Secrets of the world’s tiniest nations

Travel, Travel Tips, World Roaming 7 Minutes

 

Slide 1 of 30: Forming your own country might sound like a dream to many. Some creative folks though, have made their fantasy a bizarre reality. They're not recognized by any governments in the world, but so-called micronations are spread all over the globe, some of them consisting of just a bedroom. The best part? Many of these spots can be visited by tourists, who proudly collect passport stamps, money and sometimes even a title from these unusual places. Here are 10 of the world's tiniest unofficial nations and their secrets.

10 fascinating micronations around the world

Forming your own country might sound like a dream to many. Some creative folks though, have made their fantasy a bizarre reality. They’re not recognized by any governments in the world, but so-called micronations are spread all over the globe, some of them consisting of just a bedroom. The best part? Many of these spots can be visited by tourists, who proudly collect passport stamps, money and sometimes even a title from these unusual places. Here are 10 of the world’s tiniest unofficial nations and their secrets.

Slide 2 of 30: One of the most established and well-known micronations in the world, Freetown Christiania in the Danish capital of Copenhagen, proclaimed its independence in 1971. Around 1,000 people – some of them third generation residents – live in the autonomous neighborhood, which has been a source of controversy since its creation.

Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen, Denmark

One of the most established and well-known micronations in the world, Freetown Christiania in the Danish capital of Copenhagen, proclaimed its independence in 1971. Around 1,000 people – some of them third generation residents – live in the autonomous neighborhood, which has been a source of controversy since its creation.
Slide 3 of 30: A group of hippies initially squatted on the former military base in the borough of Christianshaven and declared the site of the barracks a "free zone". Cannabis, which remains illegal in Denmark, has been sold openly in the aptly named Pusher Street of Christiania (officially called the Green Light District) ever since but tolerated by the authorities.
 

Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen, Denmark

A group of hippies initially squatted on the former military base in the borough of Christianshaven and declared the site of the barracks a “free zone”. Cannabis, which remains illegal in Denmark, has been sold openly in the aptly named Pusher Street of Christiania (officially called the Green Light District)ever since but tolerated by the authorities.

Slide 4 of 30: Murals all over the buildings show the community's open approach to drugs, while those living there are happy to show Christiania off to anyone who visits. The small community now has a visitor center where you can learn more about the "nation's" history, see its former currency and stamps and its three dot flag. Walking tours help cope with the increasing visitor numbers to this quirky Copenhagen quarter, which is said to be the second most popular tourist attraction in the Danish capital, after the Tivoli Gardens.

 

Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen, Denmark

Murals all over the buildings show the community’s open approach to drugs, while those living there are happy to show Christiania off to anyone who visits. The small community now has a visitor center where you can learn more about the “nation’s” history, see its former currency and stamps and its three dot flag. Walking tours help cope with the increasing visitor numbers to this quirky Copenhagen quarter, which is said to be the second most popular tourist attraction in the Danish capital, after the Tivoli Gardens.

Slide 5 of 30: Visitors are welcome, but should respect three rules written on a sign you pass upon entering the Green Light District. "Have fun", "Don't run", (as this is said to cause panic) and "No photos" of people selling or consuming marijuana.

 

Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen, Denmark

Visitors are welcome, but should respect three rules written on a sign you pass upon entering the Green Light District. “Have fun”, “Don’t run”, (as this is said to cause panic) and “No photos” of people selling or consuming marijuana.

Slide 6 of 30: First settled in 1895, the small town of Whangamomona is (controversially) located in the rural Manawatu-Wanganui Region on New Zealand's North Island. However, after the regional council redrew boundaries in 1989, the frustrated residents declared themselves a republic as an act of protest rejecting involvement in the region. They even held their own presidential elections.
 

Republic of Whangamomona, North Island, New Zealand

First settled in 1895, the small town of Whangamomona is (controversially) located in the rural Manawatu-Wanganui Region on New Zealand’s North Island. However, after the regional council redrew boundaries in 1989, the frustrated residents declared themselves a republic as an act of protest rejecting involvement in the region. They even held their own presidential elections.
Slide 7 of 30: Though its creation began as a protest, Whangamomona now sees itself more as a tongue-in-cheek republic. Its former presidents included a goat and a poodle. The town attracts tourists from all around the country and overseas, and its biennially celebrated Republic Day is attended by thousands.

