Micro Nations

Ness Rowlah

Norwegian Wood
niece piece on micro nations from cabinetmagazine

The Territory of Poyais displayed many of the themes that would appear in micro-nations for the next century-and-a-half: Firstly, that the love of money is usually a significant incentive in a micro-nation’s foundation. Secondly, that a micro-nation’s founders will always bestow upon themselves thoroughly dramatic titles. Thirdly, that since all the world’s good spots have been taken, micro-nations are usually gifted with dire and hazardous geography. And finally, should any other country enquire into the status of a micro-nation, it is liable to collapse.

...

However, one micro-nation has perhaps come closer to fulfilling these requirements than any other. Founded by a former “pirate” radio operator, Paddy Roy Bates, Sealand is situated on an abandoned World War II anti-aircraft tower, seven miles off the British coast. Consisting of 550 square meters of solid steel, it was declared independent by “Prince” Roy in 1967. (The country’s initial economic activity consisted largely of selling passports and minted coins—both common practices amongst modern micro-nations out to make a quick buck).
 

polystyle

Well-known member
Pirate space available ?

Aaaah Sealand and Paddy Roy Bates ...
Saw some badly lit TV footage of Sealand years ago ,
he had a heli pad on top of this bunker structure on strut legs out there in the ocean
but he's not still out there is he ?
 

polystyle

Well-known member
Just a few miles offshore

Thanks Bleep
'From The Sea , Freedom' indeed .
That 'fortress' was built and just left out there in International waters for him to claim !
 

Ness Rowlah

Norwegian Wood
polystyle desu said:
Aaaah Sealand and Paddy Roy Bates ...
Saw some badly lit TV footage of Sealand years ago ,
he had a heli pad on top of this bunker structure on strut legs out there in the ocean
but he's not still out there is he ?

Nah. I did some further browsing and there's a very good Wikipedia entry for Sealand

Sealand's royals are all believed to retain UK citizenship, and the family has not been in permanent residence on the Roughs Tower facility since 1999. The facility is now occupied by one or more caretakers representing Michael Bates, who himself lives in Leigh on Sea, England. As Sealand is not a recognised country, the Bates family officially travel internationally as British citizens.
 
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