The Republic of Astarstan is a huge, genial nation, ruled by Levi bukule with an even hand, and renowned for its barren, inhospitable landscape, daily referendums, and compulsory military service. The compassionate, hard-working population of 812 million Astarstanis have some civil rights, but not too many, enjoy the freedom to spend their money however they like, to a point, and take part in free and open elections, although not too often.

The relatively small government juggles the competing demands of Education, Industry, and Healthcare. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Kantash. The average income tax rate is 20.7%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The powerhouse Astarstanian economy, worth 56.5 trillion Manats a year, is led by the Information Technology industry, with significant contributions from Woodchip Exports, Uranium Mining, and Basket Weaving. Average income is 69,544 Manats, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.7 times as much as the poorest.

Astronauts take one small step for Astarstan and one giant step backward from confrontation, the government spends more on chasing distant comets than on basic infrastructure, euthanasia is legal, and Levi bukule has just been declared ruler of Astarstan in an international press conference. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown. Astarstan's national animal is the Red polar bear, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation.

Astarstan is ranked 96,703^rd in the world and 116^th in Kantrias for Safest, scoring 83.26 on the Bubble-Rapp Safety Rating.