The 20 Most Libertarian Places on Earth
A list of freedom-loving havens for libertarians and classical liberals
Honorable Mentions
Liberland (not recognized), Hong Kong (recent repression), Sark (tiny, pop. 500)
20. Florida — United States
Total tax burden (at median income): ≈25% — 16/20
Regulatory burden: 7/10
Victimless crime: 4/10
Free speech: 10/10
Autonomy: 7/10
Educational freedom: 5/5
Total: 49/65
Florida is often considered one of the most libertarian-friendly states in the U.S., particularly due to its lack of a state income tax and strong protections for gun rights. It has become a haven for residents fleeing high-tax states, and its opposition to COVID-19 lockdowns and vaccine mandates further cemented its reputation. The state boasts one of the most extensive school choice programs in the country, with highly permissive homeschooling laws. Unfortunately, its strict regulations on victimless crimes and burdensome occupational licensing remain notable drawbacks.
18-19. Próspera & Ciudad Morazán (ZEDEs) — Honduras
Total tax burden (at median income): ≈10% — 20/20
Regulatory burden: 10/10
Victimless crime: 7/10
Free speech: 5/10
Autonomy: 3/10 (9 in principle, but very unstable)
Educational freedom: 5/5
Total: 50/65
Próspera and Ciudad Morazán, two ZEDEs (Zones for Employment and Economic Development) in Honduras, represent one of the most radical experiments in libertarian governance. These regions operate under their own legal frameworks (though much of Honduran criminal law still applies), allowing for low taxes, minimal regulation, and extremely high economic freedom. Honduran authorities have, however, taken steps to undermine the ZEDE system, raising concerns about their long-term viability. Weak protections for free speech in Honduras—although with incomplete applicability to ZEDEs—and an unstable legal environment remain significant risks. Without these concerns, they would be at the very top of this ranking.
17. Zurich — Switzerland
Total tax burden (at median income): ≈25% — 16/20
Regulatory burden: 7/10
Victimless crime: 7/10
Free speech: 8/10
Autonomy: 9/10
Educational freedom: 3/5
Total: 50/65
Although it ranks lower on the libertarian scale than smaller German cantons like Zug or Schwyz—due to its higher taxes and more extensive regulatory environment—Zurich still scores very well by international standards. Its autonomy is high, as with all Swiss cantons.
16. Jersey
Total tax burden (at median income): ≈20% — 18/20
Regulatory burden: 7/10
Victimless crime: 6/10
Free speech: 8/10
Autonomy: 10/10
Educational freedom: 2/5
Total: 51/65
Jersey, a British Crown Dependency, offers a very low tax burden, with a flat income tax rate of 20% for most residents (0% for lowest earners) and an absence of corporate tax (for most businesses), inheritance tax, wealth tax and capital gains tax. Jersey is self-governing, obtaining a perfect score on autonomy, but its educational freedom is limited by its strict homeschooling laws and centralized educational framework.
15. Arizona — United States
Total tax burden (at median income): ≈30% — 14/20
Regulatory burden: 7/10
Victimless crime: 8/10
Free speech: 10/10
Autonomy: 7/10
Educational freedom: 5/5
Total: 51/65
Arizona is a state that balances a relatively high tax burden with strong protections for individual freedoms. It scores well in areas like free speech and educational freedom, offering permissive homeschooling laws and a variety of school choice options. However, some important bureaucratic hurdles still exist, notably in the cable and telecom sectors. The state’s approach to victimless crimes is generally lenient.
11-14. Schaffhausen, Appenzell-Ausserrhoden, Glarus & Graubünden — Switzerland
Total tax burden (at median income): ≈25% — 16/20
Regulatory burden: 8/10
Victimless crime: 7/10
Free speech: 8/10
Autonomy: 9/10
Educational freedom: 3/5
Total: 51/65
The predominantly German-speaking cantons of Schaffhausen, Appenzell-Ausserrhoden, Glarus and Graubünden all uphold strong traditions of economic and personal freedom. Schaffhausen maintains relatively low corporate taxes and a business-friendly environment, encouraging cross-border economic activity with Germany. Glarus, Graubünden and Appenzell-Ausserrhoden are similarly notable for their minimal approach to economic regulation, although taxes are a little bit higher in the latter canton. All exhibit high levels of autonomy, reflecting Switzerland’s broader commitment to local self-governance and subsidiarity.
10. South Dakota — United States
Total tax burden (at median income): ≈25% — 16/20
Regulatory burden: 9/10
Victimless crime: 5/10
Free speech: 10/10
Autonomy: 7/10
Educational freedom: 4/5
Total: 51/65
South Dakota is a standout state for economic freedom, with no state income tax and a very streamlined regulatory environment. Its approach to victimless crimes is less libertarian than some other states, but it remains a strong choice for those seeking freer markets. In my opinion, it’s among the 3 freest American states.
