People have always thought that gold was one of the most valuable and stable things in the world. For hundreds of years, it has stood for wealth, stability, and financial security. Gold is still a key part of the world’s economies, even in this age of digital currencies and advanced financial systems. Countries keep large amounts of gold on hand to keep their money stable, protect against inflation, and give them a cushion when the economy is uncertain. As of 2025, both traditional powerhouses and new economies are actively increasing their gold reserves around the world.
1. The US has 8,133.5 Tonnes.
With about 8,133.5 tonnes of gold, the United States still has the most in the world. Fort Knox, the Denver Mint, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York are some of the safest places to keep this gold. The U.S. has been at the top for decades, which is a sign of its long history as a global financial leader. Gold is very important for making the U.S. dollar more trustworthy and giving the U.S. more economic power around the world.
Germany: 3,351.5 Tonnes
With a huge 3,351.5 tonnes of gold, Germany is in second place. In recent years, the Deutsche Bundesbank, Germany’s central bank, has brought back a lot of its gold reserves from other countries to make sure they are easy to get to and to protect the country. Gold is still an important part of Germany’s plan to keep the Eurozone stable. It protects against inflation and market swings.
3. Italy: 2,451.8 Tonnes
With 2,451.8 tonnes of gold, Italy has the third-largest gold reserves in the world. Italy has always kept its gold stockpile as a financial safety net, even when the economy has faced problems from time to time. The Banca d’Italia takes care of the reserves. They see gold as a “non-political” and “crisis-proof” asset that helps keep trust in the national economy and gives international markets confidence.
4. France: 2,437.0 Tonnes
France is very close behind Italy, with about 2,437 tonnes of gold. The Banque de France has always kept a lot of gold on hand because it is an important part of its foreign exchange reserves. French policymakers think that gold is a good way to protect against currency depreciation and uncertainty around the world. The fact that the country is still committed to keeping large gold reserves shows that it has a long-term plan for financial stability and independence.
5. Russia: 2,332.7 Tonnes
Over the past ten years, Russia’s gold reserves have steadily grown, reaching about 2,332.7 tonnes in 2025. The Central Bank of Russia has been working hard to de-dollarize its economy by building up its gold reserves instead of its foreign currency reserves. This plan is meant to keep the country’s economy safe from sanctions and changes in the value of currencies around the world. Russia’s focus on gold shows how much it wants to build a stable and self-sufficient financial system in the face of geopolitical tensions.
6. China: 2,279.6 Tonnes
China’s gold reserves keep growing, and they now hold 2,279.6 tonnes. China sees gold as a strategic asset that helps keep the Chinese yuan stable and makes the country’s finances stronger. China is the world’s second-largest economy. In recent years, the People’s Bank of China has steadily increased its gold holdings. This is part of the country’s plan to move its reserves away from U.S. assets. This steady growth fits with China’s long-term goal of becoming a more powerful player in the global economy.
7. Switzerland—1,039.9 Tonnes
Switzerland is known for being neutral and good at banking. It has about 1,039.9 tonnes of gold. Even though it is a small country, it has a big share of the world’s gold reserves compared to its size. The Swiss National Bank uses gold as part of its monetary policy to keep the Swiss franc stable and safe from shocks from outside the country. Switzerland has a long history with gold and is a major player in the global gold market.
8. India: 876.1 Tonnes
India’s gold reserves have been steadily growing over the past few years, and by 2025 they will be about 876.1 tonnes. As part of a larger plan to diversify its foreign exchange portfolio, the Reserve Bank of India has been actively adding gold to its reserves. In India, gold is very important to both culture and the economy. It is seen as a symbol of wealth and a safe investment. India is one of the biggest gold buyers in the world. Its growing official reserves show that its economy is growing and that it is committed to keeping its money safe.
9. Japan: 846.0 Tonnes
Japan has about 846 tonnes of gold, making it the ninth most gold-rich country in the world. The Bank of Japan keeps these reserves as a way to protect itself from economic uncertainty and improve its position in the foreign exchange market. In the last few years, Japan has been careful but steady about buying gold. It has balanced its large foreign reserves with the need for a variety of assets that do well when the market goes down.
10. Netherlands—612.4 Tonnes
The Netherlands comes in tenth place with 612.4 tonnes of gold. The Dutch central bank, De Nederlandsche Bank, has said that it trusts gold’s long-term value and even called it the “anchor of trust” for the financial system. Some of the Netherlands’ gold has been brought back from foreign vaults to be stored in the country. This is part of a global trend among central banks to keep physical control over their reserves.
What Gold Reserves Are and Why They Matter
A country’s financial system needs gold reserves to work. They are a way to keep your money safe, protect it from inflation, and show that the economy is strong. When paper money and the stock market go up and down, gold stays the same. Central banks buy gold to boost trust in their national currencies and shield their economies from shocks from outside.
In the last few years, rising inflation, geopolitical tensions, and uncertainty in the markets have led many countries to keep or add to their gold reserves. Gold keeps showing that it is a timeless and reliable way to protect yourself as central banks move away from risky assets and foreign currencies.
In conclusion
As of 2025, the list of countries with the most gold reserves is still pretty stable. The US, Germany, and Italy are still at the top, while China and India are slowly moving up the list. As more and more people around the world focus on financial security and diversification, gold will continue to be a key part of central bank strategy for years to come.
Gold is the ultimate symbol of resilience, trust, and lasting value in an unpredictable global economy. It is a timeless asset that still defines economic strength in the 21st century.
