Micronations: Declare independence! Don’t let them do that to you!

Micronations are tiny, self-declared states with no international recognition, who strive to assemble the trappings of other nations, often above all else.

Most micronations — some serious, some humorous — are ruled by self-styled royals, supreme rulers, dictators and presidents, most of whom are in reality, eccentric hobbyists or political activists. They all make land claims, but these vary in size — an old sea fort, a house, a farm, a boggy area on the banks of the Danube between Serbia and Croatia, a small rock which could fit in your pocket. Many establish currencies, some issue stamps and all have their own flags.

Despite their attempts to be taken seriously, micronations and their benign dictators are normally disappointed in their quest for acceptance.

Nerdy question: how can a new country become legally established? Why are tiny places like Andorra and San Marino accepted as countries while the Principality of Hutt River — 14km2 larger than San Marino — is left out in the cold…