The Federal Republic of South Ryeland is a huge, safe nation, remarkable for its barren, inhospitable landscape, aversion to nipples, and stringent health and safety legislation. The compassionate population of 423 million Ryelandians 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 government juggles the competing demands of Education, Healthcare, and Welfare. The average income tax rate is 38.9%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The Ryelandian economy, worth 20.8 trillion ducats a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Woodchip Exports industry, with major contributions from Cheese Exports, Trout Farming, and Automobile Manufacturing. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 49,183 ducats, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.1 times as much as the poorest.

You need a signed affidavit from a registered psychiatrist to claim that you have crazy low prices, the nationalised Arms Manufacturing Industry is not interested in making weapons, criminals always seem to be forewarned of police raids, and children must be board certified to append "Jr" to their name. Crime is totally unknown, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. South Ryeland's national animal is the Eurasian magpie, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to toxic air pollution.

South Ryeland is ranked 149,220^th in the world and 11^th in Hyperico for Highest Disposable Incomes, with 30,051.35 Standard Monetary Units.