Unclaimed Pocket of Land Turns Into ‘New Country’ After Man’s Declaration

At just 20 years old, Daniel Jackson presents himself as the president of the Free Republic of Verdis, a self-declared country born from a small, unclaimed patch of forest straddling the border between Serbia and Croatia. While his “country” is no more than a thin strip of wilderness, Jackson’s vision and ambition challenge traditional notions of sovereignty and nationhood.

A President Without a Palace

On a recent video call, Jackson appeared in a modest setting: a humble house in Dover, England, far from the forest he claims as his territory. Behind him, the flag of Verdis and the country’s banner create an official atmosphere, despite the absence of any formal recognition or infrastructure.

Jackson, born in Australia, insists he has a legitimate claim on this piece of land known as ‘Pocket 3’ due to a historic border dispute unresolved since the Croatian War of Independence ended in 1995.

The Birth of an Idea

The concept of Verdis originated when Jackson was a teenager, initially as an idea shared with friends involved in humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. After turning 18, Jackson and his associates formally declared the Free Republic of Verdis in 2019, imagining it as a neutral state and a hub for non-governmental organizations and humanitarian aid.

Jackson’s ambition is for Verdis to become more than a symbolic microstate like Liberland, another unrecognized entity nearby. He envisions it as a genuine settlement built on humanitarian principles and fresh governance systems that provide citizens with a chance to start anew.

Challenges and Opposition

The small uninhabited forest is roughly the size of the Vatican, making it tiny in geographical terms but significant symbolically. Attempts to establish a physical presence began in October 2023 when Jackson and others started settling the area. However, Croatian authorities swiftly dismantled the settlement within days, banning Jackson permanently from Croatia and temporarily barring other settlers.

Despite these obstacles, Jackson had previously visited the territory multiple times, conducting cadastral surveys and even planting a Verdis flag.

Inspired by Other Microstates, Aiming for Something Greater

Jackson draws some parallels to Liberland, a microstate declared in 2015 on similar disputed lands between Serbia and Croatia. Unlike Liberland, which offers virtual citizenship and operates on cryptocurrencies but lacks official recognition, Verdis aims to create a functioning community motivated by noble ideals and innovative approaches to governance.

The Free Republic of Verdis currently exists mostly online, where thousands have applied for citizenship. Jackson claims about 15,000 applicants and has issued around 400 physical passports and IDs. Though these documents have been used successfully to cross borders, Jackson cautions they will only be promoted if officially recognized by other states.

Life as an Exiled President

Living in exile in Dover, Jackson leads an otherwise normal life typical for a 20-year-old, spending time with friends and playing video games. He remains active in organizing political efforts such as protests, including one planned outside the Croatian embassy in London, to advocate for Verdis and raise awareness.

Alongside his “government,” including a minister of internal affairs, Jackson works toward advancing Verdis on the world stage, hoping for legitimacy and stability.

The Bigger Picture: New Ideas of Sovereignty

Jackson’s story highlights how modern technology, historical border uncertainties, and youthful idealism blend to challenge traditional concepts of statehood. While Verdis faces formidable opposition and skepticism, it embodies a desire to rethink governance and create spaces for humanitarian and social innovation.

Summary

Daniel Jackson, a 20-year-old self-proclaimed president, has declared the Free Republic of Verdis on an unclaimed forest patch between Serbia and Croatia. Inspired by humanitarian efforts and microstate models, Jackson envisions Verdis as a neutral hub for NGOs and a fresh platform for governance innovation. Despite Croatian government opposition and lack of recognition, thousands have applied for citizenship. Living in Dover, Jackson continues to promote Verdis’s cause, reflecting contemporary debates about sovereignty and nationhood in overlooked borderlands.