 

Republic of Whangamomona, North Island, New Zealand

Though its creation began as a protest, Whangamomona now sees itself more as a tongue-in-cheek republic. Its former presidents included a goat and a poodle. The town attracts tourists from all around the country and overseas, and its biennially celebrated Republic Day is attended by thousands.
Slide 8 of 30: Passports and passport stamps are issued to ensure safe travel through Whangamomona. The quirky town can be reached by following the Forgotten World State Highway, 45 minutes east of Stratford. Discover the world's most-wanted passport stamps 

 

Republic of Whangamomona, North Island, New Zealand

Passports and passport stamps are issued to ensure safe travel through Whangamomona. The quirky town can be reached by following the Forgotten World State Highway, 45 minutes east of Stratford.

Discover the world’s most-wanted passport stamps 

Slide 9 of 30: Located in the Prater park in Austria's capital of Vienna, this ball-shaped house was proclaimed a Republic in 1982 after a dispute between artist Edwin Lipburger and the authorities over its building permit. When Lipburger first erected it 11 years earlier without permission in Lower Austria, he was arrested and sent to jail for ten weeks.

Republic of Kugelmugel, Vienna, Austria

Located in the Prater park in Austria’s capital of Vienna, this ball-shaped house was proclaimed a Republic in 1982 after a dispute between artist Edwin Lipburger and the authorities over its building permit. When Lipburger first erected it 11 years earlier without permission in Lower Austria, he was arrested and sent to jail for ten weeks.
Slide 10 of 30: Kugelmugel houses regularly changing art exhibitions, which have continued after the death of its founder in 2015. To follow in his father's footprints, Lipburger's son Nikolaus keeps the sphere open to the public.

 

Republic of Kugelmugel, Vienna, Austria

Kugelmugel houses regularly changing art exhibitions, which have continued after the death of its founder in 2015. To follow in his father’s footprints, Lipburger’s son Nikolaus keeps the sphere open to the public.
Slide 11 of 30: The eye-catching house has the only address within the Republic of Kugelmugel, that being "Antifaschismus-Platz 2" ("2 Anti-Fascism Square"), which has since been officially adopted by the city of Vienna.

Republic of Kugelmugel, Vienna, Austria

The eye-catching house has the only address within the Republic of Kugelmugel, that being “Antifaschismus-Platz 2” (“2 Anti-Fascism Square”), which has since been officially adopted by the city of Vienna.
Slide 12 of 30: Who would have thought that a suburb in south London houses a tiny nation that claims to be independent from the rest of the UK? Formed in 2008 by a father and his son (the Austens), the "capital" of the Empire of Austenasia is located in Carshalton and ruled by Emperor Jonathan I. He doesn't stand alone in his fight to maintain independence, as 23 other properties in the UK and around the world claim to be part of the student's family-home micronation, pictured here.

Empire of Austenasia, UK

Who would have thought that a suburb in south London houses a tiny nation that claims to be independent from the rest of the UK? Formed in 2008 by a father and his son (the Austens), the “capital” of the Empire of Austenasia is located in Carshalton and ruled by Emperor Jonathan I. He doesn’t stand alone in his fight to maintain independence, as 23 other properties in the UK and around the world claim to be part of the student’s family-home micronation, pictured here.
Slide 13 of 30: Its territory is spread across the UK, along with a university campus in Australia, a holiday home in the Hebrides and houses in the US, Montenegro, India and Algeria. Austenasia proudly states it's a nation of 83 citizens and Emperor Jonnathan I (pictured in the center with two tourists in his house) is happy to welcome curious visitors to his capital "Wrythe" – subject to prior arrangement. You can even buy Austenasian coins and postcards as souvenirs.
 

