Spotlight on:

“The yeast know how to make the wyne.”

The Republic of Wyneries is a colossal, devout nation, ruled by Jack Flash with an even hand, and remarkable for its compulsory military service. Its compassionate, hard-working population of 5.028 billion 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 Defence, Law & Order, and Education. The average income tax rate is 35%. The private sector is almost wholly made up of enterprising fourteen-year-old boys selling lemonade on the sidewalk, although the government is looking at stamping this out.

Jack Flash has just been declared ruler of Wyneries in an international press conference, elections have become procedural nightmares due to voters persistently rejecting candidates, citizens are enjoying a recent large cut in taxes, and strict term limits have been applied to all elected offices. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is totally unknown, thanks to the all-pervasive police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Wyneries's national animal is the dragon, and its currency is the bangaloor.

Wyneries is ranked 2301st in the region and 46,669th in the world for Happiest Citizens.