The Republic of Izern 78 is a colossal, orderly nation, remarkable for its compulsory military service, public floggings, and stringent health and safety legislation. The compassionate, hard-working, cynical, devout population of 2.703 billion Izern 78ians are kept under strict control by the oppressive government, which measures its success by the nation's GDP and refers to individual citizens as "human resources."

The medium-sized, corrupt, well-organized government juggles the competing demands of Defense, Law & Order, and Industry. The average income tax rate is 67.3%.

The frighteningly efficient Izern 78ian economy, worth 314 trillion francs a year, is fairly diversified and led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with significant contributions from Information Technology, Tourism, and Furniture Restoration. State-owned companies are reasonably common. Average income is an impressive 116,185 francs, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 4.7 times as much as the poorest.

The official Izern 78ian Phrase Book weighs as much as a small child, tardiness has increased after carpooling was classified as a criminal offense, the terminally ill are applying for visas from their bed, and delivery truck companies use hospital parking lots to store 16-wheelers. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Izern 78's national animal is the lion, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Izern 78 is ranked 129,836^th in the world and 250^th in Izern for Largest Insurance Industry, scoring 1,271.4 on the Risk Expulsion Effectiveness Rating.