The Empire of HUNTERS1996 is a very large, socially progressive nation, notable for its burgeoning PORCUPINE population. The hard-working, democratic population of 497 million HUNTERS1996s live in a state of perpetual fear, as a complete breakdown of social order has led to the rise of order through biker gangs.

The relatively small, outspoken government juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Education, and Administration. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of GUNSHOTS CITY. The average income tax rate is 12.4%.

The thriving HUNTERS1996ian economy, worth 42.6 trillion BULLETESES a year, is broadly diversified and dominated by the Tourism industry, with significant contributions from Book Publishing, Door-to-door Insurance Sales, and Information Technology. Average income is 85,762 BULLETESES, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 4.2 times as much as the poorest.

The government strictly regulates whale harvest quotas, being Leader has been voted one of the top ten most dangerous jobs, the word "sexagenarian" has taken on a whole new meaning, and polite commuters on the GUNSHOTS CITY Metro always let hurried workers off the train first. Crime is almost non-existent, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. HUNTERS1996's national animal is the PORCUPINE, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests.

HUNTERS1996 is ranked 92,304^th in the world and 4^th in HUNTERS for Most Scientifically Advanced, scoring 103.85 on the Kurzweil Singularity Index.