In the maligned episode "Dear Vikings", Squidward says he is "state registered" which would imply Bikini Bottom is simply one state part of a larger country. There is also a map from the forgotten episode "Hide and Then What Happens?" showing Bikini Bottom on one continent:
What would the country's name be, or is it also named Bikini Bottom? How do other cities such as Rock Bottom and New Kelp City fit into this intriguing lore? Why do crappy SpongeBob episodes have interesting lore implications? Why am I asking YOU all of these questions!?