The magical world is vast and diverse, with each country contributing to its unique history, culture, and magical practices. In this comparison, we explore seven nations—Japan, Russia, China, France, Scotland, India, and America—highlighting the distinct magical schools, creatures, and governance systems that define them. From the ancient traditions of China to the wizarding legacy of Scotland, each nation brings its own flavour to the global magical community. Join us as we journey through these countries and uncover the fascinating ways their magical worlds shape their identities.

When comparing the histories of these countries, we see vast differences in their timelines, influences, and magical governance. Japan's history, rooted in its feudal period, saw power struggles between clans, with significant periods of civil war. This culminated in the unification under Tokugawa Ieyasu, which set the stage for the country's magical infrastructure, including the creation of the Japanese Ministry of Magic. Russian history, on the other hand, began with its Mongol domination and evolved through centuries of slow technological development, leaving it lagging behind in comparison to other European nations by the time of World War I. This led to Russia's relatively muted impact on the global magical community, despite the Koldovstoretz school and distinctive magical creatures such as the Babayaga. In contrast, China's history is one of dynasties, marked by the cyclical rise and fall of rulers under the Mandate of Heaven, with a rich magical practice in divination but no known magical school. France, with its tumultuous religious wars under King Henry IV, eventually became the site of the powerful French Ministry of Magic, which played a central role in European magical politics. Scotland stands out for its connection to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a beacon in the magical world, founded by four legendary wizards. The history of India, deeply intertwined with the Mauryan Empire, reflects the rise of Buddhism and religious tolerance, influencing both muggle and magical worlds. Finally, America has a relatively young but dynamic history, from colonial times through independence and to the rise of MACUSA after Rappaport's Law enforced magical separation. Each of these nations shows how history shaped their magical practices, laws, and schools.

The diversity of magical creatures in these countries is striking, with each nation contributing unique beings to the magical world. Japan offers fascinating creatures like the Kappa and Oni, known for their mischievous or dangerous natures, as well as creatures like the Petrel and Demiguise that add to Japan’s rich folklore. Russia, though rich in magical history, features creatures such as the Hag, Nogtail, and the Pogrebin, highlighting darker folklore, including the notorious Babayaga, a creature from Russian mythology. China, with its vast landscape and cultural significance, boasts impressive creatures like the Chinese Fireball, Zouwu, and the Qilin, which has the ability to foresee the future. In contrast, France is home to creatures like the Hippogriff and Fwooper, which, while also magical, are somewhat gentler than those found in other regions. Scotland's creatures, such as Blast-Ended Skrewts, Hebridian Blacks, and the Giant Squid, are a blend of dangerous and mystical beings, fitting the rugged, enchanting landscape of the country. India, with its deep connection to spirituality, is home to mythical creatures like the Phoenix, Occamy, and Lethifold, many of which carry strong ties to cultural or religious symbolism. America has some of the most unique creatures, including the Thunderbird, Jackalope, and Pukwudgie, each with their own distinct magical abilities and cultural relevance in the Americas.

When it comes to magical education, these nations show considerable variation in their approach and offerings. Japan’s Mahoutokoro school, perched atop a volcano, stands out for its athletic focus, especially in Quidditch, and its unique practice of allowing students to fly back home at night. Russia’s Koldovstoretz school, while a place of magical learning, does not hold the same prestige as the schools in other countries. It is described as calm and quiet, with its students known to fly on trees instead of broomsticks. China, notably lacking a formal magical school, focuses more on divination and ancient magical practices. France’s Beauxbatons Academy is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in Europe, with its strong emphasis on beauty, grace, and competitive spirit, especially in Quidditch and other magical tournaments. Scotland’s Hogwarts is the most famous wizarding school globally, with a centuries-old legacy of excellence in magical education. It is the epitome of magical schooling, renowned for its diverse houses and legendary professors. India does not seem to have a widely known wizarding school, but it is rich in magical history, especially in creature knowledge and ancient magical practices. Finally, America’s Ilvermorny School is another major school, lesser-known internationally but significant within the Americas, where students are taught by a diverse range of magical practitioners.

Magical practices and the use of magic vary widely between these countries, influenced by their history, culture, and governance. Japan’s wizards and witches follow the Japanese Wizard’s Code, reflecting their need for structure and discipline. Their society is highly organised with a Ministry of Magic that mirrors the legal frameworks of ancient civilisations. Russia’s magical practices are tied to darker folklore, with laws enacted to ensure the safety of both wizards and muggles. China is less structured in its magical governance, with its magical practices primarily centred around ancient arts like oracle bones and other forms of divination. France's magical practices are influenced by aristocratic traditions and beauty, with a focus on maintaining the balance between muggles and magical folk through strict governance. Scotland, as the home of Hogwarts, utilises magic in a more practical and academic manner, with a focus on training students in a wide array of magical subjects. India’s magical use seems more religious and spiritual, tied to ancient traditions and the belief in the mystical forces of nature and the cosmos. America, with its history of separation between the magical and non-magical worlds, has a strict magical governance system in place, enforcing Rappaport’s Law to maintain the secrecy and safety of magical society.

These seven countries each represent a unique perspective on magic, from Japan’s structured yet mysterious magical system to Russia’s quieter magical heritage and China’s focus on ancient mystical practices. France and Scotland both pride themselves on their prestigious educational institutions, with Beauxbatons and Hogwarts shaping the magical world through their exceptional training. The rich creature lore in each country, from Japan’s Kappa to America’s Thunderbird, highlights the diversity of magical fauna that enrich the global magical ecosystem. India, with its deep connection to spiritual magic, contrasts with the more structured magical systems of America and France, each with its own approach to governing magical society and enforcing magical laws.

Overall, these nations provide a colourful mosaic of magical traditions, creatures, and histories that shape the global magical landscape.

Written by Michael Isserles.
Edited by Hazel Antler.
Proofread by Daphne Clarke.