United States leads with 8,133 tons of gold reserves. Germany follows with 3,359 tons, more than double US's. Italy and France have 2,452 and 2,436 tons respectively. Russia, China, Switzerland, Japan, India, and Netherlands complete top ten
Founded in 1906 as Switzerland's central bank. Headquarters located in Bern and Zürich. Operates under Article 99 of Swiss Federal Constitution. Achieved formal independence in 2004
Gold reserves were crucial during World War II for national security. British forces planned to transfer Belgian and Dutch gold to Germany. Belgian gold was transferred to France, then Senegal, then to Germany
Physical gold purchases reached second highest total in 2023. Many countries are shifting away from US dollar as reserve currency. Gold reserves are held by central banks for government payments
CHF is the official currency of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Campione d'Italia. It's the eighth most traded currency globally. Swiss National Bank issues banknotes, Swissmint produces coins
Central banks added 1,037 tonnes of gold in 2023, second highest annual purchase. Gold continues to be viewed favourably as reserve asset