The Republic of Barikshaltam is a very large, socially progressive nation, renowned for its infamous sell-swords, unlimited-speed roads, and state-planned economy. The compassionate population of 474 million Barikshaltamians enjoy extensive civil rights and enjoy a level of social equality free from the usual accompanying government corruption.

The large, socially-minded government juggles the competing demands of Education, Defense, and Administration. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Qaryashan. The average income tax rate is 82.8%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The all-consuming Barikshaltamian economy, worth 54.3 trillion Setars 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 Information Technology industry, with significant contributions from Arms Manufacturing, Uranium Mining, and Beef-Based Agriculture. Average income is an impressive 114,497 Setars, and distributed extremely evenly, with little difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

The government has awarded itself a month-long holiday to celebrate its achievements, the nation's generous tax credits have brought all the film studios to the yard, a traveller who once stubbed a toe on an Air Brancaland flight has been offered asylum, and politicians "baring all" for the camera isn't always a figure of speech. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Barikshaltam's national animal is the Shaltyamim Giant Octopus, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Barikshaltam is ranked 306,048^th in the world and 190^th in Eladria for Highest Unexpected Death Rate, scoring 22.67 on the Bus Surprisal Index.