The Union of Marlund is a mammoth, socially progressive nation, ruled by Cincinnatus Palmer with an even hand, and notable for its frequent executions, unlimited-speed roads, and absence of drug laws. The hard-nosed, hard-working population of 5.201 billion Marlundians 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 Welfare, Education, and Healthcare. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Lutherstadt. The average income tax rate is 37.3%.

The very strong Marlundian economy, worth 345 trillion dollars a year, is fairly diversified and led by the Information Technology industry, with major contributions from Beef-Based Agriculture, Door-to-door Insurance Sales, and Pizza Delivery. Average income is 66,471 dollars, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 4.3 times as much as the poorest.

Children in school playgrounds can be heard chanting the hymns of the Order of Violet, skin-tone prom dresses are more unpopular than ever, fat-shaming is now public policy, and fewer people are bathing as citizens must show ration stamps before they can turn on their faucets. Crime is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Marlund's national animal is the bear, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests.

Marlund is ranked 176,610^th in the world and 28^th in Western Atlantic for Largest Manufacturing Sector, scoring 6,952.99 on the Gooback-Jerbs Productivity Index.