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A new micronation called the Free Republic of Verdes has emerged in Europe, founded by 20-year-old Australian Daniel Jackson.
With just 400 self-declared citizens, Verdes is now being considered the world’s second smallest country after Vatican City.
Located on a 125-acre forested patch along the Danube River between Croatia and Serbia, the microstate has its own flag, currency, passport, and cabinet.
The area is part of an ongoing territorial dispute and was previously unclaimed by either nation.
Jackson discovered the land in 2019 and later announced the establishment of Verdes along with citizens known as “Pocket Three.”
Declaring himself president, Jackson positioned Verdes as a peaceful, self-governing state. English, Croatian, and Serbian are commonly spoken within the community.
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Access to the so-called country is only possible by boat via the Croatian city of Osijek. However, the venture took a dramatic turn when Croatian authorities intervened in October 2023.
Declaring Verdes a threat to national security, Croatian police arrested and deported Jackson and several settlers. A lifetime entry ban was also imposed on the group.
Speaking to the media, Jackson claimed the Croatian government acted without explanation. “They just deported us, calling us a national security threat,” he said.
Despite the ban, he expressed hope to return and formally step down from the presidency, promising to hold democratic elections in Verdes.
The legal status of the Free Republic of Verdes remains unrecognized by any nation, and experts consider it part of the growing trend of symbolic micronations formed in unclaimed or disputed territories.
