The Confederacy of Desperateness is a colossal, genial nation, notable for its barren, inhospitable landscape. The democratic population of 4.709 billion Desperatenessians 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 Law & Order, Defense, and Healthcare. The average income tax rate is 28.3%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The Desperatenessian economy, worth 182 trillion Delta Eagles a year, is led by the Woodchip Exports industry, with significant contributions from Furniture Restoration, Door-to-door Insurance Sales, and Pizza Delivery. State-owned companies are reasonably common. Average income is 38,663 Delta Eagles, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.1 times as much as the poorest.

Snitches get riches, the government has an "easy come, easy go" policy on youth crime, reports of arson have doubled since the introduction of a privatised fire protection service, and the sick and dying are locked in their homes with a red "X" painted on the front door. Crime, especially youth-related, is well under control, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Desperateness's national animal is the Kitsune, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation.

Desperateness is ranked 164,140^th in the world and 2,325^th in eta for Largest Trout Fishing Sector, scoring 1,168.48 on the Nemo Depletion Efficiency Index.