Top 5 Countries That Own the Most Bitcoins in 2025

As of mid-2025, more than 463,000 BTC, or about 2.3% of Bitcoin’s total supply, is held by governments globally. While some countries have seized assets from criminal activity, others are quietly accumulating Bitcoin through mining and strategic investments. This growing trend has made Bitcoin ownership by country a critical topic in global finance, geopolitics, and national economic strategy.

So, which countries own the most Bitcoins in 2025? Here's a breakdown of the top five.

1. United States – Nearly 200,000 BTC

Source: Bitcoinist

Topping the list of top 5 countries that own the most Bitcoins is the United States, with nearly 200,000 BTC under its control. These holdings mostly result from seizures linked to criminal investigations, including the Silk Road, dark web markets, and ransomware takedowns.

But in a pivotal shift, President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March 2025 to consolidate these holdings into a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, signaling Bitcoin’s rise from confiscated evidence to sovereign digital wealth.

2. China – Over 190,000 BTC (Estimated)

Source: VOI

Following close behind is China, which accumulated over 190,000 BTC through its 2019 crackdown on the PlusToken Ponzi scheme. The status of these coins remains murky—some suspect liquidation, while others believe they are held in cold storage by Chinese authorities.

Despite its ban on crypto trading and mining, China remains a heavyweight in government Bitcoin holdings, quietly influencing the Bitcoin ecosystem through its past enforcement actions.

READ ALSO: Why China Banned All Cryptos, In-Depth Analysis

3. Bhutan – Up to 13,000 BTC

Source: VOI

Perhaps the most surprising name on the list is the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Through its sovereign fund, Druk Holding & Investments (DHI), Bhutan has mined between 12,000–13,000 BTC using hydropower since 2019.

This approach is unique: It’s green, sovereign, and strategic. At current prices, Bhutan’s Bitcoin stash could represent 30–40% of its GDP, making it the country with the largest BTC-to-GDP ratio globally.

4. United Kingdom – 61,000 BTC (Seized)

Source: Shutterstock

In 2021, the UK seized 61,000 BTC during a money laundering bust connected to Chinese fraud networks operating via British shell companies. While the UK traditionally auctions such assets, recent proposals suggest retaining BTC as a national digital asset, placing Britain among the world’s largest custodians of state-held Bitcoin.

Whether these holdings become a permanent part of the UK’s treasury remains uncertain, but for now, the country is undeniably part of the Bitcoin ownership by country conversation.

READ ALSO: What Is Crypto Tax UK and How Much Is It?

5. El Salvador – Over 6,000 BTC

Source: VOI

El Salvador made history by declaring Bitcoin legal tender in 2021. By early 2025, the country had acquired over 6,000 BTC, supported by its “1 Bitcoin a Day” initiative, state-run geothermal mining, and the launch of Volcano Bonds.

Although it repealed the legal tender law in exchange for an IMF bailout, Bitcoin still plays a central role in its long-term economic vision, branding El Salvador as a Bitcoin pioneer.

Other Notable Mentions

• Ukraine used BTC as a wartime fundraising tool and currently holds ~186 BTC.

• Iran accumulates BTC from regulated mining, though figures remain undisclosed.

• United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rumored to hold large amounts (~420,000 BTC), though unverified.

• Bulgaria was once thought to hold 200,000 BTC, but those claims remain debated.

• Finland, Georgia, and Venezuela each hold modest BTC reserves from legal seizures.

Why Bitcoin Ownership by Country Matters

Bitcoin is no longer just a speculative asset. It’s a geopolitical tool, a digital reserve currency, and for some nations, a lifeline or a hedge against traditional financial instability. Governments are adopting BTC via seizures, mining, donations, or strategic acquisition—and the trend is growing.

For some, like Bhutan, Bitcoin is a national economic strategy. For others, like the US and UK, it's an asset seized and re-evaluated. Regardless of how it’s acquired, Bitcoin is now being integrated into national asset portfolios, reshaping the global economic order.

READ ALSO: Bitcoin(BTC) Price Today

FAQ

Which country owns the most Bitcoin in 2025?

The United States leads with nearly 200,000 BTC, mainly from law enforcement seizures and consolidated under a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

How did Bhutan get so much Bitcoin?

Bhutan mined over 12,000 BTC using renewable hydropower, coordinated by its sovereign wealth fund, DHI.

Did China sell its Bitcoin from the PlusToken seizure?

It’s unclear. Some analysts believe parts were liquidated, while others say they remain in cold storage.

Is the UK planning to keep its seized Bitcoin?

The UK seized 61,000 BTC and is debating whether to retain it as part of national reserves or auction it off.

Does El Salvador still buy Bitcoin?

Yes. Despite removing Bitcoin’s legal tender status, the government continues its daily Bitcoin purchase initiative.