Michaela
Crypto data platform CoinGecko has shared that governments around the world collectively hold over 463,741 Bitcoin, accounting for about 2.3% of the total supply. While countries like El Salvador and Bhutan have been actively increasing their Bitcoin reserves, others, including the United States and Germany, have been reducing their holdings.
According to an April 28 report, the current government-held Bitcoin reserves decreased from 529,591 BTC in July 2024, reflecting ongoing shifts in government engagement with cryptocurrency.
As of April 2025, the United States government holds around 198,012 BTC—worth roughly $18.3 billion—maintaining its position as the largest state holder of Bitcoin. This total reflects a modest drop since July 2024, following recent asset liquidations.
“A significant development was President Donald Trump’s executive order in March 2025 to create a “Digital Fort Knox”—a strategic cryptocurrency reserve consolidating Bitcoin from asset forfeitures,” the report stated.
China still holds the second-largest government stash of Bitcoin, totaling around 194,000 BTC worth $17.6 billion, despite its prohibition on crypto trading and mining. According to CoinGecko, most of these assets stem from the 2019 PlusToken Ponzi scheme. The government has not revealed any plans for what it intends to do with the confiscated Bitcoin.
Furthermore, other nations continue to influence the Bitcoin landscape through varied strategies. The UK currently holds 61,000 BTC—worth about $5.6 billion—seized from criminal cases, with no clear decision yet on whether to liquidate or repurpose the assets.
Bhutan stands out as one of the few countries mining Bitcoin directly, accumulating 8,594 BTC via hydro-powered operations. El Salvador has grown its reserves to 6,135 BTC through daily purchases, aligning with its ongoing Bitcoin adoption plan.
Meanwhile, Ukraine received 256 BTC in donations—entirely spent on military and humanitarian aid—while Germany sold off its 46,359 BTC holdings in 2024, triggering a notable 15.7% price dip.
CoinGecko noted that governments typically acquire Bitcoin through asset seizures, direct purchases, mining operations, or public donations.
Several governments have acquired Bitcoin through seizures tied to cybercrime, with the U.S., China, and the U.K. leading in holdings from major cases like Silk Road, PlusToken, and money laundering probes.
El Salvador remains the only nation making daily Bitcoin purchases, holding 6,135 BTC as part of its national reserve strategy. Bhutan accumulates Bitcoin via hydro-powered mining, while Ukraine has received over 256 BTC in donations, most of which have been liquidated for military and humanitarian use.
As governments continue to engage with Bitcoin in varied ways, their actions are shaping new precedents for how nation-states might approach digital assets in the years ahead. Whether through regulation, accumulation, or innovation, the role of sovereign players in the crypto space is becoming harder to ignore.
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Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
