What is Sirocco?
Sirocco is a micronation. Simply put, it is a miniature 'nation' that functions like any other world state, such as New Zealand or the United Kingdom, but is not recognised by 'real' nations. Sirocco replicates many of the functions of a real-life country without seeking to be one, unlike other micronations who seek to gain full, independent sovereignty.
Why a micronation?
The long and short of it is for fun. Sirocco has never claimed to be a fully-fledged country trying to muscle in on the United Nations. Instead, Sirocco pursues a slightly more casual path of doing things for the novelty value. Raising a flag, issuing currency, printing newspapers - we do it because it's fun. Other micronations prefer to think of themselves as actual, fully sovereign nations, which usually means they've declared independence from their host nation. We haven't done this in Sirocco as we don't believe it necessary. Sirocco is not a serious attempt at nationhood, and therefore there is no need to officially separate ourselves from New Zealand.
Where are you located?
Sirocco is located in a number of small pockets of land across New Zealand, located between the Far North and the very southern tip of the South Island.
Can i visit Sirocco?
Currently we are not accepting any visitors to Havilland, Alston, or our other centres, other than already authorised people. However, there are some locations in Sirocco, known as Tourist Areas, where tourists are free to visit as they please without border controls. Cambria's Ackland District, the province of Watchman Island, Hagley, Stirling, Blacksands, and parts of Halvorson are all open to visitors year-round.
Can i become a citizen?
Unfortunately, we are not currently accepting any applications for citizenship. Sirocco is currently undergoing some important changes, and this means we are not in the position to accept requests at this stage. This will change in the future, so do check back.
Are there other micronations?
There are plenty of them. Micronationalism has been a thing in various forms for centuries, but the hobby itself is generally considered to have begun in 1967 with the creation of the Principality of Sealand. With the advent of the Internet, countless micronations have sprung up around the globe, from Pacific islands to the Nordic tundra. Micronations are most commonly found in North America, Europe, Australia, and surprisingly, Antarctica (which itself is divided amongst several of them).
Within Australasia, you'll find such nations as Hutt River, Wy, Atlantium, and Whangamomona, all of which have been going for many years now. Other younger nations include Uskor, and, obviously, Sirocco.
Within Australasia, you'll find such nations as Hutt River, Wy, Atlantium, and Whangamomona, all of which have been going for many years now. Other younger nations include Uskor, and, obviously, Sirocco.
Will you recognise my micronation?
That's a definite maybe. We're pretty open to creating formal diplomatic links with other micronations, but note that we will not recognise any confirmed 'troll' micronations or nations that suppress or outright prohibit capitalism (Siroccans are a little touchy about Communism).
If you'd like to open relations with Sirocco, send us a message on our Contact page, or an email us at siroccangovernment@outlook.com.
If you'd like to open relations with Sirocco, send us a message on our Contact page, or an email us at siroccangovernment@outlook.com.
Is Sirocco environmentally-friendly?
Yes. Even though Siroccans would be more than a little rankled if you called them 'greenies' or environmentalists, caring for the environment is not forgotten about in Sirocco. There is nearly universal recycling, and emissions are kept to a low level - for the most part, wood-burning fireplaces are our only source of emissions. The Ministry of the Environment oversees all environmental affairs and puts forward policy as it sees fit, and in some cases provincial governments or local councils can set regulations.
Water restrictions are often put in place during summertime, as the New Zealand summer can be very hot and dry. Please help us conserve our water resources year-round and only use the water you need.
Water restrictions are often put in place during summertime, as the New Zealand summer can be very hot and dry. Please help us conserve our water resources year-round and only use the water you need.
Why do you have your own calendar?
When in Sirocco, you'll often see dates followed by what seems to be some sort of mysterious code, such as "1 January 2000 (17 Argus 54)." This code is actually Sirocco's own calendar, the Atomic calendar, which began on 16 July 1945 (1 Trinity 0) with the first man-made atomic explosion, and is constructed from the names of significant American and British atomic tests between the 1940s and 1990s. Right now it's the year 74 AE, which began on 16 July 2019 and will end on 15 July 2020.
For more information on the Atomic calendar, click here.
For more information on the Atomic calendar, click here.
Is anything prohibited in Sirocco?
We generally follow New Zealand law if no law is specified in the Siroccan lawbooks, and this also applies to prohibited items. Narcotics, firearms, and mashed carrots are among the items that visitors are not allowed to transport across the border - this rule also applies to Tourist Areas. Please note that is is also strictly illegal to import citrus or watermelons for Communist purposes.
Is Sirocco LGBT-Friendly?
Sure! We might be a nation of the 1950s, but we don't hold its antiquated attitudes towards the rainbow community. Siroccans are fairly socially progressive, and we welcome anyone whether they're straight, gay, lesbian, transsexual, or something else entirely. We even allowed gay marriage from January 2012 - more than a year and a half before New Zealand followed suit. Discrimination is illegal in Sirocco, and those espousing anti-LGBT views won't find themselves very popular.
Can I get online in Sirocco?
Internet connectivity is very important to Siroccans - so much so that there is a government department solely for it.
Almost all of Sirocco has high-speed broadband or 4G access, and several local councils have free WiFi access in public areas. Havilland has the fastest connection in the country, at more than 100 Mbit/sec.
Please note that data charges may apply and vary depending on whether you've set up your phone with NP&T via Spark, Skinny, Vodafone, or 2degrees.
Almost all of Sirocco has high-speed broadband or 4G access, and several local councils have free WiFi access in public areas. Havilland has the fastest connection in the country, at more than 100 Mbit/sec.
Please note that data charges may apply and vary depending on whether you've set up your phone with NP&T via Spark, Skinny, Vodafone, or 2degrees.
