Make Your Own Country and Live There!
Brainstorming time. What do we need? There are lots of options, but we’ll start with the 3 basics: Land, People, and Government. (do we even need that last one? We’ll see…)
Land
You need a place to plant your feet. And your flag.
This could be a continent (but I think they’re all spoken for), or a peninsula, or an island. If you’re going ultra-cheap, a raft and anchor works.
You need land for obvious reasons: you need a tree or two for your hammock, a vegetable garden for eats, and depending how likeable you are, you might like a wall. Yup, you need land.
Where to get:
Going with islands, there are plenty for sale. Yes, some cost millions, but some are actually affordable. Here are a few examples:
#1: Dokis Marina Island, Ontario, Canada
Nestled in beautiful Ontario, Canada. Cost: $225,000. Sure, at half an acre, it’s small. But it comes with a house, and a 19′ boat. Best of all, the detached cabin can sleep 4 of your closest friends (who happened to drop by). More info here
#2: King’s Island, Denmark
It’s a fortress & artificial island. Cost: $12,000,000. 17 acres with 200 room estate. Complete with dual Hawk missile defence.
Best of all, it’s located 15 minutes between Copenhagen, Denmark and Malmö, Sweden (2 of my favourite cities). More info here
#3: Isla Gatun, Panama
It’s 3/4 acre large island in a manmade lake. Cost: $30,000. (WOW!) No house, but construction possible. Complete with cellphone coverage from mainland Panama.
Best of all, it’s … $30,000. More info here
If you want to try “shopping” for your own island, try HERE (islands for under $250,000)
People
Most important thing for a country, second to its land: citizens. Odds are, you’re starting with a population of 1: you.
But is that enough? If you’d like company, convince your spouse or buddy to share the “founding father” duty.
Before you know it, you’re building up your new country’s credibility with cool stats like Birth Rate and Immigration!
Government
The law of the land. Maybe this isn’t a positive thought… maybe your old government made you want to get out and start a new country. But whatever the case, having some ground rules is necessary. At least, that’s what the United Nations says is needed before you apply for sovereign nation status.
The easiest way is to assume you’re a libertarian (small government & personal liberties are a good thing). You’ll want to rule very simply and leave everything to its inhabitants. But wait, both the Gov and the inhabitants are one ….you. Cool! Done.
What are you waiting for? Get out there and grab your land! Here’s a shopping list
Optional other stuff
You got land, people and government taken care of. What else is there? Oh, you want to invade someone? And someone to loan you money for it? Well, let’s keep going…
Military
Not necessary for everyone, but helps if you’re a dominatrix or you like entangling alliances.
Side note facts: About 15 countries, or 7% of the world’s nations have no military.
Another 6 or so have no standing army, but some sort of national police/defence presence.
A prime example of a country that feels no need is Costa Rica. If they can swing it, why can’t you?
Industry
Your new country might have natural resources, like wood, fresh water or coconuts. You laugh, but there are a lot of countries out there that don’t have coconuts. If they want to buy yours. How do you handle that? That’s your industry.
And you can earn money from your own personal skills. Maybe you’re a great writer, singer, cabinet maker, coconut husker, or whatever.
Given your valuable skill or natural resource, you just need to find a market for it and make payment simple — those are the 3 essential steps to a startup, according to Chris Guillebeau in his recent book “The $100 Startup.”
Bank
Okay, this is a tough call to even touch on. However you decide, I only suggest you back up your currency against something of true value, e.g. gold, silver, …coconuts.
When you start declaring your currency as “legal tender, because we say so!” …well, you’re no better than the guys you left. (see fiat money)
Bottom Line
You know, all this talk about making your own country…. it’s not really necessary. You can bet there’s already a country out there that’s just like you would do it. It may be easier to just move there!
Go on out there… try them out!
Drop a Comment
If you think I’m missing a key ingredient (or have too many), let me know. If you have a buddy you’d like to come with, send this their way.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t have enough money for your consultation , i would like to move but i can’t afford for your help it’s too expensive for my pockets and i don’t want to say i want it free but thank you anyway you helped me in a way !
No worries, Raul. Outside of the consultation, my first advice would be to read through the blog, make some key decisions and deadlines toward moving. Finally, take a hard look at finances and possible areas for saving. And then, perhaps you and I will be working together to get you hired abroad.
best and thank you,
-jeff
You know , i’m just a student yet and i want to move to Vienna i have talk with my mom but she needs a job before going there , it’s safer in that way but i don’t know how could i find a job for her and then move in Vienna!
Does your mom absolutely need a job from an employer in Vienna, or can she…
b) work for herself while living in Vienna?
c) work remotely (in Vienna) for her current employer?
Raul,
I also want to mention that Vienna is an option for you as a student. Have you looked into study abroad programs in your university (or partner universities)?
It’s very hard i didin’t tell you the whole problem .
Raul, I had to delete your comment with your phone number and personal e-mail. I don’t think you really want that on here for everyone, right?
As for me not knowing the whole problem, the whole story, I do understand that everyone’s situation is different. And that’s makes it hard to help in general advice.
That’s why I now charge for consultation – the conversation quickly turns specific and personal (and extra helpful).
best,
-jeff
So , look , I’m a highschool student , i’m from Romania , Simleu City , a country without future , i mean all i want is to live in Vienna a better city , a better country , i want to move there , but that’s the problem my mom needs a job and then a rent house , she doesn’t know german yet , but she’ll learn i know german a little but i will learn as well , Romania is the meaning of all low quality things you can’t do nothing in this country you know my mom’s salary , 180 euro per motnh and my father has it lower.Please if you could help me with something for my wish comes true , Thank you .
I just want to thank you anyway for everything,
I love it–great idea for a post! I often dream of saving up and building a cabin deep in the woods, far away from everyone (but with internet, of course!). Maybe instead I should be looking for an island to rule…
I love it Michelle! I completely hear you about having a li’l cabin getaway – (must be wired!)
Thank you for your comment – I’m a big fan of The American Resident myself!
-j