The Kingdom of Bhutan’s national ID system has been launched on Ethereum. The country is currently in the process of migrating the information to the Ethereum blockchain, showcasing their rather bold stance in embracing blockchain to empower its 800,000 citizens.
Ethereum Blockchain based National ID system
Bhutan has transitioned its national ID system from Polygon to Ethereum, enabling its nearly 800,000 residents to verify identities and access government services with unparalleled security.
As it stands, the integration is complete, with the full migration of credentials slated for Q1 2026, as per Aya Miyaguchi, the President of the Ethereum Foundation.
Your completely free resource hub designed to boost your knowledge of cryptocurrencies
She was joined by co-founder Vitalik Buterin, Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuk at a celebratory launch.
Miyaguchi expressed excitement, calling the national ID system a “world-first, a “national achievement” and a “global step toward a secure digital future.”
Ethereum’s robust security and privacy features, like zero-knowledge proofs, ensure citizens’ data is safe and accessible.
Bhutan’s Blockchain Journey
Bhutan’s national ID system isn’t new to blockchain. In fact, it’s the country’s third, having previously used Hyperledger Indy and Polygon since August 2024.
Beyond the ID system, the Himalayan nation is now the fifth-largest Bitcoin-holding country, with 11,286 BTC worth $1.31 billion, as of this article.
Mined sustainably using Himalayan hydropower, Bhutan’s Bitcoin stash trails only the U.S., China, the UK, and Ukraine.
In that sense, this fusion of Bitcoin and a blockchain-based national ID system positions Bhutan as a powerhouse in the crypto and blockchain eco-system.
