Coto Misto was an autonomous territory made up of three villages located in Limia and the Salas Valley regions, Ourense, Galicia. The micro state included Santiago de Rubiás, Rubiás (now in the Spanish municipality of Calvos de Randín), and Meaus (now in the Spanish municipality of Baltar). Couto Misto also included a small strip of land (fields) which is now part of Montalegre, Portugal. The state remained independent from Spain and Portugal until the Treaty of Lisbon in 1864.
It is unclear when exactly Couto Mixto was established as a state; however, it is estimated that its independence lasted around 700 years. Inhabitants of the villages were granted special permissions as citizens of an independent country, including military and tax exemptions, the ability to grant asylum to outsiders, and the ability to deny access to any foreign military contingent. They also had less crop regulations and free trade.
Couto Misto is no longer an independent state; however, remnants are seen in the Common Land Community Trusts that still exist in each of the villages. Established in 1976, the trusts incorporate 654 hectares (6.54 km2) for Rubiás, 452 hectares (4.52 km2) for Santiago de Rubiás and 311 hectares (3.11 km2) for Meaus. Thus most of what was Couto Misto is included in the Common Land Community Trusts.
Coto Misto was recognized as a historical and cultural enclave by vote of the Spanish Parliament in May 2007. The Galacian Parliment recognized the historical singularity of Couto Misto the following year. Couto Misto remains of topic of study and discussion in European countries and government.
Related Associations:
- Couto Misto Friendship Association, Asociación de Amigos do Couto Mixto established in 1998
- Couto Misto Community Association, Asociación de Veciños do Couto Mixto established in 2003
