The Free Land of Elli is a mammoth, cultured nation, remarkable for its barren, inhospitable landscape, zero percent divorce rate, and irreverence towards religion. The compassionate, democratic population of 8.716 billion Ellians 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 Education, Healthcare, and Administration. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 29.1%.

The very strong Ellian economy, worth 657 trillion lire a year, is fairly diversified and led by the Book Publishing industry, with major contributions from Woodchip Exports, Cheese Exports, and Soda Sales. Black market activity is notable. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 75,489 lire, with the richest citizens earning 7.6 times as much as the poorest.

The Elli Automotive Racing Series draws millions of spectators annually while those near the tracks complain about the noise, public projects are synonymous with yawn-inducing conformity, frightened witnesses and seriously ill jurors wear the same handcuffs as the defendant, and city workers have declared that rolling markets aren't good for business after all. Crime is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Elli's national animal is the swan, which is also the nation's favorite main course.

Elli is ranked 275,961^st in the world and 95^th in Serenity for Highest Unexpected Death Rate, scoring 25.64 on the Bus Surprisal Index.