The information panel can help you choose a minor nation to pursue. You could randomly select a country to try to trade with, but it is more efficient to consider what commodities it is trading.
First, make sure that you are on the information panel by clicking on the colored "i" oval. The letter i should be surrounded with white.
Next, click on the lowest of the four vertical icons. This looks like a small coin.
Finally, cycle through the six old world minor nations on the map (by clicking on each in turn). These nations are all colored different shades of gray. As you select each one, a list of the products it exports will appear above the map. Remember the name of the nation that seems best to you. You should consider selecting a nation with commodities currently in short supply.
