Grand Duchy of Westarctica

"Achaean Territory" redirects here. For the ancient hellenistic confederation, see Achaean League.

Grand Duchy of Westarctica
Micronation
Flag
Anthem: God Save Westarctica
Status	Active
Date of foundation	November 2, 2001
Leadership	Travis McHenry
Language	English
Purported currency	McHenry, formerly the Westarctica Dollar
Capital	Peter I Island
Demonym	Westarctican, Byrdese

The Grand Duchy of Westarctica is a micronation created by American Travis McHenry, which claims Marie Byrd Land. Westarctica was founded on a supposed loophole in the Antarctic Treaty. The claim of micronation status has been used as a basis to mint and sell coins to collectors.

Territory

Peter I Island, claimed capital of Westarctica

The bulk of the micronation's claimed territory consists of Marie Byrd Land, defined as all land south of 60° S and between 90° W and 150° W^[1]. This is between the claim of Chile and the claim of New Zealand. The original capital was named Achilles. Later on, the Balleny Islands claimed by New Zealand and Peter I Island claimed by Norway were annexed. Peter I Island was declared the new capital of Westarctica.

History

On November 2, 2001, Travis McHenry decided to claim Marie Byrd Land as a country upon discovering that no country yet claimed it. However, this was because the Antarctic Treaty prevented any new claims on Antarctica by countries. To get around this, McHenry claimed the land as an individual and then founded a country, the Achaean Territory of Antarctica, upon it. He sent letters to the governments of Russia, France, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, the United States, and the United Kingdom to inform them of his claim. All of these countries ignored him.

In 2004, McHenry changed the name of his country to the Grand Duchy of Westarctica. The next year, he claimed the Balleny Islands and Peter I Island, which were already claimed by New Zealand and Norway, respectively. Grand Duke Travis abdicated in 2006 in favor of being Baron of Dunluce Castle. He was replaced as Grand Duke by Philip Karns.

In early 2008 health issues caused Philip Karns to cease his involvement in Westarctica. Since this time operations have moved from Westarctica.com to Westarctica.org. The current head of state is Jon-Lawrence Langer, the Duke of Moulton-Berlin. Langer has requested Westarcticans and Westarctica's allies in the micronational community aide in the project's revitalization.

On June 3rd, 2010 the founder of Westarctica, Travis McHenry removed Jon-Lawrence Langer as head of state after several micronational disputes and complaints. McHenry abolished the grand duchy and replaced it by the Protectorate of Westarctica. Together with this reforms Westarctica adopted a new flag, reduced the claim and joined the Antarctic Micronational Union.

Present day

Westarctica has produced several coins, in the form of both wooden nickels and metal coins. They have also made stamps. Recently, Westarctica was featured in Micronations: The Lonely Planet Guide to Home-Made Nations. Currently, Westarctica appears to be restructuring, as its website is up and running. In June 2010 negotiation began with the Antarctic Micronational Union (AMU)^[2]

The AMU micronations and their claims

Legitimacy

Like all micronations, Westarctica is not recognised by the government of any larger country, despite its attempts to be. Westarctica is recognised by other micronations. In 2010, Travis McHenry assumed the position of Grand Duke of Westarctica.

See also

• List of Antarctic territorial claims

References

1. ^ http://www.globalarchitectsguide.com/library/Westarctica.php
2. ^ The Grand Duchy of Westarctica (West-Antarctica) Columbus Magazine. By Mariska van Brederode, June 2010

External links

• Official Website
• About Westarctica
• Coins