Maya Kovel V is a terrestrial planet with a single ocean winding in a ribbon around its northern hemisphere. Tidal currents draw the band of water in a single circular direction around the planet's crust and, prior to the introduction of repulsorlift technology to Maya Kovel V, the vast majority of planetary trade centered around the slow-moving waters of the great northern ocean.

The ocean's constant movement in a single direction has dug deep undersea trenches running the entire circumference of the planet. A number of tourist colonies have been founded in this marine labyrinth, including a luxurious underwater city that many travel to see. The city, sheltered in transparisteel bubbles, offers an exciting view of glowing fish in vibrant colors and other exotic life exclusive to the planet. Partly motivated by a desire to protect its tourism industry, the Maya Kovel V planetary board has banned the export of the unique creatures inhabiting its ocean. Customs officers patrol its waters and monitor its exports in order to enforce this prohibition.

Maya Kovel V remained isolated in a pre-industrial state for many centuries prior to its discovery by Old Republic colonists and diplomats. At the time, its humanoid inhabitants did not welcome the new visitors from the stars and violently made their unhappiness known. However, after early conflicts made way for peace talks, the planet came to be officially recognized by the Republic Planetary Registry as Maya Kovel V. Though the time of uprisings has long passed, local inhabitants will still, with affection, call the planet by its original name of Ter.