"El Salvador's Bitcoin Secret: Unveiling Berlín's Thriving Crypto Economy"

El Salvador's Bitcoin Marvel: The Hidden Gem in the Mountains

In the heart of El Salvador, nestled in the mountains, lies the town of Berlín, a mid-sized city with a population of roughly 20,000. Unbeknownst to many, this unassuming town has become home to one of the world's largest Bitcoin circular economies. From fruit vendors to motorcycle repair shops, businesses in Berlín accept Bitcoin (BTC) payments, making it possible for residents to pay for almost all their expenses using the cryptocurrency.

Berlín's Bitcoin story is unique. Unlike El Zonte, the surfing village known as Bitcoin Beach, which has grown into a tourism hotspot, Berlín remains relatively unknown, with a small expat community. The difference lies in the fact that Salvadorans themselves have begun using Bitcoin for their everyday purchases. This is a significant development, considering that when President Nayib Bukele made Bitcoin legal tender in 2021, there was an expectation that Salvadorans would quickly adopt the cryptocurrency on a nationwide level.

However, the vast majority of the population stayed away from Bitcoin. In 2023, 88% of Salvadorans hadn't used the cryptocurrency, according to a survey by the Central American University. Critics argued that El Salvador's Bitcoin experiment had failed. But Berlín offers a different story.

When I visited Berlín at the end of January, I expected to find a clique of foreign Bitcoiners using the city as a base. Instead, I found a vibrant community of locals and expats who have embraced Bitcoin as a way of life. The Bitcoin Community Center, located in the heart of town, serves as a social hub where people can learn about Bitcoin, use a bitcoin ATM, and connect with like-minded individuals.

The center provides Bitcoin 101 classes in local high schools, tech training, and English and Spanish lessons. Bitcoin professionals are also encouraged to run seminars when they visit. The pace of Bitcoin adoption in Berlín is accelerating, with 3-5 new people per week showing interest in the cryptocurrency.

The Salvadorans behind the movement are Gerardo Linares and Evelyn Lemus, a young couple who kicked off the Bitcoin circular economy in Berlín. They chose the town for its potential for tourism and the locals' hunger for new ideas. The project officially launched in August 202