The Emirate of Airlander is a massive, efficient nation, renowned for its barren, inhospitable landscape, deadly medical pandemics, and frequent executions. The hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical, humorless, devout population of 3.449 billion Aerials are kept under strict control by the oppressive government, which measures its success by the nation's GDP and refers to individual citizens as "human resources."

The medium-sized, corrupt, moralistic government juggles the competing demands of Defense, Industry, and Law & Order. The average income tax rate is 67.5%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Airlanderian economy, worth 547 trillion guilders a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with major contributions from Information Technology, Retail, and Soda Sales. Black market activity is extensive. Average income is an impressive 158,612 guilders, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.4 times as much as the poorest.

Citizens with artificial limbs are forbidden to serve as beauty pageant judges, citizens are arrested for naturally producing proteins, 'Mountain Doobie' is widely regarded as the nation's favourite drink, and card collectors duel to the death. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Airlander's national animal is the squirrel, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Airlander is ranked 257,046^th in the world and 5,717^th in The North Pacific for Most Cheerful Citizens, with 43.9 Percentage Of Water Glasses Perceived Half-Full.