The Independent Nations of America: Spotlight On: SUPERIOR

Superior

AREA
247,000 (5th)
POPULATION
11,348,000 (13th)
DENSITY
45 people per square mile. (16th)

CAPITAL
Minneapolis, Minnesota
STATES
Manistique (Marquette), Wisconsin (Eau Claire), Minnesota (St. Paul), Arrowhead (Duluth), Dakota (Fargo)

RELIGION
Protestant, various
LANGUAGE
English, German, various

NATL INCOME
672 billion
MEDIAN INCOME
$59,218 (7th)

ECONOMY
Superior’s economy is slightly above average. It is not a member nation of the American Northeast Trade Union, but trades freely with (and in large part depends on) those nations and Canada. Its few large cities have a healthy industrial base and an emerging technological field, although they have been suffering a `brain drain’ of hi-tech experts to Canada, Pacifica and Socali. It exports cattle, wheat and timber. Superior is so dependent on trade with Canada that it has considered being annexed by the nation. The cost of living is middle-to-low.

OVERVIEW
Superior was created in the Redivision of 1994 out of land from Lakeland and Montana, due to the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota, heavily independent, feeling unrepresented in the Lakeland political system. The name was chosen for the lake under which it is situated after first president Walter Mondale and Foundryan president Gus Grissom could not agree on which nation should keep the name Lakeland. Superior has attempted to establish an international presence, and has enjoyed stable government, a low crime rate, a generally tolerant social climate, and a gradually improving economy. However, trade issues and a spiraling deficit due to infrastructure needs and a struggling health care system have convinced many in the government, specifically current President Paul Wellstone and his Democratic-Farmer-Labor party, that Superior should consider a proposed annexation by Canada. The Independence Party led by former President Jesse Ventura has staunchly opposed this.

HEAD OF STATE