The Commonwealth of Runners Valley is a massive, genial nation, ruled by Aren Vale with a fair hand, and renowned for its national health service, keen interest in outer space, and punitive income tax rates. The compassionate, democratic, devout population of 1.418 billion Valerians 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 Administration, Education, and Welfare. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of New Stride. The average income tax rate is 57.7%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The all-consuming Valerian economy, worth 158 trillion Strides a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Tourism industry, with major contributions from Information Technology, Book Publishing, and Beef-Based Agriculture. State-owned companies are common. Average income is an impressive 111,830 Strides, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.0 times as much as the poorest.

Space shuttles regularly launch rubbish into space, all telephone traffic is monitored for 'national security reasons', history textbook pages are used as impromptu tissues by distraught students, and citizens are permitted to carry concealed handguns. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Runners Valley's national animal is the Plains Wolf, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Runners Valley is ranked 286,060^th in the world and 1^st in Continental Runners Valley for Largest Insurance Industry, scoring -7.9 on the Risk Expulsion Effectiveness Rating.