The Republic of Messier 17 is a colossal, safe nation, renowned for its burgeoning horse population. The quiet, industrious population of 3.141 billion Messier 17ians enjoy extensive civil rights and enjoy a level of social equality free from the usual accompanying government corruption.

The medium-sized, liberal, socially-minded government juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defense, and Welfare. The average income tax rate is 32.4%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The sizeable but underdeveloped Messier 17ian economy, worth 72.1 trillion lire a year, is quite specialized and led by the Door-to-door Insurance Sales industry, with major contributions from Information Technology, Basket Weaving, and Beef-Based Agriculture. Black market activity is notable. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 22,953 lire, and distributed extremely evenly, with little difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

Crime is well under control, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Messier 17's national animal is the horse.

Messier 17 is ranked 94,617^th in the world and 1,018^th in eta for Highest Unexpected Death Rate, scoring 34.58 on the Bus Surprisal Index.