For centuries gold has been synonymous with wealth, stability and economic security. Gold reserves are held by central banks as a kind of insurance policy against an unforeseen economic crisis, currency crash or if there is too much inflation. As of 2025, not a few countries hoard precious metal reserves amounting to the thousands of tons in keeping with their economic and monetary status. A map with the countries that have the highest gold reserves in 2025 is published at this page.
The top ten nations with the biggest gold reserves
1) United States
The U.S. has the largest quantity of gold reserves in the world, with over 8,133.5 metric tons of gold held in storage mostly at Fort Knox. The U.S. gold stockpile has served as a reminder of economic and monetary power.
2) Germany
The second largest gold reserve is in Germany and it consists of approximately 3,355.1 metric tons. Some of that gold, held overseas, has been under audit and management by the German central bank. The country itself does not have any gold mine but is second highest on the list.
3) Italy
Italy is also said to have huge chunk of gold reserve with 2,450.3 tonnes of gold . The Italian government retains a very large holding of its reserves as a form of financial security.
4) France
France has a total of about 2,436.0 metric tons of gold. French reserves are held by the Banque de France which is also an international gold dealer and custodian.
5) Russia
The Russian Federation has been buying more and more of the precious metal over the course of a few years, owning 2,299.9 metric tons in 2025. The move is part of a longstanding effort by Russia to reduce its dependence on currency assets and diversify the country’s reserves.
6) China
An estimated 2,085.0 metric tons of gold are held by China. China’s reserves continue to grow (exact numbers are not provided for), matching its economic growth and currency stabilization ambition.
7) Switzerland
A gold processing laboratory at the Matsa mine in Colombia Switzerland, home to many of the world’s most valuable gold refineries, holds 1,040.0 metric tons of gold as well, most stored for its banking and commercial sectors.
8) Japan
Japan hoards 1,016.0 metric tons of gold in its reserves. Its shares make up its monetary and fiscal security blanket.
9) India
India holds about 768.2 metric tons in gold reserves. As a nation with rich investment history in gold, gold reserves of India are part and parcel to their foreign exchange policies and economic stability.
10) Netherlands
Around 612.5 metric tons of gold are held by the Netherlands, managed by Dutch Central Bank. It is still one of the leading countries in gold holdings.
Why do countries have reserves of gold?
- Economic security: Gold serves as a fall-back in times of economic crisis or when currency is devaluated.
- Money: Gold is used to stabilize the value of national currency.
- International Confidence: Strong reserves inspire the confidence of international traders and investors.
- Diversification: Nations diversify their reserves in order to ameliorate potential financial risk.
Conclusion
In 2025, the country with the largest gold reserves is United States, while other European and Asian nations build up their supply for strategic advantage. Gold still represents wealth and economic strength, thriving as the archetypal asset for countries across the globe. With the changing geopolitical and economic conditions, some central banks may shift their reserves, which could impact future rankings of national gold reserves.