The Federal Republic of Verithlana is a massive, environmentally stunning nation, ruled by Lord High Executioner Bill Hook with an even hand, and notable for its infamous sell-swords, otherworldly petting zoo, and stringent health and safety legislation. The hard-nosed, hard-working, democratic population of 3.043 billion Verithlanans 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, corrupt government juggles the competing demands of Administration, Defense, and Education. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Verithlana City. The average income tax rate is 71.9%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Verithlanan economy, worth 688 trillion koronas a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with major contributions from Tourism, Information Technology, and Book Publishing. Black market activity is extensive. State-owned companies are reasonably common. Average income is an amazing 226,275 koronas, and distributed extremely evenly, with little difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

The temple hierarchy have found that endorsements are even more lucrative than indulgences, rebuilding efforts for a recently destroyed cathedral aren't expected to be completed for another century, aeroplane cockpits no longer have altimeters or airspeed indicators, and foreign leaders' Twitcher accounts are monitored for potential threats to national security. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown. Verithlana's national animal is the kangaroo, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its national religion is Bokononism.

Verithlana is ranked 6,978^th in the world and 181^st in the Pacific for Most Scientifically Advanced, scoring 484.5 on the Kurzweil Singularity Index.