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Revision as of 18:26, 22 April 2015 edit131.96.91.239 (talk)No edit summaryTag: possible vandalism← Previous edit Latest revision as of 16:39, 28 December 2024 edit undoCakelot1 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users8,594 edits In fact there isn't any mention of these names (or the use of these languages) in the sourced test. The infobox should follow the article (per MOS:INFOBOXPURPOSE) 
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{{Short description|Micronation in the United States}}
{{For|the ancient Epirote tribe of Molossia|Molossians}}
{{primary sources|date=November 2011}} {{use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{For|the ancient Greek tribe of Epirus|Molossians}}
{{Infobox country
{{primary sources|date=June 2020}}
| micronation = yes
<!-- DO NOT EDIT THIS ARTICLE IF YOU HAVE ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST (i.e. close relationship) WITH MOLOSSIA. INSTEAD, REQUEST AN EDIT AT https://en.wikipedia.org/Wikipedia:Simple_conflict_of_interest_edit_request. -->
{{Infobox micronation
| conventional_long_name = Republic of Molossia | conventional_long_name = Republic of Molossia
| native_name = Respubliko de Molossia (Esperanto) | native_name =
|image = ]
| common_name = Molossia
| image_flag = Flag of the Republic of Molossia.svg |caption = Government House of Molossia
| image_map = Map of Molossia small.png
| image_coat = Arms4.jpg
| map_caption = Location of Molossia
| symbol_type = Coat of Arms
| claimed_by = Kevin Baugh
| motto= Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained
| established_date1 = {{start date|1977|May|26}}
| national_anthem = "Fair Molossia is Our Home"<ref> Republic of Molossia (www.molossia.org). January 28, 2014. Retrieved on 2014-09-04.</ref>
| area_claimed = 11.3 acres of land near ]
|image_map = Map of Molossia small.png
| official_website = {{Official URL}}
| area_km2 = 0.0053
|name=}}
| area_sq_mi = 0.002
'''Molossia''' ({{IPAc-en|m|oʊ|ˈ|l|ɒ|s|i|ə}}), officially the '''Republic of Molossia''', is a ] claiming de facto sovereignty over {{convert|11.3|acre|ha m2}} of land near ].<ref>{{cite web |title=About Molossia |url=https://www.molossia.org/about.html |access-date=2 October 2024 |website=The Official Website of the Republic of Molossia}}</ref> The micronation has not received recognition from any of the 193 member states of the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Visit the Republic of Molossia {{!}} Sovereign Country in NV {{!}} Weird Nevada |url=https://travelnevada.com/weird-nevada/republic-of-molossia/ |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=Travel Nevada |language=en-US |quote="So, Is the Republic of Molossia a Real Country? The Republic of Molossia has quietly been an official, independent, sovereign country inside Nevada for more than forty years."}}</ref><ref name="cbsnews-molossia">{{Cite web |title=Molossia and Vikesland? Leaders of (fake) nations gather in L.A. |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/molossia-and-vikesland-leaders-of-fake-nations-gather-in-l-a/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=CBS News |date=April 10, 2015 |language=en-US |quote="The occasion is MicroCon 2015, what organizers say is the first North American gathering of micronations, those itty bitty countries that pretty much nobody but the people who rule them believe really exist... – The Republic of Molossia. Founded by Baugh and a buddy as teenagers in 1977, it existed mainly in Baugh's bedroom until he bought 1.3 acres of property in Northern Nevada in 1998 and built a railroad and private phone company."}}</ref><ref name="knpr.org">{{Cite web |title=There's A Tiny Nation In Northern Nevada — Kind Of |url=https://knpr.org/knpr/2018-07/theres-tiny-nation-northern-nevada-kind |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=] |language=en |quote="It was his time in Europe that shaped Baugh's ideas on micronations. He liked the idea of tiny nations like Monaco and Liechtenstein. 'It kind of really stuck with me this is something I would like to do and continue to do and then when I got property in Northern Nevada that became the home for the Republic of Molossia,' he said."}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Baugh |first=Kevin |title=Molossia FAQ |url=https://www.molossia.org/FAQ.html |access-date=April 12, 2022 |website=The Official Website of the Republic of Molossia|quote="Is Molossia a Real Country? Yes. Molossia is as a sovereign, independent nation within the territory of the United States. It exists as a state within a state, much like the Navajo Nation. We exercise sovereignty over our own territory, and have our own laws, customs and land."}}</ref> It was founded by Kevin Baugh in 1977. He continues to pay ]es on the land to ], the recognized local government, although he calls it "]". He has stated, "We all want to think we have our own country, but you know the ] is a lot bigger".<ref name="cbsnews-molossia"/>
| nummembers = 27<ref name="newsbites">{{cite web|url=http://www.molossia.org/article251.html|title=Newsbites |date=18 March 2012|website=Republic of Molossia|accessdate=2014-01-14}}</ref>
| established_event1 = Declared
| established_date1 = September 3, 1999
| leader_title1 = ]
| leader_name1 = ]
| leader_title2 = Vice President
| leader_name2 = Adrianne Baugh
| legislature = National Assembly (advisory only)
| government_type = ] ]; ''de facto'' ]
| official_languages = ], ], ], ] (English)
| capital = Baughston
| time_zone = Molossian Standard Time (]-7 hours, 41 minutes)
| currency = ]
| calling_code = ]
| footnotes =
}}

