Spotlight on:

“Fortune Favors the Prepared Mind”

The Incorporated States of Mercanta is a very large, devout nation, renowned for its anti-smoking policies. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 183 million are ruled with an iron fist by the corrupt, dictatorship government, which oppresses anyone who isn't on the board of a Fortune 500 company. Large corporations tend to be above the law, and use their financial clout to gain ever-increasing government benefits at the expense of the poor and unemployed.

The small, corrupt, moralistic, pro-business government concentrates mainly on Law & Order, although Defence and Commerce are on the agenda. Income tax is unheard of. A healthy private sector is dominated by the Uranium Mining industry.

A cyber-war between file sharers and the music industry formats hard drives across the country, the nation's diplomatic missives are now delivered via sniper rifle, urban high-volume mailers now receive their mail via chauffer-driven limousines, and citizens must pay to enjoy Mercanta's pristine beaches. Crime is a problem. Mercanta's national animal is the thylacine, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its currency is the credit.

Mercanta is ranked 2111th in the region and 41,624th in the world for Highest Unemployment Rates.