List of historical unrecognized states


These lists of historical unrecognized or partially recognized states give an overview of extinct geopolitical entities that wished to be recognized as sovereign states, but did not enjoy worldwide diplomatic recognition. The entries listed here had de facto control over significant claimed territory and were self-governing with a desire for full independence or, if they lacked such control over their territory, they were recognized by at least one other recognized nation.

Criteria for inclusion

The criteria for inclusion in this list are similar to those of the list of states with limited recognition. To be included here, a polity must have claimed sovereignty, have not been recognized by any widely accepted state for a significant portion of its de facto existence, and either:
  • had a population and an organized government with a capacity to enter into relations with other states; or
  • had de facto control over a territory or a significant portion of the territory of an otherwise-recognized sovereign state

    Africa

NamePeriodTodayNotes
the Netherlands.svg.png" />Flag of the Netherlands.svg

Americas

NamePeriodTodayNotes
Tsenacommacah1600–1677Now part of United StatesNative American confederation
Theocratic Republic of Guairá1627–1632Now part of BrazilJesuit missions in western of Paraná
Flying Gang.svg.png" />Flag of the Flying Gang.svg

Asia

NamePeriodTodayNotes
Kengwei Republic1776–1839Now part of IndonesiaA member of the Chinese diasporic run Heshun Confederation, this kongsi republic, established by Hakka Chinese, accepted Dutch overlordship in 1823, and was eventually absorbed into a stronger kongsi, Dagang.
Santiaogou Republic1776–1854Now part of IndonesiaAlso known as the Sanda Futing or as the Hexian Zhengting, it allied itself with the Sultanate of Sambas and later the Dutch East India Company. Ironically, in spite of its alliance with the Dutch, the kongsi republic was ultimately annexed by the Dutch, and its members continued their mining operations until 1857.
Lintian Republic1823–1854Now part of IndonesiaAlso known as the Xinle Republic, it emerged late compared to most other kongsi republics, and briefly joined the Heshun Confederation in 1850 before being dissolved by the Dutch colonial government.
Naval_Jack_of_the_Republic_of_China.svg

Europe

NamePeriodTodayNotes-
Couto Misto.svg.png" />Flag of the Couto Misto.svg

Oceania

NamePeriodTodayNotes
United Tribes of New Zealand.svg.png" />Flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand.svg

Antarctica

NamePeriodTodayNotes
Flag_of_the_Imperial_Japanese_Antarctic_Expedition.svg