The Bold Experiment of Liberland

In the heart of Europe, between Croatia and Serbia, there exists a tiny patch of land that no country wants. A place where taxes are optional, government control is almost nonexistent, and its self-declared leader dreams of building a libertarian utopia. Welcome to Liberland—an unrecognized micro-nation on the banks of the Danube that claims to be the freest country on Earth.

The Spark of an Idea

One evening in 2015, Vit Jedlicka, a Czech financial analyst and self-proclaimed libertarian, was lost down a Wikipedia rabbit hole when he discovered something that, at the time, he probably thought was too good to be true. He came across a rare patch of land that was unclaimed by any state—and, what’s more, it was only a two-hour flight away from his home country. It was a small plot on the Danube, left unclaimed due to a border dispute between Croatia and Serbia.

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The dispute arose due to conflicting interpretations of where the border along the Danube should have been placed since the collapse of Yugoslavia. Croatia insists on an older border, which would place the land—now called Liberland—on the Serbian side, while Serbia argues that the course of the Danube should define the border. This has resulted in several unclaimed patches of land along the river. Liberland is on the largest and most desirable of these, called Gornja Siga, but there remains more completely unclaimed land on the Danube due to this border dispute.

While the area falls on territory internationally recognized as part of Croatia, the Croatian state does not assert control over it because doing so would conflict with its larger territorial claims. Serbia does not claim it either as it falls outside of its interpretation of the border.

So, if neither of them wanted it, Jedlicka thought, he was going to have it. On April 13th, 2015, Jedlicka declared this land to be “terra nullius,” i.e. no man’s land, and up for claiming. He planted his flag on the ground and read out the founding declaration of Liberland with three other people present (and was then unanimously voted in as Liberland’s first president). The founding declaration, known as Liberland’s “Declaration of Independence,” stated that ‘The Free Republic of Liberland is founded upon the principles of individual liberty, voluntary cooperation, and respect for private property’ and that ‘our aim is to create a society where righteous people can prosper with minimal state regulations and taxation, ensuring that all interactions are consensual and free from coercion.’ The first steps toward Jedlička’s libertarian dream society had been taken.

Serbia was indifferent to Liberland’s proclamation. Serbian officials even found the situation amusing, with then-Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic saying “This little prank does not endanger Serbia.” In contrast, Croatia was opposed to the establishment of Liberland, enforcing border controls and detaining those attempting to enter. Croatian authorities maintained that, while they do not claim the land, they are responsible for maintaining order and preventing an unauthorized settlement.

A Radical Experiment

Liberland is currently a non-internationally recognized country with its own flag, anthem, and motto (“Live and let live”), based on the principles of radical libertarianism. Libertarianism, in its most extreme form, is also known as anarcho-capitalism and essentially consists of a society with little to no government involvement in people’s lives. While the permanent population of Liberland is currently zero, they aim to build a state where all services such as energy, healthcare, waste disposal, and education are handled by private companies. Taxes are optional, and those who opt to pay taxes will be rewarded with shares in the state. Internal security and policing will be provided by volunteers.

Jedlicka has claimed that almost 500,000 people have registered for Liberland citizenship and that architectural firms in the USA, Poland, and Argentina have already put forward development proposals to build high-rise Dubai-like complexes. Liberland is seen in libertarian circles as a future autonomous utopia where people will be able to live as they please, and no one will be oppressed. It is worth noting that, in libertarian circles, this often refers more to the freedom to conduct unregulated business rather than the protection of personal freedoms.

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Critics argue that Liberland’s radical libertarian model—where all services are privatized and taxes are voluntary—would create a society where only the wealthy can truly thrive. Without a central government to enforce social protections, who would provide healthcare for the poor? What happens when disputes arise with no independent judicial system? While supporters view it as a beacon of freedom, skeptics see it as an unsustainable experiment that could easily collapse under the weight of its own ideals.

What Makes a Country?

A country is defined as having a “permanent population, a defined territory, a functioning government, and the capacity to engage in international relations,” as outlined in the 1933 Montevideo Convention. International recognition does not legally determine whether a place is a country, but in a practical sense, it is the only thing that matters. The only country in the world that recognizes Liberland is Somaliland—an autonomous region in Somalia that is also not recognized by anyone else.

Since 2000, there have been just eight new countries recognized by the United Nations. Three of them are Liberland’s neighbors—Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia. At the moment, Liberland has around 80 diplomatic offices in 60 different countries, operated by volunteers who support the project.

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Liberland is open to citizenship applications, though it still has no permanent residents. Out of hundreds of thousands of applications, only a few hundred have been accepted. “Of course, we only accept those we want,” claims Jedlicka. To be accepted as a Liberland citizen, you must be debt-free, wealthy, without a criminal past, and willing to subscribe to the nation’s libertarian ideals. Personal bias and opinions also factor into the decision—Jedlicka was once quoted as saying, “We certainly won’t invite terrorists like Angela Merkel.”

Liberland produces its own beer, wine, and coffee, which are sold internationally to spread the Liberland brand and earn funds for the project.

