The Republic of -Astoria- is a colossal, cultured nation, notable for its otherworldly petting zoo, sprawling nuclear power plants, and irreverence towards religion. The compassionate, democratic population of 7.081 billion Astorians hold their civil and political rights very dear, although the wealthy and those in business tend to be viewed with suspicion.

The medium-sized, liberal, outspoken government juggles the competing demands of Industry, Education, and Administration. The average income tax rate is 41.3%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Astorian economy, worth 703 trillion pynts a year, is led by the Tourism industry, with major contributions from Information Technology, Trout Farming, and Book Publishing. State-owned companies are reasonably common. Average income is 99,399 pynts, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.1 times as much as the poorest.

Emojis are the soul of wit, prison visits increase substantially during election years, sections of the police receive paramilitary training, and a sudden shout of "surprise!" does not herald a party for teachers. Crime is totally unknown. -Astoria-'s national animal is the bubo bubo, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests.

-Astoria- is ranked 240,438^th in the world and 15^th in Council of Constructed Languages for Fattest Citizens, with 8.76 Obesity Rate.