Slowjamastan, a self-proclaimed country located in the desert of California, USA, has gained attention for its absurd regulations, including a ban on wearing crocs. Foreign media outlets such as CNN and Daily Mail have reported on this unique micronation.
Established in December 2021 by radio DJ Randy Williams from San Diego, Slowjamastan falls under the category of micronations, which are groups that claim to be independent nations but are not officially recognized by international organizations. Williams, who has visited all 193 countries registered with the United Nations, decided to create Slowjamastan as the 194th country after running out of new countries to explore.
The establishment of Slowjamastan was influenced by Williams’ visits to other micronations around the world, of which there are approximately 70. When asked about the form of government in Slowjamastan, Williams described it as a “dictatorship that is sometimes a democracy.” He mentioned that referendums are occasionally held, allowing the people to vote on various matters, such as which fruits and sports should represent the country.
One of the notable aspects of Slowjamastan is its unique set of regulations. In addition to the ban on crocs, the country prohibits chewable string cheese and mumble rap. Williams argues that Slowjamastan meets the conditions outlined in the Montevideo Convention, which include having territory, a population, a government, and diplomatic capabilities.
Despite not being officially recognized as a country, Williams has traveled to 16 countries using a Slowjamastan passport. Countries such as South Africa, New Zealand, and even the United States have stamped the passport, acknowledging Slowjamastan’s existence. Furthermore, over 5,000 individuals are eagerly waiting to become citizens of this unconventional nation.
Williams has attempted to gain recognition from the United States by reaching out to President Joe Biden through various platforms, including email, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. However, he has yet to receive a response from the president.
While Slowjamastan may not be recognized as an official country, its existence and peculiar regulations have captured the attention of both domestic and international media. As the micronation continues to grow, it remains to be seen how its unique identity and governance will develop in the future.
What criteria does Slowjamastan’s founder, Randy Williams, argue that his micronation meets in order to be considered a legitimate nation
Introducing Slowjamastan, the Desert Micronation with Quirky Rules
Slowjamastan, a self-proclaimed country located in the California desert, has been making waves with its offbeat regulations, including a ban on the notorious footwear choice—crocs. This unconventional micronation has caught the attention of major news outlets like CNN and Daily Mail, putting it in the spotlight.
Established in December 2021 by San Diego radio DJ Randy Williams, Slowjamastan falls into the category of micronations—groups that claim sovereignty but lack international recognition. As someone who has traveled to all 193 United Nations-registered countries, Williams decided to create Slowjamastan as the 194th nation, wanting to continue his explorations.
Inspired by his visits to other micronations worldwide (approximately 70 in total), Williams molded Slowjamastan’s form of government into a dynamic blend of dictatorship and democracy. On occasion, referendums are held for citizens to vote on matters like national fruit and sports representation.
What sets Slowjamastan apart are its peculiar regulations. In addition to the polarizing crocs ban, the country also outlaws chewable string cheese and mumble rap. Williams argues that Slowjamastan meets the criteria of the Montevideo Convention, having territory, population, a functioning government, and diplomatic potential.
While Slowjamastan lacks official recognition, Williams himself has traveled to 16 countries using a Slowjamastan passport. Countries like South Africa, New Zealand, and even the United States have stamped their approval, acknowledging Slowjamastan’s existence. Fascinatingly, more than 5,000 individuals eagerly await the opportunity to become citizens of this unconventional nation.
In an effort to gain recognition from the United States, Williams has reached out to President Joe Biden through various platforms like email, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. As of now, he has yet to receive a response from the President.
Despite its unofficial status, Slowjamastan has captivated both local and global media with its existence and idiosyncratic rules. As this micronation continues to grow, its peculiar identity and governance will undoubtedly pique curiosity and spark discussions about alternative forms of nationhood.
