The Republic of Ulm 255 is a massive, genial nation, notable for its compulsory military service, ban on automobiles, and avant-garde cinema. The compassionate, cynical, devout population of 1.567 billion Ulm 255ians are ruled without fear or favor by a psychotic dictator, who outlaws just about everything and refers to the populace as "my little playthings."

The medium-sized, corrupt, socially-minded, well-organized government juggles the competing demands of Defense, Law & Order, and Education. The average income tax rate is 37.8%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Ulm 255ian economy, worth 205 trillion Ducats a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with major contributions from Information Technology, Beef-Based Agriculture, and Furniture Restoration. Black market activity is frequent. State-owned companies are common. Average income is an impressive 131,359 Ducats, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.7 times as much as the poorest.

Arbitrary election rules are considered sacrosanct, the nation's politicians are acknowledged as the most polite in the region to the dismay of comedians everywhere, cinemas play art-house movies to ever-shrinking audiences as film critics rule the industry, and welfare recipients are milking the government for all they've got. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Ulm 255's national animal is the Bear, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Ulm 255 is ranked 12,829^th in the world and 5^th in Swabian autonomous region for Highest Disposable Incomes, with 81,705.89 Standard Monetary Units.