Liberty on the Water

Liberland’s current focal point for visitors and publicity is the yearly Floating Man festival, held in Apatin, Serbia (close to Liberland). Due to Liberland being a disputed territory, they have been unable to host it on Liberland properly. Instead, it takes place in Apatin, right across the Danube, and utilizes the river by featuring many of its events on boats and rafts. On these floating rafts, there is live music and even floating bars. The festival spans several days and attracts libertarians, crypto fanatics, and tourists from all over the world. There is live music, activities, and talks, generally about libertarianism or blockchain technology, which has become essentially the libertarian of currencies. There is on-site camping, but many also opt to stay in accommodation in the nearby towns and villages. Boat races often take place down the Danube.

Floating Man provides an entertaining weekend but also serves as a platform for people to learn more about the Liberland project and plans for future development, as well as engage with its citizens and officials. At the festival, the use of cryptocurrencies is emphasized. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Liberland’s own cryptocurrency, known as Liberland Merit (LLM), are encouraged for transactions, making the event largely cashless. Many entrepreneurs explore investment opportunities in Liberland during the festival and also use it as a networking opportunity.

The festival has been labeled a “test run” for what life will be like in Liberland once it is fully established. It also serves as an opportunity to host panels on how to become a Liberland citizen. The free-spirited, libertarian vibe of the festival and Liberland society is encapsulated in the eclectic mix of electronic, rock, and world music, as well as fire dancers, acrobats, and spontaneous performances. When attending the festival, you can even get a Liberland stamp in your passport.

Leap into Libertarian Living

If you’re considering relocating to a bold new frontier, Liberland presents a unique opportunity for those who share its libertarian ideals. While permanent residency is still in the developmental phase, with no official timeline announced, the prospect of moving to a community that champions freedom, voluntarism, and minimal governance remains a powerful draw for many. Liberland issues visas and even offers citizenship—albeit highly selective, with only about 1,400 granted out of more than 400,000 applicants as of 2025—which is geared toward entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals who are ready to contribute actively. Note, however, that citizenship does not confer travel or residency rights outside of Liberland.

For those who aren’t interested in relocating but still want to visit Liberland, things have changed significantly since the early years when accessing the area was virtually impossible. During the first few years after Liberland was declared, Croatian border guards patrolled the area heavily, with cases of deportations for anyone trying to enter. However, since August 2023, the situation has improved.

You can now access Liberland by foot, bike, or boat. Croatian border guards still check documents, but they no longer prevent entry, provided that all paperwork is in order. Liberland’s official media team announced in 2023 that an official border crossing had been opened between Croatia and Liberland—of course, Croatia has not recognized it as such.

Keep in mind that Liberland itself has no hotels, restaurants, or established infrastructure yet. As a result, many visitors stay at Liberland ARK Village in Apatin, Serbia. This small resort, located just across the Danube from Liberland’s claimed territory, operates under the same libertarian ideals (though it is undisputedly in Serbia) and offers a gateway into Liberland via kayak or boat ride. The territory of Liberland remains a wild, undeveloped patch of land—mostly trees, grass, and temporary structures like tents and small camps.

Even if traditional tourist activities are few, the sheer symbolism of setting foot in a self-proclaimed autonomous state attracts hundreds of curious explorers and political supporters every year. Liberland also issues visas for visitors, though you’ll still need the correct visas for Serbia or Croatia. Additionally, you can purchase a Liberland e-residency card online, which serves as a sort of ID/bank card valid only in Liberland.

Can the Vision Last?

Liberland’s big ambitions are unlikely to last. Its territory is the second-best alternative for both Croatia and Serbia once their border dispute is resolved, and Liberland is likely to come away empty-handed. However, its plans and growing popularity suggest that Liblerland’s leaders see this as a long-term project, making it interesting to see how things will play out in the future.

“It’s a beautiful piece of land that we are planning to develop into something like a new Dubai or Singapore or Hong Kong.” — Vit Jedlicka speaking at the World Blockchain Summit in Dubai in 2021.

The micronation held elections in January 2025 on Liberland’s blockchain-based voting platform and elected 7 members to its growing congress.

In the nearly ten years since Liberland was founded, its popularity and interest have grown massively but there remains almost no structures on the land, no permanent residents, and no international recognition.

Jedlicka, Liberland’s founder, sees his state as the most progressive and free one in the world. He has brought Liberland to the Metaverse where people can hang around and explore Liberland in a virtual space that stays true to their decentralized and libertarian values.

The virtual version of Liberland has been designed as a futuristic, high-tech city with sleek skyscrapers, waterfront promenades, and digital hubs for business and social gatherings. In contrast to the real Liberland, the virtual version is fully developed, with its own digital government and cryptocurrency-driven commerce. It is used as a networking hub where Liberland “citizens” can interact and explore the nation’s libertarian ideals in a virtual setting.

It is likely that the virtual Liberland is more developed and urbanized than the real place is ever going to be, and while the little patch of land on the banks of the Danube may never become the European Dubai, it is certainly one of the most unique nation-building projects taking place in the continent at the moment.

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Ethan Rooney is an Irish journalist covering global communities, culture, and niche movements. You can find more of his work here.