The Republic of Vaelandrya is a huge, safe nation, remarkable for its compulsory military service, ubiquitous missile silos, and irreverence towards religion. The democratic population of 341 million Vaelandryans 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 Defense, Administration, and Industry. The average income tax rate is 23.3%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The strong Vaelandryan economy, worth 21.6 trillion Vyntyas a year, is fairly diversified and led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with major contributions from Beef-Based Agriculture, Trout Farming, and Door-to-door Insurance Sales. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 63,293 Vyntyas, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.0 times as much as the poorest.

The banhammer is a standard police sidearm, no suburban lawn is complete without barbed wire and landmines, school teachers check the staff room for hidden webcams before complaining about rebellious students, and creating dance remixes is the newest form of conspicuous consumption. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Vaelandrya's national animal is the Swan, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Vaelandrya is ranked 212,689^th in the world and 341^st in Astoria for Most Cheerful Citizens, with 49.5 Percentage Of Water Glasses Perceived Half-Full.