The wacky world of micronations

Looking for a trip a bit more off the beaten track? You’re in luck - there are more weird and wonderful destinations out there than you could have ever imagined

Micronations – home-made kingdoms – have sprung up around the globe, complete with their own monarchies, laws, festivities and, of course, stamps. Should you be thinking of setting up such a venture yourself, all you need is a permanent population, defined territory, government and the capacity to enter into relations with the other states (this is the tough bit).

Lonely Planet puts the spotlight on these home-made nations in its latest book Micronations: The Lonely Planet Guide to Home-Made Nations, looking at the likes of the infamous Principality of Sealand, the subject of a coup in the North Sea, and the wacky nation of Lovely where “All are welcome, none may leave”. We check out a few of the best.

By Tina Lofthouse