Location: Europe

Overview • People • Government • Economy • Trend • Analysis

The Kingdom of Jelstonia is a huge, socially progressive nation, notable for its compulsory military service. Its hard-nosed, intelligent population of 756 million 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 Defence, Law & Order, and Commerce. It meets every day to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Jelstonia City. The average income tax rate is 66%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, followed by Information Technology and Tourism.

Teenagers across the country are celebrating the defeat of a national curfew bill, cheese has become the new icon of political dissent, citizens live in superstitious fear of the mysterious glowing clouds that float over Jelstonia, and politicians are to be found scavenging bins at night to supplement their income. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is totally unknown, thanks to the all-pervasive police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Jelstonia's national animal is the silver eagle, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its currency is the pound.

Jelstonia is ranked 378th in Europe and 88,402nd in the world for Largest Insurance Industry, scoring -3 on the Risk Expulsion Effectiveness Rating.

Preview

NationStates by Max Barry, author of and