'''Molossia''', also known as the self-proclaimed '''Republic of Molossia''', is a ], founded by Kevin Baugh and headquartered solely from his home near ]. The Republic of Molossia has claimed itself a nation, however it is not officially recognized as a country by the United Nations or any country.

It consists of Baugh's house (known as the Government House), about {{convert|0.01|acre|m2|sigfig=1}} in size, as well as {{convert|1.3|acre|m2|sigfig=1}} of surrounding property, enclaved by ]. It formerly claimed a property in ] as well. Originally established as a childhood project in 1977, Molossia subsequently evolved into a ] in the late 1990s.

The name ''Molossia'' is derived from the ] word ''morro'' which means "small rocky hill". Baugh has stated that the ancient Greek tribe of ] is unrelated.<ref name="mo">{{cite web |url=http://www.molossia.org/ |title=Republic of Molossia - Official Website |website=Republic of Molossia |accessdate=2014-01-14}}</ref>


==History== ==History==
]
On September 3, 1999, Baugh created the ''Republic of Molossia'' as a latter day successor to a childhood make-believe kingdom called "The Grand Republic of Vuldstein", and declared himself to be its president.
Molossia started as a teenage dream of Kevin Baugh, and began as the Kingdom of Molossia in 1998, when he bought land in Nevada.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Totten|first=Kristy|date=June 1, 2016|title=Nevada Is Home To A Micronation — But Don't Tell The Micronation That|url=https://knpr.org/knpr/2016-05/nevada-home-micronation-dont-tell-micronation|website=Knpr.org|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706190700/https://knpr.org/knpr/2016-05/nevada-home-micronation-dont-tell-micronation|archive-date=6 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=2019-04-10|title=There's a country inside the US. Allegedly|url=https://www.cntraveller.in/story/theres-country-inside-us-allegedly/|date=26 October 2016|website=Condé Nast Traveller India}}</ref> Baugh has claimed that he based the idea of Molossia on the film '']'',<ref name="cbsnews-molossia"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Deach |first1=Ben |title=Silver State Sights: The Republic of Molossia |url=https://www.kolotv.com/content/news/Silver-State-Sights-The-Republic-of-Molossia--540193191.html |website=kolotv.com |date=August 13, 2019 |access-date=16 February 2021 |language=en}}</ref> and also claims influence from his time in the military.<ref name="knpr.org"/> Earlier it was known as the Grand Republic of Vuldstein, where Kevin Baugh was the Prime Minister and his friend, James Speilman, was declared King James I. It went through several government and name changes, including the People's Democratic Republic of Molossia (Communist), Kingdom of Zaira and the United Provinces of Utopia.


