Would like to govern a kingdom? What if we informed you that you can commence your own country? Would you believe us or simply let it go? You might assume it is a jest, but it is closer to the truth that you can fathom. Now that you contemplate it, what superior manner to avoid taxes and political interference than obtaining your own country? A place where you can disregard a red traffic signal because you can or have no neighbors parking in your designated area. Ah, the ecstasy. However, to become the prime minister of your own micronation, you have to bear in mind a few things. And unless you possess a surplus gold mine, your desire for possessing a kingdom will come as close to fulfilling as unrequited love. But you can always dream, right? In any case, here is a compilation of unclaimed islands where you can plant your own flag into the land!
9 Unclaimed Islands In The World
So, which of these unclaimed islands do you wish to deem as your own? Observe what all they possess and choose before someone else lays their claim!
1. North East Caye – Your Republic Of Tropicana
Image Source
The optimal approach to conquer a country is to proceed to a place where nobody resides. Like North East Caye Island in Belize. No bloodshed, no foul. There are numerous diminutive tropical islands in Belize that are available for purchase. So, if any of these minuscule specks captures your attention, simply remunerate the government and make it yours. Some of these unclaimed islands are partially developed while others are nothing more than an abandoned plot of land. And with the beach-like surroundings, who knows if your neighbor turns out to be an actual luminary?
Location: Belize
Best Time To Visit: November-April
Must Read: 10 Spectacular Beaches In Belize For A Dose Of The Sun, Surf, And Sand
2. Bir Tawil – The Neglected Sand-domain
Image Source
Unclaimed Land
There are areas of land that governments battle for, and then there are those that no one wants. Bir Tawil is precisely one of those places. Trapped between Sudan and Egypt, it resembles a neglected child. While the two countries argue over the Hala’ib Triangle, Bir Tawil has remained unclaimed since 1899. It has been asserted by numerous individuals, including Suyash Dixit, the man who welcomed the world to his self-declared government in the “Kingdom of Dixit.” He even has his own flag. One can only marvel at his audacity!
Location: Egypt – Sudan BorderBest Time To Visit: September-April
Suggested Read: Discover How An Indian Became Ruler Of An Unclaimed Territory In Africa
3. Rockall – The Flintstone Federation
Image Source
After 7 billion people and 204 countries, how much land do you think is still available? A rock or two, perhaps? Rockall is essentially an uninhabited rock. Although it was annexed by the UK government in 1955, it remains undeveloped and unconquered. This 56 ft high and 82 ft wide island gives literal meaning to the phrase “between a rock and a hard place.”
Location: North East AtlanticBest Time To Visit: December-February
Suggested Read: Scottish Highland Railways: 12 Most Breathtaking Train Rides Of Scotland!
4. Ailsa Craig – Scottish Non-United Kingdom
Image Source
Located 10 miles off the Scottish coast, Ailsa Craig is a privately-owned island that has been up for sale since 2011. While some portions of the 99-hectare island have been claimed, the majority remains under the protection of trees and birds. This unaffordable piece of land used to be a sanctuary for Catholics in the 1500s, but those times are long gone. The current owner, 9th Marquess of Ailsa, is prepared to hand it over to a new Lord. Do you aspire to be The Chosen One?
Location: ScotlandBest Time To Visit: March-May, September-November
Recommended Reading: Exploring the Shopping Scene in Scotland: Uncover Hidden Gems Away From Mainstream Stores
Planning your vacation but feeling unsure about your destination? These travel anecdotes guide you towards your most memorable trip yet!
5. The Lagoan Isles – Beach Grounds of an Unknown Duchy (DUBG)
Source of Image
If you come across an uninhabited island, you will most likely disregard it, or if you have nothing better to do, you’ll spend a few hours there and return home. This is not what Louis Robert Harold Stephens did when he noticed a set of small islands sitting idle and unnoticed. By taking on these islands that were unwanted, unused, and overlooked, he became the founder of a nation. Not ours! But of the Lagoan Isles. Formerly a school teacher, he now refers to himself as the Grand Duke. These islands remain uninhabited and desolate, but perhaps you can swim over and save them from their plight?
