By Aaior K. Comfort

In a recent study ranking countries by their cryptocurrency ownership rates, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged as the global leader. The report from CEO World Magazine highlighted the growing global trend of crypto adoption, with the UAE leading by percentage of population involvement, followed closely by Vietnam and the United States.

The rise in crypto ownership in these countries reflects favorable regulatory environments, technological innovation, and economic factors driving the surge in adoption.

While the UAE tops the list for percentage of crypto ownership, countries like India, China, and the U.S. dominate in terms of the total number of cryptocurrency holders.

Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 countries in cryptocurrency ownership:

1. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE leads with 30.39% of its population owning cryptocurrency. The nation’s progressive approach to blockchain technology and the legal status of crypto have cultivated a favorable environment for investors. Efforts to position Dubai and Abu Dhabi as blockchain hubs have further accelerated this growth.

2. Vietnam
With 21.19% of its population involved in cryptocurrency, Vietnam ranks second. The rapid digital transformation and rising interest in decentralized finance (DeFi) are major drivers of the country’s crypto adoption, particularly among its youthful population.

3. United States
The U.S. sees 15.56% of its population—over 52 million people—engaged in crypto, making it one of the largest global markets by absolute numbers. The country’s advanced technological infrastructure and growing institutional interest have positioned it as a key player in the global cryptocurrency space.

4. Iran
In Iran, 13.46% of the population holds cryptocurrency. The country has embraced crypto as a way to circumvent economic sanctions, with legal support for crypto mining and increasing interest in blockchain technology as a stabilizing force for the economy.

5. Philippines
The Philippines, with 13.43% crypto ownership, has become a leader in blockchain-powered play-to-earn gaming and remittance services. The widespread adoption of mobile banking has further fueled cryptocurrency transactions in the country.

6. Brazil
Brazil, boasting an 11.99% crypto ownership rate, leads in South America’s crypto revolution. A surge in blockchain-driven financial solutions and investment opportunities has positioned Brazil as a major player in the region.

7. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has a 11.37% crypto ownership rate. With increasing digitization aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia is exploring blockchain across various sectors, from finance to logistics.

8. Singapore
Singapore, with 11.05% crypto ownership, is a global financial hub and a leader in cryptocurrency adoption. The presence of numerous blockchain startups, supported by the country’s crypto-friendly regulations, has made it a hotspot for crypto innovation.

9. Ukraine
Ukraine ranks high in Europe with 10.57% of its population owning cryptocurrency. Amid ongoing economic challenges, many Ukrainians have turned to crypto as a hedge against currency devaluation and for facilitating cross-border transactions.

10. Venezuela
Venezuela rounds out the top 10 with 10.3% of its population invested in cryptocurrency. Hyperinflation and economic instability have pushed many citizens to seek crypto as an alternative store of value. The government has also experimented with its national cryptocurrency, the Petro, to combat these challenges.

These rankings highlight the varying factors influencing cryptocurrency adoption, from economic stability to government policies, as more countries and populations embrace digital currencies.