$BTC

**Bitcoin (BTC)** is the world's first and most well-known cryptocurrency, introduced in 2009 by the pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto. Operating on a decentralized blockchain network, Bitcoin enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries like banks. Its supply is capped at 21 million coins, making it a deflationary asset often compared to "digital gold" due to its store-of-value properties. Bitcoin's price is highly volatile, influenced by factors such as institutional adoption, regulatory developments, macroeconomic trends, and market sentiment. Over the years, BTC has evolved from an experimental digital currency to a mainstream financial asset, embraced by investors, corporations, and even governments. While critics highlight its energy-intensive proof-of-work mining process, proponents argue that Bitcoin offers financial sovereignty, censorship resistance, and a hedge against inflation. As the flagship cryptocurrency, Bitcoin continues to shape the future of decentralized finance and digital payments.