The Burnt World of Athas is a gargantuan, efficient nation, ruled by Tithian of Mericles with an iron fist, and renowned for its smutty television, compulsory military service, and anti-smoking policies. The hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical, humorless population of 30.95 billion Athasians are ruled by a mostly-benevolent dictator, who grants the populace the freedom to live their own lives but watches carefully for anyone to slip up.

The medium-sized, corrupt, well-organized government is primarily concerned with Defense, with Environment, Education, and Industry also on the agenda, while Welfare and Social Policy aren't funded at all. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Tyr. The average income tax rate is 96.5%.

The frighteningly efficient Athasian economy, worth an astonishing 15,675 trillion gold pieces a year, is mostly comprised of black market activity, especially in Arms Manufacturing, Gambling, Retail, and Tourism. Average income is a breathtaking 506,478 gold pieces, with the richest citizens earning 9.7 times as much as the poorest.

Lending money has become a major liability, surrealist houses shaped like mushrooms and volcanoes dominate the wealthiest neighborhoods, they say that Athasians made a dessert and called it peace, and leather-clad individuals can be seen walking their slaves in public parks. Crime, especially youth-related, is so common that it is unusual to encounter someone following the law, with the police force struggling against a lack of funding and a high mortality rate. Athas's national animal is the Thri-kreen, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its national religion is Psionics.

Athas is ranked 668^th in the world and 1^st in Athas for Highest Average Incomes, with 506,478.05 Standard Monetary Units.