The year is 4711 AR, nearly five thousand years after the ascension of the Aroden, the Last Azlanti, to godhood. The setting is that of the Inner Sea, a body of water between Avistan, Casmaron, and Garund. See the Inner Sea World Guide for more information, or ask me about any specifics that you need to know.

We are a small group of smugglers who recently formed when our Captain Theodric Mastaf, once a Taldan noble, was cast out and used the last of his fortune to buy a keelboat, the Grey Lady. We will be starting out in media res as a smuggling deal involving the sale of an exotic, and illegal, flower used in the creation of a highly addictive substance known as Pesh.

As for creating a character in this setting, refer to the Inner Sea World Guide, and, if you don't have it, use the following guidelines:

Humans (extremely varied):
Cheliaxian - Imagine the British Empire in decline. They are a proud people, but their country is falling apart.
Keleshite - Keleshites come from the East and have expanded into the easternmost reaches of the Inner Sea region. Similar to Arabic peoples.
Mwangi - Much darker skinned than most of the Inner Sea, the Mwangi come from the south. They are much like central and southern Africans from several hundred years ago.
Shoanti - Organized in tribes, the Shoanti are a proud, but backwards people.
Taldans -The product of the mix between the Avistani and the Keleshites, the Taldans are known for being accomplished scholars and artisans.
Ulfen - Once pillagers, the Ulfen are considered to be strong, brutish, and stupid. They have a high rate of Lycanthropy.
Varisians - The Varisians are wanderers and nomads, typically found north of the Inner Sea in Varisia.
Vudrani - The Vudrani come from Vudra, far beyond the borders of the Inner Sea. They seek enlightenment, but rarely reach beyond their station.

There are more human races, let me know if you want more options or have an idea - I can tell you if it will fit.

Dwarves: Dwarves are miners and crafters, and are fierce combatants. They usually come from the northern, mountainous regions.
Elves: Elves were contemporaries with the ancient Azlant, an extinct race of humans. They disappeared from Golarion for several thousand years, but eventually returned.
Gnomes: Gnomes are a 'wounded' race from a parallel world known as the First World. Gnomes are usually thrill seekers, as they are bored of the firm grasp reality has on our realm, as opposed to the First World.
Halflings: With their small stature, Halflings often go unnoticed in the Inner Sea. They have a keen eye for opportunity.
Half-Elves: Half-Elves, being a kind of "in-between", don't really fit in anywhere. They are very adaptable, and work hard to survive.
Half-Orcs: While many Orc tribes value them for their cunning, the Half-Orcs are often met with hatred and derision.

Other Races: I was asked about other races in a PM. Some other races are acceptable, if they are an exceptional member of their race. Feel free to make requests via PM, as I can't respond there I will post my responses here.
Goblin: Goblins are "inane and destructive". A goblin PC would have to have an explanation as to why these traits were bred out of it.