Location: International Democratic Union

Overview • People • Government • Economy • Trend • Analysis

The Free Bears of Bears Armed is a gargantuan, devout nation, ruled by Chairbear of the High Council with a fair hand, and notable for its complete absence of social welfare. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, intelligent population of 13.017 billion hold their civil and political rights very dear, although the wealthy and those in business tend to be viewed with suspicion.

There is no government in the normal sense of the word; however, a small group of community-minded, liberal individuals juggles the competing demands of Education, Commerce, and the Environment. It meets every day to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Council Groves. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 1%. A powerhouse of a private sector is dominated by the Tourism industry.

There's a shortage of swinging hot spots as land development grinds to a halt, tourists outnumber citizens two to one, the populace harbors a fierce hatred of the metric system, and glittering new sports stadiums adorn every city and town. Crime is totally unknown, thanks to the all-pervasive police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Bears Armed's national animal is the goldilocks, which is also the nation's favorite main course, its national religion is One Plus Seven, and its currency is the thaler.

Bears Armed is ranked 3rd in International Democratic Union and 453rd in the world for Happiest Citizens, scoring 14 on the Relative Cheerfulness Rating.

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NationStates by Max Barry, author of and