Spotlight on:

“Fire is civilization. We are the sun.”

The Colony of Sertian is a massive, environmentally stunning nation, ruled by Leader with an even hand, and notable for its anti-smoking policies. Its compassionate, intelligent population of 3.688 billion enjoy a sensible mix of personal and economic freedoms, while the political process is open and the people's right to vote held sacrosanct.

The government -- a sprawling, bureaucracy-choked morass -- juggles the competing demands of Education, Defence, and Public Transport. The average income tax rate is 36%, but much higher for the wealthy. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Book Publishing industry, followed by Woodchip Exports and Automobile Manufacturing.

The Sertian Enquirer offers weekly cash prizes for 'most blasphemous song, story, or cartoon', religious organizations are being forced to leave the country or pay income taxes like everybody else, the people of Sertian are renowned for their nihilistic attitudes, and a National Academy regulates grammar and usage. Crime is relatively low. Sertian's national animal is the phoenix, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests, and its currency is the zerat.

Sertian is ranked 552nd in the region and 5,491st in the world for Largest Publishing Industry.