The Snow at Sea of Maarnix is a gargantuan, genial nation, ruled by Berbold with an even hand, and remarkable for its museums and concert halls, keen interest in outer space, and smutty television. The compassionate, hard-working, devout population of 24.972 billion Maarnivians 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.

The medium-sized government juggles the competing demands of Education, Law & Order, and Industry. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Tyranta. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 52.5%.

The powerhouse Maarnivian economy, worth a remarkable 2,279 trillion guilders a year, is broadly diversified and led by the Book Publishing industry, with significant contributions from Information Technology, Tourism, and Soda Sales. Average income is 91,262 guilders, with the richest citizens earning 9.2 times as much as the poorest.

The people are famous throughout the region for their bleached-white teeth, emergency room admissions for 'stampede injuries' have skyrocketed since the introduction of weekly Sabbath Eve sales, a National Academy regulates grammar and usage, and people can often be seen driving to work in war-surplus tanks. Crime is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Maarnix's national animal is the Stag and its national religion is Father God in Heaven.

Maarnix is ranked 84,621^st in the world and 16^th in New Europe for Lowest Crime Rates, with 67.91 law-abiding acts per hour.