Afghanistan vs Iceland
Crypto regulation comparison
Afghanistan
Iceland
Banned
Legal
Afghanistan effectively banned cryptocurrency in August 2022 under Taliban rule, declaring crypto 'haram' (forbidden). Authorities shut down 16 crypto exchanges in Herat and arrested traders. In 2024, enforcement intensified with provincial bans and public denouncements. Underground P2P trading persists despite the crackdown.
Cryptocurrency is legal in Iceland and subject to a 22% capital gains tax. Iceland is a major crypto mining destination due to abundant geothermal and hydroelectric energy. As an EEA member, Iceland follows EU financial regulations including MiCA through EEA incorporation.
Tax Type
None
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
22%
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
No
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Da Afghanistan Bank (Taliban administration)
Regulator
FME (Fjármálaeftirlitið / Financial Supervisory Authority), Central Bank of Iceland
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable — crypto banned
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation; follows EEA guidelines
Key Points
- Taliban banned crypto in August 2022, declaring it haram (forbidden)
- 16 crypto exchanges shut down in Herat; traders arrested
- 2024 provincial bans with public loudspeaker campaigns against crypto
- Crypto was used during the 2021 transition period for fund transfers
- Underground P2P trading persists for remittances despite ban
Key Points
- 22% capital gains tax on crypto profits
- Iceland is one of the world's largest crypto mining locations due to cheap renewable energy
- FME supervises crypto businesses under AML/KYC regulations
- As an EEA member, Iceland incorporates EU financial regulations including MiCA
- Capital controls (imposed 2008-2017) originally complicated crypto usage but have been lifted