Economy of Leylandiistan

The Economy of the Democratic Republic of Leylandiistan was one which was focused mainly on agriculture. It produced food crops, while the government encouraged the growth of other small industries. While it worked on exporting some of its goods, it never achieved this. For information on the current state of its economy as a constituent of Leylandiistan & Gurvata, see "Economy of Leylandiistan & Gurvata"

Economic Structure and Sectors

Top: Apples and Melons growing at An Fheirm, Bottom: Rocket and Carrots being harvested at An Fheirm

• Agriculture was by far the largest sector. The An Fheirm Agricultural Co-operative was located to the south of Orchardstown, where a number of food crops were grown. the main crops to be grown were vegetables and fruits. Carrots, tomatoes, melons, lettuce, strawberries, blackcurrants and Herbs such as chives, oregano, thyme, rosemary, mint and parsley were also grown, leading Leylandiistan to be largely self-sufficient in herbs. The orchard at Orchardstown produced vast quantities of apples, leading apples to be the main crop in Leylandiistan. The apples were used to produce apple juice, pies, crumbles, chutney and even cider. The agricultural industry provided the main opportunity for Leylandiistan to export goods, and so was recognised as the largest and most important sector in the country.

• Food production was a secondary industry to the agricultural sector of Leylandiistan. Apples are pressed in the Cubbyhole AR to make juice, or stewed in vinegar and fruits to make relish. This production took place during the autumn harvest. Bread is baked on a regular basis, and often exported, however, this production is informal, and is currently not done for profit. Production of LeylandiiCola from French cola syrup occurred in the summer, although organic lemonade was made throughout the year from organic lemons and organic sugar. Spearmint syrup was produced from the spearmint growing at An Fheirm. The syrup was used as a cordial and flavouring in foods and drinks, and was used to make mint jelly.

• Tourism was the first sector discussed by the government following Leylandiistan's establishment. The Tourism Board's website, where tourist information was posted, can be found at [1]. Camping sites were proposed at the open areas east of Orchardstown. However, no tourist ever visited Leylandiistan, and no formal tourist attractions were inaugurated.

• Miscellaneous: There were several other small plans for the economy. A plant which could cheaply produce and store hydrogen was reviewed by the government, and the necessary equipment was acquired. However, when the final ingredients were purchased, the Cubbyhole Regional Council rejected the plans on safety grounds due to the use of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide). On the other hand, a lime kiln for producing quicklime (calcium hydroxide, a useful chemical with multiple purposes including fertilizing crops, use as a mortar, and as a whitewash) has been tried out. Results from an experimental session with the kiln to test its fire safety were found to be encouraging, although no lime was actually produced following this trial.

Currency

The Leylandiistan Lira was the official currency of Leylandiistan. The Lira was introduced in January 2013, and the first batch of banknotes were sold to a Chinese collector, with the First Series of banknotes being circulated not long after. The currency was seldom used, with the euro being favoured in internal transactions. The currency ceased to be use by the end of 2013.

Trade

Leylandiistan joined the Saint Josephsburg Economic Pact in August 2014, following ratification of the Pact's treaty in July by the National Assembly. This opened up the possibility of trading with other micronations through a common market. However, Leylandiistan entered into a union with the Republic of Gurvata a few weeks later, so no goods were traded while the Democratic Republic of Leylandiistan was a member of the SJEP. The Confederation of Leylandiistan & Gurvata was recognised as the successor state of Leylandiistan, and continued its membership of the SJEP.

External links

• Leylandiistan Lira, an information page dating from 2013 on the lira.