The Atlantic Republic of The Asten Islands is a colossal, genial nation, ruled by President Adrienne Laurent with an even hand, and notable for its museums and concert halls, anti-smoking policies, and keen interest in outer space. The compassionate population of 6.414 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 receives no funds. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Port David. The average income tax rate is 75.6%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Astian economy, worth 661 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 103,095 Euros, and distributed extremely evenly, with little difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

Everyone hates people who encourage hate, people often feel unbalanced by their daily commute, the fire protection service is wholly government-funded, and a bill to outlaw math homework has been submitted. 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 29,398^th in the world and 415^th in Europe for Most Scientifically Advanced, scoring 222.89 on the Kurzweil Singularity Index.