Bhutan is taking a very different approach to Bitcoin. It is not trading it. It is building with it.
The Himalayan kingdom has committed up to 10,000 Bitcoin, worth roughly $860 million, to support the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City, a new economic hub designed for long-term growth.
Bhutan has announced a landmark Bitcoin Development Pledge, committing up to 10,000 BTC (≈ USD 1B) to support the long-term development of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
— gmcbhutan (@gmcbhutan) December 17, 2025
Guided by the vision of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the pledge reflects a values-led,… pic.twitter.com/b81D7ftiqJ
This move treats Bitcoin as a strategic national asset, not a speculative bet. Officials say the holdings could be used through collateralization, treasury management, or simply long-term holding to fund development while protecting value. Final decisions are expected in the coming months.
Gelephu Mindfulness City will operate as a special administrative region and plans to use digital assets as part of its financial reserves. It sits at the center of Bhutan’s broader push to diversify its economy and attract global investment through blockchain.
Bhutan is no stranger to Bitcoin. It was one of the earliest countries to mine BTC at a sovereign level, using excess hydropower to produce Bitcoin with minimal environmental impact. That strategy will continue.
The pledge also fits into a wider digital plan. Bhutan is rolling out blockchain-based digital identity, crypto payments for tourism and merchants, and recently launched TER, a sovereign-backed gold token.
The message is clear. Bhutan is blending Bitcoin, sustainability, and governance into a long-term national strategy, with a focus on future generations.
