Skip to Content

Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.

Map of the world

Country for Sale!

Why travel to a foreign country when you can own your own?

The self-proclaimed Prince of Sealand, Paddy Roy Bates, is putting his fiefdom-the world's smallest country-up for sale.

I sure was excited when I read this and immediately began wondering what type of ruler I would be of my own country; benevolent leader, kindly lord, iron-fisted dictator?

But then I found out that the world's smallest country has no citizens. In fact, it doesn't even have any land.

Sealand consists of two World War II era concrete towers built seven miles off the coast of England. Originally designed as an anti-aircraft base, its presence in international waters allowed for Bates to take over and nationalize the structures 40 years ago. The enigmatic new ruler issued currency, stamps, designed a flag, and even wrote a national anthem.

Bates then fought off a challenge by the British Courts, as well as an invasion by a multinational force complete with prisoners of war and diplomatic intervention.

Now Sealand and its storied history can be yours. Sort of. Since one cannot technically "sell" a country, interested parties can purchase a "transfer of tenancy."

Starting price is a staggering £65 million. That's a lot of money for a very little country.

Search Travel Deals

Gadling Features




Categories

Become our Fan on Facebook!

Gadling on Facebook

Tickets, travel guides, hotels & more

Featured Galleries (view all)

Dim Sum Dialogues: Bangkok
Pueblos of New Mexico
Queenstown, NZ
Dim Sum Dialogues: Kowloon Walled City
Fox Glacier
TranzAlpine Railway
In & Around Auckland
Air New Zealand Matchmaking Flight
Bungle Bungle Range

Sponsored Links

Autoblog Green

Daily Finance

Download Squad

Engadget

Joystiq

Luxist

Switched.com

FanHouse

WoW