Slowjamastan: The new 'nation' hiding in the US
Slowjamastan: The new 'nation' hiding in the US
Maggie Downs
More than 25,000 self-proclaimed citizens have pledged their allegiance to this faux dictatorship, where Crocs and reply-all emails are forbidden.
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20260330-slowjamastan-the-worlds-newest-nation-youve-never-heard-of
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This is The Republic of Slowjamastan, the world's youngest micronation. Spread across 11 acres that unspool like a long ballad, these scorched badlands occupy territory drivers typically pass without a second glance. Yet, step inside and the real world slips away. In this "country", Crocs are constitutionally banned. Reply-all emails are forbidden by law. Speeding is permitted, but only if you're racing home with tacos. The national animal is a the raccoon.
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Five years later, Slowjamastan now issues passports for interested travellers keen on becoming unofficial citizens, mints currency and holds flag-raising ceremonies. The land is divided into states, including Dublândia, Bucksylvania and the Queendom of Hotdamnastan. The Sultan even penned a national anthem: Slowjamastan (I Think It's Going to Be an Awesome Place) to the tune of Elton John's Rocket Man.
Though positions within the dictatorship come at a price, (ambassadors pay $10-25 a month), citizenship is open and free to all. The micronation currently has 25,000 self-registered "citizens" from 120 countries – which is more than some recognised nations, including Vatican City, Tuvalu and Palau.
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"I just wanted to thank the Sultan for the joy he's brought to my life," said Heddon, who is now a citizen. For her, that joy comes through engaging with the micronation's frequent social media posts, which include everything from playful reminders to about country's unique laws to new citizens proudly displaying their Slowjamastani passports. "Everything about it makes me happy. And I think the thousands and thousands of other Slowjamastan citizens would agree. This is a very difficult time for all of us [in the United States], but here is something joyful."
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