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- Principality of Sealand
- special territorial community
- international partially recognized
• Flag
• Meaning/Origin of the Flag
• Coat of Arms
• Meaning/Origin of the Coat of Arms
• Overview
• Map
• Facts
Flag of the Principality of Sealand,
ratio = 2:3(?),
Source, by: sealandgov.org
The flag of Sealand was created in 1975 by the Prince itself and shows the image of the coat of arms, a field divided by a diagonal right bar running below the diagonal line between red and black. Nothing is known about the origin of the coat of arms, its meaning and the origin of the colours.
Source: Volker Preuß
Coat of arms of the Principality of Sealand,
Source: sealandgov.org
The coat of arms of Sealand was created in 1975 by the Prince itself and shows a shield divided by a diagonal right bar running below the diagonal line between red and black. On both sides of the shield appear two crowned sea lions, on the helmet an armoured fist holding lightning bolts and below a banner with the motto: "e mare libertas", which means "from the sea freedom". Nothing is known about the origin of the coat of arms, its meaning and the origin of the colours.
Source: Volker Preuß
During the 1939-1945 war, Britain installed an artificial island on the high seas called Roughs Tower. It was equipped with radar and heavy armament, and manned by about 200 soldiers. The task of the island and its inhabitants was to monitor access to the Thames Estuary, where large and vulnerable convoys of ships were assembled. Some time after the end of hostilities, the island was abandoned and deserted by the British government. In the winter of 1966, the British Bates family took possession of the island, and undertook the task of equipping and restoring it. On 2 September 1967, they raised their own flag and declared the existence of a new state, the Principality of Sealand. Their rights and claims to sovereignty over the island and its territorial waters were recognised step by step over years, through intervention in national courts, and by leading international jurists. The European states have stated during the Sealand controversies that they have no rights or authority in Sealand, and the major European states have repeatedly admitted the de facto recognition of Sealand's existence and sovereignty. Over the years, since the declaration of Sealand's statehood, the family led a free lifestyle. They created and established the laws of Sealand. They faced and repelled armed attackers, even having one family member kidnapped by the armed men against his will to another country. Sealand was threatened by hostile navies from other states and, especially in the early days of independence, there were the most determined attempts to isolate and starve the island. The elements and the sea also fought permanently and with ruthless violence. It was a very strenuous, active and adventurous life for the family and their fellow men. They were all lucky. Gradually, over the years, Sealand became more secure and internationally accepted. Thus, the international lawyers and jurists found that Sealand fulfilled all the legal requirements of a state, and that Sealand's sovereignty was absolute and unquestionable. The major states of Europe accepted this as a fact. A constitution was enacted in 1975, which was replaced by a new constitution in 1995. Sealand is thus a constitutional monarchy, the succession to the throne is regulated by inheritance. Sealand is governed by British common law. In 1999, the Prince transferred the exercise of governmental power to his son and successor.
Source: This text is based on the content of the no longer existing website of Sealand: www.fruitsofthesea.demon.co.uk/sealand/index.html
Location:
Source: www.fruitsofthesea.demon.co.uk/sealand/index.html
Sealand is located in the southern part of the North Sea, just over 6 miles from the coast of Great Britain and 65 to 100 miles from the coasts of France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Altitude: 51.53 N, Longitude 01.28 E.
Sealand was founded as an independent principality in 1967 in international waters. Prince and ruler: Roy of Sealand. Law in Sealand is based on British common law and British treaty law. Passports and stamps have been issued since 1969. The flag of Sealand is red, white and black. The official language of Sealand is English. Currency: 1 Sealand dollar (= 1 US dollar). More than 200 million people live within a 500-mile radius of Sealand, which enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world. This area also includes the financial and industrial heart of Europe. The Principality of Sealand is unique. Nowhere else in the world is there anything like it, and it is certain that it will not happen again. The potential of the whole enterprise is enormous. The Sealand State Corporation (it governs economic activities) was formed under a charter that gives the corporation total authority per elected senators to administer and govern the island. The Corporation passes all laws and bylaws and owns the land and resources of Sealand. It will develop the full potential of Sealand and also create wealth in the way it can be developed.
In the territory of Sealand and in the three-mile zone of territorial waters, the law of Sealand applies without restriction and Sealand is not responsible to anyone for the enforcement of its rights in this territory. Sealand is a free trade zone and there are no tariffs or restrictions on competition. Easy and economic access to Sealand is possible from Europe and Scandinavia since scheduled ferry services carrying cargo or thousands of passengers pass within three miles of Sealand on their way to and from the UK.
Source: This text is based on the content of the no longer existing website of Sealand: www.fruitsofthesea.demon.co.uk/sealand/index.html
More information is available on the new Sealand Government website: sealandgov.org
