Bitcoin is the world's first decentralized digital currency, launched in 2009 by an anonymous creator known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a peer-to-peer network without the need for a central bank or single administrator.

​Key Facts
​Limited Supply: There will only ever be 21 million bitcoins, making it a "scarce" digital asset often compared to gold.
​Blockchain Technology: All transactions are recorded on a public, immutable ledger called a blockchain, which is maintained by a global network of computers (miners).
​Halving Events: Approximately every four years, the reward for mining new blocks is cut in half to control inflation.
​2026 Context: As of March 2026, Bitcoin remains a major institutional asset. While prices have seen volatility recently—trading in a broad range between $70,000 and $90,000—it continues to be integrated into traditional finance through ETFs and corporate treasuries.