The Republic of Ulm 297 is a massive, orderly nation, notable for its compulsory military service, parental licensing program, and compulsory gun ownership. The compassionate, cynical, devout population of 1.459 billion Ulm 297ians 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, moralistic, well-organized government juggles the competing demands of Defense, Law & Order, and Education. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 68.7%.

The frighteningly efficient Ulm 297ian economy, worth 176 trillion Ducats a year, is fairly diversified and led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with major contributions from Information Technology, Trout Farming, and Woodchip Exports. Black market activity is frequent. State-owned companies are common. Average income is an impressive 120,886 Ducats, with the richest citizens earning 6.5 times as much as the poorest.

Soldiers who shoot themselves in the foot are regarded as heroes, a large-scale revitalization of the education system is underway, business meetings across the country are interrupted by the sound of squeaking whoopee-cushions, and virtual assistants are seen with increasing suspicion every time they get an upgrade. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a very well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Ulm 297's national animal is the Bear, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Ulm 297 is ranked 43,706^th in the world and 223^rd in Swabian autonomous region for Highest Average Incomes, with 120,886.81 Standard Monetary Units.