Empire of Austenasia, UK

Its territory is spread across the UK, along with a university campus in Australia, a holiday home in the Hebrides and houses in the US, Montenegro, India and Algeria. Austenasia proudly states it’s a nation of 83 citizens and Emperor Jonnathan I (pictured in the center with two tourists in his house) is happy to welcome curious visitors to his capital “Wrythe” – subject to prior arrangement. You can even buy Austenasian coins and postcards as souvenirs.

Slide 14 of 30: Penguins outnumber humans about 10,000 to 1 (a generous unofficial estimation) in the territory of the Grand Duchy of Flandrensis. This micronation consists of five islands off the coast of western Antarctica and claims to be the only country in the world that doesn't want any people on its grounds. However, that doesn't mean you can't become a Flandrensian citizen.

Grand Duchy of Flandrensis, Antarctica

Penguins outnumber humans about 10,000 to 1 (a generous unofficial estimation) in the territory of the Grand Duchy of Flandrensis. This micronation consists of five islands off the coast of western Antarctica and claims to be the only country in the world that doesn’t want any people on its grounds. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t become a Flandrensian citizen.
Slide 15 of 30: Flandrensis is a community based in 57 countries trying to protect Antarctica. By founding his own micronation near the South Pole back in 2008, Belgian activist Niels Vermeersch wanted to raise awareness of melting polar ice.

Grand Duchy of Flandrensis, Antarctica

Flandrensis is a community based in 57 countries trying to protect Antarctica. By founding his own micronation near the South Pole back in 2008, Belgian activist Niels Vermeersch wanted to raise awareness of melting polar ice.
Slide 16 of 30: The self-declared head of state, the Grand Duke Niels van Flandrensis (pictured left with Kevin Baugh of the Republic of Molossia at a micronation conference in London), keeps himself busy with involvement in environmental affairs and promoting micronationalism. If you are interested in joining Flandrensis, you can complete an online application form.

Grand Duchy of Flandrensis, Antarctica

The self-declared head of state, the Grand Duke Niels van Flandrensis (pictured left with Kevin Baugh of the Republic of Molossia at a micronation conference in London), keeps himself busy with involvement in environmental affairs and promoting micronationalism. If you are interested in joining Flandrensis, you can complete an online application form.

Slide 17 of 30: The Old Town of Lithuania's capital Vilnius hides a secret. About one square kilometer of it belongs to the self-declared Republic of Užupis, one of the smallest in the world, which has its own president, constitution, currency and even a navy consisting of a few small boats. Every year on 1 April it's Užupis Day, when residents celebrate their independence.

Republic of Užupis, Vilnius, Lithuania

The Old Town of Lithuania’s capital Vilnius hides a secret. About one square kilometer of it belongs to the self-declared Republic of Užupis, one of the smallest in the world, which has its own president, constitution, currency and even a navy consisting of a few small boats. Every year on 1 April it’s Užupis Day, when residents celebrate their independence.
Slide 18 of 30: Užupis is a beautiful place with pastel-hued houses telling a Soviet past, cobbled streets and lots of artistic flair. In fact, it was founded by a group of local artists in 1997 and the republic's current president is a poet, musician and film director. Whether Užupis' self-proclaimed independence is to be taken seriously or not, no-one quite knows.

Republic of Užupis, Vilnius, Lithuania

Užupis is a beautiful place with pastel-hued houses telling a Soviet past, cobbled streets and lots of artistic flair. In fact, it was founded by a group of local artists in 1997 and the republic’s current president is a poet, musician and film director. Whether Užupis’ self-proclaimed independence is to be taken seriously or not, no-one quite knows.
Slide 19 of 30: The symbol of Užupis is the "Holy Hand", a blue hand with a hole in the middle, meaning to be unbribable. The micronation's creative community regularly hosts fashion festivals, concerts, exhibitions and poetry events.

Republic of Užupis, Vilnius, Lithuania

The symbol of Užupis is the “Holy Hand”, a blue hand with a hole in the middle, meaning to be unbribable. The micronation’s creative community regularly hosts fashion festivals, concerts, exhibitions and poetry events.
Slide 20 of 30: In 1979, 14-year old Milwaukee resident Robert Ben Madison (pictured) declared his bedroom in his house to be a sovereign state and announced it to be the Kingdom of Talossa. He invented a flag, currency, legislation, and most astonishingly its own language, Talossan, including a lexicon of more than 35,000 words. However, even though Madison's micronation still exists today, he is no longer part of it.

