The Federal Republic of Birand is a colossal, socially progressive nation, ruled by Ethan Evers with an even hand, and notable for its museums and concert halls, ubiquitous missile silos, and smutty television. The hard-nosed, hard-working, humorless, devout population of 3.774 billion Birandians have some civil rights, but not too many, enjoy the freedom to spend their money however they like, to a point, and take part in free and open elections, although not too often.

The medium-sized government juggles the competing demands of Administration, Education, and Defense. The average income tax rate is 43.3%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Birandian economy, worth 561 trillion guilders a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Information Technology industry, with major contributions from Retail, Arms Manufacturing, and Tourism. Average income is an impressive 148,816 guilders, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.6 times as much as the poorest.

Ethan Evers's told that love often manifests itself through homicidal four-lettered litanies, prosecutors are tucked into bed by the household police officer, travelers praise airports for their endless beige corridors, and pet owners make sure their dogs wear diapers. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Birand's national animal is the bison, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Birand is ranked 15,216^th in the world and 80^th in Europeia for Largest Insurance Industry, scoring 5,412.1 on the Risk Expulsion Effectiveness Rating.