The Federal Republic of Osternia is a massive, efficient nation, ruled by Devon Mercer with an even hand, and renowned for its museums and concert halls, keen interest in outer space, and irreverence towards religion. The hard-nosed, hard-working, democratic population of 1.148 billion Osternians 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 medium-sized government juggles the competing demands of Defense, Industry, and Healthcare. It meets to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Eastport. The average income tax rate is 41.8%, but much higher for the wealthy.

The frighteningly efficient Osternian economy, worth 117 trillion Osternian Dollars a year, is fairly diversified and led by the Tourism industry, with major contributions from Retail, Information Technology, and Arms Manufacturing. Average income is an impressive 102,725 Osternian Dollars, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 2.1 times as much as the poorest.

Rude retail employees are now even ruder homeless panhandlers, the military conducts 'training exercises' in prisons, a ban on unsolicited cold calling in all forms is in effect, and Devon Mercer has just been declared ruler of Osternia in an international press conference. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown, thanks to a capable police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Osternia's national animal is the Eagle, which soars majestically through the nation's famously clear skies.

Osternia is ranked 186,475^th in the world and 6,977^th in The North Pacific for Largest Mining Sector, scoring -4.24 on the Blue Sky Asbestos Index.