The Empire of Vagen is a tiny, safe nation, remarkable for its burgeoning Snow Ostrich population. The hard-nosed, hard-working, democratic population of 8 million Vagenians have some civil rights, but not too many, enjoy the freedom to spend their money however they like, to a point, and take part in free and open elections, although not too often.

The medium-sized government juggles the competing demands of Welfare, Education, and Defense. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 24.5%.

The strong Vagenian economy, worth 451 billion Sølvs a year, is led by the Gambling industry, with major contributions from Arms Manufacturing, Trout Farming, and Cheese Exports. Average income is 56,422 Sølvs , with the richest citizens earning 6.8 times as much as the poorest.

Young children are regularly seen wagering pocket money at blackjack tables, the alarmingly racist TV show 'Bigtopians Say the Darndest Things' is a hit, military spending is on the increase, and a stocking with a crooked seam or a tie without a full Windsor knot are grounds for instant dismissal. Crime is well under control, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Vagen's national animal is the Snow Ostrich, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests.

Vagen is ranked 38,690^th in the world and 2^nd in Sentry for Largest Welfare Programs, scoring 2,370.17 on the Safety Net Mesh Density Rating.