• 27 June 2025
• |
• 12:46

Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom better known for its monasteries and Gross National Happiness, has quietly positioned itself as one of the world’s most Bitcoin-rich nations.

Behind the scenes, the country has accumulated roughly $1.3 billion worth of BTC—an amount that rivals nearly 40% of its entire economy.

This digital fortune didn’t come from trading or speculation, but from mining—powered almost entirely by hydropower. Using its vast network of mountain-fed rivers, Bhutan began diverting excess electricity into Bitcoin mining operations starting around 2019. These activities were discreetly managed through state-owned Druk Holding & Investments and a partnership with Bitdeer, a major crypto mining firm.

By turning renewable energy into digital wealth, Bhutan has not only avoided the environmental backlash that plagues many mining operations, but also created a novel financial cushion. Bitcoin proceeds have reportedly helped fund salary increases for civil servants and support development projects at a time when tourism—the country’s traditional revenue stream—remains under pressure.

As most countries still debate crypto regulations, Bhutan’s approach stands out. It’s one of the first to quietly integrate Bitcoin into national strategy—without fanfare or hype. Some analysts say its success could inspire other small nations with access to clean energy to explore similar paths.

Still, the strategy comes with obvious risks. Market volatility could easily shrink the value of Bhutan’s holdings. But for now, with Bitcoin near record levels, the country’s crypto reserves may soon be worth more than half its GDP—cementing its role as an unlikely but forward-looking player in the global digital economy.

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