]
On November 13, 2012, Kevin Baugh created a petition on the Whitehouse.gov ''We the People'' website requesting formal recognition of the micronation. However, his petition did not gain enough signatures for recognition.
The Republic of Molossia claims to be at war with the ] of ], alleging that they are responsible for military drills performed by Kevin Baugh while stationed with the ] in ], and therefore are also responsible for his resulting diagnosis of ].<ref name=":2">{{cite web|last=Machado|first=Carmen|date=26 March 2013|title=The Imaginary Republic of Molossia|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/vdywxm/the-imaginary-republic-of-molossia|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-31|website=Vice.com|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125150429/https://www.vice.com/en/article/vdywxm/the-imaginary-republic-of-molossia|archive-date=25 November 2020}}</ref> While East Germany formally ceased to exist in 1990 following the ], Molossia argues that ], dedicated by ] to ] politician ] and given to East Germany, as well as its lack of mention in the Treaty on the Final Settlement or by the nation of Cuba, is therefore still East German land, allowing the war to continue.<ref name=":2"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.molossia.org/war/eastgermany.html|title=The War with East Germany|website=The Official Website of the Republic of Molossia|access-date=2017-10-18}}</ref>


The flag of the Republic of Molossia is a rectangle with a blue stripe on the top, a white stripe on the middle and a green stripe on the bottom. It is the ] flipped upside-down.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Molossia: A small, unrecognised 'nation' within the US |url=https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0hzcsdx/molossia-a-small-unrecognised-nation-within-the-us |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>
==Territory==
]


==Culture==
Molossia consists of two properties (previously three), located within the continental ] and comprising a total area of {{convert|6.3|acre}}. They are owned by Baugh.
'''Harmony Province''' is located near Dayton, Nevada and is the smallest of Molossia's territories at little more than {{convert|1|acre|m2|spell=in}} in size. It is the Baugh family's primary place of residence, and the site of Molossia's designated capital, Baughston. Baughston was renamed from Espera on 30 July 2013 to commemorate President Baugh's 51st birthday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.molossia.org/article293.html|title=The President's 51st Birthday|website=Republic of Molossia|accessdate=2013-09-27}}</ref>


=== Environmental care ===
'''The Protectorate of New Antrim''' was located at an undisclosed location in Pennsylvania and was the largest of Molossia's territories at a little over {{convert|8|acre}} in extent. It was named after ] in Northern Ireland and had its own governor, Grand Admiral Hess. It is no longer claimed by Molossia.
Plastic bags and incandescent lightbulbs are banned in the Republic due to their effect on the environment. Catfish and walruses are also banned due to their non-presence in the micronation whatsoever.<ref name=":1" />


=== Laws ===
In August 2003, Baugh purchased a small piece of rural land in ]. This was referred to the '''Colony of Farfalla'''. The property was sold late in 2005, after Baugh inherited more land which he subsequently named '''Desert Homestead Province''', in ].<ref name="mo"/> Desert Homestead was previously owned by Baugh's grandfather, and the property has since been declared a "national monument" dedicated to him. Finally, in early 2015, it was shared, that Farfalla Colony is Molossians teritory again.<ref name="mo"/>
Detonating any ] inside of the nation will result in a 500 ] fine; about 400 ].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> It is against the law to play ]s inside of bathrooms, and sunshine is guaranteed for all.<ref name=":1" />


=== Anthem ===
'''Vesperia''' is the name of Molossia's claim of {{convert|49881|sqmi|km2|sigfig=2}} on the planet of ].
The National Anthem of the Republic of Molossia is "Fair Molossia Is Our Home". The song was written by ] and lyrics were written by the President of Molossia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NATIONAL SYMBOLS - The Official Website of the Republic of Molossia |url=https://www.molossia.org/symbols.html |access-date=September 1, 2024}}</ref>


