The Republic of Messier 88 is a colossal, safe nation, notable for its burgeoning fox population. The quiet, industrious population of 3.048 billion Messier 88ians enjoy extensive civil rights and enjoy a level of social equality free from the usual accompanying government corruption.

The medium-sized, liberal, socially-minded government juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defense, and Healthcare. The average income tax rate is 25.9%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The sizeable but underdeveloped Messier 88ian economy, worth 79.7 trillion deniers a year, is quite specialized and led by the Gambling industry, with major contributions from Automobile Manufacturing, Furniture Restoration, and Tourism. Black market activity is notable. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 26,147 deniers, and distributed extremely evenly, with little difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

Crime is well under control, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Messier 88's national animal is the fox.

Messier 88 is ranked 116,849^th in the world and 6^th in Hornblende for Largest Insurance Industry, scoring 1,849.69 on the Risk Expulsion Effectiveness Rating.