In a bold fusion of environmental stewardship and financial innovation, Bhutan has amassed over 10,000 bitcoins—valued at nearly $1 billion as of March 2025—by harnessing its abundant hydroelectric power for mining operations since 2019. The landlocked Himalayan kingdom, known for prioritizing “Gross National Happiness,” now stands as one of the largest government holders of bitcoin globally, surpassing El Salvador’s 6,102 BTC. This strategic accumulation, managed by state-owned Druk Holding & Investments, has become a cornerstone of Bhutan’s economic policy, funding critical public services while championing sustainability.

The bitcoin reserves have directly addressed pressing fiscal needs. In June 2023, Bhutan allocated $72 million from its holdings to finance a 50% salary increase for civil servants, averting a crisis as foreign currency reserves dwindled to $689 million. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay emphasized that bitcoin also supports free healthcare and environmental projects, though salary funding remains its primary use. Bitcoin has filled revenue gaps that traditional sectors like agriculture or manufacturing cannot, Tobgay explained, underscoring the cryptocurrency’s role in stabilizing the nation’s $3.5 billion economy.

Bhutan’s approach extends beyond mining. In January 2025, the government announced plans to diversify its crypto reserves within the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), designating bitcoin, ethereum, and BNB as strategic assets. This move, coupled with a partnership with mining firm Bitdeer to expand capacity to 600 MW by mid-2025, positions Bhutan as a trailblazer in adopting multi-crypto reserves. Tobgay has framed this strategy as a model for small nations, arguing that bitcoin’s decentralized nature offers resilience against inflation and currency debasement.

While critics question the volatility of crypto-dependent budgets, Bhutan’s hydroelectric-powered mining mitigates environmental concerns. Unlike fossil-fuel-reliant operations, Bhutan’s facilities—such as the repurposed Education City site—use renewable energy, aligning with its carbon-neutral pledge. Analysts note this model could attract foreign investment, particularly for nations with untapped renewable resources.

Comparisons to El Salvador, which adopted bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, highlight Bhutan’s pragmatic focus. While El Salvador’s 6,102 BTC lag behind Bhutan’s holdings, both nations exemplify bitcoin’s evolving role in sovereign finance. The U.S., with it’s seized stash of 198,000 BTC, remains the largest holder, but Bhutan’s per capita reserves—over $1,200 per citizen—signal disproportionate impact.

As global economies grapple with inflation and debt, Bhutan’s experiment offers a template: leveraging renewables to mine crypto, stabilize budgets, and diversify reserves. Tobgay’s vision challenges traditional fiscal paradigms, suggesting bitcoin’s potential as more than a scarce digital asset—but a tool for national resilience.

免责声明：本文章仅代表作者个人观点，不代表本平台的立场和观点。本文章仅供信息分享，不构成对任何人的任何投资建议。用户与作者之间的任何争议，与本平台无关。如网页中刊载的文章或图片涉及侵权，请提供相关的权利证明和身份证明发送邮件到support@aicoin.com，本平台相关工作人员将会进行核查。