Economy
Britain should be the richest and most economically developed nation in Austerlitz. It maintains the highest tax rate in the game; thus, steady development of the population is important. No empire is in a better position to trade in Europe. Britain is unique in that it has shipyards scattered throughout the Mediterranean. London is well placed to service a merchant fleet operating in Amsterdam, Lisbon, and the Trade Cities of the Baltic. The British Isles offer excellent natural resources: two ore mines and numerous improved foodstuff, horse- and sheep-breeding terrain. Despite this, Britain does have geographical short-comings. Space is limited and care must be taken that land be used efficiently. Arable land in particular is in short supply and should be used only for estates. With the enormous navy comes an enormous wine requirement. There are no vineyard resources in the British Isles, but these can be found in the Mediterranean and colonies. British colonial holdings are too large to be discussed in detail here. In short, Britain should dominate India and maintain pressure and a trading presence in the Caribbean.
The Army
Britain starts with small, high quality European army. British troops tend to be more expensive than other nations, but are also of very high quality. Battalions of elite Household cavalry and Footguard infantry can be added to existing brigades, and spectacular Riflemen (LR = 4) can be setup in brigades. British lancers, Chasseur Britanique are of decent quality and very cheap in terms of money but not economic points. Britain will have a long time to build a high quality army. The colonial forces count nine brigades and the presence of Major-General Cotton in India.
The Navy
The Royal Navy consists of 50 warships, totaling 3094 cannon, with the highest naval morale in the game. Its might is unsurpassed.
Strategy
Use the Royal Navy to project British Imperial power. Not only will protect the coast and trade, but also can cut the trade routes of uncooperative nations. It should be steadily expanded. Although there is no early threat to Britain, it can not be complacent and fall victim to a swift invasion. Only the dominance of a single country can rival Britain's influence. Thus, British diplomacy should maintain friendly relationships with those nations which are not its direct competitors, and try to establish a balance of power to curtail the strength of any one nation. British aid, in cash and goods, given to a weaker nation under attack by France, for example, can prolong the war, and reduce France's rate of growth. Like Spain, the longer Britain has to develop the colonies the better. Here Britain is dominant, and can enforce its will against any individual nation. But if it is not careful Britain will find itself the target of a naval and colonial alliance.
Conclusion
Britain is unique. It is large, powerful, and has a far-flung empire. It lacks any serious early threat to its homeland, and is therefore free to concentrate on further Imperial expansion. Played competently Britain is a winning position, but requires a patient player willing to spend time planning and slowly developing the position over the course of a year or two. Britain, like the other large colonial powers, utilizes all of the economic and diplomatic complexities of Austerlitz. Players itching for the immediate excitement of a fight (and a Simulated Battle) may find one of the smaller empires more enjoyable.