Principality of Sancratosia

This article is about the sovereign state. For the municipality, see Municipality of Sancratosia.

Principality of Sancratosia Prinsia de Sancratosia (Lingua Franca Nova)
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Monarcia bonvolente" (Lingua Franca Nova) "Benevolent monarchy"
Anthem: "Imno nasional de Sancratosia" (National anthem of Sancratosia)
General location of Sancratosia in North America
Capital and largest municipality	Sancratosia
Official languages	Lingua Franca Nova
Recognised national languages	French English
Promoted languages	Gestuno Italian Portuguese
Demonym(s)	Sancratosian
Government	Unitary semi-constitutional monarchy
• Sovereign	Princess Cloe
• Minister of State	Cristian Neuton
Legislature	National Council
Sovereign state
• Declaration of independence	1 December 2021 (2021-12-01)
Area
• Total	0.000115 km2 (4.4×10−5 sq mi)
Population
• 2022 estimate	66
Currency	Sancratosian impresa () (SNI)
Time zone	UTC−05:00 (Eastern Time Zone)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-04:00 (Eastern Daylight Time)
Date format	dd-mm-yyyy CE
Driving side	right
Calling code	+514
GUM 3-letter code	SNC
IMSO 1 code	SN
Internet TLD	.org
Website sancratosia.org

Sancratosia (/sɑːn.kræ.toʊ.ʒə/ ( (listen)); Lingua Franca Nova pronunciation: /san.kra.to.sia/ ( (listen))), officially the Principality of Sancratosia (Lingua Franca Nova: Prinsia de Sancratosia), is a sovereign state operating within a self-proclamed extraterritorial territory located in North America. It is classified as a micronation by most external observers. The nation declared its independence on 1 December 2021 (2021-12-01).

The official language of Sancratosia is Lingua Franca Nova, an auxiliary constructed language also known colloquially as Elefen, making it one of the first nations to adopt the language as its official language. Despite Lingua Franca Nova being the official language of Sancratosia, French and English are more commonly used and spoken. The two languages are also recognized as national languages.

The Principality is a semi-constitutional monarchy where the sovereign personally exercises power in concert with other institutions. Unlike traditional monarchies, the monarch does not source their power from a God but from the people.

Sancratosia is a member state of some intermicronational organisations such as the MicroFrancophonie, the Grand Unified Micronational, the Conference of Santiago, the International Aerospace Community and the Micronation Postal Association. The Principality was one of the represented nations at MicroCon 2022, MicroCon 2023 and will co-host MicroCon 2025. Sancratosia is also a co-host of the annual Digi Micro Summit.

Etymology

See also: Names of Sancratosia

Sancratosia's name comes from the combination of two Greek words "σαν" and "κράτος" meaning "like a; as a" and "state". The name was chosen from the aspiration in the foundation of a nation that could be considered equal to other nations. On 21 October 2021 (2021-10-21), the name was officially adopted, a date known today as Emergence Day in Sancratosia.

History

Main article: History of Sancratosia

Emergence of Sancratosia

Main article: Emergence of Sancratosia

Rise of micronational interest

In the early 2000’s, Chloé Fortin Côté began to be interested with the phenomenon of micronations, especially the nations of Sealand and Molossia. Many years later, the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns that resulted revived this interest which was directed at first in hobby worldbuilding.

Brainstorming for an identity

In the later weeks of October 2021, new articles introduced by the Government of Québec to Bill no.2, articles that would threaten trans rights in the province, Chloé thought of an appropriate response to protest the bill and other acts made by the Government since its election in 2018. The idea came to Chloé that the creation of a micronation could be a perfect way to achieve that goal. The hobby of worldbuilding thus turned to micronational creation and Chloé started the process of formally declaring independence.

Starting on 16 October 2021 (2021-10-16), Chloé began the brainstorming process for the formation of what would be called then, the Constitutional State of Sancratosia. On 21 October 2021 (2021-10-21), the name of "Sancratosia" was settled which is considered as the Emergence of Sancratosia.

The first form of government envisioned was one of a constitutional state, being influenced by the constitutions of lusophone countries such as Cabo Verde or Mozambique. However, the size of the governmental structure of such large states and the desire to be able to exercice some control on the direction of the nation in the long term prevented any of these influences to be applicable to Sancratosia. Other historical constitutions were studied, such as the Constitution of the July Monarchy or the Constitutional Charter of 1826 of Portugal. Chloé settled on the Constitution of Monaco and on the culture of Monaco has its main influences to guide its micronational formation.

