The strange case of Africa’s Bir Tawil, a land that no one wants
Can you think of a place that is not governed by any law or ruled by a state? Probably not. But there is a small piece of land in Africa, hanging between Egypt and Sudan, which is not the part of any country. It’s Bir Tawil, a land without any vegetation that is 2,060 km2 in size, slightly larger than the world’s smallest nation, the Vatican City of Rome. Bir Tawil means 'tall water well,' but ironically, the environment is arid. But why does no one want this land? Come, let’s find out.
Explained, the unclaimed status
Both Egypt and Sudan were colonised by the British Empire during the late 19th century. The British colonisers rearranged the borders transferring Bir Tawil from Sudan to Egypt and making the oil-rich Triangle of Hala’ib a part of Sudan. While Sudan didn’t return the Triangle of Hala’ib, Egypt refused to take Bir Tawil. So, from 1902, this arid land of Bir Tawil gained its unclaimed status.
Crazy attempts to claim Bir Tawil
Even though it is difficult to reach Bir Tawil, its position as the world's only truly unclaimed area has driven many people to undertake the journey. The first known visit from a person desiring to 'claim' Bir Tawil was made in 2014. Jeremiah Heaton, a farmer from Virginia, reportedly travelled there at the request of his daughter after she allegedly asked him whether she could ever be an actual princess. Heaton saw this as the best alternative to her marrying a royal. Upon arrival at Bir Tawil, he hoisted a flag and declared it the Kingdom of North Sudan! However, he is not the only one to do so. Zhikharev, a Russian radio professional, claims that he is the one who owns Bir Tawil. On the other hand, an Indian IT entrepreneur, Suyash Dixit claimed the land as the 'Kingdom of Dixit' in 2017.
So, does it belong to any of these strange people? Fortunately, none of the international organisations have acknowledged these attempts!
Does anyone live in Bir Tawil?
Though many assert that Bir Tawil is deserted, it is not true. The Ababda tribe (people of northern Sudan and southern Egypt) fiercely defend this area as their natural homeland. They are very hostile to individuals who claim this land as their own. People work in the region's gold mines, which are run by the Ababda tribe, with most employees appearing to come from the Darfur region in Sudan.
What about the population size of Bir Tawil? No one can confirm it, but some tourists say that Bir Tawil Town can house a significant population (about thousands of people) at any moment.
The unclaimed status of Bir Tawil is the result of British colonialism. Though it is not in control of either Egypt and Sudan, neither country wants to have a new country near its borders, no matter how little.