10 Unclaimed Territories Where You Could Start Your Own Country
In a world where every inch seems spoken for, there are very few pockets of land that remain untouched by national flags and anthems. These unclaimed territories, known as terra nullius, are an opportunity for the adventurous at heart. Let’s check out all the places where you could carve out your kingdom.
Marie Byrd Land
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This frozen expanse in Antarctica is the largest unclaimed land on Earth. International treaties prevent any country from claiming it, so it’s one of the last places a new nation could theoretically exist. With its extreme climate and total isolation, survival is nearly impossible—but that hasn’t stopped dreamers from imagining its possibilities.
Bir Tawil
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Stranded between Egypt and Sudan, Bir Tawil is one of the only places on Earth no country wants. Due to border disputes, neither nation claims this barren desert, thus allowing self-proclaimed rulers to plant their flags. Living there is a challenge, but that hasn’t stopped adventurers from calling it their kingdom.
Grand Duchy of Westarctica
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In 2001, Travis McHenry claimed a massive portion of Antarctica, calling it the Grand Duchy of Westarctica. Since Marie Byrd Land remains unclaimed, this “nation” exists in a legal loophole. Though uninhabitable, it has attracted followers who see it as an experiment in sovereignty and environmental awareness.
Rockall
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This tiny rock in the North Atlantic is battered by relentless winds and waves, which makes it one of the most inhospitable places on Earth. The UK claims sovereignty, but that hasn’t stopped thrill-seekers from trying to claim it for themselves. It’s not exactly prime real estate, but for some, its isolation is part of the appeal.
Liberland
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In 2015, Vít Jedlička declared a seven-square-kilometer patch of disputed land between Croatia and Serbia as an independent libertarian state called Liberland. Since neither country had formally claimed it, he saw an opportunity. Though no government recognizes it, thousands have applied for citizenship, hoping to join this bold experiment.
Principality of Islandia
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In 2018, a group of visionaries bought Coffee Caye, a tiny island in Belize, and declared it the Principality of Islandia. Crowdfunded by supporters, this micronation aims to create a functional, independent community. It’s still under Belizean law, but it offers everyday people a rare chance to take part in nation-building.
Nation of Celestial Space
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Why stop at Earth? In 1949, James Thomas Mangan boldly claimed all of outer space as the “Nation of Celestial Space.” His goal was to prevent any single country from monopolizing the universe. While purely symbolic, Celestia remains one of the most ambitious sovereignty claims ever attempted—beyond the bounds of our planet.
Machias Seal Island
Credit: flickr
This rocky island off the coast of Maine is claimed by both Canada and the U.S., yet neither fully occupies it. It’s home to lighthouse keepers and seabirds, and the diplomatic limbo has sparked creative sovereignty ideas. While an independent nation here is unlikely, its unresolved status keeps the dream alive.
Republic of Minerva
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In the early 1970s, libertarian activists attempted to create the Republic of Minerva on a set of reefs in the South Pacific. The project involved dumping sand to form new land near Tonga. It did not last long. Tonga quickly intervened, but the bold attempt remains legendary among fans of micronations.
Republic of Rose Island
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Built on a concrete platform in the Adriatic Sea, the Republic of Rose Island was declared independent in 1968 by Italian engineer Giorgio Rosa. Located just outside Italy’s territorial waters, it briefly issued stamps and currency. Italian authorities shut it down within a year, but its rebellious spirit still fascinates dreamers.