Marta Perez / EFE / EPA
In an attempt to be recognized as independent states, many nations and territories were involved in intense geopolitical tensions. Here are 8 territories that are not recognized around the world
The conflict between Israel and Palestine is one of the oldest disputes in the world, originating in 1948. Since the beginning of the conflict, tens of thousands of lives have been lost and millions of people have been displaced in what the UN currently calls a “humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions”.
In other places on the planet, other conflicts have emerged due to regions seeking independence. In Western Sara, a 29-year-old ceasefire fell in November 2020, with hostilities to start over a barrier that separates the areas controlled by Morocco and the Polisan Front.
However, in Somalilândia, there were large -scale clashes between the region’s armed forces and opposition militias over 2024, with more than 150,000 dead.
But there are more examples. It made a list of 8 territories that have not yet been fully recognized by all nations in the world.
Catalonia
Here next. Catalonia is one of the most industrialized regions of the country, being Responsible for almost 19% of Spanish GDP.
The region has a population of 7.7 million people – which represents 16% of the Spanish population. The community consists of four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lérid and Tarragona.
Modern independentist movements date back to the nineteenth century, but increasing pressure intensified after the 2008 financial crisis.
In 2017, it culminated in an illegal referendum and the Spanish constitutional crisis that followed. Although independence support reached a peak of almost 50%, citizens demanded a legal referendum.
Curdistan
Covering parts of east of Türkiyefrom the north of Syriafrom the north of Iraq and from the northwest of VanKurdistan is a mountainous territory with an estimated population in About 25 to 30 million people.
Since ancient times, the territory has been the home of the Kurds, whose language, culture and identity constitute one of largest ethnic groups in the worldalthough without state.
Freelândia
A Liberland is a sovereign state between Croatia and Serbiaon the western bank of the Danube River. The region was created due to a border conflict between Croatia and Serbia. The area is not claimed by either countries and continues to complain since the dissolution of Jugoslavia in 1991.
For many decades, Liberland (also known as Liberland) has remained unoccupied, that is, until 2015when it became officially Free Republic of Liberland.
Its total area is tiny, with only seven square kilometers, which makes it the third smallest sovereign stateafter the Vatican and Monaco.
Nearly 1000 inhabitants They live in Liberland, whose government budget is located in a small amount of one million dollars.
Palestine
A Palestine It has an increasing degree of international recognition – since many countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada and France, have recently announced that they will recognize it as a state in September, unless Israel complies with certain conditions – with diplomatic missions abroad and teams participating in sports competitions.
However, due to the current conflict with Israel, Palestine It has no borders agreed internationally, No Capital, not execito.
The State of Palestine is currently Rechoed by 147 of 193 Member States of Him. In the UN, your status of “permanent observing state” allows you to participate but have no right to vote.
Sealand
Located to 12 kilometers from the British east coastin the North Sea, is Sealand, a Micromentation founded in 1967.
The nation was created by former British Army Major Roy Bates, which began to occupy HM Fort Roughs – one of the many strong sea built by the British to defend themselves from air attacks during World War II – to escape British restrictions on broadcasting.
After Bates consulted a legal consultant, he concluded that the fort was in terra no – Land not claimed by any state -And as such, it proclaimed it an independent nation, giving it the name of Principality of Sealand.
In 1987, the United Kingdom widened its territorial waters to include Sealand, but never formally stated control over micromentation. In response, Sealand declared his own 20 -kilometer zone, underlining his desire to remain autonomous.
Somalilland
A Somalilland – Located on the Gulf of Aden’s coast – said independence in 1991 after the fall of the military dictator of Somalia Siad Barre.
He does border with ethiopia to the south and west, and with Djibuti to the northwest. Since its declaration of independence almost three decades ago, no country has recognized its sovereignty.
Although not internationally recognized, the Somalilland It has its currency itself, government institutions, police force and a functional political system.
Before joining Somalia, Somaliland was part of the British Empire until 1960. Currently has a population of 5.7 million people.
Transnistry
A narrow strip between the Dnestre River and the Ukrainian border, the Transnistry -Also known as Trans-Dnestre- Separated from Moldova in 1990.
No country recognizes his self -declared sovereignty. The region – with 3,500 km² – is economic support, political and militarily by Russiawhich maintains about 1,500 soldiers there.
Transnistria has a population of 367,000 inhabitants.
The region has own currency, constitution, flag, parliament and anthem.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukraine closed its borders with transnistria, making the region totally dependent on Moldova for imports.
Transnistria has adhered to the free trade zone and EU visa exemption regime, which led to a significant increase in the number of residents to order molding passports.
Put the Ocidental
O Western Sahara is a territory limited by the Atlantic Ocean west and northwest, by Morocco north, by Algeria for a few kilometers to the northeast, and by Mauritania to leste e roll.
In 2024, the population of the region is around 670,000 inhabitants – A reduced number taking into account its dimension, due to the arid desert that makes up much of the territory. About 40% of the population lives in Laayoune, the largest city in Western Sahara.
He Says Safe obtained independence from colonial domain in 1956but it was quickly claimed by Morocco.
It is a disputed territory and the last African colonial territory for decolonizing.
About 20% of the territory is controlled by the Arab Republic Saaraui Democratic (RASD), while the remaining 80 percent are controlled and administered by Morocco.