The Free State of Thalapolis is a colossal, safe nation, ruled by President Ted Wilson with an even hand, and renowned for its public floggings, compulsory military service, and ban on automobiles. The hard-nosed, hard-working population of 3.598 billion Thalapolians 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 government juggles the competing demands of Defense, Education, and Law & Order. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Central Island. The average income tax rate is 19.7%.

The strong Thalapolian economy, worth 196 trillion Shells a year, is led by the Woodchip Exports industry, with major contributions from Tourism, Door-to-door Insurance Sales, and Uranium Mining. Average income is 54,609 Shells, with the richest citizens earning 5.0 times as much as the poorest.

The government sends submarines to retrieve bodies from shipwrecked submarines, vacationers and business travelers are often warned that they may lose the right to vote if they spend too much time overseas, innocent defendants often plead guilty for fear of receiving a much harsher sentence before jury, and every product goes through extensive safety-testing by the government. Crime, especially youth-related, is almost non-existent, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Thalapolis's national animal is the dolphin.

Thalapolis is ranked 151,117^th in the world and 345^th in 10000 Islands for Highest Average Incomes, with 54,609.1 Standard Monetary Units.