Micronation
From MNeu Wiki
A micronation (micro- meaning small from the Greek μικρός + nation meaning a cultural and social community) is a nation-like or state-like entity with its own citizens, culture and claimed territory which can be either physical or virtual. A micronation often has its own government and political, social and economical system. The first ruler of a micronation is often its founder, who entitles himself or herself with a title such as president, king/queen, prince/princess, emperor/empress etc. The form of government or political system is often determined from the title of the ruler or vice versa, meaning if a king/queen rules the micronation, that micronation is a kingdom or if the micronation is a principality, the ruler places the title prince or princess upon himself/herself.
A micronation can also be secessionist or simulationist according to its goals. If a micronation wishes to secede from an already recognized, independent nation it is labeled as secessionist, but if it wishes to be confined within virtual space it is labeled as simulationist.
Micronations often have their own history and culture or create and develop a con-culture and con-history. Some also issue their own stamps, currency, titles, passports and other documents which are often not recognized by other international organizations but are in use within their micronation. These government instruments are often sold as merchandise for monetary gain.
Usually micronations create their own national symbols like flags, coats of arms or emblems, anthems, mottoes etc., with which are represented in the international and 'intermicronational' community.
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Common types
De facto sovereign nation-states
Rare, and generally beyond the scope of this wiki, these are autonomous nations that blur the line between micronations and macronations. They have a permanent population, full & unchallenged control over their occupied (but not necessarily claimed) territory, and a fully functional government that is accepted by the majority of the resident population as legitimate. The only thing these pseudo-states lack is widespread diplomatic recognition and/or a seat in the United Nations. Despite this lack of legal recognition, they maintain the outward appearance of a fully sovereign nation-state, and some may be represented by the UNPO. Examples include:
Sovereign new-nation projects
These micronations are attempts to found completely new nation-states. They generally seek to become as recognizable and respected as the current members of the United Nations. Many aspire to one day join the UN and/or be diplomatically recognized by other UN members, though these goals are not universal. Common plans include setting up the country on an island (natural or artificial) or other sparsely-populated area that is often overlooked by larger nations, homesteading for a while, and then declaring independence. Few have an exceptional level of control over the area they claim or occupy. Examples include:
- Operation Atlantis
- Grand Duchy of Flandrensis
- Federated Commonwealth of Malatora
- Republic of Minerva
Historical/legal anomalies and aspirant states
Some micronations are created using an unusual interpretation of the law, and are created by historical oversights and anomalies. Examples include:
- Akhzivland
- Principality of Hutt River
- Republic of Rose Island
- Principality of Sealand
- Principality of Snake Hill
Historical revision / resurrection
Some micronations use an alternate version of history to justify their creation, which may not match what formal history books actually say. Still others may seek to recreate a lost civilization from the past, for various reasons. Examples include:
Political vehicles
Some micronations exist to draw attention to a political ideal, and may have a social reform agenda. They often appear as media or public relations exercises. Examples include:
- Empire of Atlantium
- Freetown Christiania
- Independent Long Island
- Ladonia
- Peaceland
- Second Vermont Republic
Non-territorial nomadic subcultures
Some micronations avoid the issues of claiming and controlling territory altogether, and create a nation without a designated homeland. Examples include:
Hobbies / self-aggrandizement
Some micronations exist only to pad their creator's ego. Some of these may evolve to find a higher purpose, but others remain exactly as they are, usually because the leader sees no reason to aim higher, and is happy where he is. Examples include:
- Aerican Empire
- Imperial Commonwealth of the Imperium of DeWaCo Estates
- Republic of Dwygadair
- Kingdom of Lovely
- Republic of Molossia
Simulationist games
These amount to little more than online multiplayer role-playing games, with a nation-simulating twist. They have no presence outside of the internet, and have no intentions of making that leap anytime soon. Examples include:
- Commonwealth of Antica
- Kingdom of Babkha
- Virtual Republic of Flanders
- The Imperial Republic of Shireroth
See also
External links
