Location: U S S C R

Overview • People • Government • Economy • Trend • Analysis

The Monstorus battelfeeld of This-is-a-mistake is a massive, economically powerful nation, ruled by Mistress Arrow Van Blade with an iron fist, and renowned for its keen interest in outer space. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 1.393 billion 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 large, corrupt, pro-business government juggles the competing demands of Defence, Law & Order, and Religion & Spirituality. It meets every day to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Erebus. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 16%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, followed by Gambling and Soda Sales.

The government has cut its subsidies for all special interest groups, record sales of 'child-whacking sticks' have been reported, women who display their ankles are shunned by society, and the armed forces are locked in an expensive and bloody war abroad to stamp out possible terrorists. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is totally unknown, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. This-is-a-mistake's national animal is the Barren blood hound , which is also the nation's favorite main course, its national religion is Catholicism, and its currency is the fang.

This-is-a-mistake is ranked 1st in U S S C R and 1,246th in the world for Shortest Average Lifespan, scoring 36 on the Bus Surprisal Index.

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NationStates by Max Barry, author of and