United Federation of Planets: A guide to Star Trek's galactic coalition

The United Federation of Planets, a central organization in the ‘Star Trek’ universe, was established in the year 2161 in San Francisco. The coalition was formed by humans, Andorians, Tellarites, and Vulcans following extensive negotiations regarding interplanetary peace and resource sharing. The groundwork for this union was laid during the 2150s, as depicted in ‘Star Trek: Enterprise’.

By the late 24th century, the Federation has grown to include over 150 members spanning 8,000 light-years of the Milky Way. The organization functions as a community for trade, diplomacy, and the exchange of ideas, rather than a conquering force. Membership is voluntary and requires a complex application process to ensure members adhere to peaceful standards and human rights. The Federation typically initiates contact with new worlds once they develop viable faster-than-light technology.