Got a spare 750 million euros lying around? Well forget Richard Branson's desert island purchase, perhaps it's time you invested in your own micronation. Fortunately enough there's one for sale. A Spanish real-estate agent is currently flogging the world's smallest state - Sealand - a crumbling former anti-aircraft platform in the North Sea, 10km off the coast of Britain.

Retired British army major Paddy Roy Bates, a pirate radio station operator, took over this 10,000 sq foot platform with his family in 1967 declaring himself prince and the Principality of Sealand an independent state in international waters. The only operating, stationery man-made nation in the world, Sealand has been making headlines on and off for years. For example, commandoes from the British Royal Marines once attempted to evict the Bates'; but even more dramatic was the time Dutch and German businessmen kidnapped Prince Roy's son but were overpowered and held as prisoners of war before eventually being released.

In addition to its bizarre history Sealand offers unparalleled water views, comfortable accommodation, a chapel and it's a tax haven to boot. The platform, like any decent micronation, also has its own flag, passport, currency and stamps.