The Republic of Messier 44 is a colossal, socially progressive nation, notable for its burgeoning lion population. The quiet, industrious population of 3.105 billion Messier 44ians enjoy extensive civil rights and enjoy a level of social equality free from the usual accompanying government corruption.

The large, liberal, socially-minded government juggles the competing demands of Defense, Law & Order, and Healthcare. The average income tax rate is 33.6%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The sizeable but underdeveloped Messier 44ian economy, worth 69.7 trillion marks a year, is quite specialized and led by the Gambling industry, with major contributions from Basket Weaving, Woodchip Exports, and Information Technology. Black market activity is notable. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 22,455 marks, and distributed extremely evenly, with little difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

Crime is well under control, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Messier 44's national animal is the lion.

Messier 44 is ranked 190,221^st in the world and 3^rd in Mirror World 99 for Most Compassionate Citizens, scoring 42 on the Kitten Softness Rating.