Oz, Oz cares for us in return. The economy rests on the bedrock of our citizens’ commitment to making the world a better place for all.
“There were no poor people in the Land of Oz, because there was no such thing as money, and all property of every sort belonged to the Ruler.”
{The Emerald City of Oz, p. 1794}
“This surprised Kiki [Aru], for in the Land of Oz they do not use money at all, everyone being allowed to take what he wishes without price.”
{p 4746}
“Money! Money in Oz!” cried the Tin Woodman [sitting in his magnificent, tin castle]. “What a queer idea! Did you suppose we are are so vulgar as to use money here? … If we used money to buy things with, instead of love and kindness and the desire to please one another, then we should be not better than the rest of the world… Fortunately money is not known in the Land of Oz at all. We have no rich, and no poor; for what one wishes the others all try to give him, in order to make him happy, and no oone in all Oz cares to have more than he can use.”
{15. The Emperor’s Tin Castle, p 1633}
That said, Oz needs products. Oz needs services. Magic is only available in extreme circumstances. So, companies are created to meet those societal needs and desires. Entrepreneurs put in the difficult work of building these businesses and are rewarded for their efforts. So, while all sentient citizens have pleasant homes, some living arrangements may be more opulent or comfortable than others simply because the economy allows it.
When Ozians do need money, it is often for international trade. Most of the countries surrounding Oz still use money in their day-to-day economies and markets. For example, when an Ozian wants to buy fish from Coregos or gems from Ev, they’ll need a trusted currency. The Emerald is the national currency of Oz.
Currencies
- The Emerald (Ɇ)
- The Ev Evrona (Ɇv)
- The Coregan Shell (“the C-Shell”) (₡)
Oz and most of the surrounding lands use the Emerald as their local currency, which makes trade mostly seamless between kingdoms. The value of the Emerald is closely monitored and maintained by the Royal Bank of Oz which is overseen by The Crown and a board of economic advisors at the Ministry of Finance.
Ev and Coregos, however, use independent currencies. The Evrona is tied to the value of the Emerald and the Royal Bank of Ev goes to great lengths to maintain parity. The Coregan Shell fluctuates, sometimes wildly, and its volatility occasionally creates trading issues for local merchants trying to navigate the exchange rates.
Stock Markets
Smaragdine Street is the financial center of Emerald City and the home of the Emerald City Stock Exchange. The ECSE includes hundreds of publicly-traded companies and many are included in the five major indices:
- The Emerald City Index (“The ECI”),
- The EvDex,
- The L&K 500 (“The L&K”),
- The Shiz Industrials, and
- The Winkie Composite (“The Winkie”).
The ECI is the ECSE’s original index and major indicator of global economic vitality. It includes a diverse range of companies and industries from the City, across Oz, and the surrounding lands.
The EvDex is often used as a barometer for the economic health of outlying lands, most notably Ev. Most of its holdings are outside of Central Oz.
Despite its name, the Winkie Composite incorporates dozens of companies from all the countries of Central Oz. Like the ECI, the Winkie often is an indicator of the domestic economy’s status.
With a strong economy, citizens’ needs are met and crime rates tend to be low. Crime that does occur is often driven by opportunity, emotion, or passion. A police force is still necessary to enforce laws and help mitigate disagreements, but the jail tends to be one of the least-used buildings in the Emerald City.
Oz’s grand economy is enigmatic. It’s magical, sometimes literally. It requires constant oversight and maintenance. But it serves its citizens well.
The Ozian Economy
Oz and most of the surrounding countries
Munchkin Country is known mainly for agriculture, but is attempting to diversify into some tech manufacturing by using open land for moderate-sized chip factories, etc. Some local jobs are moving away from traditional agriculture and luxury items, shifting toward technology and energy. The governor is offering educational services and retraining for those who want to move into a new sector.
Quadling Country is known for wind and solar power, some agriculture, mining, and small-scale forestry. (Forestry can be challenging in areas where the trees fight back.)
Gilliken Country known for mining, forestry, mountain and outdoor adventure tourism.
Winkie Country is often known for farming, tin mining, and increasingly for a burgeoning tech sector, especially in the Winkie Central Plains.
The Underground is known mainly for jewels and minerals. Some commodities are transported using the enormous underground tunnel that leads to the Emerald City from The Nome King’s Dominions, but only used by Royal Permit. Proposals are circulating for a narrow-gauge rail line to be built in the passage specifically for freight and cargo.
Corgegos and Regos are known for seafood and tourism. Kelp farming is a growing industry in the area and is expected to produce record-setting crops in the next few years, adding millions of C-Shells to the local economy.
The Land of Ev is known for…
Royal Bank of Oz
Large retailers
Large manufacturers
