The Republic of Messier 44 is a colossal, safe nation, renowned for its burgeoning lion population. The quiet, industrious population of 2.996 billion Messier 44ians enjoy extensive civil rights and enjoy a level of social equality free from the usual accompanying government corruption.

The large, liberal, socially-minded government juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defense, and Welfare. The average income tax rate is 33.6%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The sizeable but underdeveloped Messier 44ian economy, worth 67.3 trillion marks a year, is quite specialized and led by the Gambling industry, with major contributions from Basket Weaving, Woodchip Exports, and Pizza Delivery. Black market activity is notable. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 22,455 marks, 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 44's national animal is the lion.

Messier 44 is ranked 302,347^th in the world and 57^th in Mirror World 99 for Highest Average Incomes, with 22,455.46 Standard Monetary Units.