Sealand: Meet the World’s Smallest Country

“How else can I be a duke?” If you say so, Sealand offers you this opportunity. In the middle of the sea There are many events in the history of the country that established its own sovereignty, from invasions to fires.

The royal rulers of the small country are even preparing to grant e-citizenship. “What country is this, let me see.” If you say you The interesting story of Sealand We invite you.

The story of Sealand dates back to World War II.

Some of the forts the British government built in the North Sea against German invaders were built illegally in international waters. These fortresses, built for soldiers who would shoot down German planes and missiles, were located approximately from the east coast of England. It is located 11 km away.

The castles, which were built illegally at the time they were built, were destroyed after the Second World War. abandoned and no one was stationed there again by the United Kingdom.

In the 60s, a radio station was installed in the abandoned sea fortress.

In legal terms, the fact that it represented a region outside the country brought about occupations. Roy Bates, who served as a major in the British army in the early 60s. “Knock John” He founded a radio station called. Allegedly, more was being made than the official BBC broadcast. The goal is that time is cruel was to bypass broadcast restrictions.

Between the United Kingdom and Roy Bates legal process As a result, England decided that this castle fell under its jurisdiction.

Roy chose another castle for himself.

Wanting to get the radio station going again, Roy occupied one of the abandoned castles, Roughs Tower. After consulting with his lawyers, the world “Terra Nullius/No Man’s Land” He claimed that the castle was declared an independent state of “Sealand”.

He gave his wife the title of princess and himself the title of prince.

On his wife’s birthday, September 2, 1967, Roy founded the country, raised the flag, and thanked his wife. “Princess Joan”to himself “Principality of Sealand” added the title. They became the first residents of the island with their 14-year-old son Michael and 16-year-old daughter Penelope.

Of course, the occupations were not over.

Shortly after the declaration of independence, Roy and his son prepared with molotov cocktails and homemade bullets It repelled at least seven invasion attempts. On top of this, in 1968 the British government became aware that Sealand and the coasts were potential problems with a new country.

Government to eliminate Prince Roy He commissioned the British army. More than once, the military put warships into waters that Roy claimed he claimed. After several unsuccessful attempts, the army withdrew.

Sealand was moved to the English court.

Prince Michael was still a British citizen and was accused of major crimes upon his return to England. This actually started Sealand’s path to dominance. By court decision on 25 November 1968, it was declared that Sealand could not have any jurisdiction outside British national territory. Thus, Prince Roy The declaration of a new state was accepted.

The Constitution of the Principality of Sealand was promulgated.

When the dates showed September 25, 1975, Prince Roy The constitution declared. Following this, the island’s national anthem, stamps, gold and silver coins for the Sealand dollar were developed, passports produced.

They were deceived by the Germans.

In August 1978, a group of Dutch and German businessmen came to Sealand for a business visit. But these men actually mercenary It turned out that it was. While Prince Roy was away, Michael was kidnapped with his hands and feet tied, and they took Sealand by force.

After Michael escaped after going to the Netherlands, a special unit was established and the operation was carried out. With the helicopter attack, the invaders turned into prisoners of war. German and Dutch governmentHe petitioned for the release of the captives. England, on the other hand, could not get involved in the issue as it did not have any right to intervene in Sealand. According to the Geneva Convention, Prince Roy released the captives.

However, since the German citizen has a Sealand passport, he cannot enter the country. He was tried for treason. He was kept in prison for a while. After negotiations with the diplomat from Germany, the prisoner was released.

An independent internet server infrastructure was installed in Sealand.

In early 1999, American entrepreneurs presented the idea of ​​Havenco. Their aim is to avoid draconian censorship restrictions. an independent internet server was to provide. 25 personnel from the USA, UK and Europe came to Sealand to install the entire infrastructure.

Different policies and managements, Havenco CEO’s personal problems, rapid consumption of resources Havenco was closed in 2003 due to

In 2006, there was a fire that sent one person to the hospital.

A fire broke out due to the malfunction of one of the power generators. one of the citizens rescue helicopter He was released with. After his treatment, he was discharged. With the relationship the Principality established with the air-sea rescue team, an agreement was made to lift the injured by air from Sealand.

Sealand is present in sports at an international level.

With the increase in the number of Sealand citizens, two separate teams, men’s and women’s, are formed. American football teams they established. Every year the UK Open water swimming event they host. Mountaineering teams have already carried the Sealand flag to the four highest peaks. This includes Everest.

curling, ice hockey, long distance running is among the other sports branches in which Sealand has a presence.

They have an environmentally friendly approach.

They are considered one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world because they consume 99 percent of electricity from wind turbines and solar panels being taken. Fresh water resources are obtained from rainfall.

You can become a lady, baron or countess by paying a certain fee.

The country offers a unique service and sells different titles. lord and lady £29.99 to be; £59.99 for baron; £199.99 for earl or countess; queen, duke of Normandy, duke of lancaster You can pay £499.99 for it.

Is it possible to become a Sealand citizen?

Although being a citizen of this place may seem adventurous to some people, Sealand does not grant citizenship at the moment, but soon e-citizenship plans to create.

Being the smallest country in the world In the Guinness Book of Records Even if the aforementioned Sealand is not recognized as a sovereign state by countries, would you like to live here?

Our other content you can read to learn more about countries around the world: