The Democratic Republic of Cortlandia is a mammoth, safe nation, ruled by Kharnell with an even hand, and notable for its national health service, conspicuous electricity pylons, and keen interest in outer space. The compassionate, devout population of 9.751 billion Cortlandians 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 large, corrupt government juggles the competing demands of Industry, Administration, and Education. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Mistigan. The average income tax rate is 96.1%.

The frighteningly efficient Cortlandian economy, worth a remarkable 2,144 trillion Burgo Cortelândeses a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Information Technology industry, with major contributions from Tourism, Book Publishing, and Basket Weaving. Average income is an amazing 219,881 Burgo Cortelândeses, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.5 times as much as the poorest.

Wars of expansion are described as "peacekeeping operations", the government's religious works are headed by a New Age guru, clairvoyants and soothsayers find fellowship at their local McRonalds, and street preachers spend more time condemning government bureaucracy than passers-by. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Cortlandia's national animal is the Dragões Cavernosos, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Cortlandia is ranked 6,396^th in the world and 14^th in The Kodiak Republic for Most Scientifically Advanced, scoring 504.58 on the Kurzweil Singularity Index.