Sealand: The World's Smallest State with a Royal Family
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.