Christiania, also known as the Free State of Christiania is a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood of about 1,000 residents, located in the Christianshavn district in Copenhagen (Denmark). Despite Christiania being considered a large commune by Civic authorities in the country, it has a unique status since it is regulated by a special law, the Christiania Law of 1989.

Christiania has been a source of controversy since its creation in a squatted military area in 1971. The area consists of the former military barracks of Bådsmandsstræde and parts of the city ramparts.

After the military moved out there was sporadic trespassing of homeless people using the empty buildings. On 4 September 1971, inhabitants of the surrounding neighborhood broke down the fence to take over parts of the unused area as a playground for their children.

Although the takeover was not necessarily organized in the beginning, some claim this happened as a protest against the Danish government. At the time there was a lack of affordable housing in Copenhagen.

Christiania was declared open on 26 September 1971 by Jacob Ludvigsen, a well-known “provo” and journalist who published a magazine called Hovedbladet (“The main paper”). Ludvigsen was co-author of Christiania's mission statement, dating from 1971.

The spirit of Christiania quickly developed into one of the hippie movement, the squatter movement, collectivism and anarchism, in contrast to the site's previous military use.

Since its opening, Christiania has been famous for its open cannabis trade, taking place in the famous “Pusher Street”. Although illegal, authorities were for many years reluctant to forcibly stop the hash trade. Finally, its cannabis trade was prohibited by authorities in 2004. Since then, measures for normalizing the legal status of the community have led to conflicts with the police and the Danish authorities, and negotiations are ongoing.

As a sign of rebellion and autonomy, Christiania has been producing its own coins since 1976. Unlike other local currencies, Christiania’s coins (denominated Løn) are accepted by everyone at the Free State and are regularly used as remuneration for the purchase of goods and services and the payment of salaries. One Løn is the equivalent of 50 Danish kroner.

The exchequer of Christiania, effectively the Government of the Free State, manages the currency and any surplus generated by the managing of the Løn is reinvested in social and environmental projects in Christiania.