Gold is one of the most valuable metals in the world. It is a bright, reddish-yellow mineral with the symbol Au. Gold has a lot of uses because it has a unique mix of practical and aesthetic qualities. It is malleable, ductile, electrically conductive, resistant to corrosion, mostly nonreactive, and, of course, beautiful.
These include jewelry, coins, infrared shielding, gold leafing, tooth restoration, computers, and other electrical devices. Even though gold is useful, it isn’t found very often in nature, which makes it even more valuable.
Since ancient times, gold has been used as a form of money. This led to the establishment of the gold standard. The gold standard was used a lot in the 19th and 20th centuries.
It was a way for countries to make sure that their paper money and coins were worth what they said they were by keeping equivalent amounts of real gold under lock and key. As economies grew, the gold standard became less useful and is no longer used by any country in the world.
But many countries still have a lot of gold in their reserves. As of September 2021, the world’s gold reserves were around 31,695 tons. The top ten central banks with the most gold haven’t changed much over the past few years (see the full list of 100+ countries at the bottom of this page).
Here Are the Top 10 Countries That Have the Largest Gold Reserves in the World
United States
Tonnes:- 8,133.5
Percent of foreign reserves:- 77.5 percent
The United States, in contrast to China and India, is predicted to maintain steady population growth well into the next century. The United States is projected to have a population of around 400 million by the year 2067.
High rates of immigration, which have declined since 2016, and natural rise account for most of the United States population growth (the difference between births and deaths).
Also Read: Let’s Take a Look at the Top 10 Gold Producing Countries in the World!
An annual increase of 0.9% is typical for the United States populace. This year’s 0.60 percent increase in the population is the slowest in a century for the United States. The overall decline in births during the year is to blame. A larger proportion of the population born after World War II is now entering their senior years, which has an impact on the mortality rate.
Germany
Tonnes:- 3,362.4
Percent of foreign reserves:- 74.5 percent
Germany’s population is anticipated to reach its peak of 83.9 million people at the end of 2021, according to current forecasts. Germany’s population is projected to decrease to 74.73 million by the end of the century. As a result, the populations of Great Britain and France will both surpass those of Germany.
Since the 1970s, the death rate in Germany has been higher than the birth rate. At 9.397 births per 1,000 people right now, the birth rate has been falling yearly. There are 11.392 fatalities per 1,000 individuals. Furthermore, Germany has a fertility rate of 1.59 births per woman.
Italy
Tonnes:- 2,451.8
Percent of foreign reserves:- 69.3 percent
According to current forecasts, Italy’s population peaked at 60.67 million people in 2017. Italy has started a population decrease that will reduce the country’s population to 40.18 million by the end of the century.
Italy has a higher death rate than the birth rate and negative net migration. Italy’s birth rate is the lowest it has ever been since the country’s unification, and many young people are leaving to find work in other nations. The birth rate in Italy is 1.32 children per woman.
France
Tonnes:- 2,436.0
Percent of foreign reserves:- 64.5 percent
In the past few years, the Banque centrale de France has only sold a small portion of its gold holdings. The existing reserves include 100 metric tons of gold coins and the remainder in the form of bars measuring around 12.5 kilos each.
One of the four approved depositories of the International Monetary Fund is located in the vaults of the Banque de France in the city of Paris (IMF).
Russia
Tonnes:- 2,295.4
Percent of foreign reserves:- 22.0 percent
In 2018, Russia surpassed China to become the fifth-largest holder of gold.
The expansion of Russia’s gold reserves was viewed as an effort to diversify its investment portfolio beyond American markets. To acquire the bullion, Russia sold primarily U.S. Treasury bonds.
China
Tonnes:- 1,948.3
Percent of foreign reserves:- 3.3 percent
China’s population is expected to reach its peak in 2030, with 240 million people over the age of 65 and a shrinking workforce. China has only gotten older faster than Japan.
China has a very serious population problem because of its one-child policy and selective abortion, which means there are 120 boys for every 100 girls. Estimates show that by 2030, there will be five times as many men in their late 30s who have never been married. This large number of young men who have never been married will hurt population growth.
Switzerland
Tonnes:- 1,040.0
Percent of foreign reserves:- 5.4 percent
Switzerland has one of the most predictable populations because of its modest size and lack of major cultural differences. Consequently, the population is expected to reach 8.6 million by 2020, though this estimate will not be finalized until the next official census is conducted.
Japan
Tonnes:- 765.2
Percent of foreign reserves:- 3.1 percent
Japan is the seventh largest hoarder of yellow metal in the world while having the third largest economy in the world. Its central bank has been one of the most aggressive practitioners of quantitative easing, and in January 2016, it dropped interest rates below zero, all of which have contributed to an increase in demand for gold around the world.
India
Tonnes:- 687.8
Percent of foreign reserves:- 6.5 percent
The recent drop in India’s growth rate can be linked to the country’s expanding urbanization, rising levels of education, particularly among women, and the reduction of poverty.
India’s population growth has slowed noticeably over the past several years, but it is still expanding faster than China. By 2026, when both countries will have around 1.46 billion people, India is predicted to overtake China in terms of population. India is anticipated to overtake China as the world’s most populated nation after 2030.
India’s population is anticipated to peak at 1.65 billion by 2060, after which it will start to decline. In India, the number of children reached a peak over ten years ago and is currently falling.
Netherlands
Tonnes:- 612.5
Percent of foreign reserves:- 67.4 percent
The Dutch Central Bank has stated that its gold reserves will be relocated from Amsterdam to Camp New Amsterdam, located approximately an hour outside of the city. Since the bank has just returned a substantial portion of its gold from the United States, this, as has been pointed out by others, appears unusual.
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