The Commonwealth of Volshenstein is a small, genial nation, renowned for its frequent executions and compulsory military service. The quiet, industrious population of 29 million Volshensteinians 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 relatively small government juggles the competing demands of Welfare, Defense, and Education. The average income tax rate is 10.9%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The Volshensteinian economy, worth 1.45 trillion pounds a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Cheese Exports industry, with major contributions from Basket Weaving, Beef-Based Agriculture, and Furniture Restoration. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 50,009 pounds, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.7 times as much as the poorest.

Married couples must call each other "darling" or risk a fine, college students make ends meet by selling their kidneys, billions are being spent on a new island airport, and citizens who plan overseas vacations are barred from running for political office. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown. Volshenstein's national animal is the Eagle.

Volshenstein is ranked 75,012^th in the world and 86^th in Commonwealth of Liberty for Largest Gambling Industry, scoring 3,067.2 on the Kelly Criterion Productivity Index.