Location: Nordic Lands

Overview • People • Government • Economy • Trend • Analysis

The Free Land of The Republic Of Ardenhelm is a huge, environmentally stunning nation, notable for its absence of drug laws. Its hard-nosed, intelligent population of 806 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.

The enormous government juggles the competing demands of Education, Social Welfare, and Defence. The average income tax rate is 35%, but much higher for the wealthy. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Book Publishing industry, followed by Basket Weaving and Soda Sales.

The government has cut its subsidies for all special interest groups, buses are widely regarded as the safest way to travel, radio shows frequently feature people denouncing religion, and the police crack down on tax evaders without mercy. Crime is totally unknown, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. The Republic Of Ardenhelm's national animal is the Reindeer, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests, and its currency is the Ardenhelm State Pound or Ardenian Pound.

The Republic Of Ardenhelm is ranked 51st in Nordic Lands and 60,341st in the world for Shortest Average Lifespan, scoring -13 on the Bus Surprisal Index.

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NationStates by Max Barry, author of and