The Republic of Iskalland is a large, cultured nation, notable for its irreverence towards religion, absence of drug laws, and stringent health and safety legislation. The compassionate, democratic population of 72 million Iskallanders hold their civil and political rights very dear, although the wealthy and those in business tend to be viewed with suspicion.

The medium-sized, outspoken government juggles the competing demands of Education, Welfare, and Law & Order. The average income tax rate is 27.2%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The strong Iskallandian economy, worth 3.86 trillion kronor a year, is led by the Book Publishing industry, with major contributions from Information Technology, Automobile Manufacturing, and Basket Weaving. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 53,561 kronor, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.0 times as much as the poorest.

Immigrants who carry knives on them are presumed to be chefs, glittering new sports stadiums adorn every city and town, the only women behind bars are barmaids, and the government is ignoring the latest terrorist atrocities in Iskalland City for fear of causing a fuss. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Iskalland's national animal is the bat.

Iskalland is ranked 147,989^th in the world and 1,033^rd in Europe for Most Beautiful Environments, with 519.18 pounds of wildlife per square mile.