Tropicanto is a small Caribbean nation that, in many ways, represents a curious merging of the past and the future. The colonial administration that ruled over the island in the past still retains power, but it has long shed many of its traditions and only vaguely resembles the old aristocracy of its past. Centuries of global social progress have forced the old powers to adapt or face revolution, and they miraculously continue to rule only through the beneficence of what is amusingly referred to as a 'liberal elite.' 

Though power still rests in the hands of a privileged few,  a culture of philanthropy dominates the gentry, and a gentleman or lady who does not give generously to the people can expect to be ostracized until they do. Large plantations and privately owned companies still dominate the land, though the workers are compensated as well as any contemporary of theirs from more democratic countries. Many of the prominent families are heavily mixed and claim surnames from many parts of the world, as diverse as the laypeople of the island. Indeed, the current princely dynasty's family name hails from the Indian subcontinent.

Despite the nation's status as a colonial-style aristocracy, the economic policies of the country are remarkably left-leaning, while the culture at large is considered moderate. Come outside economists cynically refer to Tropicanto's economy as 'quid pro quo' economics, where in exchange for generous social programs and workers' rights, the people throw their support behind the gentry and the princes. That is not to say the aristocracy does not work to enrich itself. Certain policies (such as the abolition of any income tax) allow the old families to maintain their vast wealth. So long as it is viewed as being shared with the people, unrest remains uncommon.