5. The Principality of Sealand
In 1967, former British Army Major Paddy Roy Bates occupied an abandoned World War II sea fort off England’s coast, known as HM Fort Roughs, and declared it the Principality of Sealand. He proclaimed himself Prince Roy and his wife, Princess Joan. Over the years, Sealand has survived invasions, hosted data havens, and issued its own passports. Despite its claims, Sealand remains unrecognized as a sovereign state.
