The Federal Republic of Verithlana is a mammoth, efficient nation, ruled by Lord High Executioner Bill Hook with an even hand, and notable for its museums and concert halls, pith helmet sales, and keen interest in outer space. The hard-nosed, hard-working, democratic population of 8.113 billion Verithlanans 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, corrupt government juggles the competing demands of Administration, Defense, and Education. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Verithlana City. The average income tax rate is 90.7%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Verithlanan economy, worth a remarkable 2,910 trillion koronas a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with major contributions from Information Technology, Tourism, and Book Publishing. Black market activity is rampant. State-owned companies are reasonably common. Average income is an amazing 358,686 koronas, and distributed extremely evenly, with little difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

It is said that the captain goes down with the ship but ecological protection goes up, cheese has become the new icon of political dissent, foreigners must sell an arm and a leg to afford surgery in Verithlana, and the blues go away when it's white out. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown. Verithlana's national animal is the kangaroo, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its national religion is Bokononism.

Verithlana is ranked 1,664^th in the world and 36^th in the Pacific for Highest Average Incomes, with 358,686.4 Standard Monetary Units.