TINY KINGDOMS
10 Intriguing Micronations and Their Quirky Backstories
Published on February 22, 2024
Credit: Suhash Villuri
Micronations, pint-sized realms existing within established borders or in remote corners of the globe, are intriguing political entities that highlight the nuances of the concept of sovereignty on which modern nations are founded.
And behind each micronation, there are fascinating tales of independence, eccentric leaders, and all sorts of political pursuits. In this article, we will uncover the stories of 10 micronations that - in one way or another - tried to have an effect on the real world.
Principality of Sealand
Credit: Ashley Dace, CC BY-SA 2.0
Location: North Sea, near Suffolk, England
One of the best-known and most successful micronations, the Principality of Sealand is located in a decommissioned WWII sea fort in the North Sea waters, a few miles off the coast of England. It was established by Paddy Roy Bates in 1967, a British citizen who originally intended to use it to broadcast a pirate radio.
Instead, he declared the independence of his tiny platform and proceeded to aggressively fend off anyone who tried to approach it without his permission. The controversial journey of the self-declared Principality is almost beyond belief, as it includes mercenary attacks, hostage crises, and a de facto recognition by the United Kingdom.
Republic of Molossia
Credit: Kenan Sulayman
Location: Near Dayton, Nevada
In the heart of Nevada, President Kevin Baugh presides over Molossia, a micronation complete with its own constitution, currency, and an ongoing war with the former state of East Germany. According to Baugh, a technicality allows the war to keep going despite the dissolution of the GDR - you can even buy war bonds on the official website!
A teenage dream fulfilled, Baugh and his country have been featured in various media, and his eccentric enclave is a popular attraction in the area.
The Conch Republic
Credit: Jametlene Reskp
Location: Key West, Florida
This seaside micronation was born in 1982 as a humorous means of protest over various inconveniences that the Key West inhabitants faced from the federal government, particularly regarding a number of U.S. Border Patrol roadblocks that were hurting their vital tourism industry.
Amazingly, the hilarious stunt worked, as the roadblock was removed afterward. However, the Conch Republic still proudly boasts its own passports and navy, while waging a cold war against the United States - all in good humor and as a way of incentivizing tourism in the area.
Free Republic of Liberland
Credit: Joachim Pressl
Location: Between Croatia and Serbia
Founded on an allegedly unclaimed stretch of the Danube River in 2015, Liberland champions the libertarian ideals of its founder, Vít Jedlička - a member of the Czech Party of Free Citizens. Jedlička dreams of creating a state that rejects traditional bureaucracy and emphasizes personal freedoms.
However, the government of Croatia is not very happy with the attempts of the purported Liberland citizens to visit their claimed territory and has frequently arrested and charged Jedlička and his collaborators for illegal border crossing.
Hutt River Principality
Credit: Chris Fithall from Ballarat, CC BY 2.0
Location: Near Northampton, Western Australia
In 1970, Australian farmer Leonard Casley declared his farm's independence due to a wheat quota dispute with the government. Originally called the Hutt River Province, Casley began styling himself as "Prince Leonard," also granting royal titles to his family members.
This micronation issued its own currency, stamps, and passports, and with an area of 29 sq mi, the claimed territory was indeed larger than many recognized countries. The site was a popular tourist attraction, but in 2020 the Principality was dissolved due to unresolved tax disputes with the Australian government.
Aerican Empire
Credit: Ahmed Zayan
Location: The Internet and Montreal, Canada
Existing primarily in the digital realm, the Aerican Empire boasts territory on Earth, Mars, and various imaginary planets. Its creative and lighthearted approach to micronationalism—its national motto is "The world is ridiculous; let’s keep it that way" and its flag is adorned by a smiley face—has attracted attention from journalists and aspiring citizens from all over the world.
Its emperor and founder, a Canadian man called Eris Lis, has a day job as a psychiatrist, but this, does not stop him from organizing all sorts of activities related to the micronation. The group even developed a joke religion called Silinism that "encourages people to be more silly."
Empire of Atlantium
Credit: Frances Gunn
Location: Sidney, Australia
Described as a "secular humanist utopia," Atlantium was founded in Sydney in 1981 by a group of teenage friends. It has its own constitution and currency, and unlike other micronations actively involves itself in the political issues of its resident country, even awarding "Imperial Honors" to non-members in recognition of their service to local communities.
With a territory divided among the various properties of the micronation’s founders, almost 3,000 "citizens" as of 2015, and many "unaccredited diplomatic representatives" in several countries, Atlantium presents itself as a serious venture in the world of micronations.
Grand Duchy of Westarctica
Credit: Cassie Matias
Location: Antarctica
In 2001, actor and former seaman of the U.S. Navy Travis McHenry declared himself Grand Duke over a portion of West Antarctica, a large stretch of territory that remains unclaimed by any recognized country.
A few years later, McHenry founded another micronation called Calsahara in Southern California, but he eventually linked both projects when Calsahara was "annexed" by Westartica. From 2014 onwards, Westartica exists as a non-profit organization that advocates for Antarctic wildlife protection and conservation, as well as for research into climate change.
Wirtland
Credit: John Schnobrich
Location: The Internet
Founded in 2008, Wirtland operates as a completely virtual nation with thousands of citizens across the globe. Its founders sought to create a state unbound by geography, where its citizens would be able to connect through cyberspace.
In 2019, Wirtland's ruler tried selling the micronation on eBay and was contacted by Travis McHenry from Westarctica, who was interested in annexing the virtual nation as a colony of sorts. However, the sale was never realized, as Wirtland’s citizens revolted immediately against the idea of a third party getting hold of their personal data.
Akhzivland
Credit: דוד שי, CC BY-SA 4.0
Location: Between Israel and Lebanon
After the Israeli government threatened to demolish Eli Avivi’s home in the ancient port city of Achziv, he protested by founding the micronation of Akhzivland inside the ruins of the city, setting up a museum and a hostel. The micronation became a hip tourist spot, attracting various artists and countercultural figures including Sophia Loren and Paul Newman.
After founding Akhzivland, Avivi was initially arrested but released 10 days later as the charge of "Creating a Country Without Permission" was deemed nonexistent. Following a lawsuit against the Israeli government, the court granted Avivi a 99-year lease on the area.
