The Republic of Ulm 257 is a massive, efficient nation, renowned for its ritual sacrifices, compulsory military service, and daily referendums. The compassionate, cynical, devout population of 1.638 billion Ulm 257ians are kept under strict control by the oppressive government, which measures its success by the nation's GDP and refers to individual citizens as "human resources."

The medium-sized, corrupt government juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defense, and Administration. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 66.1%.

The frighteningly efficient Ulm 257ian economy, worth 214 trillion Ducats a year, is led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with significant contributions from Information Technology, Tourism, and Beef-Based Agriculture. Black market activity is extensive. State-owned companies are common. Average income is an impressive 130,864 Ducats, with the richest citizens earning 7.0 times as much as the poorest.

People transfer their assets to bank accounts in Manamana before getting divorced, prison is a nightmare, on graduation day the hats thrown in the air fly high enough to stun passing pigeons, and the government is funneling billions into Cape Ulm 257 following the shuttle crash. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Ulm 257's national animal is the Bear, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests.

Ulm 257 is ranked 14,885^th in the world and 38^th in Swabian autonomous region for Largest Cheese Export Sector, scoring 6,167.45 on the Mozzarella Productivity Index.