Witizens of Wirtland

The Government of Wirtland was founded on the 14th of August, 2008. Despite the fact that the nation has no physical borders and is still in its infancy, the official government website declares that 661 people have already been granted citizenship by the government. A citizen of Wirtland is referred to as a "Wirtlander" or a "Witizen."

Citizenship of Wirtland is open and available to any person 18 years of age or older. Citizenship is free and an application for citizenship can be obtained from the government's website. The application can be obtained and submitted electronically and versions of the application are available in English, Spanish, Bulgarian, Portuguese, Turkish, and Thai. When a person is granted citizenship, that person will receive a Permanent Residence Permit which grants the holder of the permit the right to vote in public elections, establish a legal entity (business, political party, etc.), receive a passport and identification card, register for marriage and receive a marriage certificate, the right to nominate people for Wirtland national awards, and the right to contribute to "The Times of Wirtland" (the official newspaper of the country).

The Government of Wirtland is able to sustain itself through a system of taxation and the selling of goods. Individuals are not taxed, but any entity which wishes to identify itself with Wirtland would be required to pay a tax to the government. Other sources of income include the sale of certain collector's items, such as stamps, currency, and various products displaying the Wirtland name and official government images.

The Wirtland Medical Centre (WIMEC) is perhaps the most impressive initiative of the borderless nation. The Centre connects medical specialists with those who seek assistance or advice over the Internet. Medical professionals can list their contact information on the WIMEC site and charge their own rates for over the Internet consultations. Some of the current medical specialists already offering their services through WIMEC are a general practitioner, dermatologist, and an allergist.

If you are curious as to why a person would want to become a citizen of a nation which holds claim to no land, the answer is simple: Wirtland offers average people from all walks of life the opportunity to play a major role in the formation of a nation. Make no mistake about it, just because the nation claims no land, it does not make it an "imaginary" country. The nation is real and so are its citizens. If the whole idea seems crazy to you, just remember that every great idea in history seemed crazy at one point or another.

It is no doubt that this Internet based nation will face its fair share of challenges over coming months and years, but with a steadily growing population and the desire of its citizens to see the nation thrive, good things are bound to happen for the Government of Wirtland.

Sources:
Official Site. The Government of Wirtland.