The Federal Republic of -Astoria is a massive, cultured nation, ruled by Prime Minister Robert Paisley with a fair hand, and notable for its daily referendums, multi-spousal wedding ceremonies, and devotion to social welfare. The compassionate, hard-working, democratic population of 2.242 billion Astorians hold their civil and political rights very dear, although the wealthy and those in business tend to be viewed with suspicion.

The medium-sized, outspoken government juggles the competing demands of Education, Industry, and Administration. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Footscray. The average income tax rate is 54.9%, and even higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Astorian economy, worth 198 trillion dollars a year, is fairly diversified and dominated by the Information Technology industry, with significant contributions from Trout Farming, Basket Weaving, and Beef-Based Agriculture. Average income is 88,484 dollars, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.2 times as much as the poorest.

Census workers struggle to account for the rapidly increasing number of citizens to tabulate, third party candidates are now gaining some representation in Parliament, the government is spending millions on renovating the public transportation system, and Super Barry Brothers is the most popular video game in the nation. Crime is totally unknown. -Astoria's national animal is the quokka, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests.

-Astoria is ranked 75,777^th in the world and 58^th in International Democratic Union for Highest Disposable Incomes, with 39,906.48 Standard Monetary Units.