Spotlight on:

“No problem is insurmountable”

The Republic of Beached is a massive, environmentally stunning nation, ruled by Fairly Dinkum with an even hand, and remarkable for its national health service. Its compassionate population of 1.093 billion 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.

It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent government stops and the rest of society begins, but it juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Healthcare, and Education. It meets every day to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Lagoon. The average income tax rate is 78%, and even higher for the wealthy. The private sector is almost wholly made up of enterprising fourteen-year-old boys selling lemonade on the sidewalk, although the government is looking at stamping this out.

Animal Liberationists are regularly jailed, all citizens must pass a 'multicultural sensitivity test' to be deemed fit for society, there's a shortage of swinging hot spots as land development grinds to a halt, and organ donation is compulsory. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is totally unknown, thanks to the all-pervasive police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Beached's national animal is the Australian Magpie, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its currency is the Seashell.

Beached is ranked 2179th in the region and 48,167th in the world for Highest Unemployment Rates.