Don’t like your government? Just start a micronation like these 6 dudes.
By JOSEPH EARP
Ever been so fed up with your government that you decided to break away and form your own nation? A surprising number of Australians have.
There are about 100 micronations spread out across the world, tiny governments unto themselves and yet not recognised by world governments or major organisations — ranging from the ludicrous to the ominous-sounding.
And for some reason, Australia is home to the highest number of micronations. 35, to be exact.
In any case, they’re colourful. Here are six of Australia’s quirkiest mini kingdoms, and the people who rule over them.
The Aerican Empire
The Aerican Empire is a particularly ambitious micronation, one that spans a number of continents and even planets. See, according to its adorably daggy website, the empire was founded way back in 1987 and now claims colonies in Montreal, Australia, Pluto, Mars and an entirely made up planet.
If nothing else then you have to give credit to the Aerican Empire’s founder, Eric Lis, for his ambition. No points for creativity though, given he simply dropped the “m” from “American.”
Principality Of Hutt River
Its prince, Leonard Casley, seceded from Australian rule following a dispute over, uh, wheat production quotas. As you do.
However, it has the most incredible anthem of any micronation. In fact, make that any nation full stop. Check out this banger:
Principality of Wy
The Principality of Wy is presided over by a prince named Paul Delprat, a man who looks exactly as you’d imagine, once you hear he founded his own micronation following a dispute with his local council over whether or not he could build a driveway.
The Principality is also known as one that looks fondly upon creative types, given that ol’ mate Paul is a painter himself. Appropriately then, they have the most amazing flag.
Your national flag looks rather pathetic by comparison, hey?
Sovereign State of Aeterna Lucina
Aeterna Lucina is a particularly weird one. For starters, its founder Paul Baron Neuman, claims he was inspired to secede after he was bestowed a royal title by King Hassan III of Afghanistan.
But additionally, a number of people involved with Aeterna Lucinda were found to be exploiting land purchasing loopholes. Weird.
The State no longer exists, having been closed down after the death of Neuman in the ’90s.
Province Of Bumbunga
In the ’70s, a national conversation kicked off around whether Australia shouls remain under the Queen’s rule, or becomes a republic like the U.S. As a result, a strident monarchist by the name of Alex Brackstone decided to start his own micronation, the Province of Bumbunga.
Brackstone’s aim was to ensure that the Queen always had a holding in Australia — presumably he thought if Australia was to establish a republic, the Queen could always hop over and hang with him.
Turns out that there wasn’t much point, because Australia still swears the allegiance to the crown for some reason.
The Empire Of Atlantium
Finally, there’s the Empire of Atlantium, a country that was founded in order to “give people a vision of how a globalised world could properly function”, according to its emperor, George Cruickshank.
Of all the micronations, Atlantium probably has the highest profile. Georgey is a bit of a media darling, and has appeared in a number of television programs. Atlantium even has a healthy social media presence, and their Facebook page is well worth checking out.
George even organises meet-ups with other micronation rulers, including Paul Delprat. How’s that for cross-polination?
So next time you get a parking fine, or find yourself in a situation that a mere protest won’t cover, why not start your own micronation? #Men
