Ever wish you could rule your own country or an island? Spending some time on Wikipedia's Unusual Articles database, I found a micro-nation titled "Principality of Sealand". Since 1967 an old WWII sea fort located on the North Sea off the coast of Suffolk, England has been occupied by the family of Patty Roy Bates and associates. The structure was formally used to defend vital shipping routes and estuaries from German aircraft. Pirate radio broadcaster Roy Bates wrote a constitution for Sealand followed by a national flag and anthem, a currency, and even passports. Recognition as a sovereign state has been skewed depending on different interpretations. Before 1987, Sealand remained outside of England jurisdiction by a few miles, but since then they've extended territorial waters. The old fort is still managed by the Bates family as they consider themselves the royal leaders, yet they're not recognized as a sovereign entity by any other state. With the name "Sealand" one would imagine actual land, but its far from that. The fort is simple with two concrete towers supporting a steel platform/structure sporting a helicopter landing pad.
Sealand has an odd history including some violence. In 1978, the Bates family was attacked by mercenaries paid by a Sealand citizen being charged for treason and over $35,000. One of the sons was held hostage too. The son escaped, took back the structure and captured the supposed traitor. His German government sent an official to negotiate a release of imprisonment. The diplomatic situation, Bates claimed, established Sealand as a recognized state. I'm surprised a movie hasn't been made documenting the life of the Bates family and the wild scenarios that ensued trying to maintain independence. I'm curious what life is like on a isolated little castle upon the sea. A castle is befitting since the family sees themselves as royals and adopt many political standards from England. I honestly don't think its healthy for humans to be sea bound with no way of grounding themselves. I personally need mountains in my life.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principality_of_Sealand
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