The Atlantic Republic of The Asten Islands is a colossal, safe nation, ruled by President Adrienne Laurent with an even hand, and renowned for its national health service, keen interest in outer space, and unlimited-speed roads. The compassionate population of 6.363 billion Astians enjoy extensive civil freedoms, particularly in social issues, while business tends to be more regulated.

The large, liberal government prioritizes Healthcare, although Education, Welfare, and Administration are also considered important, while Spirituality is ignored. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Port David. The average income tax rate is 74.8%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Astian economy, worth 668 trillion Euros a year, is quite specialized and led by the Tourism industry, with major contributions from Information Technology, Book Publishing, and Furniture Restoration. Average income is an impressive 105,004 Euros, and distributed extremely evenly, with little difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

Journalists often nap through tedious police press briefings, everyone hates people who encourage hate, people often feel unbalanced by their daily commute, and the fire protection service is wholly government-funded. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. The Asten Islands's national animal is the Biscian Owl, which soars majestically through the nation's famously clear skies, and its national religion is Atheism.

The Asten Islands is ranked 18,823^rd in the world and 387^th in Europe for Highest Food Quality, scoring 120.81 on the Meeshlin-Starr Index.