The Global Digital Nomad Population: A Closer Look
The number of digital nomads living and working around the world is on the rise, driven by the growth of remote work and the increasing number of cities and online communities supporting this lifestyle. Digital nomads are individuals who work online, often from locations outside their home country, and they are part of a diverse and rapidly expanding community.
Defining a Digital Nomad
How do we define a digital nomad? The term can be a bit fluid, and different people may have different criteria for who qualifies. For instance, someone like a US citizen who spends almost an entire year in Chiang Mai, Thailand, may be considered a digital nomad, but could also be described as an expatriate. Similarly, an individual who frequently travels within a single state in the US and works from various locations might not fit the typical definition of a digital nomad. However, there are many who travel internationally and have varying levels of success and stability.
Chiang Mai - A Digital Nomad Hub
Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand, serves as a significant digital nomad hub. Known for its pleasant climate, lower cost of living, and numerous coworking spaces, it attracts a large number of digital nomads who come to work, relax, and network. As of February 11, 2019, the Chiang Mai Digital Nomads Facebook group had an impressive 32,500 members, illustrating the city's popularity among this community. However, the actual number of active nomads in Chiang Mai might be fewer, as many are just part of the community or looking to join.
Kohub and Dojo Bali
Two popular coworking spaces in the region further illustrate the digital nomad landscape. Kohub in Bangkok, Thailand, has a strong following with less than 1,200 members, while Dojo Bali hosts around 2700 members. While these numbers reflect the popularity of the spaces, it’s important to note that they don’t necessarily translate to the same number of people actively working from these locations. For instance, at any given time, Kohub has about 60-80 members on site, and Dojo Bali likely has around 80 members, but there are undoubtedly many more digital nomads in Bali in total.
Digital Nomad Population Grows
The number of digital nomads is still relatively small when considered globally, but it is expected to increase as more companies embrace remote work. The growth of work-from-home and remote positions is driving more individuals to consider this lifestyle. Many digital nomads are entrepreneurs, but these are just a small subset of the broader group.
Conclusion
The global digital nomad population is growing, but it's still a niche community that is well-supported by technology, coworking spaces, and online communities. While cities like Chiang Mai are popular destinations, the number of active digital nomads is likely more modest than the numbers might suggest. As this trend continues to evolve, we can expect to see more cities and companies adapting to support and cultivate this growing community.