 | |
| Currency | Liberland Merit |
| Population | 1 thousand (2021) |
| Time zone | Central European Time |
| edit on Wikidata | |
Liberland is a self-proclaimed micronation at the eastern end of the Croatian region of Slavonia. It is not recognized by any other country, aside from some sort of informal recognition from unrecognized Somaliland.
Understand
The Free Republic of Liberland claims a parcel of land on the western bank of the Danube river between Croatia and Serbia, sharing a land border with the former.
The land on which Liberland is situated (locally known as Gornja Siga or Siga) is claimed by neither Croatia nor Serbia. Due to a border dispute involving the Danube River changing course, some large areas of land, administered by Serbia, are claimed by both countries, whereas smaller areas administered by Croatia are claimed by neither country, making them terra nullius ("no one's land"). Czech politician Vít Jedlička seized the opportunity to claim one chunk of unclaimed land (Gornja Siga) as "Liberland". At 7 km² (2.7 sq mi), Gornja Siga is larger than the two smallest nations on Earth, Vatican City and Monaco (in fact, Siga is only a little smaller than three times the size of those two combined).
In terms of diplomatic relations, Liberland, like most micronations, is recognized by some other micronations but does not have full diplomatic recognition by any United Nations member state. It has, however, signed agreements (memoranda of understanding) with governmental entities in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia and has met with government officials in El Salvador. Beyond that, it has received statements of support from the government of Somaliland, a de facto independent country which nonetheless also lacks recognition from most other countries or international organizations.
Get in
Getting into Liberland is now easy – the best way to enter Liberland is by road through Croatia or by boat from Hungary. Entering from Serbia crosses de facto Schengen Area border.
Border crossing into Liberland was often prevented by Croatian border guards, and the Danube River surrounding Liberland is vigorously patrolled. There are reports of people attempting to enter the area being arrested by Croatian authorities. As of 6 August 2023 the border was opened by Croatia to anyone who legally checks out of Croatia by just showing their national ID or passport.
Getting in from Serbia by boat is reported to be more convenient. Travellers attempting to use this route have reportedly experienced complications when travelling without the proper boating licenses or for exceeding occupancy limits on vessels.
By plane
There is no airport in Liberland. In Osijek, Croatia, there is an airport with direct flights from London twice a week, from Zagreb every weekday, from Dubrovnik every Thursday and from Split every Friday. Once you are in Osijek you can take the bus (see By bus) or drive to Zmajevac.
By car
Liberland is connected to Zmajevac, Croatia by a service road that inaccessible to cars but can be accessed on foot and by bicycle. Previously, some who have attempted to enter have been turned away or in some cases, detained for attempting to exit the Croatian border at an unauthorized crossing point.
By bus
There is no regular bus connection to Liberland; however, you can take a bus from Osijek to Zmajevac and then continue on foot or by bicycle. Bus connections between Osijek and Zmajevac are very infrequent, though — only twice a week.
By boat
It's possible to reach Liberland by boat from Serbia by crossing the Danube. This is also believed to be the safest method, but the surrounding waters are vigorously patrolled and you risk being detained by Croatian authorities if they are present.
ARK Village
It is possible to visit Liberland-operated ARK Village just north of Apatin in Serbia. Liberland holds many events throughout the year at this location, such as the annual anniversary (April), Floating Man (August) as well as beach volleyball games and cooking contests with participation from the local population. Cabins and camping sites are available at ARK.
Liberland Settlement Association assistance
Note: the Liberland Settlement Association (LSA) organization is primarily inactive, although individual members may still be active with Liberland itself. The Liberland Settlement Association (LSA) may help you cross the border. To do so, you must abide by the following obligations:
- Contact LSA; e-mail: info@liberlandsa.org, phone numbers: ☏ +385 99 841 6836, ☏ +381 64 4276428, ☏ +45 29714935
- Visit LSA base camp in Serbia; from this Serbian village, Bezdan can be reached by taking a road towards the Croatian village Batina. The camp is located right before the Croatian border. It's about 3 km (1.9 mi) from Bezdan.
- After arrival to LSA base camp you will be required to join LSA. This means that you will have to volunteer during your stay.
LSA does not provide assistance to physically and mentally disabled persons. Persons without a valid passport and medical insurance also won't be given assistance.
Get around
The only methods to get around are by bicycle and on foot.
Talk
The official language in Liberland is English. Since it is uninhabited and bordered by Croatia on one side and Serbia on the other, Croatian/Serbian is probably more useful when communicating with locals.
See
There is hiking, camping and fishing in Liberland. The majority of the land is covered by riverine forest. There are reported to be some abandoned chalets and small houses.
Do
- Floating Man Music Festival
- Nation-building: Many who arrive by LSA assistance will most likely do some maintenance and building; otherwise, you can ask if any help is needed.
Buy
The Liberland Settlement Association sells chili sauces and rakija (an alcoholic drink of the Balkans) made out of products grown in Liberland.
Eat
If arriving with LSA, food will be provided free of charge; otherwise, bring your own food.
Drink
If arriving with LSA, drinks will be provided free of charge, including alcohol. If you arrive on your own, bring your own drinks.
Sleep
If you are going to sleep in Liberland, bring a sleeping bag or tent. For LSA volunteers accommodation is provided in hotels in Serbia from €10 per person per night. Citizens can use LSA's tents in Liberland.
Work
Liberland is looking for people with knowledge of Serbo-Croatian, holders of driving and boating license and those who can contribute infrastructure. Contact them for more information.
Stay safe
Some travellers attempting to enter the area are known to get detained and fined by the Croatian authorities, on charges of violating the Croatian border regime and unpermitted entry to the border zone.
Stay healthy
Respect
Connect
If you visit ARK Village, free Wi-Fi is provided. Staff may also assist with swapping to Croatian or Serbian SIM cards if needed.