The Duchy of Palancia is a massive, environmentally stunning nation, ruled by Mercedes Giroux with an even hand, and notable for its pith helmet sales, suspicion of poets, and stringent health and safety legislation. The compassionate, hard-working, devout population of 3.182 billion Palancians have some civil rights, but not too many, enjoy the freedom to spend their money however they like, to a point, and take part in free and open elections, although not too often.

The large government is primarily concerned with Defense, although Education, Industry, and Environment are also considered important, while Spirituality is ignored. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Bilbao. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 44.3%.

The powerhouse Palancian economy, worth 220 trillion Palancian Royal Dollars a year, is fairly diversified and led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with major contributions from Tourism, Woodchip Exports, and Beef-Based Agriculture. Average income is 69,152 Palancian Royal Dollars, with the richest citizens earning 5.8 times as much as the poorest.

Libraries are now installed with jacuzzis and mini-bars, conspiracy theorists allege Bilbao's new subway map resembles Satanic symbols, citizens are permitted to carry concealed handguns, and EpiPen sales have skyrocketed. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown. Palancia's national animal is the Pheasant, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests, and its national religion is Christianity.

Palancia is ranked 46,096^th in the world and 66^th in New Western Empire for Highest Foreign Aid Spending, scoring 526.44 on the Clooney Contribution Index.