A Survey Of Developing Crypto-Utopias

There are quite a few places around the world now where various kinds of "Crypto" people are gathering. This isn't just about tax avoidance (although certainly part of it sometimes). It's about creating places where like-minded groups of people can inspire, conspire, enable, design, develop, and grow new economies, new ways of living, new methods of P2P commerce, and New Politics. Where to go may be based on a desire to live a more peaceful life away from Empire, or to breathe freedom, or for money and adventure.

Below is a survey of the places I think have the potential to be the most important havens for working on Cryptocurrency projects, and where possible, engaging in private, permission-less exchange of goods and services. Some of these locations are more for Rogues (Gibralter, an ICO scam haven), Bankers (Zug, Switzerland), Miners (Iceland), or Elves (Mauritius). One of the places on this list may pop out at you as Your Place...perhaps it is.

The List:

Slovenia:

Scenic, picturesque Slovenia has been called "The Silicon Valley of Europe" (doesn't every place want to be called that?). But Slovenia is more focused directly on Blockchain. whereas Silicon Valley is actually more a Venture Capital(VC) haven than a tech haven. Recent statements by the Slovenian government have been extremely positive. Slovenia is hope to projects such as Viberate.

Reference:

https://steemit.com/crypto/@thecryptogeek/is-slovenia-the-next-silicon-valley-for-crypto

Puerto Rico:

The suspected banking home of Tether, Puerto Rico is a potential tax haven for Americans (no federal personal income taxes or capital gains tax). Cryptocurrency conferences have been held there, and projects are moving there. The risks with Puerto Rico are its poor financial health, weak infrastructure, and hurricane risk.

Reference:
http://bitcoinist.com/crypto-billionaires-are-building-a-utopia-in-puerto-rico/

Zug, Switzerland:

Known as Crypto Valley, Zug is develping a very strong cryptoecosystem, driven by the Crypto Valley Association. If you need local talent for a project, Zug might be the place.

Reference:

https://cryptovalley.swiss/

Mauritius:

"Ethereum Island" Mauritius is seen by Joseph Lubin (founder of Consensys) as a potential location for a Blockchain technology hub.

Reference:

https://www.coindesk.com/consensys-nation-mauritius-talks-create-ethereum-island/

Gibralter:

Would not be my pick, but Gibraltar is building an ICO haven.

http://uk.businessinsider.com/gibraltar-stock-exchange-blockchain-ico-rock-token-2018-1

Iceland (Bincoin Mining Paradise):

Several cold-climate locations are getting into mining, after the miners were ejected from China. Iceland is the best of the list in my opinion, due to already being home to various secure co-location facilities, and safely away from the US. Iceland is also less culturally-toxic than Canada.

Reference:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/13/how-iceland-became-the-bitcoin-miners-paradise

Japan:

Japan is my "lifestyle" pick for crypto. There are lots of crypto ATM's here, and many retail businesses are now accepting payment in crypto.

Reference:

https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2018-01-09/tokyo-cryptocurrency-idols-imagine-a-virtual-finance-utopia/.126176

Liechtenstein:

Liechtenstein might be a good option if you are looking to work on crypto projects having to do with private banking. Bank Frick in Liech is reported to be offering a crypto investment program, and the royal family is said to be interested in the potential of cryptocurrency.

Reference:

https://www.coindesk.com/liechtenstein-bank-opens-up-cryptocurrency-investment-for-clients/

This was my first post on Steemit! I hope to do more writing here, on political topics and occasionally trading. I'm a full-time trader currently living in Bangkok. Thanks for reading.