Category Archives: Micronations

Joey Morin was careful to show up in the Republic of Molossia well prepared: he carried no contraband onions or walruses, but brought enough raw chocolate chip cookie dough to exchange into a decent amount of the local currency, the Valora.

He and a few dozen other tourists had just left US territory in the desert of eastern Nevada, walked past a customs post manned by a mannequin, and entered one of the worlds growing number of self-declared independent states known as micronations.

I love the concept of starting your own country, its such a unique thing, said Morin, a 28-year-old social media content producer. Its worth the cookie dough.

Kevin Baugh, the micronations dictator, stamps visitors passports at the customs hut at the entrance to Molossia

JAMES BREEDEN FOR THE TIMES

Approximately 200 micronations span the globe, from the Principality of Sealand, an offshore platform in

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How to run your own micronation: be a nice dictator - The Times

A micronation is a recently self-proclaimed state that is not officially recognized by a supranational body, such as the United Nations. It is not the same as a microstate, which is a tiny country that has its own formally known government (such as the Vatican or the South Pacific country of Tuvalu). Instead, a micronation claims independence but is not recognized as an independent state and is unable to engage in its own trade with other recognized states. They are usually short-lived, lasting for only a few hours to a couple of years, and are often the product of one individual or group claiming sovereignty.

Micronations claim land for themselves, often in support of libertarian values or in protest against an unpopular government move, and may even issue their own currency and passports to citizens. However, these passports and money are not recognized by other sovereign states and are of no value outside of the micronation.

The Republic of Minerva was an attempt to build a libertarian haven on a human-made island near Fiji in 1972. The island was soon destroyed in a takeover by the nearby country of Tonga. The Free Republic of Liberland is another attempt at creating a libertarian haven, this time in Eastern Europe on the border of Croatia and Serbia. No country recognizes it formally except for Somaliland, an autonomous region in Somalia.

Some micronations are created by people who believe that they have a historical claim to the land. For example, the Crown Dependency of Forvik in Scotland is a micronation based on the claim that the area, located in the Shetland Islands, does not legally belong to the United Kingdom.

Other micronations are created in protest against government policies. For example, the Principality of Hutt River, located in Australia, was established in 1970 by Leonard Casley in protest against wheat production quotas.

Some micronations have become sites of tourism and merchandise sales, such as the Conch Republic in Key West, Florida. The airport in Key West even boasts a sign saying Welcome to the Conch Republic, even though the micronation never attained formal recognition. Tourists buy t-shirts and other merchandise to celebrate the micronation, mostly as a gimmick.

The internet has somewhat changed the face of micronations, as people are applying global communications technology to concerns about national borders and issues of statelessness. Bit Nation was an attempt to create an international country without any boundaries, and it even issued passports to people who applied to become citizens.

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Micronations 2023

Cruickshank describes Atlantium as a "sustained performance art project".

"Im smart enough to know that Im not an actual monarch with real power," he says. "But the more people that accept something as a fact, the more real it becomes. People treat me with deference at official events and I get letters addressing me as 'Your Imperial Majesty'. I can't be flippant in response."

There is also the potential for tragic misunderstandings, says Hobbs.

"There have been cases where people who are escaping desperate situations pay a fee to become a citizen, and then the micronation has to tell them it isnt a real country. And the person says, 'What kind of a joke is this?' This is where it cuts into real life."

'The original nation'

Australia has been dubbed "the micronation capital of the world" because it has more than a dozen micronations. Some are playful, like Atlantium, while others were formed with a specific goal in mind. The Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea Islands was formed in 2004 in response to the Australian governments refusal to recognise same-sex marriages. It gained significant media attention and was dissolved in 2017 when Australians voted in support of legalising gay marriage.

Hobbs regards the micronationalism as consistent with Australian culture, which "celebrates mocking authority".

"Australia's pretty secure in its sovereignty. It's a continent with a sparse population. The government sort of says, 'We don't really care, so long as you keep paying taxes and follow the road rules. '"

The Yidindji Tribal Nation is seeking a treaty with Australia's government and to rectify Australia's constitution making no mention of indigenous people. It has 200 citizens, over half of whom are indigenous. The land claimed lies in the state of Queensland and stretches 80 km (50 miles) out to sea.

