The Federal Republic of Archus is a large, safe nation, notable for its frequent executions, daily referendums, and irreverence towards religion. The hard-nosed, hard-working population of 99 million Arches 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 Education, Law & Order, and Defense. The average income tax rate is 25.4%.

The strong Archusian economy, worth 6.06 trillion Arch Units a year, is fairly diversified and led by the Tourism industry, with major contributions from Information Technology, Arms Manufacturing, and Cheese Exports. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 61,190 Arch Units, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 3.9 times as much as the poorest.

A niche industry catering to S&M enthusiasts has sprung up, government theft from poor artists to give to rich allies has been dubbed the "reverse Robin Hood" policy, female newsreaders distract the nation by breastfeeding during broadcast, and the latest national park is visited by more sharks than people. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Archus's national animal is the Luca cell, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Archus is ranked 114,961^st in the world and 147^th in Karma for Highest Food Quality, scoring 20.37 on the Meeshlin-Starr Index.