The Most Serene Republic of Elwood P Dowd is a gargantuan, socially progressive nation, ruled by Mrs Vetta Louise Simmons with an even hand, and renowned for its daily referendums, state-planned economy, and punitive income tax rates. The compassionate, devout population of 28.143 billion Elwood P Dowdians enjoy extensive civil rights and enjoy a level of social equality free from the usual accompanying government corruption.

It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent, liberal government stops and the rest of society begins, but it juggles the competing demands of Environment, Education, and Welfare. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Charlie's Bar. The average income tax rate is 84.2%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The large but inefficient Elwood P Dowdian economy, worth 969 trillion drinks a year, is driven almost entirely by government activity, with private enterprise illegal. The industrial sector is solely comprised of the Trout Farming industry. Average income is 34,456 drinks, and distributed extremely evenly, with little difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

The government has declined to declare any particular religion as its 'official' one, referenda can be called for any law at the request of at least one third of the voting population, the government tries to improve relations with hostile countries by sending gift baskets, and the government is spending millions on alternative clean-burning fuels. Crime is totally unknown, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Elwood P Dowd's national animal is the pooka, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests.

Elwood P Dowd is ranked 282,110^th in the world and 14^th in Heaven for Highest Disposable Incomes, with 5,444.07 Standard Monetary Units.