The Wizarding World

• Type: Parallel Society, Magical Community
• Location: Global, existing hidden alongside the non-magical (Muggle) world.
• Residents: Witches, Wizards, Squibs, and various Magical creatures and races, including Goblins, House-elves, and Centaurs.
• Key Features: The widespread use of Magic, a distinct culture and government, and a fundamental legal code—the International Statute of Secrecy—enforcing concealment from the non-magical population.

The wizarding world is the term for the global, clandestine society of magical individuals who live separately, yet interspersed, with the non-magical world. This separation is not absolute but is heavily enforced by magical law to prevent widespread knowledge and panic among Muggles. The pivotal moment in the history of the modern wizarding world was the signing of the International Statute of Secrecy in 1692. This international law was enacted to stop the persecution of witches and wizards by Muggles (such as the Salem Witch Trials) by forcing the magical community into hiding. Since then, each country's magical government has been responsible for maintaining this secrecy.

• Government and Law: In Great Britain, the wizarding community is governed by the Ministry of Magic. This body creates and enforces laws, oversees international relations, and manages the day-to-day administration of the society. Other countries have their own governing bodies, such as the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA) (Fantastic Beasts). The highest court of law in Britain is the Wizengamot.
• Society and Culture: Wizarding culture is distinct from Muggle culture, often appearing archaic or quaint. They use different communication methods like the Owl Post and the Floo Network, and travel via means such as Broomsticks, Apparition, and Portkeys. A significant social issue within the community is the prejudice based on blood status, which divides individuals into categories like Pure-blood, Half-blood, and Muggle-born, a prejudice championed by dark wizards like Lord Voldemort. Media, such as The Daily Prophet newspaper, plays a major role in shaping public opinion.
• Economy: The wizarding economy is centered around a unique currency of Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts. The entire system is managed and secured by Goblins at Gringotts Wizarding Bank, the only known wizarding bank in Great Britain. Commerce is concentrated in magical districts like Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
• Education: Magical education is paramount. In Britain, young witches and wizards typically attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from ages eleven to seventeen. Other major European schools include Beauxbatons Academy of Magic in France and the Durmstrang Institute.

The wizarding world serves as the primary setting for the entire *Harry Potter* saga. The story begins with Harry Potter's introduction to this hidden society, and his journey is one of discovery as he learns its history, customs, and laws. The central conflict of the series is a civil war within the wizarding world, fought between the Death Eaters, led by Lord Voldemort who wishes to abolish the International Statute of Secrecy and subjugate Muggles, and those who oppose him, led by Albus Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix. Harry's struggle against Voldemort is ultimately a battle for the soul and future of the wizarding world, determining whether it will remain in secrecy and relative peace or be plunged into an era of terror and Pure-blood supremacy.

The wizarding world is composed of numerous magical enclaves, institutions, and hidden locations. Key sites in Great Britain include:

• Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: The premier magical school in Scotland.
• Diagon Alley: The main economic hub for wizards in London.
• Hogsmeade: The only all-wizarding village in Great Britain, located near Hogwarts.
• Ministry of Magic: The government headquarters, located deep beneath London.
• Azkaban: The high-security wizarding prison, located on an island in the North Sea.
• St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries: The primary healthcare facility for the wizarding community in London.
• Godric's Hollow: A famous wizarding village in the West Country of England, home to many notable magical families.
• Little Hangleton: A Muggle village that was home to the Gaunt family, descendants of Salazar Slytherin.
• The Burrow: The Weasley family home, a symbol of family and resistance.

• J.K. Rowling spent years developing the intricate rules, history, and social structure of the wizarding world before publishing the first book. She has stated that much of its history, particularly the International Statute of Secrecy, was conceived to explain the fundamental question of why the magical world remains hidden.
• The term “Wizarding World” has been adopted as the official brand name for the expanded Harry Potter franchise, succeeding the “Pottermore” brand. This encompasses the official website (Wizarding World), the Fantastic Beasts film series, and other media (Wizarding World).
• “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is the official name for the themed areas at Universal Studios theme parks worldwide, which contain highly detailed, immersive recreations of locations like Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and Hogwarts (Universal Studios).