Crystal Empire questions

[Lucid_Nightlight 929]

Is the Crystal Empire part of Equestria or is it a separate nation?

If it is its own nation, I've only seen one city. Is the Crystal Empire not a an empire at all? To me it looks like a city state.

[Will Guide 21,372]

Here's a full map of the Equestrian Realm that has been officially revealed(minus the city names printed on it): 

I believe the Main continent of Equestria includes the Frozen North, which contains the Crystal Empire.

By the way the lower 1/3rd of the map in the center is where the Movie mostly took place. You can see the place where the Hippogriffs/Seaponies live off the Southeastern tip of the landmass.

What do you think, @Lucid_Nightlight?

Edited February 3, 2018 by WiiGuy2014

[Hazard Time 1,127]

As a crystal pony enthusiast, this is an interesting place to insert headcanon.  According to canon, the Crystal Empire is a part of Equestria.  However, it isn't really explained how an empire that only has control over a single city is somehow considered part of a principality, since the hierarchy is usually Empire >> Kingdom >> Principality >> Duchy >> County >> Barony etc.

My personal headcanon is that the Crystal Empire used to be larger, and while it still has control over most of the Frozen North, it's still a vassal state under Equestria.  The opinions of the crystal ponies in this regard are rather mixed since they would appreciate their independence after having lived under a tyrant for so long, though Equestrian culture isn't too different from theirs and Princess Cadance isn't that bad of a ruler.