The Republic of Messier 71 is a colossal, socially progressive nation, renowned for its burgeoning porpoise population. The quiet, industrious population of 3.153 billion Messier 71ians enjoy extensive civil rights and enjoy a level of social equality free from the usual accompanying government corruption.

The medium-sized, liberal, socially-minded government juggles the competing demands of Defense, Law & Order, and Healthcare. The average income tax rate is 25.6%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The sizeable but underdeveloped Messier 71ian economy, worth 82.9 trillion francs a year, is quite specialized and mostly made up of the Trout Farming industry, with significant contributions from Retail, Automobile Manufacturing, and Pizza Delivery. Black market activity is notable. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 26,288 francs, and distributed extremely evenly, with little difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

Crime is well under control, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Messier 71's national animal is the porpoise.

Messier 71 is ranked 205,739^th in the world and 30^th in Mirror World 99 for Largest Cheese Export Sector, scoring 735.73 on the Mozzarella Productivity Index.