Early development

Independence

Main article: Declaration of independence of the Principality of Sancratosia

On 24 November 2021 (2021-11-24), it was established that the form of government would be a principality, switching from the original Constitutional State, with Chloé has Sovereign Princess who would take on the regnal name of Princess Cloe of Sancratosia, dropping the "H" not present in Lingua Franca Nova.

After a week of writing, the Declaration of independence was officially signed by the Sovereign Princess, as her first act in office.

First year

Following the independence of Sancratosia, facing the challenges of establishing a functioning state, a Sovereign Ordinance giving temporary absolute power to the Sovereign Princess was promulgated on 2 December 2021. This ordinance allowed the passing of laws, with the absence of an elected National Council, concerning mostly cultural elements such as the national symbols or the public holidays and most notably the Law on the provisions against discrimination which is considered to be the main legislative piece on LGBT rights in Sancratosia.

On 11 January 2022 (2022-01-11), Cristian Neuton was appointed as the first Minister of State of Sancratosia.

The virtual representation of the Municipality of Sancratosia was launched on 5 February 2022 (2022-02-05), in the form of a Discord server. This was made, at the suggestion of Cristian Neuton, to help gather the Sancratosians in one place where they could exchange on many different topics, as well as to allow foreign heads of states and diplomat to be informed about the Principality.

The Sovereign Princess had her first official meeting with another micronationalist on 19 March 2022 (2022-03-19). Minister-President Dominic Desaintes of Saint-Castin met with Princess Cloe to discuss Québec politics and other micronational topics.

For the 6 months anniversary of Sancratosia, ePorteta was officially launched on 1 June 2022 (2022-06-01). An online platform reserved for citizens, it gave the Principality one more way to reach directly its citizens and offer as special perk to its citizens.

One year anniversary

One year anniversary logo.

Celebrations for the one year anniversary of Sancratosia began on 19 October 2022 (2022-10-19), when the Principality began its countdown to Emergence Day. Celebrations also included the unveiling of the first permanent stamps series issued by Posta de Sancratosia, the first State of the Principality of Sancratosia and the registration of the first private business in the country. The Principality also unveiled a special logo, which was also the basis of a special stamp series.

Francophone development

In early 2023, the Principality of Sancratosia began a process of developing its francophone presence, especially in Quebec, but also with the international French-speaking community. The Principality formalized its relations with Saint-Castin and Aigues-Mortes, joined the regional Laurentian Micronational Cooperative Union and was admitted in the Organisation de la MicroFrancophonie.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Sancratosia

Government

Main article: Structure of the government of Sancratosia

Princess Cloe, January 2019.

According to the Constitution, Sancratosia is governed under a constitutional monarchy, with the Sovereign Princess of Sancratosia as head of state. The executive power is exercised by the Minister of State as the head of government, who presides over the Government Council.

The prerogative to propose and promulgate laws belongs to the Sovereign Princess, while the National Council gets to modify and adopt them. This shared legislative power is also applied for every revision of the Constitution.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Sancratosia

Sancratosia's presentation table at MicroCon 2022.

Sancratosia adheres to the declarative theory of statehood, every states that have a defined territory, a permanent population, a government and the capacity to enter in relation with other micronational states is de facto recognized by Sancratosia. However, de jure recognition is not given out to States which have views aligned with the far-right. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains a list of states which received official mutual recognition from Sancratosia.

The Principality is also a signatory of many conventions and accords such as the Wrythe Convention, the Edgbaston Convention, the Augusta Accord and the Protocol of Klöw.

On 20 February 2022 (2022-02-20), Sancratosia became the second Canadian-surrounded nation to be admitted as a member in the Conference of Santiago. On 3 October 2022 (2022-10-03), the Principality was admitted as a member state in the Grand Unified Micronational.

The Principality was represented twice by Princess Cloe at MicroCon 2022 and MicroCon 2023, establishing informal relations with many micronations such as the Ambulatory Free States of Obsidia, the Principality of Aigues-Mortes, the Kingdom of Ruritania, the Republic of West Who, the United Slabovian Empire and the Republic of Molossia.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Sancratosia

Fog forming above the river on a winter morning near Sancratosia.

