Terra Nullius: The Unclaimed Land of the World
The modern world is often characterized by the rigid boundaries of nation-states. However, there exists a fascinating concept known as Terra nullius, meaning “no one’s land”. Despite the prevalent obsession with definitively mapped borders, a few places on Earth escape the grip of sovereignty, including Bir Tawil between Egypt and Sudan, several disputed areas along the Croatia–Serbia border, and vast regions of Antarctica.
The Mystery of Bir Tawil
One of the most intriguing examples of Terra nullius is the Bir Tawil region. This 2,060-square-kilometer (795 square miles) tract of land lies along the Egypt-Sudan border and is claimed by neither country. It is a harsh desert environment where summer temperatures can soar to 45°C (113°F). Officially, its population is zero, but it is sometimes visited by nomadic tribes, such as the Ababda people.
The peculiar status of Bir Tawil results from historical border agreements made during the British Empire’s rule in the 19th and 20th centuries. According to the US State Department, an agreement reached in 1899 allocated territories south of the 22nd latitude line to Sudan, thereby placing Bir Tawil under Sudanese sovereignty. However, later adjustments to the Sudan-Egypt boundary in 1902 incorrectly placed Bir Tawil under Egyptian administration due to its occasional use by the Ababda tribe. Thus, a conflict arose where Egypt insists the area belongs to Sudan, while Sudan maintains that it is Egyptian land.
A Modern Claim to Bir Tawil
Over the years, various groups have attempted to stake their claim to Bir Tawil, though none have received international recognition. In 2014, a Virginia resident, Jeremiah Heaton, declared the land as the “Kingdom of North Sudan” to fulfill his daughter’s dream of becoming a princess. Unsurprisingly, the United Nations did not recognize his claim.
An interesting proposition is that Bir Tawil could pave the way for a new jurisdiction model where Indigenous peoples hold land rights. For now, this enigmatic region continues to remain unclaimed.
The Uncharted Territories of Antarctica
In the realm of international law, no single country has claim over Antarctica. Yet, seven nations—including Argentina, Australia, and the UK—have staked their territories on this vast continent. A typical map depicts Antarctica divided like a pizza, with the majority of the land claimed by Australia and Norway. However, one intriguing area, Marie Byrd Land, remains unclaimed. This massive expanse of 1,605,792 square kilometers (620,000 square miles) is named after the wife of American explorer Richard E Byrd and represents the largest unclaimed territory worldwide, largely due to its remoteness and inaccessibility.
The Disputed Lands of Croatia and Serbia
Among the contentious territories is Gornja Siga, situated along the Balkan border of Croatia and Serbia. Following the turbulent breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, several patches of land became hotly contested. Gornja Siga spans 7 square kilometers (2.7 square miles) and functions as a crucial floodplain for the Danube River. Technically, it is under de facto Croatian control, yet both countries have conflicting claims regarding sovereignty.
In 2015, a group of libertarians led by Czech politician Vít Jedlička sought to establish a new microstate called Liberland on Gornja Siga, advocating for a libertarian utopia with no taxes and minimal regulations. Their motto, “To live and let live,” emphasizes personal and economic freedom. However, Croatian authorities have not welcomed this idea, having reportedly arrested individuals attempting to access the land.
Conclusion
The phenomenon of Terra nullius presents a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of territorial ownership and governance in our world. Areas like Bir Tawil and Gornja Siga showcase not only the arbitrary nature of borders but also the potential for new forms of governance that honor freedom and autonomy. As we navigate these jurisdictions, our understanding of land and identity may continue to evolve.
