Frequently Asked Questions

The Free Nation of New Athens is a micronation that was founded on September 20, 2019. A micronation is a political entity whose members claim that they belong to an independent nation or sovereign state lacking legal recognition by world governments or major international organizations. In layman's terms, a country/nation that claims sovereignty, but isn't publicly recognized as sovereign by popular world nations (USA, Canada, France, etc.)

New Athens is a constitutional monarchy, meaning the head of state is a monarch, but the monarch's powers are defined by a constitution. In the case of New Athens, to put it simply, the monarch appoints some government positions, manages the treasury and represents the nation in diplomatic matters. The citizens make up the legislative body within parliament.

Isn't this treason?

No, it is not.

Founding and/or gaining citizenship within the nation is NOT treason against the United States of America, as treason was defined in Article III, Section 3 of the United States Constitution, and is specifically limited to levying war against the state, adhering to the enemies of the state, or aiding the enemies of the state. New Athens isn't declaring war against the United States and isn't classified as an enemy of the United States, so it isn't treasonous. There is also no provision within the definition of treason outlined by the Federal Government of the United States of America or the State of Georgia that pertains to forming new allegiances to other nations.

How can New Athens legally declare independence?

The following are paragraphs two and three, quoted from the Declaration of Independence of the Free Nation of New Athens that explains the precedents and international treaties and laws that allow for New Athens to exist and impose sovereignty:

"The Free Nation of New Athens legally establishes independence from the United States of America through precedent set forth in the United States of America Declaration of Independence, passed by the Continental Congress in the year 1776 A.D., which affirms “That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government…” This proves that the United States was founded on the idea that the people have a right to declare independence and to rule themselves through a government by the people if the government does become authoritarian or undemocratic in nature.

In addition, international agreements and treaties confirm that The Free Nation of New Athens has a right to sovereignty. The Atlantic Charter reads: “respect the right of all peoples to choose the form of government under which they will live.” This was signed by the United States of America, the United Kingdom and many other nations in 1941. In a similar notion, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, signed in 1966, states that “All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status…” Self-determination is the right of people to rule over themselves and create their own state. These treaties clearly state that people have the right, under international law, to create their own nation and rule over it freely."

Is New Athens sovereign?

Yes.

New Athens claims sovereignty through the precedences set forth in multiple international treaties and documents. These include the United States Declaration of Independence, the Atlantic Charter, and most importantly the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, which, in addition to many others, was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt of the United States of America. Below is a brief explanation of how New Athens claims sovereignty through the Montevideo Convention. "The most well-known and widely used piece of information for micronationalists is the Montevideo Convention. For the western hemisphere, the treaty outlines the duties and of a state in the international community. In the 1933 Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, article one proclaims, “The state as a person of international law should possess the following qualifications: (a) a permanent population; (b) a defined territory; (c) government; and (d) capacity to enter into relations with the other states.” Micronations do obtain governments, and most if not all have full constitutions. A defined territory generally consists of the houses of its members. A permanent population is comprised of the micronation’s citizens, and it has the capacity to enter relations with other states if they are asked. “The political existence of the state is independent of recognition by the other states'', stated in article three, proves that even without recognition, micronations can operate as international entities. Article five goes on to state, “The fundamental rights of states are not susceptible of being affected in any manner whatsoever,” meaning that countries have no right to impede the workings of micronations. This is explained more in article eight with the clause “No state has the right to intervene in the internal or external affairs of another.” Even without recognition, this applies to any state that fits the criteria affirmed in the treaty.

Does New Athens have territory?

Yes. The Free Nation of New Athens currently claims 5 parcels of land, each its own governed province, and one territory. The four provinces are in Kennesaw, Roswell, Sandy Springs and Norcross, Georgia. The one unoccupied territory is an island on Lake Kedron in Peachtree City, Georgia. The total acreage of all claims is 1.4359 acres.

How can New Athens claim territory that is already claimed by the United States?

In short, anyone can claim territory anywhere. Until the United States disputes our claim, our claim stands.

How many citizens does New Athens have?

The current total is 73 citizens from all over the world.

How are New Athens' foreign relations?

Healthy and mutually beneficial relations with other nations is one of the core goals of New Athens. The Free Nation of New Athens is a member nation of the League of Independent Nations and the Cupertino Alliance, which are both among the most prominent micronational alliances, and is a co-founder of the Atlanta Regional Union, an alliance of micronations with territory in and around Atlanta, Georgia.

New Athens shares mutual recognition with over thirty nations, which means there are over twenty nations that recognize the sovereignty of New Athens and are also recognized as sovereign by New Athens. This list can be found on our micronation wiki page here: https://micronations.wiki/wiki/The_Free_Nation_of_New_Athens#Mutual_recognition

Are there government positions that I could run for?

Yes. The Speaker of the People is elected annually and presides over parliament. Other positions include the Grand Ambassador, Grand General, and Chief Justice. These positions are appointed by the King. As the nation grows, new government jobs may be created. Only citizens may be elected or appointed to government positions. More detailed information on the government positions of the Free Nation of New Athens can be found on the micronation wiki page here: https://micronations.wiki/wiki/The_Free_Nation_of_New_Athens#Government_and_politics

Does New Athens have nobility or knighthood?

Yes. Titles of Nobility and Chivalry are granted at the discretion of the King. The title of Duke or Duchess is typically reserved for those who offer permission for their property to be claimed as territory of the nation. The title of Earl or Countess is reserved for those who make a financial donation to the nation. The title of Lord or Lady is granted to those who the King deems deserving of a higher status within the nation. Finally, knighthood is granted to citizens who go above and beyond for the nation.

Does New Athens have any national holidays?

Yes. World Albatross Day is June 19 and the day honours our magnificent naitonal birds and highlights the ongoing conservation crisis they face.

Independence Day is September 30 and celebrates the day the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Provinces Day is October 20 and celebrates the day the Acworth and Roswell provinces were officially claimed as the first provinces of the nation.

Union Day is December 1 and celebrates the day the Atlanta Regional Union was co-founded by New Athens and The Grand Duchy of Navārdia.

Founder's Day is December 26 and celebrates the day New Athens was founded.

Does New Athens impose taxes?

No. There are no taxes and there never will be.

Does it cost money to be a citizen?

No. Being a citizen of New Athens costs you absolutely nothing.

How does New Athens make money?

The treasury makes a very small profit off of merchandise in the shops and accepts donations.

How do I become a citizen?