Kingdom of Talossa, Milwaukee, USA

In 1979, 14-year old Milwaukee resident Robert Ben Madison (pictured) declared his bedroom in his house to be a sovereign state and announced it to be the Kingdom of Talossa. He invented a flag, currency, legislation, and most astonishingly its own language, Talossan, including a lexicon of more than 35,000 words. However, even though Madison’s micronation still exists today, he is no longer part of it.
Slide 21 of 30: After gaining a lot of publicity in the 1990s, Talossa's kingdom, formerly consisting of only a few citizens living in Milwaukee (pictured), developed to a large internet community finally leading to Madison's abdication in 2005. It is now ruled by King John and is mainly an online community, which you can join by writing a letter to the Talossan Interior Minister.

Kingdom of Talossa, Milwaukee, USA

After gaining a lot of publicity in the 1990s, Talossa’s kingdom, formerly consisting of only a few citizens living in Milwaukee (pictured), developed to a large internet community finally leading to Madison’s abdication in 2005. It is now ruled by King John and is mainly an online community, which you can join by writing a letter to the Talossan Interior Minister.

Slide 22 of 30: It might sound somewhat megalomaniacal, but this micronation created by Illinois resident James T. Mangan comprises the entirety of outer space. The eccentric author declared the so-called Nation of Celestial Space in 1949 to the United States, Soviet Union, United Kingdom and United Nations on behalf of humanity, so no country could ever establish a political hegemony in the universe.

Nation of Celestial Space, Space

It might sound somewhat megalomaniacal, but this micronation created by Illinois resident James T. Mangan comprises the entirety of outer space. The eccentric author declared the so-called Nation of Celestial Space in 1949 to the United States, Soviet Union, United Kingdom and United Nations on behalf of humanity, so no country could ever establish a political hegemony in the universe.
Slide 23 of 30: Mangan was engaged in promoting Celestia for many years, claiming almost 20,000 members in 1959 and even applied for membership of the United Nations. However, his micronation is thought to have eclipsed with the founder's death in 1970, despite still operating online. Aside from space itself, all that remains of his nation are some rare coins, the Celestons (pictured), and passports issued in Celestia's name from the 1950s and 1960s. We're still waiting for vacations to space, but in the meantime, check out what travel will look like in 2030. 

Nation of Celestial Space, Space

Mangan was engaged in promoting Celestia for many years, claiming almost 20,000 members in 1959 and even applied for membership of the United Nations. However, his micronation is thought to have eclipsed with the founder’s death in 1970, despite still operating online. Aside from space itself, all that remains of his nation are some rare coins, the Celestons (pictured), and passports issued in Celestia’s name from the 1950s and 1960s. We’re still waiting for vacations to space, but in the meantime, check out what travel will look like in 2030.

Slide 24 of 30: Situated in the outback of Western Australia, visitors to the Principality of Hutt River are welcomed by a large bust of its founder, the recently late Prince Leonard of the Hutt. In 1970 Leonard Casley declared his 29 square miles to be independent from Australia as a protest against wheat production quotas. He reportedly refused to pay a single dollar of tax until his death at the age of 93 in February this year.

24/30 SLIDES © Chris Fithall/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 2.0

Principality of Hutt River, near Northampton, Australia

Situated in the outback of Western Australia, visitors to the Principality of Hutt River are welcomed by a large bust of its founder, the recently late Prince Leonard of the Hutt. In 1970 Leonard Casley declared his 29 square miles to be independent from Australia as a protest against wheat production quotas. He reportedly refused to pay a single dollar of tax until his death at the age of 93 in February this year.
Slide 25 of 30: Despite its remote location 370 miles north of Perth and accessibility only by a long dirt road, more than 40,000 tourists make their way to the self-proclaimed independent country every year. Upon crossing the border to the Principality visitors are required to get a “visa” for AUS$4 ($2.80/£2.20) and have their passports stamped. It's so frequently visited, that websites for Australian embassies around the world include information stating its unofficial status as a micronation.

