4. The Republic of Lakotah
The Republic of Lakotah is a sizeable area of land within the United States and boasts of a population of more than 100,000 people. Located bang in the middle of America, Lakotah’s story of struggle began in the 18th century when they signed a deal with the American government that promised them the right to live in the Black Hills. The Black Hills, however, turned out to be sacred to many others, thanks to the land’s ability to produce gold.
For more than a century, the American government forgot about the plight of the locals before issuing an apology in 1998. The court decided to compensate the Lakotah Sioux for nearly $600 million, but they refused their money. They believed if they had taken the money, it would’ve come across as if the atrocities committed on them were alright. In 2007, they declared a formal withdrawal from the US. The Republic of Lakotah continues to fight for their independence.
5. Barotseland
With a population of around 3.5 million and located in a region between Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Angola and Zambia, Barotseland is humungous if we were to compare it with the other countries on this list. Forming a unified group of over 20 individual tribes from around the region, the Barotse speak Silozi, a complex language derived from several tribal languages.
It is said that the Barotse nation was founded by Queen Mbuywamwambwa, the Lozi matriarch, over 500 years ago, with people migrating from all over Africa, mainly Congo. Around 1889, King Lewanika signed a treaty to provide the kingdom recognition as a state. This was also around the time when the King had just begun trading the diamonds found in the state with Europe. He signed a trade concession and in return, his kingdom was to be protected. Later, seeking better military protection, King Lewanika signed another treaty with the British South African Company in 1890. This put Barotseland as another unit of Northern Rhodesia. Lewanika protested to the Queen but that didn’t make any difference. In 1900, United Kingdom proclaimed and governed the land as part of Barotziland-North-Western Rhodesia.
6. Murrawarri Republic
The Murrawarri Republic is a micronation that declared its independence from Australia very recently in 2013. They are located in a small area on the borders of New South Wales and Queensland. Interestingly, the Murrawarri Republic released an independence declaration to the Queen of England and the Prime Minister of Australia. In the letter sent, they asked Queen Elizabeth II to prove her legitimacy over their land. They gave 30 days to Australia and the Queen to respond. Not getting a response, they formally became a nation. Their declaration of independence, however, is still unrecognised by the Australian government.
7. Principality of Hutt River
Australia has a number of rebels, it seems. Previously known as the Hutt River Province, it is known to be the oldest micronation of Australia. Hutt River is a principality set up by farmers to escape the stringent grain quotas set up by the Australian government. After decades of struggle, the people of the province no longer have to pay Australian taxes. They even have their own currency now. So cute.
Then there are many more that haven’t been featured here but are equally important on the world map. They deserve our recognition.
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