Around the world, a quiet but powerful shift is happening nations are starting to treat cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin (BTC), as part of their strategic reserves. What was once seen as a high-risk digital experiment is now becoming a legitimate macroeconomic hedge against inflation, currency devaluation, and geopolitical risk.
Currently Holding Crypto Reserves
🇸🇻 El Salvador — In 2021, it became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. The government has steadily been adding BTC to its national reserve, now holding over 6,200 BTC (≈ $760M).
🇧🇹 Bhutan — Mines Bitcoin using 100% hydroelectric power via its sovereign investment fund, holding roughly 12,000 BTC (≈ $1.3B) — a sum significant relative to the nation’s GDP.
🇺🇸 United States — Mostly acquired through seizures from criminal cases, the U.S. government holds about 198,000 BTC (as of July 2025), making it the largest state-level Bitcoin holder in the world.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom — Holds approximately 61,200 BTC, acquired through asset seizures and auctions.
🇨🇳 China & 🇺🇦 Ukraine — Both nations are among the top state BTC holders, with reserves in the tens of thousands of BTC.
In Discussion / Proposed
🇧🇷 Brazil — In November 2024, lawmakers proposed the RESBit bill, allowing up to 5% of national reserves (~$18.5B) to be allocated to BTC.
🇨🇿 Czech Republic — The central bank is exploring a 5% BTC allocation (~€140B in total reserves).
🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇯🇵 Japan — Ongoing debates and policy discussions on Bitcoin as a reserve asset.
🇵🇰 Pakistan — Announced in May 2025 that it will establish a national Bitcoin reserve.
🇯🇵 Japan — Expected to act soon, as it actively reduces U.S. dollar holdings in favor of diversified reserve assets.
Why This Matters
The inclusion of Bitcoin in sovereign reserves signals growing trust in digital assets as a long-term store of value. Just as gold reserves once symbolized financial strength, BTC could play that role in the digital era.