Tiny Tourism: Visiting Micronations

Micronations are an interesting concept. By definition, micronations are simply an area of land claimed by the owner or residents to not belong to any particular government but their own. They elect leaders and establish their own currencies, national holidays and even postal systems. Most micronations are relatively small and many fail and become defunct. Some are still going, though, and are worth a stop by during your travels.

Principality of Seborga © Andrea Puggioni | Flickr

Seborga has a history dating back to the first century, but its residents held their own election and voted for independence from Italy in the mid-1990s. The micronation elected a prince and started producing their own passports and licenses plates, but are still required to pay taxes to the Italian government. Seborga is located near the border of France, and its closest travel destination neighbor is Nice. The micronation welcomes tourists and attractions include a 14^th-century church and a museum of musical instruments.

The Republic of Molossia is located right within the United States, in Nevada, and includes territories in California and the Pacific Ocean, as well as an almost 50,000-square-mile territory on Venus. It was founded in the late 1990s by Kevin Baugh, who is also the president. Molossia has a navy and space program and welcomes tourists, so long as they present their passport and a few cents. Guided tours are available.

Principality of Hutt River © Dilettantiquity | Flickr

The Principality of Hutt River was founded in Western Australia in 1970. The Principality has a royal family, capital and currency, and residents pay no income tax and are non-residents of Australia. Thousands of tourists visit this micronation every year, which was recognized by the Heritage Council of Western Australia as a historic site. A visit to the destination includes a meeting with the royal family, the royal art collection and camping facilities.

Freetown Christiania © Katatonia82 | Dreamstime 49564282

Freetown Christiania is located within Copenhagen, and was founded in the 1970s by a group of government protesters and artists. The micronation has hundreds of residents and has long been considered a destination within Copenhagen for art, theater, LGBT life and open drug trade. There has been a large issue with crime within Freetown Christiania; however, and the Danish government has attempted to step in where needed, much to the dismay of the residents.

Conch Republic © Sarashea79 | Dreamstime

The most famous micronation destination, of course, is the Conch Republic, located on Key West. In 1982, the Conch Republic seceded from the United Stations after U.S. Border Patrol set up a blockade separating the Keys from the mainland. Residents hold both U.S. and Conch Republic citizenships. You can take a tour of their capital or attend their week-long annual independence celebration, which includes historic reenactments, concerts and plenty of parties.