Principality of Hutt River, near Northampton, Australia

Despite its remote location 370 miles north of Perth and accessibility only by a long dirt road, more than 40,000 tourists make their way to the self-proclaimed independent country every year. Upon crossing the border to the Principality visitors are required to get a “visa” for AUS$4 ($2.80/£2.20) and have their passports stamped. It’s so frequently visited, that websites for Australian embassies around the world include information stating its unofficial status as a micronation.

Slide 26 of 30: In the "Government offices" (pictured) that also house the post office of Hutt River, stamps, banknotes and coins featuring its royal family are issued, and passports can be purchased in the country's own souvenir shop. As with many micronations, supporters can apply to become citizens. However, this process has become so popular with Hutt River Province, that it has been temporarily closed while the nation's government completes an "infrastructure expansion project".

Principality of Hutt River, near Northampton, Australia

In the “Government offices” (pictured) that also house the post office of Hutt River, stamps, banknotes and coins featuring its royal family are issued, and passports can be purchased in the country’s own souvenir shop. As with many micronations, supporters can apply to become citizens. However, this process has become so popular with Hutt River Province, that it has been temporarily closed while the nation’s government completes an “infrastructure expansion project”.

Slide 27 of 30: Hutt River, which consists of 23 residents and 14,000 citizens overseas, also has its own flag (pictured) that can be seen flying over the capital of Nain. It's now reigned by Prince Leonard's son, Prince Graeme, who has vowed to continue the nation.

Principality of Hutt River, near Northampton, Australia

Hutt River, which consists of 23 residents and 14,000 citizens overseas, also has its own flag (pictured) that can be seen flying over the capital of Nain. It’s now reigned by Prince Leonard’s son, Prince Graeme, who has vowed to continue the nation.

Slide 28 of 30: Not all micronations are drug-fuelled communities or strangely-shaped buildings. A stunningly beautiful island off the northeast coast of Sardinia houses the tiniest self-proclaimed kingdom in the world. Tavolara claimed independence from what is now Italy, in the early 1800s and 200 years later, still has a king on its throne. Take a look at 50 of the most beautiful small towns in the world

Kingdom of Tavolara, Sardinia, Italy

Not all micronations are drug-fuelled communities or strangely-shaped buildings. A stunningly beautiful island off the northeast coast of Sardinia houses the tiniest self-proclaimed kingdom in the world. Tavolara claimed independence from what is now Italy, in the early 1800s and 200 years later, still has a king on its throne.

Slide 29 of 30: The kingdom has been reigned by the Bertoleoni family (pictured) since the beginning. The members were once the only inhabitants of Tavolara island which had been abandoned in the 1730s because of piracy. The tomb of its founder Paolo I can still be seen in the graveyard on the island. Life in miniature: the world's adorable model villages

Kingdom of Tavolara, Sardinia, Italy

The kingdom has been reigned by the Bertoleoni family (pictured) since the beginning. The members were once the only inhabitants of Tavolara island which had been abandoned in the 1730s because of piracy. The tomb of its founder Paolo I can still be seen in the graveyard on the island.

Slide 30 of 30: Having ruled over Tavolara for 25 years, king and former fisherman Antonio "Tonino" Bertoleoni welcomes visitors with open arms and serves the country's best cuisine in its only restaurant, Da Tonino – Re di Tavolara (pictured). The island is a popular diving destination, being situated just off Sardinia's Costa Smeralda and also offers natural wonders such as a cove and beautiful beaches. Now read: the most remarkable tiny airports in the world

Kingdom of Tavolara, Sardinia, Italy

Having ruled over Tavolara for 25 years, king and former fisherman Antonio “Tonino” Bertoleoni welcomes visitors with open arms and serves the country’s best cuisine in its only restaurant, Da Tonino – Re di Tavolara (pictured). The island is a popular diving destination, being situated just off Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda and also offers natural wonders such as a cove and beautiful beaches.

Unknown's avatar

Published by Sarha

Helping those who are looking for good international travel tips. I also have published few articles posted by top notch writers on different sites.

Published

Leave a comment