"The aim of the treaty is to settle the past," says Murrumu Walubara Yidindji, who was speaking in his capacity as minister for foreign affairs and trade. "We're saying, 'Look, you don't have to steal our stuff anymore. We'll settle the past and secure the future. '"

In 2014, the former press gallery journalist changed his name, surrendered his Australian passport and tore up his bank accounts, superannuation and healthcare documents. Members of the Yidinjyi government hand-delivered their treaty to the Australian government in 2017 however Walubara is still awaiting a reply.

"The Australian government is very slow," he says. "While they catch up with us, we will continue to develop ourselves as a nation. We own the place, and we're not insecure about it."

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The country that became a 'micronation capital' - BBC Future

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vMundus - World of Nations and Micronations

Top countries by productivity for the last 30 days

Finland

6 765.37

Albania

1 603.53

Spain

1 213.71

Burkina Faso

1 189.75

Poland

916.02

Saudi Arabia

688.71

Iraq

498.54

India

423.34

Ukraine

361.05

Sudan

358.78

Top countries that can make daily the most damage.

Finland

20 080.86

Spain

6 331.62

Iraq

4 036.88

United States

3 480.92

Albania

2 788.10

Poland

2 410.76

Burkina Faso

2 383.11

India

2 197.99

Brazil

1 867.29

Serbia

1 851.78

Top countries with the most regions.

Poland

66

Iraq

56

Russia

55

Finland

50

Ukraine

50

Albania

41

China

39

India

39

Mexico

35

Morocco

34

About the game

vMundus - is a free browser-based multiplayer strategy game. The game is based on real-life economy and politics. To build new companies, country infrastructure, research new technologies or conquer other countries, first you will need to extract resources and produce useful products from them. The more resources your country controls, the more powerful it is. In this game you are the boss of your own people, you can train them and send to war or work on your own or other players factories, organize resistance wars in other countries or reveal your own country from invaders. You can organize or join unions, create your own economic system and much more. Join us today!

General

Politics

Economy

Military

Communication

Screenshots of the game

All Rights Reserved. 2022-2022

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vMundus - World of Nations and Micronations

Thanks to Red for providing the Custom Flag Script. I hope more people can learn this simple and practical script.

The flag was designed and made by @, and I only did a little work. Since he is in school, I uploaded this work. He created a fictitious world. At present, he has made the flags of these two countries which are very different in geographical location and social system but have a good relationship with each other. In the future, he will create the flags of other countries and other sub camps of these two countries.

Of course, I added a little extra work as usual. As you can see, I have joined two flags of Internet Micronations on the Chinese Internet. At present, I am searching for more flags of Internet Micronations everywhere, and will continue to update here in the future.If you have some interesting flags of Internet Micronations of some other interesting flags, you can send them to me by steam or Tencent QQ International (I'm not sure if this thing still exists) and I will pack them into this mod. I will be very grateful.

Next mod Soooooooooon

Added Now:A-Anarchist RussiaA-Anarchist UkrianeIMN-Konungarikena Elgaland-VargalandIMN-Kingdom of PatagoniaIMN-Principality of Hutt RiverIMN-Kingdom of LovelyIMN-Grand Duchy of the Lagoan IslesIMN-Kingdom of RedondaIMN-Respubliko de la Insulo de la RozojIMN-Comune di SeborgaIMN-Kingdom of CitynolandIMN-Aerican EmpireIMN-Empire of AtlantiumMN-Kingdom of North SudanMN-Conch RepublicMN-Principality of MarlboroughMN-The Republic of SaugeaisMN-Principality of Sealand

(Designer): the South Pole and the North Pole will each have three sub campsAntarctica: Cold Wave Pioneer, Supervision Force, Redstone Corps Arctic: Atomic Pioneer, Ocean Current Fleet, Popular Corps.

Link:

Pole Countries Flag Pack Cooperation (With some Micronations)

With more than 50 countries and non-country territories, many of which boast millennia of global influence, it's no surprise that Europe includes some of the most affluent countries on Earth. What may surprise some readers is just how great the difference is between the richest and poorest countries in Europe.

The most common fundamental measure of national wealth is Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which measures the value of all the goods and services produced by that country during a given time period (typically a year). Combined, the top six major countries in Europe all had a GDP of more than $1 trillion (US$) in 2020 and tallied a collective GDP of $13.833 trillion (US$). These results make Europe's financial leaders some of the most productive countries on the planet.

