Glad to know this and besides this country, which other countries have allowed esperanto to be a part of the nation building.The http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=2949434...

I just read about this too, I even looked the province up on Wikipedia I was like wow someone actually adopted esperanto. Well I know if I go visit I can speak it and not have people ask me wtf am i saying every 5 minutes lol

I've contacted them in the past about it, its part of there constitution because some of there original supporting members when they seceded were Esperantist.

Meh. Looks like the only reason they can get away with that without running into trouble with the govt is because either the Eastern states don't realise they exist, or because WA doesn't want to shoot themselves in the feet for their own succession plans (not that it'd matter too much for them, but still) .

'Tis cool though that they are giving themselves a bit of culture while they're presumably still able to continue calling themselves independent, although I feel bad for feeling cynical towards them since there are too many issues surrounding their self proclamed independence. Namely, secession would have been impossible unless the entire nation voted in favour of it, and if they claim to be non-British, then wouldn't they technically be resting on Nova Holando? And then if WA were to ever secede themselves, it'd make things even more complicated... At least it'll make for a very interesting regional culture aspect 200 yrs down the track, whether or not they are able to actually secure some true sense of independence from the commonwealth...

Well it’s funny because they have done everything technically correct within the frameworks of international law to be an independent state. Australia accidentally gave them legitimate status back in the 70’s when the governor general, and the WA governor headed all their correspondence with "The governor" or something along those lines. They also can’t technically prosecute him for treason as his people appointed him a prince, which under commonwealth law states that no commonwealth state is allowed to hinder a defacto royal. Their passports are also accepted by some countries, I remember reading an article from one of their delegates saying that it’s now possible to travel to the Ivory Coast on a principality passport. They have a few international companies who have registered with them, mainly from African states. But when it all comes down to it, it would only take one military action from Australia to remove them. But I work in the Aus army, and I know from experience that our military is determined to keep a good public face, so there’s no way in the world the Aus government would start a confrontation on its owns soil. After all a lot of people in Australia support the prince, especially after everything he went through. I remember that the Australian post cut their mail off, saying they wouldn’t deliver it to an unrecognised country, then the press caught wind of it and within days the mail was restored. So who knows 100 years from now it could be a legitimate state, then again the royals might have some in fighting and the whole thing could collapse. =) Personally, I’m all for a state that supports Esperanto no matter how small =)

Evildela:But when it all comes down to it, it would only take one military action from Australia to remove them. But I work in the Aus army, and I know from experience that our military is determined to keep a good public face, so there’s no way in the world the Aus government would start a confrontation on its owns soil. After all a lot of people in Australia support the prince, especially after everything he went through. I remember that the Australian post cut their mail off, saying they wouldn’t deliver it to an unrecognised country, then the press caught wind of it and within days the mail was restored. So who knows 100 years from now it could be a legitimate state, then again the royals might have some in fighting and the whole thing could collapse. =) Personally, I’m all for a state that supports Esperanto no matter how small =)

I agree, it'd be foolish for the army to do that if they want to keep good public face, it'd seem like, well, overkill. The police can be used though, and all that's required is a good enough reason. But I doubt there'll be one. I doubt something like the Agape cult issue would arise. The only realistic problems I can see are: possible WA secession (maybe 10% chance of happening within 300 years?) and possible Australian independence (more like 50%?), where the govt might try to tie up loose ends and send something like a "the local council/shire/governed area is unhappy with you and would like to fine you $5" to Mr. Leonard or whoever's running the shop.

Well it’s funny because they have done everything technically correct within the frameworks of international law to be an independent state. Australia accidentally gave them legitimate status back in the 70’s when the governor general, and the WA governor headed all their correspondence with "The governor" or something along those lines.

Theoretically true, but on the grounds of rationality, whatever statehood they've got over in Hutt River is sort of balancing on the edge of a cliff due to the sheer power imbalance. All in all though I see it as a sort of non issue, as the guy seems to own the property, and he doesn't seem to have harmful interests (e.g. doesn't pose a threat or any questions about Australia's future with a little nation inside of us). So for all general purposes I wouldn't worry nor even really recognise his state's existence, nor do I even really recognise the commonwealth's position on the Hutt River micronation (unless it somehow legally affected me). So whether it survives as a nation or not doesn't really concern me regardless of the EO use in the constitution unless there is fowl play involved (e.g. he starts doing something of certain illegal nature, e.g. supporting drug distributers, or the state decides to invade his territory with unwarranted force). (I mean, I'm not so fussed with the question of secession as much as someone from WA (as long as they take SA with them ), but it's not something I see as being important if in the end it's just to say "we're a separate nation").

Interesting little discussion though, I seriously had no idea this place existed, my parents did but they honestly think of it more of a clever tourism idea

I'm from Tassy, so if WA and SA decided to succeeded, then it wouldn't take long for Tas to follow suit =P

Another micronation. I guess they'll survive till someone strikes something valuable, and then the writing will be on the wall. But what evidence is there that they've adopted Esperanto as an official language? I don't see any Esperanto on their website.

Miland:But what evidence is there that they've adopted Esperanto as an official language? I don't see any Esperanto on their website.

Article 8 of their constitution says:

English language is the official language of the State as well as French and Esperanto in second and third language.

Road sign to River Hutt Province.

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Principality of Hutt River Western Australia 6532, Australien (google map)