The Republic of Cortenius is a mid-sized, cultured nation, renowned for its burgeoning dragon population. The compassionate, democratic population of 56 million Corteniusians 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 government juggles the competing demands of Education, Administration, and Law & Order. The average income tax rate is 22.7%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The Corteniusian economy, worth 2.93 trillion euros a year, is fairly diversified and led by the Tourism industry, with major contributions from Beef-Based Agriculture, Trout Farming, and Basket Weaving. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 52,304 euros, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.3 times as much as the poorest.

4-year-olds are often found reminiscing about the 'good old days', the doctor has cold hands, charity workers were first up against the wall when the time came, and strict term limits have been applied to all elected offices. Crime is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Cortenius's national animal is the dragon, which soars majestically through the nation's famously clear skies.

Cortenius is ranked 170,600^th in the world and 1,242^nd in the West Pacific for Largest Manufacturing Sector, scoring 7,221.94 on the Gooback-Jerbs Productivity Index.