* Known for being the largest country in the world in terms of size, Russia is a transcontinental country. Although the majority of Russian territory lies in Asia, 78% of the Russian people live in the country's European portion. As such, Russia is typically considered a European country.

Useful as GDP is, it favors more heavily populated countries because it makes no account for the number of workers or corporations contributing to its total value. For example, Poland's population in 2020 was just under 38 million, roughly 25.9% of Russia's--however, its GDP was a full 40% of Russia's, which indicates that Poland's economy is actually the more productive of the two. In order to more clearly see scenarios such as this, economists often monitor two additional metrics: GDP per capita and GNI per capita. The first, GDP per capita, simply divides the GDP by the country's population. However, in so doing, it results in a very different list.

Three tiny-but-wealthy micronations leap to the top in this metric, followed by a parade of Northern European countries. Several non-country territories perform well in this category as well, including Bermuda ($117,098), the Cayman Islands ($91,393), and Greenland ($54,471). This is likely due to several reasons, including (but not limited to) the fact that per-capita metrics are easier to impact in countries with smaller populations and the fact that many of these countries are (or have been) international tax havens, which can artificially amplify GDP.

The final metric, Gross National Income (GNI), is a sort of flip-side mirror image of GDP. While GDP measures the value of goods and services produced and "sent out" of the country's economy (though most are "sent out" to domestic customers), GNI measures the value of all the income "brought in" to the country by those products and services. GNI also includes money that enters or leaves the country through international business transactions, which lessens the degree to which the metric is distorted by tax sheltering activity.

With the exception of Monaco, which does not appear on this list because its GNI per capita was unavailable (if it were, Monaco would likely rank first), the GNI per capita list is similar to the GDP per capita list, with nine of the same countries in an altered order.

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Richest European Countries 2022 - worldpopulationreview.com

Most countries were traditionally defined by their borders, shared ethnic and cultural roots, mutual enemies, and other socio-political considerations. However whether in the name of political rebellion, simple satire, art, or genuine technological innovation recent decades saw a number of generally little known, mostly unrecognized, physical and virtual, self-proclaimed states appear all around the globe (and off its surface, too!).

The micro, not-so-micro, humorous, serious, and other alternative states like the Principality of Sealand, Republic of Molossia, Kingdom of Asgardia, or the Royal Republic of Ladonia aim to offer their citizens representation more truthful to their values and more aligned with the lifestyles and challenges of modern life.

According to the Montevideo Convention of 1933, which outlines the widely accepted legal definition of statehood today, four criteria must be met by any aspiring state:

Having a permanent population,

Having a defined territory,

Having a government,

Having the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

But is that really all it takes? And what exactly constitutes a territory? Can the population reside online (common for many microstates) and does it have to be human? After all, if you ask President Kevin Baugh of the Republic of Molossia, their mannequin civil servants fulfill their job duties pretty well!

For Queen Carolyn of Ladonia, a micronation formed in 1996, the definition is shifting. The traditional model of statehood and what its role should be in the life of its citizens has changed a great deal since the last massive round of border redrawing (which, in Western Europe, was post-WWII) and we think the world is due for a re-examination of the role of the modern state, she explains.

Liam Bates, of the principality of Sealand, says The internet and blockchain technology in particular is challenging the historic norms of what it means to be a nation, as community building and shared economic and other interests are no longer restricted geographically. Startup cities, metaverse projects, micronations, and others all have different approaches to building and innovation. He adds that We truly believe that any group of people sharing a common cause should have the right to unite under a flag which represents them!

It's no surprise that in a quickly changing, interconnected world, facing unprecedented challenges, and now holding previously impossible technologies at its disposal, people are beginning to question the rules of what makes a nation. From time to time, those very people go a step further, founding their own, new, and unique states. What follows are three micronations that represent the wide variety of reasons these unique places are formed.

In the 1960s [in England] the BBC held exclusive rights to radio and television broadcasting and other communication over the air was forbidden,explains Bates of Sealand, arguably the most well-known micronation, founded just far enough off the coast of England to find itself in unclaimed international waters territory.

Sealand was born in response to this overbearing communications regulation by the British government and its effective arm at the time, the BBC, and its first sustained use was as a base for pirate radio, Bates clarifies.

