The Republic of Izern 172 is a massive, environmentally stunning nation, notable for its digital currency, pith helmet sales, and avowedly heterosexual populace. The hard-nosed, devout population of 1.894 billion Izern 172ians are highly moralistic and fiercely conservative, in the sense that they tend to believe most things should be outlawed. People who have good jobs and work quietly at them are lauded; others are viewed with suspicion.

The medium-sized, corrupt government juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defense, and Industry. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 52.7%.

The frighteningly efficient Izern 172ian economy, worth 205 trillion banks a year, is led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with major contributions from Tourism, Information Technology, and Furniture Restoration. Black market activity is frequent. State-owned companies are common. Average income is an impressive 108,708 banks, with the richest citizens earning 8.3 times as much as the poorest.

A PhD just ain't what it used to be, demand for night vision goggles and boat engine mufflers has spiked, the education system is being cleansed of all corporate influence, and starving citizens are offered nuclear pasta. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Izern 172's national animal is the card, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Izern 172 is ranked 50,711^th in the world and 115^th in Izern for Largest Black Market, with 15.6 trillion Standard Monetary Units.