Welcome to Sealand, the Smallest Country in the World

Ten kilometers off the coast of the United Kingdom, over the waters of the North Sea, stands what at first glance might seem like a simple floating platform... but nothing could be further from the truth. In the installation, known as the Roughs Tower and measuring only 550 square meters, the Principality of Sealand has been proclaimed, defending its independent sovereignty, making it the smallest country in the world.

Currently, Sealand is governed by the Bates family as hereditary sovereigns, with each member holding their own royal title. Additionally, this microstate has its own constitution, flag, passport, and even official currency.

During World War II, the British government built several fortress islands like this one in the North Sea to defend its shores from German invaders, but some of these forts, such as the Roughs Tower, were built illegally in international waters. Thus, from a legal standpoint, the fortress constitutes extraterritorial territory.

Under this premise, in 1966, Roy Bates, a Commander in the British Army, decided to occupy the Roughs Tower to continue a project for a 'pirate' radio station that the UK government had banned. However, after consulting with his lawyers, he chose to declare this fortress island the independent state of Sealand, claiming it was 'terra nullius'. Thus, on September 2, 1967, Roy enacted the Declaration of Independence, proclaimed the Principality of Sealand, and moved there with his family and several friends.

The British government quickly destroyed the rest of the forts located in international waters and threatened the inhabitants of Sealand to evacuate the platform. However, when the case went to court, the Judge concluded that UK courts had no jurisdiction over that extraterritorial territory.

Since its proclamation as a Principality in 1967, its fight for freedom has been persistent, as reflected in its motto: From the sea, freedom. Indeed, when the founding Bates family raised the Sealand flag, they promised freedom and justice for everyone living under it. Today, Michael, Roy's son, governs the micronation as prince; however, no country formally recognizes Sealand as a state.

Nevertheless, some legal experts believe that 'the Principality of Sealand does not need to be recognized by other states in the international community to be a sovereign state', as indicated by Public Law Professor, Jacobo Rios Rodríguez. Furthermore, Rodríguez explains that Sealand 'could objectively combine the elements of a sovereign state', meaning it has a territory, a government, and a population.

Similarly, Public International Law Professor, Béla Vitányi, argues that 'Sealand has demonstrated public authority and all the normal functions of state power both internally and externally'. 'Consequently, Sealand's sovereignty cannot be denied', concludes Vitányi.

On the official Sealand website, we can find some souvenirs from the microstate available through their online store. Products as common as t-shirts, mugs, and keychains featuring the slogan 'I Love Sealand' contrast with unique souvenirs that cannot be found in other countries. An identity document from Sealand, a personalized country email address, or a copy of its constitution are just a few examples.

But undoubtedly, the highlight of the store is the opportunity to obtain a noble title from Sealand and become a lord, sir, baron, count, or duke, with prices ranging from €36 to €592. And that's not all; for just €25, you can also be the holder of a portion of the territory.