The Grand Duchy of Hansenel is a colossal, cultured nation, renowned for its zero percent divorce rate, sprawling nuclear power plants, and ubiquitous missile silos. The hard-nosed population of 5.792 billion Hansenelians 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, corrupt government juggles the competing demands of Defense, Administration, and Law & Order. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 31.2%.

The frighteningly efficient Hansenelian economy, worth 670 trillion dollars a year, is broadly diversified and dominated by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with significant contributions from Beef-Based Agriculture, Information Technology, and Woodchip Exports. Black market activity is extensive. State-owned companies are common. Average income is an impressive 115,833 dollars, with the richest citizens earning 5.8 times as much as the poorest.

Voting for pro-Bigtopian candidates is voluntary, public loudspeakers constantly tell citizens they are "happy people", Tetris has been banned for its graphic violent content, and the Hansenel City Women's Prison Choir now has a baritone section. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Hansenel's national animal is the snake, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests.

Hansenel is ranked 61,473^rd in the world and 3,696^th in Balder for Highest Poor Incomes, with 44,502.22 Standard Monetary Units.