diff --git a/include/nat.h b/include/nat.h
index f9ff20b1..7b3d121e 100644
--- a/include/nat.h
+++ b/include/nat.h
@@ -40,6 +40,20 @@
 
 #define	MAXNOR		50	/* max # realms */
 
+/* Nation status */
+typedef enum {
+    /*
+     * Don't change order without checking inequality comparisons and
+     * array initializers!
+     */
+    STAT_UNUSED,		/* not in use */
+    STAT_NEW,			/* just initialized */
+    STAT_VIS,			/* visitor */
+    STAT_SANCT,			/* still in sanctuary */
+    STAT_ACTIVE,		/* active (sanctuary broken) */
+    STAT_GOD			/* deity powers */
+} nat_status;
+
 enum {				/* Priorities */
     /* sector types are also priorities */
     PRI_SMAINT = SCT_MAXDEF+1,	/* ship maintenance */
@@ -61,7 +75,7 @@ struct natstr {
     short ef_type;
     natid nat_cnum;		/* our country number */
     /* end of part matching struct genitem */
-    s_char nat_stat;		/* inuse, norm, god, abs */
+    nat_status nat_stat;
     char nat_cnam[20];		/* country name */
     char nat_pnam[20];		/* representative */
     char nat_hostaddr[32];	/* host addr of last user */
@@ -92,21 +106,14 @@ struct natstr {
     char nat_spare[15];
 };
 
-	/* nation status types */
-#define STAT_INUSE	bit(0)	/* cnum in use */
-#define STAT_SANCT	bit(1)	/* country in sanctuary */
-#define STAT_NORM	bit(2)	/* normal country */
-#define STAT_GOD	bit(3)	/* deity powers */
-#define STAT_NEW	bit(5)	/* just initialized */
-
 	/* Update fields. */
 #define	WUPD_WANT	bit(0)
 
 	/* nstat values */
-#define VIS		STAT_INUSE
-#define	NORM		(STAT_INUSE|STAT_NORM)
-#define	GOD		(STAT_INUSE|STAT_GOD)
-#define	SANCT		(STAT_INUSE|STAT_SANCT)
+#define VIS		bit(0)
+#define SANCT		(bit(1) | VIS)
+#define NORM		(bit(2) | VIS)
+#define GOD		(bit(3) | NORM | VIS)
 #define	CAP		bit(6)
 #define	MONEY		bit(7)
 
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/acce.c b/src/lib/commands/acce.c
index f703f6ae..690f238d 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/acce.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/acce.c
@@ -78,8 +78,7 @@ acce(void)
 	    break;
 	if (cn == as)
 	    continue;
-	if ((np->nat_stat & STAT_NORM) == 0 &&
-	    (np->nat_stat & STAT_SANCT) == 0)
+	if (np->nat_stat < STAT_SANCT)
 	    continue;
 	if (opt_HIDDEN) {
 	    if (!player->god && !getcontact(getnatp(player->cnum), cn))
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/add.c b/src/lib/commands/add.c
index 15607343..45103266 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/add.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/add.c
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ add(void)
     struct lndstr land;
 
     for (freecn = 0; NULL != (natp = getnatp(freecn)); freecn++) {
-	if ((natp->nat_stat & STAT_INUSE) == 0)
+	if (natp->nat_stat == STAT_UNUSED)
 	    break;
     }
     if (freecn < MAXNOC)
@@ -111,19 +111,19 @@ add(void)
 	return RET_SYN;
     switch (*p) {
     case 'v':
-	stat = STAT_INUSE;
+	stat = STAT_VIS;
 	break;
     case 'n':
-	stat = STAT_NEW | STAT_INUSE;
+	stat = STAT_NEW;
 	break;
     case 'a':
-	stat = STAT_NORM | STAT_INUSE;
+	stat = STAT_ACTIVE;
 	break;
     case 'g':
-	stat = STAT_GOD | STAT_NORM | STAT_INUSE;
+	stat = STAT_GOD;
 	break;
     case 'd':
-	stat = 0;
+	stat = STAT_UNUSED;
 	break;
     default:
 	pr("Illegal status\n");
@@ -189,8 +189,7 @@ add(void)
 	}
     }
 
