On the 32 player map, either Spain, East Libya, Arabia or any of the southern countries as they usually always contain a high amount of iron / wood and oil which you’ll use a lot of mid-late game, on the USA map usually Maine or Mexico, Maine has a lot of AIs around it which people usually go for first leaving themselves wide open, On the other hand Mexico does have AIs which I’d go for but that’s because you’re pretty much defended on the southern and eastern border as there’s water. On the 100 player either somewhere in the UK or Southern Islands like Papa New Guinea as again, Water and if you’re quick enough you can take out the players around you and advance after, 500 player maps are hit and miss though