Countries build state-level Bitcoin reserves worldwide
Over 460,000 BTC is now held by governments worldwide, signalling Bitcoin’s new role as a strategic state asset.
Bitcoin is no longer the preserve of tech-savvy investors and crypto enthusiasts. As of mid-2025, more than 460,000 BTC — around 2.3% of the total supply — is held by governments worldwide, according to blockchain data and legal disclosures.
The shift has elevated Bitcoin’s role in global finance, making it a strategic asset for nation-states.
The United States leads the pack with nearly 200,000 BTC, acquired mainly through criminal seizures. Unlike previous administrations, President Trump’s government has moved to consolidate these funds under a federal Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
China follows closely behind, having confiscated 190,000 BTC from the PlusToken scam, though the fate of much of that stash remains unclear.
Beyond the prominent players, countries like Bhutan have quietly amassed impressive reserves. Using hydropower for mining, Bhutan has reportedly gathered up to 13,000 BTC — worth over $1 billion — equating to more than a third of its GDP.
Meanwhile, the UK holds 61,000 BTC from a money-laundering case, Ukraine used Bitcoin donations during wartime, and Iran requires licensed miners to send their BTC directly to the central bank.
While some nations broadcast their Bitcoin strategy, others operate in silence. From El Salvador’s legal tender experiment to rumours of holdings in the UAE and Bulgaria, the landscape is varied and opaque. Still, one trend is clear: state-level Bitcoin adoption is no longer theoretical.
Governments are actively shaping the future of decentralised money — sometimes loudly, often quietly, but always strategically.
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