-    if ((natp->nat_stat & (STAT_INUSE | STAT_NORM | STAT_GOD)) ==
-	STAT_INUSE) {
+    if (natp->nat_stat == STAT_NEW || natp->nat_stat == STAT_VIS) {
 	*natp->nat_hostaddr = '\0';
 	*natp->nat_hostname = '\0';
 	*natp->nat_userid = '\0';
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/brea.c b/src/lib/commands/brea.c
index a9c8589c..99fd25fa 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/brea.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/brea.c
@@ -45,13 +45,12 @@ brea(void)
     struct natstr *natp;
 
     natp = getnatp(player->cnum);
-    if ((natp->nat_stat & STAT_SANCT) == 0) {
+    if (natp->nat_stat != STAT_SANCT) {
 	pr("You aren't in sanctuary!\n");
 	return RET_SYN;
     }
     bsanct();
-    natp->nat_stat &= ~STAT_SANCT;
-    natp->nat_stat |= STAT_NORM;
+    natp->nat_stat = STAT_ACTIVE;
     putnat(natp);
     player->nstat |= NORM;
     return RET_OK;
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/cede.c b/src/lib/commands/cede.c
index 6419025c..6518d678 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/cede.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/cede.c
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ cede(void)
 	return RET_FAIL;
     }
     natp = getnatp(n);
-    if (natp->nat_stat & STAT_GOD) {
+    if (natp->nat_stat == STAT_GOD) {
 	pr("You can only give to normal countries...\n");
 	return RET_FAIL;
     }
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/chan.c b/src/lib/commands/chan.c
index 3d6d108c..e47b37ef 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/chan.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/chan.c
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ chan(void)
 		  buf)) == 0)
 	return RET_SYN;
     us = getnatp(player->cnum);
-    if (us->nat_stat == VIS) {
+    if (us->nat_stat == STAT_VIS) {
 	pr("Visitor countries can't change their country name or representative.\n");
 	return RET_FAIL;
     }
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ chan(void)
     case 'c':
 	charge = 0;
 	btucost = 0;
-	if (!player->god && (us->nat_stat & STAT_NORM)) {
+	if (us->nat_stat == STAT_ACTIVE) {
 	    if (opt_BLITZ == 0) {
 		if (us->nat_btu < 254) {
 		    pr("You need 254 btus to change your country name!\n");
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/coun.c b/src/lib/commands/coun.c
index 5b469266..8036f41f 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/coun.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/coun.c
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ coun(void)
     pr("  #   last access                         %sstatus     country name\n",
        player->god ? "BTU  " : "");
     while (nxtitem(&ni, &nat)) {
-	if ((nat.nat_stat & STAT_INUSE) == 0)
+	if (nat.nat_stat == STAT_UNUSED)
 	    continue;
 	coun_list(&nat);
     }
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ coun_list(struct natstr *natp)
 
     if (getplayer(cn)
 	&& (player->god
-	    || (natp->nat_stat & STAT_GOD)
+	    || natp->nat_stat == STAT_GOD
 	    || cn == player->cnum || getrel(natp, player->cnum) == ALLIED))
         pr(" Now logged on                     ");
     else if (player->god) {
@@ -94,13 +94,13 @@ coun_list(struct natstr *natp)
     if (player->god)
 	pr(" %4d", natp->nat_btu);
 
-    if (natp->nat_stat & STAT_GOD)
+    if (natp->nat_stat == STAT_GOD)
 	status = "DEITY";
-    else if (natp->nat_stat & STAT_NEW)
+    else if (natp->nat_stat == STAT_NEW)
 	status = "New";
-    else if (natp->nat_stat & STAT_SANCT)
+    else if (natp->nat_stat == STAT_SANCT)
 	status = "Sanctuary";
-    else if (natp->nat_stat & STAT_NORM) {
+    else if (natp->nat_stat == STAT_ACTIVE) {
 	status = "Active";
 	if (!opt_HIDDEN || player->god) {
 	    if (influx(natp))
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/decl.c b/src/lib/commands/decl.c
index c9116acb..29ffd7bc 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/decl.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/decl.c
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ decl(void)
 
     natp = getnatp(who);
     while (nxtitem(&ni, &nat)) {
-	if (!(nat.nat_stat & STAT_INUSE))
+	if (nat.nat_stat == STAT_UNUSED)
 	    continue;
 	if (player->cnum == (natid)ni.cur)
 	    continue;
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/edit.c b/src/lib/commands/edit.c
index 15e8c3d9..7beb85dd 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/edit.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/edit.c
@@ -748,7 +748,7 @@ docountry(s_char op, int arg, s_char *p, float farg, natid nat,
 	np->nat_yorg = newy;
 	break;
     case 's':
-	np->nat_stat = (s_char)errcheck(arg, 0, STAT_NEW);
+	np->nat_stat = (nat_status)errcheck(arg, STAT_UNUSED, STAT_GOD);
 	break;
     case 'u':
 	arg = errcheck(arg, 0, m_m_p_d);
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/flash.c b/src/lib/commands/flash.c
index 82eed933..e6caf202 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/flash.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/flash.c
@@ -58,18 +58,17 @@ flash(void)
 	return RET_SYN;
     }
 
