The Democratic Republic of Tarlaa is a large, cultured nation, notable for its compulsory military service. The hard-working, devout population of 80 million Tarlaans 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 Spirituality, Welfare, and Education. The average income tax rate is 27.9%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The Tarlaan economy, worth 4.48 trillion Tarlish Dollars a year, is fairly diversified and led by the Tourism industry, with major contributions from Basket Weaving, Book Publishing, and Door-to-door Insurance Sales. Average income is 56,004 Tarlish Dollars, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.7 times as much as the poorest.

Postcards from Tarlaan driving test centres are popular souvenirs, extreme hiring regulations mean a job in Tarlaa is often a lifetime appointment, people often feel unbalanced by their daily commute, and blind students are at a disadvantage now that test papers printed in braille have been discontinued. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Tarlaa's national animal is the Capybara, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests.

Tarlaa is ranked 119,563^rd in the world and 92^nd in Empire of Great Britain for Most Patriotic, with 13.38 flags saluted per person per day.