Atsqia
Howdy, I have a thread called storytelling tips that you should take a look at. That should get you started. It is best to create your country first.
Core National Information
Identity
· Official country name
· Short/common name
· Flag
· Coat of arms or seal
· Motto
· National anthem
· Demonym (what citizens are called)
Geography
· Continent/region
· Capital city
· Major cities
· Land area
· Climate
· Terrain
· Natural resources
· Borders and neighboring nations
· Important rivers, mountains, seas, etc.
Population
· Total population
· Ethnic groups
· Languages
· Religions
· Population density
· Urban/rural split
· Literacy rate
Government
· Government type
· Constitution/basic laws
· Head of state
· Head of government
· Legislature/parliament
· Political parties
· Administrative divisions (states, provinces, regions)
Economy
· Economic system
· GDP/GDP per capita
· Currency
· Main industries
· Imports/exports
· Major companies
· Infrastructure
· Poverty/unemployment rates
Military & Security
· Branches of military
· Personnel numbers
· Equipment
· Defense doctrine
· Intelligence agencies
· Police/internal security
Culture
· Traditions
· Food
· Holidays
· Media
· Sports
· Education system
· Cultural values
Diplomacy
· Allies
· Rivals/enemies
· International organizations
· Foreign policy goals
· Embassies or overseas influence
History
· Founding
· Important wars
· Revolutions/civil wars
· Golden ages
· Major disasters
· Recent events
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Useful RP/Story Details
These make a nation memorable in RP:
Society
· Crime levels
· Corruption
· Social tensions
· Class structure
· Technology level
· Internet/media freedom
Energy & Industry
· Oil/gas/nuclear
· Manufacturing
· Agriculture
· Transportation network
Intelligence & Secrets
· Secret projects
· Black ops units
· Underground movements
· Hidden crises
· Conspiracies
National Flavor
Things that make the country unique:
· Distinct architecture
· Fashion styles
· Naming conventions
· Military traditions
· Regional stereotypes
· Famous landmarks
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A Good “Quick Fact Sheet”
A compact version many players use:
| Category | Example |
| Official Name | |
| Capital | |
| Population | |
| Government | |
| Currency | |
| GDP | |
| Languages | |
| Religion | |
| Military | active personnel |
| Main Exports | |
| Allies | |
| Motto | |
—
Things That Improve RP Quality
Good nations usually:
· Have internal problems, not just strengths
· Maintain realistic military/economic scale
· Include political factions and disagreements
· Have regional diversity
· Allow room for stories and conflict
Nations become more interesting when they are imperfect.
—
Optional Advanced Details
For very deep worldbuilding:
· Election systems
· Census data
· Railway maps
· Naval bases
· Intelligence services
· Space program
· Nuclear doctrine
· Healthcare system
· Education rankings
· Internet infrastructure
· Environmental issues
· Disaster response agencies
—
Common Mistakes
- Overpowered “super nations”
- No internal conflict
- Unrealistic population/economy ratios
- Copy-paste real countries with different names
- Huge military without industrial base
Too many elite units/special forces
Make it as detailed as you desire. Check out Guangzhou, Jacaria or Javnia for different examples.