Proposed Countries 2024

Bougainville

Although the small area is technically part of Papua New Guinea, it has been striving for independence for some time now. In 2019, 98% of the inhabitants voted for freedom, but the Covid-19 pandemic halted those efforts. Still, the area of Bougainville recognizes itself as a unique and independent area of Papua New Guinea. With the pandemic having largely receded, renewed focus on independence is shaping this proposed country’s future.

Donetsk People's Republic

This small area in eastern Ukraine now functions under Russian control after its formal annexation by Russia in 2022. It aimed for full independence prior to the annexation, but by now Donetsk has practically become integrated into Russia. Turmoil and conflict still plague the region because it is a focal point in the Russia-Ukraine war. If the Donetsk People’s Republic doesn’t achieve broader recognition as an independent state, its status within the Russian Federation may become permanent.

New Caledonia

Technically, this small territory overseas belongs to France, but that may change. One of the more recently proposed countries, this small area has long been fighting for independence. A 2018 vote for independence was defeated, and a recent 2021 vote for independence was lost by a margin of 96.5% in favor of remaining part of France. However, tensions do persist, as the indigenous Kanaks continue to push for self-determination.

Rojava

Part of Syria, this small region has been long fighting both the Syrians and ISIS. Embroiled with turmoil, Rojava may be the closest the world has seen to a genuinely anarchist state. With its unconventional political style, Rojava is poised to be a front-runner for change and new governance. This proposed country will continue to be a hot topic of debate and discussion as the residents continue to fight for independence.

Bermuda

Even though this small island has its own football team, currency, and passport, they are still technically part of the British Empire. The small island has long fought for independence to become its own country. With the amount of tourism and gross domestic product this country manages to export every year, maintaining an independent country's status should be easy.

West and East Libya

The United States invaded Libya in 2011, attempting to spread democracy. Attempts have failed and have resulted in a split country divided between a Western and Eastern side. The most likely outcome is that the country will split into two rival and competing nations. Many political analysts predict that Libya will end up looking very similar to how Somalia looks today, with two distinct areas hotly contested from one another.

Chuuck

One of the four nations that make up Micronesia, Chuuck is by far the most successful. This small but highly wealthy and profitable country has long been championing independence. However, gaining independence may be tricky. Chuuk is part of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), an independent country with a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the United States. So, reaching a vote may be laden with red tape. There are plans to have an independence vote soon, pending the United States does not intervene.

West Papua

Currently governed by Indonesia, West Papua occupies the western half of New Guinea. This potential new country has a cultural identity distinct from that of Indonesia. It was originally colonized by the Dutch and later slated for independence before being transferred to Indonesia in the 1960s under international pressure. A 1969 vote was widely seen as manipulated as it left the region under Indonesian control. This sparked ongoing independence movements, and as global awareness about the region has grown in recent years, increasing calls came for a genuine referendum on West Papua’s status.

Gagauzia

Gagauzia is a small autonomous region in Moldova populated by a Turkic people of Orthodox Christian faith. Ever since the fall of the Soviet Union, Gagauzians have sought to gain more independence from Moldova. More recently, Gagauzia has threatened to secede altogether due to Moldova’s pro-European Union stance. In a 2014 referendum, Gagauzians overwhelmingly voted to join Russia or go after full independence if Moldova moved toward EU membership.