Dragon World
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Dragon World is the name given to the fictional counterpart of Earth in Dragon Ball series. It is also the setting for two other mangas by Akira Toriyama: Dr. Slump and Neko Majin Z. Dragon World is also the name given to the Story Mode in the video game Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 2 for the Playstation 2 and Gamecube.
[edit] Differences between Earth and Dragon World
In the world of Dragon Ball, Dragon World is roughly similar to the real-life Earth, but with several large distinctions. The largest distinction is its size. Due to the limited presence of humans and cities, it is presumed that Dragon World is a lot smaller than the Earth, but of similar proportions.
Technologically, Dragon World is also much more advanced (though the Dragon Ball Z saga takes place in the 700s A.D.; see Age system below). Flying vehicles, capsules that can shrink inanimate objects down to pocket size, robots, and other near-future Sci-Fi staples are common-place on Dragon World. The architecture is also more advanced. The buildings are usually rounded, often employing spherical or ovoid sections held aloft by a cylindrical stem. Certain elements of magic also coexist with the advanced science. As stated in the manga, it's possible for anyone to master Ki and gain powers like the Z Fighters, but they will never be on the same level as some of the other races.
Politically, Dragon World has a planet-wide monarchy. It is divided into 43 "sectors", each with their own leaders, led by a single king. The dating system is also quite different. While the length and divisions of the year seem to be identical to the Gregorian Calendar, years are reckoned by the Age system (エージ Ēji, interpreted as the Christian A.D.). The standard currency is Zeni, which is mostly mentioned at the Tenkaichi Budokai.
With the exception of most of the notable characters in the series, most of Dragon World's inhabitants seem to suffer from Sunnydale Syndrome. Despite the obviously staggering power of the Saiyans and a select few humans, most of the populace believes Mr. Satan to be the world's strongest fighter. They continue to believe this even after several pathetic losses to various foes, due in part to Mr. Satan's ability to convince them that his opponents cheated somehow. Even when directly confronted with evidence directly contradicting Mr. Satan, they continue to believe him responsible for many of the major victories in the series.
In the Dragon Ball universe, all planets benefit from an appointed God. Throughout most of Dragon Ball, the God of the Earth is Kami, but later that position was given to Dende after Kami had fused with Piccolo. Because both Kami and Dende are Namekian they have the ability to create Dragonballs, which can grant wishes if they are collected. These wishes are used regularly throughout Dragon Ball for many various things, usually bringing people back to life. Dragon World itself is wished back into existence a number of times through this method.
[edit] Inhabitants
Dragon World is primarily dominated by humans, who basically share the same characteristics as real-life humans. Though less common, intelligent anthropomorphic (and sometimes non-anthropomorphic) animals such as Oolong are integrated into the population and well-adjusted. (This is similar to fairy tale animals in European fiction, such as the Three Little Pigs, Puss in Boots, etc.)
Creatures on Dragon World also vary greatly, as is common in works such as Dragon Ball. Dinosaurs and other extinct creatures in the real world still roam the Dragon World freely, as do animals of greater proportions than should be possible.ca:Terra (Bola de Drac) fr:Dragon World
