Republic Day is now celebrated every second January, attracting thousands of tourists. Upset about the potential of having to play rugby for their neighbours, the residents decided to secede. The Republic of Whangamōmona on the North Island of New Zealand emerged when regional council boundaries were changed. In 2017, Emperor Dale dissolved the kingdom following the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia. He planted a flag and announced the formation of the Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea Islands to protest the passage of Australian legislation banning same-sex marriage. In 2004, Dale Anderson sailed to the uninhabited island of Cato east of the Great Barrier Reef. Micronations may also be formed to protest government policy or legislation. The Principality of Wy (Mosman, North Sydney) was established after the local council rejected an application to build a driveway. Similarly, Prince Paul and Princess Helena founded the Snake Hill Principality (located near Mudgee in New South Wales) following a long-running dispute with their bank. Sometimes, it is an attempt to avoid the ordinary laws of the land - like in Hutt River. People decide to create their own micronation for many reasons. They are self-declared nations that mimic acts of sovereignty. However, despite acting like a nation, micronations are not actual states. They issue passports, print stamps, mint coins, compose national anthems, design flags and sometimes even declare war on recognised states. Led by committed and eccentric people, micronations assert their claims to sovereignty in many ways. Some estimates suggest a third of all micronations are located in Australia. During research for an upcoming book on micronations, I have identified at least 135 around the world.Īustralia has a particular reputation for this phenomenon. Casley died in 2019 and in August 2020, his son, Prince Graeme announced he would sell the family farm to pay a A$3 million tax bill.ĭespite the demise of Hutt River, many micronations continue to exist. It was formed in 1970 by Leonard Casley (Prince Leonard), who seceded from Australia following a dispute with the state government over wheat production quotas. For 50 years, the sprawling 6,100 hectare property, more than 500 kilometers from Perth, styled itself as the “ second-largest country in Australia”. The Principality of Hutt River is on the market. Students with accessibility requirements.Short course and microcredential participants.International Studies and Social Sciences.

Micronations wiki republic of braveland