The United States is made up of numerous small nations together, given the variety of cultures present there. However, there is another invisible boundary that few people are aware of, one that runs parallel to the physical boundaries between states and the cultural distinctions that exist between places.
In the middle of the Nevada desert, a sign indicating the entrance to the Republic of Molossia says this. “Beyond this point, you are no longer in United States territory.”
For those who do not know, Molossia lies inside the boundaries of the US and does not represent the area of a city or state, but instead an altogether different country. With a reported population of 34 (30 humans, four dogs) across its several non-contiguous pieces of land, Molossia nationals consider themselves to be citizens of a developing nation. They don’t have paved roads, a hospital, or airport… but the Republic of Molossia has just about everything else.
Where is Molossia?
Access to the Republic of Molossia is available just off Route 50 in the Dayton Valley, which is situated approximately 30 miles east of Carson City, Nevada. This 4.5 hectare town (just slightly bigger than the size of Wild Wild Wet’s water park in Singapore!), which is located in the isolated Nevada desert, calls itself a micronation and has its own president, currency, and customs office.
How did Molossia come about?
The Molossian nation was established in 1977 and according to their official website, President Kevin Baugh, or as he prefers to be addressed, “His Excellency,” is the current President. The concept came from a movie Baugh and a friend from his childhood saw while they were adolescents. It was a fantasy from youth that became a reality. In 2018, the concept has come to pass, and the Republic of Molossia is now a “sovereign country.”
It’s important to note that a micronation is not recognized by the international community. In most cases, it is a piece of land claiming to be an independent, sovereign nation, with its own system of government and societal rules. The town features it’s own post office, bank, grocery store, jail and even a tiki bar!
How does Molossia generate income?
It cost Baugh just $10,000 to build Molossia and a stable economy is generated through visitors who buy their stamps, food and also the reliance of US for foreign aid in terms of gas, water and electricity.
Molossia also does not require its citizens to pay taxes although it does voluntarily provide “foreign aid” to the Storey County which is located in the US State of Nevada.
What currency does Molossia use?
The currency used is Valora (VL) which is the meaning of worthy in Esperanto – a language widely spoken by citizens of Molossia. The coins are designed in a form of poker chips and the notes features the President on the face and running wild horses (national animal of Molossia ) on the back.
As unbelievable as this seems, the currency is not backed by gold or silver but by cookie dough. According to the bank of Molossia, the Valora is linked in value to Pillsbury Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough making 5 Valora equal value to one tube (13 Ba / 30 oz) of Cookie Dough.
Does Molossia accept citizenship currently?
As much fun as this country sounds, Molossia unfortunately does not accept citizenship at this time. Full residency is a requirement of citizenship, and the sovereign nation isn’t currently accepting any new residents. If you intend to visit, visitors must not come unannounced and tourist season happens between 15 April through 15 October.
Passports are not required for entry into Molossia from the United States but are recommended and will be stamped upon entry. There are no visa requirements for entry into Molossia for ordinary travelers but people who wish to visit and film (includes social media) will require a Media Visa that costs $100 USD per person.
If you are interested in learn more about this micronation, visit http://www.molossia.org/ for more information and quirky facts about this country that not many know existed.
–
