TLDR
- U.S. government holds 198,012 BTC, exceeding China’s 190,000 BTC and the UK’s 61,245 BTC.
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Combined, the U.S., China, and UK control 2.1% of Bitcoin’s total supply.
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Most U.S. Bitcoin stems from seizures and the new Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
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Bhutan, UAE, and El Salvador continue to accumulate BTC via mining and purchases.
The United States now holds the largest verified Bitcoin reserve among governments, with approximately 198,000 BTC valued at over $20 billion. This surpasses China, which holds around 190,000 BTC, and the United Kingdom, which controls roughly 61,000 BTC. Combined, the three governments control nearly 449,000 BTC, equivalent to about 2.1% of the total Bitcoin supply.
Much of the U.S. government’s holdings originate from seized cryptocurrency tied to illegal activities. These holdings are now part of a newly established Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, signaling a growing recognition of Bitcoin as a strategic asset in national financial planning.
U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Policy Moves
Under President Donald Trump, proposals were introduced to create a national Bitcoin stockpile to enhance U.S. dominance in the crypto market.
The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve could expand further under the BITCOIN Act, which proposes acquiring up to 200,000 BTC annually over five years.
This initiative positions the U.S. as a leading government holder of Bitcoin while other nations continue to adjust their strategies. While some uncertainty exists regarding the exact number of BTC controlled, the establishment of a formal reserve marks a major policy step toward integrating digital assets into national financial frameworks.
Global Bitcoin Reserves and Mining Efforts
Other countries have also been active in Bitcoin accumulation. Bhutan uses hydroelectric-powered mining to bolster its 10,565 BTC reserve while also increasing civil service salaries.
The UAE holds 6,376 BTC, primarily through government-backed mining firm Citadel Mining. El Salvador maintains its “one BTC every day” strategy, holding 6,319 BTC valued at $725.48 million.
China’s Bitcoin holdings may have declined following liquidations from the PlusToken scam, potentially lowering its previously estimated 190,000 BTC stash. North Korea’s Lazarus Group, after the $1.5 billion Bybit hack, still holds around 804 BTC despite selling over 13,000 BTC in recent months. These shifts highlight a dynamic global landscape in government and state-linked Bitcoin accumulation.
Economic and Strategic Significance of Government Bitcoin Holdings
Governments are increasingly viewing Bitcoin as a strategic financial asset. The U.S. reserve underscores the potential for digital assets to serve as part of national economic planning.
Bitcoin’s role in diversifying reserves, hedging against inflation, and participating in the global digital economy continues to grow.
With countries like Russia approving Bitcoin mining and other smaller nations following suit, the global race to secure Bitcoin or related infrastructure is accelerating. As governments establish reserves and integrate Bitcoin policies, these holdings are likely to influence both crypto market liquidity and international financial strategies.
