Inside the Nevada micronation that bans onions, jails you for spinach, and only has a population of 38
A small 11-acre micronation in Nevada only has a population of 38 and welcomes tourists — just don’t bring onions and spinach or you could find yourself behind bars.
The Republica of Molossia was first established in 1977 as the Grand Republic of Goldstein before changing to its current moniker, the nation’s leader explained.
“Molossia is actually a variation of the Hawaiian word ‘maluhia’ which means harmony and peace,” President Kevin Baugh told The Sun.
The small nation — which is not recognized by the UN — is home to less than 40 people, most of whom do not live on the 11-acre nation.
Baugh said there are only three humans and three dogs that live on the nation’s land located in Dayton, Nevada.
His wife, the First Lady, and his 20-year-old daughter, who is Chief Constable, live there.
His daughter, who was not named, has traveled on behalf of Molossia to interact with other micronations in Canada, Mexico, and Europe, according to The Sun.
“It’s given her a broader perspective of life than I think a lot of folks have,” her father said.
In addition, as odd as the nation may seem to pop up near the Nevada-California border, it also has a few quirky rules, including Baugh’s full title: His Excellency President Grand Admiral Colonel Doctor Kevin Baugh, President and Raïs of Molossia, Protector of the Nation and Guardian of the People.
Citizens and visitors of the land are banned from bringing onions, spinach, catfish, and walruses into the country.
“Onions aren’t allowed because I just don’t like onions – and I’m the dictator so I can say stuff like that,” Baugh told the British outlet. “When you break the rules and bring catfish into our country you go to jail.
“We just like doing things that are different, that are unique and eccentric in our country.”
They’ve only had to jail a few people, but it is mainly used to “briefly jail those tourists that bring contraband into Molossia,” Baugh told The Post Wednesday.
“It’s surprising how many people are excited to be thrown into jail in a third-world country!” he said in an email to The Post.
The entire nation was crafted from “scratch” made from an empty desert, which Baugh said made him proud.
“I’m very proud of what I’ve crafted,” he said.
“There was nothing there before we moved in and declared it to be our country. It was just [an] empty desert.
“I’m just very proud of the whole nation.”
Despite not being recognized as a country, Molossia visitors can get their passports stamped!
And they are working to become an actual sovereign nation, Baugh told The Post.
“Although we are as yet unrecognized by other established nations, we are working on that!” he said.
As for the best part of living in your own nation, Baugh said: “Micronations are an extension of imagination and creativity and we make full use of that as we build and grow the great Republic of Molossia!!”
