The Armed Republic of Pellston is a huge, efficient nation, ruled by William H Pells with an even hand, and notable for its triple-decker prams, daily referendums, and complete lack of prisons. The hard-nosed, hard-working, democratic population of 980 million Pellstonians 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 is dominated by the Department of Defense, with Administration, Law & Order, and Education also on the agenda, while International Aid and Social Policy are ignored. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Bogardus. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 29.9%.

The all-consuming Pellstonian economy, worth 112 trillion Pells a year, is broadly diversified and dominated by the Arms Manufacturing industry, with significant contributions from Information Technology, Retail, and Gambling. Black market activity is notable. Average income is an impressive 114,320 Pells, with the richest citizens earning 8.1 times as much as the poorest.

The rich tend their gardens inside gated urban farming communities, "Day of the Rope" is the top song of the summer, the pursuit of wanted criminals ends at the entrance of the pay'n'spray garage as police refuse to enter any private property, and children have lost interest in toy guns in favor of toy meth lab kits. Crime, especially youth-related, is well under control, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Pellston's national animal is the Opossum, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation.

Pellston is ranked 251,225^th in the world and 13^th in Michigan for Highest Foreign Aid Spending, scoring -6.32 on the Clooney Contribution Index.