Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that operates without a central authority or banks, allowing peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. It's based on a free-market ideology and was invented in 2008 by an unknown entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin uses a public distributed ledger called a blockchain to record transactions, which are validated through cryptography and a process called mining ¹.

*Key Features:*

- *Decentralized*: Bitcoin operates without a central authority, allowing for peer-to-peer transactions.

- *Limited Supply*: The total supply of bitcoin is capped at 21 million.

- *Pseudonymous*: Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a public ledger, but users' identities are not directly linked to their transactions.

- *Fast and Global*: Bitcoin transactions are processed quickly, regardless of location.

- *Low Processing Fees*: Bitcoin transactions typically have lower fees compared to traditional payment systems.

*Current Market Status:*

The current price of Bitcoin is $97,036.22, with a market capitalization of $1.88 trillion. The price has seen a 2.87% increase recently ².

*Uses:*

- *Investment*: Bitcoin is often seen as an investment opportunity, with some institutions and companies adding it to their portfolios.

- *Payments*: Bitcoin can be used for online transactions, and some businesses accept it as a form of payment.

- *Store of Value*: Some people view bitcoin as a store of value, similar to gold ¹$BTC