Why hello kind Sir @Crown *bows & gets back up* How are you doing today? I hope you are doing swell, learning very good as well enjoying our time in Orbis.
1. For a new small nation, I would recommend 1000 infra per city w/ 100% commerce in each so you can get your rss(resources) from the market. If in an aa(alliance) thy may offer discounted rss as benefits.
2. Try to get all your cities powered not just one. I would recommend a Coal Plant at ur size if your stilling working by urself. Hopefully when ur in an aa they will help you w/ city builds, econ, rss, & military. By then you should be able to do a Nuclear Plant per city.
3. Alliances, Alliances, Alliances... There is a lot to choose from. For overall stability choose one of the older aa´s.(Over a yr old) For great econ go to Syndi or CW sphere. For great rss farming, go to Fark sphere. Finally for great military go to Rose sphere. There are a bunch of opportunities out there so dont waste them bro.
4. I would have at least the PnW Server, A bank server , a news rss server, ur aa server, & a few ally aa servers. There are a lot of awesome people out there that are good to get help from, ask for advice, or just having a casual conversation. There are trolls out there to that you have to deal w/ plus over sensitive people as well as pirates. Be careful, try to plan every step to be ready to take commands, learn, & coop to change. Don't be afraid to ask for questions, advice or just to hang out. Also ber ready for the unpredictable as well.
May the firelight of the Nether & thy 11 shine upon you & guide you with all its grace & glory!