Channeling Peter Griffin, This Man Founded His Own Micronation in Rural Nevada

Meet Kevin Baugh, President of the Republic of Molossia, a small independent state just a short drive from Carson City, NV.

Molossia began as a childhood project when Baugh was 15. In 1999, the country was officially (?) founded after Baugh claimed 1.3 acres of land in Dayton, NV. And by claiming, I mean he probably bought a house and wanted a new way to deeply embarrass his children.

The country has a post office, a customs office that will stamp your passport, and even a fledgling space program.

Its currency is cookie dough. Or poker chips. Or poker chips weighed against cookie dough. I don’t know, my eyes kind of glossed over while reading its Wikipedia page.

While seemingly socially progressive (same-sex marriage was first legalized in 2002), the tribal nation of 32 runs a deeply xenophobic immigration policy. Tourists are welcome, though trips must be pre-arranged (presumably so Baugh can get his costume dry cleaned). Applications for citizenship are routinely rejected by President Baugh himself. Residency in Molossia is granted to members of Baugh’s family alone.

Constitutionally the country exists as a republic, with a National Assembly overseeing all legislative maters. A state of martial law was implemented, though, which gave Baugh total control over the country’s extensive affairs.

It was a dramatic autocratic shift to which the international community had a hard time paying attention.

Molossia is not formally recognized by the United States, though Baugh does claim to have received “a very nice Christmas card” from President Obama last year.

Check out the video below for more from Molossia.

H/T: Great Big Story