Sealand is THE SMALLEST country in the world. it fought for its independence from England to be a free nation.
read on...
Sealand was founded as a sovereign Principality in 1967 in international waters, six miles off the eastern shores of Britain. In late June of 2006, the island suffered a devastating fire which destroyed much of the country's administrative centre and the main power generation facility which serves its population and industries. Fortunately, back-up systems exist which permit its activities to continue but the disaster has compromised significantly the quality of life of its inhabitants and the continued development of the island's economic and social growth.
Read more about the Great and Mighty, Sealand here
This part is the best:
Sealand Fights Off Invaders (and Wins a War) In August of 1978, a number of Dutch men came to Sealand in the employ of a German businessman. They were there to discuss business dealings with Sealand. While Roy was away in Britain, these men kidnapped Prince Roy's son Michael, and took Sealand by force. Soon after, Roy recaptured the island with a group of his own men and held the attackers as prisoners of war.
During the time that he held the prisoners, the Governments of the Netherlands and Germany petitioned for their release. First they asked England to intervene in the matter, but the British government cited their earlier court decision as evidence that they made no claim to the territory of Sealand. Then, in an act of de facto recognition of Sealand's sovereignty, Germany sent a diplomat directly to Sealand to negotiate for the release of their citizen.
Roy first released the Dutch citizens, as the war was over, and the Geneva Convention requires the release of all prisoners. The German was held longer, as he had accepted a Sealand Passport, and therefore was guilty of treason. Prince Roy, who was grateful that the incident had not resulted in a loss of life, and did not want to bloody the reputation of Sealand, eventually released him as well.
and if you wanted to visit...
Principality Notice
PN 017/02: Visits to the Principality
1 February 2002 Due to the current international situation and other factors, visits to the Principality of Sealand are not normally permitted.
Accordingly, the application list for visas is for the time being closed.
Today Mike and I communicated with the government of Sealand, to ask about possible future tourist visits. We havent gotten a reply yet, but things are starting to look up, since we will be purchasing some "save Sealand" T-shirts, as well as some origional "bolts" from their sovereign land.
3 cheers for Sealand and Roy of Sealand. All hail!
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