The State of Samizdat is located in Spain. Samizdat was established in line with the Montevideo Convention (1933) in May 2019. This micronation has formally claimed the territory of Marie Byrd Land and also claims a one-hectare family plot in Spain.
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, has evolved over the years, establishing relations with more than 100 micronations and even creating an events group called the Friendship Nations Group in January 2025. The group continues to operate and now has over 90 members.
The State of Samizdat is a unitary state with a single government. Members of the government are currently appointed to ministerial and diplomatic posts according to their abilities and knowledge. All appointments are subject to acceptance by those appointed. Several appointments have been made since this micronation was established.
Samizdat is a meritocracy, a system is based on abilities measured through examination or achievement. It also has elements of democracy such as elections and a National Assembly.
The State of Samizdat has approved legislation which establishes the legitimacy of the organs of the state including the legislative, judicial and executive branches. The law states:
"This law establishes the legitimacy of the rule of law through the organs of the state of Samizdat including the executive, judicial and legislative branches, with laws that guarantee the legal rights of citizens.
Samizdat’s economy is 100% dependent on neighbouring Spain but has also recently developed a trading block within the Friendship Nations Group for stationery products. Samizdat now offers a variety of paper products for sale to members of the FNG, including bookmarks, calendars, postcards and car stickers. Through this trading block, Samizdat has exported products to five micronations.
Samizdat has a temperate oceanic climate with warm summers and mild, wet winters. Annual rainfall is high, averaging over 1,200 mm, with November being the wettest month. Temperatures typically range from 6°C to 24°C year-round, making conditions comfortable in summer but frequently cloudy and rainy during cooler months.
Samizdat is located in a valley in Biscay, Basque Country, Spain. It lies 20 meters above sea level. There are hills and high mountains in the surrounding area. A winding river called the Butrón River valley is just metres away from the borders of Samizdat.
National Holidays
National holidays in Samizdat are as follows:
Postal Service & Stamps
The State of Samizdat issues commemorative stamps on special occasions and for annual events. All stamps issued by the State of Samizdat have no face value.
This is due to the small size of the territory claimed by this micronation. Such postage stamps are merely collectors' items.
Official war flag
Flag and coat of arms
National anthem: "Marche Pour La Cérémonie Des Turcs" Jean Baptiste Lully
Status
Location
Motto
Legislature
Date established
Active
Spain
"Be distinct or be related"
National Assembly
20 May 2019
Population
Currency
National animal
Religion
Driving side
Languages
Independence from
Capital
14 citizens
Labour tokens
Penguin
Christianity
All roads one way
English, French, Spanish
self-declared entity
None
Radio Samizdat started broadcasting on 29 June 2019