The over-300-citizen strong population of Sealand embraces the desire for adventure and questioning authority as key aspects of their shared culture, according to Bates. As such, the tiny country has attracted international attention, mostly related to its policies on data transparency and internet freedoms. Today, Sealand continues to reinvent itself according to its founding values.

Using blockchain technology, Bates hopes to bypass what he views as traditional institutions such as banks and dated government models in order to serve our community and citizens in a much more connected and effective manner.

Looking to the future, Sealand hopes to evolve into a metanation, which will encompass their physical territory, in addition to creating an online block-chain enabled global community for people to interact, create, collaborate, and evolve the nations motto of E mare libertas (from the sea, freedom) to E crypto libertas (from crypto, freedom).

The micronation of Ladonia, located within a natural reserve in the south of Sweden, declared its independence in 1996 following a legal battle between its artist-founder Lars Vilks and the local authorities over two art sculptures. With humor a defining characteristic uniting the nearly 30,000 Ladonian citizens (you can become one online, and with a little donation, you can even claim a title of nobility!), the nation is led by its queen (head of state), prime minister (head of government), and a large cabinet of ministers with titles such as the Minister of Raccoons and 42, Minister of the Dark Side, or Minister of Vampire Affairs.

Our ministers select and pitch their own ministries, which is why so many have very whimsical names and odd mission statements, says Queen Carolyn of Ladonia. The Minister of Chili Peppers, for example, once conducted a year-long study on how various methods of preserving peppers freezing, pickling, etc. affect the heat of the peppers, she explains.

Aside from managing their vampire population and studying chili peppers, Ladonia does also have a more traditional panel of ministers, because as the Queen herself admits, its difficult to function without someone monitoring the bank accounts, wrangling ambassadors, and handling international/intermicronational foreign affairs.

The national anthem of Ladonia is the sound of a stone being thrown (gently) into the water and according to tradition, the national anthem must be performed whenever a Ladonian citizen happens to find a stone and a body of water to toss it into, while shouting a hearty WAAALLLLL!!! (One of the two words in the Ladonsk language, always an odd number of as and ls and always more as then ls).

There is a profound lack of humor in the world today, notes Queen Carolyn.We strive to find fun and humor in everything. Being able to laugh at yourself is important, and so is being able to allow speech and opinions that you dont like or want to hear, she adds.

Only founded in 2016, the Kingdom of Asgardia is not a micronation at all. Quite the opposite, in fact. It claims to be the worlds first ever Space Nation.

Despite its very young age, Agardia already boasts a population of over one million (so far residing on Earth) and has already launched a space satellite, which it claims as its sovereign territory.

What initially sounds like extravagant science fiction quickly comes into more grounded context, as the Asgardian Minister of Trade & Commerce Benjamin Dell explains:

Elon Musk says he wants to put a million people in a city on Mars, but how are those people going to be managed? What will be permissible and what not? What are the children going to learn at school? What will people do after retirement? What will happen to human remains once people pass away? And what if suddenly theres no resupply from Earth? You cant wait to answer those questions when youre already in space.

Thats why Asgardia sees itself as a nation of the (not-so-distant) future, currently doing its dry run on Earth. Much like the early colonizers of North America who relied on naval technologies to reach the newly discovered continent, but in the end required much more than just ships to build a country, Asgardia isnt merely interested in futuristic space tech. The Kingdom of Asgardia aims to lay groundwork for the full operation of their space nation so that it can be ready once it becomes a true and viable possibility.

Does that mean Asgardians are just tired of Earthly problems and seek to escape rather than address them? Dell says not at all.

Astronauts in space grow this distance. When they look at Europe, they dont see Germany and France and Poland. They dont see any little borders, no different countries. They see one Earth. What brings us Asgardians together is the fact that were all passionately wanting to build a new identity together, an identity which will unite all of humanity, of all across Earthly borders. Its not perfect yet but thats what were all working towards, Dell explains

Whether your goals are to genuinely redefine existing national structures and values by establishing a serious, new, sovereign state, or if you merely want to build a pillow fort and declare your cat Emperor Whiskers of Pillowland, the good news is you can!

But dont go shredding your national ID just yet. The hard truth is, if youre looking for widespread, international acceptance, youll likely be disappointed.

