Smelland

Smelland is a fictional territory used in speculative fiction and games to explore how olfaction can structure society. In this imagined world, scent is treated as a public resource, a form of communication, and a driver of economy and culture.

Geographically, Smelland is described in various sources as a coastal or archipelagic region with fragrant forests, spice markets, and urban districts organized around odor streams. Its climate supports aromatic crops such as lavender, citrus, and resin, and wind patterns carry scents across neighborhoods, influencing daily life and navigation.

Society in Smelland places high value on fragrance craft. Perfumers, odor historians, and practitioners of olfactory arts hold prominent status, and social identity is often linked to apprenticeship in scent-related crafts. Scent ethics address consent for odor releases and the privacy implications of memories triggered by smells. Public spaces may be designed to guide or moderate the experience of scent to protect residents and visitors.

Economy and science center on the scent industry, including essential oils, perfumes, flavorings, and scent tourism. Institutions such as scent archives and research laboratories study odor compounds, olfactory memory, and the mood or behavior effects of fragrances, contributing to both culture and commerce.

Governance in Smelland is commonly depicted as guild-based, with a Council of Aromas and regional guilds that regulate trade, cultivation, and scent-labor standards. Laws often cover scent disclosure, licensing, and ethical considerations for odor creation and release.

The concept appears in literature and game design to illustrate how scent can shape place, memory, and identity, offering a lens on the cultural and social dimensions of olfaction.