Sealand, also known as the Principality of Sealand, is a self-proclaimed micronation located on an abandoned WWII-era sea fort in the North Sea. It was founded in 1967 by Roy Bates, who declared the fort as an independent sovereign state.
However, the status of Sealand as a country is a topic of debate and is not widely recognized by the international community. The traditional criteria for statehood, such as a defined territory, a permanent population, a functioning government, and the ability to engage in international relations, are not fully met by Sealand.
One of the key factors for state recognition is the recognition by other countries. Sealand has not been formally recognized by any sovereign state. While it has issued its own passports and currency, these documents are not recognized by other countries, limiting its ability to engage in international affairs.
Furthermore, Sealand's legal status is also questionable. The fort is located within the territorial waters of the United Kingdom, and the UK does not recognize Sealand's sovereignty. In fact, in 1968, the UK extended its territorial waters from 3 to 12 nautical miles, encompassing Sealand within its jurisdiction.
It's worth noting that Sealand has faced numerous challenges to its sovereignty over the years. In 1978, a group of German and Dutch individuals occupied the fort, claiming ownership and attempting to establish their own government. The Bates family, who claimed ownership of Sealand, successfully repelled the invasion.
Overall, while Sealand has declared itself a country, it lacks the necessary recognition and legal status to be considered a sovereign state by the international community. It remains an interesting case study in micronations and the complexities of statehood.
References:
Official website of the Principality of Sealand
BBC - "The Principality of Sealand: Nation Building on the High Seas"
Council on Foreign Relations - "Sealand: The Micronation That Isn't"