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Micronation in Antarctica From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Westarctica, officially the Grand Duchy of Westarctica and formerly the Protectorate of Westarctica,[1] is a micronation in Antarctica, founded in 2001 by Travis McHenry, who styles himself as Grand Duke Travis.[2][3] It claims a region of West Antarctica that has not been claimed by any nation state, comprising most of Marie Byrd Land. This wedge is located between the Ross Dependency claimed by New Zealand, and the Chilean Antarctic Territory, between 90 degrees and 150 degrees west longitude and south of the 60th parallel. The region includes 1,600,000 square kilometres (620,000 sq mi) of land, making it the largest territory not claimed by any recognized nation. Westarctica claims over 2,000 citizens, but none of them reside within the claimed territory,[4][5] which has no permanent settlements or research stations.[6]
Grand Duchy of Westarctica | |
|---|---|
| Micronation (unrecognized entity) | |
Map Flag Coat of arms | |
| Area claimed | 1,610,000 km2 (620,000 sq mi) in Marie Byrd Land, Antarctica 80°S 120°W |
| Claimed by | Travis McHenry |
| Dates claimed | 2 November 2001–present |
In 2018, the government of Westarctica established an honorary consul in Nerja, Spain,[7] and continues to establish other honorary consulates around the world.[8]
The Westarctican government has established a US-based charity to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on the wildlife of Antarctica[8] and has also been active in speaking about the need for an effective global response to COVID-19.[3]
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