What, exactly, are micronations? According to Lonely Planet’s new guidebook of sorts, Lonely Planet Micronations, they are societies not recognized as legitimate countries by the U.N. but that “claim land (even if it’s just their own back yards) and have instituted many of the trappings of statehood that we associate with bigger countries,” such as “a flag, a national anthem, currency and stamps.” Some of the dozens of micronations included in the photo-rich book were created for kicks, such as the pirate radio-founded Principality of Sealand off the UK coast and the Conch Republic in the Florida Keys. Others were more earnest in their aims, like the decades-old drug-and-jazz friendly enclave of Christiania in Copenhagen. So is this a guidebook?

According to the authors, absolutely. They write:

Many of the nations included here allow and even encourage visitors. Some even make citizenship available to select applicants (sometimes for a fee). Where possible, we give practical advice on how to get there, and what you’ll find when you arrive. This book gives you all you’ll need to discover the micronational movement from your armchair or—if you’re game—jump on a plane and pay them a visit.”

* Update Dec. 4, 7:45 a.m. ET: Jerry Haines has a brief review in the Washington Post. He writes: “It sounds like an idea hatched late Saturday night in the freshman dorm by perpetually dateless guys.”