We take our nation very seriously, states President Baugh of the Republic of Molossia. Wed love to have recognition from the established nations of the world, but were also realistic in that its probably not going to happen. And so we have fun, enjoy ourselves and just have a good time within our little country!

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Leaders of 3 Unrecognized Nations Share Why They Formed Their Self-Proclaimed States - LX

Artsakh | Don't Stop Living

Defining a country is often a debated situation in many parts of the world and there are still some unclaimed lands out there. In 2011, South Sudan became the worlds newest recognised country, while Gibraltar and Kosovo joined FIFA recently and attempted to qualify for the World Cup.

Where borders are undefined, and land disputed, some parts of the planet remain unrecognised yet life goes on in these places, often peacefully and with their own cultures remaining intact. If you want to break out of the normal travel regions and into the obscure, these are 10 unrecognised countries that you can check out, with the full lowdown on how to visit them.

One of the most famous and notorious unrecognised countries is Transnistria, whose official name is actually Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. Its a thin narrow strip of land nestled in between Ukraine and Moldova. The country has its own borders, passports, flag, currency and independence day but is not recognised by Moldova. The capital city is Tiraspol which has no shortage of Lenin statues and reminders of the Soviet regime. The country is often referred to as the last remnants of the USSR.

How to get there There are daily buses and trains from Chiinu, Moldova and from Odessa, Ukraine. Visa-wise, you are only permitted to stay for 24 hours in Transnistria (its free), though this can be extended once you are in the country.

The Moldova to Transnistria border | Dont Stop Living

The aftermath of the horrific Karabakh War in 1994 left the United Nations with a problem. How do you define a group of Armenian Christian people living in land that is inside the border of Azerbaijan and therefore claimed by Azerbaijan? Unfortunately there has been no concrete answer to the problem and so this place remains as it was known to many as Nagorno Karabakh, the countrys official name is the Republic of Artsakh. You need to enter through a strip of land between Armenia and Azerbaijan. There is no airport or separate currency here (they use Armenian drams) but quite a few interesting sights including age-old monasteries, the ruined city of Agdam and the museums of Stepanakert, the capital city.

How to get there As there is no functioning airport, you must enter by land through Armenia. There are daily minibuses and car shares from most towns near the border, most notably from Goris. You must have a visa for Artsakh, you can get it in advance in Yerevan or by calling into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Stepanakert once you arrive.

Nagorno Karabakh | Dont Stop Living

Western Sahara is a large disputed territory in the Maghreb region of North-West Africa. It has its own flag and claimed borders and is jointly controlled by the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and Morocco. It also has borders with Algeria and Mauritania and is part of the Sahara Desert. The countrys population is estimated at just over 500,000, of which a significant chunk live in El Aain, the largest city in Western Sahara. Western Sahara has been on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories since 1963 after a request by Morocco, at one point the region was also owned by the Kingdom of Spain.

How to get there Getting into Western Sahara has some limits. There is no legal border crossing to Mauritania into the SADR-controlled part. The Algeria border is also closed. So the best option is the land crossing from Morocco, which is generally OK and therefore no extra visa is needed. There are also flights direct to El Aain.

Western Sahara | jaysen naidoo / WikiCommons

One of the most quirky and odd self-declared republics, The Republic of Uupis was formed in 1997 by residents of an artistic neighbourhood in the city of Vilnius, Lithuanias capital. The country welcomes tourists, you can even get your passport stamped in the post office or art gallery, you can pick up the local currency (the Uza) and sample Uzupian beer. The country has its own flag, currency, president, cabinet of ministers, a quirky constitution, an anthem, a national monument, an army and a national day, which is April 1.

How to get there you simply cross the bridge past the border sign (pictured below) in Central Vilnius and you are there. No passport or visa is needed.

Entrance bridge to the Republic of Uupis | Dont Stop Living

Abkhazia is one of two unrecognised countries that sits in the land under what the United Nations class as Georgia. Abkhazia can be entered from both the Georgia side and the Russia side, but you must go back out the same way you went in. The capital is Sokhumi and the country has its own currency and language, as well as accepting Russian rubles and understanding Russian and Georgian. The population is around 250,00 and as of 2017, it is recognised only by Russia, Nauru, Nicaragua and Venezuela.

