The Republic of Cardinal Directive is a small, socially progressive nation, renowned for its barren, inhospitable landscape, absence of drug laws, and spontaneously combusting cars. The hard-working, democratic population of 26 million Cardinal Directiveans live in a state of perpetual fear, as a complete breakdown of social order has led to the rise of order through biker gangs.

The tiny, liberal, pro-business, outspoken government prioritizes Defense, with Healthcare, Welfare, and Administration also on the agenda, while International Aid and Spirituality receive no funds. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 6.4%.

The strong Cardinal Directivean economy, worth 1.15 trillion gold coins a year, is driven almost entirely by the private sector, which is led by the Cheese Exports industry, with major contributions from Door-to-door Insurance Sales, Woodchip Exports, and Retail. Average income is 44,348 gold coins, but there is a vast disparity between incomes, with the richest 10% of citizens earning 285,827 per year while the poor average 2,780, a ratio of 102 to 1.

Crime is a serious problem, with the police force struggling against a lack of funding and a high mortality rate. Cardinal Directive's national animal is the black cat, which can occasionally be seen sifting through garbage in the nation's cities.

Cardinal Directive is ranked 223,752^nd in the world and 760^th in Concord for Nicest Citizens, with 12 average smiles per day.