The Armed Republic of Valkstein is a massive, socially progressive nation, ruled by a council of specialists and officials with an even hand, and remarkable for its flagrant waste-dumping, smutty television, and multi-spousal wedding ceremonies. The hard-nosed, devout population of 3.612 billion Valksteinians 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 relatively small, corrupt government juggles the competing demands of Defense, Industry, and Education. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Valkstain. The average income tax rate is 48.5%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Valksteinian economy, worth 734 trillion Reuses a year, is fairly diversified and led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with major contributions from Tourism, Information Technology, and Retail. Black market activity is rampant. State-owned companies are reasonably common. Average income is an amazing 203,472 Reuses, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.3 times as much as the poorest.

A council of specialists and officials has killer fashion sense, white strait-jackets are the new orange jumpsuits, it is illegal for police officers to carry out searches due to strict privacy laws, and taking hostages is a great way to influence government policy. Crime, especially youth-related, is a serious problem, with the police force struggling against a lack of funding and a high mortality rate. Valkstein's national animal is the bullfrog, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Valkstein is ranked 7,258^th in the world and 197^th in the South Pacific for Most Cheerful Citizens, with 57.39 Percentage Of Water Glasses Perceived Half-Full.