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| Official flag of Principality of Sealand |
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| Sealand, based on a sea fort, is known to be the world's smallest nation |
The Principality of Sealand is an unrecognised entity, located on HM Fort Roughs, a former Second World War Maunsell Sea Fort in the North Sea 13 kilometres off the coast of Suffolk, England, United Kingdom.
Since 1967 the facility has been occupied by family and associates of Paddy Roy Bates, who claim that it is an independent sovereign state. Bates seized it from a group of pirate radio broadcasters in 1967 with the intention of setting up his own station at the site.
He established Sealand as a nation in 1975 with the writing of a constitution and establishment of other national symbols.
While it has been described as the world's smallest nation, or a micronation, Sealand is not currently officially recognised by any established sovereign state.
Although Sealand's government claims it has been de facto recognised by the United Kingdom and Germany, neither action constitutes de jure recognition.
Bates moved to mainland Essex when he became elderly, naming his son Michael regent. Bates died in 2012 at the age of 91.
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