How to get there Coming from Russia, a minibus or car share from Sochi is the best option. Coming from Georgia, the same applies but from either Kutaisi or a nearby town. There are also long distance trains from Moscow. You should try to have a visa organised in advance from the Abkhazia Ministry of Foreign Affairs which can be done by email. Tourists are not advised to inform the Georgian Embassy of your intention to visit Abkhazia.

Abkhazia Flag | WikiCommons

South Ossetia is the other disputed territory within what the UN term as part of Georgia. However, with South Ossetia you must enter from the Russia side and have organised your trip in advance. It has a population of just over 50,000 and the capital city is Tskhinvali. South Ossetia declared independence from Georgia way back in 1991, but this was rejected by Georgia who refused to grant them autonomy and there was a war from 1991 1992. Since then there have been further conflicts in the region and it remains disputed to this day.

How to get there Entry to South Ossetia is from the Russia side only. Those requiring a visa for Russia should note they will need it to be a double entry if planning to visit South Ossetia. Buses run from Vladikavkaz to Tskhinvali daily. If you are not a Russia citizen, in order to travel to South Ossetia you must receive permission from the Foreign Ministry of South Ossetia, this can also be done by email but the border entry can have some problems and delays.

Landscape in South Ossetia | Cominf / WikiCommons

The island of Cyprus is somewhat of a debated one, and realistically has two completely separate parts the Northern Turkish part and the larger Republic of Cyprus part. The border straddles the divided city of Nicosia, which is the capital of Cyprus with North Nicosia being the capital of Northern Cyprus. This division became a militarised border after Turkey invaded the island in 1974. The Turkish part uses the Turkish Lira and Turkish language.

How to get there There are numerous land border crossings from Cyprus, the most obvious being in Nicosia. There are security checks and people are required to show their ID card or passport on both sides of the crossing, but in some parts this is not strictly enforced. If you arrive directly into Northern Cyprus without coming from the main Cyprus side (by boat or air), you may face more stringent checks.

Northern Cyprus | Mirza Muezzinoglu

French Guyana is an enigma in itself as officially the name of the country is France and its capital city is Paris. Yet somehow, it borders Brazil and Suriname. Its also a member of the European Union and uses the Euro currency yet geographically its in South America. Confused? You should be. Basically French Guyana is a mere colony of France but it doesnt want to be a separate country or declare independence, which means you can cross an actual border from Brazil into France. One of the countrys key sights is the French Space Base, which is actually the main South American centre where rockets are launched into space. The official flag is the French flag and the official language is France, though somehow it really feels like its another world from mainland France.

How to get there You can fly direct from Paris (one of the longest domestic flights in the world), or cross by boat easily from either Brazil (at Oiapoque) or Suriname (at Albina). An EU passport or right to be in the EU is enough to gain access.

French Guyana | Dont Stop Living

One of the most unusual countries in the world is the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, which is not to be confused with the Republic of Malta. This is an ancient order which has its own flag, stamps, currency and is even recognised by over 100 UN countries. The problem is, they have no official land. So apart from a base in Rome (which is rented) and the residencies of the Knights of the Order, there is not much physical geographical proof the country exists. However, they have a 99-year lease on a fort in Malta, so you can actually organise a private tour of Fort St. Angelo and get the lowdown on what the Sovereign Military Order of Malta really is.

How to get there As it doesnt have any official land, this can be confusing, but just head to Fort St. Angelo on the island of Malta and you can arrange a private tour of the Upper Fort and therefore residence quarters of one of the Knights of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta | ERWEH / WikiCommons

Last but by no means least on the list is Sealand. A pioneer in the Micronations world and a peculiar country in that it is man-made rather than natural. The country is based on a platform in the North Sea, just 12 kilometres off the coast of England. The country has its own coins, banknotes, Prince, flag, passports and national football team! There have also been music videos filmed on Sealand and despite it being just a platform, in 2015 it hosted a half-marathon on a treadmill which gave more publicity to the country which is still unrecognised.

How to get there Officially you could go by boat or helicopter to where Sealand is, but be aware the local residents will not permit any landings or visits without prior consent. Often tourist visits are declined. You can however become a Lord of Sealand by purchasing such a title on their website and email the Prince hoping he invites you in for a coffee.

