About the AMU

The world's only multinational body dedicated exclusively to Antarctic micronational governance

Order on the ice

Founded in 2008, the Antarctic Micronational Union exists to bring structure and cooperation to an otherwise ungoverned space. We are the sole recognized authority for registering, protecting, and mediating micronational territorial claims on the Antarctic continent.

The AMU operates with strict neutrality. We take no position on the internal affairs of member states, nor on geopolitical matters beyond Antarctica. Our mandate is singular: peaceful, organized governance of micronational Antarctic interests.

Beyond claim management, the AMU actively advocates for Antarctic conservation. Member states share a commitment to wildlife protection, ice shelf preservation, and climate awareness — recognizing that the lands they claim carry a unique environmental responsibility.

Since 2010, the organization has been covered by media outlets across Europe, Australia, and Eastern Europe. It remains the only micronational organization with dedicated documentation on Wikipedia.

What we do

Four pillars that define the AMU's mission

Claim Registry

We maintain the definitive register of micronational Antarctic claims, preventing overlap and conflict.

Border Mediation

When disputes arise, the AMU provides neutral mediation to resolve territorial disagreements peacefully.

Conservation

We champion environmental stewardship, from wildlife protection to ice shelf preservation and climate advocacy.

Cooperation

We foster diplomatic ties between Antarctic micronations, building a community founded on mutual respect.

Timeline

Key moments in the AMU's history

6 December 2008

Foundation as GAMA

The Antarctic Micronational Union was founded as 'Grupo Del Acuerdo Micronacional Antartico' (GAMA) by the Kingdom of Finismund, Marie State, and the Grand Duchy of Flandrensis.

Late 2009

Founding Members Disband

Two founding nations — the Kingdom of Finismund and Marie State — disbanded, creating a structural crisis for the organization.

15 January 2010

Renamed to AMU

The organization was renamed to the Antarctic Micronational Union. Grand Duke Niels of Flandrensis was elected the first Secretary-General.

24 September 2010

West-Antarctic Treaty Signed

The Great Micronational Antarctic War was concluded with the signing of the West-Antarctic Treaty by Niels of Flandrensis and Travis McHenry of Westarctica.

24 October 2011

Administrative Regions Established

The AMU was divided into four administrative regions: West-Antarctica, East-Antarctica, Victoria Land, and the Northern Antarctic Peninsula.

21 August 2013

Major Organizational Reforms

A comprehensive overhaul removed inactive members, eliminated the forum, and shifted official communications to a dedicated Facebook page.

19 September 2014

New Leadership

Yaroslav Mar, President of the Federal Republic of Lostisland, was elected Administrative-General after the resignation of Niels of Flandrensis. An official website and territorial map were created.

November 2016

Mass Withdrawal

Five major members — Flandrensis, Westarctica, Ruthenia, Arkel, and Campinia — withdrew over disagreements about internal affairs and environmental policy, triggering a period of organizational inactivity.

December 2019

Revival Negotiations Begin

After years of reduced activity, negotiations commenced to revive the organization with a new Charter and renewed commitment from member states.

24 February 2020

Organization Revived

A new Charter was signed by seven member states: Hortania, Lostisland, Užupis, Karnia-Ruthenia, Westarctica, the Missionary Order of the Celtic Cross, and Montescano (later Pavlov). Yaroslav Mar was reconfirmed as Administrative-General.

10 December 2020

Pikeland Admitted

The Grand Duchy of Pikeland became the tenth member of the AMU following majority approval by active member states.

March 2021

Kingdom of Brienia Dissolved

The Kingdom of Brienia notified the AMU of its dissolution. Per Section III of the Charter, former delegates were removed from all registers and an updated membership list was released.

9 June 2022

Avinenska Expelled

The Republic of Avinenska was unanimously expelled by all member states — the first expulsion since the 2016 mass withdrawal — following Charter violations.

23 September 2022

Flandrensis Returns

Co-founding member the Grand Duchy of Flandrensis was readmitted to the AMU following a unanimous vote, marking a historic reunion.

2 March 2024

Avinenska Re-Admitted

The Republic of Avinenska was readmitted to the AMU after nearly two years following a period of reflection and dialogue among member states.

2024

Administrative-General Reelected

Yaroslav Mar was reelected as Administrative-General for a new term until 2028, continuing his leadership of the organization since 2014.