Economics | The Bhutan Watch

Bitcoin and Digital Currency Mining in Bhutan

by Bikram Adhikari January 23, 2026

Bhutan has quietly emerged as a significant player in the cryptocurrency space. This article presents a comprehensive overview of Bitcoin and digital currency mining in Bhutan, addressing its history, infrastructure, economic impact, geopolitical implications, and current usage at both national and consumer levels. I shall explore how global trends in Bitcoin and digital currencies compare with Bhutan’s unique journey, and how Bhutan’s strategic approach – harnessing renewable energy for crypto mining – has led it to hold a substantial digital asset reserve. The analysis covers major milestones from Bitcoin’s inception to Bhutan’s recent ventures, and provides insight into why Bhutan embarked on this path, what it means for its economy, and how digital currencies are being used on the ground. Read Full

Civics, Economics, Journal 7.1

Lifestyle Illness in Bhutan

by Devi Katel January 23, 2026

Over the past decade, Bhutan has experienced a marked rise in lifestyle-related health problems as traditional patterns of living give way to modern habits. This paper examines emerging non-communicable diseases and risk factors in Bhutan from ~2015–2025, drawing on government data, surveys, and academic studies. It reviews Bhutan’s traditional active, agrarian lifestyle and diet, then detail how rapid socio-economic development has altered lifestyles. Sedentary behaviour, processed diets, and other changes have led to increasing obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The causes of these shifts – urbanisation, globalisation, and changing socio-cultural norms – are explored. The paper analyses the geographical distribution of lifestyle diseases and the age groups affected. Health expenditure trends are reviewed, showing growing government spending on non-communicable disease prevention and treatment. Read Full

Economics, Journal 6.1

Lack of Infrastructure Blurs Mega City Vision

by TBJ Team May 5, 2025

Gelephu faces significant infrastructure challenges, hindering its transformation into a major commercial hub. Despite its flat terrain, which is conducive to development, the town has repeatedly failed to evolve due to inadequate infrastructure. A notable issue is water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change and poor management. Other primary infrastructures such as sanitation, waste management, housing, educational facilities, health amenities and transport are not well planned to cater to the need of a futuristic city. This article traces the challenges of Gelephu in attaining these basic infrastructures that are fundamental to building a mega city. Read full

Economics

Gelephu: Bhutan’s Emerging Trade Powerhouse

by TBJ Team May 5, 2025

Gelephu is a significant trade hub. Historically, Gelephu has played a major role in the country’s trade, showing resilience through economic fluctuations and political upheavals. Its proximity to India is boon for both import and customers from across the border. Its potential as a business hub to connect South and South-East Asia will be tested over time. This article covers trade barriers, legal obstacles and other potential problems that might hinder the realisation of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) as a regional trading hub connecting Bhutan and South Asia with South-East Asia. Read full

Civics, Economics, Journal 6.1

GMC: A Challenging Vision

by TBJ Team May 5, 2025

The proposed Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) represents a transformative urban development initiative in Bhutan, aimed at establishing a pivotal business connection between South East Asia and South Asia. Announced by King Jigme Khesar on December 17, 2023, the GMC aspires to create a holistic living environment attuned to Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), emphasising mindfulness, sustainability, and community well-being. This article explores the vision, strategic location, design principles, stakeholder collaborations, socio-environmental considerations, and potential challenges associated with the GMC. Read Full

Economics

Bhutan’s Employment Conundrum: Challenges and Opportunities

by I P Adhikari February 4, 2023

ABSTRACT Increasing unemployment, absence of government action in job creation, small market and lack of entrepreneurial opportunities are troubling to the Bhutanese population, especially youths, in recent years. The young and educated population is looking for greener pastures overseas and economy is surprisingly becoming remittance reliant. There are multiple factors within the country that needs government attention in order to improve the employment rate for university graduates. The country has a small private sector that hardly can create any new workplaces. The biggest employer is the public sector – that too is shrinking in recent years – in response to costs cutting measures. This study focuses on the historical structure of Bhutanese job market, current trends and future prospects and what it means for the Bhutanese economy in general. Read in full

Economics, Politics

LDC Graduation: Opportunities and Challenges for Bhutan

by I P Adhikari March 8, 2022

Bhutan is graduating from Least Developing Country (LDC) status in 2023. It was granted LDC status in 1971. Bhutan has maintained fair political stability, consistent economic growth, and improved social indicators in the last few decades. However, Bhutan’s graduation comes amid the worst economic blow by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pillars of growth have been shattered but the plan for graduation is unlikely to be extended. Bhutan has not met a few criteria under the Economic Vulnerability Index (EVI) while it has fulfilled other criteria. The graduation is expected to cause no major impact on Bhutan due to its economic reliance (in both grants and trade) on a single country (India). Bhutan has low volume trade with third countries. Yet a sensible amount of grants, funds and market access will be lost that may challenge Bhutan’s continued economic growth and economic prosperity. This article investigates the process, progress, and challenges of the country after it attains the status of a developing nation. Read full