Argof

The Allied States of Argof "Trade Promotes Power"

UN Category: Inoffensive Centrist Democracy

Civil Rights: Very Good Economy: Reasonable Political Freedoms: Some

The Allied States of Argof is a very large, safe nation, notable for its complete lack of prisons. Its compassionate population of 132 million 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 government -- a sprawling, bureaucracy-choked morass -- juggles the competing demands of Education, Law & Order, and Social Welfare. The average income tax rate is 34%, but much higher for the wealthy. A healthy private sector is led by the Retail, Soda Sales, and Trout Farming industries.

Buffalo populations thrive as dogs are slaughtered in their millions, libraries are bulldozed to make way for internet cafés, all streets are privately owned toll roads, and there's a shortage of swinging hot spots as land development grinds to a halt. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is relatively low, thanks to the all-pervasive police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Argof's national animal is the Buffalo, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests, and its currency is the Argof Pencedollar.