The Marshall Islands has launched a national universal basic income scheme offering payments through cryptocurrency alongside traditional methods, marking what experts describe as a global first.
Every resident citizen is eligible to receive quarterly payments of about $200 under the programme, which is designed to ease rising cost of living pressures.
The first payments were issued in late November, with recipients able to choose between bank transfers, paper cheques or cryptocurrency delivered through a government-backed digital wallet.
“We the government want to make sure no one is left behind,” David Paul said.
Paul said the payments are intended to provide financial support without discouraging employment.
$200 per person per quarter does not compel you to quit your job, but it’s actually like a morale booster for people,” Paul said.
The Marshall Islands is a Pacific nation of about 42,000 people located between Hawaii and Australia.
Officials said the scheme aims to function as a social safety net as living costs rise and citizens increasingly leave the country.
Funding for the programme comes from a trust established under an agreement with the United States linked to compensation for historic nuclear testing.
The trust holds more than $1.3 billion in assets, with further US contributions planned through 2027.
Dr Huy Pham said the programme represents the first nationwide rollout of a universal basic income using blockchain technology.
He said blockchain delivery is uniquely suited to reaching citizens spread across hundreds of remote islands.
“We saw the opportunity in what the blockchain has to offer,” Paul said.
Government data shows most recipients currently prefer traditional payment channels over digital wallets.
Officials said many citizens used the funds for food, essentials and community celebrations.
At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $87,410.09.