The Republic of Baaren is a very large, genial nation, notable for its state-planned economy, ubiquitous missile silos, and stringent health and safety legislation. The compassionate, cynical population of 443 million Baareners are ruled without fear or favor by a psychotic dictator, who outlaws just about everything and refers to the populace as "my little playthings."

The large, socially-minded, well-organized government juggles the competing demands of Education, Administration, and Law & Order. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Taasal. The average income tax rate is 73.7%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The very strong Baarens economy, worth 41.7 trillion Soets a year, is driven entirely by a combination of government and state-owned industry, with private enterprise illegal. The industrial sector is led by the Information Technology industry, with major contributions from Tourism, Beef-Based Agriculture, and Book Publishing. Average income is 94,150 Soets, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.2 times as much as the poorest.

The citizenship exam requires years of study to actually pass, pro-wrestling bouts open with a legal disclaimer insisting that any violence is guaranteed 100% faked, the only science is political science, and a government program is underway to revitalize Baaren's beaches. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Baaren's national animal is the Cardinal, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Baaren is ranked 36,858^th in the world and 110^th in Communitas for Safest, scoring 106.7 on the Bubble-Rapp Safety Rating.