NationStates is an online game where you set-up your own country; complete with flag, name, national animal, currency and motto. Despite the fact the game is quite basic, it’s extremely addictive. The game doesn’t have war, but it does have an (optional) United Nations.

In the game, you are given issues. These issues are things such as law & order, the military, rights of citizens, the economy, the environment and immigration. You are then given a few arguements, and you have to choose between them. What you choose changes your nation’s rating on it’s economy, political freedoms and civil liberties. It also changes what kind of country you are (everything from Inoffensive Centrist Democracy to Corrupt Dictatorship) and your income tax rate. Your population changes too.

You can also apply for membership in the UN. If you are successful, you can vote on issues in the UN. If you have 2 endorsements from other players you can propose new issues in the UN. Decisions made in the UN also affect your country. The game has forums, and regions. These regions often act as clans.

Yuo can view my country here.