The Principality of Sealand (Micronation)

The Maunsell Sea Forts functioned as British fortified towers in defense against the German air raids in World War II. After the retirement of the forts, in 1956, one of the abandoned sea forts (HM Fort Roughs) was taken over and now serves as a "micronation."

History:
-In 1967, Major Paddy Roy Bates claimed the territory for himself.
-In 1968 the British Royal Navy approached the claimed territory. His son, Michael Bates, fired a warning shot at the Navy which then led to Major Paddy Roy Bates being sent to English court (since he was still subject to Britain). Since English waters go three miles off the coast and Sealand is six miles off of the shore, the case could not proceed, thus Sealand is born. in
-In 1975, Bates introduced the Sealand constitution.
-In 1978, Professor Alexander G. Achenbach (lawyer with a passport to Sealand) attempted to take over Sealand while Major Paddy Roy Bates was away. Him and several German and Dutch citizens held Michael Bates captive and took control of the tower. He was released later in the Netherlands. Upon the return of Major Paddy Roy Bates, a helicopter assault was led on the invaders and then captured them as prisoners of war. Achenbach had to pay a fine approximately equivalent to US $35,000
-In the 1990s the vessel Golden Eye was fired at by Sealand who was enforcing their twelve nautical mile claim of territory. From there on passports to Sealand were revoked.
-Unfortunately in 2006, the Rough Tower caught on fire due to electrical failure but there were no deaths, only a few minor injuries.

Sealand holds the world record for "the smallest area to lay claim to nation status".


Sealand dollars:


Images of Sealand:



Sealand Flag:


Sealand Coat of Arms:


King Roy Bates and Queen Joan Bates:


Map of Sealand:


Though Sealand seems quite small, it still has sports teams in football(soccer) and mini-golf.

Information obtained from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principality_of_Sealand


- A-Fox