Micronations aren’t your typical countries; they’re small, self-declared entities striving for sovereignty, even if the world doesn’t quite recognize them. Throughout history, these unique states have emerged for various reasons, including protesting larger governments, expressing art, experimenting with societal structures, or even seeking lawless havens.
These breakaway states are undeniably strange, memorable, and undeniably cool. This list explores ten bizarre and hilarious micronations and the motivations of their founders. While they haven’t achieved widespread recognition, who knows? Maybe someday, you’ll see one of these tiny nations represented in the Olympics!
Redonda
Redonda, a small island in the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda, is barely habitable due to its lack of freshwater and steep, rocky cliffs. Landing is also a challenge, only possible on calm days. Despite these obstacles, people have long claimed Redonda as a sovereign nation, historically known as the Kingdom of Redonda.
From 1865 to 1912, the island thrived as a guano mining hub, sparking dreams of sovereignty. Fantasy writer M.P. Shiel claimed his father established the kingdom in the 19th century, though historians debate its legitimacy, considering Shiel’s penchant for storytelling. Today, the Kingdom of Redonda boasts its own flag, coat of arms, motto (Floreat Redonda!), and anthem and even a king, José Juan, appointed in 2019.
Numerous “aristocratic” members hold titles granted by the king, though none reside on the island. Visiting Redonda means being under Antigua and Barbuda’s jurisdiction, but that hasn’t stopped people from claiming it as a sovereign space. [1]
Atlantium
Founded in 1981 by three teenagers outside Sydney, Australia, the Empire of Atlantium began with a 10-square-meter plot of land. George Francis Cruickshank, Geoffrey John Duggan, and Claire Marie Coulter declared their “provisional territory,” and Atlantium was born. The nation was in the Sydney suburb of Narwee, and Cruickshank became “Emperor George II.”
After the founders moved on with their lives, Cruickshank revived Atlantium in 1999, launching a website and attracting new members. In 2008, he declared a third capital, Concordia, in a rural suburb. Today, Aurora serves as Atlantium’s “global administrative capital, ceremonial focal point, and spiritual homeland.”
Atlantium advocates for unrestricted international freedom of movement, abortion rights, assisted suicide, and decimal calendar reform. Over 3,000 online “citizens” from over 100 countries support Emperor George II, even without ever visiting. Because Atlantium is harmless and Cruickshank pays his taxes, the Australian government largely ignores his “nation.” [2]
Snake Hill
In 2003, an Australian family, embroiled in a tax dispute following a mortgage litigation with a bank, seceded and formed the Principality of Snake Hill. Princess Paula claimed the region near Mudgee in New South Wales had hundreds of citizens and cited the United States’ secession from England as a precedent.
The Australian government, however, opposed this separatist movement. Despite Princess Paula running the “country” for seven years and later ceding control to Princess Helena, the Aussies remained unmoved. In February 2011, a court dismissed the Snake Hill residents’ case, referring it to the High Court of Australia or the International Court of Justice.
Though not recognized, Snake Hill garnered sympathy for its fight against banking and tax systems. [3]
Kugelmugel
The People’s Republic of Kugelmugel, or simply Kugelmugel, is a micronation in Vienna, Austria, founded in 1975 by artist Edwin Lipburger. He built a spherical house in Katzelsdorf without permits, declaring his residence a sovereign state.
Local authorities opposed the construction, leading to legal battles. In 1982, the spherical house was moved to Prater Park in Vienna and became a tourist attraction maintained by the city. Though never recognized as a nation, over 650 people have registered as “citizens.”
Lipburger moved out in 1982 and died in 2015, but Kugelmugel remains a popular attraction for visitors. [4]
Islandia
In December 2019, a group of investors from the United States and the United Kingdom crowdfunded the purchase of Coffee Caye, a tiny island off the coast of Belize. For $180,000, they created the Principality of Islandia, an independent republic led by Gareth Johnson and Marshall Mayer.
Islandia became the first crowdfunded micronation. However, Belizean officials, including Prime Minister John Briceño, dismissed the idea. Briceño called the investors “stupid” despite their diplomatic titles, flag, passports, and national anthem.
No legitimate nation recognizes Islandia, and Belize doesn’t support its activities. [5]
Naminara
Namiseom, a river island in South Korea created in 1944, became a tourist destination. In 1965, Min Byungdo purchased the island and developed it into a resort. In 2001, CEO Kang Woo Hyon shifted the focus from a lifestyle resort to environmental tourism and cultural offerings, creating the Naminara Republic.
Under Kang’s leadership, the micronation emphasizes recycling, environmental monitoring, and eco-tourism. The island hosts a children’s book festival and art events, partnering with UNESCO and UNICEF. On March 1, 2006, Kang declared the island the independent Naminara Republic, complete with stamps, coins, a flag, and passports, all visitors must purchase upon arrival.
South Korea allows Naminara to operate due to its success in attracting tourists, with approximately 1.5 million visitors annually as of 2011. With its positive energy, Naminara poses no threat and brings significant tourism revenue. [6]
Ladonia
In 1996, artist Lars Vilks proclaimed Ladonia in a remote area of Sweden after a dispute with the Swedish government over art installations. Vilks constructed “Nimis” and “Arx” in the Kullaberg nature reserve starting in 1980.
The Swedish government deemed these structures illegal, leading to a legal battle. In protest, Vilks declared the area a sovereign country named Ladonia. Despite legal decisions against Vilks, Ladonia has become a tourist attraction while claiming sovereignty.
As of 2020, almost 23,000 people from over 50 countries claim to be Ladonian citizens. Tens of thousands visit Ladonia to see its controversial sculptures annually. [7]
Sealand
The Principality of Sealand is an unrecognized micronation on an offshore platform in the North Sea, originally built by the British during World War II. In 1967, Paddy Roy Bates and his family seized the tower from pirate radio operators and claimed it.
They fought off incursions from other pirate radio stations and attempts from the Royal Navy to reclaim the tower. However, in 1987, the United Kingdom extended its territorial waters to include the platform.
Life is harsh with no arable land or natural drinking water, and only a few people reside there. Fantasy passports were previously sold, but Bates revoked them after counterfeit versions were used in drug trafficking. Bates died in 2012, and his son Michael continues to oversee the principality. [8]
Molossia
The Republic of Molossia claims sovereignty over 11 acres of land near Dayton, Nevada. Founded by Kevin Baugh in 1998, Molossia has never been recognized by the United States or the United Nations. Once known as the Grand Republic of Vuldstein, its leader was Prime Minister Baugh and King James I.
Baugh has a great sense of humor about Molossia. He pays property taxes to Nevada, calling it “foreign aid.” Molossia is technically “at war” with East Germany because Baugh blames them for military drills he endured while stationed in West Germany. [9]
Eastport
Eastport, a seaside neighborhood in Annapolis, Maryland, is known locally as the Maritime Republic of Eastport. It jokingly seceded from Annapolis after a drawbridge closure for repairs in 1998.
Eastport was settled in 1655 and annexed to Annapolis in 1951. The drawbridge closure led residents to declare independence mockingly. The MSHA completed repairs, but the Maritime Republic of Eastport stuck around and became something of a phenomenon.
The micronation has a flag and regalia. Its motto is “We like it this way.” The MRE hosts events like a tug-of-war contest with Annapolis and a 55-yard run across the drawbridge. [10]
These ten micronations showcase the creativity and determination of people striving for sovereignty, whether for serious political reasons or just for fun. While most haven’t achieved global recognition, their unique stories continue to fascinate and inspire.
Which micronation surprised you the most? Leave your comment below!
