A 20-year-old digital designer has taken his Roblox worldbuilding into the real world by founding a self-declared country on unclaimed land between Croatia and Serbia.
As reported by the New York Post, British national Daniel Jackson created the Free Republic of Verdis, a micronation claiming roughly 0.5 km² of forest along the Danube River. The territory, known as “Pocket Three,” sits in a disputed zone that’s not officially claimed by either Croatia or Serbia.
Jackson said the idea started when he was just 14. “It was just a bit of an experiment at first with a few mates,” adding, “We have all dreamed of creating something crazy.” He officially declared Verdis independent in May 2019, and began formal governance at 18 by drafting laws and designing a flag.
Since then, Verdis has developed its own identity, complete with a flag, currency, passport system, and cabinet of officials. Roughly 400 people have been granted citizenship. “We have now built up a government and have a great cabinet,” Jackson said.
Nation formed after Roblox idea
In 2023, Croatian authorities detained Jackson and other settlers while attempting to reach the territory. He was deported and handed a lifetime ban from entering the country. “They deported us but couldn’t give a reason why,” he explained. “They said we were a threat to homeland security.”
Jackson now leads Verdisonline, continuing efforts to gain recognition and diplomatic ties, particularly with Serbia. Despite the legal setbacks, he insists the vision for Verdis remains intact. “If successful, I would step down from my position and call an election,” he said. “I am not interested in power at all. I just want to be a normal citizen.”
While the land itself may appear unremarkable, Jackson says it holds deep meaning. “To the naked eye, it is just a lot of forest,” he said, “but when you realize that you are in a country you have created, it is magical.”
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