Economy of Bashenk

The Confederated Communes of Bashenk have a non-market, "moneyless" economy which nonetheless maintains two currencies: the franc bashenké (devise nationale) and the franc bashenké (devise étrangère).

Bashenké nationals are expected to give freely to their fellow citizens, in what may be termed a form of gift economy. The franc bashenké (devise nationale) is used exclusively by foreign visitors such as tourists, who must purchase goods and services which are free for Bashenké nationals. Its value is artificially set on a parity with the West Ariddian credit, one of the strongest currencies in the world. Tourists visiting Bashenk may purchase these francs bashenké at the airport upon arrival.

This currency is of fairly little use to the Bashenké who receive it, and they often freely distribute it to relatives, including expatriates, or exchange it against francs bashenké (devise étrangère). The latter is a much weaker currency, which Bashenké use when travelling abroad to non-moneyless societies.

As there is no national government in Bashenk, the bashenké currency is produced by the Banque Centrale de Mbasewe, a self-regulating institution overseen by several communes in Mbasewe. Foreign trade is now conducted in either of the two currencies and, although their value in respect to one another fluctuates, they are often seen by Bashenké as inter-changeable. Most foreign banks and currency exchange companies, however, only accept and deliver the devise étrangère.