Spotlight on:

“Utrinque Paratus”

The Armed Republic of Mount Kip is a massive, safe nation, notable for its anti-smoking policies. Its hard-nosed, hard-working population of 1.15 billion are either ruled by a sleek, efficient government or a conglomerate of multinational corporations; it's difficult to tell which.

The government -- a sprawling, bureaucracy-choked morass -- juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Commerce, and Defence. It meets every day to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Kipswich. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 23%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Automobile Manufacturing, Tourism, and Uranium Mining industries.

Pristine wilderness has been trashed in the quest for cheaper oil, citizens who leave the country are officially classed as traitors, referenda are banned by law and the Parliament has absolute control of the legislative process, and there are no minimum wage laws. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is totally unknown, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Mount Kip's national animal is the penguin, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests, and its currency is the dollop.

Mount Kip is ranked 1st in the region and 7,733rd in the world for Largest Basket Weaving Sector.