Principality of Pontinha
The Principality of Pontinha is a micronation on an islet, which is physically joined to Madeira island, Portugal.
History
King Carlos I of Portugal sold the islet on October 9, 1903 to the Blandy family of Madeira, who were involved in Madeira wine. The money was needed by the king to develop the port of Funchal.
The principality was purchased by the art teacher Renato de Barros in 2000 for £19,500 from the Blandy family. Renato Barros I communicated on November 30, 2007, confirming the independence of the island from Portugal, which first occurred in 1903.
The Royal Charter of October 26, 1903 has the following content:
The principality introduced bitcoin in December 2015, as the official currency by the Prime Minister of Pontinha Joby Weeks.
In February 2017, José Manuel Coelho asked for political asylum in the self-declared principality, which was granted by D. Renato Barros I.