Akwat Kbrana said:

True, but remember that hyperspace-travel is apparently fast enough to permit travel clear across the galaxy. Remember these lines?

Han: "Kid, I've been from one end of this galaxy to the other."

Imperial Officer (in ESB): "If they went to lightspeed, they could be on the other side of the galaxy by now."

Could be a figure of speech.

I wish Star Wars (EU) mythology didn't try to tell us the full extent of the galaxy, give us detailed anthropology on various cultures, and stereotype entire species based on one character shown in the movies - that's been a pet peeve for me.

I would much prefer mystery, slowly revealing bits and pieces of the universe, making it feel as big as it should be, as the story unfolds. Still bothers me that the trip from Tatooine to Alderaan was like 2 minutes. I can't believe it was meant to be that way.

I think it would make sense for belief in the Force to be pretty widespread, the way belief in a deity is widespread on our planet - even if plenty of people don't believe in it or don't act like they do. But I think Jedis would be very rare indeed. I think the connection with the Force made them guardians of peace and justice, rather than having great numbers. It's not like anyone was truly stunned at the notion of the Force. It was the idea that it was real and that there were people who could tap into it that people scoffed at.