The Republic of Ornithotia is a large, efficient nation, remarkable for its barren, inhospitable landscape and pith helmet sales. The hard-nosed, hard-working, democratic population of 56 million Ornithotians enjoy a sensible mix of personal and economic freedoms, while the political process is open and the people's right to vote held sacrosanct.

The medium-sized, outspoken government is primarily concerned with Education, with Welfare, Healthcare, and Defense also on the agenda, while International Aid and Environment are ignored. The average income tax rate is 20.7%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The very strong Ornithotian economy, worth 3.23 trillion Barbs a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Basket Weaving industry, with major contributions from Woodchip Exports, Automobile Manufacturing, and Trout Farming. Average income is 57,759 Barbs, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.5 times as much as the poorest.

Door-to-door salesmen are frequently beaten up by 'vigilantes', snitches get riches, lending money has become a major liability, and prison visits increase substantially during election years. Crime is almost non-existent. Ornithotia's national animal is the Ivory billed woodpecker, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to toxic air pollution.

Ornithotia is ranked 101,413^th in the world and 6^th in Eastern Averna for Most Cheerful Citizens, with 50.5 Percentage Of Water Glasses Perceived Half-Full.