World News for Students of English

24-09-2026 07:00

Liberland is a self-proclaimed libertarian micro-state located on a small piece of land along the Danube between Croatia and Serbia.

Founded in 2015 by Czech politician Vít Jedlička, the project takes advantage of an unresolved border dispute following the breakup of Yugoslavia. Jedlička aims to create a tax-free, digital state based on meritocracy, where financial contributions grant citizens greater political power than traditional democracy allows. This idea attracts global supporters who feel restricted by taxes and government control; however,

Liberland faces severe practical and legal obstacles. Croatian authorities strictly guard the area, prohibit permanent settlement, and destroy unauthorized infrastructure. Furthermore, no sovereign country recognizes Liberland as an independent state. Visitors and prospective citizens, such as Italian project manager Antonella, view the project as an inspiring alternative to modern governments. However, critics describe it as a utopian experiment that exists as little more than a makeshift campsite on the riverbank.

Difficult words: self-proclaimed (claimed or announced by oneself, without official confirmation, approval, or validation from others), meritocracy (a system or society where people gain power or influence based on their abilities and contributions rather than wealth or social background), sovereign (having full power and independent authority to govern itself without control from outside governments), utopian (aiming for an ideal, perfect society that is usually impossible to achieve in reality).

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