The Republic of Astereea is a tiny, genial nation, remarkable for its compulsory military service, ban on automobiles, and irreverence towards religion. The compassionate, democratic population of 18 million Astereeans hold their civil and political rights very dear, although the wealthy and those in business tend to be viewed with suspicion.

The medium-sized government juggles the competing demands of Education, Law & Order, and Welfare. The average income tax rate is 25.7%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The Astereean economy, worth 999 billion styxes a year, is fairly diversified and led by the Trout Farming industry, with significant contributions from Beef-Based Agriculture, Book Publishing, and Information Technology. Average income is 55,512 styxes, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 3.0 times as much as the poorest.

Fur coats have become the latest fashion trend, a rolling news ticker tape of disclaimers runs across the bottom of the screen on all TV shows, door-to-door salesmen are frequently beaten up by 'vigilantes', and the most notorious criminals are given the Consequences of Your Actions Award. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Astereea's national animal is the raven, which soars majestically through the nation's famously clear skies.

Astereea is ranked 9,375^th in the world and 1^st in Clio for Largest Trout Fishing Sector, scoring 8,628.49 on the Nemo Depletion Efficiency Index.