In a world where gold remains an undisputed symbol of economic power, the latest ranking of world gold reserves provides a clear map of global wealth.
According to the figures relayed by our colleagues from the Nouvelle Tribune, the United States maintains its historic hegemony with an impressive treasure of 8,133 tons of gold, widening a dizzying gap with its immediate pursuers.
Then, the Old Continent asserts its presence with a trio of weights: Germany, Italy and France respectively accumulate 3,351, 2,451 and 2,436 tonnes of gold.
This European concentration, totaling more than 8,200 tonnes, reveals the continent’s historical attachment to the precious metal, a legacy of an era when gold constituted the basis of the international monetary system.
The emergence of new powers is gradually disrupting this established order.
Russia and China, with their respective reserves of 2,335 and 2,264 tonnes, are establishing themselves as major players in this great golden chessboard.
-The recent Chinese discovery of deposits totaling 168 tonnes, distributed between Gansu, Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia, is proof of the determination of the Asian giant to strengthen its presence.
The rest of the world’s top 10 includes Switzerland (1,040 tonnes), followed by India, Japan and the Netherlands, the latter bringing up the rear with 612 tonnes.
This distribution of gold reserves outlines an economic geography where Africa is conspicuous by its absence, despite its considerable gold resources.
Ultimately, this paradox seems to underline the persistent aftereffects of colonial history and structural imbalances in the world economy.
Belgium
