Standardized Country Scorecard
How do you evaluate a country you've never lived in?
The Platform Benchmark gives you the analytical framework — matrices for seeing trade-offs. This page gives you the evaluation checklist — the exhaustive set of factors to score when comparing countries as platforms for your life.
Work through these categories systematically. Weight them by your priorities. Score your top 3-5 candidates. Then go visit.
Transformational Forces
Governance
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Political Stability
- Government consistency and predictability
- History of peaceful transitions of power
- Geopolitical positioning and international relations
-
Regulatory Framework
- Cryptocurrency regulations (clear, supportive, or restrictive)
- AI regulation approach (innovation-friendly vs. restrictive)
- Tax treaties and international agreements
- Decentralized leadership structures
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Decision Power
- Concentration of power (centralized vs. distributed)
- Citizen participation in governance
- Transparency in government operations
-
Legal System
- Property rights protection (including digital assets)
- Intellectual property protections
- Efficiency of dispute resolution
- Corruption levels and enforcement
Economic Environment
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Tax Structure
- Personal income tax rates
- Capital gains tax (especially for crypto assets)
- Specific crypto tax exemptions
- Territorial vs. worldwide taxation
- Wealth taxes
-
Financial Infrastructure
- Banking system openness to crypto
- Fiat-crypto gateways
- Financial services availability
- Payment systems and innovation
-
Business Environment
- Ease of doing business ranking
- Startup ecosystem vitality
- Foreign business ownership restrictions
- Support for entrepreneurs
- Industry-specific opportunities
-
Cost of Living
- Housing costs relative to income
- Food and daily expenses
- Healthcare costs
- Education expenses
- Transportation costs
-
Job Market
- Opportunities for internationals
- Remote work infrastructure
- Salary levels relative to global standards
- Work permit accessibility
- Industry growth projections
Technology & Innovation
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AI Development
- AI research institutions
- Government AI initiatives
- AI talent pool
- Ethical AI frameworks
-
Blockchain Ecosystem
- Local blockchain projects and companies
- Crypto adoption rates
- Mining-friendly environment
- Blockchain education and resources
-
Digital Infrastructure
- Internet speed and reliability
- 5G coverage
- Power grid stability
- Data center availability
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DePIN Infrastructure
- Support for decentralized infrastructure
- IoT adoption and innovation
- Smart city initiatives
- Regulatory openness to new infrastructure models
Residency & Immigration
-
Residency Options
- Investment-based residency programs
- Entrepreneur/startup visas
- Digital nomad visas
- Path to permanent residency/citizenship
-
Immigration Process
- Complexity and transparency
- Processing times
- Documentation requirements
- Cost of immigration
-
Integration
- State-funded integration resources
- Expat community networks
- Language barriers and support
- Cultural adaptability challenges
Quality of Life
-
Healthcare
- Quality of medical facilities
- Healthcare accessibility for foreigners
- Cost of healthcare services
- Health insurance options
-
Education
- International schools availability
- Higher education quality
- STEM education focus
- Blockchain and AI educational opportunities
-
Safety
- Crime rates
- Political stability
- Natural disaster risks
- Cybersecurity infrastructure
-
Transportation
- Public transportation quality
- Road infrastructure
- International connectivity (airports)
- Future transportation initiatives
-
Housing
- Housing availability
- Property ownership rights for foreigners
- Real estate market stability
- Rental market quality
Culture & Social
-
Social Glue
- Trust levels in society
- Sense of belonging for foreigners
- Social support networks
- Civic participation opportunities
-
Cultural Harmony
- Attitudes toward foreigners
- Diversity and inclusion
- Equal rights protection
- Religious freedom
-
Work-Life Balance
- Working hours culture
- Vacation time norms
- Family-friendly policies
- Leisure opportunities
Environment
-
Climate
- Weather patterns and comfort
- Seasonal variations
- Climate change resilience
- Air quality
-
Sustainability
- Renewable energy adoption
- Environmental protection policies
- Sustainable agriculture practices
- Nutrient management in soil and oceans
-
Natural Resources
- Water quality and availability
- Green spaces accessibility
- Biodiversity protection
- Resource management practices
Future Outlook
-
Economic Projections
- GDP growth forecasts
- Industry development plans
- Currency stability outlook
- Inflation projections
-
Technology Plans
- Government technology initiatives
- R&D investment trends
- Innovation hub development
- Digital transformation roadmaps
-
Crypto & Blockchain
- CBDC plans
- Blockchain integration in government services
- Crypto industry growth projections
- Regulatory evolution trends
-
AI Readiness
- Workforce adaptation programs
- AI ethics frameworks development
- Automation impact planning
- AI governance structures
Practical
- Language: Official language(s), English proficiency, learning resources
- Time Zone: Alignment with business partners, remote work impact
- Accessibility: International flight connections, visa-free travel, regional mobility
Process
- Prioritize — Rank categories by your circumstances
- Research — Score top 3-5 countries against the checklist
- Weight — Create a scoring system for your priorities
- Visit — Boots-on-the-ground assessment
- Network — Connect with local expats and crypto communities
- Test — Temporary stay before commitment
- Reassess — Review annually as conditions evolve
Resources
Context
- Countries as Platforms — The analytical framework
- Matrix Thinking — Make invisible trade-offs visible
- Goodwill — Trust as compounding asset
- Foundations — What all beings need to flourish