Welcome to the Principality of Sealand!
This micro-nation, affectionately known as The Principality of Sealand, is stationed on an abandoned sea platform off the coast of Britain at latitude 51º53'41" north and longitude 01º28'52" east. It is arguably the most successful attempt to date to create a new country.
Back in the 1960s, a guy named Roy Bates got fed up with the British government and decided to occupy it (it was abandoned after World War II when the British built it for naval defense from the Germans, and it resides in international waters also – a recurring theme here). Roy was doing a bit of “pirate radio”, which is where you broadcast songs on your own radio station (without paying royalties). The British government decided to crack down on his radio station, so he took the rather drastic step of moving it offshore and starting his own country while he was at it.
The Principality has its own website on which, for a few pounds, you can buy yourself your own title of Lord or Baron of Sealand. Next time somebody bullsh%#s you with a fancy title, bullsh%# them right back! Arise, Lord Joe Bloggs of Sealand!
Related websites:
1. the Principality's original website
2. some good pictures
3. a more sober assessment
4. another failed venture
5. the Principality is up for sale - and Prince Michael of Sealand has a very traditional sales pitch. "The neighbours are very quiet," he told BBC Radio. "And there is a good sea view."