=== Cuisine ===
Additionally, Molossia claims a spot named '''Neptune Deep''' in the North ], about {{convert|750|km|mi}} southwest of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.molossia.org/neptunedeep.html|title=Neptune Deep|publisher=Republic of Molossia|accessdate=24 March 2010}}</ref>
The signature, national drink of Molossia is called ''the Molossolini'', a ] of ], ], and ], with added ] and slices of ], ], and ].<ref name="Topsy Tasty 2021">{{cite web | title=Fast Facts About The "Republic" of Molossia | website=Topsy Tasty | date=August 30, 2021 | url=https://www.topsytasty.com/molossia/ | access-date=January 12, 2022}}</ref>


Onions and spinach are banned food items inside of Molossia due to the President disliking them.<ref name=":1" />
==Operations==
] Kevin Baugh (born July 30, 1962)]]


== In popular culture ==
===Proclamations===
In 2010, the Republic of Molossia was featured in a feature-length special by ] called ''Kickassia'', with Baugh playing a fictional version of himself. In the film, the Republic undergoes an invasion by the ] (played by ]) and his posse of reviewers, who briefly took over Molossia with a dictatorship, "Kickassia", before being ousted.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Imaginary Republic of Molossia |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/vdywxm/the-imaginary-republic-of-molossia |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=www.vice.com |date=April 26, 2013 |language=en}}</ref> The official website for the Republic of Molossia treats the events of the film as factual.
The Republic of Molossia claims to be a sovereign, independent ], completely surrounded by the ]. As a result, it has adopted a system of government recognizably similar in structure to that of a ].


===Military=== == Currency ==
The Valora (issued by the Bank of Molossia) is divided into 100 Futtrus and denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and coins in 1, 5, 10, 30 (plastic); it has an exchange rate of 0.80.<ref name=":0" /> The Valora is also valued to ] ] ]<ref name="Topsy Tasty 2021" /> with one tube of cookie dough (13 Ba / 30 oz) being equal to 5 Valora.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Bank of Molossia |url=https://www.molossia.org/bank.html}}</ref>
The Republic of Molossia has no Army or Air Force. It maintains a standing Navy with a fleet of four vessels and a land infantry division; the Molossian Naval Infantry. The M.S. Spindrift, the Navy's flagship is a {{convert|13|by|3|ft|adj=on}} Allen Class inflatable boat. The U.S. Manatee and twin boats M.S. Bandicoot and the M.S. Platypus form the remainder of the fleet. The M.S. Wombat, the first vessel of the Navy, built in 2005, was decommissioned on the 7th of April, 2013. The Navy has 1 commissioned officer and 49 honorary commissioned officers all of which are crazy!

===Space Program===
The Republic of Molossia Ministry for Air and Space Exploration is charged with all matters related to air and spacecraft in the Republic (the latter was originally under the command of the now disbanded Molossian Air Force.). It has many running projects in existence including the .

===Structure===
Molossia is a ] governed by a constitution creating a ] and other institutions of state. However, "due to unrest and the ever-present foreign menace from over the border", a state of ] exists, enabling the President, Kevin Baugh, to exercise all powers of governance, including foreign affairs, while making the National Assembly an advisory body with no legislative powers.<ref name="mo"/>

===Foreign relations===
Molossia recognizes several other micronations, with numerous treaties enacted to this end.<ref name="mo"/> In May 2008, a summit was held with Grand Duke Paul, leader of the Grand Duchy of Greifenberg, another micronation. Plans were made for the revitalization of the League of Small Nations, a nearly defunct organization devoted to the prosperity of all micronations claiming land. This was Molossia's first ever formal state visit.<ref name="wikinews">{{cite news |url=http://en.wikinews.org/Wikinews_holds_a_follow-up_interview_with_Kevin_Baugh,_president_of_the_Republic_of_Molossia |title=Follow-up interview with Kevin Baugh, president of the Republic of Molossia |publisher=] |date=2008-05-01 |accessdate=2008-08-12}}</ref> Molossia asserts it was one of the first countries to recognize the ], one day after the Albanian majority country was declared on February 18, 2008, with Baugh sending an official letter to the newly formed government.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.molossia.org/article139.html |title=Kosovo |publisher=Molossia |date=2008-02-18}}</ref> However Molossia now only opens informal relations with other states.

