Spotlight on:

“Independence above all.”

The Armed Republic of Hookraj is a huge, devout nation, notable for its unlimited-speed roads. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 749 million are ruled by a mostly-benevolent dictator, who grants the populace the freedom to live their own lives but watches carefully for anyone to slip up.

It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent, corrupt government stops and the rest of society begins, but it juggles the competing demands of Defence, Religion & Spirituality, and Law & Order. It meets every day to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Port of Hookraj. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 45%. A powerhouse of a private sector is dominated by the Arms Manufacturing industry.

It is illegal to make racist remarks in public, the government is spending millions on alternative clean-burning fuels, record sales of 'child-whacking sticks' have been recorded, and citizens must pay to enjoy Hookraj's pristine beaches. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is totally unknown, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Hookraj's national animal is the falcon, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its currency is the raj.

Hookraj is ranked 423rd in the region and 24,032nd in the world for Best Weather.