Some countries on the world map may be grey colored. This means that the player playing that country for whatever reason decided to stop playing. This also means that they usually had a fairly significant impact on the world stage. These are countries that can also be claimed by new players who would rather take on a legacy rather than create their own whole new country.
In addition to grey countries some normally colored countries, instead of having a normal sized number next to them, have a small number and a letter next to them, those are client states (not to be confused with normal colonies, that only have a small number and no letter). Usually puppet governments of another players country. These can also be claimed by a new player, who can gain complete control over it. Though be warned, they are typically much weaker then their master country and may need to fight for their independence!
And here is a list of all greyed out and client state countries, if you noticed something seems to be missing from this list, please bother the mods!
(Hungary)[1] - A fascist Hungarian state that used to be a major player in the Balkans and greater Mediterranean. A military power invested in the balance of power, while trying also to become the Balkan hegemony, but never quite achieving it. Despite its failed attempts new greatness might always succeed with greater planning and a bit of luck. (Hungary's National Abstract)[2]
(Aslandia)[3] - An empire forged in unity of several smaller Italian states, it was once the greatest power in the world. Aslandia dominated Mediterranean politics, everyone in its basin either an enemy, or an ally, just before its collapse many from both categories were working together in secret to plot Aslandia's demise. Since its collapse back into several small states, vultures from around the Mediterranean were quick to pick it apart (see, the latest maps), but some pieces of it still survive, from whence a great power might yet re-emerge. (Aslandia's National Abstract) [4]
(Persia)[5] - A Zoroastrian theocracy, that nearly united all of old Iran under its banner. Once one of the greats in the middle east, relatively peaceful in its time, before its greying it had ambitions to restore the Olympics. Shortly before its graying it also lost a war to a powerful neighbor that forced a change in Persia's established Zoroastrianism [6]. Despite this that old power is gone as well, conquered themselves, and anything could happen in this new, turbulent time. (Persia's National Abstract)[7]