Canada

Bitcoin Countries

Canada was one of the first countries to approve Bitcoin exchange-traded funds, launching the Purpose Bitcoin ETF in February 2021. The country has a well-regulated cryptocurrency market overseen by the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and has seen strong Bitcoin adoption among retail and institutional investors. Canada is also home to significant Bitcoin mining operations, leveraging abundant hydroelectric power in Quebec and British Columbia.

Details

Since: 2021
Status: regulated_friendly
Notable: First country to approve a spot Bitcoin ETF (Purpose Bitcoin ETF, 2021)
Regulator: CSA / FINTRAC
Mining Legal: Yes
Notable Policy: First country to approve spot Bitcoin ETFs (Purpose Bitcoin ETF, February 2021); major mining jurisdiction
Btc Etf Approved: Yes
Regulatory Stance: pro_bitcoin
Bitcoin Legal Status: Legal; regulated by FINTRAC and OSC; first country to approve Bitcoin ETFs

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El Salvador

El Salvador made history on June 9, 2021, as the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender under President Nayib Bukele. The government continues to buy approximately 1 BTC per day, with its national treasury holding approximately 7,565 BTC as of February 2026. El Salvador built the state-sponsored Chivo wallet, launched volcanic geothermal Bitcoin mining operations, and proposed Bitcoin City — a special economic zone powered by a volcano. In 2025, El Salvador reached an IMF agreement that modified Bitcoin's legal tender status while maintaining its Bitcoin treasury strategy.

Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the most Bitcoin-friendly countries in the world, with the canton of Zug (dubbed "Crypto Valley") accepting Bitcoin for government services since 2016. Several Swiss cantons accept Bitcoin for tax payments, the country has clear digital asset property rights, and Switzerland is home to dozens of major Bitcoin and blockchain companies. Swiss banks like SEBA and Sygnum Bank offer institutional Bitcoin services, and the Swiss National Bank has explored digital asset frameworks.

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates has positioned itself as a global hub for Bitcoin and crypto businesses, with dedicated regulatory regimes in Dubai (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority — VARA) and Abu Dhabi (ADGM). Abu Dhabi holds Bitcoin through the Phoenix Group, a publicly listed Bitcoin mining company. Major crypto exchanges including Binance have received licenses to operate in the UAE. The country's zero income tax, strategic location, and regulatory clarity have attracted significant Bitcoin institutional and mining infrastructure.