The area along the west bank of the Danube River is not claimed by Croatia, Serbia or any other country. It was therefore terra nullius, a no man’s land, until Czech political activist, Vít Jedlička, seized the opportunity and on 13 April 2015 formed a new state called the Liberland, at the same time declaring himself president.
"Where liberty dwells, there is my country." — Benjamin Franklin
— Liberland (@Liberland_org) 28 июня 2015
The area of Liberland is approximately 7 km² making it the third smallest sovereign state, after the Vatican and Monaco. The motto of Liberland is “To live and let live” because Liberland prides itself on the personal and economic freedom of its people.
Although the international community has not recognized Liberland as a state, the country has already adopted a flag, a coat of arms and has large social media followings on their Facebook and Twitter accounts.
A reporter from Riga-based online newspaper Meduza traveled to the newly formed country to meet the president and the community of volunteers and supporters based there.
The president is 32 years of age. He received his education in economics and political science. He worked as a financial analyst, a community director at an internet network and as sales manager for a software company. When he was 18, he joined the Czech Civic Democratic Party.
Jedlička, was also a member of the Conservative Party of Free Citizens, and claims he was motivated to found Liberland by the many people who asked why he didn't start his own country in the mold of Hong Kong.
The president, during his meeting with the journalist, expressed hope for his newly formed country saying that he has received over 260, 000 requests from people all over the world who want to shift and live in Liberland.
In order to become a citizen of his country Jedlička said, “Firstly, do not be a communist or a fascist; secondly, come to the volunteer camp; thirdly, do something for the construction of a new state.”
“We don’t really care that much, because the government will have very little expenditure.” Government will exist only to provide law and order and to defend the country's borders, Jedlička explained.
The President is optimistic and confident of success. “We have Discovery, BBC, Vice Media, Associated Press, they will all appear here if I were to call, so we are fine. We just want the world to recognize Liberlend.”
