Nick Rankov
| Nick Rankov | |
|---|---|
| |
| Coat of Arms of Bonumland | |
21 May 2015 - 10 January 2020 | |
| Prime Minister | Ivan Gelich |
| Predecessor | Office established |
| Successor | Addison O'Halloran |
| Born | 2000 (age 23–24) Sisak, Croatia |
| Citizenship |  Croatian Bonumlandian
|
| Nationality | Croatian
|
| Political party | Independent |
Nick Rankov was the 1st President and the founder of the Republic of Bonumland. He became a micronationalist in May 2015.
Early life
Rankov was born in 2000 in Sisak (Croatia) from a Croatian father and American mother.
He finished elementary and middle school in Sisak but later moved to Zagreb.
He graduated the High School of Tourism in Zagreb.
Founder of Bonumland
Rankov's interest in micronationalism began when the Republic of Liberland made front pages in almost every Croatian and Serbian newspaper.
He decided he wanted to create his own micronation similar to Liberland. So, in early May 2015, he made first plans to start his own micronation, and decided to name it - the Republic of Bonumland.
He concluded the establishment of Bonumland by signing the Declaration of Establishment on the 23th May 2015.
Personal views and ideologies
Personal views and ideologies of President Nick are quite liberal and west-oriented.
Freedom of speech
He strongly supports the freedom of speech and thinking above all.
In the former Bonumland's newspaper "Bonumland Daily", Rankov said "Freedom of speech and thinking is the foundation of democracy, and thus the foundation of the western civilization itself; therefore, we must keep the freedom of speech and thinking like a treasure"
Same-sex marriage
Rankov supports same-sex marriages and the LGBTQ+ community.
In late 2017, he signed a decree which legalizes the same-sex marriages and even makes them Constitutional.
Abortion
Rankov supports abortion in certain cases - meaning if a woman's health is threatened by the pregnancy, hence by the advice of a doctor.
He also states that women must not be forced to do the abortion in any case; they must make the decision themselves.
Marijuana legalization
He is against the legalization of marijuana and other drugs, although he does support the use of medical marijuana in certain cases.
Immigration
His views on immigration are quite liberal too - he states that "every immigrant has a chance to normal and better life after the horrors of war he/she experienced in their native country".
Religious views
Rankov self-identifies as a Christian, stating he believes in "one, Triune God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit", also stating he believes that "Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior" and that his faith holds "an important place in his life and his heart".
Sexuality
Rankov came out as gay in January 2021 and confirmed his strong support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Foreign policies
As President, he represented Bonumland at home and abroad.
He is usually the first one whom leaders of other countries i.e. micronations used to contact.
He believes that foreign diplomacy and international support among micronations is important and that no micronation should exist in isolation.
In one interview, he stated: "I believe that we need to seek the good in everything. I believe that we can make a deal even in most difficult situations."..
U.M.A.
As of November 2018, President Nick has received following offices within The United Micronational Assembly (or U.M.A. for short):
- Vice Chairman
- Vice-President of The Security Council
- Minister of Affairs
- Press Minister
Awards
President Nick has received a following award/s:
Tagundia: 
- "Medal of the Royal Order of Tagundian Crown", from the King of Tagundia.