==Economy==
Molossia sells a variety of products in person and online, including homemade soap and signed photographs of the Baughs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.molossia.org/autograph.html|title=Autographed Photos|website=Republic of Molossia|accessdate=2014-09-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.molossia.org/soap.html|title=Supremo Soap!|website=Republic of Molossia|accessdate=2014-09-16}}</ref> ] are also produced by Molossia through its self-created Postal and Telegraph Service.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.molossia.org/postal2.html|title=Molossian Postal, Telegraph & Telephone Service|website=Republic of Molossia|accessdate=2014-09-16}}</ref>

Molossia's purported currency is the Valora, which is subdivided into 100 Futtrus and pegged to ] cookie dough, with one tube of dough claimed to equal three Valora in value. Cookie dough is stored in an outbuilding called the Bank of Molossia, from which Valora coins made from ] and printed "banknotes" are sold. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.molossia.org/bank.html |title=Bank of Molossia |website=Republic of Molossia |accessdate=25 January 2014}}</ref> <ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6416479 |title='Lonely Planet' Explores Micronations |work=] |publisher=] |date=2006-11-01 |accessdate=2008-04-19}}</ref>

==Tourism==
]
In recent years the various micronation-themed art installations and landscaping projects that Baugh has constructed around his home have begun to attract some outside interest, with Baugh taking visitors on guided tours of the property by prior arrangement.<ref name="wikinews"/> As of 2008, he claims to have hosted around 15 visitors in a year. Visitors are required to produce a passport and their pocket change in order to be admitted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.molossia.org/media/interview.html|title=Tech TV Interview|website=Republic of Molossia|accessdate=2014-01-14}}</ref> Baugh has stated that these requirements are waived for citizens of ], ], ], ], ] and "any other country recognized by Molossia".<ref name="mo"/>

Visitors are not allowed to bring certain items onto the property, including ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Republic of Molossia announces new customs station |url=http://en.wikinews.org/Republic_of_Molossia_announces_new_customs_station |publisher=] |date=2008-05-12 |accessdate=2008-08-13}}</ref>

==War with East Germany==
The Republic of Molossia has claimed to be fighting a war with ]<ref name="molossiaeastgermanywar">{{cite web|url=http://www.molossia.org/war/eastgermany.html|title=The War With East Germany|website=Republic of Molossia|accessdate=2014-01-14}}</ref> and it has issued war bonds to stop the war.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.molossia.org/war/bonds.html|title=Buy War Bonds|website=Republic of Molossia|accessdate=2014-01-14}}</ref> It claims to have been fighting it since November 2, 1983.<ref name="molossiaeastgermanywar"/> Although East Germany is now defunct, President Baugh asserts that ], allegedly given to East Germany by ] in 1972, is sovereign territory of ], and thus allows the war to continue. In reality, the island has always been under Cuban sovereignty and was never given to East Germany. The Cuban government merely renamed the island after a German communist leader during the ] during a state visit by East German leader ] in June 1972.

