The Principate of Montecrux is a massive, cultured nation, ruled by Marina Merchan with an even hand, and notable for its keen interest in outer space, irreverence towards religion, and restrictive gun laws. The compassionate, democratic population of 2.275 billion Montelians 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 medium-sized government juggles the competing demands of Education, Administration, and Healthcare. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Olphys. The average income tax rate is 70.9%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Montelian economy, worth 296 trillion Crossed Deniers a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Information Technology industry, with significant contributions from Book Publishing, Beef-Based Agriculture, and Tourism. State-owned companies are common. Average income is an impressive 130,194 Crossed Deniers, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.4 times as much as the poorest.

The nation's industries are scrambling to switch to biodegradable plastics, a popular saying is "a chicken for every pot and an abortion clinic on every street", government officials have to mortgage their homes to make ends meet, and many friends and relatives of Marina Merchan have been given ambassador jobs in tropical island nations. Crime is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Montecrux's national animal is the Royal Eagle, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its national religion is Catharism.

Montecrux is ranked 12,410^th in the world and 241^st in Europe for Most Beautiful Environments, with 1,393.43 pounds of wildlife per square mile.