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Minerva Reef

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description Minerva Reef Overview

Minerva Reefs are submerged coral atolls in the South Pacific, situated south of Fiji and southwest of Tonga. In 1972, libertarian settlers attempted to establish the Republic of Minerva there after constructing a small platform and declaring independence. Tonga asserted sovereignty over the reefs and removed the movement's flag that year. Their political history has remained connected to competing regional maritime claims.

help Minerva Reef FAQ

What was the Republic of Minerva project?

In 1972, Nevada real-estate millionaire Michael Oliver and a group of libertarian associates attempted to create a new micronation on the Minerva Reefs by dredging sand onto the atoll and raising a flag. They drafted a declaration of independence and invited settlers to build a tax-free society.

How did Tonga respond to the Minerva settlement attempt?

King Taufa'ahau Tupou III dispatched a ship with soldiers and a convict labor party to the reefs, tore down the Minervan flag, and formally asserted Tongan sovereignty. Tonga later officially incorporated the reefs into its territory by amending its constitution.

Are the Minerva Reefs above water at high tide?

No, the reefs are mostly submerged at high tide, with only small portions of land briefly exposed. This is one reason the settlement attempt was ultimately impractical for permanent habitation.

Where exactly are the Minerva Reefs located?

They sit in the South Pacific roughly 270 miles southwest of Tonga and south of the Fijian island group. There are two main reef formations, North Minerva and South Minerva, both of which are submerged coral atolls.

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