An introduction

Declarations of independence are not as rare as many people believe - in fact, many individuals have done so for the past few decades. Of course, independence movements are common and found throughout the world - but these self declared countries are unique, yet often come into existence for the same reason - to create an unusual yet effective solution to a very common problem - and that problem is the misuse of power by governments. However, it is only the most serious attempts at this solution that are ever internationally noticed, and that is why national flags are designed, national anthems are written and currency is minted (which are of course, very rare).

While media coverage of these self declared countries has been rare, ABC-TV's "Can We Help?" has broadcast a clear introduction to these microstates, including the Principality of Hutt River and the Empire of Atlantium.