Bhutan may be best known for its serene landscapes and Gross National Happiness, but lately, crypto watchers have one burning question: how much does Bhutan have in Bitcoin? As it turns out, the Himalayan kingdom has quietly built one of the largest sovereign Bitcoin holdings in the world.
How Much Bitcoin Does Bhutan Really Own?
As of June 27. 2025. Bhutan is reported to hold approximately 12.000 to 13.000 BTC, valued at over $1.3 billion. That's nearly 40% of the country's GDP—an extraordinary allocation for any government, let alone one as small and traditionally conservative as Bhutan.
Unlike many other countries whose crypto reserves stem from seizures or speculative purchases, Bhutan has accumulated its Bitcoin through state-backed mining operations powered by 100% renewable hydropower.
Why Did Bhutan Start Mining Bitcoin?
Bhutan's Bitcoin mining operations are overseen by Druk Holding & Investments (DHI), the commercial arm of the Bhutanese government. Their strategy is focused on:
Economic diversification: Reducing reliance on tourism
Environmental sustainability: Using clean, excess hydropower to mine BTC
Financial sovereignty: Holding decentralized assets to hedge against global market volatility
This isn't an impulsive move. Bhutan began mining Bitcoin in secret years ago and only confirmed its activities in 2023. Now, the country is positioning itself as a major green mining hub.
What Are They Doing With the Profits?
The revenues from Bitcoin have had a direct and meaningful impact:
Civil servant salaries have been doubled
National development projects are receiving increased funding
The country is building the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), a crypto-forward special administrative zone
Additionally, Bhutan is diversifying its holdings into other major cryptocurrencies like Ethereum (ETH) and Binance Coin (BNB), preparing a strategic crypto reserve to support long-term development.
What's Next for Bhutan's Crypto Strategy?
Bhutan's next big step involves partnerships and scaling:
Collaborating with Bitdeer Technologies to expand mining to 600 MW
Embedding crypto infrastructure into Gelephu Mindfulness City
Participating in global crypto dialogues, potentially influencing neighbors like India
Conclusion
So, how much does Bhutan have in Bitcoin? Enough to make it the third-largest national holder in the world—and perhaps the smartest small country in crypto. With clean energy, long-term vision, and economic innovation, Bhutan is turning its mountains into a modern financial powerhouse.
