What is the Principality of Sealand?
Q: What is the Principality of Sealand?
A: The Principality of Sealand is an unrecognized micronation that claims HM Fort Roughs (also known as Roughs Tower) as its territory.
Q: Where is Roughs Tower located?
A: Roughs Tower is an offshore platform in the North Sea around twelve kilometres (6+1/2 nautical miles) off the coast of Suffolk.
Q: Who occupies Roughs Tower?
A: Since 1987, the tower has been occupied by the family and associates of Paddy Roy Bates, a former British Army major.
Q: Why was Roughs Tower used during World War II?
A: Roughs Tower was used as a sea fort in international waters during World War II.
Q: How was Sealand founded?
A: Bates took the tower from pirate radio broadcasters in 1967 and declared it as the independent Principality of Sealand.
Q: Was Sealand invaded?
A: Yes, Sealand was invaded by mercenaries in 1978, but they were defeated.
Q: Is Sealand considered part of British territory?
A: The platform has been in British territory since 1987, when the United Kingdom made its territorial waters larger, but Sealand claims to be an independent state.
