State of Samizdat
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State of Samizdat | |
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 Flag
 Coat of arms
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| Motto: "Be distinct or be related" | |
| Anthem: "National Anthem Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs" | |
| Official languages | English, French, Pidgin Signed English (PSE), Russian, Spanish (unofficial) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Government | Decentralized meritocracy |
| Establishment | 2019 |
| Population | |
• (applied via internet) census | 11 citizens |
| Currency | Bitcoin |
| Part of a series on |
| Simulationism |
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Concepts
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The State of Samizdat is a virtual state located on the internet. It was established in line with the Montevideo Convention (1933) in May 2019. This micronation has formally claimed the territory of Marie Byrd Land and at one time also laid claim to a one-hectare family plot in Spain, though never officially. This claim was finally dropped on 3 July 2020.
Etymology of Name
The word Samizdat is Russian in origin. It was used during the Soviet era to refer to the production and distribution by ordinary citizens of government censored political material. The State of Samizdat, established 20 May 2019, sees itself as a supporter of the Europe of sovereign states, and very much an opponent of the EU project.
History
The State of Samizdat was originally established to represent the community of TOR users in Onionland, but has since developed into a wider project. It has claimed land in the South Pole, recognised several independent states, awarded medals and other awards, and named a government. National Day is celebrated on 20 May. On 3 May 2021 a special edition postage stamp was issued to commemorate National Day.
Lamb Island Territory
On 10 Aug 2022, the State of Samizdat annexed a former micronation called Lamb Island, which is now a territory of the State of Samizdat. Both the constitution and all laws of the now defunct Lamb Island micronation were annulled. The island near Scotland is now known as Lamb Island Territory.
Culture
National Holidays
National holiday in Samizdat are as follows:
1 January - New Years' Day
25 April - World Penguin Day
15 May - National Flag Day
17 May - Internet Day. May become "Intranet Day" in the future. (6 July)
20 May - Independence Day
1 October - Catalonia Day
6 December - Constipation Day (unofficial holiday)
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - St. Stephen's Day
Official Religion
The official religion of the State of Samizdat is Christianity. This became so after the issuing of a state decree on March 3, 2020.[1]
The State of Samizat declares Christianity to be the official state religion. No other religion will hold the same status, be offered the same representation, or be equal in standing. All state laws will reflect Christian values and Christian symbols will be present in public buildings and public areas.
— State Decree; March 3rd, 2020
No other religion in the State of Samizdat shares the same status, rights or are reflected in the micronation's laws. On 23 July 2021 Samizdat released a statement committing itself to placing a Christian cross in its territory, stating that the cross reflects the Christian values and identity of this micronation.
National Sport
The official "national sport" in Samizdat is table football (foosball in the USA). Samizdat Table Football Club was established by decree on the 12 July 2021 in the hope of organising table football tournaments in the future, as this "sport" does not require physical strength and anyone of any age can participate. The tournaments will hopefully be international and other micronations will be encouraged to participate.
The statement reads: "The table football club will be open to anyone with an interest in this sport. Samizdat Table Football Club hopes to make contact with similar clubs to establish contact and participate in events."
Official Languages
There are two official languages in Samizdat: English and French. The language of state administration and diplomacy is English, with French being used for communication and cultural reasons.
Official symbols
The State of Samizdat has adopted various people, plants and animals as national symbols. These reflect the culture and values of this micronation. Lavander was chosen as the national flower because of its ability to ward off flies and its beautiful smell in summer. The adoption of the penguin as the national animal may seem an odd choice, but penguins are cute animals and can be very friendly.
Driving & Transport
The State of Samizdat issued its first car registration number plate on 1 August 2019. It is white with black lettering, both front and back, with a pale blue border. Unlike ordinary number plates, it is a standard import size. New number plates are issued every year on August 1. The year of registration is indicated by the last two numbers. The number 19 is 2019. The first letter and four numbers are chosen at random. The international vehicle registration code (sometimes called the International Circulation Mark) is unique to each nation. The State of Samizdat adopted the International vehicle registration code SMZ on 4 August 2019. An example car sticker can be seen on the right.
Postal Service & Stamps
The State of Samizdat issues commemorative stamps on special occasions and for annual events. The first stamp was issued in December 2019 and like all the stamps issued by the State of Samizdat, it had no face value. This is because the postal services in Samizdat are free. This is due to the small size of the territory claimed by the State of Samizdat. Such stamps are merely collectors' items.
Below are the postal stamps issued so far, the date when it was issued and a brief description. On the left, is the very first stamp issued by the State of Samizdat in December 2019. The logo used for Postal Services was produced on 19 Aug 2021.
References
- ↑ https://www.minds.com/samizdatstate/. "The State of Samizdat declares Christianity to be the official state religion". Archived from the original on 28 March 2020.