The Republic of Zalarath is a mammoth, cultured nation, ruled by Ashzjk with an iron fist, and notable for its frequent executions, public floggings, and anti-smoking policies. The hard-nosed, cynical, devout population of 5.294 billion Zalarathians are ruled by a mostly-benevolent dictator, who grants the populace the freedom to live their own lives but watches carefully for anyone to slip up.

The medium-sized, well-organized government juggles the competing demands of Industry, Environment, and Education. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Zalarath City. The average income tax rate is 43.2%.

The frighteningly efficient Zalarathian economy, worth 580 trillion Kølmorags a year, is dominated by the Tourism industry, with significant contributions from Beef-Based Agriculture, Arms Manufacturing, and Basket Weaving. Black market activity is notable. Average income is an impressive 109,656 Kølmorags, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 3.6 times as much as the poorest.

Commuters regularly break the sound barrier -- and several bones, it is illegal to distribute Girl Guide Cookies without an advanced food hygiene diploma, diaper-wrapped shawarma is a fan-favorite, and boom-and-bust cycles are being peddled as economically inevitable. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Zalarath's national animal is the Musk Ox, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests.

Zalarath is ranked 62,051^st in the world and 194^th in the Outback for Largest Manufacturing Sector, scoring 17,082.34 on the Gooback-Jerbs Productivity Index.