As of late December 2025, the information you shared has evolved from a "secret" into a cornerstone of Bhutan’s national economic strategy. Bhutan is no longer just a passive holder; it has become one of the most proactive "Bitcoin states" in the world.
Here is the updated breakdown of Bhutan’s Bitcoin empire as of December 22, 2025:
1. Massive Reserves & Global Standing
Bhutan’s Bitcoin holdings are managed by Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), the commercial arm of the Royal Government.
Total Holdings: Bhutan currently holds approximately 11,000 to 13,000 BTC.
Market Value: At current 2025 prices, this portfolio is valued at roughly $1 billion USD.
World Ranking: Bhutan is now the 4th or 5th largest sovereign holder of Bitcoin globally, notably holding more than El Salvador. Unlike the US or UK, which acquired BTC through criminal seizures, Bhutan's stash is entirely self-mined.
2. The $1 Billion Pledge for "Gelephu Mindfulness City" (GMC)
The most significant development in December 2025 is the Gelephu Mindfulness City project. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck recently announced a historic move:
The Allocation: Bhutan has pledged 10,000 BTC (approx. $1 billion) to fund the infrastructure of GMC.
The Vision: GMC is a Special Administrative Region in southern Bhutan designed as a "Mindfulness City." It aims to be a global hub for green technology, sustainable finance, and "conscious" businesses.
Economic Goals: The city is the government's answer to youth unemployment and migration, intended to create high-tech jobs and attract foreign investment through a crypto-friendly regulatory framework.
3. Sustainable "Green" Mining
Bhutan's mining operation is often cited as the global gold standard for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance in crypto:
100% Renewable: The mining rigs are powered by Bhutan’s vast hydroelectric resources from Himalayan rivers.
Capacity Expansion: In partnership with Bitdeer, Bhutan has expanded its mining capacity to nearly 600 MW in 2025.
Strategic Use of Waste: They utilize "stranded" energy—surplus electricity that would otherwise go to waste during the monsoon season when domestic demand is low.
4. Economic Transformation
For a country with a GDP of around $3 billion, a $1 billion Bitcoin reserve is transformative.
GDP Ratio: Bitcoin now represents nearly 30-40% of Bhutan's GDP, making it the nation most exposed to digital assets relative to its economy.
Sovereign Wealth: This wealth has allowed the government to fund salary hikes for public servants and invest in national digital identity systems (NDI) based on blockchain technology.