The creation of Pakistan (East and West, originally, for all you children out there) was one attempt at self-division mediated by the colonial power.

It didn't work too well either, but they've only been working out the bloody details since the middle of the last century, which isn't that long. I find hope in their reluctance to nuke each other.

The fact that the United States has expanded to envelope a good part of a continent, though it contains about nine distinct super-regions and myriad cultural groups scattered throughout, and has had only two real civil wars (the Indian Wars and the War Between The States), is something of a miracle. It really isn't the norm at all. Those of us who grew up here tend to think it is.

I watch with trepidation as Europe slouches toward nationhood... ;)

Regards--
Mary Anne