Spotlight on:

“Land of Individualists”

The Republic of Blau Stein is a massive, socially progressive nation, renowned for its keen interest in outer space. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, intelligent population of 1.034 billion live in a state of perpetual fear, as a complete breakdown of social order has led to the rise of order through biker gangs.

There is no government in the normal sense of the word; however, a small group of community-minded, corrupt, liberal, pro-business individuals devotes most of its attentions to Defence, with areas such as Social Equality and Social Welfare receiving almost no funds by comparison. Income tax is unheard of. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining, Soda Sales, and Book Publishing industries.

The land is famous throughout the region for its rampant lawlessness, houses and businesses are bulldozed to make way for ever-expanding cemeteries, pristine wilderness has been trashed in the quest for cheaper oil, and scenic tours are unheard of after most environmental laws were abolished. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is crippling. Blau Stein's national animal is the sea otter, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation, and its currency is the drachma.

Blau Stein is ranked 653rd in the region and 51,411th in the world for Best Weather.