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Micronations are self-proclaimed independent states that are not recognized by any supranational organization or sovereign nation. They can take many forms, from physical entities to online or imaginary ones. Micronations often resemble established sovereign states, with territory, citizens, symbols, and governmental institutions. They can be established for serious purposes, personal entertainment, political, social or economic simulations, or to push an agenda. Some micronations are founded for fraudulent purposes. They date back to the early 19th century and have increased in number with the advent of the Internet.
A micronation is an entity which its creator proclaims to be an independent and legitimate state but which, in fact, is not recognized by any supranational organization or sovereign nation. It is possible for micronations to take many forms. Micronations might actually be present in the physical world, exist only as online entities on the Internet, live exclusively in the minds of their creators, or embody some combination of these forms of existence. As a self-proclaimed entity, a micronation is usually formed with the intention of resembling, replacing, or sometimes mocking a recognized independent state. While some micronations’ creators set them up for serious purposes, others are set up as a hobby, for entertainment, or just as a stunt.
Given their different purposes, micronations can vary greatly, but they do share some common characteristics. Often a micronation will be organized much like an established sovereign state. While not a legally recognized or sovereign entity, a micronation could lay claim to territory, have citizens, create official symbols such as flags, and establish governmental institutions. It is not uncommon for micronations to confer titles of nobility or other honors and issue coins, banknotes, stamps and even passports. These articles are very rarely accepted outside the same micronation.
Some micronations are established as political, social or economic simulations. The creators of this form of micronation are usually interested in recreating the past or imitating a social or political process. An example is Nova Roma, which minted its own coins and enforced decrees based on Roman themes. Many micronations are established only for personal entertainment, such as the Aerican Empire, known for its smiley face flag and interplanetary land claims.
A micronation could also be created to push an agenda. The Conch Republic is an example of this. When the US Border Patrol set up a checkpoint in Key West, Florida, a group of business owners and residents set up the Conch Republic as a protest.
New national projects are micronations that are established in an attempt to found new nation states. Often, these micronations involve plans to build artificial islands and establish competitive governments on them. A micronation could also be founded for fraudulent purposes, such as the sale of passports, identity documents or other diplomatic documents.
Micronations date back to the early 19th century. During that time, many were founded by business speculators or simply by eccentric adventurers. The Internet has contributed to the creation of many new micronations whose citizens can live anywhere in the world and interact electronically.
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