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It's a Small World - Nations & States - Global Policy Forum It's a Small World
By Dr. Anthony G. Ziagos, Sr.
Hellenic Communications Service
April 2002
Did you know there are dozens of micronations in existence across the globe? In various stages of world recognition, some of these small nations have existed peacefully or without notoriety for a thousand years and others for less than a decade. Most people are unaware of and surprised by their existence.
The most densely populated country in the world is the tiny Principality of Monaco, located on the Mediterranean coast between Italy and France. The Grimaldi Family have been the sovereign rulers of this tiny country since 1297 AD. In recent times, over the last century, they have attained worldwide recognition for two reasons: the Princess and the Casino. No, the gaming industry was not invented in Las Vegas. The Grimaldi Family has been host to their world famous casino since 1863. Secondly, and probably more notably, was the first International Royal Wedding covered by television media: that of Actress Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier Ill in 1956. The Principality's reigning Monarch is HSH Hereditary Prince Albert.
The Hutt River Province Principality is a tiny independent state located in remote Western Australia. While not formally recognized by Australian Federal Authorities, the Province has exercised effective sovereignty over its territory since the peaceful secession in 1970. The Hutt River Province Principality, currently not a member of the United Nations, has official diplomatic representatives in more than thirty-five Countries and thousands of overseas citizens active in civic and cultural affairs. The Government has consistently supported fundamental principles of justice, respect for human rights and self-determination among countries, as well as reassertion of its own independence and sovereignty for the last thirty-two years.
Taiwan and Tibet are examples of two other countries that are not recognized formally by the United States, despite the fact that they have representatives and embassies in this country. The Vatican, Sovereign Military Order of Malta, and Palestine are not members of the United Nations, but they have obtained observer status and have diplomats stationed at the UN. Gibraltar, Aruba, Bermuda, The Cayman Islands, and several other countries that have been established and recognized for hundreds of years are not members of the United Nations, yet are recognized by the United States. Other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) like The International Red Cross are obviously not "countries" but they also have been granted observer status at the United Nations.
International law and most significantly the Montevideo Convention of 1933 have established guidelines for recognition as a "state". A new ""state" or country if you will, must meet several criteria before their request is considered for membership in the United Nations or other world organizations. Some countries choose not to become involved in this process at all. Financial restrictions of International Diplomacy or reasons of privacy may be a motivating factor to be left alone. Political alliances and world politics may be another reason why these principalities and small states have not been allowed to take their place among their peers as legitimate nations of the world. Perhaps the guidelines or standards with which to measure a legitimate monarchy or small new country are not as well defined as they should be. Are they less worthy to be recognized as a legitimate country? Another well-respected world organization, the International Olympic Committee, has standards that measure country status that differ from those of the United Nations. The UN has 189 members and the Olympic Committee allowed 199 nations to compete in the 1996 Summer Games. During the current 2002 Winter Games, several American athletes represent and compete for foreign countries. In our "small world" it is not uncommon for some to hold dual citizenship.
Although Monaco is perhaps the most famous micronation in the world they did not become a member of the United Nations until 1993.
Despite shrinking global obstacles in communication, the United States surprisingly does not have diplomatic relationships with many of these countries. Future diplomatic negotiations and shifting political alliances may change that in the future. The Hutt River Province Principality of Western Australia, The Principality of Seborga in Northern Italy, The Republic of Saugeais in France, Tibet, Taiwan and many other small micronations may realize their opportunity to be recognized and seated at the United Nations.
Dr. Anthony G. Ziagos, Sr. is a publisher and photojournalist from Massachusetts. He is also a licensed Naturopath and is currently serving as the Charge D'Affaires for New England -- USA , of the Hutt River Province Principality located in Western Australia. April 2002 marks 32 years of sovereignty for HRH Prince Leonard.
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