History:
Technologically sophisticated humanoid civilization. They were long a complete mystery to the
Federation prior to first contact at planet Delphi Ardu in 2364. TNG "The Last Outpost" Originally from the planet
Ferenginar, by the 24th century, the Ferengi were an interstellar culture. DS9 "Family Business" It took the
Ferengi 10,000 years from the time they first started using currency to establish the Ferengi Alliance. The Ferengi extended their
culture on an interstellar scale by buying warp drive technology. It is not known from whom they bought warp drive. DS9
"Little Green Men" Possessing a strict code of honor, Ferengi philosophy ruthlessly embraces the principles of
capitalism. Ferengi culture finds the concept of organized labor to be abhorrent, since such things can interfere with the exploitation
of workers. Similarly, Ferengi labor contracts never provide for sick leave, vacations, or paid overtime for employees. DS9
"Bar Association" Although the first known contact between the Federation and the Ferengi took place in 2364, as seen
in The Last Outpost [TNG], Picard, commanding the Stargazer, were attacked some years earlier at Zeta Maxia by a ship that they
did not realize was Ferengi, as seen in The Battle [TNG]. The Ferengi were first seen in The Last Outpost [TNG].
Their makeup was first designed and sketched by Andrew Probert, then refined and produced by Michael Westmore.
Star Trek Encyclopedia II .