The British family that lives in the world's smallest country

If you live in a remote community and feel a bit isolated from time to time, then spare a thought for the British residents of Sealand – which is unofficially the world’s smallest country.

Sealand is an unrecognised micronation about 12km east of Suffolk in the North Sea, visible only by boat.

As explained by BBC Travel, the principality was built by the UK Government during World War II as an army and navy fort in 1942.

Following the conclusion of the war, the idea was for Sealand to be demolished until a man called Paddy Roy Bates occupied the land in 1967, with the original intention to run an illegal radio station.

He soon appointed himself as Prince of Sealand and led almost 55 years of defying the British Government by its very existence.

Upon his death at the age of 91, Roy was succeeded by his son, Michael Bates, in 2012 and now serves as the micro-nation’s Head of State and Head of Government, as well as being the owner of a cockle fishing business that exports seafood to Spain.

Michael was even married on Sealand in 1978 in a (not so) traditional ceremony involving a helicopter on board the principality.

But like many countries, Sealand doesn't come without its controversies, ranging from hostage situations to territory disputes.

This includes the time in 1968 when Sealand fired defensive warning shots at the British Navy when the military were dispatched to destroy all other remaining forts located in international waters.

Since Roy was still a British citizen, a summons was issued under the UK 'firearms act', resulting in them being called to the mainland to the Crown court of Chelmsford assizes in Essex.

And in 1978, Alexander Achenbach - the self-described former prime minister of Sealand - hired several German and Dutch mercenaries to lead an attack on Sealand while Roy and his wife were in Austria.

Michael was taken hostage, but he was able to retake Sealand and capture Alexander and the mercenaries using weapons stashed on the platform.

Unsurprisingly, Sealand isn't a place that can be visited very easily and at the moment, visits are not usually permitted.

If you do manage to visit though, you could be forgiven for thinking that not too much goes on there. In truth, you’re right. There isn’t exactly a plethora of accommodation choices or a list of places to eat out.

Unfortunately, even if you wanted to visit Sealand, the chances of having a visa accepted are remote.

According to their government website, it states that: “Due to the current international situation and other factors, visits to the Principality of Sealand are not normally permitted.

“Accordingly, the application list for visas is for the time being closed.”

Visits to Sealand may not be happening any time soon, but you can still become a Lord or Lady of the island for a fee of £29.99 (yes, really!). Additionally, you can purchase a Sealand identity card too.

But if you want a higher status, there is the option to pay an eye-watering £499.99 to become a Duke or Duchess of Sealand.

Admittedly, that does have a certain ring to it!