Ok. The only part of the Ashlands which is like that is right between Sarkov and Naffas-noth, where the Red Faith marched through and burned everything again. The other areas are at various rates of recovery, but even nature takes time before you get tall forests and pure waters again.
The Samnite coast, being that it was only held tenaciously other than Bellevetum, recovered the fastest. Even there, most food has moved from agriculture to fishing.
I've made my decision that, given the fanaticalism and people-seperation over the past updates (those decisions long ago), most burned their own farms even before the Red Faith got there. I've made the decision that the land is, for now, degraded and few wish to live in the interior of the Ashlands. The Pillars of Salt-They are more spite and stuff than anything, and they probably aren't everywhere. Just some characterization of the curse left behind.
If you want to rejuvinate the land or argue. Or, in fact, try to prove anything you wish and say something is possible, just linky me so I can learn about it better and make my own judgement.
As for Nationalism, it is actually more Religious, as the most fanatic/confident nations are those who managed to cultivate a strong and stable religious tradition.
@ The Loser
There's plenty of room.
. Starting at Japan is preferred, as interaction with the chinese core would be possible. Indonesia is fine too. You'll start with low culture and economy, with lots of easily assimilated, culturely similar, but aggresively independent barbs near you.