Vinyatirion UN Office

The Vinyatírion UN Office, or VUNO, is one of the smallest, and possibly the smallest, independent states in the world. It is surrounded on all sides by the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar and is in fact located within the Menelmacari capital of Vinyatírion, hence its name. VUNO's sovereign territory covers a rectangular area one hundred meters by fifty meters, and consists solely of a relatively shabby, for Menelmacari standards, four-storey office building in, again by Menelmacari standards, a less-than-desirable neighborhood.

VUNO has a transient population of fifty-seven and a permanent population of zero. The economy consists of the underground parking lot's ticket booth, the cafeteria on the third floor, and a pair of vending machines in the lobby. Its military is a trio of security guards who do not carry guns, but do have nightsticks.

The sole purpose for VUNO's existence is to be a member of the United Nations so Menelmacar doesn't have to. Its constitution explicitly says so. Accordingly, despite its tiny size, population, and GDP, it is a full voting United Nations member just like any other. Fortunately, this tiny size, population, and GDP means annual dues rarely top four hundred credits. The head of state is the Delegate, who is appointed by the Prefect of State of Menelmacar, in proxy for the Elentári of Menelmacar. Also in its constitution, all domestic laws mirror those of Menelmacar. There are no taxes and no tarriffs save those charged in Menelmacar. The entire national budget is covered by Menelmacar. The currency is the Menelmacari Credit. In exchange for this, VUNO votes in the UN however Menelmacar wants it to. It's a very tidy deal for all involved. Except, perhaps, the UN.