Bhutan Commits $1 Billion in Bitcoin to Develop Mindfulness City
Bhutan has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, allocating up to 10,000 BTC, valued at approximately $1 billion, to fund the construction of Gelephu Mindfulness City. This innovative project aims to create a unique economic hub in southern Bhutan, focusing on youth employment and national prosperity. The commitment was announced by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck during his National Day Address, emphasizing the importance of investing in the country’s future.
The Bitcoin Development Pledge will channel the country’s Bitcoin holdings into the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City through various mechanisms, including collateralized lending, risk-managed yield strategies, and long-term holding approaches. This approach allows Bhutan to preserve its capital while financing infrastructure, made possible by the country’s multi-year commitment to leveraging Bitcoin’s compounding value over time. 
Sovereign Mining and Clean Energy Foundation
Bhutan ranks as the world’s fifth-largest government Bitcoin holder, with a total of 13,011 BTC mined since 2021 using surplus hydroelectric power from Himalayan rivers. The renewable energy-powered mining operation converts excess national grid capacity into digital assets without additional environmental impact. According to Bitbo data, the country’s crypto holdings now exceed 11,286 BTC, valued at $1.28 billion. 
Blockchain Integration Across National Systems
Bhutan has made significant strides in integrating blockchain technology into its national systems. The country has deployed blockchain-based national identity systems, serving 800,000 citizens on Ethereum, enabling Verifiable Credentials and digital signing capabilities. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay emphasized the importance of leveraging Ethereum’s globally distributed network to strengthen the security, transparency, and resilience of digital infrastructure. 
Mindfulness City as Economic Catalyst
Gelephu Mindfulness City is designed to attract international capital through regulatory clarity and modern financial connectivity while preserving cultural values. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck framed the project as a shared national enterprise, where citizens function as stakeholders, with new land policies ensuring that Bhutanese from all regions benefit from development proceeds. The monarch emphasized that “every Bhutanese is a custodian, stakeholder, and beneficiary of GMC,” highlighting the importance of inclusive development.
Market Outlook Supports Strategic Holding
The current market outlook supports Bhutan’s strategic holding of Bitcoin, with major asset managers projecting that the cryptocurrency will exceed its previous all-time highs in 2026. Bitcoin traded at $87,274, up 1.9% in Asian hours, as exchange reserves hit record lows and traders awaited US inflation data. Bhutan’s pledge aligns with the growing sovereign and corporate adoption of digital assets, as global crypto ETPs have attracted $87 billion in net inflows since US products launched in January 2024. For more information, visit the original source: https://cryptonews.com/news/bhutan-pledges-1-billion-in-bitcoin-to-build-mindfulness-city-without-selling-reserves/
