Wikipedia:WikiProject Micronations/FAQ

This is a list of frequently asked questions about micronations.

What is a micronation?
A micronation is a declared state that is not recognized officially by established governments. A micronation is formed by the declaration of an independent and sovereign nation that is not recognized by governments of established countries. They are typically thought of as mimicking actual states with the appearances and formalities of governance, but without any actual power or recognition. They have been used to market coins and other merchandise as well as, in some cases, fraudulent arrangements.

What is the difference between a micronation and a microstate?
Microstates are recognized countries that are small in size, such as Monaco and Vatican City. Micronations are often small, but they don't have to be and are not recognized by established government bodies.

What is the difference between a micronation and a secessionalist movement?
It can be hard to differentiate between micronations and secessionalist movements. However, micronations are usually humorous and do not seriously pursue independence in terms of recognition. Secessionalist movements are more serious and actually try to achieve independence and recognition, sometimes by violence. With some entities, like Sealand and Hutt River Province, it is not clear cut which category they are in. (Secessionist is to break away from an existing state, but micronations are usually formed from unclaimed or unrecognized territory).

What is the difference between a micronation and a fictional country?
Micronations actually exist, even though they are not usually thought of as "real" countries. Fictional countries are merely nonexistent countries depicted in a novel, film, or other work of fiction.