Micronation - Revision history

Westarctica: added link to microwiki article

2025-08-09T07:09:12Z

added link to microwiki article

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:09, 9 August 2025
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	Micronationalism shed much of its traditionally eccentric anti-establishment mantle and took on a distinctly hobbyist perspective in the mid-1990s, when the emerging popularity of the Internet made it possible to create and promote statelike entities in an entirely electronic medium with relative ease. An early example is the [[Talossa\|Kingdom of Talossa]], a micronation created in 1979 by then-14-year-old Robert Ben Madison, which went online in November 1995, and was reported in the ''New York Times'' and other print media in 2000.		Micronationalism shed much of its traditionally eccentric anti-establishment mantle and took on a distinctly hobbyist perspective in the mid-1990s, when the emerging popularity of the Internet made it possible to create and promote statelike entities in an entirely electronic medium with relative ease. An early example is the [[Talossa\|Kingdom of Talossa]], a micronation created in 1979 by then-14-year-old Robert Ben Madison, which went online in November 1995, and was reported in the ''New York Times'' and other print media in 2000.

	The activities of these types of micronations are almost exclusively limited to simulations of diplomatic activity (including the signing of treaties" and participation in inter-micronational organizations such as the League of Micronations) and contribution to wikis. With the introduction of the Internet, many articles on how to create micronations were made available on such wikis, which serve as a hub of online activity for micronations. The most notable wiki for the forum, MicroWiki, was created in 2005.		The activities of these types of micronations are almost exclusively limited to simulations of diplomatic activity (including the signing of treaties" and participation in inter-micronational organizations such as the League of Micronations) and contribution to wikis. With the introduction of the Internet, many articles on how to create micronations were made available on such wikis, which serve as a hub of online activity for micronations. The most notable wiki for the forum, [[MicroWiki]], was created in 2005.

	A number of traditional territorial micronations, including the [[Principality of Hutt River\|Hutt River Province]], Seborga, and [[Principality of Sealand\|Sealand]], maintain websites that serve largely to promote their claims and sell merchandise. In 1999, the [[MicroFreedom\|MicroFreedom Index]], an academic [[list of micronations]] created by Mr. [[Steven Scharff]], went online and has served as a resource for the micronational community for nearly twenty years.		A number of traditional territorial micronations, including the [[Principality of Hutt River\|Hutt River Province]], Seborga, and [[Principality of Sealand\|Sealand]], maintain websites that serve largely to promote their claims and sell merchandise. In 1999, the [[MicroFreedom\|MicroFreedom Index]], an academic [[list of micronations]] created by Mr. [[Steven Scharff]], went online and has served as a resource for the micronational community for nearly twenty years.

Westarctica: added Emperor Norton note

2025-07-12T06:22:23Z

added Emperor Norton note

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:22, 12 July 2025
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	Several micronations have issued [[Coins of Westarctica\|coins]], [[Flag of Westarctica\|flags]], [[Stamps of Westarctica\|postage stamps]], passports, and other items. These items are rarely accepted outside their own community, but may be sold as novelties to help raise money or collected by enthusiasts.		Several micronations have issued [[Coins of Westarctica\|coins]], [[Flag of Westarctica\|flags]], [[Stamps of Westarctica\|postage stamps]], passports, and other items. These items are rarely accepted outside their own community, but may be sold as novelties to help raise money or collected by enthusiasts.

	The earliest known micronations date from the beginning of the 19th century. The advent of the Internet provided the means for people to create many new micronations, whose members are scattered all over the world and interact mostly by electronic means, often calling their nations "nomadic countries". The differences between such Internet micronations, other kinds of social networking groups, and role-playing games are sometimes difficult to define.		The earliest known micronations date from the beginning of the 19th century and the eccentric San Francisco resident known as [[Emperor Norton]] is often considered the "first micronationalist."

			The advent of the Internet provided the means for people to create many new micronations, whose members are scattered all over the world and interact mostly by electronic means, often calling their nations "nomadic countries". The differences between such Internet micronations, other kinds of social networking groups, and role-playing games are sometimes difficult to define.

	The term "micronation" to describe those entities dates at least to the 1970s. The term '''micropatriology''' is sometimes used to describe the study of both micronations and microstates by micronationalists, some of whom refer to [[sovereignty\|sovereign]] nation-states as "macronations."		The term "micronation" to describe those entities dates at least to the 1970s. The term '''micropatriology''' is sometimes used to describe the study of both micronations and microstates by micronationalists, some of whom refer to [[sovereignty\|sovereign]] nation-states as "macronations."

