This is the process of how you make your civilization.

1. Choose your type:

Socialist/Communist nation

Monarchy

Dictator

Republic

Democracy (direct, ala Swiss)

Note: Not all types available at all times.

2. Choose your primary characteristics (2):

Diplopolitical: Your nation excels at political dealings with other countries. Your skills at bluffing and similar diplomatic manuevers is high. Your country is very involved in world affairs, and the average citizen is more knowledgeable about the world. Your country is, to some extent, a neutral ground (ala Switzerland) in which parties can mediate conflicts.

Military: Your country prides itself on it's military.

Religion: A powerful religion binds your country. While this adds fervor to whatever you do, it can also be an inhibiting factor later.

Economic: Your country trades with all nations. Your engineers and inventors churn out amazing ideas, and your salesmen bring in money by the truckload.

3. Choose secondary characteristics:

Strong Nationalistic Fervor

Advantages

Morale boost in battle

Lower cost for soldiers due to more willing recruits

Disadvantages

Can be a diplomatic hindrance

Charitable Society

Advantages

Low poverty rate

Higher piousness if a religious government

Disadvantages

Less maximum tax money

Expectation for government programs to help the poor

Stable Society

Advantages

Less internal rebellion and feuding

Less radical change

Disadvantages

Potential strong right-wing (not quite Fascist)

Necessary reforms and new ideas take longer to start

Creative Society

Advantages

Greater technocultural development

Disadvantages

Can lead to a more pacificistic nation

Potential sliding to a left-wing nation

Wilderness/Farming Orientation

Advantages

Greater agricultural development

Faster scouting

Greater guerilla warfare capacity

Disadvantages

Potential resistance to organized farming and industry

Creation of a reactionary farming underclass

Fortress Mentality

Advantages:

Superior economic growth

Minor versions of benefits of Strong Nationalistic Fervor

Low spy rate

Disadvantages

Great diplomatic problems

Sends travellers to other nations

Stagnation

4. Choose your timeline:

Primitive (before the Wheel)

Archaic (Greeks, Romans)

Medieval

Scientific Revolution

Modern

Future