What will be a good "starter nation" in this game?

[themunck]

You want a country with lots of production capabilities to give you a wide range of options, but without a starting posistion that is difficult to manage (China) and without the need to fight on multiple different fronts (Britain).

Someone said Italy earlier, and that is a good choice. The Spanish Republic is another good one since the Spanish Civil War makes for a great way to learn the mechanics as both sides are evenly matched and small, meaning you don't have that many units to manage.

Turkey is also an excelent choice, because they have a decent industrial/resource base, but no obvious enemies, and lots of freedom to do what you please (and with one really big exception alot of weak neighbors)

Hmm....Spain appeals to me more than Italy does. Thanks for the tip, would not have drawn that conclusion on my own

 

[Bananabus]

Either sweden of saudi arabia can be a good starting nation if you eventually join the allies.Both of them are close enough to axis territory to quickly aid the war effort once you join.But they are also not under immidiate threat ,so you have a chance to build up what you want.

 

[svennnnnnnnnnnn]

Either sweden of saudi arabia can be a good starting nation if you eventually join the allies.Both of them are close enough to axis territory to quickly aid the war effort once you join.But they are also not under immidiate threat ,so you have a chance to build up what you want.

Well in Swedens case "aiding the war effort" is gonna be very dangerous, especially if a unexperienced player is at the helm. If Sweden joins the allies before a situation akin to that of late 1944 (post bagration and normandy) exists they would be in extreme danger from the Germans, and that is far too long waiting time for the first game, since you will have little chance to correct any mistakes you made.