The Republic of Ulm 308 is a massive, efficient nation, renowned for its keen interest in outer space, smutty television, and suspicion of poets. The humorless, devout population of 1.563 billion Ulm 308ians are highly moralistic and fiercely conservative, in the sense that they tend to believe most things should be outlawed. People who have good jobs and work quietly at them are lauded; others are viewed with suspicion.

The medium-sized, corrupt, moralistic government juggles the competing demands of Defense, Law & Order, and Education. The average income tax rate is 37.8%.

The frighteningly efficient Ulm 308ian economy, worth 211 trillion Ducats a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with significant contributions from Tourism, Information Technology, and Beef-Based Agriculture. Black market activity is extensive. State-owned companies are common. Average income is an impressive 135,164 Ducats, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 3.8 times as much as the poorest.

Father-son fishing trips have been banned, wrongful arrests abound as 'criminals' blame the guy next to them, increasing numbers of children in Ulm 308 have different eye and hair color to their supposed fathers, and a positive GPA is all it takes to get an elite education. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Ulm 308's national animal is the Bear, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Ulm 308 is ranked 115,014^th in the world and 54^th in Swabian autonomous region for Largest Insurance Industry, scoring 1,894.33 on the Risk Expulsion Effectiveness Rating.