The Empire of Lurkenstein is a small, socially progressive nation, remarkable for its state-planned economy, ubiquitous missile silos, and suspicion of poets. The hard-working population of 32 million Lurkensteinians 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 juggles the competing demands of Defense, Welfare, and Education. The average income tax rate is 32.1%.