This should be interesting...

[BjoernLars]

I decided to start a new game here.
Map settings: Large, Iroquois, Continent, Normal Speed

I got a nice spot next to the sea with lots of Forests. The Continent I am on is a good size with lots of different terrain and resources.

Neighbors: Japan, Germany, the Aztecs, Russia and Greece.

Huhuhuhu... It looks like I will have to practice my military skills for this one.

On a plus note, I already fended off Japan's warrior rush and started to march towards his city. He sued for peace and gave me 100g and 2g/turn.

Luckily, no one else is that close by so I have some time to grow and advance.

 

[Becomedeath]

With those neighbours, I'd be tempted to focus on getting happiness & science up as high as possible. Then fight reactionary wars rather than picking fights and you can then pick them off without having to deal with your infrastructure.

War, in that game, is inveitable. But if you've got the space right now, you can make the future less painful for when you start taking cities by the bucket load.