Located in the Punta Carretas district of Montevideo (Uruguay) it was
founded by Jose Achinelli in 1878 being one of the oldest micronations
of the world. Their credo alludes to Tolerance, Friendship, Fraternity,
and Equality. After World War I, they wanted to emulate the Swiss and
form their own type of Dadaist movement (which was founded in Zurich);
at the time, Uruguay was considered the “Switzerland of South America”
(due to its social peace, its relatively stable democracy, and its
advanced level of economic development). The Republic is reminiscent of
a “secret society”, and it is surrounded by a myth of impenetrability.
Their membership is restricted to those of the masculine gender, and
its members have included some of the most illustrious names in the
field of academia, the arts (painters, photographers, singers,
musicians, actors), science, and high-society (including some
millionaires). Even though one of the articles in their Constitution
states that “Neither women, nor animals, nor inferior beings” are
admitted inside, females are actually allowed entrance twice a year,
for a special dinner.