-    if (us->nat_stat & STAT_GOD) {
+    if (us->nat_stat == STAT_GOD) {
 	/* We are gods, we can flash anyone */
-    } else if (us->nat_stat == VIS) {
+    } else if (us->nat_stat == STAT_VIS) {
 	/* We are a visitor.  We can only flash the gods. :) */
-	if (!(to->nat_stat & STAT_GOD)) {
+	if (to->nat_stat != STAT_GOD) {
 	    pr("Visitors can only flash the gods.\n");
 	    return RET_SYN;
 	}
     } else {
 	/* Ok, we are a normal country, can we flash them? */
-	if ((!(to->nat_stat & STAT_GOD)) &&
-	    (getrel(to, player->cnum) < FRIENDLY)) {
+	if (to->nat_stat != STAT_GOD && getrel(to, player->cnum) < FRIENDLY) {
 	    pr("%s is not a deity or friendly with us.\n", to->nat_cnam);
 	    return RET_SYN;
 	}
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/nati.c b/src/lib/commands/nati.c
index d8dce7f9..d8e87dcd 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/nati.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/nati.c
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ nati(void)
     prdate();
     pr("Nation status is %s", natstate(natp));
     pr("     Bureaucratic Time Units: %d\n", natp->nat_btu);
-    if (natp->nat_stat & STAT_INUSE) {
+    if (natp->nat_stat != STAT_UNUSED) {
 	getsect(natp->nat_xcap, natp->nat_ycap, &sect);
 	if (influx(natp))
 	    pr("No capital (was at %s).\n",
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/new.c b/src/lib/commands/new.c
index 44c173fb..f7005836 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/new.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/new.c
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ new(void)
     }
     num = n;
     natp = getnatp(num);
-    if ((natp->nat_stat & STAT_NEW) == 0) {
+    if (natp->nat_stat != STAT_NEW) {
 	pr("Country #%d (%s) isn't a new country!\n", num, cname(num));
 	return RET_SYN;
     }
@@ -180,8 +180,7 @@ new(void)
     sect.sct_item[I_UW] = 75;
     putsect(&sect);
     natp->nat_btu = max_btus;
-    natp->nat_stat &= ~STAT_NEW;
-    natp->nat_stat |= STAT_SANCT;
+    natp->nat_stat = STAT_SANCT;
     natp->nat_xcap = x;
     natp->nat_ycap = y;
     natp->nat_xorg = x;
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/play.c b/src/lib/commands/play.c
index 3ae1f603..abfb2265 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/play.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/play.c
@@ -87,12 +87,12 @@ play_list(struct player *joe)
 	/* It's a blitz, we see everything */
     } else if (joe->god) {
 	/* This country is a god, so we see it */
-    } else if (us->nat_stat == VIS) {
+    } else if (us->nat_stat == STAT_VIS) {
 	/* We are a visitor country, we can't see squat, except deities */
 	return 0;
     } else if (joe->cnum != player->cnum) {
 	/* This isn't us.  Can we see it? */
-	if (natp->nat_stat == VIS) {
+	if (natp->nat_stat == STAT_VIS) {
 	    /* Yes, we can see visitors are logged on */
 	} else if (getrel(natp, player->cnum) < ALLIED) {
 	    /* This is a non-allied country, don't show it. */
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/powe.c b/src/lib/commands/powe.c
index f8f83f45..5123066d 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/powe.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/powe.c
@@ -144,7 +144,7 @@ powe(void)
 		continue;
 	}
 	natp2 = getnatp(pow.p_nation);
-	if (natp2->nat_stat & STAT_GOD)
+	if (natp2->nat_stat == STAT_GOD)
 	    continue;
 	if (use_targets && !targets[pow.p_nation])
 	    continue;
@@ -288,12 +288,7 @@ gen_power(void)
     for (i = 1; NULL != (natp = getnatp(i)); i++) {
 	pow = &powbuf[i];
 	pow->p_nation = i;
-	if ((natp->nat_stat & STAT_INUSE) == 0 ||
-	    (natp->nat_stat & STAT_NORM) == 0) {
-	    pow->p_power = 0.;
-	    continue;
-	}
-	if (natp->nat_stat & STAT_GOD) {
+	if (natp->nat_stat != STAT_ACTIVE) {
 	    pow->p_power = 0.;
 	    continue;
 	}
@@ -397,11 +392,11 @@ set_target(s_char *p, int *targets)
 	target = cnumb(p);
 
