The Republic of Ulm 259 is a massive, safe nation, renowned for its keen interest in outer space, ban on automobiles, and frequent executions. The cynical, devout population of 1.534 billion Ulm 259ians are ruled by a mostly-benevolent dictator, who grants the populace the freedom to live their own lives but watches carefully for anyone to slip up.

The large, corrupt, well-organized government juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defense, and Education. The average income tax rate is 74.6%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Ulm 259ian economy, worth 193 trillion Ducats a year, is fairly diversified and led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with major contributions from Information Technology, Tourism, and Basket Weaving. Average income is an impressive 126,169 Ducats, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.8 times as much as the poorest.

The government is in utter turmoil following the recent abolishment of the tax code, whipping posts and lashes have been transferred to the Historical Museum of Ulm 259ian Embarrassments, a niche industry catering to S&M enthusiasts has sprung up, and all telephone traffic is monitored for 'national security reasons'. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a very well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Ulm 259's national animal is the Bear, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Ulm 259 is ranked 322,831^st in the world and 428^th in Swabian autonomous region for Largest Pizza Delivery Sector, scoring -15.85 on the Pepperoni Propulsion Productivity Index.