The Grand Principality of Vorshka

Introduction

The Grand Principality of Vorshka is a massive, cultured nation, ruled by Grand Prince Alexander Ripkin with an even hand, and remarkable for its hatred of cheese. Its hard-nosed population of 2.692 billion 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.

It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent government stops and the rest of society begins, but it juggles the competing demands of Defence, Education, and Commerce. It meets every day to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Saint Wenceslas. The average income tax rate is 91%, and even higher for the wealthy. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, followed by Tourism and Book Publishing.

Citizens wishing to leave the country must surrender half their wealth to the government, citizens live in superstitious fear of the mysterious glowing clouds that float over Vorshka, phone taps are frequently carried out by the police, and parents must choose their children's names from a government-mandated master list. Crime is totally unknown, thanks to the all-pervasive police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Vorshka's national animal is the Vorsh Eagle, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests, its national religion is Christianity, and its currency is the Vorshkan Ruvlin.

It is located in the north-east of the Old World Union.