     if (target > 0 && target < MAXNOC && (natp = getnatp(target))) {
-	if (natp->nat_stat & STAT_GOD) {
+	if (natp->nat_stat == STAT_GOD) {
 	    pr("Country #%d is a deity country\n", target);
-	} else if (!(natp->nat_stat & STAT_INUSE)) {
+	} else if (natp->nat_stat == STAT_UNUSED) {
 	    pr("Country #%d is not in use\n", target);
-	} else if (!(natp->nat_stat & STAT_NORM)) {
+	} else if (natp->nat_stat != STAT_ACTIVE) {
 	    pr("Country #%d is not a normal country\n", target);
 	} else {
 	    targets[target] = 1;
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/reje.c b/src/lib/commands/reje.c
index 1adfdf6e..0f2144d0 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/reje.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/reje.c
@@ -89,13 +89,7 @@ reje(void)
     if (!snxtitem(&ni, EF_NATION, player->argp[3]))
 	return RET_SYN;
     while (nxtitem(&ni, &nat)) {
-#if 0
-	if ((nat.nat_stat & STAT_NORM) == 0) {
-	    pr("You may not reject/accept stuff from %s\nbecause they are not a normal country.\n", nat.nat_cnam);
-	    continue;
-	}
-#endif
-	if (nat.nat_stat & STAT_GOD) {
+	if (nat.nat_stat == STAT_GOD) {
 	    pr("You may not reject/accept stuff from %s\nbecause they are a deity.\n", nat.nat_cnam);
 	    continue;
 	}
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/rela.c b/src/lib/commands/rela.c
index 44f7a130..82c6ec0b 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/rela.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/rela.c
@@ -82,8 +82,7 @@ rela(void)
 	    break;
 	if (cn == as)
 	    continue;
-	if ((np->nat_stat & STAT_NORM) == 0 &&
-	    (np->nat_stat & STAT_SANCT) == 0)
+	if (np->nat_stat < STAT_SANCT)
 	    continue;
 	if (opt_HIDDEN) {
 	    if (!player->god && !getcontact(natp, cn))
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/repo.c b/src/lib/commands/repo.c
index 9cdc6ff9..eee2cef7 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/repo.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/repo.c
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ repo(void)
     natp = getnatp(player->cnum);
     memset(&mystat, 0, sizeof(struct stats));
     mystat.stat = natp->nat_stat;
-    if (mystat.stat & STAT_NORM) {
+    if (mystat.stat >= STAT_ACTIVE) {
 	mystat.res = natp->nat_level[NAT_RLEV];
 	mystat.tech = natp->nat_level[NAT_TLEV];
 	mystat.edu = natp->nat_level[NAT_ELEV];
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ repo(void)
 	first = 1;
     }
     while (nxtitem(&ni, &nat)) {
-	if (!(nat.nat_stat & STAT_INUSE))
+	if (nat.nat_stat == STAT_UNUSED)
 	    continue;
 	if (opt_HIDDEN) {
 	    if (!player->god && !getcontact(getnatp(player->cnum), ni.cur))
@@ -132,8 +132,7 @@ repo_list(struct stats *stat, natid cn, struct natstr *natp)
 	prxy("  %4d,%-4d\n", natp->nat_xcap, natp->nat_ycap, player->cnum);
 	return;
     }
-    switch (natp->nat_stat & (STAT_NORM | STAT_GOD | STAT_NEW | STAT_SANCT)) {
-    case STAT_NORM:
+    if (natp->nat_stat == STAT_ACTIVE) {
 	pr(" %-3d   %-14.14s ", cn, natp->nat_cnam);
 	printdiff(stat->stat, stat->tech, natp, NAT_TLEV);
 	printdiff(stat->stat, stat->res, natp, NAT_RLEV);
@@ -149,19 +148,6 @@ repo_list(struct stats *stat, natid cn, struct natstr *natp)
 	    else
 		pr("Active\n");
 	}
-	break;
-    case STAT_SANCT:
-	break;
-    case STAT_NEW:
-    case 0:
-	break;
-    case STAT_SANCT | STAT_NORM | STAT_GOD:
-    case STAT_NORM | STAT_GOD:
-    case STAT_GOD:
-	break;
-    default:
-	pr("????        ????        ????        ????\n");
-	break;
     }
 }
 
@@ -177,7 +163,7 @@ printdiff(int mystat, double ours, struct natstr *natp, int what)
 	pr(" %7.2f    ", ours);
 	return;
     }
-    if (ours && mystat & STAT_NORM && natp->nat_stat & STAT_NORM) {
+    if (ours && mystat >= STAT_ACTIVE && natp->nat_stat >= STAT_ACTIVE) {
 	theirs = natp->nat_level[what];
 	if ((shift = min((int)theirs, (int)ours) - 100) > 0) {
 	    ours -= shift;
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/tele.c b/src/lib/commands/tele.c
index 93d21c06..f09ad2ed 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/tele.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/tele.c
@@ -103,8 +103,7 @@ tele(void)
 	    }
 
 	    natp = getnatp(to);
-	    if (((natp->nat_stat & STAT_NORM) == 0) &&
-		((natp->nat_stat & STAT_SANCT) == 0)) {
+	    if (natp->nat_stat < STAT_SANCT) {
 		pr("%s has no \"telegram priveleges\".\n", cname(to));
 		kk++;
 		continue;
@@ -119,8 +118,8 @@ tele(void)
 		return RET_FAIL;
 	    }
 
