The Republic of Ulm 397 is a massive, safe nation, notable for its state-planned economy, disturbing lack of elderly people, and pith helmet sales. The cynical, devout population of 1.443 billion Ulm 397ians 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 large, corrupt, socially-minded government juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defense, and Industry. The average income tax rate is 71.2%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Ulm 397ian economy, worth 167 trillion Ducats a year, is driven entirely by a combination of government and state-owned industry, with private enterprise illegal. The industrial sector, which is broadly diversified, is led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with major contributions from Information Technology, Tourism, and Beef-Based Agriculture. Average income is an impressive 115,948 Ducats, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.7 times as much as the poorest.

The nation frequently scolds its subject territories for staying up past bedtime, buses are widely regarded as the safest way to travel, agriculture is heavily subsidized by the government, and troop transports blacken the sky as the military commences Operation Desert Ocean. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a very well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Ulm 397's national animal is the Bear, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests.

Ulm 397 is ranked 48,222^nd in the world and 289^th in Swabian autonomous region for Highest Average Incomes, with 115,948.14 Standard Monetary Units.