Westarctica: /* Academic, literary, and media attention */

2023-09-24T17:51:20Z

Academic, literary, and media attention

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:51, 24 September 2023
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	* The Australian television comedy series ''Micro Nation'' is set on the fictional island micronation of Pullamawang, which remained independent from Australia because they "forgot to mail in their paperwork" at the Federation of Australia in 1901.		* The Australian television comedy series ''Micro Nation'' is set on the fictional island micronation of Pullamawang, which remained independent from Australia because they "forgot to mail in their paperwork" at the Federation of Australia in 1901.

			* Since 2015, the [[MicroCon]] event has occurred in various cities around North America. As the largest gathering of its kind in the world, it attracts large amounts of media attention.

	==See also==		==See also==

Westarctica at 02:39, 26 September 2021

2021-09-26T02:39:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:39, 26 September 2021
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	===Effects of the Internet===		===Effects of the Internet===
	Micronationalism shed much of its traditionally eccentric anti-establishment mantle and took on a distinctly hobbyist perspective in the mid-1990s, when the emerging popularity of the Internet made it possible to create and promote statelike entities in an entirely electronic medium with relative ease. An early example is the Kingdom of Talossa, a micronation created in 1979 by then-14-year-old Robert Ben Madison, which went online in November 1995, and was reported in the ''New York Times'' and other print media in 2000.		Micronationalism shed much of its traditionally eccentric anti-establishment mantle and took on a distinctly hobbyist perspective in the mid-1990s, when the emerging popularity of the Internet made it possible to create and promote statelike entities in an entirely electronic medium with relative ease. An early example is the [[Talossa\|Kingdom of Talossa]], a micronation created in 1979 by then-14-year-old Robert Ben Madison, which went online in November 1995, and was reported in the ''New York Times'' and other print media in 2000.

	The activities of these types of micronations are almost exclusively limited to simulations of diplomatic activity (including the signing of treaties" and participation in inter-micronational organizations such as the League of Micronations) and contribution to wikis. With the introduction of the Internet, many articles on how to create micronations were made available on such wikis, which serve as a hub of online activity for micronations. The most notable wiki for the forum, MicroWiki, was created in 2005.		The activities of these types of micronations are almost exclusively limited to simulations of diplomatic activity (including the signing of treaties" and participation in inter-micronational organizations such as the League of Micronations) and contribution to wikis. With the introduction of the Internet, many articles on how to create micronations were made available on such wikis, which serve as a hub of online activity for micronations. The most notable wiki for the forum, MicroWiki, was created in 2005.

Westarctica: /* Micronations based on historical claims */ fixed stray bracket

2021-09-04T17:29:30Z

Micronations based on historical claims: fixed stray bracket

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:29, 4 September 2021
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	===Micronations based on historical claims===		===Micronations based on historical claims===
	A small number of micronations are founded based on historical anomalies or on legal anomalies (deriving from disputed interpretations of law). These types of micronations are usually located on small (usually disputed) territorial enclaves, generate limited economic activity founded on[tourism and philatelic and numismatic sales, and are tolerated or ignored by the nations from which they claim to have seceded. This category includes:		A small number of micronations are founded based on historical anomalies or on legal anomalies (deriving from disputed interpretations of law). These types of micronations are usually located on small (usually disputed) territorial enclaves, generate limited economic activity founded on tourism and philatelic and numismatic sales, and are tolerated or ignored by the nations from which they claim to have seceded. This category includes:

	* '''Principality of Seborga''': a town in the region of Liguria, Italy, near the southern end of the border with France, which traces its history back to the Middle Ages.		* '''Principality of Seborga''': a town in the region of Liguria, Italy, near the southern end of the border with France, which traces its history back to the Middle Ages.

Westarctica: added link to Atlantium article

2021-09-04T17:05:29Z

added link to Atlantium article

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:05, 4 September 2021
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	* In 2010, a documentary film by Jody Shapiro entitled ''How to Start Your Own Country'' was screened as part of the Toronto International Film Festival. The documentary explored various micronations around the world, and included an analysis of the concept of statehood and citizenship. Erwin Strauss, author of the eponymous book, was interviewed as part of the film.		* In 2010, a documentary film by Jody Shapiro entitled ''How to Start Your Own Country'' was screened as part of the Toronto International Film Festival. The documentary explored various micronations around the world, and included an analysis of the concept of statehood and citizenship. Erwin Strauss, author of the eponymous book, was interviewed as part of the film.

