The National Republic of Thermodolia is a gargantuan, socially progressive nation, ruled by President Jacob Zarman with a fair hand, and notable for its daily referendums, absence of drug laws, and devotion to social welfare. The hard-nosed, hard-working, democratic, humorless population of 28.1 billion Thermodolians live in a state of perpetual fear, as a complete breakdown of social order has led to the rise of order through biker gangs.

The medium-sized, liberal, outspoken government juggles the competing demands of Education, Defense, and Law & Order. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Thermodolia City. The average income tax rate is 86.3%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Thermodolian economy, worth a remarkable 6,160 trillion Thermas a year, is fairly diversified and led by the Information Technology industry, with major contributions from Tourism, Arms Manufacturing, and Retail. Average income is an amazing 219,232 Thermas, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 3.0 times as much as the poorest.

Civil servants refuse to enforce government regulations for fear of wider economic impact, clairvoyants and soothsayers find fellowship at their local McRonalds, 'The Anti-Government Hour' is a popular programme on many of Thermodolia's radio stations, and making up random numbers to name new asteroids is the bulk of astronomers' work. Crime is totally unknown, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Thermodolia's national animal is the Thermodolian Black Bear, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its national religion is Thermodolian Orthodox.

Thermodolia is ranked 106,106^th in the world and 7^th in Zentari for Largest Gambling Industry, scoring 1,651.48 on the Kelly Criterion Productivity Index.