-	    if (!player->god &&
-		(natp->nat_stat & GOD) != GOD && player->cnum != to)
+	    if (!player->god && natp->nat_stat != STAT_GOD
+		&& player->cnum != to)
 		nreport(player->cnum, N_SENT_TEL, to, 1);
 	    if (opt_HIDDEN) {
 		setcont(to, player->cnum, FOUND_TELE);
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/xdump.c b/src/lib/commands/xdump.c
index b08d364d..45f14883 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/xdump.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/xdump.c
@@ -204,7 +204,7 @@ xdvisible(int type, void *p)
     case EF_LOST:
 	return gp->own != 0 && (gp->own == player->cnum || player->god);
     case EF_NATION:
-	return ((struct natstr *)p)->nat_stat != 0
+	return ((struct natstr *)p)->nat_stat != STAT_UNUSED
 	    && (gp->own == player->cnum || player->god);
     case EF_NEWS:
 	return ((struct nwsstr *)p)->nws_vrb != 0
diff --git a/src/lib/common/nat.c b/src/lib/common/nat.c
index a39bf191..a934a201 100644
--- a/src/lib/common/nat.c
+++ b/src/lib/common/nat.c
@@ -90,15 +90,11 @@ rejectname(struct natstr *np, natid other)
 char *
 natstate(struct natstr *np)
 {
-    if ((np->nat_stat & STAT_INUSE) == 0)
-	return "FREE";
-    if (np->nat_stat & STAT_GOD)
-	return "DEITY";
-    if (np->nat_stat & STAT_SANCT)
-	return "SANCTUARY";
-    if ((np->nat_stat & STAT_NORM) == 0)
-	return "VISITOR";
-    return "ACTIVE";
+    static char *stnam[] = {
+	/* must match nat_status */
+	"FREE", "VISITOR", "VISITOR", "SANCTUARY", "ACTIVE", "DEITY"
+    };
+    return stnam[np->nat_stat];
 }
 
 /* This returns the relations that np has with them */
diff --git a/src/lib/common/wantupd.c b/src/lib/common/wantupd.c
index 7c2b00dc..9a1a4646 100644
--- a/src/lib/common/wantupd.c
+++ b/src/lib/common/wantupd.c
@@ -129,8 +129,7 @@ demand_update_want(int *want, int *pop, int which)
     for (cn = 1; 0 != (natp = getnatp(cn)); cn++) {
 	/* Only countries which are normal. */
 	/* Should probably include sanctuaries ..... */
-	if (((natp->nat_stat & NORM) == NORM) &&
-	    ((natp->nat_stat & GOD) != GOD)) {
+	if (natp->nat_stat == STAT_ACTIVE) {
 	    totpop++;
 	    if ((natp->nat_update & WUPD_WANT) == WUPD_WANT) {
 		totwant++;
@@ -175,8 +174,7 @@ demand_check(void)
 
     veto = 0;
     for (cn = 1; 0 != (natp = getnatp(cn)); cn++) {
-	if (((natp->nat_stat & NORM) == NORM) &&
-	    ((natp->nat_stat & GOD) != GOD)) {
+	if (natp->nat_stat == STAT_ACTIVE) {
 	    if (natp->nat_missed >= update_missed)
 		veto = cn;
 	}
diff --git a/src/lib/global/nsc.c b/src/lib/global/nsc.c
index aefe30da..398c8dc4 100644
--- a/src/lib/global/nsc.c
+++ b/src/lib/global/nsc.c
@@ -485,7 +485,8 @@ struct castr trade_ca[] = {
 
 struct castr nat_ca[] = {
     {NSC_NATID, 0, 0, fldoff(natstr, nat_cnum), "cnum", EF_NATION},
-    {NSC_CHAR, NSC_BITS, 0, fldoff(natstr, nat_stat), "stat", EF_BAD /* FIXME */},
+    {NSC_CHAR, NSC_SITYPE(nat_status), 0, fldoff(natstr, nat_stat), "stat",
+     EF_BAD /* FIXME */},
     {NSC_STRINGY, 0, 20, fldoff(natstr, nat_cnam), "cname", EF_BAD},
     {NSC_STRINGY, NSC_DEITY, 20, fldoff(natstr, nat_pnam), "passwd", EF_BAD},
     {NSC_STRINGY, 0, 32, fldoff(natstr, nat_hostaddr), "ip", EF_BAD},
diff --git a/src/lib/player/init_nats.c b/src/lib/player/init_nats.c
index 827bc991..67efd6d3 100644
--- a/src/lib/player/init_nats.c
+++ b/src/lib/player/init_nats.c
@@ -49,12 +49,16 @@ static int nat_cap(int);
 int
 init_nats(void)
 {
+    static int nstat[] = {
+	/* must match nat_status */
+	0, VIS, VIS, SANCT, NORM, GOD
+    };
     struct natstr *np;
 
