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Nation's Name: The Federal Republic of Astoria.

Nation's History: Astoria was founded along the banks of the Sarnian River in 3089 as a group of idealists sought to establish their own state away from the rampant rise of military dictatorships and theocracies. The river provided the lifeline for the fledgling nation as it annexed empty land - first along the Sarnian banks but later expanding north to the foothills of the mountains that form its northern border and west around the Bantaarian borders. The river valley provided the areas for industrial settlements to expand and thrive on a vibrant export market, while agrarian towns developed in the vast fertile lands and forests to the west and north. Immigration to the society was largely tailored for human individuals, with many new polities discriminating against or actively discouraging nonhumans. With no real incentive, nonhumans stayed out of Astorian borders. While the Sarnian River's government was largely centralized, the expansion to less-traveled lands proved troublesome for the early political development. Debates on the governmental system ended up with the adoption of a federal constitution, joining these new loose territories under a single banner. The governmental debate would hardly end there, and discussions around territorial rights and Federal control would continue centuries later. However, there is a marked lack of civil violence save for a few early insurrections squashed by the Federal government.

Astorian control over the region has been mostly stable in the absence of large wars. Border skirmishes with almost all of its neighbors have occurred and a variety of crises have tested national resolve. The sole exception to this was the Valm Wars in 2285. An Astorian expeditionary force was deployed without consent to dismantle radical revolutionary forces on the other side of the border, prompting the Imperium's government to intervene. Tensions between Astoria and the militarized theocracy were already reaching a boiling point - mostly due to the severe political differences between the nations - and the spark ignited a confrontation. Five years of fighting ended up with most of the border regions on both sides destroyed before a peace agreement established a status quo resolution. Reconstruction was marred by a militarized border and increased tensions with the Imperium. Most focus has been on internal and domestic issues with peaceful interactions, allowing a more or less typical growth cycle characterized by economic booms and busts. Depressions in 3145, 3216, and 3278 characterized turbulent periods in economic development, caused by a myriad of factors. At the current moment, Astoria is undergoing positive economics trends and is unlikely to see any future economic fluctuation.

In response to the Valm Imperium, Astoria has developed a stable and positive alliance with countries like the Virian Empire. Open and free trade throughout the bloc is encouraged, largely due to Astoria's position as a conduit between Viria and Alster, and Viria's position as a passage to the sea. Astorian trade, like Arkil's, is largely carried by airships and other such devices. The reliance on airships has created a demand for a well-funded professional Aeronautical Corps, and aeronautical technology is one of the major specialties of Astorian industries. The rest of the military has evolved to be a modern, professional fighting force as well: mostly a response to Valm's continued tensions. A healthy defense industry recently enabled the Astorian military to slash their dependence on imported equipment in recent years, and a shift to an "all Astorian" economy has continued despite the needed imports of raw materials. Hand in hand with this, a hearty relationship with science and technology has developed: Astoria's universities educate scholars and inventors from across the country. Technological superiority is deemed necessary for Astoria as a counterweight to the Valm Imperium's numerical superiority. The export of technology and advisers has become a booming industry as of late, as Astorian parts and expertise have been utilized in projects around the world. This influx of technology has only semi-permeated the agricultural realm, as more remote settlements are slower to receive things like newly developed radio and automobiles. A certain cultural disparity can be seen in the dress, attitude, and language of the "cityfolk" and the "countryfolk", another cause of internal political sectionalism.

Form of Government: Federal Republicanism

Political Status: Stable, if prone to periods of political partisanship and deadlock.

Political Overview:

Current Political Leader: President John L. Staten

Notable Figures:

Total Population: 41,245,000 (estimated recent census)

Employed Population: 93.64% (6.34% unemployment) of all eligible population (over 16)

Military Population: 3.57% of all eligible population (over 16)

- Those who are not on active duty and still are eligible function in a Swiss-like reserve system.

The Species Information:

- Humans: Astorians are generally fair-skinned Caucasians with a diverse range of features, from blonde to black hair and a variety of different builds. There is no typical archetype. "Colored" races are a very small minority in Astoria, having never immigrated to the country in large numbers.

Army Overview:

Navy Overview: Landlocked: no naval service save for Sarnian River patrol boats.

Air Force Overview:

Nation's Location: 29, 28, 65, 64, 62

Nation's Geography: Mostly plains, forests, flatlands, and rivers. Some mountains to the north and northeast fringes.

Economy Overview: Exports a diverse mix of agricultural and industrial goods, but needs to import a large majority of its natural resources.
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