The Republic of Zulrich is a colossal, efficient nation, renowned for its rum-swilling pirates, daily referendums, and complete absence of social welfare. The hard-nosed, hard-working, democratic population of 6.996 billion Zulrichers hold their civil and political rights very dear, although the wealthy and those in business tend to be viewed with suspicion.

The relatively small, liberal, outspoken government juggles the competing demands of Healthcare, Education, and Industry. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Staisroden. The average income tax rate is 20.3%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Zulrichian economy, worth 770 trillion Zulricher Dollars a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Information Technology industry, with significant contributions from Tourism, Book Publishing, and Retail. State-owned companies are reasonably common. Average income is an impressive 110,100 Zulricher Dollars, and distributed extremely evenly, with little difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

Bars are packed at all hours, the government's stance on marriage is 'Let Zulrichers marry themselves', competing private ambulances racing to be the first to traffic accidents are a major cause of road accidents, and they say that Zulrichers made a dessert and called it peace. Crime is totally unknown. Zulrich's national animal is the Zulricher Eagle, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Zulrich is ranked 18,599^th in the world and 383^rd in Europe for Highest Food Quality, scoring 121.51 on the Meeshlin-Starr Index.