German Chancellor Angela Merkel recently recommended that Greece should sell of some of its state assets, including some of it’s private islands. According to reports, Josef Schlarmann, a senior member of Merkel’s Christian Democrats, and Frank Schaeffler, an MP for the Free Democrats - the junior partner in the centre-right coalition  - apparently told Germany’s Bild daily that the Greek government should consider selling stakes in all its assets to raise more cash.

The BBC says that “dotted in the blue waters of the Aegean are some of the country’s most valuable assets - about 6000 islands, of which only 227 are inhabited”. Some sources say that your own private island could cost as little as 1.5 million euro.

Chris Krolow of Private Islands Online, in a statement did note that more Greek Islands will be coming on the market over the next few months, but would not confirm whether or not these properties would be listed by the Greek Government.

If the economic crisis continues in Greece this could present a rare opportunity to purchase a prstine Greek Island, something that rarely comes on the market.

Source: BBC

 In 2008 some 683,000 people visited the Maldives as tourists, which is nearly double the island native population.  It has been reported that revenues from this tax will go towards the islands efforts to make the nation the first carbon neutral nation on Earth, as well as efforts to allow the nation to move en masse to higher ground with higher sea levels later this century.

I think this tax is a great idea. Although a small carbon emitter, it seems like island nations such as the Maldives are bearing the brunt of climate change. Therefore this tax seems like a measured and reasonable response to the growing threat of rising sea levels. Of course your thoughts are always appreciated.

Stanford, owned Guiana Island A 1,500 acre island that has emerged as the heart of his elaborate dealings. Antigua and Barbuda’s government obtained approval last week to seize 250 acres of the island following the charges against Stanford in February.

An official stated “Our main aim is to make sure that the lands are returned to Antigua,”  Apparently this move is in response to massive outstanding debt to local suppliers owned by the Stanford Group.

To read more visit Reuters.uk. I think this is a cautionary tale for potential island owners. Although an island may feel like “your own kingdom” it is still subject to the laws of the nation to which it belongs.

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Tuvalu is the world’s fourth smallest country, bigger only than the Vatican City, Monaco, and Nauru.  The governement states that its people are on the front line of climate change seeing first hand the big tides, coastal erosion, and salty pools and ponds that come from rising sea levels.

Researchers suspect that their is only between 30 and 50 years to save the island. It is for this reason that Tuvalu is reaching out for help noting that wiith international aid, we could raise Tuvalu, build sea walls to protect the island from the tidal surges that are bombarding the island.

To read more about the struggle facing Tuvualu visit here.

The dispute began in 1929 when Russia took control of Heixiazi and the Yinlong Islands in 1929, but naturally this had not been accepted by China. Over the last several decades Russia governed the islands as a part of Khabarovsk Krai. Conversely, China claimed them as a part of Fuyuan County, Heilongjiang province, and the easternmost part of China.

Its great to see that diplomacy has won out in this scenario and both parties were able to come to a mutually agreeable decision. To read the full story visit the China Post.

Since the first settlers from Europe arrived in North America the islands have been inhabited and the islands have been French territory since 1763. The politics of Saint Pierre and Miquelon take place within a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic French overseas collectivity, whereby the President of the Territorial Council is the head of government, and of a multi-party system.

In the past there have been territorial disputes between Canada and France over the boundaries of the island. In 1992, an international court awarded the islands and expanded border in the sea around the islands, but only 18% of the area they requested.  New claims over the continental shelf may cause future tensions between Canada and France.  In addition there have been movements on the island for the islands to formally join Canada, however no formal referendum has been put forward.

The islands have a total population of 6,125 people with the majority living on Saint-Pierre. The official currency of the islands is the Euro however, the Canadian dollar is often widely accepted. The islands are becoming a moderatly popular tourist destination and are touted for their distinct European appeal.

I had never heard of these islands, I think its incredible that part of France, part of Europe is virtually on our doorstep. It would be interesting to pay Saint-Pierre a visit.

For more inforamtion on Saint Pierre and Miquelon visit Wikipedia or the islands official webpage.

It has been reported that the owner of a tiny island off Scotland declared its independence from the UK on Saturday, saying he wanted the territory, population one, to be a crown dependency like the Channel Islands.  In a declaration that was published on his website, Stuart Hill, owner of the 2.5 acre island of Forvik said he no longer recognized the authority of the government or the European Union and cited a centuries old royal marriage dowry as the basis for his claim.

Mr Hill,  has lived on the island since 2001 when his boat capsized there during failed a attempt to circumnavigate Britain. He is Forvik’s only resident and his home is a tent on the Atlantic island. Hill said he had written to the Queen offering his services as “steward” and recognising her as head of state.  Mr Hill has also added that he invites …” anyone from any country in the world, who supports these aims, namely to become free of liars, thieves and tyrants in government, to become a citizen of Forvik”

I guess this is perfect for anyone out there who dreams of starting their own country. It seems that there is potential to co-stewart an island with Mr. Hill.  Although you may have to be okay with sharing a tent with this gentleman.  I am curious how the government will respond to this claim.

 For more visit Yahoo News

 The islands, which are located in the North-West corner of Russia are a curiosity to both Russians and the outside world. Sitting in the white sea the islands are filled with fifteenth-century monasteries and chapels. Believed to be first settle six centuries ago by Orthodox monks who were seeking to flee the materialism of Russia’s mainland the first settlers forged a life of isolation.  The island also has a deeply sinister past. In the 1920s and 1930s hundreds of thousands were shot, starved and tortured when the islands served as a labor camp.  The people sent here were political prisoners, anyone deemed hostile to the recolution or Joseph Stalin.  Eventually the whole main island was transformed into a death factory. 

 The article offers great insight into this little known island region and if you are interested in Russian history I would recommend picking up a copy of this months Conde Nast Traveler.

A man named David Howe, was recently contacted by a genealogist in England who informed him that he was a direct descendant of the last King of the Isle of Man, who reigned about 500 years ago.

For those of you who don’t know the Isle of Man, located in the Irish Sea is a beautiful, self governing island of about 80,000.

Howe who has described the experience as surreal has proclaimed himself King of the Isle of Man. Naturally many Isle of Man residents are not happy about this proclamation and are demanding that the authorities do something about it.

Howe has stated that he is surprised by the backlash stating “I have no plans to invade.” However, Howe also admits that that this is something to enjoy and is a tribute to his ancestors.

In my opinion I think this is all in good fun. However, if I was from the Isle of Man I would be a little angry that some American was running around calling himself the King. My advice to Mr. Howe would be to appreciate and share your unique history but if you want to be King of an Island, you should probably buy one somewhere where no one else lives.

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