Small Nations
This is genius, so thanks to Kottke for the link, The Guardian has an article on the Lonely Planet guide to Micronations, which covers the likes of:
the Copeman Empire, which comprises a small caravan in Sheringham, Norfolk, which is ruled by a self-styled King Nicholas.
Really Nicholas Copeman, he sells knighthoods and peerages and is obsessed with the idea of marrying the Princess Royal's daughter Zara Phillips.
Another UK micronation featured is Lovely, the brainchild of comedian Danny Wallace and centred on his small flat in Bow, east London. His national anthem begins with the inspired lines: "Yesterday was dark and dingy; My temperament was rather whingey."
The guide also describes three tiny uninhabited islands in a small pond in Portsmouth which, with only the slightest stretch of the imagination, have been turned into the Grand Duchy of the Lagoan Isles.
The area is under the control of Grand Duke Louis (less formally known as Robert Harold Stephens) who has instigated various holidays, including the July 27 national hugging day.
the Republic of Molossia in Nevada, USA, where the value of the local currency the Valora is pegged to the value of the Pillsbury cookie dough. And there's the Kingdom of North Dumpling Island in Suffolk County, New York state, USA, where the Government includes a ministry of nepotism and a ministry of brunch.