	* In 2012, a conference of micronations (PoliNation 2012) was held in London. Micronations with representatives in attendance included the Empire of Atlantium, the [[Republic of Molossia]], the [[Grand Duchy of Flandrensis]], [[Royal Republic of Ladonia\|Ladonia]], and the [[Empire of Austenasia]].		* In 2012, a conference of micronations (PoliNation 2012) was held in London. Micronations with representatives in attendance included the [[Atlantium\|Empire of Atlantium]], the [[Republic of Molossia]], the [[Grand Duchy of Flandrensis]], [[Royal Republic of Ladonia\|Ladonia]], and the [[Empire of Austenasia]].

	* The Australian television comedy series ''Micro Nation'' is set on the fictional island micronation of Pullamawang, which remained independent from Australia because they "forgot to mail in their paperwork" at the Federation of Australia in 1901.		* The Australian television comedy series ''Micro Nation'' is set on the fictional island micronation of Pullamawang, which remained independent from Australia because they "forgot to mail in their paperwork" at the Federation of Australia in 1901.

Westarctica at 18:21, 18 August 2021

2021-08-18T18:21:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:21, 18 August 2021
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	* The Australian television comedy series ''Micro Nation'' is set on the fictional island micronation of Pullamawang, which remained independent from Australia because they "forgot to mail in their paperwork" at the Federation of Australia in 1901.		* The Australian television comedy series ''Micro Nation'' is set on the fictional island micronation of Pullamawang, which remained independent from Australia because they "forgot to mail in their paperwork" at the Federation of Australia in 1901.

			==See also==
			* [[List of micronations]]

	==External links==		==External links==

Westarctica: added link to list of micronations article

2021-08-18T18:20:36Z

added link to list of micronations article

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:20, 18 August 2021
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	The activities of these types of micronations are almost exclusively limited to simulations of diplomatic activity (including the signing of treaties" and participation in inter-micronational organizations such as the League of Micronations) and contribution to wikis. With the introduction of the Internet, many articles on how to create micronations were made available on such wikis, which serve as a hub of online activity for micronations. The most notable wiki for the forum, MicroWiki, was created in 2005.		The activities of these types of micronations are almost exclusively limited to simulations of diplomatic activity (including the signing of treaties" and participation in inter-micronational organizations such as the League of Micronations) and contribution to wikis. With the introduction of the Internet, many articles on how to create micronations were made available on such wikis, which serve as a hub of online activity for micronations. The most notable wiki for the forum, MicroWiki, was created in 2005.

	A number of traditional territorial micronations, including the [[Principality of Hutt River\|Hutt River Province]], Seborga, and [[Principality of Sealand\|Sealand]], maintain websites that serve largely to promote their claims and sell merchandise. In 1999, the [[MicroFreedom\|MicroFreedom Index]], an academic ~~listing~~ of micronations created by Mr. [[Steven Scharff]], went online and has served as a resource for the micronational community for nearly twenty years.		A number of traditional territorial micronations, including the [[Principality of Hutt River\|Hutt River Province]], Seborga, and [[Principality of Sealand\|Sealand]], maintain websites that serve largely to promote their claims and sell merchandise. In 1999, the [[MicroFreedom\|MicroFreedom Index]], an academic [[list of micronations]] created by Mr. [[Steven Scharff]], went online and has served as a resource for the micronational community for nearly twenty years.

	==Legitimacy==		==Legitimacy==

Westarctica: /* Effects of the Internet */

2019-01-26T20:07:08Z

Effects of the Internet

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:07, 26 January 2019
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	The activities of these types of micronations are almost exclusively limited to simulations of diplomatic activity (including the signing of treaties" and participation in inter-micronational organizations such as the League of Micronations) and contribution to wikis. With the introduction of the Internet, many articles on how to create micronations were made available on such wikis, which serve as a hub of online activity for micronations. The most notable wiki for the forum, MicroWiki, was created in 2005.		The activities of these types of micronations are almost exclusively limited to simulations of diplomatic activity (including the signing of treaties" and participation in inter-micronational organizations such as the League of Micronations) and contribution to wikis. With the introduction of the Internet, many articles on how to create micronations were made available on such wikis, which serve as a hub of online activity for micronations. The most notable wiki for the forum, MicroWiki, was created in 2005.

