It happens - some village suddenly decides to secede from the territory of a certain country and declares itself an independent state, prints stamps, issues its own currency and attracts many tourists from all over the world. Or a couple of mansions in the middle of Rome suddenly turn out to be owned by another country that controls only them and another fortress in neighboring Malta. And then there is the island archipelago in Oceania, which is rightfully included in our rating - the 5 smallest countries in the world.
Palau
The star of Oceania, the dream of all divers in the world, Palau is 300 coral islands scattered across the Pacific Ocean. This is the only state in the world that requires an oath of allegiance from every tourist arriving. It is printed right in the passport so that the heartfelt text is always before your eyes.
The first of the Europeans to set foot on the land of Palau were the Spaniards. This happened in the middle of the 16th century. Then Palau successively passed from hand to hand: already in the 20th century, the country in Oceania was successively owned by Germany, Japan and the United States. The island state gained independence only in 1994.
Only 20 thousand people permanently live in Palau. But annually about 150 thousand travelers come here who are looking for paradise on Earth and find it here.
There are few attractions in Palau:
- uninhabited Rock Islands - limestone platforms over which lush greenery hangs like an umbrella - can be reached by rented boat;
- Cove Milky Way with a white substance of organic origin that is good for the skin;
- Lake Medusa, in which 2 million of these marine inhabitants live, devoid of stinging cells, which means they are safe for humans;
- the only city of Koror in Palau with an interesting National Museum;
- a replica of the American Capitol, lost in the jungle;
- the only beach suitable for swimming, owned by the Pacific Resort;
- a bunch of marinas from where you can go to the best diving in the world.
Principality of Hutt River
Unrecognized countries are called virtual. It is such a country that the Hutt River principality is considered, which can be found in Western Australia near the city of Northampton.
The principality appeared on the map of Australia in 1970. It is located on the estate of the Casley family and was founded in defiance of the authorities of the state of Western Australia, which imposed restrictions on the cultivation of wheat. The head of the Casley family entered into an unequal battle with the state leadership, studied a bunch of laws and decided to secede from Australia in order to be able to live and work without regard to the adopted laws. So a new principality appeared, which still exists.
The Principality of Hutt River prints its passports, which have already received about 14 thousand people. Only 30 people permanently live on the territory of the virtual country.
The principality has its own currency, which was issued in Canada, and collectible coins.
Hutt River tourists are always welcome. You can stay here in a good hotel.
Principality of Seborga
The principality within the boundaries of the village of the same name is located in Italian Liguria, almost on the border with France. The formation of this virtual state was facilitated by the lack of clarity in historical documents. It turns out that the inclusion of the ancient region of Seborga in Italy was not recorded anywhere.
This fact was discovered by Giorgi Carbone, a patriot of the village of Seborga, who made his living selling flowers, and in his free time he liked to dig in the archives. It happened in 1963. Without delay, Georg Carbone proclaimed the independence of the village and became its first prince, Giorgio I.
Residents of the new country recklessly worked on establishing borders and creating their own army. The latter still exists today. There are exactly 3 people serving in it, and one of them is the Minister of Defense of Seborga.
The principality introduced its own currency called luigino. 1 Luigino costs 6 US dollars. They also issue their own stamps, have their own constitution, hold referendums, and every villager has a passport of his principality.
"Greater" Italy, the principality of Seborga sells flowers, cheese, wine. Tourists are allowed in the village.
Order of Malta
The Order of Malta is recognized by the whole world as a separate state. It has its representation in the UN and the Council of Europe, and also cooperates with 110 countries.
The Order of Malta is a tiny country. She owns only 3 mansions. Two of them are located in Rome, the third is in Malta. Thus, the state covers an area of 0.012 sq. km.
Despite these oddities, the Order of Malta stamp its own stamps (in Rome, you can go to the Order's palace and send a postcard home from there - with the stamps and stamp of this country), issues its own money, and issues passports to its citizens.
About 400 people have citizenship of the Order of Malta. Another 13.5 thousand people are members of the order, but do not apply for his passport.
This country recognized Latin as the official language. The order's budget is replenished mainly by renting real estate in several countries, generous contributions from members of the order, and the sale of stamps and coins. The Order of Malta administers 200 million euros annually.
The country is headed by the Grand Master. He resides in Rome, in a palace at 68 Via Condotti.
Republic of Molossia
Another virtual state called the Republic of Molossia can be found in the American state of Nevada, near Dayton.
The state of Molossia was founded in 1977 by two classmates, one of whom proclaimed himself king and the other prime minister. In the late 90s of the last century, the guy who was the prime minister became the head of Molossia and assumed the royal title.
It is interesting that at the time of the proclamation of the new state, it did not have its own territory. Only in 1998, the current king of the country, Kevin Bo, bought an estate in Nevada with an area of 0.5 hectares.
Currently, there are 8 citizens of Molossia - Kevin himself, his wife and their 6 children from previous marriages.
The Republic of Molossia has all the attributes of a state - a flag, anthem and coat of arms. It is forbidden to commit crimes on the territory of the country, otherwise the punishment will be terrible - the death penalty.
The President of Molossia calls himself a military dictator, loves to give himself medals, is in charge of customs, the bank and the post office.
