Bhutan Commits $1B in Bitcoin to Develop Gelephu Mindfulness City

Bhutan has committed a whopping 10,000 BTC, worth roughly $1 Billion, to help kickstart the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).

Quick overview

  • Bhutan has committed 10,000 BTC, valued at approximately $1 billion, to develop Gelephu Mindfulness City.
  • This investment increases Bhutan's total Bitcoin holdings to over 11,000 BTC, making it one of the largest government holders of Bitcoin.
  • The Gelephu Mindfulness City aims to create better-paying jobs and retain young people in Bhutan by involving citizens in its development.
  • Bhutan is integrating crypto into its economy by accepting crypto payments in tourism and partnering with global exchanges.

Bhutan has committed a whopping 10,000 BTC, worth roughly $1 Billion, to help kickstart the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). This bold move ties a huge chunk of Bitcoin to a homegrown project. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck laid that out during his national day address.

Government officials make it clear that having Bitcoin set aside as a strategic reserve will allow the country to fund infrastructure without having to sell off assets at a bad time. With this pledge out of the way, Bhutan’s total Bitcoin stash now tops 11,000 BTC, putting it among the world’s biggest government Bitcoin holders.

Key Figures

  • 10,000 BTC – the chunk Bhutan’s invested in GMC
  • Around $1 Billion – what’s that worth
  • 11,000+ BTC – the total amount they’ve got stashed away

Gelephu Mindfulness City – a Vision to Keep Young People Here

Gelephu Mindfulness City went live in 2024 to dampen the exodus of young folks by creating better-paying jobs that’ll keep them at home. This ambitious project covers approximately 10% of Bhutan and offers welcome regulatory flexibility for fintech, digital asset companies, and energy-intensive industries such as crypto mining.

Here’s how it’s supposed to work: instead of making decisions in a boardroom, citizens are treated as key players in the city’s development, which is said to link public engagement directly to project results. Authorities claim that this will ensure long-term development aligns with accountability and the smart use of resources.

Beyond Infrastructure – Bhutan’s Long-Term Plan

Bhutan’s been quietly bringing crypto into the mainstream. They’ve partnered with global exchanges, making it easier to accept crypto payments for tourism and trade. Plus, they’ve designated certain digital assets as part of their national reserves.

  • Crypto payments are now accepted in the tourism industry.
  • They’re teaming up with global exchanges.
  • Bitcoin is now part of their reserves.

By focusing on using Bitcoin to keep capital safe and fund long-term projects rather than just trying to make a quick buck, Bhutan’s showing that digital assets can be used as a tool for growth and stability.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More
Arslan Butt
Lead Markets Analyst – Multi-Asset (FX, Commodities, Crypto)
Arslan Butt serves as the Lead Commodities and Indices Analyst, bringing a wealth of expertise to the field. With an MBA in Behavioral Finance and active progress towards a Ph.D., Arslan possesses a deep understanding of market dynamics. His professional journey includes a significant role as a senior analyst at a leading brokerage firm, complementing his extensive experience as a market analyst and day trader. Adept in educating others, Arslan has a commendable track record as an instructor and public speaker. His incisive analyses, particularly within the realms of cryptocurrency and forex markets, are showcased across esteemed financial publications such as ForexCrunch, InsideBitcoins, and EconomyWatch, solidifying his reputation in the financial community.

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