<strong>Welcome to Slowjamastan:</strong> Out in the California desert, a plot of barren land has been turned into a new "country" -- a self-declared micronation.
Welcome to Slowjamastan: Out in the California desert, a plot of barren land has been turned into a new "country" -- a self-declared micronation.
Republic of Slowjamastan Ministry of Communications
<strong>The sultan: </strong>Randy "R Dub!" Williams, a late-night "slow jams" DJ from San Diego, has appointed himself as "the Sultan of Slowjamastan" after creating the country.
The sultan: Randy "R Dub!" Williams, a late-night "slow jams" DJ from San Diego, has appointed himself as "the Sultan of Slowjamastan" after creating the country.
Republic of Slowjamastan Ministry of Communications
<strong>Papers, please: </strong>Slowjamastan issues its own passports to people who have signed up to become citizens. Williams says he's had his Slowjamastan passport stamped by 16 different countries on his recent travels, including South Africa, New Zealand, Vanuatu and the United States.
Papers, please: Slowjamastan issues its own passports to people who have signed up to become citizens. Williams says he's had his Slowjamastan passport stamped by 16 different countries on his recent travels, including South Africa, New Zealand, Vanuatu and the United States.
Republic of Slowjamastan Ministry of Communications
<strong>Stamp of approval: </strong>The Republic of Slowjamastan even claims over 500 registered citizens, while 4,500 more are said to have been conditionally approved or are waiting in the citizenship "queue."
Stamp of approval: The Republic of Slowjamastan even claims over 500 registered citizens, while 4,500 more are said to have been conditionally approved or are waiting in the citizenship "queue."
Republic of Slowjamastan Ministry of Communications
<strong>The nation's capital: </strong>A sign welcome's visitors to Dublândia, the capital of Slowjamastan, where Williams has his open-air government office.
The nation's capital: A sign welcome's visitors to Dublândia, the capital of Slowjamastan, where Williams has his open-air government office.
Republic of Slowjamastan Ministry of Communications
<strong>Tourist attraction: </strong>Citizens and visitors to Slowjamastan must be mindful of bizarre prohibitions to avoid banishment. These include: include "Crocs," "mumble rap" and "people who put their feet on the dashboard."
Tourist attraction: Citizens and visitors to Slowjamastan must be mindful of bizarre prohibitions to avoid banishment. These include: include "Crocs," "mumble rap" and "people who put their feet on the dashboard."
Republic of Slowjamastan Ministry of Communications
<strong>California dreaming: </strong>Officially named The United Territories of The Sovereign Nation of The People's Republic of Slowjamastan, Williams' self-declared "country" is located off California State Route 78, a two-and-a-half-hour drive northwest of San Diego.
California dreaming: Officially named The United Territories of The Sovereign Nation of The People's Republic of Slowjamastan, Williams' self-declared "country" is located off California State Route 78, a two-and-a-half-hour drive northwest of San Diego.
Republic of Slowjamastan Ministry of Communications
<strong>Seeing duble: </strong>Slowjamastan prints its own currency -- the duble.
Seeing duble: Slowjamastan prints its own currency -- the duble.
Republic of Slowjamastan Ministry of Communications
<strong>Animal magic:</strong> Local pastimes include searching for the elusive Slowjamastan raccoon, the national animal.
Animal magic: Local pastimes include searching for the elusive Slowjamastan raccoon, the national animal.
Republic of Slowjamastan Ministry of Communications
<strong>Dub dictatorship: </strong>"We're a dictatorship most of the time," Williams says. "On occasion, we'll hold special voting ceremonies and referendums. Recently, I allowed citizens to vote on what should be our national fruit, sport, and even what our national animal should be named."
Dub dictatorship: "We're a dictatorship most of the time," Williams says. "On occasion, we'll hold special voting ceremonies and referendums. Recently, I allowed citizens to vote on what should be our national fruit, sport, and even what our national animal should be named."
Republic of Slowjamastan Ministry of Communications
<strong>Border patrol: </strong>Williams hires "border guards" and surrounds himself with "security" when he hosts events in the Republic of Slowjamastan.
Border patrol: Williams hires "border guards" and surrounds himself with "security" when he hosts events in the Republic of Slowjamastan.
Republic of Slowjamastan Ministry of Communications