How to Start Your Own Country is an American non-fiction book written by Erwin S. Strauss about micronationalism, particularly its application to libertarianism and individualism.

Erwin S. Strauss is an American science fiction author with libertarian views, particularly individual freedom and the abolition of the power of the state.

[1][2] Micronations are political entities that claim independence and mimic acts of sovereignty as if they were a real country, but lack any legal recognition.

The first, which the author calls "traditional sovereignty", is done by claiming a territory and seeking diplomatic recognition from an international organisation or world government.

The fourth approach involves residing in a secluded area and refraining from interaction with authorities, without formally seceding or declaring independence.

[8] Strauss was interviewed in 2005 by humorist Danny Wallace as part of the unrelated BBC comedy documentary series How to Start Your Own Country.

[10] Canadian filmmaker Jody Shapiro was inspired to make an eponymous documentary about micronations after discovering a copy of How to Start Your Own Country in a book store.