How to Found Your Own Micronation

Citizens around the world are dissatisfied with their governments. Even if they don't at all agree with those in power, there is sometimes very little an average citizen can do to fully register their discontent with their home nation. But some particularly ambitious people go so far as to remove themselves from the body politic entirely, by starting their own, private nation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Claim some territory. You can actually claim very real, accessible land which technically belongs to other nations and governments. Many nations will leave you alone as long as you don't constitute a threat.
2. Create a constitution or other articles of government. Many micronations have a particularly libertarian bent, but the beauty of founding your own nation is that you have free reign to make whatever proclamations you wish.
3. Establish a population. This may only include one person, or perhaps even a pet. But if you would like to bolster your population, you can simply streamline your naturilization process, accepting all applicants from around the world as full-fledged citizens.
4. Invent your own currency. This money could be traditionally printed, but it could also include ready-made physical objects like sheep or seashells.
5. Announce holidays. January 8th is a common holiday for many micronations, and celebrated as Emperor Norton Day.
6. Nurture relations with other governments. Other micronations might be the most agreeable to diplomacy, but if you've nothing to lose, try opening diplomatic channels with heavy hitters such as China or Latvia.

Tips & Warnings

• Emperor Norton was a homeless man in prospector-era San Francisco, who proclaimed himself Emperor and was subsequently bowed to by pedestrians. His funeral was attended by 10,000 people, and the city erected statues of him and his dogs.
• Be careful not to antagonize neighbors. The Republic of Minerva--a few square miles of reef reclaimed in 1972 by a Las Vegas millionaire--was quickly invaded by the Kingdom of Tonga.