The Republic of Arford is a large, safe nation, notable for its irreverence towards religion. The democratic population of 128 million Arfordians hold their civil and political rights very dear, although the wealthy and those in business tend to be viewed with suspicion.

The medium-sized, liberal government juggles the competing demands of Education, Welfare, and Healthcare. The average income tax rate is 22.5%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The sizeable but inefficient Arfordian economy, worth 4.59 trillion arens a year, is led by the Information Technology industry, with major contributions from Basket Weaving, Soda Sales, and Retail. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 35,895 arens, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.4 times as much as the poorest.

Crime is well under control. Arford's national animal is the jaguar.

Arford is ranked 150,156^th in the world and 3^rd in Eather for Most Rebellious Youth, scoring zero on the Stark-Dean Displacement Index.