The global cryptocurrency market was valued at $4.67 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $11.71 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research. Bitcoin ownership has emerged as a significant investment avenue for governments worldwide, with some holding substantial reserves while others maintain smaller quantities.
Global Bitcoin Ownership by Governments
- Total Government Holdings: Approximately 565,749 BTC (2.69% of circulating supply), per Riverlearn.
- Acquisition Methods: Seizures from criminal activities, Ponzi schemes, and treasury allocations.
- Transparency: Most governments remain private about their Bitcoin reserves and usage intentions.
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Top 10 Governments Ranked by Bitcoin Holdings
1. United States
- BTC Held: 215,000 BTC (~$8.3 billion).
- Source: Primarily through law enforcement seizures since 2020.
- Key Insight: The U.S. leads globally, with assets growing steadily via confiscations (Forbes).
2. China
- BTC Held: 194,775 BTC (~$3.9 billion).
- Source: Seized from the PlusToken Ponzi scheme.
- Legal Note: Courts ruled funds be forfeited to the national treasury.
3. United Kingdom
- BTC Held: 61,000 BTC (~$4 billion).
- Source: Confiscated from individuals Jian Wen and Zhimin Qian.
4. Germany
- BTC Held: 50,000 BTC (~$2.17 billion).
- Source: Largest-ever crypto seizure in 2018 (Police Statement).
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5. Ukraine
- BTC Held: 46,351 BTC.
- Population Ownership: 12.7% of Ukrainians own crypto (Triple-A).
- Seizures: $1.5 million in crypto assets from ex-official Yury Shchigol.
6. El Salvador
- BTC Held: 2,381 BTC (~$147 million).
- Profit: 40% ROI since 2021 purchases (CoinDesk).
- Citizenship Program: Offers expedited citizenship for BTC donations.
7. Bhutan
- BTC Held: 621 BTC (~$26.41 million).
- Mining: Began in 2019 when BTC was ~$5,000 (BitcoinTreasure.net).
8. Venezuela
- BTC Held: 240 BTC.
- Petro Failure: National cryptocurrency Petro shut down in 2022 due to corruption.
9. Finland
- BTC Held: 90 BTC.
- Seizures: Sold 1,889 BTC in 2021, donating $48 million to Ukraine (Bloomberg).
10. Georgia
- BTC Held: 66 BTC (~$4.2 million).
FAQs
Q1: Which country holds the most Bitcoin?
A: The United States leads with 215,000 BTC (~$8.3 billion).
Q2: How do governments acquire Bitcoin?
A: Through seizures, treasury allocations, and mining (e.g., Bhutan).
Q3: Is Bitcoin ownership transparent?
A: Most governments are private about reserves, but seizure records provide insights.
Q4: What was El Salvador’s Bitcoin ROI?
A: Over 40% profit since 2021 purchases.
Q5: Why did Venezuela’s Petro fail?
A: Corruption scandals led to its 2022 shutdown.
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Bitcoin’s role in national treasuries underscores its growing legitimacy as a strategic asset. Governments balance secrecy with opportunistic acquisitions, shaping the future of global crypto adoption.
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