How to Establish Your Own Country: 14 Steps (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-01 14:11

Tired of dealing with crazy politics and government distractions or social limitations? Have your tax obligations become too heavy? If you've ever wanted people to act your way, things in the world would be better off…we have great news: you can start your own little country! Small countries, commonly known as micronations, are not easy to establish, but not impossible either. We'll show you how. We will also provide some examples of countries that have failed, succeeded, and the future of this nation-building activity.

Step

Step 1. Learn your country

Learning things about your country is something that will help before you create a new country of your own.

Step 2. Prepare your plan

Write down the name, the capital city, the names of the provinces or states, and the language. You can think about it. If possible, create flags, national anthems, anthems and symbols.

Step 3. Learn the rules

As Bob Dylan said, "You have to be honest if you want to live outside the law." The same principle applies when you want to create a micronation: to define your own rules, you must follow the other rules that already exist. Most of the rules on state creation date back to the 1933 Convention on Rights and Duties of States, also known as the Montevideo Convention. There are standard rules written in the Articles of the Convention: States must meet the following qualifications:

Permanent population
Clear area
Government
Have the capacity to establish relations with other states
The balance of ten The first article explains that the condition for the establishment of a state is the recognition of independence from other states. States are also free to act on their own-and that each state should not interfere in each other's affairs.
Be aware that these laws do not work conventionally. You can declare yourself a country, anytime and anywhere. However, people will not take you seriously, which means you have no legitimacy as a country.

Step 4. Find the region for your micronation

This is the hard part. All existing land has been claimed by other countries, except for two of them. The first is Antarctica. In fact, if you dare to face the weather and the challenge of a lack of "population attraction," Antarctica is managed by the most powerful nations in the world, and these countries likely won't let you plant a flag there and say, "Mine!" The second, there is Bir Tawil. Bir Tawil is a small piece of land between Egypt and Sudan, which neither country has yet claimed. However, its appeal is very limited, because the area is only a sandy path. However, you can still try to find your own region:

Conquer an existing country. There are many small island nations in the Pacific Ocean, and the possibility of defense capabilities is small. Yes, this is a crazy tactic – but it is precisely because of the madness that it might work! You just need an army, navy, and support from the world community-most of these communities protect these small countries from attack. This method has been tried in the Comoros, Vanuatu, and the Maldives Islands, but failed.
Buy an existing country. If you're rich enough, you can buy an island, although it's likely that the country that owns it won't give you rights to the island. A more corrupt or dirty country may be easier to persuade, but even this is difficult to do: a group of Libertarians tried to buy Tortuga from impoverished Haiti, but their proposal was rejected. There are some things in this world that money cannot buy.
Look for gaps. For example, the Gulf Republic of India, which was founded on the mainland between the US and Canada, took advantage of an area whose ownership was unclear as a result of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. This republic lasted from 1832 to 1835, then was eventually controlled by the US.
Look for areas that are not productive for the local government. Chances are local authorities will not be interested in maintaining a resource-consuming, economically/politically unproductive problem area.
At this point, you may think that there is no hope for you, but there really is another best possibility. When land had become scarce, but humans still needed land, creative (and affluent) individuals began to establish nations at sea.

Step 5. Create an island

As they say, the ocean is the hope of the pioneers. International waters are not owned by any country, so this sparks interest and activity.

The Principality of Sealand. Sealand, originally a military base in the North Sea, on the British peninsula during World War II, is a football field-sized building that houses soldiers and stores weapons for attacking German soldiers. After the war ended, the building was neglected, until in 1966, when a desperate DJ named Roy Bates-who was tired of fighting the British government because his pirate radio stations were banned-moved there to open a shop. His radio station never aired again, but he declared this floating fortress the Principality of Sealand. He waved the flag, gave himself the title of Prince, with his wife the title Princess Joan. Sealand successfully withstood the lawsuits, and remains an independent nation to this day.
Palm Island Group. Although not a country, the Palm Island Group, which is located on the Dubai peninsula, is strategic and has great potential for country creators. This group of man-made islands extends out of the Persian Gulf and is shaped like three palm trees, and is an attractive home for the world's millionaires and billionaires.
The Seasteading Institute. This libertarian utopia foundation, founded by Milton Friedman's grandson and PayPal founder Peter Thiel, is a region that believes in free markets in government – as well as a start-up effort to develop democracy. The hope of its founders is that the innovative government that is piloted will be able to create new government ideas that can change the world. The group developed a target to build airstrips at sea with minimal construction requirements, no minimum obligations, no minimum salaries, and low levels of firearms restrictions. Its proponents see this as the key to free enterprise for the next generation. Critics argue otherwise, namely that lax development regulations and low worker salaries with a large number of firearms in circulation are a recipe for disaster. While the Seasteading Institute's political views may not align with yours, it shows that the ocean is a place you can use to create something new.
The Republic of Minerva. An activist, who is also a millionaire, piled sand in a yard located in the Pacific Ocean, in the south of Fiji, and created an artificial island called the Republic of Minerva. However, if you're not rich enough to create a landmass, then create a country in the shadows – certain micronations do. These countries were founded on shadow continents or planets.
In addition to the traditional, region-centered country, there are certain areas that are yet to be mapped, regulated, and explored, and the possibilities are virtually limitless – this is because they exist only virtually. We call it cloud computing, the internet, or virtual space (as William Gibson called it). This area is where people spend more and more time, seeking to connect emotionally and interactively with friends and colleagues, through the use of the internet. Virtual worlds, such as Second Life and Blue Mars, create 3-dimensional habitats, and have their own currency and laws (aka "Terms and Conditions"). Other worlds such as Facebook (social media), facilitate groups of like-minded people around the world to work together towards a noble cause – as defined by the group. Like the oceans, virtual states will have a growing influence, and may well produce separate real national identities within the next 100 years.

