These are the world’s tiniest nations

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. Here are the world’s tiniest unofficial nations and their secrets.

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.

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 with information about the “nation’s” history, see its former currency and stamps, and its three-dot flag. It’s said this quirky quarter of Copenhagen is the second most popular tourist attraction in the Danish capital, after the Tivoli Gardens.

Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen, Denmark

Visitors are welcome but should respect three rules written on a sign at the entrance to 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.

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. Its biennially celebrated Republic Day is usually attended by thousands.

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 secrets of the world’s passport stamps.

Republic of Kugelmugel, Vienna, Austria

The eye-catching house has the only address within the Republic of Kugelmugel: Antifaschismus-Platz 2 (2 Anti-Fascism Square). It’s since been officially recognized by the city of Vienna. Take a look at these time warp hotel rooms from a bygone era.

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 85 citizens and Emperor Jonathan I (pictured in the center with two tourists in his house) is usually happy to welcome curious visitors to his capital “Wrythe” – subject to prior arrangement. You can even buy Austenasian coins and postcards as souvenirs.

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.

Republic of Užupis, Vilnius, Lithuania

The Old Town of Lithuania’s capital Vilnius hides a secret. About 0.3 square miles (1sq km) of it belongs to the self-declared Republic of Užupis. It’s one of the smallest republics in the world, with 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. Check out these stunning images of Europe’s adorable small towns and villages.

Republic of Užupis, Vilnius, Lithuania

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.

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.

Kingdom of Tavolara, Sardinia, Italy

Not all micronations are drug-fueled 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. Check out these underwater cities we’ve only just discovered.

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.

Look at these incredible photos of abandoned islands the world forgot

Kingdom of Tavolara, Sardinia, Italy

Having ruled over Tavolara for 25 years, king and former fisherman Antonio “Tonino” Bertoleoni usually 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, situated just off Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, and has natural wonders such as a cove and beautiful beaches.

Now check out the world’s stunning abandoned castles

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