The Holy Empire of The Shroud of Turin is a large, socially progressive nation, remarkable for its state-planned economy, devotion to social welfare, and stringent health and safety legislation. The compassionate, cynical, devout population of 87 million Shroud of Turinians are ruled with an iron fist by the socialist government, which grants its people the freedom to do whatever they like so long as it doesn't involve getting richer than anybody else or challenging the government.

The enormous, liberal, socially-minded government juggles the competing demands of Welfare, Spirituality, and Education. The average income tax rate is 67.6%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The sizeable but stagnant Shroud of Turinian economy, worth 1.13 trillion Prayers a year, is driven entirely by a combination of government and state-owned industry, with private enterprise illegal. The industrial sector is led by the Tourism industry, with significant contributions from Soda Sales, Pizza Delivery, and Furniture Restoration. Average income is 12,950 Prayers, and distributed extremely evenly, with practically no difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

Army gunpowder stores are being commandeered to make pretty fireworks and sparklers, the nation faces constant invasions by foreign boy bands, extraordinary tribunals try accused financial criminals, and religious bigotry is not allowed but bigotry against theism is encouraged. Crime is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. The Shroud of Turin's national animal is the White Dove, which soars majestically through the nation's famously clear skies.

The Shroud of Turin is ranked 286,616^th in the world and 9^th in Saint Margaret Mary for Highest Disposable Incomes, with 4,195.93 Standard Monetary Units.