Aug 10, 2008 2
Earth, 2654
Earth is the seat of the Solar government, despite it’s inconvenient position at the center of the system, very far from the Jovian and Saturnian system, where most of the Solar population lives, but the position comes in handy when Jupiter and Saturn are on opposite sides of the Sun.
Earth population is around 20 billion, living mostly in cities, and most people are considered as “middle class”. All regions have roughly the same level of development, with some people very poor, and some very rich. Culture is still somewhat regionalized, but the Media corporations present the same content in all parts of the world.
The information age, started in the 20th century, still continues after many centuries. Sounds and images from all around the planet are broadcast, 24/7, to a population that thrives on information, on always learning more, knowing more, even if it’s pointless and trivial information.
A number of cities exist in orbital stations, but these are not very popular as permanent residences but as exotic vacation spots. The moon on the other hand is a thriving colony, with a population of close to one billion, mostly in the polar metropolises of Aldrin and Collins, on the North and South poles, respectively.
Relations with the other Solar colonies are very limited, Except through the United Worlds and through limited commerce. The inconvenience of space travel and of communication delays make any attempt at more extensive contact futile.
Mars is also a thriving colony, with a population close to 4 billion. It is the most ancient Human colony outside of the Terran system, and the Martians take great pride in their history.
The bulk of the Solar population resides on the moons of the outer planets, where more than 100 billion people reside. Gas mining is the main economic activity, providing, once refined, radioactive hydrogen to power the nuclear fusion reactor of the whole Solar system. Energy is cheaper than the old fossil fuels, but still not unlimited, considering the population of around 130 billion people of the Solar System.