==In popular culture==
Molossia was the main focus and site of the two-year anniversary of the ] website. Doug Walker produced a six-part ] starring ] members titled ''Kickassia'', primarily set and filmed on-location in Molossia and a nearby hotel. In the film, the ] conquers Molossia and becomes its new leader, with the help of various other members of the That Guy With the Glasses site. The critics succeed and rename the nation "Kickassia" with plans to hopelessly conquer the United States, but the Critic becomes corrupt with his own power, leading the members of Channel Awesome to revolt against him and pass the power back to Baugh. Baugh stars as a comical version of himself. <ref> ''Republic of Molossia''. Retrieved 2010-12-04.</ref>

Molossia has also made an appearance as one of several micronations in the Japanese online webcomic '']''. He is mostly seen interacting with other micronations such as the Dominion of Kemplandia, ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hetalia.kitawiki.net/index.php?title=Molossial|title=Molossia - Hetalia Archives|website=Hetalia Archives|accessdate=2014-12-31}}</ref> <ref>{{cite book|title=Micronations: Lonely Planet Guide to Home-Made Nations|year=2006|publisher=Lonely Planet Publications|location=Oakland, CA|pages=64–68}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
{{Portal|Micronations}} {{Portal|Nevada}}
*] * ]
* ]
*]
* '']''


==References== ==Footnotes==
===Notes===
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
===References===
{{Reflist}}


==Further reading== ==Further reading==
* {{Cite news |last=Ceceri |first=Kathy |date=February 2, 2005 |title=Bite-sized sovereignties offer worlds of fun |url=http://www.iberkshires.com/story.php?story_id=16658 |work=iBerkshires}}
* '''', ], Colleen Mastoni, July 3, 2008.
* {{Cite news |last=Mastoni |first=Colleen |date=July 3, 2008 |title=In The Spirit Of Independence Day – One nation, under me |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/chi-micronation-0703jul03,0,3641303.story |work=]}}
* Ryan, John. '''', ISBN 1-74104-730-7.
*{{Cite web |year=2006 |title=Micronations: Republic of Molossia |url=http://www.usns.info/coin-molossia.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217011010/http://www.usns.info/coin-molossia.html |archive-date=2007-02-17 |website=Unrecognised States Numismatic Society}}
* Bite-sized sovereignties offer worlds of fun, February 2, 2005.
* {{Cite news |last=Needham |first=Peter |date=September 16, 2006 |title=Born to rule |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20413184-5002031,00.html |work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201124257/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20413184-5002031,00.html |archive-date=December 1, 2008 }}
*, Unrecognised States Numismatic Society, 2006.
* {{Cite news |last=Rapoport |first=Lynn |date=February 28, 2007 |title=State of the nation |url=http://www.sfbg.com/entry.php?entry_id=3002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222234444/http://www.sfbg.com/entry.php?entry_id=3002 |archive-date=2008-02-22 |work=]}}
* '''', ], Dave Roos, June 8, 2001.
* {{Cite news |last=Roos |first=Dave |date=June 8, 2001 |title=Micronations: Little Countries that Could |url=http://www.g4tv.com/techtvvault/features/30543/Micronations_Little_Countries_that_Could.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207085648/http://www.g4tv.com/techtvvault/features/30543/Micronations_Little_Countries_that_Could.html |archive-date=December 7, 2017 |work=]}}
* '''', ], Peter Needham, September 16, 2006.
* {{Cite book |last=Ryan |first=John |url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/pressroom/news/press_release.cfm?press_release_id=260 |title=Micronations: The Lonely Planet Guide to Self-Proclaimed Nations |date=March 31, 2024 |publisher=Lonely Planet |isbn=978-1-74104-730-1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222234209/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/pressroom/news/press_release.cfm?press_release_id=260 |archive-date=February 22, 2008 }}
* '''', ], Lynn Rapoport, February 28, 2007.


