Experimental States
2002
Virtual Kingdom Richer Than China (March 29, 2002)
Norrath, the virtual country that exists solely as an Internet game world, has a gross national product per capita larger than China. Calculations show that virtual internal markets and illegal online trading produce a GNP of over $2,000 per "player." (BBC)
Trans-Dniester 'Nation' Resents Shady Reputation (March 5, 2002)
Trans-Dniester, a breakaway republic in Moldova, has been termed "a black hole," utilized by arms smugglers, international criminal gangs and money-launderers. The "independent" province denies the accusations, but the rumors continue to grow due to the lack of Moldavian control. (New York Times)
For Sale: Luxury Flat, Splendid Sea Views and Location After Location After Location (February 21, 2002)
"The World," a luxury ocean liner, will continually circumnavigate the globe. Applications for residence, however, do not match the supposedly international theme: 40% come from the US, a reflection of the high price tag for even the smallest apartment on board. (Guardian)
Macedonia Tolerates a 'Republic' in Its Midst (January 6, 2002)
The mayor of Vevcani, a self-proclaimed independent Balkan state, believes his village can provide others with an example of "true democracy and civil society." The Christian village's "independent spirit" helped it survive the Yugoslav break-up relatively unscathed, despite being surrounded by Muslim neighbors. (Associated Press)
2001
Cybersleuths Shut Down Virtual Country (August 20, 2001)
The website of the virtual Republic of Port Maria was shut down for committing internet fraud, according to the International Chamber of Commerce.
2000
Welcome to Sealand. Now Bugger Off (July 2000)
The article charts the transformation of an abandoned British off-shore gunnery platform to self-declared Principality of Sealand to "anything goes" data haven and global networking hub operating outside the jurisdiction of the world's society of states. (Wired)
Creating a Country to Avoid Jurisdiction (June 16, 2000)
This article focuses on internet jurisdiction in the "country" of Sealand. The article describes the history of this "nation state" the size of a football field off the coast of England. (London Free Press)
A Nation for Friend and Faux (June 7, 2000)
Throughout its its brief, colorful history, Sealand has drawn admirers, entrepreneurs and invaders in the North Sea. Its founders remain fiercely free-spirited. (Los Angeles Times)
Freedom Ship 'Will Be Target For Terrorists' (May 28, 2000)
A new floating Disneyland called Freedom Ship will house about 30,000 people from all over the world as it sails continuously around the globe. Many social scientists and security guards warn that this floating global village will be a prime target for terrorist attacks. (Observer)
Village Breaks Away (January 13, 2000)
What is the People's Republic of Ashurst Wood Nation State (PRAWNS)? The little village between East and West Sussex has declared their independence from Britain and now visitors must go through passport control to enter the village. (Gazette)
1999
Paring Down Luxury Living at Sea (July 31, 1999)
ResidenSea, a Norwegian company, plans to build a cruise-ship that will be home to some of the world's wealthiest individuals. Besides all the numerous luxuries, the craft may present one opportunity that certainly would attract wealthy inhabitants: tax avoidance. (International Herald Tribune)