     if ((np = getnatp(player->cnum)) == 0)
 	return -1;
-    player->nstat = np->nat_stat;
-    player->god = np->nat_stat & STAT_GOD;
+    player->nstat = nstat[np->nat_stat];
+    player->god = np->nat_stat == STAT_GOD;
     player->map = ef_ptr(EF_MAP, player->cnum);
     player->bmap = ef_ptr(EF_BMAP, player->cnum);
     if (opt_HIDDEN) {
@@ -86,7 +90,7 @@ nat_cap(int btu)
 		 np->nat_cnam, np->nat_xcap, np->nat_ycap);
 	return -1;
     }
-    if ((player->nstat & NORM) == NORM) {
+    if (np->nat_stat >= STAT_ACTIVE) {
 	if (influx(np))
 	    player->nstat &= ~CAP;
 	else
@@ -110,7 +114,7 @@ nat_cap(int btu)
 	else
 	    np->nat_btu += delta;
     }
-    if (np->nat_stat == VIS)
+    if (np->nat_stat == STAT_VIS)
 	np->nat_btu = max_btus;
     putnat(np);
     return 0;
diff --git a/src/lib/player/login.c b/src/lib/player/login.c
index 356d7fb6..32eaa175 100644
--- a/src/lib/player/login.c
+++ b/src/lib/player/login.c
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ sanc_cmd(void)
 
     snxtitem_all(&ni, EF_NATION);
     while (nxtitem(&ni, &nat)) {
-	if (nat.nat_stat != (STAT_INUSE | STAT_SANCT))
+	if (nat.nat_stat != STAT_SANCT)
 	    continue;
 	if (first) {
 	    pr_id(player, C_DATA,
@@ -293,7 +293,7 @@ play_cmd(void)
     other = getplayer((natid)player->cnum);
     if (other) {
 	natp = getnatp(player->cnum);
-	if (natp->nat_stat != VIS) {
+	if (natp->nat_stat != STAT_VIS) {
 	    pr_id(player, C_EXIT, "country in use by %s\n", praddr(other));
 	} else {
 	    pr_id(player, C_EXIT, "country in use\n");
@@ -331,7 +331,7 @@ kill_cmd(void)
 	return RET_FAIL;
     }
     np = getnatp(player->cnum);
-    if (np->nat_stat & STAT_GOD && !match_user(authfil, player)) {
+    if (np->nat_stat == STAT_GOD && !match_user(authfil, player)) {
 	logerror("NON-AUTHed Login attempted by %s", praddr(player));
 	pr_id(player, C_EXIT, "You're not a deity!\n");
 	return RET_FAIL;
diff --git a/src/lib/player/nat.c b/src/lib/player/nat.c
index 1281c37e..acbd26bc 100644
--- a/src/lib/player/nat.c
+++ b/src/lib/player/nat.c
@@ -47,8 +47,7 @@ natbyname(s_char *name, natid *result)
     int i;
 
     for (i = 0; NULL != (np = getnatp(i)); i++) {
-	if ((np->nat_stat & STAT_INUSE) &&
-	    (strcmp(np->nat_cnam, name) == 0)) {
+	if (np->nat_stat != STAT_UNUSED && !strcmp(np->nat_cnam, name)) {
 	    *result = i;
 	    return 0;
 	}
@@ -63,7 +62,7 @@ natpass(int cn, s_char *pass)
     struct natstr *np;
 
     np = getnatp((natid)cn);
-    if (np->nat_stat == VIS)
+    if (np->nat_stat == STAT_VIS)
 	return 1;
     if (strcmp(np->nat_pnam, pass) == 0)
 	return 1;
diff --git a/src/lib/player/player.c b/src/lib/player/player.c
index 0a061276..69a24c70 100644
--- a/src/lib/player/player.c
+++ b/src/lib/player/player.c
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ player_main(struct player *p)
     }
     if (!gamehours(player->curup)) {
 	pr("Empire hours restriction in force\n");
-	if ((natp->nat_stat & STAT_GOD) == 0)
+	if (natp->nat_stat != STAT_GOD)
 	    return;
     }
     daychange(player->curup);
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ player_main(struct player *p)
 	pr("Time exceeded today\n");
 	return;
     }
-    if (natp->nat_stat != VIS
+    if (natp->nat_stat != STAT_VIS
 	&& natp->nat_last_login
 	&& (strcmp(natp->nat_hostaddr, player->hostaddr)
 	    || strcmp(natp->nat_userid, player->userid))) {
@@ -186,7 +186,7 @@ status(void)
 	putnat(natp);
 	return 0;
     }
-    player->visitor = (natp->nat_stat & (STAT_NORM | STAT_GOD)) == 0;
+    player->visitor = natp->nat_stat < STAT_SANCT;
     if (player->dolcost != 0.0) {
 	if (player->dolcost > 100.0)
 	    pr("That just cost you $%.2f\n", player->dolcost);
@@ -233,7 +233,7 @@ status(void)
 	    daychange(player->curup);
 	    if (!gamehours(player->curup)) {
 		pr("Empire hours restriction in force\n");
-		if ((natp->nat_stat & STAT_GOD) == 0) {
+		if (natp->nat_stat != STAT_GOD) {
 		    putnat(natp);
 		    return 0;
 		}
@@ -243,8 +243,7 @@ status(void)
 	player->lasttime += minute * 60;
 	natp->nat_minused += minute;
     }
-    if ((player->nstat & STAT_NORM) && !player->god
-	&& natp->nat_minused > m_m_p_d) {
+    if (natp->nat_stat == STAT_ACTIVE && natp->nat_minused > m_m_p_d) {
 	pr("Max minutes per day limit exceeded.\n");
 	player->ncomstat = VIS;
     }
diff --git a/src/lib/subs/natarg.c b/src/lib/subs/natarg.c
index 20aeafa4..c2cca5ac 100644
--- a/src/lib/subs/natarg.c
+++ b/src/lib/subs/natarg.c
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ natarg(s_char *arg, s_char *prompt)
 	if (!player->god && !getcontact(getnatp(player->cnum), n)) {
 	    if ((np = getnatp(n)) == 0)
 		return -1;
-	    if ((np->nat_stat & STAT_GOD) == 0) {
+	    if (np->nat_stat != STAT_GOD) {
 		if (byname) {
 		    pr("No such country exists.\n");
 		    n = -1;
diff --git a/src/lib/subs/wu.c b/src/lib/subs/wu.c
index 6a7ae50a..c1adf99a 100644
--- a/src/lib/subs/wu.c
+++ b/src/lib/subs/wu.c
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ wu(natid from, natid to, char *format, ...)
     np = getnatp(from);
     if (update_pending)
 	return typed_wu(from, to, buf, TEL_UPDATE);
-    else if (np->nat_stat & STAT_GOD)
+    else if (np->nat_stat == STAT_GOD)
 	return typed_wu(from, to, buf, TEL_BULLETIN);
     else
 	return typed_wu(from, to, buf, TEL_NORM);
@@ -136,11 +136,8 @@ typed_wu(natid from, natid to, char *message, int type)
 	mailbox(box, to);
 
