$BTC

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency, created in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments, Bitcoin operates without a central authority, relying on a peer-to-peer network and a public ledger called the blockchain to verify and record transactions.

Bitcoins are created through a process called "mining," where powerful computers solve complex mathematical problems. The supply of Bitcoin is capped at 21 million coins, which aims to create scarcity.

Bitcoin can be used to send and receive digital payments globally without intermediaries, potentially offering lower fees and faster transactions, especially for international transfers. It's also seen by some as a store of value, like gold, and as an investment asset. However, its price can be highly volatile. While Bitcoin offers enhanced security through cryptography and transparency via the public blockchain, it also faces challenges like regulatory uncertainty and its association with illicit activities, though legitimate uses are growing.