The Empire of Meretica is a titanic, genial nation, ruled by King Michael II with an even hand, and notable for its sprawling nuclear power plants, rampant corporate plagiarism, and restrictive gun laws. The compassionate, cheerful, devout population of 12.319 billion Mereticans have some civil rights, but not too many, enjoy the freedom to spend their money however they like, to a point, and look forward to their next free and open election, to be held on an as-yet unannounced date.

The large, corrupt government juggles the competing demands of Administration, Education, and Industry. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Almaton. The average income tax rate is 97.9%.

The frighteningly efficient Meretican economy, worth a remarkable 2,516 trillion Imperial Pounds a year, is led by the Tourism industry, with major contributions from Information Technology, Book Publishing, and Beef-Based Agriculture. State-owned companies are common. Average income is an amazing 204,238 Imperial Pounds, with the richest citizens earning 9.8 times as much as the poorest.

Blood isn't quite as thick as it used to be, a law degree is required before telling people not to drink and drive, men are enrolling into lady etiquette courses, and triple black diamond is the only ski difficulty. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Meretica's national animal is the golden eagle, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its national religion is Belecthorian Societal Orthodoxy.

Meretica is ranked 296,450^th in the world and 15,856^th in Lazarus for Highest Drug Use, scoring 19.56 on the Pineapple Fondness Rating.