Well, I haven't seen one of these threads, so here you go. Name your favorite provinces and why.

For me, it's kind of a tie. After decimating the entire Mongol army with two stacks in a tiny region, I'd have to say my first favorite region is Antioch. Besides being the home diocese of my favorite saint, it is one of the most profitable regions and one of the most defendable. To the west is the sea, and a river traveling across the north and then down south gives three natural barriers with only three ways of attack: across a bridge, across a river ford, or invasion by sea (which can be protected against by simply keeping a decent navy stationed in port). The only open area is to the south, but the area is small and a single fort can slow down enemy progress so defenses can be prepared.

The money is amazing as well. There are two sugar resources and two cotton resources that generate a lot of income, and other good resources are jsut a stone's throw away in neighboring areas. All in all, a great place to have a city that is near impenatrable and a huge money maker.

Besides Antioch, I'm growing rather fond of Bran. It is completely encircled by mountains with only a few narrow valleys to reach the middle. A few well placed forts and a missile stack could allow a player to hold out in there for years. If an enemy every did break through to the middle, just leave the missile stack right up against a mountain to taunt them. If they go for Bran, then your missile stack can harass them. If they go for the missile stack, then they are going to have to climb a cliff while you pelt them to death. It's a great little area.

Anyway, throw your favorites out there!

P.S. - I would have mentioned Kiev, but that is more sentimental than for any other good reasons