model country

• model-country

model +‎ country, referring to a micronation as a replica (model) of a country.

model country (plural model countries)

1. (micronationalism, historically) A micronation that has no intention of being internationally recognised.
   • 1999 [1979], Erwin S. Strauss, How to Start Your Own Country‎, 3rd edition, Paladin Press, →ISBN, page 35:

     Operating a model country offers the least rewards in terms of integrity, since the operator must continue to observe tax and similar laws of the nation from which the model country secedes.

2. (by extension) Synonym of micronation.
   • 1999 October 4, Smokers Supplies and Ordinations, “Hemp Based Countries”, in alt.politics.micronations‎ (Usenet):

     I heard there was a micronation (model country) that was based on hemp called the Stoner Homeland but was unable to locate it.

   • 2017 April 25, Amber Pariona, “The Story Of The Self-Proclaimed Republic Of Molossia”, in World Facts‎, World Atlas:

     A micronation is an area that claims to have political sovereignty despite lack of recognition from governments or international organizations around the world. It is also sometimes called a model country or new country project.

   • 2022, Peter Marks, Jennifer A. Wagner-Lawlor, Fátima Vieira, The Palgrave Handbook of Utopian and Dystopian Literatures, Springer International Publishing, →ISBN, page 281:

     …a model country that exists solely as work of fiction, or just for fun; a tiny jurisdiction that has escaped the notice of major powers.