With all the political turmoil in the US, I am beginning to think about starting my own country.
I could found a micronation.
A micronation is a self-proclaimed, small entity that claims to be an independent nation but is not officially recognized by world governments or major international organizations (like the United Nations).
Micronations typically have (in addition to a name):
A declared territory. This would be our house on Cape Cod.
A government or leader. That’s me. I need to pick a fancy title. I was thinking of “All Knowing, All Seeing, All Powerful.”
Symbols of nationhood such as a flag. I don’t have one, but my niece is very artistic and could help me.
A purpose or ideology. I don’t have this either. I am open to suggestions.
You might think that this idea is absurd. It may be, but there is an International Micropatrological Society, a research society devoted to the study of micronations. The Society has documented 128 micronations across the globe. Some of the more famous examples are below.
The Principality of Sealand. Founded in 1967 by Roy Bates. The nation is a former World War II sea fort off the coast of England. Sealand has its own flag, passport, and currency. You can even become a Baron, Baroness, Lord or Lady of Sealand.
The Kingdom of Talossa. Founded in 1979 by teenager Robert Ben Madison. The kingdom is his bedroom in Milwaukee. It has its own language and government.
The Republic of Molossia. Founded in 1977 by Kevin Baugh on a small plot of land (1.5 acres) in Dayton, Nevada. The Republic has a space program, currency (based on cookie dough), and strict laws (including a ban on catfish). (Kevin’s official title is His Excellency President Grand Admiral Colonel Doctor Kevin Baugh, President and Raïs of Molossia, Protector of the Nation and Guardian of the People. That might work for me. I could use it as my title on LinkedIn.)
They may be quirky but these micronations are also serious. Every year, the leaders of micronations get together for the MicroCon Conference. The conference will attract over 100 attendees from more than 40 micronations.
Micronations also have treaties with each other. For example, the Aerican Empire has treaties with the Free Republic of Alcatraz and the Princedom of Ayssellant.
When I was a kid, my brother Mike talked about “Glaserolia.” That was a country in his imagination at the time but maybe now is the time to stand up the country.
I am struggling to figure out what presents to get for various family members for the holidays. Citizenship in Glaserolia would be a present that is treasured for the rest of their lives. Of course, you can keep your citizenship as long as you pay your Glaserolia taxes. Empires are expensive. The uniform of President Baugh of Molossia (pictured in this entry) does not look cheap.