New Sealand
Thursday, November 29th, 2007What you read above is NOT a typo.
The Principality of Sealand is located on HM Fort Roughs, a former Maunsell Sea Fort located in the North Sea 10 km (six miles) off the coast of Suffolk, England, United Kingdom in what is claimed as territorial waters using a twelve-nautical-mile radius. It claims that it is a sovereign and independent state, yet external observers have referred to it as a micronation, though Sealand does not identify itself as such. Since 1967, the installation has been occupied by associates and family of Paddy Roy Bates, a former radio broadcaster and former British Army Major.
Critics, as well as court rulings in the United States and in Germany, have claimed that Roughs Tower has always remained in the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom. The population of the facility in 2002 was 27, and its habitable area is 550 m² (5920 sq ft). Sealand’s claims to sovereignty and legitimacy are not recognised by any country, yet it has been cited as an interesting case study of how various principles of international law can be applied to a territorial dispute.
The flag of Sealand
What the heck? A barge for a country? Well, maybe I should claim the empty lot in front of the house as a country. Alimania. Bwahahaha.
Source: The Principality of Sealand