The Empire of Ardgeld is a very large, cultured nation, notable for its complete lack of prisons, frequent executions, and complete absence of social welfare. The hard-working, democratic population of 406 million Ardgeldians are effectively ruled by a group of massive corporations, who run for political office and provide their well-off citizens with world-class goods and services. Their poorer citizens, however, are mostly starving to death while being urged to go out and get real jobs. The populace has reasonably extensive civil rights, although these are mostly aimed at allowing them to buy whatever they like.

The tiny, pro-business, outspoken government juggles the competing demands of Education, Defense, and Administration. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 7.5%.

The powerhouse Ardgeldian economy, worth 25.6 trillion guilders a year, is driven almost entirely by the private sector, which is broadly diversified and led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with significant contributions from Woodchip Exports, Automobile Manufacturing, and Basket Weaving. Average income is 62,950 guilders, with the richest citizens earning 6.6 times as much as the poorest.

Octogenarian swimsuit models insist that they've still got it, retirement homes are often fitted with luxurious suites, the dessert 'Death by Chocolate' isn't the most lethal dish on the menu, and government employees have reverted to carrier pigeon due to never-ending virus scans. Crime is a problem, perhaps because of the country's complete lack of prisons. Ardgeld's national animal is the kiwi.

Ardgeld is ranked 132,836^th in the world and 5^th in Restoros for Most Rebellious Youth, scoring zero on the Stark-Dean Displacement Index.