The smallest republic in the world was founded on April Fools' Day What's the story?

Years after the Republic of Lithuania declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990, the residents of Uzupis declared on April 1, 1998, their neighborhood an independent republic, and established a constitution, flag, anthem and parliament for their republic, which became the smallest republic in the world.

On the first of April of every year since 1998, the Republic of Uzubes commemorates its independence.

It is surprising that this republic, which is considered the smallest in the world, extends over a neighborhood of less than one square kilometer within the old part of the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, separated from the rest of the neighborhoods only by the Vilnia River.

Uzubis has a government and a parliament of five members who meet in the café, anthem, a flag and a constitution. The government has more than 350 ambassadors from different countries, and about 1,050 consuls.

Of course, these ambassadors do not have an official status, although they have ties to Uzupis, and they have contributions to its diverse activities, from the cultural and creative field to spreading peace and the culture of dialogue.

Entry to this republic does not require a permit, nor a passport.

On April 1st of each year, visitors can stamp their passports with the special seal of the Republic of Uzupis, and spend in its own unofficial currency, while enjoying a series of festive performances, many of which are held in the open air.

Citizenship in Uzubes

The number of residents in the Uzupis neighborhood is approximately 8,000 people, including about 1,000 artists.

It is sufficient for any interested person, according to the official website of the Republic, to raise his voice declaring: “I am a citizen of the Republic of Uzubis,” or submit an electronic application that includes non-traditional questions, such as “What is your favorite color? Do you like apples?” As for the constitution, it does not grant citizenship to anyone or withdraw it. from someone.

And whoever wants to become a citizen of this Republic must visit it at least once.

Uzubis citizenship does not provide its holder with the advantages of a well-known citizenship or carry the duties of it, and its documents do not enable him to cross any borders in the world.

Agreements with a "friendly neighboring country"

Officially, Uzupis is part of Lithuania and subordinate to its government, culturally and socially independent, and has no real connection to the political system or official international representation.

In June 2004, Leleks and then Lithuanian Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis signed an agreement of friendship, cultural exchange and respect between the Republic of Uzubis and the government of Lithuania, which Uzubis' official website describes as a "neighborly friendly country."

“It was a very long way to gain independence, and between the Republic of Uzupis and the government of Lithuania there was an agreement. We signed an agreement with the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and many diplomats and ambassadors from the world came to attend the celebration,” says Lilix.

Uzubis has relations with art centers and bodies around the world, and is visited by many ambassadors, politicians and well-known personalities. Thanks to its uniqueness, ancient buildings, stone-paved roads, cultural and artistic activities, and the various celebrations it holds, it has become a center of attraction for tourists, and this has led to an increase in real estate prices.

Constitution, motto and currency

The Uzupis constitution contains 41 articles, and is an example of wit and free-thinking, two of the clearest features of Uzubes.

It has been translated into 29 languages ​​so far, including Arabic, and it is written in different languages ​​on metal panels affixed to a long wall on Bobbio Street in the heart of Uzupis, and more translations are added to it constantly. Pope Francis blessed him when he visited Lithuania in 2018.

As for the republic's flag bearing the "holy palm" motif, it is a drawing of a pierced palm on a white background. The color of the palm changes with the cycle of seasons in sequence, blue in winter, green in spring, yellow in summer, and red in autumn.

In 2003, Uzupis issued its own eurozas, setting the value of 1 eurozas to a glass of beer.