The Republic of Velarde is a titanic, efficient nation, ruled by Dyleo Alejandro with an even hand, and renowned for its sprawling nuclear power plants, keen interest in outer space, and punitive income tax rates. The compassionate, democratic population of 20.739 billion Velardeans 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 enormous government juggles the competing demands of Education, Environment, and Healthcare. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Velarde City. The average income tax rate is 90.7%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Velardean economy, worth a remarkable 2,525 trillion Pesos a year, is driven entirely by a combination of government and state-owned industry, with private enterprise illegal. The industrial sector, which is highly specialized, is led by the Information Technology industry, with major contributions from Tourism and Book Publishing. Average income is an impressive 121,775 Pesos, and distributed extremely evenly, with little difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

There's no such thing as a safe bet, kids are taught in schools to argue with their parents, the nation wears its high incidence of chromosomal diseases as a badge of pride, and fraternities are notoriously exclusive. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Velarde's national animal is the Golden Eagle, which soars majestically through the nation's famously clear skies, and its national religion is Eastern Orthodoxy.

Velarde is ranked 42,952^nd in the world and 16^th in South Pacific for Highest Average Incomes, with 121,775.06 Standard Monetary Units.