The Galactic Dominion of Imperial Rifta is a massive, efficient nation, ruled by Emperor Payne with an even hand, and remarkable for its ubiquitous missile silos, pith helmet sales, and avowedly heterosexual populace. The compassionate, hard-working, devout population of 4.11 billion Riftans 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 large, corrupt government juggles the competing demands of Defense, Administration, and Education. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Paynesville. The average income tax rate is 90.6%.

The frighteningly efficient Imperial Riftan economy, worth 634 trillion Ritoes a year, is fairly diversified and led by the Information Technology industry, with significant contributions from Arms Manufacturing, Tourism, and Trout Farming. Average income is an impressive 154,445 Ritoes, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 3.3 times as much as the poorest.

Vacationers and business travelers are often warned that they may lose the right to vote if they spend too much time overseas, the wealthiest parts of the country receive the most government spending, politicians frequently make unusual poses during speeches in hopes of inspiring the next internet fad, and aides are afraid to ask if Emperor Payne wants a cup of tea or coffee. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Imperial Rifta's national animal is the Rhynogriff, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests, and its national religion is Freedom of Religion.

Imperial Rifta is ranked 11,906^th in the world and 2^nd in Riftan Alliance for Smartest Citizens, with 84.7 quips per hour.