Republic of Molossia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Republic of Molossia | ||
| Micronation | ||
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 Coat of Arms |
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| Motto: Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained Anthem: "Molossia, Nation in the Desert"by Kevin Baugh |
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| Area claimed | 14.3 acres | |
|---|---|---|
| Membership | 4 | |
| Date of foundation | 26 May 1977 | |
| Leadership | President Kevin Baugh (1999-) | |
| Purported organisational structure | Republic (Dictatorship de facto) | |
| Language | English (Deseret) | |
| Purported currency | Valora | |
| Capital | Espera | |
| Time Zone | Molossian Standard Time (UTC-7 hours, 29 minutes) | |
The Republic of Molossia is a micronation located near Dayton, Nevada. Founded by Kevin Baugh, it consists primarily of his "house and backyard and front garden... really a hobby for this particular fellow... that has been pushed... to the nth degree," according the author John Ryan.[1] Baugh began this project in 1977 and claims a population of four. Molossia derives its name from the Spanish word morro which means "small rocky hill." Baugh notes the ancient Greek tribe of Molossians is unrelated.[2]
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[edit] History
Molossia claims foundation on May 26, 1977, under the name Grand Republic of Vuldstein, with James Spielman as King James I, and Kevin Baugh as Prime Minister. On September 3, 1999, Baugh declared the Republic of Molossia, with himself as president.[2]
In 2000 Molossia hosted the first Intermicronational Olympic Games, timed to the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. The same year, Molossia adopted the Norton Day (January 8) as an international holiday for small nations, honoring Joshua A. Norton (c.1819-1880), self-proclaimed "Emperor of these United States". In 2001 Molossia hosted the first Intermicronational World Exposition, showcasing micronations from the world over.
In August 2003 Molossia purchased land in Northern California, claiming it as a colony called Farfalla. This claim was withdrawn in late 2005, replaced by Desert Homestead Province in Southern California.[2]
[edit] Territory
Molossia's territorial claim consists of three enclaves located within the continental United States, comprising a total area of 5.8 hectares (14.3 acres).
- Harmony Province - located near Dayton, Nevada. The Molossian capital city, Espera, is situated here. It is President Baugh and his family's home.
- Desert Homestead Province - in southern California. The land was previously owned by Baugh's father, who passed away in 2005. Molossia declared it a national monument dedicated to him.[2]
- Protectorate of New Antrim - located in Pennsylvania, and named for the Irish county County Antrim. It is 3.2 hectares (8 acres) and has a governor.
[edit] Government
[edit] Proclamations
The Republic of Molossia claims to be a sovereign, independent nation-state, located in and completely surrounded by the United States. As a result, it has adopted a system of government recognizably similar in structure to that of a sovereign state.
[edit] Structure
Molossia is officially a republic governed by a constitution creating a National Assembly and other institutions of state. However, "due to unrest and the ever-present foreign menace from over the border", a state of martial law exists, enabling the President, Kevin Baugh, to exercise all powers of governance, including foreign affairs.[2]
[edit] Laws
The laws of Molossia are a series of statutes set forth by the government. This includes delimiting abortion and assisted suicide, outlawing discrimination of all kinds as well as legalizing capital punishment. Incandescent light bulbs, catfish, and tobacco are banned in the country. In 2002, President Baugh declared Molossia a nuclear-free zone. This was done in protest to the U.S. government, which was planning to build a nuclear repository on Yucca Mountain.[2]
[edit] Foreign Relations
Molossia recognizes several other micronations, with numerous treaties enacted to this end. In May and June of 2008, Molossia will hold a summit of micronational leaders from around the world.[3]
Molossia asserts it was one of the first countries to recognize the Republic of Kosovo, one day after it was declared on February 18, 2008, with Baugh sending an official letter to the newly formed government.[4]
[edit] Tourism
Molossia says it encourages tourism, but requires a passport and prior notice.[2]
[edit] Legitimacy
Baugh argues that Molossia is a real nation, citing the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States and the United Nations Charter as giving it a right to self-determination[2]
[edit] Geography
Molossia is located at (39.320556, -119.539444)[5], which is the house of Baugh and his family.
[edit] References
- Ryan, John. Micronations: The Lonely Planet Guide to Self-Proclaimed Nations, ISBN 1-74104-730-7.
- iBerkshires Bite-sized sovereignties offer worlds of fun, February 2, 2005.
- Micronations: Republic of Molossia, Unrecognised States Numismatic Society, 2006.
- Micronations: Little Countries that Could, G4TV, Dave Roos, June 8, 2001.
- Born to rule, The Australian, Peter Needham, September 16, 2006.
- State of the nation, San Francisco Bay Guardian, Lynn Rapoport, February 28, 2007.
[edit] Notes
- ^ "'Lonely Planet' Explores Micronations", Day to Day, National Public Radio, 2006-11-01. Retrieved on 2008-04-19. "[Alex] CHADWICK: In the book [Micronations: The Lonely Planet Guide to Self-Proclaimed Nations], you call an American entity, is it the Republic of Molossia? Am I pronouncing that correctly? Mr. [John] RYAN: Yeah. CHADWICK: This is the most delightful micronation, you say. Mr. RYAN: I think it is. I think when I discovered this republic, which is in Nevada - in one man's house and backyard and front garden - I think I stumbled across what for me really typifies the whole micronational movement. It's very creative, it's quite eccentric, and it brings out I think the best in good humor in people who are just keen to take control of their own affairs. And it's really a hobby for this particular fellow that has been pushed, you know, to the nth degree. He set up a little model railroad in the back garden, and he's got a space program where he regularly launches toy rocket ships and straps cameras to them in a vain attempt to get an aerial photograph of his property. CHADWICK: This is Kevin Baugh, who calls himself the president of Molossia. Mr. RYAN: That's right. And he gets about looking like a South American dictator from the '70s in big, reflective sunglasses and military regalia. But it's all done in very, very good humor. He's pegged his currency, which is made of gaming chips with his face on the front, which is appropriate for Nevada. He's pegged his currency to the value of Pillsbury cookie dough. It's just his wife and his two sons. I think it would be quite an interesting family life. CHADWICK: You talked to the leaders of many of these places. Either you saw them in person or you called them or maybe had e-mail exchanges. Were you able to figure out how seriously any of them take this? Mr. RYAN: Yeah, I think to differing degrees. But one thing - even President Baugh of Molossia said to me that he didn't mind us, you know, engaging in the good humor but not to make light of it, not to treat it with too much disrespect; that he was still trying to, you know, make a point and do something and that he deserved, you know, some respect in that process." Transcript retrieved via eLibary on 2008-04-19.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Republic of Molossia.
- ^ Molossia. "State Visit Planned". Press release.
- ^ Molossia. "Kosovo". Press release.
- ^ US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990. United States Census Bureau (2005-05-03). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
