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El Salvador Adds Millions in Bitcoin Despite IMF Pressure

Published by
Vignesh S G

Defying the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) conditions to reduce exposure to Bitcoin, El Salvador has once again made a significant BTC purchase. The Central American nation, famous for its pro-crypto stance, recently acquired 11 Bitcoin, worth nearly $1 million.

What message is this Bitcoin-friendly country sending to the global crypto community?

El Salvador’s Growing Bitcoin Reserve

Reports indicate that at least eleven Bitcoin tokens have been purchased by the Central American country of El Salvador recently. The purchase may have cost at least $1 million, as the BTC price remains at around $93,347.36 right now. 

Before the purchase, the country held at least 6,011 BTC tokens. The latest purchase has raised the country’s BTC reserve to nearly 6,022 Bitcoin tokens, worth approximately $572 million. 

Experts believe that the latest purchase reflects the pro-crypto country’s ongoing commitment to the BTC market. 

Does El Salvador Have a Plan in Place?

El Salvador’s economy continues to face challenges, pushing the government to seek financial support. The country’s $1.4 billion loan application to the IMF was part of its effort to stabilize its struggling economy. Beyond the IMF, El Salvador also plans to approach the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and other regional institutions to secure $3.5 billion in financial aid.

Global Bitcoin adoption is rising as countries and institutions jump on board—read Bitcoin price prediction to see what’s next for the crypto market

Although the IMF approved the loan, it attached conditions that could hinder El Salvador’s crypto ambitions. The IMF’s demands include:

  1. Voluntary Bitcoin Use: Bitcoin acceptance by the private sector must be optional, not mandatory.
  2. Closure of the Chivo Wallet: The government’s official wallet, which offers fee-free Bitcoin and Dollar transactions, should be discontinued.
  3. Restrictions on Tax Payments in Bitcoin: Citizens should no longer be allowed to pay taxes in Bitcoin.
  4. Reduced Public Sector Involvement: The government needs to scale back its participation in Bitcoin-related activities.

A Bold Crypto Experiment

Despite these external pressures, El Salvador’s ongoing Bitcoin purchases highlight its strong commitment to cryptocurrency. Experts see this strategy as a bold move to integrate Bitcoin into its economy and challenge traditional financial norms.

By steadily increasing its Bitcoin reserves, El Salvador is forging a unique path on the global stage. The country’s belief in cryptocurrency as a tool for economic innovation continues to spark global interest, even as its experiment faces significant challenges.

While the risks are substantial, the country’s faith in cryptocurrency continues to redefine how nations might embrace decentralized finance.

FAQs

How much Bitcoin does El Salvador currently hold?

El Salvador holds approximately 6,022 Bitcoin tokens, worth around $572 million as of now.

Vignesh S G

Vignesh is a young journalist with a decade of experience. A proud alumnus of IIJNM, Bengaluru, he spent six years as a Sub-Editor for a leading business magazine, published from Kerala. His interest in futuristic technologies took him to a US-based software company specialising in Web3, Blockchain and AI. This stint inspired him to view the future of journalism through the lens of next generation technologies. Now, he covers the crypto scene for Coinpedia, uncovering a vibrant new world where technology and journalism converge.

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