The Laser-Wielding Commune of Intergalactic Penguins is a gargantuan, socially progressive nation, ruled by Arthur C Squawk with a fair hand, and notable for its state-planned economy, unlimited-speed roads, and daily referendums. The compassionate, democratic, cheerful population of 31.344 billion Intergalactic Penguins hold their civil and political rights very dear, although the wealthy and those in business tend to be viewed with suspicion.

The relatively small, liberal, outspoken government juggles the competing demands of Education, Administration, and Industry. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of the Pillar of Winter. The average income tax rate is 82.7%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Intergalactic Penguinist economy, worth a remarkable 9,828 trillion Babelfish a year, is driven entirely by a combination of government and state-owned industry, with private enterprise illegal. The industrial sector is dominated by the Information Technology industry, with significant contributions from Book Publishing, Tourism, and Retail. Average income is an amazing 313,581 Babelfish, and distributed extremely evenly, with little difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

Sharks are enjoying their deliveries of canned food, weekly religious services often resemble campaign rallies, the Intergalactic Penguins Automotive Racing Series draws millions of spectators annually while those near the tracks complain about the noise, and senior citizens can usually be found doing heavy manual labour. Crime is totally unknown. Intergalactic Penguins's national animal is the Squidmoth, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its national religion is Hothism.

Intergalactic Penguins is ranked 348^th in the world and 2^nd in Pony Lands for Most Cultured, scoring 581 on the Snufflebottom-Wiggendum Pentatonic Scale.