The North Atlantic Republic of The Asten Islands is a colossal, cultured nation, ruled by President Michael Bonfils with an even hand, and remarkable for its national health service, unlimited-speed roads, and ubiquitous missile silos. The compassionate population of 7.626 billion Astians enjoy extensive civil freedoms, particularly in social issues, while business tends to be more regulated.

The large, liberal government prioritizes Healthcare, with Education, Welfare, and Administration also on the agenda, while Spirituality is ignored. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Port David. The average income tax rate is 75.8%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Astian economy, worth 753 trillion Euros a year, is highly specialized and led by the Tourism industry, with major contributions from Information Technology, Book Publishing, and Furniture Restoration. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 98,856 Euros, and distributed extremely evenly, with little difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

The country is rumored to be a Brancalandian puppet state, wandering Astians are known for their one-track minds, local mafias have a tough time disposing of dead snitches without catching the attention of recycling authorities, and government officials have to mortgage their homes to make ends meet. 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 48,946^th in the world and 286^th in Europe for Largest Furniture Restoration Industry, scoring 4,678.57 on the Spitz-Pollish Productivity Index.