micronations
Self-declared miniature countries
Micronations are self-declared entities that claim sovereignty but lack recognition from established governments or international bodies.
They range from serious political projects to satirical stunts to hobbyist endeavors.
Some exist only online or on paper; others occupy tiny plots of land: The Principality of Sealand occupies an abandoned sea platform off the British coast.
Unlike separatist movements seeking independence from existing states, micronations typically start from nothing, inventing flags, currencies, and constitutions for territories no larger than a backyard.
Cloth symbol or signal
- anthemOfficial song of praise
- passportGovernment-issued travel credential
- currencyMedium of exchange
- stampsPostal payment adhesives
coat of arms · constitution · citizenship · title · nobility · peerage · regalia · seal
Satirical imitation
- tongue-in-cheekHumorously not meant literally
- humorAmusing quality
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
- performance artEmbodied creative expression
absurdist · jest · prank · spoof · lampoon · ironic · art project · protest
Freedom from external control
- secessionFormal withdrawal from union
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- self-determinationControl over one's fate
- breakawaySudden separation from group
declaration · sovereignty · nonrecognition · separatist · splinter · dissident · rebel · unilateral
Noble-ruled territory
Shared-living community
- egalitarianEquality principle supporter
- idealismBelief in noble principles
- utopiaImagined perfect society
- cooperativeJointly operated enterprise
sustainable · collectivism · anarchism · libertarian · intentional community · self-sufficient · experimental · communalism
flag
Cloth symbol or signal
stamps · coat of arms · constitution · citizenship · title · nobility · peerage · regalia · seal · motto
parody
Satirical imitation
- tongue-in-cheekHumorously not meant literally
- humorAmusing quality
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
performance art · absurdist · jest · prank · spoof · lampoon · ironic · art project · protest · statement
independence
Freedom from external control
- secessionFormal withdrawal from union
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- self-determinationControl over one's fate
breakaway · declaration · sovereignty · nonrecognition · separatist · splinter · dissident · rebel · unilateral · disaffiliation
principality
Noble-ruled territory
commune
Shared-living community
- egalitarianEquality principle supporter
- idealismBelief in noble principles
- utopiaImagined perfect society
cooperative · sustainable · collectivism · anarchism · libertarian · intentional community · self-sufficient · experimental · communalism · pacifism
enclave
Surrounded distinct territory
acreage · platform · homestead · compound · property · demarcation · boundary · uninhabited · unclaimed · offshore
- imaginary placesfictional cities, imaginary landscapes, wonderland, enchanted forest, fantasy world
- territoriesprovince, state, region, country, colony
- Disputed TerritoriesKashmir, Crimea, Taiwan, Kosovo, West Bank
micronationssovereign states
Autonomous governing territories
sovereign nations · member states · great powers · superpowers · nation-states
micronationssuperpowers
Capabilities beyond human limits
great powers · empires · world powers · hegemons · United States