The Sub Processing Dominion of Cardinal System is a gargantuan, orderly nation, ruled by Akihiko Kayaba with an iron fist, and remarkable for its frequent executions, ban on automobiles, and multi-spousal wedding ceremonies. The hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical, humorless population of 12.719 billion Aincradians are kept under strict control by the oppressive government, which measures its success by the nation's GDP and refers to individual citizens as "human resources."

The tiny, corrupt, well-organized government juggles the competing demands of Defense, Law & Order, and Administration. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Argus Headquarters. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 6.5%.

The strong Aincradian economy, worth a remarkable 1,124 trillion Cols a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with major contributions from Gambling, Retail, and Door-to-door Insurance Sales. Black market activity is notable. Average income is 88,439 Cols, with the richest citizens earning 6.1 times as much as the poorest.

Carpet bombing has decimated Brasilistan's landscape and population, tie-dye has been outlawed for being 'too occult', Aincrad holds its breath as nuclear warfare is being seriously considered, and the nation is weighing the price of victory following a nuclear strike. Crime, especially youth-related, is relatively low, thanks to a capable police force. Cardinal System's national animal is the Black Lion, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation, and its national religion is Cardinalism.

Cardinal System is ranked 8,879^th in the world and 1^st in Aincrad for Largest Insurance Industry, scoring 6,176.14 on the Risk Expulsion Effectiveness Rating.