How To Start Your Own Country
Season 1
Not Rated
This six part BBC series follows intrepid everyman Danny Wallace as he takes up the challenge and begins the unlikely odyssey of setting up and running his own country. From the corridors of power at Whitehall to a rusting war fort in the North Sea, Danny cuts through the red tape and meets a host of extraordinary individuals all keen to help him with his quest.
Where to Watch Season 1
6 Episodes
- Birth Of A NationE1
Birth Of A NationWallace investigates territory for his proposed country, beginning by visiting Sealand. He meets the man who owns the Moon, he "invades" Eel Pie Island but leaves his post of "leader" when the Police are called. He makes friends with the Major General of the British Army. He eventually decides upon the area of his flat as the Territory and makes a declaration of Independence which he gives to Tony Blair. - State Of A NationE4
State Of A NationWallace visits two very different 'utopian' communities, the planned town of Celebration which maintains its pleasantness through strict rules and regulations, and the anarchic self governing neighbourhood of Christiania. He also speaks to a Catholic Cardinal about the role of religion in society and to Sheriff Joe Arpaio about law and order. A sombre visit to death row and an interview with a death row prisoner leads him to decide against the death penalty in his country. - The Bank Of DannyE5
The Bank Of DannyWhen he struggles to pay his electricity bill, Wallace begins to kick-start his country's economy. He investigates the National Debt, with advice from former Chancellor of the Exchequer Kenneth Clarke. He designs his own currency, the IOU (Interdependent Occupational Unit), which he shows to Andrew Bailey, the Chief Cashier at the Bank of England. He also discovers the Principality of New Utopia and interviews the UK Pro Consul, Tony Nicodemous. He applies for international aid, and fails, due to the wealth of his citizens. - The United NationE6
The United NationWallace attempts to enter the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 with a song called "Stop the Muggin', Start the Huggin'". In an attempt to officially become a country, he travels to New York to try to win the support of the United Nations. The lack of a territory lets him down. This final episode ends with a gathering of citizens in Leicester Square, where Wallace reveals that the country is to be called Lovely.