9. Aargau — Switzerland
Total tax burden at median income: ≈25% — 16/20
Regulatory burden: 8/10
Victimless crime: 8/10
Free speech: 8/10
Autonomy: 9/10
Educational freedom: 3/5
Total: 52/65
According to the latest Avenir Suisse (Swiss classical liberal think tank) Freedom Index, Aargau is the freest canton in Switzerland. While I believe the index tends to understate the region’s fiscal disadvantage compared to other top players from the same country, there’s certainly a case to be made for Aargau’s notable freedom. Indeed, it achieves a remarkable balance between economic and personal liberties.
8. Nevada — United States
Total tax burden (at median income): ≈25% — 16/20
Regulatory burden: 7/10
Victimless crime: 9/10
Free speech: 10/10
Autonomy: 7/10
Educational freedom: 3/5
Total: 52/65
Nevada embraces many libertarian policies. The state has no income tax, and its overall tax burden remains low. It has some of the most permissive laws regarding victimless crimes in the U.S., with legalized prostitution in certain counties, recreational marijuana, and widespread gambling. However, strict land-use regulations—particularly in and around Las Vegas—significantly restrict property rights and economic flexibility.
7. Appenzell-Innerrhoden — Switzerland
Total tax burden (at median income): ≈20% — 18/20
Regulatory burden: 7/10
Victimless crime: 7/10
Free speech: 8/10
Autonomy: 9/10
Educational freedom: 3/5
Total: 52/65
Appenzell-Innerrhoden is one of the lowest-tax regions in Switzerland. Although it doesn’t particularly excel in any one category compared to other Swiss cantons, Appenzell-Innerrhoden offers one of the most balanced libertarian environments in the world. Of course, it also benefits from the extensive self-governance inherent to the Swiss confederation.
5-6. Obwalden & Nidwalden — Switzerland
Total tax burden (at median income): ≈20% — 18/20
Regulatory burden: 8/10
Victimless crime: 7/10
Free speech: 8/10
Autonomy: 9/10
Educational freedom: 2/5
Total: 52/65
The historic Swiss region of Unterwalden, comprising the cantons of Obwalden and Nidwalden, exemplifies libertarian economics through its low taxes and limited regulations. However, homeschooling laws in the region are extremely strict, limiting educational freedom.
4. New Hampshire — United States
Total tax burden (at median income): ≈25% — 16/20
Regulatory burden: 7/10
Victimless crime: 7/10
Free speech: 10/10
Autonomy: 7/10
Educational freedom: 5/5
Total: 52/65
New Hampshire is often ranked as the most libertarian state in the U.S., as predicted by its Live Free or Die motto and the influence of the libertarian Free State Project. It has no state income or sales tax, and its gun rights are among the strongest in the country. Despite this, New Hampshire ranks in the bottom 20% of U.S. states for gun-related deaths, approaching European-like levels. While marijuana has been decriminalized, other victimless crimes remain restricted. Additionally, land-use regulations are very strict.
3. Liechtenstein
Total tax burden (at median income): ≈15% — 19/20
Regulatory burden: 9/10
Victimless crime: 4/10
Free speech: 9/10
Autonomy: 10/10
Educational freedom: 2/5
Total: 53/65
Liechtenstein is one of the wealthiest and most libertarian places on Earth, featuring low taxes, a business-friendly legal environment, and a strong tradition of private property rights. Its unique system allows municipalities to secede from the principality, granting them unparalleled local autonomy. However, the country’s strict laws on victimless crimes and homeschooling stand out as major drawbacks.
2. Schwyz — Switzerland
Total tax burden (at median income): ≈20% — 18/20
Regulatory burden: 9/10
Victimless crime: 7/10
Free speech: 8/10
Autonomy: 9/10
Educational freedom: 3/5
Total: 54/65
Schwyz is another Swiss canton that excels in providing a libertarian-friendly environment. With low taxes, minimal regulations and a high degree of autonomy, it is a prime example of Switzerland’s commitment to individual and economic freedom. While its economic competitiveness can’t quite compare to the next entry on this list, it offers stronger educational freedom.
1. Zug — Switzerland
Total tax burden (at median income): ≈15% — 19/20
Regulatory burden: 9/10
Victimless crime: 7/10
Free speech: 8/10
Autonomy: 9/10
Educational freedom: 2/5
Total: 54/65
In my opinion, the Swiss canton of Zug represent the world's most libertarian region. Zug is Switzerland’s most economically free canton, with its ultra-low tax rates and minimal regulations that make it a magnet for businesses, particularly in finance, blockchain, and cryptocurrency. Like the other Swiss cantons on this list, it benefits from high levels of autonomy. Its only major fault is its very stringent homeschooling laws.
Hmm, I'm not sure but they certainly wouldn't get anywhere close to the top. I think California is still better than Quebec but it ranked #48 in the Freedom in the 50 States index. In Fraser's Economic Freedom in North America, both Quebec and California ranked in the third quartile (easily in the 4th if Mexico was excluded).
Could you turn audio on your articles on? I like to listen to articles in the gym.