The Republic of New Asteria is a very large, socially progressive nation, remarkable for its keen interest in outer space, complete lack of prisons, and punitive income tax rates. The compassionate, democratic, devout population of 346 million New Asterians hold their civil and political rights very dear, although the wealthy and those in business tend to be viewed with suspicion.

The large, liberal, outspoken government juggles the competing demands of Education, Administration, and Environment. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Astra Nova. The average income tax rate is 61.6%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The strong New Asterian economy, worth 21.7 trillion Asters a year, is quite specialized and led by the Basket Weaving industry, with major contributions from Tourism, Information Technology, and Trout Farming. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 62,748 Asters, and distributed extremely evenly, with little difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

History lessons resemble a who's-who and how's-how of crime, libraries are replacing history books and classic novels with technical manuals and trades directories to match the nation's changing demands, excessive wheelchair ramps on government buildings have been compared to theme park attractions, and the nation leads the South Pacific in per capita stalking. Crime is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. New Asteria's national animal is the Star Fox, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests.

New Asteria is ranked 270,790^th in the world and 3,011^th in the South Pacific for Highest Disposable Incomes, with 24,095.55 Standard Monetary Units.