In today’s world, the idea of a sovereign state is often taken for granted. The vast majority of the world’s population belongs to a country recognized by the United Nations or other international bodies. However, there are groups of people who choose to create their own independent “micro nations” that exist outside of the traditional state system.
A micro nation is a self-proclaimed, small, and often eccentric entity that claims to be an independent state. These nations can be found all over the world, and while they are not officially recognized by any government or international organization, they often have their own unique cultures, customs, and laws. Some even issue their own currency or passport.
Concept behind self-proclaimed micro nations
The concept behind self-proclaimed micro nations is rooted in the desire for self-determination and the assertion of identity. Individuals and groups who establish these entities often do so as a form of creative expression, or as a way of creating alternative forms of governance that reflect their beliefs and values.
Self-proclaimed micro nations may also be founded in response to real or perceived injustices or a lack of representation within existing state structures. By establishing their own independent entities, they are able to create their own laws, regulations, and systems of governance, and to assert their right to self-determination.
In some cases, self-proclaimed micro nations may also be founded as a form of protest or satire, with the goal of drawing attention to issues such as political corruption, environmental degradation, or social inequality.
Most well-known self-proclaimed micro nations of the world
Here is a list of some of the most well-known self-proclaimed micro nations of the world:
1. Principality of Sealand
Sealand is a self-proclaimed sovereign state that was founded on an abandoned World War II platform in the North Sea off the coast of England. The platform was claimed by a group of individuals in 1967, who established their own government, flag, currency, and national anthem. Sealand has never been recognized by any other country, but it has managed to survive for over 50 years.
2. Republic of Molossia
Molossia is a micro nation that was founded in 1977 by Kevin Baugh and a group of friends, who declared a parcel of land in Nevada to be an independent state. Molossia has its own government, laws, and currency, and even has its own space program. Despite being unrecognized by any other country, Molossia has a strong online presence and attracts visitors from around the world.
3. Principality of Hutt River
The Principality of Hutt River is located in Western Australia and was founded in 1970 by Leonard Casley, who claimed his wheat farm as an independent state. The Principality has its own currency, passports, and postal service, and has even declared war on Australia (although it was more of a symbolic gesture). The Australian government does not recognize Hutt River, but it has allowed it to operate as a tourist attraction.
4. Republic of Minerva
The Republic of Minerva was founded in 1972 on a coral reef off the coast of Fiji. The founders of the Republic planned to turn the reef into a resort, but their actions angered the Fijian government, which sent troops to remove them. The Republic of Minerva no longer exists.
5. Principality of Freedonia
Freedonia was a fictional micro nation that was created by the Marx Brothers in their 1933 film “Duck Soup.” The name “Freedonia” has since been used by several real-life micro nations, including one that was founded in the United States in 1992.
6. Kingdom of Redonda
Redonda is a small uninhabited island in the Caribbean that has been claimed by several different individuals over the years. In 1865, a man named Matthew Dowdy Shiell declared himself “King of Redonda,” and since then the title has been passed down to various literary figures and other individuals. Today, the Kingdom of Redonda is more of a literary curiosity than a real micro nation.
7. The Conch Republic
The Conch Republic is a micro nation that was founded in 1982 in Key West, Florida. The founders of the Conch Republic declared their independence from the United States in response to a border checkpoint that was causing traffic backups. While the Conch Republic has no official recognition, it has a strong cultural identity and is a popular tourist destination.
8. The Empire of Atlantium
The Empire of Atlantium was founded in 1981 by three Australian teenagers as a way to protest the Vietnam War. Since then, it has grown into a full-fledged micronation with its own government, constitution, and citizenship. Atlantium has never been recognized by any other country, but it has a large online following and has been featured in various news outlets.
9. The Kingdom of Elleore
The Kingdom of Elleore is a micro nation that was founded in 1944 on an island off the coast of Denmark. The founders of Elleore declared their independence from Denmark and established their own government, flag, and currency. While Elleore has never been recognized by any other country, it has a strong cultural identity and hosts various events throughout the year.
10. The Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea Islands
The Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea Islands was founded in 2004 in response to the Australian government’s refusal to recognize same-sex marriages. The micronation was established on a group of uninhabited coral islands in the Great Barrier Reef, and its founders declared themselves to be the leaders of a new sovereign state. While the Gay and Lesbian Kingdom has never been recognized by any other country, it has a strong online presence and has been featured in various media outlets.
11. The Dominion of British West Florida
The Dominion of British West Florida is a micro nation that was founded in 2005 in the United States. The founders of the Dominion claimed a small strip of land along the Gulf Coast as an independent state and adopted the flag and coat of arms of the historical British colony of West Florida. While the Dominion of British West Florida has never been recognized by any other country, it has a small but dedicated group of supporters.
12. The Republic of Kugelmugel
The Republic of Kugelmugel is a micro nation that was founded in 1984 by a Viennese artist named Edwin Lipburger. Lipburger built a spherical house in a public park in Vienna and declared it to be an independent state. The Austrian government did not recognize Kugelmugel, and Lipburger was arrested for refusing to pay taxes. Kugelmugel was eventually moved to a private property and has since become a popular tourist attraction.
13. The Kingdom of North Sudan
The Kingdom of North Sudan is a micro nation that was founded in 2011 by Jeremiah Heaton, an American man who claimed a patch of desert in Africa as an independent state for his daughter. Heaton traveled to the region and planted a flag, which he claimed was recognized by local leaders. While the Kingdom of North Sudan has not been recognized by any other country, it has attracted international attention and has been featured in various news outlets.
14. The Republic of Talossa
The Republic of Talossa is a micro nation that was founded in 1979 by a 14-year-old boy named Robert Ben Madison. Madison created a fictional country for a school project, but the idea caught on and he began recruiting other people to join his micronation. Today, Talossa has its own government, language, and culture, and has attracted a small but dedicated following.
15. The Sovereign State of Kailasa
The Sovereign State of Kailasa is a self-proclaimed Hindu nation that was founded in 2020 by an Indian citizen named Nithyananda. The micronation claims to be based on the principles of Sanatana Hindu Dharma and seeks to provide a safe haven for Hindus around the world. The territory claimed by Kailasa includes a small island in Ecuador, as well as properties in the United States, India, and other countries.
Conclusion
Self-proclaimed micro nations offer a fascinating insight into the diverse ways in which individuals and groups assert their independence and express their identities. From political movements seeking to create alternative forms of governance, to creative expressions of individuality and belonging, self-proclaimed micronations offer a window into the power of imagination and the human desire for self-determination.
While many self-proclaimed micro nations are founded as a form of creative expression or a way of asserting identity, some raise serious questions about sovereignty, legitimacy, and international law. The lack of recognition by other states and the inability to enforce their own laws and regulations often limit the practical impact of these entities.
Nonetheless, some self-proclaimed micro nations have managed to achieve a degree of practical independence, and their existence raises important questions about the nature of statehood and the relationship between citizens and governments. Overall, the phenomenon of self-proclaimed micro nations reminds us of the complexity of human aspirations and the diversity of approaches to achieving them.
