The Republic of Izern 242 is a huge, efficient nation, notable for its avant-garde cinema, national health service, and irreverence towards religion. The compassionate population of 637 million Izern 242ians 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 Defense, Education, and Industry. The average income tax rate is 38.9%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The very strong Izern 242ian economy, worth 44.0 trillion izerns a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with major contributions from Tourism, Pizza Delivery, and Book Publishing. Black market activity is notable. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 69,045 izerns, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.7 times as much as the poorest.

A bill to outlaw math homework has been submitted, delivery truck companies use hospital parking lots to store 16-wheelers, Scoutmasters debate whether luxury log cabins defeat the purpose of camping, and belligerent citizens shoot at passing clouds for 'violating their airspace'. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Izern 242's national animal is the izern.

Izern 242 is ranked 89,207^th in the world and 452^nd in Izern for Most Developed, scoring 64.3 on the Human Development Index.