The world is divided into three great powers, Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia, each perpetually at war with the other. Throughout Oceania "The Party" rules by the agency of four ministries whose power is absolute - the Ministry of Peace which deals with war, the Ministry of Love (headquarters of the dreaded Thought Police) which deals with law and order, and the Ministry of Plenty which deals in scarcities, and Ministry of Truth which deals with propaganda. The authorities keep a check on every action, word, gesture, or thought.