The Republic of Laeden is a colossal, environmentally stunning nation, notable for its sprawling nuclear power plants, smutty television, and punitive income tax rates. The hard-nosed, hard-working, democratic, devout population of 5.26 billion Laedenians 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 medium-sized, corrupt government juggles the competing demands of Education, Defense, and Industry. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Arcadia. The average income tax rate is 72.3%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Laedenian economy, worth 943 trillion denariis a year, is broadly diversified and dominated by the Information Technology industry, with significant contributions from Book Publishing, Arms Manufacturing, and Retail. Average income is an impressive 179,321 denariis, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.1 times as much as the poorest.

Courses on ornithology and apiology are surprisingly popular, business owners who refuse to hire ex-cons often wake up with a Griffin's head in their bed, the bonfire of the old paper records can be seen for miles around Arcadia, and immigrant herding has become a national pastime. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Laeden's national animal is the Griffin, which soars majestically through the nation's famously clear skies.

Laeden is ranked 95,910^th in the world and 61^st in The Western Isles for Largest Furniture Restoration Industry, scoring 2,029.74 on the Spitz-Pollish Productivity Index.