Let me introduce you to the Republic of Molossia. Exactly 11.3 acres in size and with a population of a whopping 31 citizens (most of whom have chosen to live "abroad"), it came into existence on the same day as yours truly, September 3, 1999. Although its population and demands aren't significant enough to be acknowledged by the United States, it's still here and what it lacks in size, it makes up for in spirit and good humor. The Republic of Molossia is known as what we refer to as the smallest micronation in the world and it's a lot closer to home than you may think. It resides under the zip code 89403, otherwise known as Dayton, Nevada. On paper, it's described as a presidential democracy but its president, Kevin Baugh, likes to refer to himself as a dictator (but be sure to watch out for the elections this year!). Complete with its own postal service, customs office, bank, tourist attraction, and even its own time zone, its president decided to distinguish the territory physically, linguistically, and systematically in pursuit of a childhood dream. According to a Q&A video posted around a year ago, Molossia is equipped with its own navy, an infantry of Nerf and airsoft guns, and a chief constable who happens to be the ten-year-old daughter of the president and first lady. President Baugh has gone as far as to implement Cinderella stamps for postage and a new form of currency. Molossia’s bank utilizes Valora (bills) which can be equated to the value of the Pillsbury cookie dough (3 Valora=one tube of cookie dough) and is divisible into 100 Futtrus. Did I mention that the nation's been at war with "East Germany" longer than it's been a nation (11876 days to be exact)? Surprisingly, Molossia is among hundreds of other micronations that are fighting for sovereignty globally. In fact, there are over thirty located on the North American continent alone.

Since the establishment of the earliest micronation in the 1960s, the term has been used to describe an entity, whether it be a region or government, that claims independence regardless of whether or not it’s been recognized by any world organizations or national governments. There are currently over 400 documented micronations worldwide and some have been around for the better half of fifty years. Though failing to be acknowledged by major countries, they’ve formed a system of communication amongst themselves and often hold summits to commemorate alliances and nationhood. Some are founded to simply boost the national economy, spur tourism, or out of personal interest while others serve to make a political or cultural statement. Several micronations are instrumental in emphasizing legal loopholes and unfortunately, they're often times used for con schemes. Corporations work in conjunction with these micronations to create data or tax havens to avoid monitoring by national agencies such as the NSA (HavenCo and Sealand off the coast of the UK). Their rulers take advantage of isolation and "independence" by fabricating and selling passports, postage stamps, and legal documents or assisting individuals and companies get away with, you guessed it, tax evasion. While most micronations fight against the idea of being created as a joke, some are founded as an act of protest or a challenge to the ideology and norms set by society. For example, the Conch Republic located in the Florida Keys was formed in response to a US Border Control blockade that posed a problem to residents and tourists in the area. The ruler of North Dumpling Island located off the coast of Connecticut even got former president, George H.W. Bush, to sign a "non-aggression" pact to ensure peace with the United States. After decades of seeking attention, I think it's safe to say that they've started to gain popularity over the past couple of years.

So, the next time you're looking for a vacation spot, be sure to check out Molossia or its counterpart in Southern California, the Desert Homestead Province, and find them on their website and social medias (they have a Twitter, Facebook, and a YouTube Channel!) to rediscover the true willpower behind the creation of a sovereign state. If you can make it through customs and border patrol while adhering to restrictions against incandescent lightbulbs, plastic shopping bags, catfish and walruses (in a landlocked nation), onions, spinach and anything from Texas (with the exception of Kelly Clarkson), Molossia may very well be the place for you.