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Sark - The World's Newest Democracy



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The tiny island of Sark in the English Channel, just became the world's newest democracy. The island was the last remaining feudal system in the West. But under pressure from the UK, the island is about to scrap its old ways in favour of modern democracy.

Sark is a British Crown Dependency but has had its own independent parliament since it was first colonised by Elizabeth I in 1565. The island is just one and a half miles (2.5km) wide and three miles (5km) long and has 600 residents.

Cars are banned from the island and instead its residents get around on bicycles, tractors and horseback. The pace of life is slower in Sark and that is how many of its residents like it - little surprise that it took them so long to embrace modern democracy.
paulkutasi

13 responses // Sark - The World's Newest Democracy

  • Great pod. Until now I wasn't even aware Sark excited. It even took me a minute to find it on Google Earth. What a unique little country, a place time has forgotten.
    devo64
  • Freakin' cool.
    CalPerr
  • I guess the slogan of "Death and Taxes" can be excluded here, its just "Death" that's the only absolute for them.
    TheRemedy_181
  • Outstanding work! Its weird to think that places still like this exist in Modern Western Society. I'm sure this democracy will last.
    Obie321
  • Well done! This is a great little documentary. And it covers a topic I knew nothing about until now. The closest thing I've experienced to Sark is Mackinac Island, MI. No street lights there either. No cars, actually. But it isn't a feudal government. =)
    islek
  • Well done Paul. And its nice to see that democracy can spread without any involvement by George W. Bush!
    liammitchell
  • Great pod: the topic attracted my attention right away; it was well executed, and Paul has a very nice, playful voice.
    AnaMireles
  • Due to the size of Sark, a true democracy is possible!
    jade_azul16
  • What a lovely little place and a lovely film. It reminds me of Fire Island in New York but with no children!

    HFL
    HFL
    • HFL
    • 4 months ago
  • Very interesting. I also had no idea this little gem existed. I like your balanced presentation. Woohoo I learned something new!
    jordanwhitley
  • Great pod, you can travel to the other side of the world searching for interesting places and yet there are amazing little islands like this on our doorstep!
    Elmsend
  • Nicely done pod! I expect to see this one on-air fairly soon.
    mikeygleason
  • Interesting film. I'd heard of Sark before and wasn't sure why- presumably I was told about it because of the feudal system but forgot. It's fascinating that there are all these islands and communities nearby with slightly (or very) different rules. The world's getting smaller and smaller...
    jimhampson

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