In a remarkable declaration, a young British man named Daniel Jackson has proclaimed himself the president of the Free Republic of Verdis, a self-established entity located on a mere 125-acre parcel of land, caught in a border dispute between Croatia and Serbia. This quirky project, which originated as a teenage dream, has rapidly evolved into an organized micro-nation, complete with a flag, currency, and an expanding citizenry of nearly 400 individuals. Jackson, who is now 20 years old, first envisioned Verdis when he was just 14 years old, intending it initially as an experimental venture with friends, before launching it into reality on May 30, 2019. This tiny land, referred to on maps as “pocket three,” has earned recognition as the world’s second-smallest country, trailing only Vatican City.
Since officially declaring independence, Jackson has diligently worked to establish a functioning government for Verdis, drafting laws and creating institutional frameworks. As a digital designer, specializing in creating virtual environments on platforms like Roblox, Jackson has harnessed his creative skills to develop a unique identity for this fledgling nation. Verdis operates under three official languages—English, Croatian, and Serbian—and utilizes the Euro as its currency, cleverly blending elements from its neighboring countries. However, the settlement is only accessible by boat from Osijek, Croatia, which has led to significant challenges when attempting to establish a permanent presence on the disputed land.
Recent interactions with Croatian authorities have posed serious complications for Jackson and his newly formed republic. In October 2023, both he and several settlers were detained and subsequently deported by Croatian police, who claimed they represented a threat to homeland security without providing any substantial evidence for their actions. Jackson expressed frustration and confusion regarding this treatment, emphasizing his desire for a constructive future relationship with Croatia despite the hostile reception they have faced. He has since labeled his operation as a “government in exile,” raising concerns about Croatian surveillance measures intended to hinder access from Serbia, with whom he has sought more favorable relations.
Despite facing a lifetime ban from entering Croatia, Jackson remains determined to reclaim access to Verdis. His aspirations extend beyond merely retaining a symbolic position; he expresses a genuine interest in ensuring the future democratic governance of his republic. Jackson envisions stepping down and hosting elections once stability and legitimacy are achieved, asserting, “I am not interested in power at all… I just want to be a normal citizen.” This statement underscores the idealistic roots of his undertaking, which has seen Verdis grow from a mere four individuals to a notable 400, with over 15,000 applicants seeking citizenship.
In granting citizenship, Jackson has implemented careful evaluations, looking for specific skill sets that would contribute to the advancement of the nation, such as experience in medicine or policing. While each citizen receives a Verdisian passport, he has advised caution against using it for international travel, yet he acknowledges that some have attempted to use these documents. The governance philosophy that Jackson has outlined emphasizes a meticulous approach to citizenship, prioritizing the contributions individuals can make to the nascent state.
Despite numerous obstacles and the ongoing tensions with Croatian authorities, Jackson remains optimistic about the future of Verdis. He firmly believes that it is merely a matter of time before they can return to their claimed territory, emphasizing that Croatia does not officially recognize ownership of the land. He views Verdis not just as an abstract concept or a thought experiment, but rather as a tangible and magical reality. Ultimately, Jackson’s venture reflects a unique blend of youthful aspiration and determination to carve out a distinctive identity in the world, rekindling the dreams of many who have yearned for independence and self-determination.
