Letsie is right that you don't really need a fed until you want to fight or at risk of being attacked (multiple countries with being war level 3+). However, if you want to join mine, a few helpful vets who have actually fought and won pvp wars are available to answer your questions about the game. I would recommend you first learn a repeatedable way to make significant amounts of game cash which I believe develops with increased knowledge of the game and forming your own style. You will need the cash to fund a military capable of defending yourself and I could advise you on the units you will need and show you how to work your defenses in with the fed.
I agree with Letsie completely on common markets. I have made the same point in chat.