Sancratosia is located in Northern America and is completely surrounded by Canada, and entirely within the province of Quebec. It is located near the Saint-Lawrence River and neighbours the city of Montreal.

It is geographically located near the Newgraviate of Saint-Castin and the Aerican Empire.

Time

The Principality of Sancratosia is geographically located in the Eastern Time Zone. By law, the legal time in Sancratosia is that of its immediate neighbour, the Province of Quebec.

Climate

Sancratosia's climate is exactly the same as the southern part of Quebec. It is classified as a warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfb)

The government of Sancratosia takes its climate data from Canadian official sources for the region of Montreal.

Climate data for Sancratosia (Montreal–Saint-Hubert/Longueuil Airport), 1981-2010 normals
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	−5.6 (21.9)	−3.2 (26.2)	2.3 (36.1)	11.3 (52.3)	19.1 (66.4)	23.8 (74.8)	26.3 (79.3)	25.4 (77.7)	20.5 (68.9)	13.0 (55.4)	5.6 (42.1)	−1.5 (29.3)	11.4 (52.5)
Daily mean °C (°F)	−10.4 (13.3)	−8.2 (17.2)	−2.5 (27.5)	5.7 (42.3)	12.9 (55.2)	17.9 (64.2)	20.6 (69.1)	19.5 (67.1)	14.7 (58.5)	7.9 (46.2)	1.5 (34.7)	−5.8 (21.6)	6.2 (43.2)
Average low °C (°F)	−15.1 (4.8)	−13.1 (8.4)	−7.3 (18.9)	0.1 (32.2)	6.7 (44.1)	11.9 (53.4)	14.8 (58.6)	13.6 (56.5)	8.8 (47.8)	2.7 (36.9)	−2.6 (27.3)	−10.1 (13.8)	0.9 (33.6)
Average Precipitation mm (inches)	75.8 (2.984)	61.9 (2.437)	71.6 (2.819)	82.7 (3.256)	81.7 (3.217)	87.3 (3.437)	96.8 (3.811)	88.3 (3.476)	84.5 (3.327)	87.0 (3.425)	104.3 (4.106)	88.8 (3.496)	1,010.6 (39.787)
Source: Environment Canada

Extraterritoriality

The Principality considers the place from where it operates to be an extraterritorial territory from which it exercises its sovereignty. There has been no official recognition of its extraterritoriality status.

Administrative divisions

Main article: Municipality of Sancratosia

The state consists of only one municipality, the municipality of Sancratosia. There are no geographical distinctions between the principality and the municipality. The only difference being in the separated administrative competences between the two.

Municipal Districts

For administrative purposes, the municipality is currently divided in five districts:

• Altia Maria
• Costa Sabosa
• Jenoveva
• La Curiosia
• Sancratosia-Site

Economy

Main article: Economy of Sancratosia

Sancratosia does not have a sustainable economy. The Principality is entirely dependant on the personal fortune of the House of Sancratosia. According to the Constitution, the Sovereign Family must be paid first on the national budget before any other expenses are made, which, for the moment means that the entirety of the state's revenues go directly to the Sovereign Family. The 2023 National budget foresees expenses of 37,625 Si (18,813$ CAD).

Taxes

Sancratosia has a 25% value-added tax (VAT) on most goods and services. Prices are normally presented with the included VAT. There is no income tax on citizens.

Currency

Main article: Sancratosian impresa

The official currency of Sancratosia is the Sancratosian impresa, colloquially known as the Simpresa.

Because of the close proximity of Sancratosia with Canada and the United States, the Canadian dollar and the US dollar are both accepted for affairs in Sancratosia.

Stamps

Main article: Posta de Sancratosia

Posta de Sancratosia is responsible for the emission of postage stamps in the Principality of Sancratosia and plays an important part in the economy and diplomatic affairs of the nation. The sale of stamps represent one of the main source of income for the Principality. Although the Principality has its own postage administration, it relies on Canada Post for the mailing of letters and packages.

Population

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Sancratosia

Sancratosians by status

  Sancratosian nationals (21.21%)

  Sancratosian residents (78.79%)

Sancratosia's population was 3 in 2021 and counted more residents than nationals. At the beginning of 2022, the Principality made official and publicized its naturalization process and citizenship program. On 30 January 2022 (2022-01-30), less than a month after the opening of the program, Sancratosia reached a population of 10 citizens.

