The Republic of Norsik is a huge, socially progressive nation, renowned for its frequent executions, daily referendums, and stringent health and safety legislation. The compassionate, democratic population of 455 million Norsikians hold their civil and political rights very dear, although the wealthy and those in business tend to be viewed with suspicion.

The medium-sized, outspoken government juggles the competing demands of Industry, Education, and Healthcare. The average income tax rate is 37.0%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The powerhouse Norsikian economy, worth 36.5 trillion Norsik Sterlings a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Information Technology industry, with significant contributions from Woodchip Exports, Book Publishing, and Beef-Based Agriculture. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 80,286 Norsik Sterlings, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.5 times as much as the poorest.

Whales in captivity live in little more than glorified goldfish bowls, national park visitors are reporting a rash of poison ivy sightings, the airship business has been driven out of the country by strict regulations and high fines, and crocodile roadkill is smeared across the asphalt of the new Formula One track. Crime is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Norsik's national animal is the River Otter, which frolics freely in the nation's sparkling oceans.

Norsik is ranked 21,798^th in the world and 843^rd in The North Pacific for Safest, scoring 113.08 on the Bubble-Rapp Safety Rating.