Location: Portsmouth Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Recommended Read: 10 Must-Do Activities in the United Kingdom for an Enjoyable Holiday Experience
6. Marie Byrd Land – The Autonomous Region Of Snow
Image Source
Snow? Definitely discussing Europe? Well, you desire. This vast uninhabited region is not on the typical world map – it lies beneath it. Way, way beneath it. In Antarctica. And the most enjoyable aspect is, when you stake your flag, no one will take notice (or worry)! And the flag will simply solidify there until eternity. Moreover, it is high time our feathered companions gain a fellow inhabitant. Who knows, you might catch sight of (or embrace) an emperor penguin there. Then you can officially declare that you associate with royalty!
Location: West AntarcticaOptimal Time To Visit: November-February
7. People’s Republic Of Podjistan (PRoP)
Image Source
No, it is not merely a prop. Or is it? Maybe one of the smallest “kingdoms” or housedoms, if you prefer to call it, PROP is situated in Northern Ireland. Or shall we say, “encircled by Northern Ireland”? The leader, Simon Stewart governs the mansion-sized kingdom with an iron fist. The micronation possesses its own “Wall of Podjistan” named Howlers’ Wall. If you too desire something similar, let the simmering pot of Brexit chill and then relocate to your own personal domain!
Location: Northern IrelandOptimal Time To Visit: June-September
Suggested Read: Falkland Islands: Explore The Wildlife And The Pure Nature
8. Eel Pie Island – A Delight For Travel Enthusiasts
Image Credit: Motmit for Wikimedia
One of the unclaimed islands in the world is The Eel Pie Island situated on the River Thames in London. For all travel aficionados and nature admirers, the Eel Pie Islands is a delight to visit. Tourists can access the islands only by boat or by a bridge. It is said that British comedian Danny Wallace seized the island back in the year 2005. He seized the island as part of the series “How to start your own country”. It was through his efforts that Eel Pie Island was recognized as the largest hippie commune in the UK.
Location: On the River Thames in LondonBest Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Suggested Read: 28 Best Islands In Maldives For Honeymoon For An Instant Cupid-Strike
9. Upper Fort/Knights Residence In Birgu – Explore The Enigmatic Islands
Image Credit: J Hazard for Wikimedia
Upper Fort/Knights Residence in Birgu which is also known as Vittoriosa is considered as one of the unclaimed islands in the world. The island is within the European Union. The island is believed to have belonged to the Republic of Malta and it was rented for 99 years to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta which is also a recognized entity within the United Nations.
Location: Birgu (also referred to as Vittoriosa)Best Time to Visit: All year round
Further Read: 13 Best Things To Do In Summer In Ireland For A Relaxed Holiday
Having ownership of an island, isn’t that cool? You can if you have enough money to waste on complete seclusion. While some purchase private islands, we should set our sights higher and purchase private countries. Such claims, most of the times, are never honored, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t allowed to do it. You might have to travel long distances and deplete all your savings in the process, but it still sounds like an achievement. So, how about you gather a large amount of money and email your rights to the UN?
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle takes no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is protected by copyright and belongs to its respective owners. We try to provide the original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images and do not want them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in giving proper attribution to the original author, artist, or photographer.
Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unclaimed Islands
Can I assert ownership over Bir Tawil?
There is no basis in international law for either Sudan or Egypt to claim both territories, and neither nation is willing to surrender Hala’ib. With no third state claiming the neglected area, Bir Tawil is one of the few land areas of the world not claimed by any recognized state.
Can you purchase an island and establish it as your own country?
You can purchase islands in many countries, but that means that you are a landowner, not a separate country.
Where can I live off grid legally?
Here are a few places where you can live off grid easily 1. Maine. 2. Texas. 3. Montana. 4. Ohio. 5. Tennessee. 6. Arizona. 7. Vermont. 8. Missouri.
What country owns Bir Tawil?
A man has claimed ownership of a no man’s land in northern Africa and declared himself king. Suyash Dixit named the land ‘Kingdom of Dixit.’Officially, it’s called Bir Tawil.
Who possesses the most land in the world?
With her 6.6 billion acres, Elizabeth II is by far the world’s largest landowner, with the closest runner-up (King Abdullah) holding control over a mere 547 million.
Is there any unclaimed land in the world?
Yes, there are many unclaimed lands in the world and the largest unclaimed territory is Antarctica.
Can you claim an unclaimed island?
The answer is yes, you can claim unclaimed islands but it is going to be difficult. Unclaimed islands are usually unclaimed for a reason and are mostly declared national monuments.
Is there any unclaimed land in the UK?
Yes, there is still unclaimed land in the UK.
Looking To Book A Holiday Package?
