In Europa Universalis II, "major powers" is a term used to describe countries which are given great advantages in the game, so that they tend to become the largest and most powerful countries in most games. The major powers of a particular era tend to be those countries which are selectable at the scenario start. These nations are mostly the most interesting, most powerful or soon-to-be powerful countries. There are several kinds of advantages that countries can have. The major powers will tend to have all of these.