Create New Game - takes forever?

[Postlimit]

Does anyone know which parameter is the biggest issue when creating new large maps? I've created a map of 1600x1600 or so. I thought my computer had crashed, but after a good 10 minutes or more, suddenly it showed a working map, and the time started running. Now, I've created a map of only 1600x320, but it takes a lot longer.

I realize there's a LOT of stuff that needs to work before the computer finishes a map, but is there anything I can turn on/off in the settings to speed up this process? Did I put too many cities/roads/industry in it? Is it linear with map-size? Or is it something else? Or did my computer really screw it up, and is this a bug, or did I make a mistake?

I have the feeling really large maps open up whole new types of transport (large ferries for example?), which would otherwise never be used, so I'd love to play those too.

[ӔO]

I find that a lower intercity road length shortens build times. say around 200 or so.

[DirrrtyDirk]

Roads, rivers, numer of cities, numer of industries... these can all all be a cause for such a delay, IIRC.