Sealand | Richard Lazenby / WikiCommons

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Top 10 Unrecognised Countries and How to Visit Them

The Order of the Golden Sun (Maltese: L-Ordni tax-Xemx tad-Deheb) is the only National Chivalric Decoration of the Democratic Christian Republic of Melite. It is awarded for special achievements in political, economic, cultural, intellectual or honorary fields and the recognition of services to the Republic and its citizens as a whole. This award can also be given to foreign dignitaries that help widen Melite's diplomacy as a way of gratitude. There is no limit whatsoever as to how many people can join a grade of the Order. The title 'Friend of the Nation' may also incorporated as part of the Order, though it is rarely awarded.

The idea of the Order originated on 29 December 2021, by Dhrubajyoti Roy, Rashtradhyaksh of Vishwamitra, who suggested to President Matthew Tonna to overhaul the awards system of Melite. Tonna agreed and as a result, the Order was established and is a replacement of the Order of the Holy Cross, the Friendship Ribbon of Melite, and the High Order of Melite, which are dormant as per Presidential Decree No. 5/2021,[1] which instituted this Order and put the old decorations to their current dormant state. The ribbons were designed by the Rashtradhyaksh of the State of Vishwamitra, Dhrubajyoti Roy himself. The award was given for the first time in the New Year of 2022[2] for the New Year Honours. No known privileges come with the Order of the Golden Sun, except for the post-nominals. The Order is similar to the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, as they both serve as the only national award of their nations, but divided in classes.

Ribbons given for the Order of the Golden Sun, from the highest grade to the lowest:

Full Title: Grand Cross Special Class of the Order of the Golden Sun of Melite

Only Grand Masters of the Order can receive the Order in this grade. The Grand Masters of the Order are the current or former Presidents of Melite, and the current or former Mayors of the YeLand Special Administrative Region of the Democratic Christian Republic of Melite. The President of Melite can induct members of the Order without consulting the YeLand Mayor, but Mayors of YeLand have to consult with the President of Melite before inducting new members in the Order's ranks.

Full Title: Grand Cross First Class of the Order of the Golden Sun of Melite

Foreign Heads of State and Special Allies of Melite can receive this grade of the Order. This grade is given for exceptionally notable contributions to the Democratic Christian Republic of Melite, whether in its politics, or even its national symbols. Two notable examples are Dhrubajyoti Roy, Rashtradhyaksh (King) of the State of Vishwamitra who designed the ribbons of this Order and tefan Marius Snagoveanu, who designed the new and current National Flag of Melite, which replaced the old one on the 30th of December, 2021.

Premiers of Melite and Supreme Judges of Melite (outgoing or current), can receive the Order in this grade for distinction in their tenures of office. The first awardees were Premier Arama Vella and Supreme Judge Matthew Vella who both were still serving their offices at the time of their awarding. Foreign Royalties may also receive the Order in this grade, with one example being Alexander I Constantine of Monmark, as reciprocation for the Order of the Crowned Lion which President Tonna received on Boxing Day of 2021.

Diplomats to Melite and Non-Royalty Heads of State may be awarded this grade of the Order for their distinction in their services to the Republic's foreign policy, and to allies of Melite. A notable Commander of the Order of the Golden Sun is the President of the Parliamentary Monarchy of Duckionary Arthur C. Woldan in his capacity as Ambassador of Duckionary for Melite and Malta.

This grade is exclusive only for citizens of the Democratic Christian Republic of Melite. This grade does not make discrimination of the awardee's District. Therefore this grade does not make distinction of whether the awardees' region is any of Melite's eight Districts, or the YeLand Special Administrative Region of the Democratic Christian Republic of Melite. The only inductee of this award is Raphael Cassar.

This grade can be awarded to anyone regardless of status, with no special criteria. None have been awarded as of yet.

'Friend of the Nation' is a title that can be given with the order to an individual, regardless of status in Melite or micronationalism ingeneral. It is given in gratitude to someone that has given immensely large help to the forming of Melite, helping it become what it is today, and also friendship with the President. The only current recipient of this title is currently Dhrubajyoti Roy of the State of Vishwamitra. The title holds no post-nominals and will only serve as an honorary prefix.

Endnote

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Order of the Golden Sun - MicroWiki - micronations.wiki