The Free Republic of Liberland has grown from an eccentric community of radical libertarians into a diplomatic force to be reckoned with, in the 15 short years since it was founded.

The small sovereign state, which occupies a seven square kilometre area of disputed territory between Croatia and Serbia on the west bank of the Danube river, now boasts almost five million citizens. Many of Liberland’s citizens are Bitcoin billionaires and millionaires who have use their citizenship to hide their crypto fortunes from the taxmen of their native lands.

Says founder and leader of Liberland, Vit Jedlicka, “I think it’s high time our revolutionary nation was recognized by the United Nations. My people have spoken, and what they want is for their rights to freedom and liberty to be upheld by the wider international community. I thank the United Nations for welcoming us into their organization.”

Liberland is not the only tax-haven micro nation seeking formal recognition from the international community. Facing increased regulation and taxation at home, the wealthy global crypto-community has banded together to create tiny tax-havens all over the world. Many of these new ‘countries’ are connected with the eccentric billionaire Peter Theil’s controversial Seasteading project which was rescued from obscurity in recent years, due to soaring demand from the crypto elite.

The United Nations spokesperson had no comment on the matter, but was seen surreptitiously checking her crypto wallet account.