     if (type != TEL_ANNOUNCE)
-	if ((np = getnatp(to)) == 0 ||
-	    ((np->nat_stat & STAT_NORM) == 0 &&
-	     (np->nat_stat & STAT_SANCT) == 0)) {
+	if ((np = getnatp(to)) == 0 || np->nat_stat < STAT_SANCT)
 	    return -1;
-	}
 #if !defined(_WIN32)
     if ((fd = open(box, O_WRONLY | O_APPEND, 0)) < 0) {
 #else
@@ -176,8 +173,7 @@ typed_wu(natid from, natid to, char *message, int type)
 	logerror("telegram 'write' to #%d failed to close.", to);
     } else if (write_ok && type == TEL_ANNOUNCE) {
 	for (to = 0; NULL != (np = getnatp(to)); to++) {
-	    if (!(np->nat_stat & STAT_NORM) &&
-		!(np->nat_stat & STAT_SANCT))
+	    if (np->nat_stat < STAT_SANCT)
 		continue;
 	    if (!player->god && (getrejects(from, np) & REJ_ANNO))
 		continue;
diff --git a/src/lib/update/age.c b/src/lib/update/age.c
index b8b60871..a1322cc5 100644
--- a/src/lib/update/age.c
+++ b/src/lib/update/age.c
@@ -54,13 +54,7 @@ age_levels(int etu)
     best_tech = 0.0;
     best_res = 0.0;
     for (i = 0; NULL != (np = getnatp(i)); i++) {
-	if ((np->nat_stat & STAT_NORM) == 0)
-	    continue;
-
-	if (np->nat_stat & STAT_GOD)
-	    continue;
-
-	if (np->nat_stat == VIS)
+	if (np->nat_stat != STAT_ACTIVE)
 	    continue;
 
 	if (best_tech < np->nat_level[NAT_TLEV])
@@ -85,11 +79,11 @@ age_levels(int etu)
     best_tech /= 5;
     best_res /= 5;
     for (i = 0; NULL != (np = getnatp(i)); i++) {
-	if ((np->nat_stat & STAT_INUSE) == 0)
+	if (np->nat_stat == STAT_UNUSED)
 	    continue;
-	if (np->nat_stat & STAT_GOD)
+	if (np->nat_stat == STAT_GOD)
 	    continue;
-	if (np->nat_stat == VIS)
+	if (np->nat_stat == STAT_VIS)
 	    continue;
 	level = np->nat_level[NAT_TLEV];
 	if (level < best_tech && chance(0.2))
diff --git a/src/lib/update/main.c b/src/lib/update/main.c
index 8da6a4e0..4057fc8d 100644
--- a/src/lib/update/main.c
+++ b/src/lib/update/main.c
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ update_main(void *unused)
 	mil_dbl_pay = 0;
 	if ((np = getnatp(x)) == (struct natstr *)0)
 	    continue;
-	if (np->nat_stat & STAT_SANCT) {
+	if (np->nat_stat == STAT_SANCT) {
 #ifdef DEBUG
 	    logerror("Country %i is in sanctuary and did not update", x);
 #endif
diff --git a/src/lib/update/nat.c b/src/lib/update/nat.c
index 02a99da4..ed4128fe 100644
--- a/src/lib/update/nat.c
+++ b/src/lib/update/nat.c
@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ prod_nat(int etu)
     struct natstr *cnp;
 
