What comes to mind when it comes to Lake Superior? Among the many things one may think of, tiny little microstates are probably not one of them. Due to oddities when the border was drawn up between the United States and Canada a tiny slither of land was left unclaimed. So some entrepreneurial people decided to do the only reasonable thing, raise their flag and proclaim their own little country.

This is not unique and there have been other cases of this around the world - most notably the Halaib Triangle between Egypt and Sudan. Unfortunately, it is not really a nation - or at least one that doesn't have any international recognition. But it is a fun oddity and one that raises some of the fundamental questions as to what it means to be a country.

Updated By Aaron Spray On 10th January 2022: Clarification that Nirivia is not actually a recognized country and is today controlled by Canada.

A Brief History Of How Nirivia Came To Be

For those thinking that Nirivia sounds a lot like 'Nirvana,' they would actually be correct. As they say, there's plenty that goes into a name, albeit this one was thought up while its creators sat drinking around a campfire.

Number of Islands: It Includes 59 Different Islands Within Lake Superior

Despite this, the message comes through perfectly well when it comes to those wishing to visit Nirivia. According to one Nirivian, as its inhabitants call themselves, the goal was to "emphasize the majesty of the place rather than secede, join or revolt against anyone. Nirivia is a vision that anyone can share once they have visited."

This goal was certainly achieved, and its name was defined to mean 'enchanted place.' So, how did such a place of enchantment come to be in the first place?

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In a somewhat complex loophole that left this small sliver of land as an unclaimed piece of Canada's map, 16 passionate soon-to-be landholders banded together in order to declare it Nirivia.

Flag: Nirivia Has Its Own Flag

Declaration: The Flag Raising Ceremony Was Held In 1979

A flag-raising ceremony was held back in 1979, declaring the new nation, which belonged to none of the landmasses that surrounded it. Even so, there would be few hard feelings when it came to Canada taking steps to take back the land (which would appear to have never been owned, in the first place).

The Nirivians were happy to allow Canada's control - with a few exceptions. Before handing over the land, it was determined that Nirivians would leave it up to Canada to be responsible for protecting the land, adding hiking trails, and maintaining it so that everyone could enjoy its Switzerland-like, laidback nature.

Control: Canada Moved In to Control The Land After the Declaration

According to David Kruszewski, a founder of Nirivia, the point was never to secede, but to protect a piece of beautiful land so that it could be enjoyed by all who journeyed to the micronation.

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What Can Be Found On Nirivia?

The most popular island in Nirivia, as well as the largest, is St. Ignace Island. This is also where the founders began building the few structures that would remain there to this day, including geologically-constructed cabins and a sauna.

What Can Be Found: Pristine Lake Superior Wilderness

Population: Zero

In a somewhat amusing twist, the sauna was referred to as the 'Nirivian Embassy.' While not a single person lives in Nirivia year-round due to the frigid temperatures and unpredictable weather, it's a great place any other time of the year when snow and ice aren't blanketing the landscape.

Open: Nirivia is open For Visitors

While the Canadian government was apt to view the founders and Nirivians as squatters, they were able to work out a deal that included a nature tourism permit. This permit reserved the use of the land for commercial purposes which worked out doubly: the land was protected and could continue to be used how Nirivians saw fit (within reason).

Squatters: Canada Saw The "Nirivians" As Squatters But Worked Out a Nature Tourism Permit With Them

Today, the land is still protected and, in the end, saw its ultimate destiny as a place for all to enjoy. With various trails through the woods, practically untouched land, and enough water surrounding for any type of recreational activity, it truly is a unique part of Lake Superior.

Visiting Nirivia

Those interested in seeing what was almost its own country can book tours through Such A Nice Day, AKA S.A.N.D. These tours leave from Rossport and allow travelers five days on the shores of Nirivia to discover its true beauty and natural ambiance for themselves. Tour-takers have the chance to stay in the island's unique geological dome cabins while exploring its trails and observing its wildlife.

Tours: Book Through Such A Nice Day

Max Per Tour: Max Six People Are Permitted On One Tour Group

Cost: $1,195 Per Person

The last three of the five days on the tour are spent kayaking around the islands, with hikes, nature walks, and communal dinners in between each day. The maximum number of people in any one tour group is six, and the cost of a tour is $1,195 per person and includes food and accommodations.

Today the smallest (actually recognized country in the world is the Vatican City).

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