Spotlight on:

“Ex Scientia Vires”

The Liberal Unitary Republic of Goobergunchia is a gargantuan, environmentally stunning nation, ruled by Brian Efesh with a fair hand, and notable for its complete absence of social welfare. Its compassionate, hard-working population of 13.135 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 the Environment, Education, and Social Equality. It meets every day to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Goobergunch City. The average income tax rate is 100%. 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.

The government is promoting multicultural values with the new 'Just Be Nice, OK?' initiative, 'The Anti-Government Hour' is a popular programme on many of Goobergunchia's radio stations, people caught mistreating Goobergunchia's flag generally wind up in a great deal of pain, and a National Academy regulates grammar and usage. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is crippling, and the police force struggles against a lack of funding and a high mortality rate. Goobergunchia's national animal is the red-tailed hawk, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its currency is the knugel.

Goobergunchia is ranked 40th in the region and 54,614th in the world for Largest Arms Manufacturing Sector.