How the Order of Malta Came to Be a Unique and Exclusive Country Without Territory

In an really interesting video essay, Half as Interesting explains in great detail via animation about the Order of Malta in regard to its complete sovereignty due to its extraterritorial status of being exempted from local law, similar to the way embassies function.

The Order of Malta has no real territory, making it the only sovereign entity in the world to exist territory-free, but they do have pretty much everything else a country has. They have coins they have stamps, they have license plates and even passports. Only 500 people have this passport though, making it the most exclusive in the world 105 countries actually recognized the order as a sovereign entity.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.