Cabinda

  • Unrecognized states
  • Independence declared 1975
  • Capital Cabinda
  • Inhabitants 903,370 (census 2024)
  • Area 7,270 km²

Cabinda is internationally recognized as an exclave and province of Angola. However, this status is disputed by its inhabitants. On August 1, 1975, the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC) declared independence, establishing the Republic of Cabinda that was only short-lived. FLEC continues to advocate for independence, viewing the Angolan claim as an illegal occupation. Near to Cabinda's coast are some of the largest offshore oil fields in the world. The Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda runs an exile office in Paris.

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Taiwan

Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a de facto island state in the East Chinese Sea. The People’s Republic of China has consistently claimed sovereignty over Taiwan and refuses diplomatic relations with any country that recognizes this republic. Taiwan is the 22nd-largest economy in the world, and its high-tech industry plays a key role in the global economy, it is unrecognized by most member states of the United Nations. Still, many countries maintain unofficial ties with Taiwan through representative offices and institutions that function as de facto embassies and consulates.

Senkaku Islands

Three islets and five barren rocks are known in Japan as the Senkaku Islands, in China as the Diaoyu Islands and in Taiwan they are known as the Tiaoyutai Islands. Japan has controlled them since 1972, when they were handed over by the Americans, who had had administered them since 1945. Despite the political conflicts between China and Taiwan, both governments agree that the islands are part of Taiwan with Japan rejecting this. In 2014 the Hollywood documentary ‘Diaoyu Islands: The Truth’ was released to great acclaim in China.

Principality of Pontinha

The islet of Pontinha and its fort, located in the Madeira Archipelago, were property of the Portuguese state until King Carlos I of Portugal sold the islet in 1903 to the Blandy family of Madeira, he needed money for infrastructure. In 2000, Madeiran art teacher Renato de Barros bought the islet and fort for € 25.000 from the Blandys and declared independence from Portugal, proclaiming himself Prince of Pontinha. In 2017 the micronation granted political asylum to the erratic Portuguese politician José Manuel Coelho, who had a pending prison sentence and is currently back in jail. At the moment, there are four citizens on the island: the prince, his wife, his son and his daughter.