     for (n = 0; NULL != (np = getnatp(n)); n++) {
-	if ((np->nat_stat & STAT_NORM) == 0)
+	if (np->nat_stat < STAT_ACTIVE)
 	    continue;
 	/*
 	 * hap_edu: the more education people have, the
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@ prod_nat(int etu)
 	memset(tech, 0, sizeof(tech));
     }
     for (n = 0; NULL != (np = getnatp(n)); n++) {
-	if ((np->nat_stat & STAT_NORM) == 0)
+	if (np->nat_stat < STAT_ACTIVE)
 	    continue;
 	tlev = levels[n][NAT_TLEV];
 	rlev = levels[n][NAT_RLEV];
@@ -241,21 +241,21 @@ share_incr(double *res, double *tech)
 
     for (i = 0; NULL != (np = getnatp(i)); i++) {
 	res[i] = tech[i] = 0.0;
-	if ((np->nat_stat & STAT_INUSE) == 0)
+	if (np->nat_stat == STAT_UNUSED)
 	    continue;
-	if (np->nat_stat & STAT_GOD)
+	if (np->nat_stat == STAT_GOD)
 	    continue;
-	if (np->nat_stat == VIS)
+	if (np->nat_stat == STAT_VIS)
 	    continue;
 	rnc = tnc = 0;
 	for (j = 0; NULL != (other = getnatp(j)); j++) {
 	    if (j == i)
 		continue;
-	    if (other->nat_stat & STAT_GOD)
+	    if (other->nat_stat == STAT_GOD)
 		continue;
-	    if (other->nat_stat == VIS)
+	    if (other->nat_stat == STAT_VIS)
 		continue;
-	    if ((other->nat_stat & STAT_INUSE) == 0)
+	    if (other->nat_stat == STAT_UNUSED)
 		continue;
 	    if (opt_HIDDEN) {
 		if (!getcontact(np, j))
diff --git a/src/lib/update/prepare.c b/src/lib/update/prepare.c
index 39315a17..fa3c5e26 100644
--- a/src/lib/update/prepare.c
+++ b/src/lib/update/prepare.c
@@ -89,11 +89,11 @@ prepare_sects(int etu, int *bp)
 	np = getnatp(sp->sct_own);
 
 #ifdef DEBUG
-	if (np->nat_stat & STAT_SANCT)
+	if (np->nat_stat == STAT_SANCT)
 	    logerror("Prepare.c: country in sanctuary skipped production");
 #endif /* DEBUG */
 
-	if (!(np->nat_stat & STAT_SANCT)) {
+	if (np->nat_stat != STAT_SANCT) {
 	    guerrilla(sp);
 	    do_plague(sp, np, etu);
 	    tax(sp, np, etu, &pops[sp->sct_own], &civ_tax, &uw_tax,
diff --git a/src/lib/update/removewants.c b/src/lib/update/removewants.c
index c10ddf67..83ab9697 100644
--- a/src/lib/update/removewants.c
+++ b/src/lib/update/removewants.c
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ update_removewants(void)
     struct natstr *natp;
 
     for (cn = 0; NULL != (natp = getnatp(cn)); cn++) {
-	if ((natp->nat_stat & STAT_INUSE) &&
+	if ((natp->nat_stat != STAT_UNUSED) &&
 	    (natp->nat_update & WUPD_WANT) == 0) {
 	    natp->nat_missed++;
 	}
diff --git a/src/lib/update/revolt.c b/src/lib/update/revolt.c
index 0f5b40e8..2295d4ac 100644
--- a/src/lib/update/revolt.c
+++ b/src/lib/update/revolt.c
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ guerrilla(struct sctstr *sp)
 	return;
     }
     tnat = getnatp(target);
-    if ((tnat->nat_stat & STAT_INUSE) == 0) {
+    if (tnat->nat_stat == STAT_UNUSED) {
 	/* target nation has dissolved: che's retire.  */
 	logerror("%d Che targeted at country %d retiring", che, target);
 	sp->sct_che = 0;
diff --git a/src/util/files.c b/src/util/files.c
index ee5ba437..6960280b 100644
--- a/src/util/files.c
+++ b/src/util/files.c
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ main(int argc, char *argv[])
     nat.ef_type = EF_NATION;
     strcpy(nat.nat_cnam, "POGO");
     strcpy(nat.nat_pnam, "peter");
-    nat.nat_stat = STAT_INUSE | STAT_NORM | STAT_GOD;
+    nat.nat_stat = STAT_GOD;
     nat.nat_btu = 255;
     nat.nat_money = 123456789;
     nat.nat_cnum = 0;