We tend to get messages sometimes from people asking questions that are very similar. So, to try and answer some of the most common questions, we've put togther this list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Below is a list of commonly asked questions about the Principality, it's government, and it's people...

Q - I've never heard of Minerva. Are you really a country?

A - Yes, absolutely. In 1972, the Republic of Minerva was established on a group of officially unclaimed sandy cays and islets in the South Pacific outside the territorial seas of any existing sovereign state, in International Waters. As this was land not under the claim of any government, Minerva's founders claimed the Right of Rule via terra nullius - a legal action under International Law. Later that year, the Republic of Minerva was invaded by the Kingdom of Tonga - notorious for rights violations in the country's legitimate territories - and has been occupied ever since. Because of the apparent instability of the previous republican government and the need for more direct leadership during the exile, the Minervan state recieved a reformed government with a permenant executive, establishing the Principality. The Principality of Minerva is the most recent iteration of the de jure Minervan State, which is currently in exile.

The land was previously not under any claims of any sovereignty. The Minervan state was established first, both in a very real and a very legal sense. Minervan claims pre-date any claims levied by any other government in the world.

Q - If you're a government-in-exile, why have Ministries, etc.?

A - Because the Principality is exactly that, a government-in-exile. The Principality maintains institutions necessary to the function of any government. This includes diplomatic, legislative, judicial, and economic. functions. With the Principality government structure organized and in place, effective administration, policy execution and the eventual transition from a government-in-exile to fully administrating government will be more easily achieved with these proper institutions and policies already in place.

Q - So what are you going to do about Tonga?

A - Currently, the Principality is seeking an appearance before the International Court of Justice and the International Seabed Authority to argue our case. We are also making appeals to states which are major forces in the region, as well as the globe, in order to gain some headway. But, legal fees and other expenses related to the liberation effort are expensive, and given the isolated and largely unheardof status of the Principality, only so much can be done at a time. It should be noted that the aggressive terms that the Kingdom of Tonga directed at the Minervan state could indicate that actions by Tonga could render any legal discourses meaningless, and force the Principality into direct armed conflict by hostile Tongan forces. However much we would like to avoid any such incidents, the prospect still remains, and therefore we appeal to the international community of states to help ensure that such events to not occur.

Q- How can I help the liberation effort?

A - In early 2004, the Principality established the "Free Minerva!" campaign. The "Free Minerva!" website has links to ways you can donate to the liberation fund, or make a purchase from the online store - the proceeds of which go to the liberation effort. Also available is a more detailed history of the rise and fall of Minerva: the story of our invasion and occupation by foreign aggressors.

Q - With the opportunity to build a brand new, 21st century government from the ground up bearing in mind all of the problems that all other styles of goverment have faced and caused in world history, why have you chosen to construct such a complicated monarchical, aristocratic society instead of a socialistic and egalitarian one?

A - The structure of the Principality isn't too terribly complex. The structure of the government of the Principality is that of a constitutional monarchy, with the Sovereign Prince acting as a chief executive, much like the President only that he is permanent. The Parliament of the Principality, members of which are chosen by the people from among the people, create the laws and policies that will govern Minerva. The only role that the executive plays, or that any of his associates play, is simply the enforcement of the dictates of the people. We have no true nobility, only positions of honor which carry no government power or status. In constructing the new government for Minerva, officials from the current government wanted to avoid the types of failings that existed in the former Republic, as well as the inefficiencies that exist in other republican or democratic systems. In the events leading to the founding of the Principality, government officials, political scientists and other advisors found it apparent that there is an inordinate amount of inefficiency in regards to the ability of democratic executive to conduct the execution of policy. The roots of this inefficiency are simply inherent factors that exist in a democratic system, which is by its very nature in a constant state of flux. There are a select few things that can be done to alleviate or scale back the severity of the ineffectiveness, but there is no true, complete cure for a fragmented policy platform in a truly democratic system. If a truly solid and consistent policy platform was to ever be executed, it would have to be by a system in which the executive was not in jeopardy of being replaced seemingly immediately after being hired; it would not be in a democracy. Just because the system is not a democracy, however, it does not mean that it is oppressive in any way. The Parliament of the Principality creates the laws, and the Sovereign Prince and his Ministries enforce those dictates. Contrary to what it may first appear as, it is a government of the people for the people - the executive is there to carry out their wishes.

Q - It is hard to imagine a non-contradictory co-existence of monarchy and individual liberty. What is the political and philosophical nature of its government - both, in exile, and as anticipated after liberation?

A - The government of the Principality supports the maximum liberty of individuals in both personal and economic matters. We have engineered a government system that favors a much smaller government. Our laws are limited to protecting our people from theft, fraud, terror and violence. The economic policies of the Principality favor a truly free market place, with no income taxes on individuals or corporate citizens, and our laws, policies and culture do not discriminate lifestyles, nor do they dictate or limit lifestyles, save those of indecency towards children and violence.

Q - Are there any plans to develop the Principality?

A - Yes, many. Given the unique area and offerings that the Principality of Minerva has, there are many development strategies in the works. Once we are in a better position to reclaim our terriroties, expect to see the development of unique hotels offering unrivaled levels of privacy and peace. Associated with that, we plan to offer a wide selection of activities based around the surrounding reef complexes in Minerva, such as diving, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing - Minerva is famous for lobster. There are also plans to build up one of the main cays into a sustainable city. The Principality would also like to develop a minor agricultural program.

Q - Minerva sits on a coral reef complex! Are you going to have any consideration whatsoever for the fragile environment of the reef?

A - Yes, of course. The Principality has declared an overwhelming majority of the surrounding reef complex to be an off-limits national reserve once the occupied territories are reclaimed. Any construction that will take place will have as a top priority the conservation of the fragile environment in which Minerva is lucky to reside. It should also be noted that it is the goal of the Principality to be as "green" as possible. This means that we plan to use environmentally friendly methods for producing energy, reusing waste, purifying water, and so on. The Sovereign Prince has pledged that he will do everything he can to keep the consumption of fossil fuels to an absolute minimum.

Q - So you're a Principality - does that mean you can give noble titles? Can I get one? If so, how much are they?

A - The short answer is, generally not. The question of titles is a complex one. Since the Principality is, in fact, a constitutional monarchy, and has at the head of government a royal sovereign, the Sovereign Prince does have the right to grant titles of dignity, as well as to create a landed (limited, considering the amount of land in the Principality) nobility. There are no set rules or requirements for the granting of titles, however the Principality is not in the business of selling titles.

Q - Does the Principality plan to levy taxes on citizens and businesses?

A - There will be no income tax in the Principality. Corporations will not pay any taxes, either. However, there will be an optional annual premium available to citizens and business in the Principality that will offer certain benefits beyond those afforded to citizens and businesses in general.

Q - How does one become a citizen?

A - Policies are concerning citizenship are being revised this year, and updates should be posted soon. It should be noted that when becoming a citizen of the Principality, one will not be obliged to renounce any other citizenships, and the Principality will not require any Oaths of Alliegance.

Have a question that wasn't answered here? Let us know! We'll try and respond as soon as possible.