	A number of traditional territorial micronations, including the Hutt River Province, Seborga, and Sealand, maintain websites that serve largely to promote their claims and sell merchandise. In 1999, the [[MicroFreedom]] ~~Index~~, an academic listing of micronations, went online and has served as a resource for the micronational community for nearly twenty years.		A number of traditional territorial micronations, including the [[Principality of Hutt River\|Hutt River Province]], Seborga, and [[Principality of Sealand\|Sealand]], maintain websites that serve largely to promote their claims and sell merchandise. In 1999, the [[MicroFreedom\|MicroFreedom Index]], an academic listing of micronations created by Mr. [[Steven Scharff]], went online and has served as a resource for the micronational community for nearly twenty years.

	==Legitimacy==		==Legitimacy==

Westarctica: added more article links

2018-09-28T17:19:27Z

added more article links

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:19, 28 September 2018
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	A '''micronation''', sometimes referred to as a '''model country''' or '''new country project''', is an entity that claims to be an independent nation or state but is not generally recognized by world governments or major international organizations.		A '''micronation''', sometimes referred to as a '''model country''' or '''new country project''', is an entity that claims to be an independent nation or state but is not generally recognized by world governments or major international organizations.

	Micronations are distinguished from imaginary countries and from other kinds of social groups (such as eco-villages, campuses, tribes, clans, and sects) by expressing a formal and persistent, even if unrecognized, claim of sovereignty over some physical territory. Micronations are also distinct from true secessionist movements; micronations' activities are almost always peaceful enough to be ignored rather than challenged by the established nations whose territory they claim.		Micronations are distinguished from imaginary countries and from other kinds of social groups (such as eco-villages, campuses, tribes, clans, and sects) by expressing a formal and persistent, even if unrecognized, claim of [[sovereignty]] over some physical territory. Micronations are also distinct from true secessionist movements; micronations' activities are almost always peaceful enough to be ignored rather than challenged by the established nations whose territory they claim.

	Several micronations have issued coins, flags, postage stamps, passports, and other items. These items are rarely accepted outside their own community, but may be sold as novelties to help raise money or collected by enthusiasts.		Several micronations have issued [[Coins of Westarctica\|coins]], [[Flag of Westarctica\|flags]], [[Stamps of Westarctica\|postage stamps]], passports, and other items. These items are rarely accepted outside their own community, but may be sold as novelties to help raise money or collected by enthusiasts.

	The earliest known micronations date from the beginning of the 19th century. The advent of the Internet provided the means for people to create many new micronations, whose members are scattered all over the world and interact mostly by electronic means, often calling their nations "nomadic countries". The differences between such Internet micronations, other kinds of social networking groups, and role-playing games are ~~often~~ difficult to define.		The earliest known micronations date from the beginning of the 19th century. The advent of the Internet provided the means for people to create many new micronations, whose members are scattered all over the world and interact mostly by electronic means, often calling their nations "nomadic countries". The differences between such Internet micronations, other kinds of social networking groups, and role-playing games are sometimes difficult to define.

	The term "micronation" to describe those entities dates at least to the 1970s. The term '''micropatriology''' is sometimes used to describe the study of both micronations and microstates by micronationalists, some of whom refer to [[sovereignty\|sovereign]] nation-states as "macronations."		The term "micronation" to describe those entities dates at least to the 1970s. The term '''micropatriology''' is sometimes used to describe the study of both micronations and microstates by micronationalists, some of whom refer to [[sovereignty\|sovereign]] nation-states as "macronations."
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	==Definition==		==Definition==
	[[File:Hutt-River-Sign.jpg\|thumb\|350px\|Border sign to the Hutt River micronation]]		[[File:Hutt-River-Sign.jpg\|thumb\|350px\|Border sign to the Hutt River micronation]]
	Micronations generally have a number of common features, although these may vary widely. They may have a structure similar to established sovereign states, including territorial claims, government institutions, official symbols and citizens, albeit on a much smaller scale. Micronations are often quite small, in both their claimed territory and claimed populations — although there are some exceptions to this rule, with different micronations having different methods of citizenship. Micronations may also issue formal instruments such as postage stamps, coins, banknotes and passports, and bestow honors and titles of nobility.		Micronations generally have a number of common features, although these may vary widely. They may have a structure similar to established sovereign states, including territorial claims, government institutions, official symbols and citizens, albeit on a much smaller scale. Micronations are often quite small, in both their claimed territory and claimed populations — although there are some exceptions to this rule, with different micronations having different methods of citizenship. Micronations may also issue formal instruments such as postage stamps, coins, banknotes and passports, and bestow honors and [[Peerage of Westarctica\|titles of nobility]].

