Thirty tech billionaires are backing the creation of a self-proclaimed crypto micronation, dubbed 'Liberland,' on an unclaimed marshland in the Danube River. Founded in 2015 by Czech libertarian politician Vít Jedlička, the project aims to establish a nation free from taxes and government regulation, utilizing blockchain technology for its decentralized autonomous government.
Despite its ambitious vision, Liberland, located on the island of Gornja Siga, currently lacks significant infrastructure and is not recognized by any existing nation. To maintain a presence, the initiative has established a permanent outpost called 'Ark Village' on the nearby riverbank, which features shared living spaces and communal facilities. Investigative reporter Matt Shea gained access to Ark Village for a BBC Two documentary, where he met with Jedlička, referred to as 'Mr. President.'
Jedlička envisions Liberland as a hub for future businesses, including longevity tourism, cryptocurrencies, and artificial intelligence. Chinese crypto billionaire Justin Sun, founder of Tron, was elected prime minister of Liberland in October 2024 through blockchain-based elections. Sun stated that Liberland represents a vision for a society centered on sovereignty, innovation, and individual freedom.
The island of Gornja Siga is situated on the border of Serbia and Croatia and is unclaimed by either country due to a border dispute dating back to the Balkan wars of the 1990s. Initial attempts by Liberland organizers to establish a presence in 2015 were met with border police and patrol boats from Croatia and border crossings blocked by Serbian police.
Since its declaration of independence, Liberland has received over 804,000 applications for citizenship, with more than 1,262 registered citizens. A settlement on the island, which is approximately the size of Gibraltar, has been operational since August 2023, with a core group developing the land, constructing housing, and establishing marina facilities. The Liberland website suggests that non-EU visitors entering from the Croatian side who receive a notice to leave within seven days have enough time to earn citizenship by contributing to community projects.
Citizens use cryptocurrencies, specifically the Liberland Dollar for monetary transactions and network fees, and Liberland Merit for voting and governance, both purchasable with bitcoin. These are used to pay voluntary taxes for the upkeep of the island and its naval force, known as the 'Liberty.' While Liberland's motto is 'To Live and Let Live,' Croatia has described it as a 'virtual caricature,' and Serbia has dismissed it as an 'entertaining act.' The concept of a micronation is not unique, with examples such as the Principality of Sealand, an abandoned North Sea oil rig, having declared independence in 1967.