El Salvador Makes Symbolic Bitcoin Purchase to Celebrate Anniversary
El Salvador recently made a symbolic move by adding 21 Bitcoin to its national holdings to commemorate the fourth anniversary of adopting Bitcoin as legal tender. President Nayib Bukele announced the purchase on X, coinciding with “Bitcoin Day,” the day the country officially approved the use of the cryptocurrency in 2021.
With this new addition, El Salvador’s Bitcoin treasury now holds 6,313 BTC, valued at over $701 million according to government sources. Dropstab data reveals that the Central American nation has invested $300 million in these acquisitions, resulting in an unrealized profit of more than $400 million.
While this transaction may seem like a simple addition to their portfolio, it holds deeper symbolic meaning for El Salvador. By marking the anniversary with another Bitcoin purchase, Bukele reaffirmed his government’s dedication to a policy that has become a cornerstone of his administration’s economic strategy.
El Salvador’s commitment to Bitcoin is evident in the progress made since the decision to adopt the cryptocurrency in 2021. The country’s Bitcoin Office highlighted achievements such as establishing the world’s first Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, launching the CUBO+ Bitcoin and Lightning developer program, and training 80,000 public servants in Bitcoin-related skills.
Additionally, El Salvador has implemented a legal framework for digital asset markets, including the Investment Banking Law passed in 2025. Stacy Herbert, Director of the Bitcoin Office, emphasized these milestones as part of the nation’s efforts to build a strong brand as the “greatest country in the world: BITCOIN COUNTRY.”
However, international observers, notably the International Monetary Fund (IMF), have expressed concerns about the transparency of El Salvador’s reported Bitcoin holdings. In a recent report, the IMF questioned the validity of the country’s growing Bitcoin balance, suggesting that it may be a result of internal asset reorganizations rather than daily purchases as claimed by the National Bitcoin Office.
Despite these challenges, El Salvador remains steadfast in its commitment to Bitcoin and its vision for a future powered by cryptocurrency. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of integrating digital assets into its economy, the world watches closely to see how this bold experiment unfolds.