==External links== ==External links==
* official website * {{official website}}
*
{{Columns
|col1 =
{{Commons category|Molossia}}
{{Attached KML}} {{Attached KML}}
{{Wikinews|Wikinews interviews Kevin Baugh, president of the Republic of Molossia|Wikinews holds a follow-up interview with Kevin Baugh, president of the Republic of Molossia|Wikinews interviews Molossian president Kevin Baugh on his country's recent intermicronational summit|Micronation Republic of Molossia announces international summit|Republic of Molossia hosts state visit|Republic of Molossia announces new customs station}}
{{Externalimage
* {{Commons category-inline}}
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|width=300px
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{{Wikinews|Wikinews interviews Kevin Baugh, president of the Republic of Molossia}}
{{Wikinews|Wikinews holds a follow-up interview with Kevin Baugh, president of the Republic of Molossia}}
{{Wikinews|Wikinews interviews Molossian president Kevin Baugh on his country's recent intermicronational summit}}
|col3 =
{{Wikinews|Micronation Republic of Molossia announces international summit}}
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}}
{{Coord|39|19|21.9|N|119|32|20.8|W|type:city|display=t}}


{{Coord|39|19|22|N|119|32|23|W|type:city|display=t}}
{{Micronations}}
{{Micronations}}{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Molossia}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Molossia}}
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
]
]

Latest revision as of 16:39, 28 December 2024

Micronation in the United States

For the ancient Greek tribe of Epirus, see Molossians.
This article relies excessively on references to primary sources. Please improve this article by adding secondary or tertiary sources.
Find sources: "Republic of Molossia" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (June 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Republic of Molossia
Micronation (unrecognized entity)
Government House of Molossia
Location of MolossiaLocation of Molossia
Area claimed11.3 acres of land near Dayton, Nevada
Claimed byKevin Baugh
Dates claimedMay 26, 1977 (1977-May-26)–present
Website
www.molossia.org Edit this at Wikidata

Molossia (/moʊˈlɒsiə/), officially the Republic of Molossia, is a micronation claiming de facto sovereignty over 11.3 acres (4.6 ha; 46,000 m) of land near Dayton, Nevada. The micronation has not received recognition from any of the 193 member states of the United Nations. It was founded by Kevin Baugh in 1977. He continues to pay property taxes on the land to Storey County, the recognized local government, although he calls it "foreign aid". He has stated, "We all want to think we have our own country, but you know the United States is a lot bigger".

History

Kevin Baugh, President of the Republic of Molossia.

Molossia started as a teenage dream of Kevin Baugh, and began as the Kingdom of Molossia in 1998, when he bought land in Nevada. Baugh has claimed that he based the idea of Molossia on the film The Mouse That Roared, and also claims influence from his time in the military. Earlier it was known as the Grand Republic of Vuldstein, where Kevin Baugh was the Prime Minister and his friend, James Speilman, was declared King James I. It went through several government and name changes, including the People's Democratic Republic of Molossia (Communist), Kingdom of Zaira and the United Provinces of Utopia.

A marker along the Molossian-Nevadan border

The Republic of Molossia claims to be at war with the former state of East Germany, alleging that they are responsible for military drills performed by Kevin Baugh while stationed with the U.S. military in West Germany, and therefore are also responsible for his resulting diagnosis of sleep deprivation. While East Germany formally ceased to exist in 1990 following the Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany, Molossia argues that Ernst Thälmann Island, dedicated by Fidel Castro to Weimar German politician Ernst Thälmann and given to East Germany, as well as its lack of mention in the Treaty on the Final Settlement or by the nation of Cuba, is therefore still East German land, allowing the war to continue.

The flag of the Republic of Molossia is a rectangle with a blue stripe on the top, a white stripe on the middle and a green stripe on the bottom. It is the flag of Sierra Leone flipped upside-down.

Culture

Environmental care

Plastic bags and incandescent lightbulbs are banned in the Republic due to their effect on the environment. Catfish and walruses are also banned due to their non-presence in the micronation whatsoever.

Laws

Detonating any nuclear device inside of the nation will result in a 500 Valora fine; about 400 USD. It is against the law to play percussion instruments inside of bathrooms, and sunshine is guaranteed for all.

Anthem

The National Anthem of the Republic of Molossia is "Fair Molossia Is Our Home". The song was written by Simon-Pierre Boka Di Mpasi Londi and lyrics were written by the President of Molossia.

