Countries with substantial foreign exchange and gold reserves are better positioned to preserve stability and safeguard their national interests at a period of rising economic instability, geopolitical tensions, and volatile commodities markets.
- Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 countries with the highest reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2025.
- This list is courtesy of Global Firepower.
- China ranks number 1 on the list.
These reserves, which are composed of gold holdings and foreign currencies like the US dollar and euro, act as a vital financial buffer.
Their significance is represented in international rankings like those created by Global Firepower, which monitors national capabilities like economic strength and defense readiness.
Large gold and foreign exchange reserves provide a number of strategic benefits for many nations, particularly those in Africa and the Global South.
They serve as a safety net in times of emergency, to start.
Countries with large reserves can utilize them to stabilize their currency, pay for necessary imports, or satisfy international debt commitments without going into default, regardless of the circumstances, a sudden economic shock, a pandemic, or a decline in commodity prices.
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For economies that rely heavily on imports and are impacted when the native currency depreciates, this is especially important.
For example, nations with more robust reserves fared better during the COVID-19 epidemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Reserves also help to maintain currency stability.
Reserves are a tool that central banks can employ to curb excessive currency volatility and interfere in foreign exchange markets.
Furthermore, they increase investor trust and global credibility.
SEE ALSO: Ghana’s gold reserves increased by 8.05% since January 1, 2025, to 32.99 tonnes in June
Strong economic management and resilience are indicated by high reserves, and this can result in improved credit ratings and cheaper borrowing rates on global markets.
Countries that seem prepared and fiscally sound have a higher chance of receiving loans or investments from international organizations.
With that said, here are the countries in the world with the highest reserves of foreign exchange and gold, according to Global Firepower.
Top 10 countries with the highest reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2025
| Rank | Country | Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold by Country (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | China | $3,450,000,000,000 |
| 2. | Japan | $1,295,000,000,000 |
| 3. | Switzerland | $863,892,000,000 |
| 4. | United States | $773,426,000,000 |
| 5. | India | $627,793,000,000 |
| 6. | Russia | $597,217,000,000 |
| 7. | Taiwan | $492,635,000,000 |
| 8. | Saudi Arabia | $457,949,000,000 |
| 9. | South Korea | $420,930,000,000 |
| 10. | Singapore | $359,835,000,000 |
