El Salvador's $1B Bitcoin Stash by 2026: A Sovereign Bet on Cryptocurrency
El Salvador has accumulated a significant stash of Bitcoin since it became the first nation to recognize it as legal tender in September 2021. The country holds approximately 7,474 BTC, valued between $478 million and $481 million at current prices.
Analysts warn that this figure could cross $1 billion by the end of 2026, assuming the accumulation strategy continues and Bitcoin's price appreciates. This would require two things to happen simultaneously: continued daily purchases of one BTC and a meaningful increase in Bitcoin's value.
The country's accumulation strategy involves purchasing one BTC every day, supplemented by income from its own Bitcoin mining operations. President Nayib Bukele has shown no indication of reversing course or selling off the reserve.