The Republic of Messier 16 is a colossal, pleasant nation, notable for its burgeoning lion population. The hard-working population of 3.056 billion Messier 16ians 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 Law & Order, Defense, and Welfare. The average income tax rate is 18.4%.

The Messier 16ian economy, worth 134 trillion bitcoins a year, is led by the Gambling industry, with major contributions from Pizza Delivery, Door-to-door Insurance Sales, and Beef-Based Agriculture. Average income is 44,136 bitcoins, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 3.6 times as much as the poorest.

Crime is relatively low, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Messier 16's national animal is the lion.

Messier 16 is ranked 173,039^th in the world and 2,461^st in eta for Highest Disposable Incomes, with 36,015.21 Standard Monetary Units.