The R'ongovian Protectorate was the interstellar government of the R'ongovian people, with its capital at R'ongovia. In the 23rd century, it controlled a small but strategically significant region of space in the Beta Quadrant between the Romulan Star Empire and the Klingon Empire.
In 2259, the Protectorate was being courted diplomatically by the Federation, Klingons, and Romulans. The Federation regarded establishing an alliance with the R'ongovians to be a matter of high priority, as their space represented the fastest and safest route to the other side of the quadrant. Talks with a R'ongovian delegation were held on Starbase 1, which were successful after Captain Christopher Pike realized that the R'ongovians esteemed radical empathy. (SNW: "Spock Amok")