Spotlight on:

“Nach Dunkelheit, Licht”

The Holy Republic of Schlirrmig is a massive, safe nation, ruled by Stefan Rochsik with an even hand, and renowned for its anti-smoking policies. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 3.958 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.

It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent, corrupt, pro-business government stops and the rest of society begins, but it 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 Kohlringen. The average income tax rate is 100%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, followed by Information Technology and Gambling.

Mysterious black helicopters menace farmers to ensure compliance with straitjacketing agricultural policies, the right to free speech is being drastically curtailed, the importance of winning Olympic gold medals is indoctrinated from an early age, and jails have become colloquially known as 'vampire houses'. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is totally unknown, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Schlirrmig's national animal is the Ighaur, which is also the nation's favorite main course, its national religion is Saint Patatisme, and its currency is the Schlirrming.

Schlirrmig is ranked 19th in the region and 52,096th in the world for Highest Unemployment Rates.