A 20-year-old Australian national has declared the formation of what he claims is the world’s second smallest country, following Vatican City, in a disputed area between Croatia and Serbia.
Daniel Jackson, who identifies himself as the president of the Free Republic of Verdis, has reportedly established a micronation with a claimed population of 400 individuals. The group was previously known collectively as the "Pocket Three" people.
According to The New York Post, the territory is a 125-acre forest located along the Danube River, between Croatia and Serbia. The self-declared state has introduced its own flag, cabinet and currency. The official languages are Croatian, Serbian and English.
Jackson attracted attention on social media following his proclamation of statehood. He claimed to have discovered the unclaimed land in 2019, and later announced it as an independent republic.
The area, considered disputed by both Serbia and Croatia, has long remained ungoverned due to border complexities. Residents in this region have been commonly referred to as ‘Pocket Three’.
Following the declaration, Croatian authorities arrested Jackson, citing national security concerns. Officials have rejected the legitimacy of the so-called state and condemned the move as a threat to the region’s stability.