Citizens of Sancratosia, residents or nationals, are called Sancratosians.

Citizenship

Main article: Sancratosian nationality law

The Principality of Sancratosia classifies its citizens into two categories: nationals and residents. Sancratosian nationality is mutually exclusive with that of other nations and the acquisition of the nationality from another nation will result in the loss of Sancratosian citizenship. An exception is made for individuals which may not renunciate their nationality.

Residency is open to everyone but there are some limitations to the accession of political functions within Sancratosia.

The acquisition and reacquisition of nationality is the prerogative of the Sovereign Princess.

Language

Main article: Languages of Sancratosia

The Constitution determines that Lingua Franca Nova, also know colloquially as Elefen, is the official language of the state, while French and English are recognized as national languages.

Gestuno is a promoted language in Sancratosia. Previous to this legalization, Quebec Sign Language was often considered to be the de facto official sign language of the nation, due to the lack of a signed version of LFN.

Because of Sancratosia's relations with some Brazilian micronations and the personal interest of the Sovereign Princess in Portuguese, was made a promoted language in Sancratosia alongside Italian and Gestuno.

Religion

Sancratosia is a secular state and the monarch does not source its power from a God, contrasting from traditional monarchies. By sourcing its power from the people of Sancratosia, the Principality is unique in this way that it's a modern secular monarchy. The Principality guarantees the freedom of religion.

Public holidays

Main article: Public holidays in Sancratosia

Public holidays are celebrated in Sancratosia normally by taking a day off. If it falls on a weekend or if there is no work scheduled during the coming holiday, the day off is taken on the closest business day.

Date	English name	Lingua Franca Nova name	French name	Remarks
1 January	New Year's Day	Dia de la anio nova	Jour de l'An	New Year's Day is celebrated by most of the world's countries.
15 January	George Boeree Day	Dia de George Boeree	Jour de George Boeree	Celebration of the birthday of George Boeree, creator of Lingua Franca Nova.
10 February	National Flag Day	Dia de la bandera nasional	Jour du Drapeau national	Celebration of the National Flag of Sancratosia.
Third Monday of February	Sancratosians' Day	Dia de Sancratosianes	Jour des personnes Sancratosiennes	Celebration of Sancratosian nationals and residents.
1 March	Sovereign Princess Day	Dia de la Prinsesa Suprema	Jour de la Princesse Souveraine	Celebration of the birthday of Princess Cloe, Sovereign Princess of Sancratosia.
21 March	Elefen Language Day	Dia de la lingua franca nova	Jour de l'Elefen	Worldwide celebration of Lingua Franca Nova the official language of the nation.
15 April	Duchess Maria I Day	Dia de la Duxesa Maria I	Jour de la Duchesse Marie I	Celebration of the birthday of Duchess Maria I Day, honorific founder of the House of Sancratosia.
1 May	Workers' Day	Dia de laboras	Jour du Travail	Workers' Day is a worldwide celebration of workers and the working class.
Fourth Friday of May	Friendship's Day	Dia de la amia	Jour de l'Amitié	Celebration of the concept of friendship, between people and between nations.
10 June	Chives Day	Dia de la siboleta	Jour de la Ciboulette	Celebration of the national flower, the chives.
First Monday of September	Goose Day	Dia de la ganso	Jour de la Bernache	Celebration of the national bird, the Canada goose.
21 October	Emergence Day	Dia de la emerji	Jour de l'Émergence	Celebration of the emergence of the nation.
11 November	Martlet Day	Dia de la venseo	Jour du Martinet	Celebrates the core values and principles of the Principality.
1 December	Independence Day	Dia de la nondepende	Jour de l'Indépendance	Celebration of the Declaration of independence of Sancratosia.
17 December	Maple Day	Dia de la asero	Jour de l'Érable	Celebrates the maple, an important product in Sancratosian culture.
25 December	Winter's Day	Dia de la inverno	Jour de l'Hiver	Known in most countries as Christmas.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Sancratosia

The culture of Sancratosia is heavily influenced by Canadian culture, more specifically Quebec culture. It is however distinct and shaped by the use of Lingua Franca Nova as the official language and its population composed of naturalized people from around the world.

