1. There is no map yet, the game is actually quite messed up regarding connection. For instance some greek region are not connected to any region, which make's it impossible to attack them.
2. you need an organisation, 5 gold there.
After you can build a company at the cost of 20g and if it's a raw material company, you need an additional 5 gold for a concession of RM, which is basicly a right to produce raw material. 1 concession= 1k Raw material.
you'll need a bit of money to start it all