Research Flags Bitcoin Nation-State FOMO-27 In, 13 About To Join

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In a bold new development that could make your head spin, a report from the illustrious Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI) reveals that the once niche fascination with Bitcoin by nation-states has evolved beyond mere “legal tender experiments.” Governments are diving headfirst into what can only be described as a free-for-all of strategic reserves, sovereign mining, and even taking your taxes in Bitcoin. Yes, you read that correctly: your taxes might soon be paid in a digital currency that could send your grandmother into a tizzy. 💰

Nation-State Bitcoin Adoption Accelerates

Authored by Jake Langenkamp and Renee Sorchik, this dazzling study, published on September 22, 2025, argues that “27 countries currently have some measure of exposure to bitcoin-approximately one in seven worldwide,” with a further “13 countries actively pursuing or considering such measures.” Ah, the sweet taste of FOMO (fear of missing out) has now officially become a national pastime. 🌍

And what exactly do we mean by “exposure,” you ask? It’s not about getting your Bitcoin wallet on your phone (though you should), but rather any official pathway a government takes to own, earn, or profit from Bitcoin. So yes, even beyond the simple “hey, let’s make this currency legal” route, it’s a veritable buffet of national Bitcoin strategies that include tax payments, sovereign wealth funds, and the ever-popular sovereign mining.

The report even gives a special nod to smaller-scale trials, like state-level reserves and municipal tax programs. They’re looking at these as potential future models for national policies. Data collection wrapped up on June 6, 2025, so you can imagine how fast the announcements have been rolling in. 📈

But the real kicker here? As of late May 2025, a grand total of 32 countries were either actively involved or had plans in the works to get involved with Bitcoin. Talk about international peer pressure. Among them, 27 were already involved, with 13 still putting together their own Bitcoin plans. Welcome to the Bitcoin gold rush, everyone! 🏃‍♂️💨

Now, let’s not pretend this is some small-scale experiment. With the UAE doing everything short of turning Bitcoin into a national mascot, it’s clear that Bitcoin adoption is a real force to reckon with. 🏆 The country’s strategy? Government-backed mining, sovereign wealth fund ETF purchases, and-of course-tax acceptance. Seems like Bitcoin isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a full-blown geopolitical chess piece.


Speaking of geopolitical moves, here’s a little trivia: while 7 countries are still sitting on seized Bitcoin (a.k.a. passive holdings), 5 countries have gone as far as accepting Bitcoin for taxes. Forget your typical tax audits-soon enough, your government might be auditing your crypto wallet. Talk about progress! 💼

Different Options For Bitcoin Exposure

Now, don’t get all jittery thinking that everyone’s jumping straight into Bitcoin mining or making it their national currency. No, no. The game is much more nuanced. While some countries are enjoying the perks of government-backed mining, others are keeping it low-key with passive holdings. But here’s the thing: passive holdings are becoming the new “we’re just not ready to sell yet” tactic. Just imagine, Bulgaria and Venezuela sitting pretty on their stolen Bitcoin like it’s a vintage bottle of wine they’re saving for a special occasion. 🍷

The report even dives into the minutiae of what’s already active and what’s still on the drawing board. For instance, 11 countries are knee-deep in government-backed mining, while only 4 have dipped their toes into the Strategic Bitcoin Reserves (SBR) game. But don’t worry, the 13 countries thinking about it aren’t exactly sitting idle. Their proposals mostly lean towards SBRs, though a few are considering mining, pensions, and taxes. Because why not throw all your eggs into one (digital) basket? 🥚💸

Let’s zoom in on the reserve game for a moment. Some countries, like Switzerland and Saudi Arabia, are using indirect reserves through large positions in Bitcoin-treasury companies like MicroStrategy. The United States, on the other hand, is simply hoarding Bitcoin as part of an executive order, and-no surprise here-others are following suit. Because when in doubt, copy the big guys, right? 🇺🇸

Oh, and speaking of the U.S., let’s not forget about El Salvador. Their Bitcoin journey has been a rollercoaster ride from legal tender status to amassing over 6,100 BTC. It’s almost like watching a national portfolio go from “novelty” to “this might actually work.” 📊

In a dazzling move, the U.S. Executive Order also set the stage for something called Bit-Bonds, where Bitcoin is used as partial collateral. Sounds like a financial wizard’s dream, doesn’t it? But hey, if it works, it works. Maybe someday, your Bitcoin holdings could be the key to lowering your country’s borrowing costs. 🚀

In the end, the authors argue that Bitcoin’s rise is unstoppable, especially since 2024-2025 saw a whirlwind of adoption that doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. If anything, the global momentum makes a reversal look as unlikely as your cat suddenly liking water. 🐱💦

At press time, BTC was trading at $112,490. Just in case you were wondering. 📉

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2025-09-24 16:01