The Federal Republic of Astario is a huge, safe nation, notable for its irreverence towards religion, punitive income tax rates, and stringent health and safety legislation. The compassionate, democratic population of 352 million Astarians love a good election, and the government gives them plenty of them. Universities tend to be full of students debating the merits of various civil and political rights, while businesses are tightly regulated and the wealthy viewed with suspicion.

The large, outspoken government juggles the competing demands of Welfare, Education, and Administration. The average income tax rate is 53.8%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The Astarian economy, worth 16.0 trillion Alands a year, is quite specialized and led by the Information Technology industry, with major contributions from Pizza Delivery, Furniture Restoration, and Basket Weaving. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 45,407 Alands, and distributed extremely evenly, with little difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

Evasive politicians don't fail to strongly commit to not committing to a course of non-inaction, invasive drug testing is now performed at elementary school sports days, dentists routinely perform open heart surgery, and armed security details escort librarians to their homes. Crime is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Astario's national animal is the White-and-Gold Eagle, which soars majestically through the nation's famously clear skies.

Astario is ranked 28,481^st in the world and 1,027^th in The North Pacific for Nicest Citizens, with 19.56 average smiles per day.