Spotlight on:

“War is our answer to you!”

The United Uber-States of Vlack Sturm is a huge, devout nation, ruled by Premier Hans Von Schredder with an even hand, and renowned for its national health service. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 954 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.

It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent government stops and the rest of society begins, but it devotes most of its attentions to Defence, with areas such as the Environment and Social Welfare receiving almost no funds by comparison. It meets every day to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Vlack Sturm City. The average income tax rate is 62%, and even higher for the wealthy. A healthy private sector is dominated by the Arms Manufacturing industry.

Birds and children's kites are regularly brought down by anti-aircraft fire, military spending is on the increase, the controversial show 'Who Wants to be an Immigrant?' has become wildly popular, and Premier Hans Von Schredder has been known to threaten dissenting citizens with a machine gun at press conferences. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is moderate. Vlack Sturm's national animal is the Black Wolf, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation, and its currency is the VS MARK.

Vlack Sturm is ranked 25th in the region and 30,106th in the world for Largest Furniture Restoration Industry.