El Salvador Adds More Bitcoin as Brazil and Kazakhstan Join the Global Adoption Wave

On September 7, 2025, El Salvador marked the fourth anniversary of making Bitcoin legal tender with another symbolic purchase, 21 BTC, worth about $2.3 million. This brought the country’s total holdings to 6,313 Bitcoin, now valued at more than $700 million. The move reinforced the government’s commitment to Bitcoin even as global financial institutions, like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), continue to express skepticism.

El Salvador’s approach has made it a global symbol of Bitcoin adoption. While results at home remain mixed, the international ripple effect is undeniable. At the same time, countries like Brazil and Kazakhstan are introducing their own strategies, signaling that Bitcoin and other digital assets are no longer seen as novelties but as serious tools for national economies.

El Salvador: Four Years of Experimentation

When El Salvador first made Bitcoin legal tender in 2021, it shocked the financial world. Critics predicted chaos, while supporters saw a chance to build a model for financial freedom. Four years later, the results are complex:

• Treasury Growth: The country has steadily increased its Bitcoin reserves, partly through daily purchases and seized assets. Its holdings now surpass $700 million in value.
• Tourism and Remittances: Bitcoin has helped attract international attention, boosting tourism. It has also been tested for remittances, which make up a large share of the country’s GDP.
• Everyday Adoption: Despite these gains, surveys show only about 12% of Salvadorans regularly used Bitcoin in 2024, suggesting the technology has yet to become mainstream in daily life.

To mark this year’s anniversary, the government also unveiled a new educational zone inside the National Library, aiming to improve financial literacy. President Nayib Bukele’s administration has made it clear that Bitcoin will remain a long-term part of the country’s strategy, even when international lenders push for caution.

Brazil: Latin America’s Crypto Powerhouse

While El Salvador grabs headlines, Brazil is quietly building one of the world’s most advanced crypto ecosystems. According to Chainalysis’ 2025 Global Adoption Index, Brazil now ranks fifth worldwide for crypto usage, between mid-2024 and mid-2025. Several factors explain this surge:

• Institutional Interest: Brazilian banks and investment firms are increasingly active in crypto markets.
• Stablecoins: Much of Brazil’s trading volume comes from stablecoins, which are seen as useful for payments and inflation protection.
• Policy Developments: Brazil’s Congress is debating a proposal to create a strategic Bitcoin reserve, echoing recent bills in the United States.

Events like Blockchain Rio 2025 have highlighted Brazil’s growing role. The country’s central bank is testing its own central bank digital currency (CBDC), called Drex, through pilots with 16 banks and fintech firms. With more than 16 million Brazilians (7.8% of the population) owning cryptocurrencies, adoption is far broader than in El Salvador. However, Brazil also applies a 17.5% tax on crypto gains, which has slowed retail enthusiasm. Even so, the infrastructure and regulatory framework position Brazil as a leader not just in Latin America, but globally.

Kazakhstan: From Mining Hub to Digital Reserve

In Central Asia, Kazakhstan is making headlines of its own. The country has long been a major hub for Bitcoin mining thanks to its abundant and inexpensive energy resources. Now, its government wants to move beyond mining into financial strategy. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has ordered the creation of a state digital asset fund that will include Bitcoin in its reserves by 2026. This step mirrors strategies in El Salvador and proposals in the U.S., framing Bitcoin as a strategic asset similar to gold.

Key initiatives in Kazakhstan include:

• Stablecoin Approvals: Regulators have green-lit U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins for use in sandboxes.
• Digital Tenge Expansion: Work is underway to expand the adoption of Kazakhstan’s digital national currency.
• New Digital Ministry: A dedicated ministry for artificial intelligence and digital development has been launched to attract high-tech investment.

While these efforts could strengthen Kazakhstan’s economy, they also face criticism. Bitcoin mining consumes large amounts of electricity, raising environmental concerns that the government must address if it wants long-term credibility in digital finance.

A Patchwork of Global Strategies

Taken together, these developments highlight a world where nations are approaching Bitcoin in very different ways:

• El Salvador treats Bitcoin as a tool for national identity and innovation.
• Brazil focuses on large-scale adoption and integration with banking infrastructure.
• Kazakhstan leverages its energy and mining strengths to build a reserve.

This patchwork reflects both the promise and challenges of global crypto adoption. While some countries see digital assets as an opportunity for growth, others remain cautious, worried about volatility, environmental impact, and regulatory oversight.

Timeline of Key 2025 Milestones

• March: Kazakhstan announces plans for a state crypto reserve fund.
• July: Brazil includes crypto in its tax reform; El Salvador resumes daily Bitcoin purchases despite IMF pressure.
• August: Brazil ranks in the global top five for adoption; Kazakhstan approves stablecoins for regulatory tests.
• September 7: El Salvador adds 21 Bitcoin on its adoption anniversary.
• September 8: Kazakhstan orders the creation of its state reserve.

Final Takeaway

El Salvador’s anniversary purchase, Brazil’s rise as a crypto hub, and Kazakhstan’s ambitious reserve plans show that the Bitcoin experiment is no longer limited to a few pioneers. Governments across continents are starting to see digital assets as part of their long-term strategy. Whether Bitcoin becomes a cornerstone of the global economy or remains a volatile niche will depend on how carefully nations design their policies. But one thing is clear, the conversation has shifted from “if” governments will adopt Bitcoin to “how” they will use it.