Molossia was founded in 1977, when my best friend James and I saw the movie, The Mouse that Roared. We were quite taken by the idea of a tiny country accomplishing such amazing and amusing things, and decided to start our own nation. James was the King, and I was the Prime Minister. Time passed and James moved on, but I stayed with the idea, and carried it along with me everywhere I went until we settled in Northern Nevada. Having actual land really made the dream come alive, and in 1998 I raised the Molossian flag for the first time over our sovereign territory. Since then we have worked to build a great, albeit tiny, nation here in the desert. We founded the Intermicronational Olympic Games in 2000, a tradition that has carried on since. We started the first Intermicronational Exposition, and also created the Norton Awards for Excellence in Micronationalism. We now average about 20 tourists visiting us a year, and have our own online radio station, a post office, small phone system, money, stamps, Navy and even a space program.
Molossia has developed a unique culture in its own right. Could you tell us a bit about this?
Well, Molossian culture is a mix of several sources. Above all, we value the lifestyle of the western U.S., especially as it pertains to living in a wide open place, such as we do. Life here is fairly relaxed and easygoing, and we do most things together as a nation and as a family. In addition, we actively seek to embrace complementary elements of other cultures. The town of Steinsdorf on the Molossia Railroad is, of course, German. Our national hero, Emperor Norton, comes from San Francisco. Cookie dough, our national treat, is adopted from the United Provinces of Utopia, a micronation with whom we once associated. We have also adapted various Chinese holidays, such as Chinese New Year, as well a couple of British ones. All of this has made our nation unique and our culture active and enjoyable.
What is the political structure of Molossia?
Officially, Molossia is a republic, complete with a constitution and National Assembly. However, things are in such disorder over the border from us, that I had no choice but to suspend the constitution and declare martial law. It's unfortunate, but the security of my nation is paramount, and the best way to ensure that is to rule by decree. So far, no one has complained, and anyway, I'm a rather benevolent dictator.
What are Molossia's chief economic activities?
In keeping with other small countries, Molossia thrives on selling stamps, coins and on tourism. We also gain income from our Naval Academy, selling honorary naval commissions. We unfortunately lack the resources for other exports, although we are always looking for opportunities.
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