National symbols

Main article: National symbols of Sancratosia

A mockup of the national flag of Sancratosia.

The national flag, the princely flag and the coat of arms are the only national symbols specifically mentioned in the Constitution. Other symbols such as the national anthem are determined by law.

Flag

Main article: Flag of Sancratosia

The national flag of Sancratosia is quartered of red and white, in the same pattern found on the coat of arms of the Principality. The princely flag consists of a white field with the coat of arms in their greater version charged at the center. The national flag is used in every capacities while the princely flag is mostly only used in the presence of a Sancratosian official such as the Sovereign Princess or the Minister of State.

Coat of arms

Signature of the government of Sancratosia.

Main article: Coat of arms of Sancratosia

The coat of arms of Sancratosia is the symbolic representation of the House of Sancratosia, the current reigning house of Sancratosia. It is the most commonly used symbol in Sancratosia, being present on almost every official documents. The official signature of the government features the smaller version of the coat of arms.

Sports

Main article: Sports in Sancratosia

The official sport of Sancratosia is the flying disc but other sports enjoy a relative level of popularity such as football, cricket and various forms of hockey like floor, roller in-line and ice hockey. Other non conventional sports like speedcubing are also popular in Sancratosia. The Sancratosian Sports and Games Confederation is the regulator organ of sports in Sancratosia and is responsible for the organization of local leagues and tournaments and for the national teams of Sancratosia.

Sancratosia is a member of the Micronational Olympic Federation, and is represented by its Micronational Olympic Committee.

Fantasy sports

The Principality participates in some intermicronational fantasy leagues such as the MicroNations League Trophy. Sports team like the AF Sancratosia represent Sancratosia in these leagues. The Sancratosia Rompejelos used to represent the Principality in the MIHF Ice Hockey World Cup.

Cuisine

Main article: Cuisine of Sancratosia

A typical Goose Day meal.

The cuisine of Sancratosia is mainly influenced by Quebec cuisine.

Some staple foods from Quebec cuisine that are included in the Sancratosian diet are the poutine, the soupe aux pois, the pizza-ghetti and the sucre à la crème, the latter being the official dessert of the Principality. Maple syrup is also used a lot in Sancratosian cuisine, especially on deserts such as crêpes.

Certain meals are tied with national and public holidays in Sancratosia such as Goose Day, where meals related to small birds are eaten. Meals such as foie gras or duck confit are a staple of this holiday. Meals are also adapted to the season like during the winter months when richer meals are eaten.

The most popular drink in Sancratosia is coffee but tea also enjoys a relative popularity.

Chez Chloé, a restaurant and bar became the first registered company in Sancratosia, a demonstration of the importance of cuisine in the Principality.

Museums

Main article: Museums in Sancratosia

Sancratosia has a network of public national museums, maintained and operated by National Museums of Sancratosia. Two museums consists of personal collections of the Sovereign Princess, while the third one is dedicated to the preservation of the history of Sancratosia. The Principality is also home to some private museums.

The two national museums dedicated to personal collections of the Sovereign Princess of Sancratosia both concern Canadian history. The Rhys T. Eyton National Museum covers the history of Canadian Airlines, former airline giant that was in operations from 1987 until 2001. The museum features memorabilia from the airline, as well as internal items from the company belonging to former employees. The Nadia Comaneci National Museum features an extensive collection concerning the 1976 Summer Olympic Games in Montréal. Some of the most notable items from the museum include an official participation medal and a signed gymnastics ticket by Olympian Nadia Comăneci, first-time gold medalist at the 1976 Summer Olympics.

The Duchess Maria I National Museum and Archives, named in the honour the grandmother of Princess Cloe, features items from the history of Sancratosia and the micronational community in general with items such as a 1994 Sealand Half-Dollar, being part of the featured items from the museum. It is also where the Crown Jewels and the signed copy of the Constitution are kept.

Other museums are privately operated and cover various topics, such as the Arthur Stanley Eddington Museum, which covers the topic of worldbuilding, the John Z. De Lorean Museum contains some elements related to the history of the DeLorean Motor Company and more specifically the production of the DMC DeLorean car, and the Johannes Gutenberg Museum, covers the history of typography.

See also

• Outline of Sancratosia

External links

• Official website of the Principality of Sancratosia