Step 6. Invite your friends

One of the key requirements of a country – apart from its territory – is population. If the territory you conquer or build has no inhabitants, you will have to bring it yourself. Invite friends and family to join the region, and you'll have a decidedly small population.

These days, if you're serious about something (and micronation is serious, of course), build a website. Use this site to find like-minded people, and give them good reasons why they should live in the new Republic you've created. The reasons could be jobs and money, or the freedom to have multiple wives, or the opportunity to be part of the founding of a new nation.
You must determine what is required of your residents. Do they have to pass a residency test or comply with certain laws? What form of identification will they need – a passport? SIM? Subcutaneously implanted RFID?

Step 7. Create a government and constitution

The success or failure of your project will largely be determined by your leadership in government. Consider the success of the United States, which is rooted in a clear and specific constitution, but can still be misinterpreted and denied. Without its constitution, the US might break up and become dozens of smaller countries instead of remaining a solid unit. Your government and constitution should be guided by the principles you wanted to define from the start. Here are some examples of micronations and their founding principles:

Nova Rome, devoted to the "restoration of classical Roman religion, culture and interests".
The American Empire, based on a sense of humor and a love of science fiction, fantasy, and games.
Political simulations or political movements. These micronations usually have strong political views and are often controversial. In the past, some have managed to attract media or political attention, although this rarely happens. Despite its relative vulnerability, it is the most frequently encountered type of micronation.
Cultural missions. This micronation is similar to historic projects. All of them were established to promote certain cultures and traditions. There are many German micronations, such as Domanglia, that are trying to remake the culture and traditions of the past German Empire. Many micronations in this category are nationalist and patriotic projects.
Secessionist entities. This type is the most serious type of micronation, and is usually older than other types of micronation. Notable secessionist micronations include Sealand, Hutt River Province, and Freetown Christinia.

Step 8. Create the legal system

All good countries have a clear legal system. The following are some examples of systems in use in existing countries:

Vote. In this process, citizens make decisions in terms of government and elect state officials. This system is used in Switzerland.
True Democracy. The people make all decisions by voting. This system is difficult to operate in large countries, but may be suitable for micronation.

Step 9. Declare your independence

Once you have territory, population, and a government with a constitution, it's time to declare yourself. One of these three things will happen, depending on what you have prepared for the world:

Flat response from all over the world. The world might see your declaration of independence, and immediately go back to watching Star Trek reruns.
Welcome to the community of countries around the world, invitations to join the United Nations, and requests for ambassadors and embassies.
Armed attack. If your country violates borders, existing treaties, human rights, or other legal protocols, you may be approached by the police telling you that "State Jalan Kelapa Gading No. 7" you are in a treaty-controlled community that does not recognize your independence., and that you must lower the flag from the roof or be fined. You could also be attacked by a United Nations coalition that requires you to surrender and get into their (bulletproof) Mercedes SUV, and then be taken to the Hague so that you can be tried for crimes against humanity. Or, your micronation could have the same fate as the Republic of Minerva: as soon as Michael Oliver, the millionaire activist of the libertarian movement, founded it by pouring sand over Minerva's Field in Southern Fiji and declared independence, the island was attacked and taken over (with worldwide support). international) by Tonga.

