Sealand

Sealand, officially the Principality of Sealand, is a self-proclaimed micronation on a former World War II sea fort in the North Sea.

Sealand, officially the Principality of Sealand, is a self-proclaimed micronation located on a former World War II sea fort in the North Sea. It was declared independent in 1967 by Roy Bates, but it is not formally recognized as a sovereign state by the United Kingdom or other countries.

History

Sealand began as HM Fort Roughs, a wartime sea fort, before Roy Bates occupied it in 1967 and declared it an independent principality. The site became associated with pirate radio and later with micronation claims.

Location and size

Sealand is located in the North Sea, roughly 6 to 7 nautical miles off the coast of Suffolk, England. Its usable area is very small, commonly described as about 550 square metres.

Political status

Sealand calls itself a sovereign state, but it is not formally recognized by the United Kingdom or by other governments. It is therefore generally described as a micronation rather than a country.

Governance

The Bates family has operated Sealand as a hereditary principality, with Michael Bates widely described as its current ruler. The micronation has maintained symbolic state features such as a flag, currency, and constitution.