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Micronations
Micro-nations are small, self-proclaimed entities that claim to be independent sovereign states but are not recognized as such by world governments or major international organizations. They are distinct from micro-states, which are small but internationally recognized sovereign states like Monaco or Singapore.
There are two weird countries in the world which can be called as micro-nations. Let’s have a look at each of them.
LIBERLAND
Liberland, officially called the Free Republic of Liberland, is an unrecognised micronation situated in Southeast Europe. It claims an uninhabited parcel of disputed land on the western bank of the Danube, between Croatia and Serbia, locally known as Gornja Siga. The area is approximately 7 square kilometers (roughly the same size as Gibraltar) and primarily consists of forested land with no permanent residents.
Liberland was proclaimed on April 13, 2015, by Vít Jedlička, a Czech right-libertarian politician and activist. Jedlička’s assertion was that the land was terra nullius, as neither Croatia nor Serbia had claimed it, and thus he believed he could claim it under this doctrine. The border was defined to not interfere with the sovereignty of any other state.
However, legal experts from Serbia and Croatia have opined that under international law, Jedlička lacks the right to claim the area, which remains a subject of dispute between these two nations. While Serbia views the affair as trivial and states that Liberland does not infringe upon its border, Croatia, which currently administers the land, asserts that it should be awarded to either Croatia or Serbia after international arbitration, not to a third party like Liberland.
The proposed government structure for Liberland includes ten to twenty members, elected through electronic voting. Jedlička has expressed his intention to operate on an open-border policy. The micronation aims to create a society with minimal state regulations and taxes, drawing inspiration from countries like Monaco and Liechtenstein. Liberland’s draft constitution outlines a three-power system with executive, legislative, and judicial sectors, emphasizing individual rights, including property rights, freedom of speech, and the right to keep and bear arms. An official cryptocurrency called the “merit” is planned, with a maximum of 70 million merits to be issued.
In an attempt to gain international recognition, Liberland appointed 70 representatives in over 60 countries within a year of its proclamation and had recruited over 100 representatives in more than 80 countries as of February 2018. Despite these efforts, there has been no diplomatic recognition of Liberland by any United Nations member. Jedlička has also engaged in discussions with other unrecognized states, such as Somaliland, but these have not led to any substantial outcome.
This account of Liberland illustrates the complexities and challenges faced by micronations in their quest for legitimacy and recognition on the global stage.
BIRLAND
Birland, also known as Bir Tawil land, is a self-proclaimed state located in a desert area between Sudan and Egypt on the African continent. It is described as “Terra Nullius,” meaning no man’s land, and has a land size of 2,060 square kilometers (795.4 square miles), making it larger than countries such as Malta, Brunei, Bahrain, Singapore, and Dubai.
Founding and History
Birland was officially founded in 2015 by H.R.M. King Emir A. Haiyawi. His royal title was conferred by the Royal King of Ezeigbo Ohanaeze Kingdom in Central Region Ghana, H.I.M. King Denis Okafor. King Emir A. Haiyawi, who grew up in Europe and was passionate about humanitarian causes, was moved by the plight of the nomadic people living in Bir Tawil without basic documentation or amenities. Motivated by a desire to establish a friendly humanitarian country, he embarked on a journey to establish Birland as a real country, focusing on providing dignity and a home to some of the world’s stateless people.
Demographics and Language
Birland is a landlocked state accessible via Sudan, and there are plans to construct an airport in the future. Some Ababda native people enter the land to graze and live in a small village in nomadic huts. Currently, there are about 3,000 stateless people waiting to accept official Birland citizenship. The official language of Birland is English, with some local languages also spoken among the people.
Government Structure
The government of Birland includes various positions such as President H.R.M. King Emir A. Haiyawi, Prime Minister H.R.M. Prof. Dr. Queen Eden Soriano Trinidad, and other ministers overseeing different departments such as culture, arts, tourism, foreign affairs, aviation, trade, and investment. The administration also includes advisors and directors for various departments, highlighting its structured approach to governance and onwards.
Vision and Future Plans
King Emir A. Haiyawi and the Birland government aim to transform Birland into the “Dubai of Africa.” They are currently working to get Birland State officially recognized by international bodies. Their goals include building homes, providing essential services for citizens, refugees, and stateless people, and establishing good international relations and cooperation with the rest of the world.
International Relations
Birland has received several endorsements and recognitions from entities like the Wakatobi Ing Al Butunie Kingdom, Monarchy of Bakholokoe Nation, Polongbangkeng Kingdom, and others. It also celebrated its 8th Founding Day Anniversary in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2023.
It’s important to note that the information about Birland is based on sources from the official website of the Birland State Government and may not reflect recognition or acknowledgment by widely recognized international bodies or nations.
