The Most Serene Republic of Merinelle is a gargantuan, genial nation, notable for its museums and concert halls, keen interest in outer space, and soft-spoken computers. The compassionate, hard-working, democratic, cheerful population of 15.874 billion Merinelites 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 relatively small government juggles the competing demands of Administration, Education, and Industry. The average income tax rate is 32.4%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Merinelite economy, worth a remarkable 4,204 trillion Kurisus a year, is driven entirely by a combination of government and state-owned industry, with private enterprise illegal. The industrial sector, which is broadly diversified, is led by the Tourism industry, with major contributions from Retail, Information Technology, and Book Publishing. Average income is an amazing 264,883 Kurisus, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.7 times as much as the poorest.

Endangered bison are herded across the border to prevent them from trampling on native prairie grass, blind students are at a disadvantage now that test papers printed in braille have been discontinued, military recruitment numbers are down as citizens object on 'moral grounds', and Upas are frequently shot for looking at people 'in a funny way'. Crime is totally unknown. Merinelle's national animal is the Upa, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Merinelle is ranked 3,375^th in the world and 1^st in Khuzifenq for Most Scientifically Advanced, scoring 667.13 on the Kurzweil Singularity Index.