If your story is post-apocalyptic, what happened to the nuclear power plants? Are there still employees dutifully monitoring, or what is the extent of the fallout?

Is there paper, plastic, or crypto currency? What kind of coins exist and what are they made out of? How is money manufactured and controlled? Is there trade in place of money, or are they interchangeable?

What are the urban legends that exist in this world? What are old wives’ tales from the past that are still used to the day? What kinds of superstitions are present in this world?

Are there highways and paved roads? Are there ruined/abandoned cities and wastelands, and what happened to make them that way? Are there certain roads and trails that your characters follow or do they trail blaze?

Does magic have a substance? What does it look like? What does it feel like?

What is the common tongue of the current setting and what other languages exist?

What are some of the major events that shaped the world and when did they happen in relation to the current story? What did they do for the world?

What is considered modern literature/music/art and what is considered old, ancient, or classical?

What imports and exports are the most valued, how are they transported, and are they targeted/protected by individual groups? What is the most valuable commodity?

Is this world focused on efficiency and power or is it focused on protecting nature and the environment?

What kinds of toys do children have? What are the latest gadgets and tech the teens all have? What are things from the past the older generation still hold on to? Flip phones vs smart phones

What types of gems and minerals are available in different regions? Are they heavily mined, extremely rare, or abundant? Do they stand out visually and create interesting landmarks?

What is the biggest opposition to the government in power?