The Republic of Norner is a very large, cultured nation, renowned for its state-planned economy, keen interest in outer space, and frequent executions. The hard-nosed, cynical population of 299 million Norners are kept under strict control by the oppressive government, which measures its success by the nation's GDP and refers to individual citizens as "human resources."

The medium-sized, well-organized government juggles the competing demands of Defense, Administration, and Law & Order. The average income tax rate is 41.3%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The strong Nornen economy, worth 21.4 trillion lire a year, is driven entirely by a combination of government and state-owned industry, with private enterprise illegal. The industrial sector, which is fairly diversified, is led by the Tourism industry, with major contributions from Arms Manufacturing, Information Technology, and Retail. Average income is 71,629 lire, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.4 times as much as the poorest.

Citizens volunteer for tax audits to avoid the 80-page Practical Assessment Survey Tool On Religions, the people's love for Leader is little more than self-preservation, young people suspect their parents might be a little bit stupid, and pregnant hitchhikers with signs requesting rides to "competent care" are a common sight on Nornen roads. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Norner's national animal is the dove, which soars majestically through the nation's famously clear skies.

Norner is ranked 256,100^th in the world and 66^th in Fifth Empire for Most Politically Free, scoring 25 on the Diebold Election Inking Scale.