Step 10. Define the economic system

If you don't want to use dollars, euros, or any other currency, create your own financial system. Will your country's wealth be centered on gold, securities, or just prayers and hopes? Although your words may have an effect on friends, for the purposes of the national debt, you must determine the serious collateral that can be used. If you decide to stick with a mature currency, you'll still have to figure out how to fund your government, and the best way to do that may contradict the reason why you set up your own country: collecting taxes. Through taxes, the government will be able to provide basic services, such as electricity, plumbing, standard bureaucracy (to a minimum if you prefer), and the army.

Protecting citizens from enemies is a fundamental obligation for every country (both small and large). Whether the army is military, national security guard, enlistment, or some other defense solution, this is something to consider when you draft a constitution

Step 11. Make sure you are recognized by the world

Despite all the issues that may arise as a result of the founding of your country (see above), make sure you are recognized by the world. For this to be possible, other countries must acknowledge your existence. You must first master international law, politics, and diplomatic skills. If these are not your strongest skills, hire a cabinet of expert politicians to take on this task.

This is perhaps the most difficult step. Some countries, such as Palestine, Taiwan, and Northern Cyprus, have had them all – but are still not recognized by many countries around the world. There are no specific rules here – all countries have their own standards for recognizing other countries. Some things that might affect recognition include what you think about Al Qaeda, communism, or capitalism. Other countries may resent your approach to human rights, or control over natural resources. In the United States, the decision to recognize a country is made by the president. Your request for acknowledgment will be determined by who is in the White House at the time, and be aware that the president's policies and tastes can change drastically every four years.
In addition, membership in the United Nations also requires no vetoes from the five strongest countries: the US, Britain, China, Russia, and France. In other words, you should take a neutral view on controversial issues like Palestine, Taiwan, Crimea, etc.
If you live in or near Europe, try applying for EU membership. This will ensure your preeminence in world politics.

Step 12. Manage your brand

Every country needs a flag, so does your country. This is the most obvious national symbol, although there are other symbols that can help identify you as a country:

' Money. What does your currency look like? Will it take the form of a gold coin in bold print, and in 3D hologram on the banknote, or will you use a symbolic icon like Lady Liberty or Charlton Heston? Will you go the modern way, or try to be nostalgic, going back to the times when every coin was carved by hand?
country stamp. You can make it from the national motto and translate it into Latin. There are many translation services that you can try. Add cool pictures with shields to show that you belong to a certain royal family – or you can clearly state your mission in your own language, and hire a graphic designer to create the logo. A good logo can be worth more than a British royal crown!
Official correspondence. Since you will be writing letters to presidents, UN, prime ministers, and all other heads of state, prepare beautiful letterhead on high-quality paper and have the country stamp printed.
National anthem. Prepare the national anthem to be played at important occasions.

Step 13. Specify the country language

All countries certainly have a verbal language. In this case, you can:

Using an existing language (eg English), or using an ancient language, such as futhark.
Create a dialect of an existing language (eg Canadian English or American English).
Create your own language. If you want to use your own language, make sure everyone in your country understands it (or in other words, teach them the language).
Combine other languages. Believe it or not, the fact is that most English comes from Latin and German. Meanwhile the Americans borrowed the zero from the Arabs.

Step 14. Take a real step and do it

The world won't get bigger, and all governments won't get any smaller (no matter what they promise), so the sooner you step up and claim your own country, the sooner you can declare yourself prince, king, emperor, ayatollah, ruler supreme, and president for life of [insert name of your country here].

Tips

If you want to have a functional and independent country, you will need infrastructure (eg roads, schools, buildings, hospitals, fire stations).
Make sure you maintain neutral relations with the superpowers. Staying away from North Korea might help.
Get involved. There are several different communities out there. Follow yourself (or send your country's official representative) and get involved!
Try not to follow policies that are aggressive towards other countries, for no apparent reason. This will weaken your status in world politics.
Remember that you can't have nuclear weapons or anything until your country is successful and stable.
Micronationalism is both a hobby and a serious thing, involving people from diverse backgrounds. The key to peace is respect, while intolerance is the key to war.
You'll need to create a website that works, perhaps with a blog feature used as a news service. You might also find it helpful to write a Wiki article – there are several wikis for micronations you can use; but don't forget that your country should be more than just a website and an article!
Learn about other existing and well-established micronations. Why are they successful (or prone to failure)? What can you learn from them?
Join an organization. There are organizations devoted to micronations and people who want to try to create their own country. This organization may resemble the United Nations, such as the Organization of Active Micronations (OAM) or the League of Secessionist States (LoSS), or it may have more specific goals, such as the Micronational Cartography Society (MCS). This organization can be a great place to meet other micronation lovers and help you and your micronation in various ways. You could even start a United Federation of Micronations organization!