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Strange History

The Strangest Countries That Ever Existed (And Their Bizarre Stories)

Darren August 13, 2025 7 min
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6. The Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia

6. The Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

In the 1860s, French lawyer Orélie-Antoine de Tounens declared himself king of the Mapuche lands in South America, establishing the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia. Despite his proclamations, the kingdom was never recognized by any nation. Following de Tounens’s death in 1878, a series of French individuals have claimed the title of king, continuing the legacy of this unrecognized monarchy.

Written by
Darren

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