Cerralvo Island is a free land with no government. Its residents welcome all freedom-loving individuals who wish to help develop the island.
1. Geography
Location: East of La Paz, Baja California Sur (24°08′N 109°40′W)
Area: 136.5 km² (52.7 mi²)
Bordering nations: Mexico
Coastline length:
Maritime claims: None (3 nm)
Terrain: Mountains, streams, beaches
Climate: Arid, with some plant life
Elevation: 0-640m
Natural resources: Fish
2. Economy
Currency: Cerralvo Credit = 1 gram of silver (Convert to USD CAD EUR GBP JPY)
The Cerralvo credit is the accepted currency standard of most merchants. It is exactly one gram of pure silver. Various private mints produce coins that come in varying denominations. The most common denominations are 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 grams. However, other denominations are produced, especially troy ounce based denominations (15.05g, 31.1g, 62.2g, 155.5g) and many businesses accept troy ounces, often at a slight premium. This is to allow easy use of silver in Cerralvo. In addition to silver, gold and copper are commonly accepted, moreso gold. However, most banks will exchange for silver. Banks also issue receipts (paper currency) to facilitate commerce and security, especially with larger coins.
Copper coins are produced in denominations of 10, 20, and 50 grams (100 grams ~ 1 gram Ag). The copper coins are actually a brass that varies from 95-99% copper. This is to ensure the coins do not have a melt value greater than face. It also allows mints to raise seigniorage to balance their silver coinage.
3. History
The first settlers arrived on the vacant Cerralvo Island on 1 July 2007 and declared it "free of all governance local, national, or international". Since then, it has attracted thousands of freedom-loving individuals of all types, but particularly libertarians. Hundreds of businesses have been set up across the island providing needed goods and services, according to market demands.
Cerralvos growth has been quite significant and it is now comparable to many small island countries, altho more developed. The strong will and spirit of its residents has created much development very quickly, in turn spurring more growth.
4. Military
There is no military per se, but there are various security outfits. In addition, there are two maritime security agencies that patrol the coastal areas. Most security services are operated on a cooperative basis. Members can serve as security or pay premium dues. All members pay annual dues. A few security agencies are for-profit only and charge an annual fee for service.
5. Government and Political Structure
Long name: Free Land/Community/Commonwealth of Cerralvo Island
Short name: Cerralvo Island
Common name: Cerralvo
Government type: None
Central City: Cerralvo City, pop 9580 (located on the southern tip)
Date of founding: 1 July 2007
Constitution: None per se.
Legal system: Common law arbitrators and mediators
6. People and Population
Population: 25,000
Demonym: Cerralvan
People live in various communities across the island. The biggest city is Cerralvo City on the southern coast. Many communities are small and only have a few dozen people. The populace is primarily libertarian in ideology, however there is a significant population of communitarians who have set up cooperatives and communes.
7. Communications
Internet: Broadband coverage is almost fully saturated. Satellite internet access is also common.
Telephones: Landlines are available in most communities. Cellular service is available on parts of the island, except in areas that property owners have designated to be cellular free. Cerralvo has a unique telecommunications system that utilizes telephones similar to a cellphone, but they are plugged into jacks located almost everywhere. Each phone has its own number and can be hooked up to any jack. Connection time takes approximately 2-5 seconds and then calls can be placed to anywhere in the world. Your phone can also receive calls while jacked in. If your phone is not jacked in, the service provider will take voicemails (included with most packages) that can be retrieved when jacked in later. The phones are easily purchased in most stores that might cater that need. Contracts vary according to need.
Radio and TV: Several radio and television broadcast television stations exist on the island and provide music, talk, entertainment, and news. It is also possible to receive transmissions from Mexico. Satellite TV is also available.
Mail/Post: Postal service is provided by several local companies that contract with UPS, FedEx, and DHL for international needs. However, many postal services do provide direct delivery via Correos de México, USPS, and Canada Post.
work in progress