Cuisine

The signature, national drink of Molossia is called the Molossolini, a non-alcoholic mixed drink of Sprite, grenadine, and pineapple juice, with added cherries and slices of banana, orange, and pineapple.

Onions and spinach are banned food items inside of Molossia due to the President disliking them.

In popular culture

In 2010, the Republic of Molossia was featured in a feature-length special by Channel Awesome called Kickassia, with Baugh playing a fictional version of himself. In the film, the Republic undergoes an invasion by the Nostalgia Critic (played by Doug Walker) and his posse of reviewers, who briefly took over Molossia with a dictatorship, "Kickassia", before being ousted. The official website for the Republic of Molossia treats the events of the film as factual.

Currency

The Valora (issued by the Bank of Molossia) is divided into 100 Futtrus and denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and coins in 1, 5, 10, 30 (plastic); it has an exchange rate of 0.80. The Valora is also valued to Pillsbury Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with one tube of cookie dough (13 Ba / 30 oz) being equal to 5 Valora.

See also

Footnotes

Notes

References

  1. "About Molossia". The Official Website of the Republic of Molossia. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  2. "Visit the Republic of Molossia | Sovereign Country in NV | Weird Nevada". Travel Nevada. Retrieved April 12, 2022. So, Is the Republic of Molossia a Real Country? The Republic of Molossia has quietly been an official, independent, sovereign country inside Nevada for more than forty years.
  3. ^ "Molossia and Vikesland? Leaders of (fake) nations gather in L.A." CBS News. April 10, 2015. Retrieved April 14, 2022. The occasion is MicroCon 2015, what organizers say is the first North American gathering of micronations, those itty bitty countries that pretty much nobody but the people who rule them believe really exist... – The Republic of Molossia. Founded by Baugh and a buddy as teenagers in 1977, it existed mainly in Baugh's bedroom until he bought 1.3 acres of property in Northern Nevada in 1998 and built a railroad and private phone company.
  4. ^ "There's A Tiny Nation In Northern Nevada — Kind Of". Nevada Public Radio. Retrieved April 14, 2022. It was his time in Europe that shaped Baugh's ideas on micronations. He liked the idea of tiny nations like Monaco and Liechtenstein. 'It kind of really stuck with me this is something I would like to do and continue to do and then when I got property in Northern Nevada that became the home for the Republic of Molossia,' he said.
  5. Baugh, Kevin. "Molossia FAQ". The Official Website of the Republic of Molossia. Retrieved April 12, 2022. Is Molossia a Real Country? Yes. Molossia is as a sovereign, independent nation within the territory of the United States. It exists as a state within a state, much like the Navajo Nation. We exercise sovereignty over our own territory, and have our own laws, customs and land.
  6. Totten, Kristy (June 1, 2016). "Nevada Is Home To A Micronation — But Don't Tell The Micronation That". Knpr.org. Archived from the original on July 6, 2016.
  7. "There's a country inside the US. Allegedly". Condé Nast Traveller India. October 26, 2016. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  8. Deach, Ben (August 13, 2019). "Silver State Sights: The Republic of Molossia". kolotv.com. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  9. ^ Machado, Carmen (March 26, 2013). "The Imaginary Republic of Molossia". Vice.com. Archived from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  10. "The War with East Germany". The Official Website of the Republic of Molossia. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
  11. ^ "Molossia: A small, unrecognised 'nation' within the US". www.bbc.com. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  12. ^ "Bank of Molossia".
  13. "NATIONAL SYMBOLS - The Official Website of the Republic of Molossia". Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  14. ^ "Fast Facts About The "Republic" of Molossia". Topsy Tasty. August 30, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  15. "The Imaginary Republic of Molossia". www.vice.com. April 26, 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2022.

Further reading

External links

KML file (edit • help) Template:Attached KML/Republic of MolossiaKML is from Wikidata

39°19′22″N 119°32′23″W / 39.32278°N 119.53972°W / 39.32278; -119.53972

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