Bhutan Pledges 10,000 Bitcoin Worth $1B to Fund Mindfulness City

Bhutan has made one of the most unusual and ambitious crypto announcements yet, pledging 10,000 Bitcoin worth roughly $1 billion to help fund its “Mindfulness City” project. The move blends the country’s long-standing philosophy of Gross National Happiness with modern digital finance, drawing global attention.

Mindfulness City is envisioned as a sustainable urban development focused on well-being, clean energy, education, and innovation. Rather than relying solely on foreign debt or traditional funding models, Bhutan plans to leverage its substantial Bitcoin holdings as a long-term financial backbone for the project.

Bhutan’s Bitcoin reserves are largely the result of years of state-backed mining powered by hydroelectric energy, making its approach different from countries that buy BTC on the open market. Officials have framed Bitcoin not as speculation, but as a strategic asset that can support national development without compromising sovereignty.

The plan reportedly involves carefully managing and potentially monetizing the Bitcoin over time, rather than selling it all at once. This gradual approach is intended to fund infrastructure while minimizing market disruption and preserving value.

Critics point to volatility risks, but supporters argue Bhutan’s disciplined, long-term mindset makes it uniquely suited to this experiment. If successful, Bhutan could offer a new model for how nations use digital assets not for hype or short-term gain, but as patient capital aligned with social and environmental goals.

In a world where crypto is often linked to excess, Bhutan’s move stands out for its intent: using Bitcoin to fund a city built around balance, sustainability, and human well-being.