Tucked away in Eastern Europe, on the banks of the Danube River, lies a tiny parcel of land that has been making waves in the world of politics and geography. Liberland, a self-proclaimed microstate, has been a topic of fascination, and debate since its inception in 2015. Liberland’s motto is: To Live and Let Live [Free Republic of Liberland’s website].
The Birth of Liberland
Liberland was founded on 13 th April 2015, by Czech politician and activist Vít Jedlička. Jedlička, a member of the Czech Party of Free Citizens, had long been an advocate for libertarian ideals and limited government intervention. After discovering a 7-square-kilometer patch of unclaimed land on the border between Croatia and Serbia, Jedlička saw an opportunity to create a new nation that would embody the principles of freedom and self-governance.
The territory, which had been disputed between Croatia and Serbia since the dissolution of Yugoslavia, was deemed a “no man’s land” by both countries. Jedlička and his team claimed the land, citing the principle of “terra nullius”, which states that unclaimed land belongs to the first person to occupy it [Watch video: The country that doesn’t yet exist].
Philosophy and Governance
Liberland’s founding philosophy is rooted in libertarianism, with a strong emphasis on individual freedom, voluntary association, and minimal government intervention. The microstate’s constitution, adopted in 2015, outlines the principles of Liberland’s governance, including:
- Non-aggression principle: The state will not initiate force or coercion against its citizens or other
nations. - Voluntary taxation: Citizens are free to choose how much they contribute to the state’s coffers.
- Decentralized governance: Decision-making power is distributed among citizens, with a focus on
direct democracy and participatory governance.
Liberland’s government is composed of a council of representatives, elected by the citizens, which is responsible for making key decisions and ensuring the smooth operation of the microstate.
Current Status and Challenges
Despite its ambitious goals, Liberland faces significant challenges in its quest for recognition as a sovereign state. Neither Croatia nor Serbia has officially recognized Liberland, and the microstate is
not a member of the United Nations or any other international organization.
In 2015, Croatian authorities arrested Jedlička and several other Liberland activists for trespassing on
Croatian territory. The incident sparked a diplomatic row between Croatia and the Czech Republic,
with the Czech government calling for Jedlička’s release.
Today, Liberland remains a de facto state, with English as its official language, and a small but dedicated community of citizens and supporters. The microstate has its own currency, the Liberland Dollar (LLD), and has established a range of institutions, including a court system, a police force, and an education system [Listen to Liberland’s National Anthem].
Summary
Liberland’s story is a fascinating example of the power of ideas and the human desire for freedom
and self-governance. While the microstate’s future remains uncertain, its founding philosophy and
governance structure offer a unique experiment in libertarianism and decentralized governance.
As the world watches Liberland’s development, it’s clear that this tiny territory has already made a
significant impact on the global conversation about politics, governance, and individual freedom.
Whether or not Liberland ultimately achieves recognition as a sovereign state, its legacy as a beacon
of liberty and innovation is likely to endure.
FAQs
- Is Liberland a real country? Liberland is a self-proclaimed microstate, but it is not recognized as a
sovereign state by any country or international organization. - Can I visit Liberland? Yes, but be aware that the microstate is not officially recognized, and travel
arrangements may be complicated. - How can I become a citizen of Liberland? Citizenship applications are available on the Liberland
website, but be aware that the process is still in its infancy, and the microstate’s legal status is
uncertain [A former micronation inside Australia with its own Passport – Hutt River Principality].
YPT Tours to Unrecognized Countries.
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