The Zetian Dynasty of Merlovich is a huge, cultured nation, ruled by Empress Zetian with an even hand, and notable for its frequent executions, compulsory military service, and irreverence towards religion. The hard-nosed, hard-working, humorless population of 956 million Merlovichans 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, corrupt government prioritizes Defense, with Education, Industry, and Law & Order also on the agenda, while Spirituality receives no funds. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Tousunai. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 64.2%.

The frighteningly efficient Merlovichian economy, worth 132 trillion Tousunai Dollars a year, is fairly diversified and led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with major contributions from Information Technology, Retail, and Tourism. Black market activity is notable. Average income is an impressive 138,708 Tousunai Dollars, with the richest citizens earning 8.1 times as much as the poorest.

Religious households enthusiastically use whips in private, millions of Merlovichans are excellent swimmers, the average commuter spends four hours a day driving to and from work, and electrocution deaths among computer technicians are at an all-time high. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Merlovich's national animal is the Red Panda, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation.

Merlovich is ranked 37,902^nd in the world and 1,126^th in The East Pacific for Most Eco-Friendly Governments, scoring 1,457.92 on the Dolphin Recycling Awareness Index.