	The [[Montevideo Convention\|Montevideo Convention on the Right and Duties of States]] was one attempt to create a legal definition distinguishing between states and non-states. Some micronations like [[Principality of Sealand\|Sealand]] or [[Principality of Hutt River\|Hutt River]] reject the term "micronation" and consider themselves fully sovereign states (feigning ignorance of the political reality of their condition); other micronations like [[Grand Duchy of Flandrensis\|Flandrensis]] or [[Republic of Molossia\|Molossia]] have no desire to be recognized as sovereign to the same degree as UN member states.		The [[Montevideo Convention\|Montevideo Convention on the Right and Duties of States]] was one attempt to create a legal definition distinguishing between states and non-states. Some micronations like [[Principality of Sealand\|Sealand]] or [[Principality of Hutt River\|Hutt River]] reject the term "micronation" and consider themselves fully sovereign states (feigning ignorance of the political reality of their condition); other micronations like [[Grand Duchy of Flandrensis\|Flandrensis]] or [[Republic of Molossia\|Molossia]] have no desire to be recognized as sovereign to the same degree as UN member states.
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	Micronationalism shed much of its traditionally eccentric anti-establishment mantle and took on a distinctly hobbyist perspective in the mid-1990s, when the emerging popularity of the Internet made it possible to create and promote statelike entities in an entirely electronic medium with relative ease. An early example is the Kingdom of Talossa, a micronation created in 1979 by then-14-year-old Robert Ben Madison, which went online in November 1995, and was reported in the ''New York Times'' and other print media in 2000.		Micronationalism shed much of its traditionally eccentric anti-establishment mantle and took on a distinctly hobbyist perspective in the mid-1990s, when the emerging popularity of the Internet made it possible to create and promote statelike entities in an entirely electronic medium with relative ease. An early example is the Kingdom of Talossa, a micronation created in 1979 by then-14-year-old Robert Ben Madison, which went online in November 1995, and was reported in the ''New York Times'' and other print media in 2000.

	The activities of these types of micronations are almost exclusively limited to simulations of diplomatic activity (including the signing of "treaties" and participation in ~~"supra~~-micronational~~" forums~~ such as the League of Micronations) and contribution to wikis. With the introduction of the Internet, many articles on how to create micronations were made available on such wikis, which serve as a hub of online activity for micronations. The most notable wiki for the forum, MicroWiki, was created in 2005.		The activities of these types of micronations are almost exclusively limited to simulations of diplomatic activity (including the signing of treaties" and participation in inter-micronational organizations such as the League of Micronations) and contribution to wikis. With the introduction of the Internet, many articles on how to create micronations were made available on such wikis, which serve as a hub of online activity for micronations. The most notable wiki for the forum, MicroWiki, was created in 2005.

	A number of traditional territorial micronations, including the Hutt River Province, Seborga, and Sealand, maintain websites that serve largely to promote their claims and sell merchandise. In 1999, the [[MicroFreedom]] Index, an academic listing of micronations, went online and has served as a resource for the micronational community for nearly twenty years.		A number of traditional territorial micronations, including the Hutt River Province, Seborga, and Sealand, maintain websites that serve largely to promote their claims and sell merchandise. In 1999, the [[MicroFreedom]] Index, an academic listing of micronations, went online and has served as a resource for the micronational community for nearly twenty years.
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	* [http://www.microfreedom.com The MicroFreedom Index]		* [http://www.microfreedom.com The MicroFreedom Index]
	* [https://micronations.webs.com/index.html Guide to Starting Your Own Micronation]		* [https://micronations.webs.com/index.html Guide to Starting Your Own Micronation]
			* [https://micronations.wiki/wiki/Main_Page MicroWiki - The Premiere Wiki About Micronations]

	[[Category:Micronations]]		[[Category:Micronations]]