Social Aspect: The Concept of a State – The More Official, the More Mysterious
There are approximately 195 officially recognized countries on the political map of the world. However, beyond this list, there are "unusual countries"—self-declared states that are either unrecognized or barely recognized. Although they are not official members of the UN, these entities operate like real countries, with their own systems of governance, passports, flags, and citizens.
The emergence of these countries sometimes stems from historical conflicts, and sometimes simply from an idea. Although they may not be recognized legally, they exist as social and public realities.
Academic Aspect: The Legal Definition of a State and “De Facto Countries”
According to international law, for a territory to gain the status of a "country", it must meet the following conditions:
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Permanent population
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Defined territory
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Government
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The capacity to enter into relations with other states
However, some entities meet these criteria but are not recognized by the international community. These are known as “de facto states.” Even though their legal status is questioned, they build real lives.
Public Aspect: 10 Fascinating and Hidden Unusual Countries
1. Sealand (North Sea)
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Population: ~30 people
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Territory: A former British-built sea platform
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Proclaimed as the "Principality of Prince Michael"
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Has its own passport, currency, and anthem
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Not recognized by the UK or the UN
2. Transnistria (Between Moldova and Ukraine)
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De facto independent since 1990
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Uses Soviet symbols, has its own army and currency
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Not recognized by Moldova
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Considered by the international community as part of Moldova
3. Somaliland (Territory of Somalia)
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Declared independence in 1991
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Holds democratic elections
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Issues passports and citizenship
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Not officially recognized by any country
4. Liberland (Between Serbia and Croatia)
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Declared by Czech politician Vít Jedlička in 2015
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Based on the ideology of "freedom and minimal taxation"
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Not officially recognized, but accepts online applications for citizenship
5. Hutt River Province (Australia)
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Declared in 1970 by a farmer
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Had its own passport and “monarchy”
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Officially dissolved in 2020
6. Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)
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Considered part of Azerbaijan
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De facto regime existed from 1991 to 2023
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Now under full control of Azerbaijan
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Not recognized by the UN or most countries
7. North Dumpling Island (USA)
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Declared "independent country" by Segway inventor Dean Kamen
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Has a symbolic flag, constitution, and “army”
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Considered U.S. territory, created as a personal amusement
8. Republic of Užupis (within Vilnius, Lithuania)
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A micro-republic declared by an artistic community
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Has its own constitution, including a clause: “People have the right to smile”
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Turned into an art center and tourist attraction
9. Western Sahara (Disputed desert territory)
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Controlled by the Polisario Front
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A disputed region under UN supervision
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Partially recognized by over 80 countries
10. Ladonia (Coast of Sweden)
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A "country" created as an artwork
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Declared in 1996 by Lars Vilks
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Official population over 17,000 (mostly virtual)
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No passport required to enter
Research-Oriented Aspect: Statistical and Legal View
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Number of countries recognized by the UN – 193
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Unrecognized or partially recognized territories – around 10–15
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Virtual and micro-nations – over 50
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The number of unofficial countries is increasing daily – especially in the internet age
Some experts refer to this phenomenon as “postmodern statehood.” Here, the goal is more about delivering an ideological message and attracting attention than achieving official status.
Interesting Facts:
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Sealand passports were once forged by international criminals – raising questions about the country's security
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It is sometimes possible to travel internationally with a Somaliland passport – a few African countries accept it informally
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Užupis Republic’s constitution consists of 41 articles and is written on a wall in a Lithuanian street
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Liberland has received over 600,000 citizenship applications
The Invisible Sides of the World Map
These unusual countries show us that the concept of a “state” is not only a political and legal one but also a social, cultural, and ideological phenomenon.
They may sometimes seem humorous, but these entities serve as testing grounds for freedom, individuality, and alternative systems of governance.
Recommendations: What Can We Learn from the Phenomenon of “Unusual Countries”?
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Educational lessons and seminars on “alternative statehood” should be organized for youth
– This way, the legal and social dimensions of the state concept can be discussed -
Give sociology and international relations students project topics such as:
– “The legal status of unrecognized states”
– “Virtual nationhood”
– “The freedom manifesto through the Sealand example” -
Hold debates and model simulations about “micro-statehood” among Azerbaijani and international youth
– Like the Model UN, a “Model of Unusual Countries” can broaden young people’s perspectives -
Create a series of fun facts about these countries on social media
– Short videos, infographics, and posts will attract young audiences -
These countries’ status should be studied further within international law and human rights and brought to public discussion
Final Word:
There are countries that don’t exist on the map, and each one of them is a symbol of an idea, a protest, or a dream. Learning about them means understanding the world more deeply.