Bitcoin, created in 2009 by the anonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, is the first decentralized digital currency. Operating on blockchain technology, it enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries like banks. Key features include a fixed supply of 21 million coins, transparency, security, and borderless transactions.
Bitcoin’s value has soared since its inception, reaching an all-time high of over $68,000 in 2021. It offers benefits like financial inclusion, inflation hedging, and lower transaction costs. However, challenges such as price volatility, regulatory uncertainty, scalability issues, and environmental concerns remain.
The future of Bitcoin looks promising, with increasing institutional adoption, technological advancements like the Lightning Network, and potential regulatory clarity. Whether as a global currency or a store of value, Bitcoin continues to reshape the financial landscape, offering a decentralized alternative to traditional money systems.