Sealand, the world's smallest state, is a micronation located seven miles off the coast of England. With a land mass the size of two tennis courts, Sealand has only one permanent resident, Mike Barrington. Originally a nautical fort constructed during World War II, Sealand declared its independence in 1967 and has its own currency, postage stamps, constitution, and national anthem. The Bates family, who established Sealand, faced challenges from the British government and rogue invaders but have remained committed to their sovereign nation. Today, Sealand relies on online sales of noble titles to sustain its budget.
Slowjamastan is a self-declared micronation occupying 11 acres of desert land in California. Founded by Randy Williams, a radio DJ from San Diego, Slowjamastan is a light-hearted community that pokes fun at the trappings of statehood. It boasts thousands of "citizens" from over 100 countries, with its own holidays, laws, parliament, and national animal. While not legally recognized as a sovereign nation, Slowjamastan provides a reprieve and escape from everyday life for its members, who join for connection, humor, and refuge. The concept of micronations, which mimic acts of sovereignty, has gained popularity worldwide, with roughly 100 active micronations existing today.
Randy "R Dub!" Williams, a late-night "slow jams" DJ from San Diego, created his own "country" named Slowjamastan after visiting various "micronations" on his world travels. The Republic of Slowjamastan issues its own passports, flies its own flag, prints its own currency, and has a national anthem. Williams has instigated more than a few bizarre laws, but he's inviting tourists to visit the Republic of Slowjamastan as he plans to create the world's foremost "micronation." Slowjamastan technically meets the criteria for a sovereign nation-state as defined by the 1933 Montevideo Convention.
