The People's Republic of Vortidea is a small, socially progressive nation, renowned for its irreverence towards religion and suspicion of poets. The hard-working, democratic population of 26 million Vortideans enjoy a sensible mix of personal and economic freedoms, while the political process is open and the people's right to vote held sacrosanct.

The medium-sized, outspoken government juggles the competing demands of Welfare, Education, and Defense. The average income tax rate is 31.3%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The strong Vortidean economy, worth 1.36 trillion Vorbions a year, is dominated by the Trout Farming industry, with significant contributions from Information Technology, Woodchip Exports, and Door-to-door Insurance Sales. Average income is 52,237 Vorbions, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.0 times as much as the poorest.

Insolent whistleblowers receive their just desserts on deserted isles, the weather in Vortidea City is always 'pigeons with a chance of droppings', feeling like a winner comes at a price, and radio shows frequently feature people denouncing religion. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Vortidea's national animal is the Lion, which can occasionally be seen sifting through garbage in the nation's cities.

Vortidea is ranked 188,047^th in the world and 701^st in Concord for Fattest Citizens, with 9.55 Obesity Rate.