Nation-building Recommendations

Hey everybody, I’m interested in getting a nation-building game/sim. I guess the best description for my interest would be like a SimCity on a national/global scale where I control infrastructure, policy, diplomacy, etc.

I’ve seen Civilization and Age of Empires recommended, but would either of those best fit what I’m looking for, or would something else fit? Age of Empires looks appealing, but I’m nervous that it’s too fighting-based for my interest.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!