vik_c - 5:55 pm on Aug 5, 2010 (gmt 0)

Except for the weather part... you were describing Canada.

Canada takes self employed people only if they're accomplished or recognized at the national level in art and culture. Beats me why! If you're an entrepreneur you need to have $1 million before they'll even look at you. Odd since only 5% of Canadians are millionaires. You can also start a regional business and invest about $200,000 but you'll have to create jobs and agree to settle in parts where - 15 c temperature is probably seen as a warm day :) If Canada made its immigration easier, it seems a lovely country to settle in.

I've always fancied Mexico

Mexico is probably a better choice for Americans. I'm in India. Besides, it doesn't seem like a very peaceful country. I don't know personally anyone from here who's ever settled there.