The Republic of Gilgal is a massive, efficient nation, ruled by Supreme Commander Walter Ford with an iron fist, and remarkable for its closed borders, avowedly heterosexual populace, and keen interest in outer space. The hard-nosed, cynical, humorless, devout population of 1.236 billion Gilgalites are kept under strict control by the oppressive government, which measures its success by the nation's GDP and refers to individual citizens as "human resources."

The medium-sized, corrupt, moralistic, well-organized government juggles the competing demands of Defense, Law & Order, and Industry. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Saint Joshua. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 42.8%.

The frighteningly efficient Gilgalian economy, worth 222 trillion dollars a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with significant contributions from Retail, Information Technology, and Beef-Based Agriculture. Black market activity is rampant. State-owned companies are reasonably common. Average income is an impressive 180,108 dollars, with the richest citizens earning 5.7 times as much as the poorest.

The national anthem is considered broadly offensive to those who don't believe in Christianity, high school bands practice by moonlight, families consisting of more than three people are forced to split up, and curtailed social programs have left many citizens bereft of any safety net. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Gilgal's national animal is the dove, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to toxic air pollution, and its national religion is Christianity.

Gilgal is ranked 15,152^nd in the world and 58^th in Fifth Empire for Highest Average Incomes, with 180,108.23 Standard Monetary Units.