The Republic of New Asteria is a very large, cultured nation, notable for its museums and concert halls, ritual sacrifices, and compulsory military service. The compassionate, democratic, devout population of 294 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 59.1%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The New Asterian economy, worth 17.6 trillion Asters a year, is quite specialized and led by the Basket Weaving industry, with major contributions from Tourism, Trout Farming, and Information Technology. State-owned companies are common. Average income is 59,736 Asters, and distributed extremely evenly, with little difference between the richest and poorest citizens.

Crossword puzzles have been co-opted as a symbol of racial discrimination, advert breaks are played at lower volumes to make them easier to ignore, superfoods are often seen as supervillains, and older ladies are inundated with offers to help them cross the road. Crime, especially youth-related, 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 32,621^st in the world and 658^th in the South Pacific for Largest Welfare Programs, scoring 2,565.14 on the Safety Net Mesh Density Rating.