In an increasingly digital world, Bhutan—a small Himalayan kingdom known for prioritizing happiness over profit—is carving out a unique path. During his recent visit as part of Binance’s “Crypto-Powered Tour,” CEO Richard Teng highlighted how cryptocurrency aligns surprisingly well with Bhutan’s national philosophy: Gross National Happiness (GNH). Unlike most countries that focus on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Bhutan measures its success through the well-being and contentment of its people. Teng believes crypto can support that mission by offering new tools for empowerment, access, and financial freedom.
Gross National Happiness: A Different Way to Measure Success
Introduced in the 1970s by Bhutan’s fourth king, GNH places emotional, spiritual, and communal well-being at the heart of national policy. Rather than relying solely on economic indicators, Bhutan considers factors like environmental preservation, cultural resilience, and equitable development. The current monarch, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, continues to promote this balanced approach to modernization.
Richard Teng drew parallels between the decentralization and inclusiveness of blockchain technology and Bhutan’s values-driven governance. “At its core,” he said, “crypto is about empowering individuals—giving them access to financial systems, tools, and freedom they might not otherwise have.”
Crypto as a Gateway to Financial Inclusion
One of the strongest arguments Teng made was about crypto’s role in financial inclusion. In many parts of the world, millions remain unbanked or underbanked, lacking access to traditional financial services. Cryptocurrencies offer an alternative—an open and borderless financial system accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
Teng pointed out that in various countries, crypto has enabled people to protect their savings against inflation, send money across borders cheaply, and build small businesses using blockchain-based tools. For Bhutan, these benefits could amplify its efforts to improve the lives of its citizens—not just through state policy, but by offering individuals direct financial agency
Bhutan’s Surprising Crypto Strategy: Mining and Tourism
Despite its reputation for simplicity and seclusion, Bhutan is already deeply engaged in crypto innovation. Backed by its rich hydroelectric power resources, the country has quietly built a state-run Bitcoin mining operation. Reports suggest Bhutan has accumulated over 13,000 BTC—making it one of the largest national holders of Bitcoin globally.
Even more notably, the Bhutanese government is actively working with Binance to make the country more crypto-friendly for tourists. Through a partnership, they’ve enabled crypto payments across a range of services. Whether it’s booking a hotel, paying for a meal, or applying for a tourist visa, visitors can now pay using digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Binance Coin (BNB), and Tether (USDT).
This strategy could help attract tech-savvy travelers and entrepreneurs, boosting tourism revenue while showcasing Bhutan as a forward-thinking nation that still respects its roots.
Connectivity Challenges: The Digital Roadblock
Of course, Bhutan’s ambitious crypto plans don’t come without obstacles. One major challenge is its internet infrastructure, particularly in rural or mountainous regions where connectivity can be inconsistent. A digital economy built on blockchain and real-time transactions relies heavily on stable, fast internet—a resource still unevenly distributed across the kingdom.
However, there’s optimism on the horizon. Bhutan has begun deploying Starlink satellite internet, which promises to bring high-speed connectivity even to remote villages. If successful, this rollout could remove one of the biggest barriers to widespread crypto adoption in the country.
Bridging Tradition and Technology
What makes Bhutan’s experiment especially compelling is its commitment to maintaining cultural identity while embracing change. The integration of cryptocurrency isn’t being driven purely by economic opportunity—it’s being framed as a tool for social and individual empowerment. Teng described Bhutan as a “rare example of how technology and tradition don’t have to be in conflict—they can strengthen each other.”
As the world grapples with how to regulate and integrate digital assets, Bhutan offers a model where technology is used to serve deeper human values, not just financial gain.
Final Thoughts: Can Crypto Support National Happiness?
While it’s too early to measure the full impact, Bhutan’s crypto journey offers a refreshing take on digital transformation. Instead of chasing hype or profits, the country is exploring how crypto can support the happiness, well-being, and autonomy of its people.
With strategic investments in mining, progressive tourism initiatives, and a willingness to innovate, Bhutan is proving that even the world’s most traditional societies can harness modern tools—on their own terms. And in doing so, it asks a powerful question: What if the future of crypto isn’t just about wealth, but about well-being?
