Gold, a symbol of wealth and power since ancient times, still occupies a central place in the global economy. Its value as a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty makes it a key element of national reserves. In addition to serving as the basis for monetary policies, gold plays a vital role in maintaining currency stability and as a geopolitical tool in the hands of countries with the largest reserves. It was researched which countries hold the most gold in the world and how these reserves affect their economic and political power.
Leading countries by gold reserves
The United States (U.S.) dominates, it is estimated that there are more than 8,000 tons in reserves. Those reserves, located mostly in Fort Knox and other secure locations, reflect the strength of the U.S. dollar and its global dominance as a reserve currency.
Germany is next with reserves of around 3,400 tons. In addition to representing economic security, Germany’s gold reserves are a symbol of the country’s post-war reconstruction and economic stability.
Italy and France, each with reserves hovering around 2,400 tons, show how European countries value gold’s role in economic security and independence.
China is intensively increasing its gold reserves, which now reach over 1,900 tons. The move is part of a broader strategy to position the yuan as a serious alternative to the U.S. dollar in the world market.
Large gold reserves allow countries not only to secure their currency, but also to influence the global financial market. In times of crisis, countries with large reserves can use gold as a bargaining chip or to stabilize their economies. Furthermore, the presence of large amounts of gold can serve as a deterrent against economic or military interference by other states. Although owning gold brings many benefits, there are also challenges such as insurance, storage, and costs associated with its maintenance. Environmental and ethical problems related to gold mining are also increasingly in the focus of the international community. Despite these challenges, the gold market remains vital, with predictions that countries will continue to accumulate gold in an attempt to diversify their reserves and protect themselves from global financial turbulence.
Gold remains one of the foundations of global financial stability, with leading countries racing to increase their reserves. These reserves are not only an indicator of economic power, but also a tool for preserving national security in uncertain times. As the world faces economic challenges, the role of gold and the countries that control its reserves will only grow, making them key players in shaping the future of the global economy.
How much gold do the countries in the region have and what is the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)?
According to available information, BiH has about three tons of gold. Serbia has by far the most in the region, about 36 tons, while North Macedonia is in second place with 6.8 tons. It is interesting that Croatia sold its gold reserves. That move did not turn out to be the right one as the price of gold bullion rose significantly in the years that followed, N1 writes.
E.Dz.
