New York: Daniel Jackson, a 20-year-old Australian, has declared himself president of the Free Republic of Verdis, a self-proclaimed country on a 125-acre patch of unclaimed land between Croatia and Serbia.
Jackson started the idea at age 14 and declared independence in 2019. Verdis now has about 400 citizens chosen from over 15,000 applicants, prioritizing skilled professionals. It has its own flag, cabinet, and passports, though these are not internationally recognized.
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In 2023, Croatian authorities detained and deported Jackson, banning him for life. He now leads Verdis as a “government in exile” from Serbia.
“It is a matter of when, not if, we get back on the land,” Jackson said, adding, “I am not interested in power at all” and would hold elections if the country gains recognition.
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