While now might not be the best time to buy land, what with the end of the world just around the corner, it might not be so bad dying if you made it to king status. This title is up for sale now, as the world's smallest country, the Principality of Sealand, is on the auction block.

The world's smallest country is being put up for sale. The Principality of Sealand, seven miles off the coast of Harwich in Essex, was built as a wartime fort and consists of a steel platform perched on two concrete towers. In 1967, Roy Bates, a former English major, settled there and proclaimed the island his own state, giving himself the title of prince.

The country is a package deal complete with passports, currency, stamps, a national anthem, and even a national football team. Unfortunately, many claim that Sealand is not in fact sovereign, including the United States. Though, the Bates have done a pretty decent job of shutting up the competition.

Although its nation status is disputed, Sealand boasts a military past like any other country, defending its sovereignty from outside threats.

Britain's navy attempted to evict him the following year but were unsuccessful. As they entered territorial waters, Roy of Sealand fired warning shots from the former fort.

A judge then ruled in his favour that Sealand was outside British government control as it was beyond the three-mile limit of the country's waters.

Four years later, Dutch and German businessmen on Sealand to discuss a business deal kidnapped Roy's son but were overpowered and held as prisoners of war before eventually being released.

That right there could be the script for The Patriot 2. Unfortunately, the monarchy is getting tired and wants to retire. Prince Michael spoke to the Times about royal attempts to unload the country for a tidy sum.

"We have owned the island for 40 years now and my father is 85,'' Prince Michael of Sealand was quoted as saying by The Times today.

"Perhaps it is time for some rejuvenation. Astronomical figures have been mentioned but we will just see what comes forward.''

AndersWolleck

Astoria, NY

February 2003

JAN 08, 2007 11:01 AM

wheres brando when you need hiM?

RileyStClair

Los Angeles, CA

September 2006

JAN 08, 2007 11:04 AM

so i've been wanting my own country for a long time and i have a birthday coming up *HINT HINT*

Rainking13

Saint Peters, MO

December 2006

JAN 08, 2007 11:08 AM

could I rename it Petopia?

SmellsLikeSciFi

Houston, TX

April 2004

JAN 08, 2007 11:15 AM

FUCKIN' SEALAND FTW!!!!! This story has fascinated me since I heard about it a few weeks ago...brilliant idea.

spiral66

United Kingdom

December 2005

JAN 08, 2007 11:31 AM

It's been rotting since WWII and has probably got too expensive to upkeep. I remember seeing an article in Wired years ago when someone was going to use it as a no questions asked data centre...

Zamuzel

United Kingdom

September 2006

JAN 08, 2007 11:42 AM

I so would make a great king.
Time to raid the piggybank...

Actually Sealand suffered a fire recently, and I think the repairs have resulted in this sale as it costs too much to repair...

thestral

Manassas, VA

August 2005

JAN 08, 2007 11:43 AM

Data Haven ftw

saltonsea

Toronto, ON

July 2004

JAN 08, 2007 12:13 PM

i've heard about this place before....i can't remember where though...

_panda_

I'm lost

November 2005

JAN 08, 2007 01:27 PM

Nike should buy it and then sponsor a dream team in the next olympics.

SockPuppet

I'm lost

July 2006

JAN 08, 2007 02:47 PM

I wish I had silly amounts of money. I'd buy it

AlphaX

Fargo, ND

November 2006

JAN 08, 2007 02:49 PM

spiral66 said:
It's been rotting since WWII and has probably got too expensive to upkeep. I remember seeing an article in Wired years ago when someone was going to use it as a no questions asked data centre...

Apparently it still has the data center, called HavenCo, it suffered from a fire recently and it looks like its been in
financial trouble for awhile. looks like the family are probably just looking to cash in and run...

Quirky

Birmingham, AL

October 2005

JAN 08, 2007 02:55 PM

The Sealandic Prince has always been my favorite World Leader.

malkav11

Saint Paul, MN

July 2003

JAN 08, 2007 03:32 PM

I first ran into Sealand via a link from a Something Awful "article", so I had been trying to decide whether it was an elaborate practical joke.

Apparently not.

Lycoris

Toronto, ON

October 2005

JAN 08, 2007 03:34 PM

Ah, such dreams I'm having right now.

Quirky

Birmingham, AL

October 2005

JAN 08, 2007 03:44 PM

Lycoris said:
Ah, such dreams I'm having right now.

Suicide Girls Island?

undershaker

Milwaukee, WI

November 2004

JAN 08, 2007 04:20 PM

LordLinguist said:

Lycoris said:
Ah, such dreams I'm having right now.

Suicide Girls Island?

Your idea intrigues me, & I would like to subscribe to your newsletter.